A Tale of Two Cities Supporting Xinjiang

After reviewing all the materials, Li Guoqiang pondered for a moment and said, "Director Yang, we understand your situation and we are also clear about the herders' demands."

This project involves ecological protection, the interests of herders, and local development; it's indeed very complex and cannot be resolved in just a day or two. We will organize expert consultations and hold special meetings to discuss it as soon as possible, and give you and the herders a response as soon as possible.

Yang Zhitong's biggest worry was this as soon as possible.

But looking into Li Guoqiang's serious eyes, he knew that the other party was not just being perfunctory; the matter was indeed complicated.

He wanted to try again, but the words stuck in his throat.

"Thank you, Director Li. Please expedite the process; the herders are still waiting for news."

"Don't worry, we will take it seriously."

Li Guoqiang nodded. "We'll keep the materials for our study, and we'll let you know as soon as we have the results."

Yang Zhitong dragged his tired body back to his workplace. He had barely sat down when the office door was pushed open.

Abduja Token led a dozen or so herders in, all of them with anxious expressions on their faces, with Alimu following behind.

"Director Yang, three days have passed. Have you heard anything from the Department of Natural Resources?"

Uncle Token, Abduja Token, spoke first, his tone full of anticipation, "We people at the pastoral area are all waiting to know how the water channel and lake issue will be resolved."

Yang Zhitong's heart sank, and he had no choice but to stand up and say truthfully, "Uncle Token, fellow villagers, I have reported the situation to the Department of Natural Resources and submitted a proposal and a petition."

The leader said the matter was very complicated, requiring expert review and discussion at a meeting, and asked us to wait.

"Wait a little longer?"

A young herdsman couldn't help but shout, "Director Yang, your visit is as good as your absence! We can wait, but the crops in the fields can't, and neither can the cattle and sheep!"

"Exactly! The project hasn't started, which has delayed the construction schedule. Will things change again later?"

Another herdsman chimed in, his face gradually turning angry. "We put our red handprints in support of the project, but now we haven't even received a definite answer. Aren't they just playing us for fools?"

The herders talked amongst themselves, their emotions growing increasingly agitated.

Looking at their flushed faces, Yang Zhitong felt a pang of guilt and helplessness.

"Everyone, calm down and listen to me."

Yang Zhitong tried to keep his voice steady: "I know everyone is anxious, but this matter involves many aspects and cannot be decided in a day or two. Please trust me one more time. I will definitely keep an eye on this matter and let everyone know as soon as I have any news."

"How much longer?" someone asked.

"I...I don't know, but I promise I'll go to the Department of Natural Resources every day to inquire about information," Yang Zhitong gritted his teeth and made the promise.

Although the herders were still dissatisfied, seeing Yang Zhitong's tired yet determined appearance, they didn't dare to criticize him too much.

Abduja Token sighed, "Director Yang, you have to hurry. We can't keep waiting."

After seeing the herdsmen off, Yang Zhitong sat in a chair, feeling utterly overwhelmed.

The livelihoods of the herders, the progress of the project, and his wife's worry in the hospital—all sorts of problems tangled in his mind like a mess of yarn, making it hard for him to breathe.

Having no other choice, Yang Zhitong went to Zhou Mingyu of the management committee to confide his troubles.

After listening to Yang Zhitong's explanation, Zhou Mingyu pondered for a moment and said, "Yang Zhitong, don't be too anxious. This matter is indeed tricky. Relying solely on the Department of Natural Resources is too slow. I'll also raise the issue through the Management Committee, so we can have another approach and try to get results as soon as possible."

He paused, then said, "I'll go talk to the herders and ask them to be patient and wait a little longer. I'll also try to work with the companies and negotiate with them to see if we can find the best solution that takes into account the interests of all parties."

The next day, Zhou Mingyu made a special trip to the Qianquanhu pasture and stated in front of the herders: "Fellow villagers, Director Yang has been working tirelessly for your sake, and we are also actively communicating with the Department of Natural Resources."

Please give us a little more time. We will definitely give you a satisfactory answer and will never allow your interests to be harmed.

With Zhou Mingyu's promise, the herders' emotions calmed down a little.

Zhou Mingyu didn't dare to delay and drove straight to Tianye Group to find the person in charge, General Manager Zhao.

Upon meeting, Zhou Mingyu got straight to the point, laying out the herders' core demands: "President Zhao, Qianquan Lake is the lifeblood of the herders. Their support for the project is genuine, but their bottom line is that the lake water cannot be polluted and the irrigation canals cannot be encroached upon. We hope you can understand this."

Mr. Zhao's face showed obvious impatience. "Director Zhou, Yang Zhitong has already told me all of this. But the project needs to move forward, and the costs are what they are. If we do everything according to the herders' demands, our profit margin will be too narrow."

"Mr. Zhao, I understand your concerns, but we need to look at the long term."

Zhou Mingyu patiently explained: "If the ecological environment of Qianquan Lake is well protected, the project can operate in the long term, which is also a long-term benefit for the company."

Furthermore, the management committee will do its best to coordinate, such as providing you with convenience in policy support and land approval procedures, to minimize your costs.

He added, "The herders aren't unreasonable. As long as you don't cross their bottom line, they're willing to help you, which can save you a lot of trouble."

We need to find a balance that protects the interests of the herders while ensuring the smooth progress of the project, achieving a win-win situation.

Zhou Mingyu talked for a long time, from the long-term development of the project to social responsibility, and from policy support to the cooperation of herders, repeatedly communicating and negotiating, but General Manager Zhao kept frowning and did not budge.

Finally, he stood up, his tone firm yet slightly dismissive, "Director Zhou, I understand what you're saying, but this isn't something I can decide alone."

Environmental protection investments and plan adjustments all need to be reported to head office and await a decision from higher-ups. I can only give you a definite answer now: I will report the situation truthfully, but whether it will be approved, and when it will be approved, I cannot say for sure.

Zhou Mingyu's heart sank, but he still wanted to plead: "President Zhao, the project can't afford to be delayed, and the herders can't wait any longer. Could you please urge the head office to give us a reply as soon as possible?"

"I will do my best, but as you know, large companies have many processes, and you can't rush them."

General Manager Zhao waved his hand, signaling Zhou to leave: "Director Zhou, you can go back now. I will let you know as soon as I have any news."