Dramatic changes in the movies and TV shows

Chapter 1312 Shocked Everyone

However, Lin Jie ignored the others and turned to look at Lin Hao, his eyes filled with expectation and determination as he asked:

"Lin Hao, tell me the truth. Putting aside those emotional arguments, can we actually accomplish the problems that Elder Lu pointed out?"

Lin Hao gazed in the direction of the Taihang Mountains, his eyes unwavering.

“Secretary Lin, from the perspective of engineering design, what Mr. Lu pointed out are all objectively existing difficulties.”

"But I want to say that these are just difficulties, not a dead end!" Lin Hao continued firmly.

"Therefore, if we want to complete this canal, we must be more careful and meticulous in our future construction, and we must also ensure safety."

"From a design perspective, there are indeed difficulties, which means we need to ensure construction quality and invest more manpower, material resources, and financial resources!"

"As long as we can guarantee the quality of construction and overcome these technical difficulties, this lifeline canal can be successfully built!"

"I vouch for this with my Party spirit, my integrity, and even everything I own!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Jie patted Lin Hao on the shoulder and then solemnly said:

"Okay, I trust Technician Lin's judgment. Right now, you're the only one we can rely on."

"I'll submit a report now and get a clear answer from the prefectural committee. At worst, we'll just take their support and do it ourselves!"

Although Secretary Fang supported the previous report to higher authorities, the province had not yet reached a written decision and reminded Lin Jie that he had to submit the report himself.

Therefore, we cannot knowingly break the rules this time; we still need to follow the procedures thoroughly, otherwise there will be countless problems in the future.

This requires Linxian County to report to the Prefectural Party Committee, the Prefectural Party Committee to report to the Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial Party Committee to approve and form a written resolution, which is then passed down to the Prefectural Party Committee, and then to Linxian County.

So when Lin Jie convened the county committee again, a resolution was passed to divert the Zhang River into Lin County, and he then personally submitted a report to the county government.

······
The following day, in the meeting room of the prefectural committee, the meeting table was filled with committee members, each with a document on it.

Secretary Gao sat in the main seat, picked up the materials, shook them, looked around the room, and then spoke:
"Comrades, we have already discussed the request submitted by the Linxian County Party Committee to divert water from the Zhang River into Linxian twice."

"After Professor Lu from the Provincial Water Resources Department raised questions, the Linxian County Party Committee prepared a detailed response, which has now been delivered to everyone."

Secretary Gao gently put the document down, then said earnestly, "Their determination is great, and our prefectural committee cannot remain indecisive indefinitely."

“Lin Jie told me yesterday that regardless of whether we support it or not, he hopes we can give them a clear decision as soon as possible.”

"With the end of the year approaching, it is the dry season for the Zhanghe River, which is the perfect time to build a dam."

“Once this year is over, when the Zhanghe River enters its high-water season, it will be very difficult to build a dam across the river. If we want to start the Zhanghe River diversion project, we will have to wait until next year.”

"The project can wait until next year, but the drinking water problem for hundreds of thousands of people in Linxian County cannot wait until next year. So, regardless of whether we agree or not, we must make a final decision today."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than Deputy Secretary Yu took over, stating his position firmly:

"I still hold the same opinion: the idea of ​​diverting the Zhang River into the forest is worth considering, but it cannot be done, at least not now!"

He looked around and said, emphasizing his words:
"Once such a massive project starts, it's very difficult to pull it back. If it's abandoned halfway through, it will cause huge losses!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Secretary-General Qian, a close confidant of Deputy Secretary Yu, immediately chimed in: "I agree with Deputy Secretary Yu's opinion."

Another confidant quickly followed up, saying, "I agree with the opinions of Deputy Secretary Yu and Secretary-General Qian."

However, despite Deputy Secretary Yu's explicit opposition, dissenting voices still rang out in the meeting room.

“I don’t see it that way!” a committee member who frequently went to rural areas for research said slowly:
"If Linxian can really divert water from the Zhanghe River and completely solve the water shortage problem that has plagued Linxian for thousands of years, the prefectural committee will still support it."

Another committee member beside him nodded and said:

"Yes, since the Linxian County Party Committee has this determination and the people have this strong demand, I think the Prefectural Party Committee should support it..."

Secretary Gao nodded slightly, noting that there were quite a few supporters, and most of them were cadres who cared about the people and were pragmatic and hardworking.

"Is there anything else to add?" Seeing that everyone had finished speaking, Secretary Gao prepared to give a concluding speech.

"It seems we still can't reach a consensus. I think we need to first clarify a key issue!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room. "So, the Linxian County Committee knew that this project had so many difficulties, yet they still insisted on overcoming them and diverting the Zhang River into Linxian. Why was that?"

"I've thought a lot about this issue these past two days," Secretary Gao said, his voice rising in gravitas.
"Comrade Lin Jie and his colleagues can work steadily and peacefully! Linxian has been short of water for thousands of years, it's not Lin Jie's fault."

"If the Linxian County Committee hadn't implemented this 'Diverting Zhang River Water into Linxian,' who could blame them? The natural environment is what it is, so who can be blamed?"

"But they are determined to do it, why?" Secretary Gao gently slammed his fist on the table. "Because they understand that this is a responsibility they must shoulder to the people!"

His gaze deepened: "A few days ago, I, along with several deputy secretaries and comrades, witnessed firsthand the water shortage situation in Linxian County and personally experienced the people's thirst for water!"

"What does water mean to the people of Linxian? It means life!" Secretary Gao asked himself, then answered himself, and said earnestly:

“Once the project to divert water from the Zhang River to the forest starts, it may fail due to numerous difficulties, or even cause great losses.”

"But the comrades in the county committee, knowing this, still dared to take responsibility. What a rare and precious spirit this is!"

Secretary Gao's voice echoed in the conference room: "Comrades, even the ancients knew to share the country's burdens and relieve the people's difficulties."

“Our Party and our government are meant to serve the people. If we cannot even meet the most basic needs of the people for survival, what right do we have to sit here? How can we live up to the highest beliefs in our hearts?”

He paused for a moment, then said, word by word, "To put it bluntly, that's dereliction of duty, that's a crime!"

"We will no longer argue about diverting the Zhang River into the forest," Secretary Gao declared decisively.

"I agree with the Linxian County Party Committee's request to divert the Zhang River into Linxian, and propose that the different opinions of the Prefectural Party Committee be reported to the higher authorities, requesting that the higher authorities provide assistance to Linxian in diverting the Zhang River into Linxian!"

"Let's vote!" said Secretary Gao, raising his right hand first.

A moment of silence fell over the meeting room, then hands began to rise one by one. Supporters looked determined, while opponents appeared hesitant.

The staff quickly counted the number of people who raised their hands, and the final results showed that the vast majority of committee members voted in favor.

Only Deputy Secretary Yu and his two confidants did not raise their hands. Deputy Secretary Yu's face was ashen, and he squeezed out a sentence through gritted teeth:

"I have reservations."

Secretary-General Qian then added, "I also reserve my opinion."

Another confidant chimed in quietly, "I also reserve my opinion."

Secretary Gao looked at them calmly: "You may reserve your opinions, but the resolution of the Prefectural Committee must be implemented. Meeting adjourned!"

······
The prefectural committee's report was quickly submitted to the provincial government. Although opinions differed, the provincial government ultimately approved the plan to divert water from the Zhang River into Lin County. However, it also made it clear that it could not provide any assistance other than helping to coordinate with the neighboring province to build an irrigation canal in Pingshun County.

The results were then communicated to the prefectural committee by phone.

In the local official's office, the phone rang urgently. Secretary Gao picked up the receiver, and Secretary Fang's familiar voice came from the other end.

"Old Gao!" Secretary Fang didn't stand on ceremony and skipped the pleasantries, getting straight to the point:

"The provincial government has already held a meeting to discuss the request to start the project of diverting water from the Zhang River into Linxian County. The resolution will be delivered later. I am informing you by phone first."

Upon hearing this, Secretary Gao unconsciously gripped the receiver tighter, feeling somewhat uneasy about what decision his superiors would make.

"The province has agreed to the Linxian County Party Committee's request," Secretary Fang stated clearly.

"That's wonderful, Secretary Fang!" Secretary Gao's face instantly lit up with a smile as he said, "Lin Jie and the others... at least their efforts weren't in vain!"

However, what Secretary Fang said next made his smile freeze slightly:
"Currently, the province is coordinating with Shanxi Province on the specific details of drawing water from Pingshun County."

But Lao Gao, your report requested some material and technical support from the province, but the province currently does not have that capability.

Secretary Fang said with an apologetic and helpless tone:
"We hope that your prefectural committee can find a way to provide some assistance to Linxian County within its capacity?"

Secretary Gao was stunned, almost thinking he had misheard. He knew all too well that the prefectural committee was also struggling financially at the moment.

So he quickly said, "Secretary Fang, does the province mean... that the prefectural committee will support the Zhang River diversion project in Linxian County?"

"The province does want to provide some support to Linxian County, but it simply doesn't have the capacity to do so at the moment!" Secretary Fang said before quickly hanging up the phone.

Hearing the busy tone from the receiver, Secretary Gao slowly put down the phone, his face full of difficulty.

He rubbed his temples and muttered to himself, "How...how are we supposed to support this? There's a shortage of food and money everywhere..."

Deputy Secretary Yu appeared to be just "passing by," but in reality, he had lingered outside the door for a moment.

Upon hearing this, he immediately pushed open the office door, his face filled with anxiety, and seized the opportunity to sow discord:
"Secretary Gao, Lao Qian just reported to me that the situation in several counties is very bad. Some people have been without food for several days!"

Secretary Gao sighed and leaned wearily back in his chair: "The prefectural committee has done its best to allocate the relief grain that it can use."

"But food is being consumed every day, and this amount of relief grain is simply a drop in the ocean!" Deputy Secretary Yu said, seizing the opportunity.
"The prefectural committee has tried all the possible solutions. I think we still need to report to higher authorities and request their support."

After discussing the current difficulties, he abruptly shifted his focus, immediately turning his attention to the Zhang River diversion project in Linxian County:

"My biggest worry right now is Linxian! If we run out of food, coupled with the existing water shortage, the consequences... are unimaginable!"

Secretary Gao glanced at him, smiled wryly, and told him the news he had just received:

"Old Yu, Secretary Fang just called... The province has approved the Linxian County Party Committee's request for the Zhang River Diversion Project."

"What?" Deputy Secretary Yu's face instantly filled with shock, which quickly turned into undisguised anger.
"The higher authorities have agreed to divert the Zhang River into Linxian at this time? Then... how much support can the higher authorities provide to Linxian?" he asked eagerly, though he had already overheard the answer outside the door.

Secretary Gao shook his head, his tone heavy: "The province... is unable to provide any substantial support to Linxian County. We hope our prefectural committee can find a solution."

"Are you kidding me?!" Deputy Secretary Yu's tone immediately rose, expressing strong dissatisfaction.
"Our prefectural committee is already robbing Peter to pay Paul, and is in a complete mess! How can we possibly have the spare capacity to support such a large project in Linxian? Isn't this just ridiculous!"

Secretary Gao was also filled with helplessness, but he knew he had done all he could, so he waved his hand and said:
"The province's intention is for our prefectural committee to truthfully inform the Linxian County committee of the reality that we are unable to provide support."

"As for whether the Zhang River Diversion Project will start or be suspended... the final decision rests with them."

Deputy Secretary Yu knew Lin Jie too well; he could almost imagine Lin Jie's reaction upon hearing the news. With a final sliver of reluctance, he said:
"Old Gao, I know Lin Jie too well! If you give them the decision-making power, they'll do it even if it means selling everything they own! But without support, how can they possibly succeed with just enthusiasm?"

However, the decision had been made and could not be changed. With mixed feelings, Deputy Secretary Yu could only dial the Linxian County Party Committee's phone number.

"Comrade Lin Jie!" His voice regained its usual seriousness:

"I am formally informing you that the Linxian County Party Committee's request to divert water from the Zhang River into Linxian has been approved by the higher authorities."

"The higher-ups have agreed?!" On the other end of the phone, Lin Jie's voice trembled with excitement; he was so happy he almost jumped up from his seat.

However, before Lin Jie could recover from his immense joy, Deputy Secretary Yu poured a bucket of cold water on him.

“But—!” he deliberately drew out his words.
"At present, the higher-level leaders, including the provincial and prefectural committees, are unable to provide you with any support in terms of manpower, material resources, or financial resources."

"Whether to repair it or not, the Linxian County Committee... can decide for themselves."

This was his last effort. In fact, deep down, he always believed that without the strong support of his superiors, it would be nothing short of a pipe dream for Linxian County to carve out this "heavenly river" in the Taihang Mountains on its own.

However, Lin Hao had already anticipated this outcome; he had clearly told Lin Jie about it when they discussed it before.

Seeing everyone listless, like deflated balloons, Lin Hao smiled and said:

“What’s wrong with everyone? We never expected our superiors to support us. We only reported it to comply with the regulations, complete the procedures, and help us coordinate with the neighboring province.”

"Please give us your support, it was just a side benefit, we were just killing two birds with one stone anyway."

"If you want to build this lifeline, don't expect anything from your superiors; be prepared to rely on your own efforts."

Lin Jie realized what was going on, and then smiled and said:

"Xiaolin is right, we've been getting stuck on this!"

"Let me reiterate: regardless of whether the higher authorities support it or not, this issue, which concerns the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people in Linxian County, has been resolved in Linxian!"

"Even if the people of Linxian have to dig with their bare hands, they will dig a lifeline canal to bring the water from the Zhanghe River here!"

"That's right!" Everyone realized then that the sky hadn't fallen yet, so why were they so dejected?

Besides, they weren't unprepared, so Lin Jie said to everyone:
"To put it bluntly, this irrigation canal project depends on two things: money and food!"

"So, Comrade Changshun and Comrade Chengmin, one of you is the bank president and the other is the director of the grain bureau, tell us all, how much wealth does Linxian still have!"

Then, smiling, he said to the director of the grain bureau:
"Comrade Chengmin, tell us first, how much county-controlled grain reserve do we still have?"

Comrade Cheng Min's lips curled up slightly, and then she casually said, "Roughly speaking, it's over ten million catties!"

"How much?" The figure of tens of millions of kilograms immediately left the entire county committee speechless with astonishment.

"My God, no, when did Linxian become a major grain storage area? This is...!" Old Sun was so shocked by what he heard that he was almost incoherent.

"No, no, Comrade Cheng Min, are you sure there are that many?" County Magistrate Li Mingyang was shocked, and then asked again in disbelief.

"County Chief, this is a conservative estimate. Secretary Lin knows the total amount of grain reserves in our county!"