A Tale of Two Cities Supporting Xinjiang

As the date for the second review by the expert group drew ever closer, the shortage of security inspectors weighed heavily on Han Jidong's mind like a boulder.

In the early hours of that day, before dawn, Han Jidong lay in bed staring at the ceiling, his mind replaying the airport's predicament of being short-staffed.

With the 30-day rectification period fast approaching, he couldn't find any professional staff, the existing employees were barely holding on, and the operations manual had been revised eight times but still didn't meet the standards. He was so worried that his hair was almost turning white.

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck Han Jidong, and he slapped his thigh hard.

Which of the local herders in Shihezi isn't hardworking and resilient? They herd their livestock in the wind and rain every day, braving wind and snow without ever complaining. They are down-to-earth and law-abiding, and most of them are quick-witted and sharp-eyed. Doesn't this perfectly match the requirements of security inspectors?

But as soon as the thought popped into his head, the scene of 20 security guards resigning together last time immediately came to mind.

Those people left him back then because they thought the wages were too low and they couldn't learn how to operate the equipment, leaving him with a mess. Now, when he wants to find herders again, he's bound to be hesitant.

"We can't blindly hire people like we did last time."

Han Jidong muttered to himself, jumped out of bed without even brushing his teeth or eating breakfast, grabbed his coat and ran outside.

Last time I failed because I didn't find the right person to connect me with; this time I must find a reliable local person to act as a go-between.

After making inquiries, he learned from Yang Zhitong that Uncle Abduga Token, a herdsman, was highly respected and influential. He had previously led and coordinated many village affairs, and the recruitment of herdsmen would not be possible without him.

Han Jidong quickly found Abduja Token through Yang Zhiyong's introduction.

Upon meeting, he got straight to the point, saying sincerely, "Uncle Token, our airport is in dire need of security personnel. I think the herders are hardworking and reliable. If they could work at the airport, they would not only have a stable income but also contribute to the airport in their hometown. Could you help us get them involved?"

Abduja Token nodded and said, "Director Han, the airport is a major event for our local area, and I'm willing to help you. But let me be frank, some people have worked there before, and it was tiring and unsafe. Many people have been traumatized by it. I can't guarantee whether I can persuade everyone."

Sure enough, when the news of Abduja Token spread among the herders, the general mood was low.

Some people muttered, "Being a security inspector sounds complicated, and you have to learn a skill. We can't read much, so we definitely won't be able to learn it."

Some people worried: "I heard the work is physically demanding, you have to stand all day, and the pay isn't necessarily good. I don't want to work for nothing."

Some older herders shook their heads, saying, "We only know how to herd livestock; we can't do that kind of delicate work, so let's just forget about it."

The recruitment process was far from as smooth as Han Jidong had hoped. Looking at the deserted registration point, he was anxious and frustrated, but he had no intention of backing down.

"I've addressed all the concerns everyone had!"

In front of the herders, Han Jidong patted his chest and guaranteed, "First, the pay is definitely higher than ordinary local jobs, and social security is also provided; second, the work is done on a shift system, and there will be no overtime; third, I will personally supervise the training, with translation and practical exercises, guaranteeing that you will learn it, and I will provide individual tutoring for those who don't learn it!"

To allay everyone's concerns, Han Jidong went door-to-door to explain the benefits, working hours, and training arrangements, and promised to continue paying basic wages during the training period.

Sincerity always moves people, and in the end, 15 herders were willing to give it a try and signed up.

As soon as the recruitment was completed, Han Jidong immediately started training security inspectors.

He specifically invited Aikberjan, who was familiar with the local language and customs, to serve as the training assistant. "Aikberjan, the communication is up to you. Make sure everyone understands and learns thoroughly!"

Aikberjan patted his chest and assured him, "Director Han, don't worry, there won't be any problems!"

Although the herder trainees had limited formal education, they were exceptionally diligent in their studies. In class, they stared intently at the slides, afraid of missing a single point; in practical sessions, they repeatedly practiced using the security inspection equipment, their hands developing calluses without complaint.

Seeing everyone's enthusiasm, Han Jidong finally felt much more at ease.

Han Jidong also contacted his former colleagues at Dalian Airport, retrieved the mature operations manual, and stayed up all night to revise and improve it based on the actual situation of Shihezi Garden Airport.

He meticulously refined every word and sentence, revising it again and again until he was satisfied, identifying any procedures that didn't fit the local context and any security standards that needed further refinement.

Not long after, a team of experts from the Civil Aviation Administration of China came to inspect the site again.

When they saw 15 herder trainees skillfully operating the security inspection equipment and demonstrating the procedures, and when they reviewed the revised operation manual and safety plan by Han Jidong, they were all shocked.

The team leader couldn't help but exclaim, "Director Han, when you came last time, you didn't even have any professional staff. I didn't expect you to change so much in such a short time!"

The manual was practical, the safety plan was comprehensive, and the training results for the trainees exceeded expectations—it was truly surprising!

Another expert added, "At this rate, if we complete the follow-up work as soon as possible, we can fully meet the standards for commencement of operations. We will report back truthfully upon our return and look forward to your good news!"

Seeing the experts' approving looks, Han Jidong finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you for your recognition, experts. We will definitely work hard to ensure that we meet the standards and set sail as soon as possible!"

The day after returning from the village, Li Chao's mind was filled with images of the fields of the Ninth Company of the 143rd Regiment in Shihezi and the scenes of the villagers telling him about the difficulties of farming.

Li Chao volunteered to go to Xinjiang because he wanted to make some achievements in this land known as the "Hometown of Peaches".

However, the fruit tree planting in Jiulian has repeatedly failed. If we can't even open up the planting industry here, what credibility does the aid to Xinjiang have?

The more he thought about it, the more unwilling he became. Yesterday, he followed Aihmaiti Tursun on a quick tour of several plots of land, but he felt that something was still missing from what he heard.

No, we must go back to the Ninth Company of the 143rd Regiment and ask each household to find out whether it's a problem with the variety, the technique, or whether the villagers simply don't want to try.

As soon as it was time for work, Li Chao approached Aihmaiti Tursun and shared his ideas.

"Li Chao, didn't we see it yesterday? That's the situation in the Ninth Company. In winter, when it's minus thirty degrees Celsius, it's hard for any fruit trees to survive."

"Director Ai, I feel that the information I gathered yesterday was somewhat one-sided. I would like to conduct another door-to-door survey to understand everyone's true thoughts."

Aihmaiti Tursun put down his pen and sighed.

"Over the years, he has seen many cadres come to the Ninth Company of the 143rd Regiment to promote planting. After all, this place is known as the hometown of Chinese flat peaches, and everyone wants to make a name for themselves in fruit tree planting."

They all came with big promises, pounding their chests and vowing to help everyone get rich, but what happened in the end? Either the crops weren't suited to the local climate, or the technology wasn't up to par, and the villagers worked for nothing, some even losing money.

After this happened so many times, not only did the villagers lose faith, but even he, as the company commander, lost confidence. Li Chao, I'm not trying to discourage you, but this is really difficult. So many commanders came full of confidence, only to be met with setbacks and leave.

Besides, I have a mountain of work to do right now, and I really can't find the time to go with you.

Li Chao immediately replied, "I don't need you to accompany me! Just recommend someone who is familiar with the local situation. As long as someone can take me into the house and translate a few sentences for me, that's fine. I can handle the rest myself."

Aihmaiti Tursun was so bothered by him that he thought to himself: it's good to let him experience the setbacks. Once he sees the resistance from the villagers of the Ninth Company with his own eyes and hears their complaints with his own ears, he will naturally give up.