PCJ – Chapter 669 Jealousy

Zhang Jiaohua nodded. “County Chief Deng, don’t worry. In fact, what kind of plan we can formulate doesn’t just depend on us. The government doesn’t have enough funds to invest. We can only rely on attracting investment. Once the investors come, how we develop things—what the government can do—is just to provide the right guidance. The real decision-makers are the investors, not the government. I believe County Chief Deng understands this clearly.”

Deng Chaokun nodded. “That’s true.”

Zhang Jiaohua continued, “Then it’s settled. What we need to do is cooperate with the investors. Of course, for road planning and township development in Daihua County, the government still needs to coordinate and plan. But right now, our most urgent task is not to discuss these things here, but to find ways to attract investment. The county must establish a dedicated agency to handle this.”

At that meeting, Deng Chaokun officially established the Daihua County Ecological Agriculture and Eco-Tourism Office, appointing Zhang Jiaohua to lead it. A specialized command center was formed, staffed with capable individuals, dedicated to attracting investment and managing project development in Daihua County.

Originally, Deng Chaokun had considered leading the command center himself. However, he was concerned that the project carried too much risk and didn’t want to gamble with his own political future. So he handed the position to Zhang Jiaohua under the pretense of “trusting those he appoints.”

Development and Reform Bureau Director Wu Xuedong and Agriculture Bureau Director Zhan Xiangdong also became members of the project. Neither was pleased, but they had no choice. Like other key department heads, their work would inevitably intersect with this project. If they didn’t join, it would be difficult to proceed with related matters in their departments.

Both Wu Xuedong and Zhan Xiangdong opposed Zhang Jiaohua’s plans and resented the outsider deeply. Wu Xuedong had been a strong candidate for promotion, but with Zhang Jiaohua’s sudden arrival, his hopes were crushed. Because of this, Wu now held a grudge against him.

After the meeting, Zhang Jiaohua, accompanied by government office director Zhao Kun, went to his newly assigned residence. Zhang didn’t want to stay long at the guesthouse to avoid idle gossip.

After Zhang left, Wu Xuedong approached Deng Chaokun. “County Chief Deng, can I opt out of that damn working group?”

Deng Chaokun exploded. “That’s a major county initiative, and you’re trying to back out? Are you planning to quit your job? Do you think I put you in the group to set you up? If the project fails, there’s someone higher up to take the blame. But if it succeeds, you share in the credit. Come on! You’re just upset about not being promoted. But even if Zhang hadn’t come, you wouldn’t have gotten the position! Do you think he blocked your path? When have you ever seen someone promoted from a national-level poverty-stricken county?”

Wu Xuedong muttered, “I just don’t like that Zhang Jiaohua. He’s too much of a scholar—not practical.”

“Too much of a scholar? Then who solved the problems in Yingpan Village? You?” Deng snapped. “That village has been a headache for years. It embarrassed both Daihua County and Bijiang City leaders every time we attended meetings. But this guy came, and in under six months, the problem was solved.”

“He only pulled it off because he has connections!” Wu retorted bitterly.

Deng slammed the table and pointed at Wu. “Oh, so you admit he has powerful backing? Then what are you doing? Are you stupid? The county and city went through great lengths to retain this guy. Let me tell you—don’t start anything. Whether you’re right or wrong, if trouble starts, you will take the fall.”

Wu shrank back, too scared to argue. At that moment, he finally understood—whether someone relied on skill or connections, they weren’t someone he could afford to mess with.

Deng then softened his tone. “Since you know he has connections, why not take this opportunity to befriend him? In politics, building strong networks is everything. Zhang isn’t just well-connected in government—he has powerful friends in business too.”

Wu’s eyes lit up. After crawling through politics for years, he wasn’t naïve. He was just too blinded by jealousy.

On the other side, Zhang Jiaohua followed Zhao Kun to the Daihua County government’s housing complex. Though housing reforms had turned many government-owned apartments into commercial properties, some still belonged to the county government—for the use of newly transferred leaders, especially those not planning to settle permanently in the county.

“Vice County Chief Zhang, this apartment was built with county funds last year. A few units were kept aside specifically for leaders transferring into Daihua. I chose this one for you—it’s on the third floor, a good height, facing east, with great lighting. It’s already been simply furnished. As for daily necessities, since everyone has their own preferences, you can pick them yourself—the county will reimburse the expenses,” Zhao said, trying to curry favor.

Zhao, head of the government office, had the best intel. He knew Zhang’s background was extraordinary—even County Secretary Fu and County Chief Deng treated him cautiously. Zhao hoped to make a good impression, just in case.

“Very good, this will do. I’ll take care of the daily items myself. No need for the county to reimburse me. Thank you, Director Zhao, for your hard work,” Zhang said sincerely.

“No trouble at all! If you need to shop for essentials, I can come with you. You’re new here and unfamiliar with the area. I know there’s a well-stocked department store just down the road from the county government gate. I could take you there. Oh, and since you’re in charge of major county projects, this vehicle will be assigned to you. We can have Shi Chao drive you over,” Zhao offered.

Zhang nodded. “Alright, but no need to trouble you, Director Zhao. I’ll have Shi Chao drive me. I live simply, and many of the items I brought from Yingpan Village can still be used.”

Now that Zhang had the keys, he no longer had to worry about accommodations.

That very evening, he got everything in order and moved out of the guesthouse. This startled guesthouse director Sun Jizuo, who feared something had gone wrong.

“County Chief Zhang, was it our service? Did we upset you somehow that you’re moving out so suddenly?” Sun asked nervously.