The real test has begun!
Qin Mu's mind raced, summarizing the information he had gathered and extracting the key details.
"Vice Director Jiang, as I just mentioned, I really don't understand why Huaining, as one of the province's poorest counties, hasn't received any funding support from the provincial department in the past two years, not even poverty alleviation funds. As the county head, currently in charge of the county government's work, I want to secure some financial assistance for the hundreds of thousands of people in Huaining County. They are people too; the country can't ignore them."
Qin Mu prepared his words and began.
In short, he wanted money!
Jiang Songshan was stunned. This kid was really straightforward, not even bothering to pretend?
He just opened the door with money!
When leaders from other places came to the provincial department, they more or less had this intention to some extent, but Qin Mu's direct approach of asking for money was truly unprecedented.
After all, talking about money directly is too blunt. A required skill for leaders is to be tactful and euphemistic; the more pleasing the words, the better the leader will like them, and if they like them, they might just allocate funds.
How could Qin Mu be so direct? The leader wasn't even pleased, so how could he possibly be willing to give money?
"County Chief Qin, I know Huaining County is facing difficulties, but many counties in the province are struggling. The provincial department needs to consider the overall situation. We can't just allocate funds because you complain about difficulties. If other impoverished counties followed suit, what would become of the provincial department's work?"
Jiang Songshan said in a deep voice, "Weren't your investment attraction efforts quite successful this time? Successful investment attraction means more money in the treasury, which can naturally be used for rural development. Why pull this stunt?"
Qin Mu was even more surprised. Did the other party know about Huaining County's investment attraction situation so quickly?
This information was far too readily available.
"Vice Director Jiang, you're spouting some fallacies!"
Qin Mu immediately objected. "The good work in attracting investment is due to the excellent work of our delegation; it's the result of our hard work. What does that have to do with the provincial department's support for poverty alleviation funds in Huaining?"
"Huaining County is part of Jiangnan. Why are we treated differently from other impoverished counties? That's my question!"
Hearing this, Jiang Songshan was exasperated. This kid was really taking him seriously.
"You two go out for a moment. I need to talk to Comrade Qin Mu alone."
Jiang Songshan looked at his secretary, Song Jian, and Xu Lu beside him and said directly.
"Yes, sir!"
Song Jian and Xu Lu left without hesitation.
Vice Director Jiang must have a reason for saying this; it wouldn't be convenient for them to stay.
"Comrade Qin Mu, I actually understand the situation in Huaining County better than you do."
With only the two of them left in the meeting room, Jiang Songshan no longer hesitated and stated bluntly, "Back when Yu Xuewen was the county party secretary, I visited Huaining County several times. The cadres there weren't very honest and hardworking; they weren't concerned about agricultural economy and rural development. That's why I stopped financial support for Huaining County."
This made Qin Mu understand the reason.
It was all a consequence of Yu Xuewen's group of cadres!
"Vice Director Jiang, I completely understand what you're saying."
Qin Mu said in a deep voice, "I've worked with Yu Xuewen and his people, so I understand what you're saying. But Huaining County is different now than before. Of course, I can't speak for certain individuals, but the county government officials are absolutely dedicated to their work."
Is that so?
So certain?
Looking at Qin Mu's confident and earnest face, Jiang Songshan smiled and said, "Comrade Qin Mu, isn't your statement a bit too absolute?"
"Human hearts are unpredictable. The officialdom is like the sea; it may appear calm on the surface, but in reality, turbulent currents surge beneath. You should avoid making such absolute statements."
Oh dear…
He said something he shouldn't have!
Qin Mu knew that his words were full of flaws, especially to a high-ranking official like Jiang Songshan who had been in the bureaucracy for many years; they seemed rather naive.
Speaking in officialdom is all about rhetoric. Being too absolute or too direct will never satisfy the leader.
"Vice Director Jiang, my words may have been a bit simple, but I am confident that I can accept your scrutiny."
Qin Mu knew that if he changed his tune now, the leader would definitely think he was naive and immature. Since that was the case, he might as well continue to insist and stick to his ideas!
"Huaining County is currently undergoing rapid development and urgently needs the assistance of the provincial department. On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of people in Huaining, I sincerely hope you will come to Huaining to inspect our work and provide us with guidance."
Qin Mu solemnly extended the invitation.
This kid… is a bit different?
Jiang Songshan sized up Qin Mu, his eyes filled with surprise. He had met many young men, but this person before him seemed different from those he had encountered before.
So persistent, and so sincere.
Could it be that the lazy governance atmosphere in Huaining County has suddenly changed?
"Since Comrade Qin Mu has extended such a solemn invitation, then I absolutely must go."
Jiang Songshan said calmly, "I will find some time to visit Huaining. If what you say is true, the provincial department's poverty alleviation funds can indeed be tilted towards Huaining."
Really?
Qin Mu was overjoyed and quickly asked, "Sir, you're not just kidding me, are you? How about... we set a time? I'll be happy to assist you then!"
"What, you want to set a time so you can make arrangements in advance?"
Jiang Songshan countered, "Since I said I'd go, I definitely will. A gentleman's word is his bond. Besides, I'll be doing a surprise inspection; I won't give you time to prepare."
Good heavens!
This Deputy Director Jiang also enjoys surprise inspections?
"What, are you scared?"
Jiang Songshan smiled slightly, seeing Qin Mu's stunned expression, and said seriously, "If I find that the work ethic of the cadres in Huaining County is still the same as before, then don't blame me for settling all your old and new scores."
Well...
He's dug himself a hole!
Qin Mu knew that since Jiang Songshan had said it, he would definitely do it. If a surprise inspection came and something was discovered, it wouldn't be good.
But the words had already been spoken, and it was too late for Qin Mu to back out.
"Vice Director Jiang, I have nothing to fear. Huaining County welcomes you anytime!"
Qin Mu stood up and said solemnly, "I believe that once you arrive in Huaining County, you will definitely be willing to lend us a helping hand. Hundreds of thousands of people in Huaining County are eagerly awaiting your arrival!"
Oh?
He seems quite confident!
Jiang Songshan became somewhat interested. This County Head Qin seemed full of confidence. He really needed to find some time to go to Huaining and see for himself.