Qi Tongwei: Can I be young again?

“Very good.” Qi Tongwei nodded. “Mine and steel mill are large-scale industries that can solve the labor problem and prevent people from relying on the weather for their livelihood.”

“No, no.” County Chief Hu Ping’an shook his head in opposition. “Whether it’s opening a mine or a steel plant, it will cost a lot of money. Our government cannot afford the risk.”

“County Chief Hu, the government doesn’t need to bear this risk; we can attract investment,” Li Dakang said.

"Attracting investment? It's not that easy." Hu Ping'an's attitude was somewhat helpless. "To attract investment, you have to let businessmen see the value. The conditions we offer here are far inferior to those in the neighboring counties. Geologically, it's not suitable either. The bosses aren't stupid. They'll compare prices and won't choose our county!"

"County Chief Hu, you're too pessimistic. How will you know it won't work if you don't even try?"

"Who said I didn't try?" Hu Ping'an sighed. "Huanglong Mining from the neighboring county originally planned to choose a site in our county. They even had a location in mind. However, Mr. Huang made a request: that our county government provide a loan guarantee for him. As you know, Yanyuan County is poor, so poor that banks don't even recognize our guarantees! In the end, Mr. Huang could only turn to the neighboring county. As a result, the neighboring county successfully secured the loan from the bank."

This is indeed quite frustrating.

Even banks don't recognize the guarantee from the Yanyuan County government, so why would other business owners invest here?

Agriculture depends on the weather.

It has no advantage in industry.

The entire room fell silent; even the sound of breathing carried a hint of helplessness.

"Okay, I'll figure out how to find investors."

"June is almost here, and the wheat should be harvested soon. Let's take care of what we need to do first."

"As for the rest, we can communicate further and work together. There is no obstacle we cannot overcome."

"That concludes the meeting for now. Zhang from the Publicity Department, please stay behind. Everyone else, you may leave."

The first meeting went far from ideal.

It's clear that this new leadership team also wants to implement reforms.

But reality always slaps you in the face.

The economic development methods used in the South simply don't work here.

Even getting a loan is so difficult.

Not to mention anything else.

The meeting adjourned.

The people dispersed.

Zhang Yiwen from the Publicity Department, carrying a notebook, pushed up her glasses and approached Qi Tongwei.

"Secretary Qi."

"Hmm." Qi Tongwei nodded. "Xiao Zhang, I heard you graduated with a master's degree."

"Yes, I graduated from Peking University."

"With such a high level of education, why would you come to Yanyuan County?"

"Because this is my hometown!"

"Want to change this place?"

"Yes." Zhang Yiwen nodded vigorously. "My purpose in studying is to change my hometown."

"Okay, I'll give you a chance." Qi Tongwei lit a cigarette, thought for a moment, and said, "Tomorrow, go to the city, then go to the newspaper and vigorously promote Yanyuan County's investment opportunities."

"How do we promote it?" Zhang Yiwen blinked her innocent eyes. "Is it about promoting it truthfully?"

"Of course not, do you think I'm good at bragging?"

"boast?"

"Yes, it's just bragging! You'll say that a new county party secretary has come to Yanyuan County. This secretary comes from a big city, has connections and influence, is very powerful, and is seeking partners."

"Um, is it really okay to brag like this?"

"You've already bragged, so what's the big deal? Right now, Yanyuan County has no standing, even banks look down on us! From now on, I'm the face of Yanyuan County. How much you brag, what kind of persona you create for me, that's up to you! College student, don't be so rigid. The bigger my reputation, the greater our chances of development!"

“The newspaper needs money for publicity,” Zhang Yiwen said, tucking the hem of her dress into her fingers. “Our government doesn’t have any extra funds…”

"Of course the government will pay!" Qi Tongwei said seriously, "Let's hold off on other expenses for now, and focus on building my public image first."

"Ok."

"Wait a minute." Qi Tongwei instructed, "When you go to the city, hold your head high and be confident. If anyone asks, just say that a big shot has come from Yanyuan County. He has many projects, not only in Yanyuan County but also in the south. If he invests in Yanyuan County, he can make a friend of mine. In the future, when he goes to the south, I will protect him!"

"Does this even need to be in the newspaper?"

"Go! Make way! Remember, when it comes to bragging, the bigger the boast, the more extravagant it is, the more people will believe it!"

"Oh!"

Chapter 174 One Difficult Thing After Another

Does Qi Tongwei like to brag?

No! He doesn't like it!

Yanyuan County really needs a prominent figure right now.

Just like live-streaming e-commerce today.

Top streamers are very important.

Whether it's Yangyangyang or Huihui Selection, a leading figure can bring immeasurable value to a county.

Qi Tongwei is going to create this kind of persona.

He needs to make investors and banks think he's incredibly capable, that there's nothing he can't handle. Only in this way can others look up to Yanyuan County.

This is a last resort.

……

night.

dorm room.

After the daytime meeting, Qi Tongwei gathered several fellow villagers from Handong together in the evening.

Let's discuss the future.

Let's discuss life.

This isn't a big city; the dormitory is just a simple rammed earth house.

Of course, such simple houses are considered luxury residences here, much better than those cave dwellings.

There is also a cypress tree at the entrance of the dormitory.

They set up a table under the cypress tree, and Qi Tongwei, Hou Liangping, Li Dakang, Sun Liancheng, Cheng Du... the five of them formed a circle around it.

A plate of peanuts and a pot of loose liquor.

This kind of bulk liquor is very cheap; five yuan for a barrel is enough for this group of people to drink their fill.

Li Dakang, with his keen eye, picked up the chipped wine glass and looked at Qi Tongwei, saying, "Secretary Qi, I know that my ability to come to Shaanxi and Gansu this time and return to politics is entirely due to your magnanimity. I won't say anything more; it's all in the wine."

After saying that, drink it all in one gulp.

Then he clicked his tongue and said, "I was blind before, and became Zhao Lichun's lackey. From now on... Secretary Qi, wherever you point, I'll go!"

"No need to pledge loyalty. We both know exactly what kind of person you are. I'm using you because you're a master at managing the economy. Providing your value is more important than anything else."

“If I can’t see your value, then I will treat you like Zhao Lichun and discard you.”

Qi Tongwei's words were concise and to the point.

Li Dakang's expression was rather unpleasant.

He nodded vigorously again, "Secretary Qi, you've given me this opportunity, and I will definitely cherish it."

"Very good." Then, as if remembering something, she added, "Oh, right, you still owe me 3000 yuan. When are you going to pay it back? I have an IOU."

When money was mentioned, Li Dakang's face turned pale and then flushed.

After a long pause, he said awkwardly, "As soon as possible, I will pay it back as soon as possible."

Qi Tongwei nodded, then looked at Sun Liancheng, "The view here is better than in Luzhou, making it much easier to see the stars and the moon."

"Secretary Qi, please stop joking." Sun Liancheng chuckled. "Back in Luzhou, my career was going badly, and I could only pass the time by looking at the stars and the moon. Now it's different. I'm busy all day long, so I don't have time to study astronomy!"

"Is this place better? Or is Luzhou better?"

“In terms of economy, Luzhou is definitely better, but in terms of career advancement, following Secretary Qi is definitely better.” Sun Liancheng raised his glass. “Secretary Qi, you brought me to Shaanxi and Gansu, that’s a big deal. I’ll drink this, you can drink as you like.”

His glass fell to the ground, and Cheng Du followed suit, saying, "Secretary Qi, I'd like to toast you too."

"As Secretary Liang Qunfeng once said, 'Only those who are willing to risk their lives can truly succeed in the political and legal system!' Those in this position must remember not to have selfish motives! I see all your good deeds! And I can also see through your scheming! Don't let me down!"

"Definitely!" Cheng Du stood up. "Only those who are willing to risk everything can do good work in the political and legal system. Secretary Qi, those words are profound. I will not let you down."

Qi Tongwei nodded.

Their gaze then fell on Hou Liangping.

"Senior, don't look at me like that." Hou Liangping shivered slightly. "I'm sick of hearing all your lectures. Don't worry, wherever you are, I'll be there!"

Hou Liangping has become sensible.