Scholars in the courtyard.

Chapter 3011 The Goal is 50 Billion!
It was already evening when we finished dinner at Xing Jiaqi's house.

Yang Xiaotao and Wang Fa left and went their separate ways. Che Wenwei was going the same way as Yang Xiaotao, so the two traveled together.

Along the way, many people played at night, and even though it was still very cold, it did not dampen their enthusiasm for the New Year.

"Any activities tonight?"

Che Wenwei had drunk quite a bit and was walking unsteadily. Yang Xiaotao was supporting him from the side, and at this point, he was speaking with a lisp.

"No tonight, maybe tomorrow, I have to go to a party."

Yang Xiaotao didn't hide anything and spoke directly.

What about you? What are your plans?

"I need to meet up with my colleagues in the workshop tonight, and also visit the higher-ups."

As Che Wenwei spoke, Yang Xiaotao nodded. This kind of movement was necessary, and Yang Xiaotao was no exception.

"By the way, Li Nan, what are the arrangements?"

"Although Lao Wang didn't say it, he still cares about it."

As it was almost time to part ways, Che Wenwei still asked the question.

Yang Xiaotao smiled and said, "I said, why don't you just ask directly?"

"Being secretive and covering things up makes me uncomfortable."

Che Wenwei smiled, but didn't seem to care.

Because that's just Yang Xiaotao's temperament.

"When the time comes, we'll ask him what he wants to do."

"Whatever you want to do, do it!"

Yang Xiaotao spoke irritably, but Che Wenwei understood the meaning behind Yang Xiaotao's words.

Do whatever you want. This doesn't give a definite answer, but it doesn't mean you're being refused either.

When the time comes, we brothers won't just sit and watch Li Nan make a fool of himself; we'll have to help him out in some way.

I might not be able to get into the Ninth Department, and I might not be able to become a worker, but I definitely need to have a job.

For example, jobs such as construction, moving, and cleaning have low barriers to entry and relatively lenient requirements on identity. These jobs can be found in local street offices and are the first choice for many people.

If all else fails, help him find work in a small factory; after all, Li Nan has a skill to rely on after his graduation.

It all depends on Li Nan's choice.

After the two finished speaking, Che Wenwei understood the situation and then took his leave.

Yang Xiaotao walked home along the road, with Xiaowei flying happily overhead. Every now and then, she would fly to the side of the road to listen to the sound of firecrackers, and then come back to chatter in Yang Xiaotao's ear.

Back in the courtyard house, Yang Xiaotao continued to enjoy the festive atmosphere with his family.

As for the affairs of the Nine Departments, there will naturally be people to handle them.

On the morning of the second day of the Lunar New Year, Yang Xiaotao took his wife and children to his uncle's house to pay a New Year's visit.

My uncle's house was bustling like usual this year. Not only were there many people in the family, but Little Fatty also became the focus of everyone's criticism. They all ordered him to end his single status this year, but Little Fatty had his own bitterness that he couldn't express.

The people he's being encouraged to get close to don't actually like him.

Moreover, he really has no time for romantic relationships right now.

Finally, they came to Yang Xiaotao, hoping he could put in a good word for them and use work as an excuse to get by.

Unexpectedly, Yang Xiaotao said, "Try to balance work and life," which directly betrayed Xiao Pang.

Finally, under pressure from several parents, Xiao Pang gave in.

I've decided to resolve my single status this year; if I can't, I'll accept my family's arrangements.

To this, Yang Xiaotao could only say that they were born into good fortune but didn't know it.

My family has arranged everything so well; I don't have to go on blind dates myself, nor do I have to gamble in the vast sea of ​​people looking for my other half.

After Xiao Pang's problem was resolved, Uncle started talking to Yang Xiaotao about work.

Although the lady of the house was very unhappy, she thought, "Why are you talking about work during the New Year?"

However, work is life, and it's impossible to completely cut it off.

The uncle mainly inquired about the two major projects of the Ninth Division, and Yang Xiaotao answered them one by one.

"The nuclear power plant has been confirmed to be powered up around May Day, and the staff there are working overtime."

"The power grid is also managed by dedicated personnel, and everyone is striving to move towards a common goal."

"As for the West-East Gas Pipeline, it may be a bit later. If everything goes smoothly, it should be fully operational next year."

Yang Xiaotao gave a brief report on the situation, and his uncle nodded silently while smoking.

"Old Chen told me about the second phase of the West-East Gas Pipeline project, which will deliver natural gas to Shanghai."

“That area is the core of the national economic development, and its daily energy demand is greater than that of the entire Shandong Peninsula. Old Chen also said that if the situation didn’t prevent it, he would have liked to build a nuclear power plant around Shanghai.”

Yang Xiaotao smiled and said, "Old Chen did mention the second phase of the project to me, but we don't have the capacity to operate two lines at the same time right now."

"In the early stages, we need to accumulate experience. As you know, there have been too many difficulties along the way from west to east. We still dare not say that we have a complete grasp of the situation."

"The last time it was the Yellow River, we thought of going by water, but after some discussion, we still had to go underground."

"If we were to cross the Yangtze River, we would need to consider this even more carefully."

The uncle nodded, "You'll never know where the hardship is or where the way out is if you don't do it."

"You need to accumulate more experience, as this will be very important for your future development."

Yang Xiaotao nodded, "That's right, we're just stumbling and getting back up as we go, and we don't know when it will end."

The uncle laughed heartily, "Children have to fall a few times before they can walk. The more they fall, the more they can stand up and run."

"That's true. I heard you're going to be a grandfather?"

When Yang Xiaotao talked about this, his uncle noticeably smoked much faster and smiled more.

"Yes, I'm going to be a grandfather soon."

"That's why we're urging Little Fatty to get married soon, otherwise he'll really fall behind."

Then, looking at Yang Xiaotao, he said, "As the older brother, you should help him find someone. If there are any good girls in the factory, introduce them to him."

Yang Xiaotao immediately nodded, "Okay, I'm still willing to be the matchmaker."

As he spoke, his uncle laughed.

Meanwhile, outside, Ran Qiuye held onto the hands of her uncle's eldest daughter, Linlin, and third daughter, Nannan, with a smile on her face and said earnestly, "It would be best if you two could come and help."

"Right now, I'm not only short of teachers, but also of administrators."

"To be honest, there is a shortage of people to manage the files. As a result, if I want a file, I have to find it myself. Not only is the work inefficient, but it is also easy to cause trouble."

Ran Qiuye spoke sincerely, and Linlin and Nannan looked at each other. Seeing their mother's smiling face, they immediately agreed.

And his eyes were full of excitement.

They finally have a formal job.

They finally had a legitimate reason to stay in Beijing.

Although doing so might be quite troublesome for Ran Qiuye, they knew even better that Yang Xiaotao was behind Ran Qiuye.

Last time, to support his wife's work, they directly allocated 3 billion.

Even his own father couldn't sleep all night after hearing the news. The entire department was shocked when the Ninth Department transferred the money.

He's really supporting his wife's career with real money.

That's why nobody's bothering Ran Qiuye anymore.

Making trouble for Ran Qiuye is tantamount to going against the entire rural education development effort.

Rural education today may seem small in scale, but if you take a walk around the countryside, you'll find a million people working there in no time.

This is still the minimum guarantee.

With so many people and this investment of 3 billion, who wouldn't have to consider Ran Qiuye's importance?
More importantly, I heard it from my own father.

It seems, probably, possibly, that the three billion was not a one-time payment.

The nine departments will continue to invest in rural development and education, and the amount will not be less than three billion yuan.
This is an unsolvable protective charm.

Even that Secretary Chen now has to greet Ran Qiuye first when he sees her.

There's no way around it; this sum of money has revitalized the entire education sector.

There is no doubt that the nine departments have enough money to invest.

Others may not know, but his father has a very good relationship with Old Chen and knows everything about the Ninth Department's revenue. Outsiders may see that they've earned three or four hundred billion, but that's just what's out there for others to see.

If all the assets of the nine departments were revealed, it would probably scare a lot of people.

This is why Yang Xiaotao was always urged by Old Chen to attend meetings.

Given my social standing, what will people think if I don't go?

I feel unsure.

After a lively time at his uncle's house, Yang Xiaotao once again transformed into the head chef, stealing the spotlight from the women. Then, after finishing the meal, he left gracefully.

My uncle couldn't help but sigh, "I met you so late!"

If it had been earlier, perhaps the two families could have become even closer.

After lunch, Yang Xiaotao left with his family. On the way, Ran Qiuye brought up the matter between Linlin and the other person. Yang Xiaotao readily agreed and told Ran Qiuye not to care about the other person's identity and to do what she needed to do.

Ran Qiuye nodded, understanding in her heart that she was willing to use any means necessary to contribute to rural education.

In the afternoon, Yang Xiaotao took his great-grandfather back to Yangjiazhuang.

There was an important meeting that evening, so I drove back to Beijing when it got dark.

Old Chen asked Secretary Guo to wait at the entrance of the courtyard alley, and Yang Xiaotao drove to the Great Hall of the People as soon as he returned.

"Secretary Guo, what are you doing right now?"

Yang Xiaotao straightened his clothes and casually asked.

Secretary Guo coughed lightly and said seriously, "Minister Yang, the leader wants to talk to everyone about the direction of economic development after the new year. The people attending are all related to domestic construction."

Yang Xiaotao nodded, then asked, "You're not going to make me give a speech, are you? I haven't prepared yet."

Secretary Guo shook his head. "The meeting was very casual, basically like a tea party. The leader would start, and the comrades below would speak freely."

"You didn't go the previous times, but this time the leader specifically asked you to participate, so there's a high chance you'll have to say a few words."

Yang Xiaotao was speechless. "Is it okay if I don't go now?"

Secretary Guo was speechless.

So many people would love to come to such an event but can't.

So many people want to say a few words at the meeting and show their faces, but they don't get the chance.

This guy, on the other hand, doesn't want to participate and doesn't even want to show his face. Really!
However, considering the power of the person in front of me, I might not even be interested in this opportunity.

The car arrived at the Great Hall of the People. Yang Xiaotao followed Secretary Guo inside, and along the way they did run into some acquaintances.

Old Huang from the First Ministry of Machine Building, Old Zhang from the Third Ministry of Machine Building, and Old Wang from the Seventh Ministry of Machine Building were smoking by the door. When they saw Yang Xiaotao arrive, they waved to him.

Yang Xiaotao jogged over and spoke first, "Happy New Year, Grandpa Huang, Grandpa Zhang, Grandpa Wang!"

Then reach out.

Old Huang was stunned, Old Wang's eyes widened, and Old Zhang reacted, then took out a red envelope he had prepared for his grandson from his pocket and handed it over.

Yang Xiaotao quickly took it.

This scene made many people present twitch their lips.

Yang Xiaotao's way of addressing people, his way of calling them, and his actions were absolutely brilliant.

But then everyone realized that this guy was only about thirty-three years old.
hiss~~
Several elderly people gasped in shock.

He was thirty-three, and his own son was already older than him.

But when it comes to grades and status, they unconsciously look away and then look down at their toes.

Of course, there are also some people who are just there to watch the show and don't mind making things worse.

Old Huang realized what was happening and laughed heartily, then pulled out ten yuan from his pocket and handed it to Yang Xiaotao.

"Oh, Mr. Huang is so generous."

Yang Xiaotao said this deliberately, then looked at Old Wang.

At this moment, everyone watching the commotion was looking at Old Wang. Whoever gave less would be embarrassed.

Old Wang shook his head. "You're really something, kid."

After saying that, he took out a 100-yuan note and handed it to Yang Xiaotao.

"Thank you, Mr. Wang. I wish you good health and all the best!"

"Alright, alright, forget the nice things. Just give us a few more CNC machine tools this year, and I'll guarantee you good health and happiness."

Originally, Old Wang was just grumbling, but Yang Xiaotao nodded and said, "Okay, no problem, one for each person, it's a free gift."

Old Wang realized what was happening and asked, "Really?"

Old Zhang also looked over, "Don't joke around."

Yang Xiaotao put the money in his pocket. "Of course it's real. Since the three of you have given money, it's only right that a junior should bring a gift when visiting."

Old Huang was gratified to hear this, knowing that Yang Xiaotao was trying to get closer to them again.

Do you really think just anyone can come up with ten dollars?

Do you really think anyone can just give away this money?

Old Wang immediately laughed heartily, then put his arm around Yang Xiaotao's shoulder, "I have ten yuan left, do you want it?"

At this moment, Old Qin, who had been watching the show from the sidelines, quickly stepped forward and said, "Old Wang, don't be so greedy."

Old Wang waved his hand dismissively, "Go away, go away, we're talking, you and I."

The group laughed. At this moment, Old Chen walked over, and Secretary Guo stepped forward and said something, looking helpless, but he reached into his pocket to check if he had any money.

He was genuinely afraid that Yang Xiaotao would say, "Happy New Year, Grandpa Chen!"
Mr. Chen's appearance signified the official start of the meeting.

Once everyone was seated in the conference room, Yang Xiaotao's witty remarks made the atmosphere of the meeting relaxed from the start.

Mr. Chen also felt that this year's meeting seemed more vibrant than in previous years.

After a brief opening statement, Mr. Chen stated the main topics of the meeting.

"Firstly, our target for this year's GDP is one trillion!"

When Old Chen dropped the first bombshell, everyone's hearts skipped a beat.

Those in the know understand that last year's GDP was only 600 billion, but now it has increased by 400 billion, which is somewhat bewildering.

However, everyone also understands that the goal is the goal, but the process still needs to be taken step by step.

How much can be achieved depends on how it is executed.

After Mr. Chen finished stating the first goal, he asked people to speak, meaning whether it was achievable, how to achieve it, and how to do it. Then, this year, he added another goal: what to do if it couldn't be achieved.

This gave the attendees a bit of a headache.

Fortunately, everyone present was a seasoned veteran, and their Tai Chi moves were quite impressive.

This gave Yang Xiaotao a lot of inspiration, so when it was his turn after Huang Lao and the others finished speaking, he simply copied the outline and filled in a number.

This made Old Chen give him a serious look, but he didn't say anything.

Soon after stating the first objective, Old Chen began to drop the second bombshell.

"Our foreign exchange earnings were 30 billion US dollars the year before last, 60 billion US dollars last year, and this year we are preparing to exceed 100 billion US dollars!"

patter
As soon as Old Chen finished speaking, someone dropped their cup.

The room fell silent.

Even Yang Xiaotao was shocked by Old Chen's "grand" goal.

Those present were well aware that of the 30 billion yuan from two years ago, most of it came from selling medicines, coinciding with the pandemic.

Last year's 60 billion was about the same, and the extra 30 billion also includes the 40 billion earned by the nine departments from the oil crisis.

So, excluding the 40 billion, it's actually not as good as the year before last.

But this year, is it going to reach 100 billion?

Crazy.

Unless the ninth installment is done again.

But is it possible?

Even Yang Xiaotao didn't know what to say.

However, just as everyone fell silent, Old Chen looked at Yang Xiaotao again and said, "This time, the Ninth Industrial Machinery Department's target is 50 billion US dollars."

"We hope that the comrades in the Ninth Department will continue their efforts and live up to the people's expectations!!!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes turned to Yang Xiaotao, but Yang Xiaotao felt bitter inside.
Where is he going to get 50 billion?