Although Xu Lu and the others didn't know why County Chief Qin insisted on going, they naturally had to obey their superior's orders.
The next morning, Jiang Haoxuan drove, with Qin Mu and Xu Lu in the back seat, heading directly to the Provincial Department.
The Provincial Department of Agriculture was located in a large compound. Upon arrival, Qin Mu and Xu Lu were stopped by security at the gate.
"Do you have an appointment?"
The security guard's question immediately put Qin Mu and Xu Lu in a difficult position.
"Uncle, hello, we're from a remote, impoverished county. We'd like to speak with Vice Director Jiang, who oversees daily affairs, to apply for some financial assistance."
Qin Mu briefly introduced himself, took out his ID card, and handed it over, saying, "I'm Qin Mu, County Chief of Huaining County, Jiangzhou. Could you let us in, or at least help us contact the relevant person in charge?"
The security guard glanced at the ID card, then at Qin Mu, and decisively shook his head, refusing Qin Mu's offer.
"Sorry, I can't do that!"
"You can call and make an appointment directly. I can't let you in!"
The security guard's attitude was cold. He didn't even consider the other party's suggestion. He'd seen too many strange people working here—some claiming to be some secretary, others claiming to be some boss, all wanting to see the leader.
If he actually let them in, he'd probably lose his job.
"Fine then!"
Qin Mu didn't argue. Instead, he took a few steps back and stood at the door, watching the passing cars.
Uh…
That's it?
Xu Lu's eyes were full of curiosity. She didn't understand. County Chief Qin had been shouting that he wanted to come, but after being turned away, he didn't even try again. He just stood there outside?
What could he do outside?
She thought Qin Mu had a foolproof plan before coming!
But it turns out, after being rejected, he's just standing outside starving?
"County Chief, um... haven't you thought of any other ways?"
Xu Lu couldn't help but ask, "Are we just going to wait here without going in?"
"I want to go in too, but this uncle is quite principled. We can't just cause trouble and disrupt his work."
Qin Mu casually said, "Let's wait here for now. I think there will be an opportunity."
This...
After hearing these words, Xu Lu was unsure whether County Chief Qin, this person who adhered to the rules, was a good person or a bad one.
Generally speaking, to see a leader from the provincial department, you need to make an appointment in advance, and even then, you might not be able to get one. If you don't take the appointment route, you can only use unconventional methods.
Either force your way in!
Or sneak in by climbing over the wall!
Both of these methods would definitely result in the security guard being punished.
Trying to take unconventional methods without disrupting his work? There's no such thing as a free lunch.
That's a bit too greedy!
One car after another went in, while Qin Mu stood to the side, not moving an inch.
After waiting for more than ten minutes, Xu Lu was getting impatient.
"County Chief, why don't we call and make an appointment? Maybe the leader has time today!"
Xu Lu couldn't hold back any longer and suggested earnestly.
"It's no use!"
"If you want to see a leader from the provincial department, you won't have time unless you make an appointment three days in advance. Besides, you can't see a provincial leader unless it's something important. I've already tried."
Qin Mu said casually.
Uh…
You've already tried?
Then what's the point of coming here?
Xu Lu really couldn't understand what County Chief Qin was up to.
"Finally!"
Before Xu Lu could say anything, County Chief Qin suddenly showed a look of surprise and stepped forward, stopping the black Volkswagen.
"What are you doing!"
"Get out of the way!"
"You dare block the leader's car?"
...
The security guard in the booth was stunned. He had been observing Qin Mu, worried he might cause trouble, but with so many cars and people passing by without Qin Mu making a move, he had relaxed a little. However, he hadn't expected that as soon as the leader's car arrived, this man would recognize it and directly block the way.
This guy's audacity is incredible!
"I know this is the leader's car!"
Qin Mu smiled and called out to the car, "Deputy Director Jiang, I'm the county head of Huaining County. I'd like to meet with you to discuss agriculture and rural development!"
This shout stunned everyone passing by.
Wanting to see the leader, and actually shouting at the gate? That's incredibly audacious! The leader definitely won't see him like that!
But what about the others if he does?
"Comrade, don't cause trouble here. If you want to see a leader, just follow the proper procedures."
A young man got out of the passenger seat, looked at Qin Mu, and said seriously, "What you're doing is disrupting procedures, which is wrong. The leader won't see you, so you'd better leave as soon as possible, okay?"
Qin Mu knew this man was probably the secretary of Deputy Director Jiang of the Provincial Department; usually, the person sitting in the passenger seat held this position.
"Deputy Director Jiang, I'm here representing the hundreds of thousands of people of Huaining County."
Qin Mu completely ignored him and said loudly, "Huaining County, as one of the poorest counties in the province and ranked last in Jiangzhou, hasn't received a single penny of poverty alleviation funds or financial support from the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in the past two years. As the county head, I have a duty to come and demand an explanation for the people of Huaining!"
"If you are still a people's cadre, I think you have an obligation to answer my questions!"
After these words, the secretary in the passenger seat was somewhat bewildered.
The passersby who were watching the commotion were also dumbfounded.
Has this man gone mad? "You actually dared to publicly question your superior like that?"
"Comrade, you're just being unreasonable."
A dozen seconds later, the secretary finally came to her senses and instinctively cursed, "You'd better leave quickly, or else..."
"If Deputy Director Jiang doesn't want to answer, then pretend I didn't ask."
Qin Mu glanced around, immediately stepped aside, and said, "Please, go ahead!"
He's gone already?
The secretary breathed a sigh of relief and was about to get into the car when she told the driver to hurry up and drive in.
"Xiao Song, take him with you, I want to see him!"
At this moment, Jiang Songshan, the Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, sitting in the back seat, said calmly.
"Director, this kind of person is clearly causing trouble, do you still want to see him?"
Secretary Song Jian asked, puzzled.
"Didn't you see all these people around? If I don't see him today, who knows who this kid will complain to!"
Jiang Songshan chuckled. "Who is this kid? He's got some nerve, stopping cars at the provincial government building entrance, questioning a leader, and acting like he's got a huge grievance. If he can't explain himself, see how I deal with him!"
"Yes, I'll go get him right away!"
Song Jian readily agreed. He knew that while this man blocking the road might seem like a small matter, many eyes were watching!
Especially since Deputy Director Jiang was at a crucial time, if this gave him leverage, wouldn't it be a huge loss?