Chapter 331: Neglecting Official Duties (Part 2)

The conversation flowed with such ease that neither man noticed the time slipping away. As the clock neared the end of the workday, Hou Weidong expressed his gratitude sincerely. "Director Yin, listening to your insights has been more valuable than ten years of study. I’m certain I’ll avoid many pitfalls in my work thanks to your guidance."

His words were genuine. Yin Ming seemed to derive a quiet satisfaction from mentoring others. He replied, "Much of what we discussed stems from my own experiences as the head of the Science and Technology Commission. There are some commissioners who are incompetent—occupying their positions without contributing anything meaningful. If every commission director across the city were as dedicated as Director Hou, our work would flourish, and our status would naturally rise. Achievement brings position; this is an unshakeable truth."

The previous director of the Yiyang County Science and Technology Commission had previously held a high-ranking, powerful post. After transferring to the commission, he had remained disgruntled. Being older, he had no ambition for further advancement in his political career and was simply waiting to retire to a secondary role. Consequently, whenever he attended meetings at the municipal commission, he would leave immediately after the session ended, refusing to socialize with the municipal leadership. Over time, this aloofness bred resentment in Yin Ming toward the Yiyang County commission.

After the former director retired, Zhou Yongtai had temporarily taken charge. Every time Zhou met Yin Ming, the latter’s stern demeanor made Zhou nearly afraid to speak. When Hou Weidong first arrived, Zhou Yongtai had still harbored a faint desire to assert his seniority. However, seeing Hou Weidong chatting amiably with Yin Ming, Zhou’s lingering sense of superiority as an elder colleague evaporated completely.

Noticing the time, Hou Weidong asked, "Director Yin, are you free for lunch? Could we perhaps eat together?"

Yin Ming replied, "Now that you’re at the municipal commission, how can we let county colleagues treat us? Today, two secretaries from the Municipal Party Committee General Office are here researching materials. We’ll all eat together shortly." He added, "I also need to meet with Section Chief Yang later. You two go ahead to the Technology Building and wait for me. I’ll join you soon."

The Technology Building had nine floors. The ground floor consisted of storefronts rented out to sell semi-high-tech equipment like computers. The second floor housed a science popularization exhibition hall, the third a video room, and the fourth an open-to-the-public restaurant. Floors five through nine operated as a hotel.

This building was an asset of the Science and Technology Commission and a significant source of revenue. Although the municipal commission did not wield immense political power, its financial situation was comfortable, largely thanks to this property. Hou Weidong’s desire to establish a base was partly influenced by this model.

Shortly after, a pretty young woman entered Yin Ming’s office. After receiving instructions from Yin Ming, she led Hou Weidong and Zhou Yongtai to the restaurant on the fourth floor. She was dressed fashionably, but her expression remained cold. When Hou Weidong attempted to strike up a conversation, she answered politely but maintained an air of indifference. Moments later, footsteps echoed outside, accompanied by greetings of "Director Yin." The young woman’s expression did not soften; she maintained her cool, detached demeanor.

Following Yin Ming into the room were two young men. One was a familiar face: Yang Teng, a secretary from the Municipal Party Committee General Office. Yang Teng had recently been promoted to Section Chief. Seeing Hou Weidong, he looked slightly surprised. Before Yin Ming could introduce them, Yang Teng warmly shook Hou Weidong’s hand. "Hou Weidong, it’s been a while. Secretary-General Huang mentioned you after returning from Yiyang. He’s developed an interest in hunting and plans to come to Qinglin Town this autumn."

Yang Teng was referring to the dinner hosted by Ji Haiyang, where Hou Weidong had accompanied Secretary-General Huang Zidi.

Hou Weidong replied, "Thank you for Secretary-General Huang’s concern. In autumn, the wild pheasants, hares, and boars are at their fattest—it’s the perfect time for hunting. I’d be honored if Section Chief Yang could join us then."

Hearing their exchange, Yin Ming was internally startled. The Executive Deputy Director of the Organization Department, Lou Qianmingjun, personally hosted a dinner for Hou Weidong, and a member of the Municipal Standing Committee went hunting with him. This young man is no ordinary figure.

Hou Weidong possessed a keen sense of propriety. After exchanging a few words with Yang Teng, he enthusiastically extended an invitation. "Director Yin, I previously worked in Qinglin Town, Yiyang. There is a Qinglin Mountain there, with a well-preserved forest on its eastern side that serves as a natural hunting ground. I hope you can spare some time from your busy schedule to join me for a hunt."

Yin Ming laughed, "I’m too old for climbing mountains and crossing ridges; it would cost me my life." As he spoke, he glanced sideways at the pretty young woman. Their eyes met briefly before quickly darting away.

Since it was midday and Yin Ming had meetings in the city in the afternoon, they opened only one bottle of fine liquor.

As they parted ways, Yin Ming gave specific instructions. "This project is the best one the municipal commission has this year. Other districts and counties will soon hear about it, and I expect them all to compete for it. As the municipal commission, we can place the project in any county. The key is timeliness. Furthermore, the attitude of the Shazhou municipal leadership matters. If a municipal leader speaks up, my opinion becomes merely advisory."

By phrasing it this way, Yin Ming left himself room for maneuver. He emphasized again, "If Yiyang truly wants to secure this project, the county must support it, and actions must be swift."

If Zhu Yan were currently in power, Hou Weidong would feel secure. But with Ma Youcai serving as Party Secretary, he felt uncertain. Nevertheless, he spoke firmly. "Rest assured, Director Yin. The county is fully committed."

The car sped along the highway, a blur of motion. The trees lining the road rushed backward, reminiscent of the swift, ruthless movements of the fictional martial artist Yunzhonghe.

Zhou Yongtai remarked with emotion, "Director Yin actually invited us to lunch and accompanied us personally. That’s quite rare."

Hou Weidong replied, "It’s normal for the heads of the county commission to be treated to a meal when visiting the municipal commission. If they couldn’t even manage that, the commission would truly be meaningless."

Seeing Hou Weidong’s confidence, Zhou Yongtai thought to himself, Hou Weidong served as a secretary to the Party Secretary and director of the New Management Committee. He is indeed different from ordinary section-level cadres. He is well-traveled and possesses considerable influence. His tenure at the commission is undoubtedly a transition; he will likely be transferred soon.

Back at the compound, as they climbed the stairs, Hou Weidong arranged matters. "I’ve already contacted Secretary He Hequan of Wangri Village in Qinglin Town. I asked him to prepare some dried wild pheasant—it’s Yiyang’s most distinctive gift. Arrange a time to deliver it to Director Yin. With this project, the commission’s days will be much easier. We must secure it."

After a brief rest in his office, Hou Weidong went to the third floor to see Vice County Mayor Gao. With the goal of building the base, his time at the commission no longer felt unbearable. He had rediscovered a sense of purposeful busyness.

"Regarding the agricultural technology research base, how much funding can the municipal commission provide?" Vice County Mayor Gao, the divisional leader in charge, was pleased to hear that Hou Weidong had secured a project.

"Lingxi Province plans to establish an agricultural research base in Shazhou. The funding will come from the province, with construction costs around twenty million yuan. Currently, the most critical issue is land. According to Director Yin, the project requires about one hundred mu of land. He hopes the local government can offer favorable land prices."

Vice County Mayor Gao frowned. "Yesterday, the Standing Committee met and established a rule that major matters must be collectively studied. Any land allocation or requisition exceeding thirty mu must be approved by the Standing Committee."

When Hou Weidong had previously served as director of the New Management Committee, he had felt that the county’s land management was irregular. He had held significant power; he would simply report major events to Zhu Yan and proceed. Thirty mu was nothing; even one hundred mu would have been approved on his word. He thought to himself, Requiring Standing Committee approval for these matters means County Mayor Yang Senlin’s powers are being stripped away. Ma Youcai’s move is clever. It aligns with democratic centralism and scientific decision-making trends, while quietly concentrating power within the Standing Committee. Yang Senlin’s days will not be easy.

Hou Weidong did not care whether the east wind or west wind prevailed. He only wanted to implement the project and move the commission to the base, sparing himself the need to watch the moods of certain petty figures in Yiyang County.

Vice County Mayor Gao finally stated, "This is a good project, and I support it. Submit a report in the name of the Science and Technology Commission."

Hou Weidong was a stubborn man. Once he set his mind on something, he did not fear difficulties. Previously, when building the road in Qinglin, conditions had been nonexistent, yet he had succeeded. Now, with the agricultural research base, conditions were mature, and he would not give up.

Leaving Vice County Mayor Gao’s office, Hou Weidong went to the fourth floor to visit Ji Haiyang’s office at the County Party Committee. He explained the agricultural research base project to Ji Haiyang.

Ji Haiyang said, "This is a good thing, and I naturally support it. I estimate the Standing Committee will approve it."

Hou Weidong and Ji Haiyang had an unusual relationship, so he spoke directly. "When can the Standing Committee meet? This project requires speed. Director Yin Ming of the municipal commission is urging us."

Ji Haiyang smiled. "Secretary Ma has gone to the Northeast for inspection. He won’t return for about half a month. Since this involves local matching funds, according to the new Standing Committee regulations, this matter must wait for Secretary Ma’s return to be finalized."

Hou Weidong said sincerely, "The director of the Science and Technology Commission doesn’t have much to do. I don’t want to spend my days drinking tea and reading newspapers. Completing this project benefits Yiyang’s technological development, and I won’t feel my time has been wasted."

Ji Haiyang patted Hou Weidong’s shoulder. "Once it’s on the Standing Committee agenda, I will speak in support of this project."

The Yiyang County Science and Technology Commission quickly submitted the report to the government. Two days passed with no news.

Hou Weidong went to see Vice County Mayor Gao again. Gao replied, "I’ve signed my opinion and sent it to County Mayor Yang."

Holding fast to his determination, Hou Weidong immediately went to see County Mayor Yang Senlin.

Yang Senlin’s attitude was amiable. "I’ve reviewed the document. This is a good thing, and I naturally support it. It will be included as a key project this year, and the county will track it closely."