Xu Lu waited outside the conference room for a full fifteen minutes before County Chief Qin emerged. He shook hands with Deputy Director Jiang, his face grave, exchanged a few pleasantries, waved to her, and walked away.
Oh no!
Could he have said something harsh?
Xu Lu felt a surge of anxiety. County Chief Qin was usually a very confident person; he rarely looked so serious. He'd probably been severely reprimanded by Deputy Director Jiang?
That must be it!
The other party was a Deputy Director of the Provincial Department, a high-ranking and powerful figure with considerable resources at his disposal. Plus, he was senior and experienced. County Chief Qin certainly had little say in his presence, let alone the opportunity to speak.
If he had indeed been reprimanded, he would likely only be able to listen, not daring to utter any harsh words.
The more Xu Lu thought about it, the more nervous she became. If County Chief Qin became discouraged because of this, it would be a huge loss.
"Let's go back!"
After walking outside and getting into the car, Qin Mu immediately gave the order.
His conversation with Deputy Director Jiang had actually gone quite smoothly. The latter had only mentioned wanting to inspect the work, and if the situation in Huaining County improved, or if the government's work was efficient and incorruptible, the provincial department would provide poverty alleviation funds to help Huaining County's poverty alleviation efforts.
This request wasn't unreasonable!
Given the fact that Huaining County had previously had such a major corrupt official as Yu Xuewen, it was normal for the provincial department to be cautious.
However, Qin Mu's work would definitely become more difficult. He had already made bold promises to his superiors, so he couldn't be careless.
A work inspection was inevitable!
"Comrade Xu Lu..."
"Ah... County Head... I... What's wrong with me!"
Qin Mu was about to tell Xu Lu about the upcoming work inspection when, upon hearing his name, Xu Lu became extremely nervous, her expression changing.
"What's wrong with you?"
Qin Mu asked, puzzled. "What are you thinking about?"
You were sitting perfectly fine in the car, why are you getting so agitated?
"Ah... I..."
Xu Lu scratched her head and quickly said, "What are your instructions? I'm listening!"
"Vice Director Jiang is very likely to inspect Huaining County soon. Shouldn't we make some preparations?"
Qin Mu didn't think much of it and said directly, "We can't be too careless when the leader inspects our work. We need to show him our best side."
Of course, Qin Mu's so-called advance preparation wasn't about going through the motions; he simply wanted to keep all the county's leaders on high alert, not too relaxed.
After all, when leaders conduct surprise inspections, they're not looking at superficial work, but rather at daily conduct.
Even if Qin Mu wanted to go through the motions, he couldn't. Who knew where Vice Director Jiang would start his inspection?
When would he inspect?
The county's cadres couldn't just sit and wait!
So all Qin Mu could do was improve the morale and work style of all the county's staff.
"Ah... is Deputy Director Jiang going to inspect the work again?"
Xu Lu was taken aback and asked, puzzled, "What... what did he say inside?"
"Actually, he didn't say much..."
Qin Mu briefly recounted what had just happened.
"County Chief Qin, you're amazing! I thought Deputy Director Jiang was going to reprimand you privately!"
Xu Lu was slightly shocked. "Not only did he not reprimand you, but he also wanted to inspect the work to decide whether or not to allocate poverty alleviation funds."
"Why would I reprimand you?"
Qin Mu waved his hand slightly, smiled, and said, "I'm doing all this for the people of Huaining County, not for personal gain."
"Besides, satisfying Deputy Director Jiang isn't easy. When we get back, we need to rectify our work style. We both need to work harder in this area. Getting funds from the provincial department is crucial for our development."
"Okay, I'll listen to you."
Xu Lu nodded heavily. At this moment, her admiration for County Chief Qin reached its peak. Despite having no acquaintances or useful information in the provincial department, he had somehow managed to contact Deputy Director Jiang and secure a potential opportunity to receive poverty alleviation funds, even under such adverse circumstances.
My goodness…
What kind of amazing leader is this?
This is a classic case of creating conditions even when none exist!
So inspiring!
Back at the investment promotion delegation's residence, Qin Mu gave some instructions to Han Ying and the others, then prepared to pack his things and return to the county town.
At 1 PM, everyone boarded the car and headed back to Huaining County.
Qin Mu slept in the car the entire way. These past few days, he had been running around, anxiously working on the investment promotion, and dealing with Tian Weiwei; he was exhausted. Now that the major issues were settled, Qin Mu relaxed, and a wave of weariness washed over him, causing him to fall asleep immediately.
Han Ying, Xu Lu, and the others watched this scene without daring to speak. The entire car remained quiet, maintaining a tacit silence.
Once the car entered the county town, Han Ying woke Qin Mu up.
"We're in the county town!"
Qin Mu rubbed his eyes, glanced outside, and a wave of familiar warmth washed over him.
"County Head, I didn't want to call you that, but we're almost at the county committee compound, and you need to lead the way!"
Han Ying smiled and explained, "We really made a name for ourselves in the county this time, successfully attracting a billion-dollar project. I wonder if Secretary Liang will hold some kind of welcoming ceremony?"
"If he does hold a welcoming ceremony, you'll definitely be at the very front!"
Hearing this, Qin Mu understood Han Ying's meaning.
Given their success in the provincial capital, Liang Guan, as the county party secretary, should have held a welcoming ceremony. The investment results are summarized and sent to Huaining every night, so Liang Guan knows the whole process.
"Strange, I asked the staff at the county committee, but no one replied to my message."
Jiang Haoxuan suddenly said.
"I asked too, no one replied."
Han Ying responded, saying, "Could it be that Secretary Liang is creating some kind of surprise?"
Creating a surprise?
Qin Mu didn't see it that way. Forget about surprises; anything less than a shock would be fine. Given his and Liang Guan's current situation, the most likely scenario was a shock.
"Secretary Liang is so busy every day, don't expect any surprises."
Qin Mu smiled and said, "When the car arrives at the county committee compound, everyone should pack up and go home early. This trip to the provincial capital has been tiring; go home and rest. You have to work tomorrow!"
"Okay, we'll do as you say."
"Thank you for your concern, County Chief Qin."
"Then we can go home early and rest today."
...
The people in the car had all been to the provincial capital and witnessed County Chief Qin's abilities. They had great faith in Qin Mu personally, so their eyes were filled with trust and admiration.
The car drove into the county committee compound. It was quiet inside, without a sound.
What's going on?
Why is it so quiet?
Even Qin Mu was puzzled. Why was this usually bustling place so quiet today?
Could it be that Secretary Liang had actually created some kind of surprise?
Or perhaps, a shock?