Reborn in 2000: I'm the Boss's Driver

In early June, the provincial capital entered the plum rain season. For several days in a row, the sky was leaden gray, with intermittent drizzle and a damp atmosphere in the air.

The deputy secretary's office on the third floor of the provincial party committee office building was more spacious than his previous office in the provincial government. One wall was lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and the other wall displayed a map of the entire province and a transportation planning map. Zhou Wenyuan sat behind his large desk, with two documents spread out in front of him—one an analysis of the province's economic performance in the first half of the year, and the other a pilot program for the reform of the development zone's system and mechanisms.

He rubbed his temples, picked up the now-cold tea, and took a sip.

During his two months concurrently serving as Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, he truly experienced what it meant to "fight on two fronts." On the government side, there were countless tasks related to industrial operations, major projects, and state-owned asset supervision; on the provincial party committee side, there were important matters such as Party building, ideology, and the cadre team. His daily working hours had been extended to sixteen hours, and even then, he still felt that there wasn't enough time.

A knock came at the door.

"Come in."

Lin Fan walked in carrying a stack of documents, his clothes still slightly damp from the outside air: "Secretary Zhou, these are urgent documents that need your approval today. Also, Secretary Chu's office notified us that a special meeting of the Secretary will be held tomorrow morning at nine o'clock to discuss the reform of the development zone and the economic work for the second half of the year."

"Understood." Zhou Wenyuan took the document and quickly flipped through it. "Have you compiled the feedback from various cities regarding the development zone plan?"

"I've compiled the list." Lin Fan pulled out a document from the files. "Of the eight pilot cities, five have expressed their full support, two have requested increased financial support from the province, and one..." He paused, "Pingzhou City's attitude is rather ambiguous."

Zhou Wenyuan frowned slightly: "Pingzhou? What specific opinions do they have?"

"The written feedback was 'It is recommended to proceed cautiously and fully consider the local realities,'" Lin Fan said. "But I privately inquired with people in the Pingzhou Municipal Party Committee Office, and they were mainly worried that the adjustment of the management authority of the development zone after the reform would affect some existing... interest patterns."

The words were phrased tactfully, but Zhou Wenyuan understood them.

Pingzhou is a major economic city with a large development zone and many historical issues. The core of this reform is to "de-regulate and empower" the development zone while strengthening supervision and constraints, which will inevitably touch upon some deeply entrenched interests. Pingzhou's ambiguous attitude may be a wait-and-see approach, or it may be an attempt to gain more bargaining power for itself.

"Call the Party Secretary of Pingzhou City," Zhou Wenyuan pondered for a moment, "and tell him I'm free tomorrow afternoon and would like to invite him over so I can hear his thoughts in person."

"Okay." Lin Fan noted it down. "There's one more thing. The Provincial Letters and Visits Bureau reported a significant increase in petitions related to the protection of the rights and interests of private entrepreneurs recently, mainly focusing on difficulties in financing, 'glass ceilings' in policy implementation, and irregular law enforcement. They suggested that you consider leading a symposium for private enterprises?"

Zhou Wenyuan nodded: "That's a good suggestion. Have the General Office, the United Front Work Department, and the Federation of Industry and Commerce work together to draft a plan as soon as possible. Remember, it should involve entrepreneurs who are genuinely facing difficulties and dare to speak out; don't turn it into a commendation ceremony."

"clear."

After Lin Fan left, Zhou Wenyuan continued reading the documents. His gaze fell on a set of data in the economic analysis report: the growth rate of private investment in the first half of the year decreased by 2.3 percentage points year-on-year, and the manufacturing PMI remained on the edge of expansion for three consecutive months.

He picked up a red pen and heavily underlined several key data points.

The growing pains of the anti-corruption case in the medical field are more pronounced than he anticipated. A mentality of "avoiding responsibility" and "lying down" is emerging among some officials, and in some areas, policy implementation suffers from a "one-size-fits-all" approach or excessive layering of restrictions, impacting business confidence and market vitality.

This issue must be brought to the table at tomorrow's special meeting of the Party Secretary.

At 4 p.m., Zhou Wenyuan went to the Provincial Development and Reform Commission for research as planned. The topic was the mid-term evaluation of the "14th Five-Year Plan" and the reserve of major projects.

The research meeting lasted for more than two hours. The director of the National Development and Reform Commission gave a very detailed report, but Zhou Wenyuan could tell that many projects were encountering obstacles—land, environmental protection, funding, and most importantly, the responsibility of officials.

"Secretary Zhou, it's not that we don't want to speed things up," a deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission said with a wry smile. "These days, many departments prefer to avoid trouble. A project requires dozens of stamps, and everyone at every stage is afraid of taking responsibility, so they drag their feet as much as possible. It's very difficult for us to coordinate."

Zhou Wenyuan did not give an immediate answer, but instead asked, "Which projects were the most difficult? At what specific stage were they stalled? Who is responsible?"

The question was direct, and the room fell silent for a moment.

"Alright," Zhou Wenyuan closed his notebook, "I'll give you a week to make a list of all the bottleneck projects, processes, and responsible persons. Don't be vague; be specific about the issues and the people involved."

The leaders of the National Development and Reform Commission looked at each other, and finally the director reluctantly agreed: "Okay, Secretary Zhou."

On the way back, Zhou Wenyuan said to Lin Fan, "See? The problem isn't with those below, it's with those above us. We haven't created an environment that encourages our cadres to take action."

Lin Fan deeply agreed: "Last time you mentioned 'upholding the bottom line, daring to take responsibility, and promoting development,' many cadres were very encouraged, but when it comes to putting it into action, they still have concerns."

"So just shouting slogans won't work." Zhou Wenyuan looked at the city through the rain outside the window. "We need to take concrete measures. Xiao Fan, take note: First, compile a batch of specific cases of tolerance and correction for mistakes, and release them publicly to reassure cadres; second, make an example of those who deliberately delay or shirk responsibility, and deal with them seriously; third, simplify the project approval process, parallelizing what can be done and delegating what can be delegated."

Lin Fan quickly took notes: "Should these measures be mentioned at tomorrow's special meeting of the Party Secretary?"

"It must be brought up," Zhou Wenyuan said firmly. "And we should strive to get it formally documented by the Provincial Party Committee. I'll communicate with Secretary Chu first."

At 7 p.m., Zhou Wenyuan had a quick dinner in the cafeteria and returned to his office. His speech outline for tomorrow's meeting still needed polishing.

At 8:30, Chu Yunshan called.

"Wen Yuan, are you still at get off work?"

"Secretary Chu, I'm in my office. What are your instructions?"

"It's not really an instruction," Chu Yunshan said with a smile. "The development zone reform will be the main topic of tomorrow's meeting. How's the communication with Old Liu in Pingzhou going?"

Zhou Wenyuan's heart skipped a beat—Secretary Chu was very well-informed.

"I've arranged for him to come over tomorrow afternoon to discuss this. The situation in Pingzhou is rather complicated, and we might need some support from the province."

"Support what needs to be supported, but we cannot compromise on principles," Chu Yunshan said. "The reform of the development zone is a grand plan set by the provincial party committee, and it cannot be distorted or deviated from just because some places have difficulties. Wenyuan, you are in charge of this matter, so you need to have some courage."

"I understand. Secretary Chu, there's another matter I'd like to report to you..."

Zhou Wenyuan explained the current phenomenon of "not daring to act" and "not being willing to act" among cadres, as well as his initial thoughts.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone.

"Wen Yuan, I've noticed the problem you raised," Chu Yunshan said slowly. "Anti-corruption is about treating diseased trees and uprooting rotten ones, ultimately to protect the forest. Some officials are now having the idea of ​​'doing less and making fewer mistakes,' which won't do. The measures you proposed are on the right track. We can discuss them in detail at tomorrow's meeting. However..."

He then changed the subject: "We must be cautious when dealing with people. People's hearts have just begun to settle down, so it's not advisable to make any drastic moves. I think we can start with positive incentives and process optimization to send a clear signal. What do you think?"

Zhou Wenyuan sensed Chu Yunshan's caution. This newly appointed provincial party secretary clearly wanted stability as the top priority.

"Secretary Chu's considerations are very thorough. Then I'll adjust the focus and first determine the incentive and process optimization measures."

"Okay. You can handle the details." Chu Yunshan added, "By the way, the Central Inspection Team is coming next month to conduct a routine inspection. You need to take the lead in the relevant preparations. Especially on the government side, major decisions, projects, and funds need to be reviewed in advance so that you have a clear understanding of them."

"Okay, I'll deploy it immediately."

After hanging up the phone, Zhou Wenyuan leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh.

The phrase "central inspection" signifies that all work will be conducted under stricter scrutiny for the next few months. No mistakes can be made, and certainly no problems can be allowed to arise.

He picked up a pen and made marks on the calendar.

The rain outside the window has started to intensify again.

The following morning, a special meeting was held by the provincial party secretary.

In the small conference room, Chu Yunshan sat in the center, with Zhou Wenyuan and another full-time deputy secretary sitting on either side. The provincial party committee secretary-general, the organization minister, the executive vice governor, and heads of relevant departments were also present.

The meeting began with a report from the National Development and Reform Commission on the economic performance in the first half of the year and recommendations for work in the second half. The data presented revealed a less than optimistic situation.

"Investment is weak, consumption is sluggish, and foreign trade is under pressure." Chu Yunshan tapped his fingers on the table. "The key issue is a lack of confidence. Businesses are afraid to invest, and officials are afraid to take action. If this problem isn't solved, achieving the annual target will be nothing but empty talk."

He looked at Zhou Wenyuan: "Comrade Wenyuan, you are in charge of economic affairs and Party affairs, what are your thoughts?"

Zhou Wenyuan opened the prepared materials: "I agree with Secretary Chu's assessment. The primary task at present is to stabilize expectations and strengthen confidence. I suggest starting from three aspects: First, introduce specific measures to support the development and growth of the private economy as soon as possible, and effectively solve difficulties in financing, land use, and employment; second, deepen the 'streamlining administration, delegating power, and improving services' reform, taking the reform of the development zone system and mechanism as a breakthrough to create a new high ground for the business environment; third, establish and improve the incentive and protection mechanism for cadres to take responsibility and act. As Secretary Chu just emphasized, we should focus on positive incentives and create an atmosphere of 'supporting those who take responsibility and holding those accountable'."

He paused, then emphasized, "Especially the reform of the development zones, it can't be delayed any longer. Of the eight pilot cities, seven have already started, and Pingzhou cannot be left behind. I suggest establishing a provincial leading group, with myself as the group leader, to strongly promote this reform. Those who fail to implement the reform effectively or shirk their responsibilities should be held strictly accountable."

The room fell silent for a moment.

The Organization Minister spoke up: "Secretary Wenyuan, isn't this a bit too hasty in demanding accountability? Pingzhou's situation is unique; shouldn't we give them some more time to work on it?"

"Time waits for no one," Zhou Wenyuan said firmly. "The first half of the year is over, and we must make up for it in the second half. I know the situation in Pingzhou; it's precisely because it's complex that the province needs to be determined to push things forward. If everyone uses the excuse of special circumstances to delay, how can the reforms proceed?"

Chu Yunshan looked at Zhou Wenyuan, then at the other attendees, and finally made his decision: "I agree with Comrade Wenyuan's opinion. The reform of the development zone is a decision of the Provincial Party Committee, and it must be implemented without fail. As for the problems in Pingzhou, Wenyuan, you should personally take charge. If necessary, I can step in. As for the cadre incentive measures, the Organization Department will take the lead, with Wenyuan cooperating, and come up with workable solutions as soon as possible."

He looked around and said, "Comrades, the Central Inspection Team will be here next month. How will we face the inspection? Will we be enterprising and responsible, or will we be timid and complacent? The answer is clear. From now on, everyone must be alert, do our work diligently, and shoulder our responsibilities."

With the Party Secretary setting the tone, no one else naturally had any objections.

The meeting then discussed several other tasks. It was nearly noon when the meeting adjourned.

Zhou Wenyuan returned to his office, where Lin Fan was already waiting.

"Secretary Liu from Pingzhou has contacted me; Secretary Liu will arrive at 3 PM."

"Okay. You will attend the meeting this afternoon," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Also, notify the General Office and the Reform Office that the first meeting of the Leading Group for Development Zone Reform will be held at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow, with the vice mayors in charge of the eight pilot cities and the directors of the development zones in attendance."

"So fast?" Lin Fan was somewhat surprised.

"We have to act fast." Zhou Wenyuan took off his coat. "Secretary Chu gave us a powerful tool at the meeting today, and we must use it well. We need to ride this momentum and break through the biggest obstacle."

At 3 p.m., Liu Jianguo, secretary of the Pingzhou Municipal Party Committee, arrived on time.

Liu Jianguo, in his early fifties, had worked in Pingzhou for many years and was a locally grown cadre. He was tough but also quite pragmatic. After exchanging pleasantries, the two quickly got down to business.

"Secretary Zhou, it's not that we don't support reform," Liu Jianguo said bluntly. "Pingzhou Development Zone has a special situation, with a heavy historical burden and a complex mix of businesses. I'm afraid that rushing into reform could trigger a chain reaction and affect stability."

"Old Liu, let's get straight to the point." Zhou Wenyuan poured him a cup of tea. "What exactly do you mean by the 'chain reaction' you're worried about? Are you afraid of it affecting the vested interests of certain companies, or are you worried that the reshuffling of the development zone's leadership will cause conflicts?"

Liu Jianguo was taken aback by Zhou Wenyuan's directness. He paused for a moment before forcing a wry smile: "Both. Secretary Zhou, as you know, the Pingzhou Development Zone made some promises in the early years to attract investment... which now seem rather irregular. Also, several cadres in the management committee are from the old development zone. Taking action against them will have far-reaching consequences."

"The problems that are not properly regulated can be regulated through reform." Zhou Wenyuan's tone was calm but firm. "Old Liu, I know you have difficulties. The province is not going to take a one-size-fits-all approach. The reform plan can be slightly adjusted according to the actual situation in Pingzhou. But the direction and core principles of the reform cannot be changed. The management committee needs to be streamlined and strengthened, focusing on its main responsibility of economic development; approval authority should be delegated as much as possible to improve efficiency; historical issues should be dealt with in a classified manner and resolved in accordance with laws and regulations."

He produced the minutes of the morning's special meeting of the Party Secretary: "This is the attitude of Secretary Chu and the Provincial Party Committee. Pingzhou is a major economic city and should be at the forefront of reform. The province will support you, but you must also demonstrate determination and action."

Liu Jianguo's expression shifted as he looked at the minutes. He understood that this was not Zhou Wenyuan's personal opinion, but a collective decision of the Provincial Party Committee.

"Secretary Zhou, since the Provincial Party Committee has made this decision, Pingzhou will resolutely implement it." He finally stated, "However, some specific issues may require coordination from the province, especially those involving the delegation of authority from provincial departments and the handling of historical issues of some enterprises..."

"That's easy to discuss." Seeing that the other party had relented, Zhou Wenyuan's tone softened. "The leading group will meet tomorrow. Bring up your specific issues, and we'll coordinate on-site. If I need to be involved, I'll handle it. In short, we all share the same goal: to implement reforms effectively, revitalize the development zone, and boost the economy."

It was already evening when Liu Jianguo left.

The rain stopped, and a rare sunset glow appeared in the western sky.

Lin Fan, while organizing the meeting minutes, said, "Secretary Liu's attitude changed faster than expected."

"He hasn't changed his mind; he's just seen the situation clearly." Zhou Wenyuan stood by the window. "Secretary Chu made his stance clear at the meeting. If he continues to resist, it will become a political issue. Old Liu is a smart man; he knows when to stand firm and when to compromise."

He turned around: "However, the specific issues he raised are indeed real difficulties. Tomorrow's leadership group meeting requires us to be prepared for a tough battle. Notify the relevant departments that the top leader must attend; no deputy may be sent."

"OK."

After Lin Fan left, Zhou Wenyuan sat alone in his office for a while.

The table lamp was on, casting a warm halo in the dimming room.

He recalled his conversation with Liu Jianguo, Chu Yunshan's support at the morning's special meeting, and the pressure behind the economic data.

The road ahead is long and the challenges are numerous.