Nominal: Who isn't a son-in-law?

"Um,"

Zhao Dagong nodded heavily.

"Governor, do you have any instructions, for example, regarding artificial intelligence?"

"We old folks have no real understanding of these novel things."

Zhao Zhi paused for a moment, then suggested, "But from a long-term and overall perspective, this is something we have to do, and it will definitely be one of the future hot trends."

"Electronic products are being iterated very quickly now, and information technology is being rolled out in all directions, becoming deeper and more intelligent. Foreign countries are investing in research in this area. In terms of people's livelihood, industry, microbial engineering, and scientific research, the role of artificial intelligence in development cannot be underestimated. Whoever moves faster will gain the upper hand."

"The cuts to our R&D funding have certainly had an impact, but it doesn't mean we've stopped making progress; it just means our progress has been limited."

Zhao Zhi spoke, then thought for a moment,

"We have a high degree of autonomy in this project. I think we can start from the policy aspect. Secretary Chu will definitely agree to this. We need to come up with a charter first. In addition, for scientific research, besides money and policy, it's all about people."

"Governor, look, if I hadn't asked, you would have kept all these brilliant ideas to yourself without revealing a single one."

Zhao Dagong first offered flattery, then thought it over carefully, slapped his thigh, and said, "Let's do it this way. It's not a lot of money, but it's not a small amount either. As for the subsequent R&D investment, I'll try to get them to find a balance point and allocate a portion of the funds specifically for talent development."

"That's right. If you want a horse to run, you have to feed it grass."

Zhao Zhi expressed his approval, then thought of something else and reminded him: "Comrade Dagong, we should recruit talent, but remember to do thorough investigation and research. Don't hire experts and scholars who are all talk and no action. We are willing to spend money, but we must not waste it."

"Don't worry about that. I'll talk to the Science and Technology Bureau and have them recruit openly, selecting from research institutes and universities. Even if it costs more, as long as we find capable people."

Zhao Dagong knew those people's nature very well.

Some people hold empty titles, relying on their connections to gain fame and make money.

When it comes to actually doing the work, they don't even know what H2O is.

Moreover, this phenomenon is quite common.

Some literary and artistic workers can even write about this urinal line and that urinal hole, yet they are very famous and can become literature professors.

If that works, then he thinks that Comrade Xi Hongshi from Handong could become the chairman of the association just by writing a few lines.

All I can say is that the people in charge of the review at the association are just sitting around doing nothing, treating people differently based on their status.

Therefore, Zhao Dagong would definitely pay attention to this issue.

With no hope of advancement, all one can do is work well, stay a few more years, and try to seize that slim chance. Even if someone tries to pull strings, don't blame them for not showing any leniency.

Of course, it's not impossible if the person who greets him is strong enough to bypass Chu Shijun and let him advance directly.

The problem is, this possibility simply doesn't exist.

Having calmed down and figured out the next steps, Zhao Dagong didn't linger and got up to take his leave.

He planned to get things settled as soon as possible and also inquire about the progress at Handong and another research and development site.

……

At this time, in Henan Province.

In the office, Mu Yu finished receiving a call from Chu Shijun and, not daring to delay, quickly had someone inquire about what had happened.

The key is to look at the situation in Xinjiang, specifically whether it relates to the project and whether there are any conflicts with our local funding approval process.

After a few phone calls, the truth came out: the project had been stalled.

Then, he thought about the secretary of the city that Chu Shijun had mentioned, looked at the information, and immediately understood.

So this is under the Prime Minister's residence, huh? They're somehow related.

After careful consideration, he made a decision and sent someone over—the provincial development and reform commission director, who was a high-ranking official, equivalent to a vice-provincial level official.

"Governor, this is the project document for the new city."

"Um,"

Mu Yu nodded, took the document, but didn't look at it. She pointed to the chair opposite her and said, "Comrade Mei Ming, please sit down."

After the other party sat down, he slowly and deliberately asked, "How is the approval process for this project going?"

To be honest, it's just one last step away from getting the stamp.

But Mei Ming didn't know Mu Yu's intention—whether it was approval or a change of plans.

After all, it was discussed at the provincial executive meeting before. If there were any problems, we would have discussed them then. If there were no problems, what would we do if we were to name names now?

With this in mind, Mei Ming gave a compromise answer: "It's like this, Governor, we are conducting specific research on this project. You told the Secretary before that for projects, big or small, we must make specific assessments and not rush into implementation, otherwise we'll be wise after the event if problems arise."

"Therefore, we attach great importance to these key municipal projects. Our colleagues are conducting rounds of detailed investigations to find problems and propose solutions, and to implement projects without problems."

"Yes, Comrade Mei Ming, your understanding is excellent. The approval process for major projects must be rigorous."

Mu Yu's face showed approval.

"Governor, it's all thanks to your excellent instructions," Mei Ming said hurriedly.

"hehe,"

Mu Yu smiled faintly, then asked meaningfully, "Comrade Mei Ming, after your detailed investigation of this project, have you found any problems that need improvement?"

Ok?

That's what I meant?

Is it that you're suddenly dissatisfied with the project, or with the people involved?

Mei Ming glanced at him cautiously, then said, "Governor, during the investigation, we did find some issues in certain areas. In the spirit of striving for excellence, we are continuing to discuss them in depth."

If you ask if there's a problem, then there is a problem. I'll answer that there's a small problem. But if you tell me specifically what the problem is, I'll be able to find out the exact size of the problem later.

So, tell me, is there a problem with my reply?

"Very good, Comrade Mei Ming. Your Development and Reform Commission should have a meticulous attitude towards project implementation and approval. If you take some time to find the shortcomings, it will actually save more time and reduce a lot of unnecessary trouble in the specific implementation."

Upon hearing this, Mei Ming, with the professionalism expected of a cadre, knew that he needed to find a problem with this project.

"Alright, since there are problems, you should point them out in a timely manner. After all, if this project is implemented, the amount of funding will be substantial, so we need to be more careful. Rushing to report it and being eager for quick results shows that some comrades are too eager for advancement and have lost the proper attitude towards problems. We must be responsible to the people and cannot sit idly by and let such phenomena appear and spread."

Mu Yu said in a deep voice,

"Comrade Mei Ming, after you return, provide the new city with a clear official document reply regarding the problems discovered during the approval process. The wording should be strong, and you should criticize their municipal party committee and government. Approval will only be granted when the issues are rectified."

"Yes, yes, Governor, rest assured, I will definitely instruct my comrades to meticulously identify problems and ensure that every project, big or small, is implemented effectively and responsibly for the people."

Mei Ming nodded in assurance.