Chapter 55 Made Progress

  "Thirty-seven minutes."

  Sitting outside the office of Secretary Lin, who was waiting for the arranged personnel, took a look at his watch and found that it had been nearly three times longer than the originally scheduled ten minutes. A deputy county head actually talked for so long, being able to enjoy such treatment means something without needing to be said - Secretary Wen must have made up his mind to use Lu Zhengdong, a 22-year-old regular county head! This is absolutely the youngest county head in Yanghe County's history, and a new political star in Yanghe is about to rise.

  This even made him a little envious, although he was the secretary of the county party committee and held the position of head of the comprehensive section of the county party committee office. In terms of age and rank, he had already passed his thirtieth birthday, which is equivalent to a deputy departmental level. Even if he were promoted half a grade from his current position as secretary, he would only be barely equal to Lu Zhengdong in front of him. However, time is precious, and by the time he reaches the full departmental level, who knows what position others will have reached?

  This person must be befriended!

  Lin Zhe almost made a decision based on his own sensitive political intuition accumulated from years of working in the government.

  He smiled and stretched out his hand, shaking Lu Zhengdong's hand firmly. Lu Zhengdong also responded with a firm handshake, which meant congratulations, gratitude, and the intention to get closer in the future.

  Young, intelligent and not arrogant like some young people who have achieved success too early, looking down on others. From now on, he will definitely be a figure in Yanghe County. Lin Zhehe still had a slightly condescending tone when evaluating Lu Zhengdong, whom he had only met twice.

  Lu Zhengdong was also sizing up Lin Zhehe, and the two had only met once before when Secretary Wen came to Shanhe. They basically just exchanged greetings and didn't have a chance to get familiar with each other. However, it could be seen that today Lin Zhehe was showing kindness towards him, so from now on they should keep in touch more often. Lin Zhehe working by Secretary Wen's side was like being born into a noble family, having an advantage that others couldn't match. If their relationship went well, it would definitely be very beneficial for Lu Zhengdong...

  Lu Zhengdong came out of Wen Secretary's room and went to the conference room to find Wu Zhonghe who was waiting for him.

  The people waiting in the conference room saw him come out after a long time, and they more or less understood what was going on. Their eyes looking at him were even more complicated. Lu Zhengdong thought that Secretary Wen's actions were undoubtedly sending a strong signal to everyone present that as long as someone could really do things, really knew how to do things, and achieved results, they would be valued and reused.

  Unintentionally, he became a model figure, becoming a weathervane-like person. With praise and flattery came, but the tall trees attract the wind, and he became a target for jealousy, slander, and hidden arrows. He must keep his head clear...

  Lu Zhengdong was originally going to accompany his mother to the provincial city for a check-up and to help Lin Donghua with her business after the economic work conference, but now it has been postponed...

  What happened next was very simple. When investigating the Wang Liben incident, a preliminary investigation of Wu Zhonghe had actually been completed. The organizational department's investigation was just a formality. Then, Zhang, the deputy minister of the organizational department, went to Shanhe Township to convene a party and government cadres meeting to announce the county committee's personnel appointments. Wu Zhonghe was appointed as a member of the township party committee and secretary of the township party committee, while Lu Zhengdong was appointed as a member of the township party committee, deputy secretary of the party committee, and acting township head.

  From deputy township head to party committee member, then to deputy secretary and township head, Lu Zhengdong completed the three-level jump in less than four months, achieving a height that many township cadres cannot achieve in their lifetime.

  Lu Zhengdong also knew that many people were not convinced in their hearts, thinking that he had coincidentally taken advantage of the county's current efforts to reverse its financial difficulties and caught the eye of Secretary Wen, striking it lucky.

  He seized the opportunity, and Lu Zhengdong did not deny this. In a person's life, opportunities are very important, especially in official circles, where opportunities become even more important.

  But he didn't agree that it was just luck. Opportunities would always favor those who were prepared. While others were at home enjoying the cool breeze, he was out in the scorching sun running around in the south. When others were at home drinking and having a good time with their families, he was fighting on the construction site. He had paid more than others in terms of hard work. Moreover, as a reborn person, he could be considered a genius, an absolute genius plus diligence...

  After the party and government cadres' meeting, after seeing off the leaders of the Organization Department, Wu Zhonghe had a private conversation with him:

  "Zheng Dong, I've always been looking forward to working with you, and it's really a dream come true."

  Lu Zhengdong lit their cigarettes and smiled, saying:

  "To be honest, before Secretary Wen's talk, I didn't think I could fight side by side with you. I'm young, and in the future, Secretary will still need to support and help me as much as possible. You're at the helm, I'll put in my effort, let's do a good job on the mountain and in the work!"

  Although the two people originally had a good relationship, now that their positions have changed and they've become first-in-command and second-in-command, there's always a very subtle relationship between them. How the second-in-command gets along with the first-in-command is a profound study. Perhaps an unintentional matter could destroy their previously good relationship. Lu Zhengdong understood that if they cooperate, both benefit; if they fight, both are hurt. He still hoped to make an effort to handle the relationship between them well.

  Wu Zhonghe sighed and said:

  "When I was in charge of the work, it wasn't that much, but really taking over this huge mess of mountains and countryside, I feel a lot of pressure."

  Lu Zhengdong smiled and said:

  "Secretary, don't be too modest. Whether it's from a theoretical level or practical experience, you're at a high level. What's the difference between mountains and countryside? Letting you work in the county will also get the job done outstandingly."

  Wu Zhonghe couldn't help but laugh: "Haha, good one, Zheng Dong, you're also starting to give me sugarcoated cannonballs."

  Wu Zhonghe smiled and then said seriously:

  "Secretary Dong, the county has high expectations for us, and our future tasks are very heavy, especially in terms of economic development and financial revenue. The county has even greater expectations for us. I know you're clever and don't think inside the box, so take some time to think about it carefully - what new ideas can make our Shanhe's work stand out from other towns, achieve results, and catch the attention of the county committee and government?"

  Lu Zhengdong nodded:

  "Fiscal revenue is a hard indicator, this central point cannot be relaxed, others I'll think about again, wait until there's a basic idea then discuss with the secretary, I will think carefully again."

  Wu Zhonghe smiled and nodded:

  "I can rest assured when you're in charge..."

  Wu Zhong said as soon as he spoke, he felt that the positions of the two people had changed. This remark was somewhat inappropriate, and he added:

  "Now you're in charge of overall work, how do you consider the division of labor by the government?"

  "Secretary, there are only a few days left before the Spring Festival. I think this matter should be dealt with after the holiday. For now, let's just stick to the usual routine of my grandson playing with lanterns."

  Lu Zhengdong knew that he was originally at the bottom of the party committee, and even with two deputy township heads, he was considered equal. Now that he had risen to a high position overnight, what would these people's reaction be? He wanted to observe for a while before making his next move...