PCJ – Chapter 667 Enlightenment

Sitting in the car, Zhang Jiaohua suddenly had a moment of enlightenment. But he remained quiet, not turning his head to look back, instead calmly staring ahead as the scenery outside the window swiftly passed behind him.

Shi Chao glanced up at the rearview mirror. This young-looking deputy county chief was so deeply loved by the villagers here. He had heard about the matters in Yingpan Village, but only thought that this village official was indeed capable. Now, facing Zhang Jiaohua in person, he was quite shocked — so young! What was even more surprising was that Zhang Jiaohua, at such a young age, was already deputy county chief and so capable. His future prospects were limitless.

The car stopped at the Daihua County Guesthouse.

“County Chief Zhang, the county has arranged your accommodation. But you’ll need to arrange the furniture yourself. For now, you can stay in the guesthouse. The county has reserved a room for you,” Shi Chao said.

The guesthouse director, Sun Jizuo, personally came up to greet him.

“County Chief Zhang, I’m Sun Jizuo, director of the guesthouse. Your room is on the second floor of the new building. The conditions there are slightly better — it has a private bathroom and toilet. Our Daihua County guesthouse conditions are somewhat basic, so please bear with us,” he said.

“Don’t worry. I’m not here to live long-term in the guesthouse. Once my residence is ready, I’ll move over,” Zhang Jiaohua replied.

“Of course, of course. County Chief Zhang is a leader who gets things done,” Sun Jizuo flattered.

After the staff moved Zhang’s luggage into the room and left, they whispered behind his back.

“That deputy county chief is really young. I heard he was promoted straight from being a village official after just six months. His family backing must be strong.”

“Yes, definitely got some powerful backing.”

Sun Jizuo quickly stopped them. “Don’t gossip about the leaders behind their backs! You know nothing. Deputy County Chief Zhang will be in charge of ecological agriculture and eco-tourism in Daihua County. Eventually, this guesthouse will be under his jurisdiction. Treat him well while he’s here — if you upset him, no one can save you.”

In the afternoon, Zhang Jiaohua didn’t go to the arranged residence but headed to the county office to officially check in.

Fu Jianping was very courteous, personally pouring tea for Zhang Jiaohua.

“County Chief Zhang, Comrade Chaokun and I have been looking forward to your arrival. You’re a top graduate with a PhD from Tsinghua University — you have greater vision and methods than us. We’ve struggled with the Yingpan Village issues for years, but you solved them as soon as you arrived. Now the village is thriving. In a few years, it’ll be the wealthiest village in Daihua County. We hope you can bring this momentum to the entire county,” Fu Jianping said, placing a cup of tea before Zhang.

“Secretary Fu, please don’t say that. The resolution of Yingpan Village’s problems was pure luck. Honestly, I have no administrative experience and hope to receive much guidance from you, County Magistrate Deng, and others,” Zhang Jiaohua said, sounding less like a scholar than before.

“County Chief Zhang, you’re too modest. You’re young and promising — the future of Daihua County rests on young cadres like you. Our older generation’s thinking is behind yours. So you must boldly shoulder your responsibilities. Magistrate Deng and I will fully support you. Go ahead and try your best. Daihua is a national poverty-stricken county and receives strong state support annually. But this is shameful, not an honor. I hope one day Daihua County can throw off this disgrace,” Fu Jianping said.

“I’ve just arrived and don’t know much about Daihua’s overall situation. But your words give me confidence. The real worry is when some places treat poverty status as an honor, not shame. State support can only solve basic subsistence. For Daihua’s 600,000 people to prosper, it depends on our own hard work,” Zhang Jiaohua said.

“Well said. County Chief Zhang, with your Tsinghua PhD, you must have unique ideas about Daihua’s development. Would you share them with me?” Fu Jianping asked.

Zhang shook his head. “I don’t yet have a full understanding of the county’s situation, so I can’t offer any concrete suggestions. I plan to learn about each township’s situation soon and will contact investors to come inspect and brainstorm with me. Given Daihua’s foundation, we still heavily rely on outside investment to complete its construction.”

Fu Jianping nodded. “You’ve thought it through. I’ll have all departments and governments cooperate fully with you. Daihua’s development is our top priority!”

Zhang Jiaohua was still a complete novice in dealing with people, so he couldn’t tell Fu’s true intentions but felt Fu was supportive.

Fu Jianping supported Zhang not because he expected brilliant ideas but because he hoped Zhang could bring large investments. The whole country focuses on attracting investment now. If Daihua brings in large funding, Fu’s political achievements are secured.

“There’s a meeting later today. I’ll introduce you to the comrades,” Fu Jianping said.

“Then I’ll report to County Magistrate Deng afterward,” Zhang said, planning to also report to Deng Chaokun.

“Fine. The meeting’s purpose is to let you meet county comrades and for them to introduce the county situation, so you quickly understand everything,” Fu Jianping nodded. He hoped Zhang would join his faction, but Zhang showed no signs of wanting that.

“Our county leadership has a new member. No introduction needed — everyone knows. But most haven’t met Comrade Zhang Jiaohua. The city has approved his appointment as deputy county chief. The official letter has arrived. Let’s warmly welcome Comrade Zhang to the leadership. His work will focus on Daihua’s economic development. Now, let’s hear from Comrade Zhang,” Fu Jianping led the applause.

Deng Chaokun glanced meaningfully at Fu then at Zhang before clapping. “Deputy County Chief Zhang, welcome!”

Zhang Jiaohua nodded to Deng Chaokun. “County Magistrate Deng, please guide me going forward.”