Special forces soldier demobilization: Starting from the county government compound, a meteoric rise

The next morning at nine o'clock, at the National Development and Reform Commission, in the first conference room.

A small welcome party specially organized for Liu Ming is being held here. Although it is called "small", the level of attendance is surprisingly high.

The director of the National Development and Reform Commission, an elderly leader with graying hair who was about to retire, personally presided over the meeting.

Seated below were the heads of more than twenty departments and bureaus under the National Development and Reform Commission. Any one of these people could be a powerful figure whose influence could shake the economy of an entire province.

Liu Ming was sitting next to the director.

At thirty years old, he stood out conspicuously among a group of "old men" whose average age was over fifty. It was like a falcon whose feathers had not yet fully grown into a flock of gray pigeons.

"Comrades, please be quiet."

The old director cleared his throat, picked up the microphone in front of him, and wore a warm smile on his face.

"Today, our National Development and Reform Commission welcomes a new comrade, who is also a... formidable general."

He pointed to Liu Ming beside him, his tone full of undisguised admiration.

[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name: 10 ...

"Comrade Liu Ming, I believe that even if you haven't met him in person, you've all heard of his great name. The earth-shaking economic turnaround in Jiangnan Province was spearheaded by this young man. His 'Jiangnan New Deal' has now been listed by the central government as a benchmark model for local reforms."

"Now, the Central Committee has decided to transfer Comrade Liu Ming to our High-Tech Industry Department to serve as its head. This is an affirmation of the work of our National Development and Reform Commission, and also a sign of trust in Comrade Liu Ming's abilities."

The former director led the applause.

A sparse yet meaningful round of applause rang out from below the stage.

Amid the applause, all sorts of gazes were cast.

I'm curious.

There was scrutiny.

It shows goodwill.

Naturally, there was also... hostility.

Liu Ming could clearly feel that the middle-aged man sitting diagonally opposite him, wearing a sign that read "Basic Industries Division," was looking at him as if he were a child who had stolen his candy.

Further away, Zhao Ruihu, who kept his head down and pretended to look at documents, made no attempt to conceal the cold glint in his eyes.

Liu Ming knew.

It was more complicated here than he had imagined.

There are no clearly defined factions like those in provinces, cities, and counties here, but there are deeper and more hidden chains of vested interests. Each department represents a huge industrial cluster, and also represents countless unseen hands behind the scenes.

For this "outsider" to gain a foothold here, relying solely on Old Lin's reputation is far from enough.

He must demonstrate his true abilities.

Show them real skills that will convince these arrogant "technocrats".

……

"Now let's give a warm round of applause to welcome our new Director of the High-Tech Industry Department, Comrade Liu Ming, who will say a few words to us."

The applause rang out again, a little more enthusiastic than before, but it still carried a sense of politeness and distance.

Liu Ming stood up.

He did not go up to the podium.

He simply stood in front of his seat, his gaze calmly sweeping over the faces below the stage, faces filled with calculation and scrutiny.

He didn't say those polite words like "thank you for the organization's trust" or "I will definitely work hard."

He only asked three extremely pointed and very practical questions.

"Distinguished directors, senior colleagues."

His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly drowned out all the noise.

"The first question. According to the latest data released by the General Administration of Customs, my country's total imports of integrated circuits reached US$900 billion last quarter, a year-on-year increase of 15%. However, our own chip exports amounted to a paltry US$80 billion, less than one-tenth of the imports. What does this discrepancy mean?"

"My second question. ASML has officially announced a complete embargo on its latest generation of EUV lithography machines to my country. Meanwhile, our own lithography machines are still at the 90-nanometer process level. What does this technological gap mean?"

"The third question."

Liu Ming's eyes suddenly turned cold.

"Those of you here today are decision-makers who hold the lifeline of the nation's core industries in your hands. I want to ask you all, if we were to be completely cut off from our supplies right now, how would we possibly realize our great dream of national rejuvenation?"

"With your mouth?"

Dead silence.

The entire conference room was deathly silent.

The senior officers who had just been looking down on him all put away their nonchalant expressions.

For the first time, a solemn expression appeared on their faces.

Because the three questions raised by Liu Ming were like three red-hot knives, stabbing deeply into the most painful and least wanted-to-mention scar in the hearts of every Chinese person!

—Strangling us!

"I know everyone has their own opinion."

Liu Ming's voice became deep and powerful.

"We are not afraid of war. We have the most powerful army in the world."

"We are not afraid of blockades. We have the most complete industrial system in the world."

"but……"

He abruptly changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious than ever before!

"...What we fear is being boiled like a frog in slowly heating water!"

"Yes, while others were armed to the teeth with airplanes and artillery, we were still complacent with our meager supplies of millet and rifles!"

"so!"

Liu Ming slammed her hand on the table and stood up!

That powerful aura belonging to a "national hero" erupted instantly!

"I'm not here to drink tea, read newspapers, and discuss seniority with everyone!"

"I'm here to fight!"

"Let's fight a war without gunfire, a war more brutal than any other... a technological war!"

"I don't care how you did things before."

"From today onwards, all the work of the High-Tech Industry Department will revolve around one core principle!"

"—Regardless of cost, regardless of gains or losses!"

"Within five years, I will not only free our chip industry from import dependence, but I will also sell our lithography machines to the doorsteps of Americans!"

……

His words were earth-shattering!

This made all the seasoned veterans present, who had been immersed in officialdom for decades and were used to a "steady and reliable" life, feel their blood boil!

As they looked at the young man on the stage, who seemed to be burning himself out, the slight disdain in their eyes was gradually replaced by an emotion called "shock".

This kid...

Is he crazy?

Or... a genius?

……

"Good! Well said!"

In the back row of the conference room, an elderly man who hadn't spoken until now suddenly started clapping.

He is the top leader and director of the National Development and Reform Commission.

He looked at Liu Ming, and a burst of unprecedented brilliance erupted in his cloudy old eyes!

"Our National Development and Reform Commission needs 'madmen' like you!"

"We need someone like you, a 'hothead' who dares to poke a hole in the sky!"

"On behalf of the Party Committee, I would like to make a statement!"

He stood up, his voice booming like a bell!

"From today onwards, the High-Tech Division will be provided with both personnel and funding!"

"Anyone who dares to trip up Comrade Liu Ming behind her back!"

"I'll be the first to disagree!"

"Whoosh—!!!"

Thunderous applause instantly filled the entire conference room!

This time it comes from the bottom of my heart!

Zhao Ruihu sat in the corner, watching the figure who was surrounded by admirers and radiant with light, his face so gloomy it could wring water out of it.

he knows.

He had a plan to sideline Liu Ming and leave him as a "lone commander".

They've gone completely bankrupt.

This young man delivered a speech that could be described as "perfect".

It not only won people's hearts.

He even obtained a sword that could shatter all his schemes and tricks into dust... the Imperial Sword!

Amidst thunderous applause, Liu Ming slowly sat down.

His face remained calm and composed.

He knew this was just the beginning.

The real battle is yet to come.

He looked out the window at the hazy sky over the capital, his eyes as deep as the sea.

He was not only a favorite of Elder Lin.

Moreover, he is a true hero, tested by fire... a pillar of the nation.

He picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

That tea was very bitter.

But his heart was warm.

"Zhao Ruihu, you've played all your cards."

"Now it's my turn."