Since we are both reborn, of course I would choose the rich woman!

Chapter 427 I Love Seeing You Resist (6k views, please subscribe)

That's just how the world is; everyone only invests in things with potential and value, whether it's wealth, individuals, or places—it's all the same.

When the country began its "poverty alleviation campaign" to eliminate absolute poverty, Chengdu was naturally anxious. But being anxious was useless, as poverty alleviation cannot be accomplished by rushing. In fact, local governments have never stopped working on poverty alleviation at the grassroots level.

But anyone who has done poverty alleviation work knows just how difficult this task is.

Many poverty alleviation workers deliver piglets to impoverished villages in the morning, promising to buy them back at market prices once they're grown. But in the afternoon, the village treats the poverty alleviation workers to roast suckling pig. As for where the roast suckling pig comes from? It's hard to guess.

Many city dwellers who have never been to the countryside may think that country people are simple and honest and have no ulterior motives. In fact, this is completely wrong. Country people are not without ulterior motives, but they have limited knowledge and experience. They may not be able to play tricks even if they wanted to. However, in the small area of ​​the countryside, different families play tricks very effectively.

Some locals will keep themselves in poverty in order to continue receiving poverty alleviation subsidies.

Anyway, in the countryside, where there's an abundance of grain, oil, rice, and flour, you don't need to spend much money each month.

Many impoverished households think, "Since I can't make a lot of money even if I work myself to the bone, I might as well just eat and drink for free and enjoy the comfort of lying down and doing nothing."

Therefore, it is unrealistic to expect lazy villagers to become diligent and work hard to earn money simply by providing them with poverty alleviation supplies. Instead, we should use the readily available and willing resources to help them get rich first, and then set an example to make others in the village envious, thereby stimulating their desire to make money.

Only in this way can those who are both poor and lazy gain enough motivation.

Of course, there will also be many local villagers who are oblivious and slow to realize the potential, unable to keep up with the pace of village development. That's when grassroots poverty alleviation workers need to step in, using the existing environment and prospects to help them climb the ladder of success and seize development opportunities.

In this way, the work of helping farmers escape poverty can be twice as effective with half the effort.

As for those who are so unwilling to improve themselves even at this point, why do you insist on helping them up? It would be better to make more money locally and increase the basic subsidies for impoverished households, which would also achieve absolute poverty alleviation.

Lu Yao's plan and strategy were very detailed and had a very good implementation effect. So after the big boss in Ganzi gave out these plans, Chengdu took them very seriously and was waiting for Lu Yao to make some initial progress so that Chengdu would immediately provide resources and support.

This is not just empty talk or superficial support, but real, substantial financial assistance.

Chengdu is a trillion-yuan city with countless large and small enterprises and government departments. If these departments and departments give a little water here, the businesses that have already been established in Ganzi can reap huge profits.

With the added promotion and marketing efforts in Chengdu, the future development of Ganzi is indeed "promising".

However, this "promising future" has not yet seen a significant realization.

Even with the added boost of the Spring Festival, it's still impossible to realize this prospect within ten days.

In order to build a solid foundation in Sichuan, Lü Yao did not plan to return to Shangnan for the Spring Festival. Although he did not intend to go back, the others had already headed there.

……

On February 14, 2018, Rong Nianqing led a large group of people to Litang by car after a violent attack.

When Lü Yao came out of the guesthouse after receiving the news, he saw Rong Nianqing and her group, dressed in fashionable and elegant clothes, standing in front of two Toyota Coaster vans. Lü Yao immediately walked over and exclaimed, "Why are you here! You didn't even tell me before you came!"

Lu Yao was unaware of Rong Nianqing's itinerary. Rong Nianqing only sent Lu Yao a message after she had already arrived at the gate in a Coaster bus.

Rong Nianqing chuckled and said, "President Lü is a very busy person now, and a distinguished guest in Sichuan. His status and position are very different from before. How could we dare to disturb you, President Lü?"

Lu Yao laughed speechlessly: "Are you making fun of me again?"

Jian Xiaojie mimicked Rong Nianqing's tone, speaking even more sarcastically: "How dare we? President Lü is a distinguished guest in Sichuan, and that's not something we made up on the spot, ta-da!" As she spoke, Jian Xiaojie stepped aside, and the person next to her revealed the person hiding behind her.

He was a man in his forties, wearing silver-rimmed glasses, who looked very refined.

Jian Xiaojie introduced to Lü Yao: "This is Zhang Wenqi, Director Zhang, from the secretariat office in Sichuan. He is a highly valued writer by the big boss in Sichuan."

The middle-aged man with silver-rimmed glasses immediately came out from the crowd to shake hands with Lü Yao. Lü Yao extended both hands in a very warm and sincere manner, and said with great delight, "Welcome, welcome, Director Zhang, welcome to inspect and guide our work here."

The middle-aged man was also very modest and polite, bowing slightly as he said, "Mr. Lü, you are too kind. We in Sichuan are very grateful to you for coming to help develop the economy in Ganzi."

Lu Yao didn't continue with pleasantries, but stepped aside and said, "I didn't know you were coming, Director Zhang. We've been waiting too long at the door. Let's go in quickly."

As everyone filed into the guesthouse, Lü Yao couldn't help but turn back and glance at the Coaster.

No wonder they came in a Coaster.

This is a signal.

This is a sign that Lü Yao has now gained a foothold in the inner circle.

After everyone settled into the guesthouse, Director Zhang specially sat next to Lü Yao and spoke very warmly to him about the goodwill that Rongcheng had towards him, as well as the benefits and support that Rongcheng would soon provide.

What appear to be words of praise for enthusiasm actually convey only two messages—

1. The people in Chengdu valued Lü Yao's work in Ganzi highly and had a very good impression of him.

2. The people in Chengdu have a very good impression of Lü Yao. If Lü Yao wants to, he can even enter Sichuan at any time to take on some important work.

Lu Yao naturally accepted all these good intentions. He even subtly accepted the olive branch extended by the Sichuan side. Since the big boss from Sichuan was giving him so much face, Lu Yao would naturally reciprocate, even if it meant taking on some nominal position.

However, business and politics have always been two distinct paths; once you choose one, you have to abandon the other.

Therefore, when Rong Nianqing and the others who were also at the table heard Lü Yao say this, they couldn't help but show that they had something on their minds.

Rong Nianqing's heart was in turmoil.

Despite her best efforts to guard against everything, she never expected that she would be unable to guard against the officials.

Surprisingly, Lü Yao agreed so readily.

Was everything he's done so far for this moment? No wonder he's always been so distant, never willing to fully submit to my command.

While Lü Yao and Director Zhang were chatting enthusiastically, Rong Nianqing felt incredibly envious.

Just like Cao Cao's feelings when he finally learned about abandoning his command and leaving, at this moment, Rong Nianqing deeply empathized with Cao Cao from thousands of years ago.

However, with Director Zhang present, Rong Nianqing couldn't reveal her true emotions and had to suppress them.

To welcome Rong Nianqing and her group, Lü Yao specially brought Rong Nianqing and Director Zhang to his newly established food village. Here, you can find local specialties such as Kangding cold noodles, Danba fragrant pig leg, tsampa, yak hot pot, and roasted yak, as well as various chain brand foods brought from other places.

Lu Yao had originally planned to invite the big bosses from Ganzi and Aba to join in the fun, but when the two bosses heard that Director Zhang was there, they declined, saying frankly, "It's not appropriate for us to go to this kind of occasion; it might leave a bad impression on Secretary Zhang."

This is an oversimplification by Lü Yao.

This also marks the first instance of a clash between Lü Yao's business acumen and his official mindset.

In business, the idea is to be friends and make money together; but in government offices, although it's essentially the same thing—everyone helps each other out—there are still techniques to doing so.

This shows that if Lü Yao really wanted to enter the government's inner circle, he would definitely run into obstacles everywhere.

Unable to invite the big bosses from Ganzi and Aba, Lü Yao took Rong Nianqing and the others to experience a tent-style yak barbecue hot pot in a local herder's tent, and then they went together to enjoy the bonfire singing and dancing program offered that evening.

The girls singing and dancing around the bonfire here are all carefully selected pretty girls. Several of these beautiful and sweet-voiced girls from the plateau have been photographed and posted online, and they are now quite famous.

Looking at the vibrant food scene filled with songs, Director Zhang exclaimed, "This place has indeed been managed exceptionally well by you, Mr. Lü. On my way here, I noticed that the roads are well-maintained and the shops on both sides of the street are clean and tidy. Thanks to your arrival, Mr. Lü, the development here has taken a leap forward!"

Lü Yao smiled and said, "You flatter me."

Director Zhang grasped Lü Yao's hand, his face filled with a concern for the world's troubles that stirred the emotions within one's heart: "It's no compliment at all. Everyone in Sichuan and western Sichuan will be grateful for your contributions."

As he spoke, Director Zhang deliberately tightened his grip on Lü Yao's hand.

When they returned to the guesthouse, Director Zhang said, "I really wanted to stay here with you all for another night, but I have too much to do, so I have to go back tonight."

What followed was a scene of trying to persuade him to stay and then politely declining. After some back and forth, Director Zhang got into his car and drove away.

After Director Zhang had walked away, Rong Nianqing came to Lü Yao's side and watched Director Zhang's car drive away with him. After a while, she said, "Shall we have a chat?"

Lü Yao smiled and said, "Okay."

Lu Yao and Rong Nianqing arrived at the fire pit and warm room of the guesthouse.

This guesthouse originally didn't have a heated room with a hearth, but in the high-altitude areas of western Sichuan, winters are so cold that it's especially uncomfortable without a heated room. So, Lü Yao paid out of his own pocket to build a heated room in the guesthouse's courtyard.

Lu Yaoming said that when he leaves in the future, he will not dismantle the greenhouse, as it will be a gift for the place. So the guesthouse owner was very happy.

Since it was a greenhouse he was making for himself, Lü Yao naturally put a lot of effort into the materials.

The sizable greenhouse is fully equipped with tea chairs, tea sets, a desk, and a daybed.

This place has become Lü Yao's usual office and rest area.

After Rong Nianqing, Jian Xiaojie, Wang Shu, and Gan Xiaoxi came in, Lü Yao began to make tea for the three of them.

Sitting opposite Lü Yao, Rong Nianqing was the first to speak, saying somewhat unhappily, "So, all you've done is to gain more influence and become someone in the government?"

Lu Yao was taken aback by these words. What kind of talk was this? However, Lu Yao quickly recovered and smiled, saying, "Are you afraid I'll stop doing business? President Rong, with my experience and methods, what kind of position do you think I could get even if I joined the Sichuan system?"

"It's nothing more than think tank or state-owned enterprise management positions. Do you think I have a chance to step onto the real stage?"

Rong Nianqing pouted slightly and muttered, "That's hard to say."

Lü Yao then laughed and said, "What's more, I'm going abroad this year, and I'll have to entrust many things in China to you guys to handle together. The invitation from Sichuan is actually quite meaningless to me."

If he can't get to the center stage on the official stage, then there's no need for him to go too far.

In the business world, he can have even more freedom and possibilities.

Lu Yao spoke very sincerely, but Rong Nianqing was still a little worried. There was nothing she could do; in China, businessmen couldn't compare to officials, and their weight within the Dongda system was completely disproportionate.

The allure of officialdom is an innate gene etched into the very bones of every student at Dongda University.

But being an official isn't so easy.

The path to heaven, with its twelve steps and twenty-seven levels, requires utmost caution at every step. Without a Heavenly Path, reaching the middle to upper levels of this path is virtually impossible, but the allure of the official is simply too great.

As far as Rong Nianqing knew, there was a wealthy man who, after making money, got himself a government position. After a few years in office, he amassed tens of millions of yuan, all of which he spent with his own money. Even so, he didn't get promoted, but he didn't care. He just enjoyed the thrill of it.

Where can you go to reason with this?

Lu Yao was definitely not someone who was content to just enjoy life at the grassroots level, but his wealth and abilities were also far beyond what that multi-millionaire could match.

The resources that Lü Yao now controls are no longer easily measured in monetary terms; some of his industries are already of national significance.

The resources in Lü Yao's possession alone are enough to make Sichuan invest heavily in him, not to mention that Sichuan has a very strong and solid relationship with the Heavenly Palace due to their initial connection.

Rong Nianqing was still filled with worry, but since Lü Yao had already expressed his opinion, she couldn't say anything more.

Rong Nianqing said sincerely to Lü Yao, "Lü Yao, if you ever really want to try a different track, you can tell me. I can help you, and I'm sure I won't be any worse than others."

Lu Yao laughed and raised his hands as if surrendering, saying, "President Rong, I really have no ulterior motives! I swear to God! I, Lu Yao, am yours in life and in death."

This unserious remark actually made Rong Nianqing feel more at ease, which meant that Lü Yao still considered her one of his own.

Hearing Lü Yao's nonsense, Jian Xiaojie couldn't help but laugh: "No wonder the Western god of death is called the god of death, instead of being translated as 'dead ghost.' That 'dead ghost' sounds too indecent."

As she spoke, Jian Xiaojie put her arm around Rong Nianqing's shoulder: "Oh, don't worry. The government is so rigid and dull. How could someone as lively as Lü Yao possibly stay there? He'd be caught in a honey trap in no time."

Lü Yao laughed speechlessly and shook his head repeatedly.

With Lu Yao's assurance and Jian Xiaojie's encouragement, Rong Nianqing's mood finally improved a bit. She then stretched and said, "I didn't even eat properly because of this. Shall we have some late-night snacks later?"

Gan Xiaoxi raised both hands in agreement: "Yay!"

Lü Yao also laughed and said, "Great! I'll show you my work here."

When it was late at night and time to have a late-night snack, Lü Yao took everyone for a drive around the area.

Thanks to Ma Hongyun's online fanbase, the publicity support from local and Sichuan authorities, and the holiday before the Spring Festival, the once obscure Litang County has become bustling with activity. Even at 11 or 12 at night, there are still quite a few people lingering on the streets.

The streets here are lined with small shops run by artistic and homeless young people. They either play music and sing on the street, immerse themselves in the world of painting at their doorsteps, or even rap and dance in the street.

The streets here have become a mecca for artistic and niche youth.

These people were all attracted by Lü Yao through various means.

As long as they have talent, they can get a shop here for free, and the local government will take a share of their earnings as profit.

This method of allocating housing based on merit is very bold and avant-garde for the local area. If it fails, the local area will lose a lot of money.

But Lü Yao succeeded.

The place is becoming more and more popular every day, and the flow of people is getting bigger and bigger.

Before long, this place may become the Dali or Lijiang of Sichuan. Litang, located on the 318 National Highway, has unlimited potential if it is managed properly.

Lu Yao and Rong Nianqing's group sat down at a bar on the streets of Litang, drinking and chatting until after 2 a.m. before heading back.

On the way back, Rong Nianqing exclaimed, "This place is really great, even more fun than Shangnan at night."

Jian Xiaojie said with utter disdain, "What's fun to do at night in Shangnan? I'm speechless!"

Shangnan, or rather the entire Suzhou district, is notoriously boring and has no nightlife.

This is already a common understanding among people who travel frequently.

When they returned to the guesthouse, Lü Yao settled everyone in and prepared to go back to rest. But as soon as he got back to the fire pit and warm room, Lin Yongzhen brought Wang Shu in.

Lin Yongzhen and Wang Shu sat down on the guest sofa in the greenhouse with smiles on their faces, looking at Lü Yao with knowing smiles. Lü Yao didn't stand on ceremony and arrogantly said, "Just you wait!"

But not long after he finished speaking, Jian Xiaojie pushed the door open and came in, then raised her eyebrows and smiled, "Oh, everyone's here."

Lu Yao's kidneys were trembling slightly.

Are we really going to go this far?
Jian Xiaojie looked at Lü Yao with amusement, and seeing the unnatural expression on Lü Yao's face, she laughed and said, "What, you don't welcome me? Isn't that a coincidence? I love seeing you resist!"

Lü Yao: "..."

(The following is a folded text of 1265 words. Click to expand)

……

The atmosphere in the greenhouse became even warmer. Lu Yao lay on the bed, panting heavily. His mind was extremely clear, and his whole being exuded an extraordinary, saintly, and detached aura.

This is normal.

Just as Lü Yao was lost in thought, Wang Shu ran his fingers slowly across Lü Yao's cheeks, feeling the roughness from his fingertips. Wang Shu said with particular concern, "You've lost weight."

Lu Yao smiled and said, "You've gotten darker and your face has become rougher. Have you become a little uglier too?"

Wang Shu laughed: "No, you're even more handsome now, with a more rugged charm."

Jian Xiaojie leaned against the headboard, leisurely smoking a cigarette: "Indeed, but I still prefer how you used to be, so fair and tender, like you could squeeze water out of a pinch. You looked so easy to bully. Damn it! Now, if you pinch my neck, my legs actually go weak!"

Jian Xiaojie's words made everyone laugh.

Jian Xiaojie glared at Lü Yao: "What are you laughing at? Why don't you learn from Yongzhen? Look at her, she's been here for so long, and her face is still so tender and fair. What's wrong with you?"

Lin Yongzhen then stood up for Lü Yao and spoke up for him: "That's different. I don't go out much, and when I do, I cover myself up very well. But Lü Yao has to do things, so he can't be like me."

Jian Xiaojie stubbed out her cigarette: "Oh~~ So protective of Lü Yao now? I'm a little jealous!"

After saying that, he pinned Lin Yongzhen down, determined to have a second chance!

Watching Jian Xiaojie and Lin Yongzhen play sumo wrestling on the bed, Lü Yao was somewhat speechless.

After finally getting through that absurd night, Lü Yao washed up and went out early in the morning, feeling refreshed. When Wang Shu and Jian Xiaojie went out, they were met with a strange look from Gan Xiaoxi.

Wang Shu was shy and blushed immediately.

Jian Xiaojie leaned closer without blushing or skipping a beat, smacking her lips as if savoring a fine wine: "Alas, it's a pity you don't understand the taste of Lü Yao."

Gan Xiaoxi's face twitched.

It’s closer to the north!
What exactly are you showing off?

If not...

If not...

Gan Xiaoxi turned around and glared at Jian Xiaojie, giving her a look that said "I hate you," before walking away angrily.

Seeing Gan Xiaoxi get the short end of the stick, Jian Xiaojie couldn't help but put her hands on her hips and let out a smug laugh, like a villain.

With such a small courtyard at the guesthouse, Lü Yao naturally noticed Jian Xiaojie and Gan Xiaoxi's antics. However, one was a fun-loving person and the other was a mood freak, so Lü Yao wasn't surprised by what they might do together.

He habitually went over to Director Lei's side. The dedicated Director Lei was editing a video. When he saw Lü Yao coming over, he turned around and said, "President Lü, what are our next plans? We've basically finished filming and doing everything we can here."

Lu Yao sat down next to Director Lei: "I don't have any other schedules for the time being. This place has finally developed, so we can continue to explore it. Do any special organizations have contacted you?"

(End of this chapter)