Siheyuan: A warm home with wife and children

"This is you."

"What, you humiliated me at the meeting, aren't you going to treat me to a meal?"

Hearing this, Yang Jianguo smiled and said, "Of course, let's go then, you can choose the place."

"Stop choosing, your car comes with me, let's find a local restaurant in the alley near the gate and have a couple of drinks."

The farmhouse restaurant is not high-class; its main selling point is affordability, good reviews, and good quality at low prices.

The craftsmanship was truly excellent. Only after the other party explained did he realize that it used to be run by the man who had worked as his cook.

“After he left, I asked him what he wanted to do. He said he wanted to stay here and do some business, so I found him this place. I can come here every now and then to have a treat.”

Yang Jianguo looked up and around, then asked, "What is this house?"

"It was purchased, with real money, and it's all in black and white. What, are you still worried that I'm abusing my power for personal gain?"

"No way, he's a high-ranking leader, he should have that kind of perspective."

The other party nodded in satisfaction and said, "That's more like it. I thought that in your heart, Yang Jianguo, I was also a petty and mercenary person."

"That's not quite it. He's just a bit out of touch with reality, a muddle-headed person who's been out of touch with the masses for too long."

Yang Jianguo's insightful observation left Wang Guoqiang's hand, holding the wine glass, frozen in mid-air. After a long while, he gave a self-deprecating laugh: "You really hit the nail on the head."

"After being an official for a long time, one gets blinded by power and loses one's mind. One forgets who granted this power and what it should be used for."

"Guoqiang, you have a good understanding."

Wang Guoqiang shook his head with a wry smile, unsure of what to say.

This sounds like a trusted lieutenant being criticized by his superior, and he suddenly seems to have been demoted for no reason.

"Jianguo, let's go first."

Some things become much easier with the addition of alcohol; how can we just throw away thousands of years of culture?

Yang Jianguo didn't refuse, and he was quite the drinker.

With a leader like Wang Guoqiang who gets things done solely based on alcohol, even a few more might not be a match for him.

After a few drinks, they started talking a lot.

The two put aside their past concerns and spoke frankly and sincerely.

“Let me tell you, Jianguo, it’s not that I don’t want to do things or do good things. Who doesn’t want to be respected by the people? Who doesn’t want to be a good official?”

"It's difficult. Doing good deeds is difficult, but being a good official is even more difficult."

"You, Yang Jianguo, may not be afraid, but not everyone can be like you, Yang Jianguo, covered in honors and as prickly as a hedgehog."

Yang Jianguo's ability to act as a firecracker didn't come out of thin air.

It was earned through his many achievements, so many medals that they couldn't all be hung on either side of his chest, and even his two arms might not be full.

These medals are like a bulletproof vest that is impervious to water and fire, allowing him to say what he wants and do what he wants.

Even elders have to be cautious; trying to prosecute Yang Jianguo without solid evidence carries enormous risks.

Who else can be like him, consistently recognized as an advanced individual and a representative every year, from the beginning of the Great Wind ten years ago until now?

The big red flower hanging on the wall at home, the letter written by the great man, the words of praise written by his successor, and those boxes full of thank-you letters and commendation letters.

Damn it, if I had these things, I'd be even more arrogant than Yang Jianguo.

Anyone who dares to glare at me will get a good slap across the face.

"Jealous?"

Wang Guoqiang was as stubborn as a mule; he wasn't jealous at all, because those were things people earned through their own abilities.

I am envious, I really am envious.

Unfortunately, I don't have his ability and can't do it.

"Jianguo, you have no idea how many people envy you, and how many actually admire you. However, some things are beyond your control."

Yang Jianguo nodded knowingly and said, "I understand. It's normal to have differing opinions. Most of my comrades are good, but they sometimes act without thinking and are too hasty. I understand that too."

"As long as it's not a case of betraying one's own people, I, Yang Jianguo, have no objections to any individual."

You can't expect everyone to be a genius, to do things flawlessly and perfectly.

If that were the case, world harmony and peace would be just around the corner.

When everything is perfect, desires naturally disappear, emotions gradually become numb, and in the end, there's nothing left to fight for—that's peace!

Chapter 747 Holding a position without performing its duties is even more despicable; demotion is necessary.

Wang Guoqiang is not a traitor, and his abilities are impeccable.

Those who can sit in this position are absolutely capable.

He simply forgot what brought him to where he is today and to his current position.

"Guoqiang, go down to the grassroots level and see for yourself to get a true picture of the situation."

"You can't see the truth just by looking at reports or hearing things from other people."

The drunk Wang Guoqiang could only nod, “You’re right, Jianguo. I let my guard down. Fortunately, I have a good comrade like you to remind me.”

"Tomorrow...tomorrow I'll go down to investigate, to see the place for myself. I...I won't tell anyone, I'll just sneak...sneak down there..."

Hearing his drunken promise, Yang Jianguo chimed in, "As long as you have the will, it's always good to take action."

"However, you have to tell me what you really think and whether you've considered changing the current situation."

Yang Jianguo had already told him what he was thinking.

It's just that it wasn't explained clearly enough, or in enough detail.

Slow down and get things done.

Just a few words, and the problem is solved.

Don't act rashly until you see the benefits; don't let your eagerness lead you to be manipulated.

While the goal is to revitalize the economy, one should not forget that one represents a government agency, is a public servant, and is not a businessman.

Get your priorities straight, clear your head, and figure out what you should and shouldn't do.

Once you know where your power comes from, all problems will be solved.

"Well, it's tough for the people below to get things done!"

The hard targets and requirements are there for you; if you don't meet them, you'll be punished.

They're not in a hurry, but how can they not be in a hurry?

But if you don't push or urge them from above, they can easily fool you from below and won't even budge.

Ultimately, a choice must be made between pursuing high-quality development and simply avoiding mistakes.

You can't just cut a radish into eight pieces and make a logical argument about it, can you?

"No matter how many difficulties there are, they are not a reason to engage in fraud."

“As an organization cadre, if you don’t even have this much awareness, what right do you have to wear that uniform and hat? If you don’t have the ability, you might as well go home and sell sweet potatoes.”

Anyone can find an excuse; there's nothing in this world that's easy to do.

Daydreaming isn't hard, nor is being a good-for-nothing; you can just lie down.

If you can't do it, then give up your position and go home to lie down. Don't just stand there doing nothing.

Those who hold positions without performing their duties are more hateful than corrupt officials.

"..."

Wang Guoqiang had nothing to say.

Everything that needed to be said was said. Yang Jianguo asked someone to pay the bill, but Wang Guoqiang insisted on doing so, saying, "I said I'd treat you, how can I let you pay?"

He rushed to pay the bill, and it turned out he paid in cash, without leaving it on the books or even asking for reimbursement.

Yang Jianguo stopped arguing with him and they went out together and got into the car.

“Jianguo, let’s get closer to each other in the future. If I talk to you, I’ll feel much better.”

"Okay, you're always welcome."

He rolled up the car window, closed his eyes wearily, and leaned back in his seat. "Going home."

My body didn't do anything, but my head was really dizzy right now.

He wasn't drunk; today's meeting had drained his energy.

The meeting only mentioned a few sentences, but the data contained therein came from several years of accumulation and organization.

Today, Yang Jianguo poured out all that he had seen, thought, and felt over the years.

As a result, he had to stay in the lower levels for a while.

"Don't feel pressured. This is also a way to protect you. You were too flamboyant today."

The Third Elder's earnest admonition resurfaced in my heart once again.

Yang Jianguo has nothing to regret. What he said today should awaken many people.

Even if there is only one, it is still a success.

If he succeeds, he will have no regrets.

"Leader, we're here."

Upon hearing the driver's reminder, Yang Jianguo opened his eyes and saw that the car had already stopped at the gate of the compound.

Seeing that he was tired, the driver drove the car in directly.

"Xiao Duan."

"Hey, I'm here, boss."

Xiao Duan turned around, smiling as he waited for his instructions.

"I'll be going down there soon. If you have any ideas, let me know in advance."

"lead."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Duan couldn't sit still any longer. "How long are you going to be gone? I'll wait for you to come back. Or you can take me with you, and I'll drive you."

He thought something had happened and that Yang Jianguo had been demoted to a lower position.

I heard that the leader said a lot of harsh things at today's meeting. Was he retaliated against?

It shouldn’t be!

Seeing his nervous look, Yang Jianguo chuckled and said, "It's not what you think. I'll be back soon, it's nothing."

"Well, I'm mainly thinking that you're not young anymore, and it's not good for you to keep driving me around. If you want to change your work environment, I can arrange it for you."

Yang Jianguo's arrangements are within your capabilities.

What is outside the scope may not be included in his promise.

Upon learning the truth, Xiao Duan felt relieved. "No, I just wanted to drive for you. It makes me feel at ease, and I'm used to it."

"All I can do is drive; I can't do anything else anywhere else, so I shouldn't cause trouble for others."

Xiao Duan, no, now he should be called Lao Duan.

Old Duan was just being modest; his driving skills are impeccable.

He could become an instructor or a transport team leader; with his qualifications and experience, that would be more than enough.

At worst, I can become the head of the repair team.

He's driven this car for years, and he's the one who fixed all the problems himself.

The car is still in good condition, with no unusual noises and no breakdowns along the way.

This skill alone is something not everyone can possess.

However, since he was willing to drive for him, Yang Jianguo would not force him to transfer away.

To be honest, once you get used to Xiao Duan, it will take time to adjust to using someone else.