"Old Hu, what's wrong with those young people in the Chamber of Commerce? They're always laughing and joking, never serious. I wanted to ask them what they were talking about, but they all ran off faster than rabbits."
Du Wanming walked into the chairman's office and complained to Chairman Hu Youdao.
"Young people, they're probably talking about some new topics. You're getting on in years, why bother with them!"
Hu Youdao glanced at Du Wanming, casually brushing him off, not intending to say more.
After all, he was one of those who were isolating Du Wanming.
He also knew the gist of Qin Mu's meeting with Vice Governor Sun of the Provincial Party Committee. Qin Mu, personally recommended by Director Wan, received high praise from Vice Governor Sun, who also indicated he would continue to pay attention to the economic development of Huaining County.
Perhaps, to Vice Governor Sun, this was just a casual remark.
Hu Youdao knew very well that while the leader's comment was casual, with Wan Baohua involved, if Wan was willing to mention it to the leader, Vice Governor Sun would definitely remember Qin Mu, and there was a chance he might visit Huaining County for an inspection someday.
For a leader of Vice Governor Sun's caliber, if they didn't seize this opportunity, they might never have another chance.
Therefore, the most suitable solution was for the provincial chamber of commerce, in conjunction with several member companies, to invest in Huaining County, even if it was just a superficial project. As long as they established a foothold and gained recognition in Huaining County, Hu Youdao could easily go there later to ride on Vice Governor Sun's coattails and find an excuse to show off.
After all, what difference does it make where you invest?
Going to Huaining County also offered the possibility of gaining the leader's favor—why not? "Old Hu, you're wrong about that. We're both still young!"
Du Wanming, however, was somewhat defiant about being old, saying, "Interested? I can introduce you to a few young ladies."
"You're young, but I'm not."
Hu Youdao smiled and said, "Old Du, how about I give you a few days of annual leave? Go back and rest well, okay?"
Once this guy left, he could invite Qin Mu to the Chamber of Commerce for a chat, to improve their relationship. He didn't want Du Wanming to cause any more trouble.
"Old Hu, what do you mean? Why are you suddenly telling me to take a break?"
Du Wanming wasn't stupid; he immediately sensed something was amiss. Frowning, he asked, "Are you doing something else behind my back?"
"Hahaha...you're too sensitive."
Hu Youdao was startled and quickly waved his hand, saying, "What could I be doing behind your back? I was thinking of giving you a break first, and then I'll give you a break when you come back. We can take turns resting. Otherwise, the Chamber of Commerce can't function without someone in charge!"
Is it really just a rotation of rest?
Du Wanming still felt something was off, but what Hu Youdao said seemed to make sense. The Chamber of Commerce might seem like a leisurely organization, but over the years, the provincial Chamber of Commerce had been contacting member companies and promoting cooperation. In fact, they did a lot of work, and Du Wanming, as the first vice president, bore considerable responsibility.
"Okay, then I'll take a five-day holiday starting tomorrow, then it'll be your turn to rest."
Du Wanming glanced at Hu Youdao's expression, seemingly finding nothing wrong, and immediately agreed.
"That's great."
Hu Youdao smiled broadly and said, "It's settled then. You should rest well tomorrow, either at home or on a trip. The Chamber of Commerce will reimburse you."
What he was really thinking about now was getting Du Wanming out of the Chamber of Commerce, to avoid any potential conflict.
"We'll see tomorrow!"
Du Wanming said casually. Reimbursement wasn't important to him; with his current status, he already had considerable wealth, and a few days of travel wouldn't be a problem.
With Du Wanming's reply, Hu Youdao began to think about contacting Qin Mu. News of Qin Mu's meeting with Vice Governor Sun was slowly spreading, and many people would definitely want to contact this County Head Qin, so he had to act quickly.
It wouldn't be good if someone else beat him to it.
...
Inside the Yaoyang Industrial Glass Factory, Qin Mu accompanied the leaders on a tour of the factory. Near the end, Vice Governor Sun suddenly asked, "Comrade Qin Mu, I remember you're not from Jiangnan, are you?"
"Yes, Vice Governor Sun has a good memory. I'm from the north. I transferred from the military to civilian work in Huaining."
Qin Mu answered truthfully.
In front of so many people, Qin Mu didn't specifically mention the word "Beijing." Simply saying "north" was enough for the other party to understand.
Besides, Vice Governor Sun's ability to ask this likely meant he had reviewed his application. Someone with Qin Mu's family background would attract the attention of local leaders wherever he went.
At least they needed to be aware of his situation!
After all, he had a powerful figure in his family.
"Work hard!"
Vice Governor Sun patted Qin Mu on the shoulder and said, "Huaining is a place full of challenges and opportunities. I believe you can definitely make a name for yourself."
After saying this, he turned and got into the car, with Wan Baohua and the others following closely behind.
"Old Wan, you've got some ulterior motives today, haven't you?"
In the car, Vice Governor Sun looked at Wan Baohua and said, "This kid approached you on his own initiative?"
"No, not at all."
Wan Baohua quickly replied, "I wouldn't dare lie to you. Actually, Old Li from Jiangzhou mentioned it to me, saying that Comrade Qin Mu is in the provincial capital for investment promotion and asked if I could introduce him to some resources..."
"To be honest, yesterday at the provincial capital's chamber of commerce, my influence as the director of the Development and Reform Commission was really useless; it was less effective than the words of a vice president of the chamber of commerce..."
Wan Baohua didn't hide anything, simply recounting what happened last night, without embellishment whatsoever.
After all, Du Wanming unilaterally wanted to blacklist Qin Mu, and even Wan Baohua's intervention couldn't reverse the situation.
"A vice president of a chamber of commerce has such authority?"
Vice Governor Sun was somewhat surprised. "Your expression of support wasn't enough, so you went to Yaoyang Industry?"
"No, no, to be precise, Yaoyang Industry wasn't something I found. It's Comrade Qin Mu's own resource. It has nothing to do with me. I just happened to know you were coming to Yaoyang Industry for an inspection, so I went along to introduce Qin Mu."
Wan Baohua smiled and said directly.
So that's how it is!
Vice Governor Sun believed Wan Baohua's words; the other party had never lied to him before.
A county head from a poor county came to the provincial capital to attract investment, striving to bring businesses to the county's residents and boost economic development. As entrepreneurs from the provincial capital, even if they didn't invest, they shouldn't obstruct or hinder the investment promotion work.
Furthermore, Du Wanming, a vice president, because his son was punished for breaking the law, took his anger out on Qin Mu and interfered with the normal work of a county head—it was simply too arrogant.
"Please pass on a message for me: someone like Du Wanming, who engages in factionalism for personal gain, is unsuitable for the provincial chamber of commerce's management. Replace him as soon as possible!"
Vice Governor Sun said calmly.
"Rest assured, I will convey your message."
Wan Baohua readily agreed.
Although the provincial chamber of commerce is not a government unit but a non-governmental organization, replacing or removing someone is entirely up to the government.
For someone of Vice Governor Sun's rank, replacing a vice president is a piece of cake.