Nominal: Starting with an entrance exam for a PhD in Economics at Peking University

Services such as Hanfu (traditional Han clothing) experience and ancient costume photo shoots will be added; local folk customs will be explored and traditional performance projects such as iron flower fireworks will be introduced.

We plan to incorporate elements from TV dramas into the hot spring resources of Lake Rome, designing unique products such as the "Emperor's Hot Spring Package" and the "Empress's Wellness Package".

The third step is to optimize services. We plan to launch dedicated tourist bus routes connecting major scenic spots, as well as from scenic spots to Luzhou Railway Station/Bus Station, to standardize scenic spot management and strictly control overcharging and cheating of tourists.

Finally, he concluded: "Our ultimate goal is to develop Daokou into a tourist destination suitable for residents of surrounding cities to take a short vacation of 2 to 3 days, so that tourists are willing to stay, take their time, and generate real consumption."

Li Dakang listened very attentively, quickly reviewing the planning report while raising professional questions about specific details such as investment estimates, customer source analysis, transportation connection plans, and the connection with existing cultural relic protection policies.

Qi Tongwei provided detailed answers and supplementary information for each point.

After asking the question, Li Dakang leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face. He tapped the report with his finger: "Good! Tongwei, your plan is clear in its thinking and solid in its steps. It has both the cleverness of leveraging marketing opportunities and the practical skills of laying a solid foundation. Very good! I think it's feasible. Go ahead and do it boldly!"

Qi Tongwei then showed a relieved expression and continued, "With Mayor Li's affirmation, we are more confident. However... Daokou County is not well-off. To launch this plan, the county alone is not enough. We also need the strong support of the city."

Li Dakang's smile faded slightly: "What kind of support do you need? Tell me."

"The main issue is funding," Qi Tongwei stated frankly. "There are some historical problems with the crossing, and the finances are very tight. We hope that the municipal finance department can provide some financial support in the early stages of the project."

Li Dakang frowned immediately: "How much do you want?"

"The initial estimate for the entire plan is that the total investment will be around 1000 million yuan," Qi Tongwei stated.

"Ten million?!" Li Dakang's voice rose a few decibels. "Tongwei, are you trying to 'eat my money'? Even the richest landlords don't have surplus grain!"

Qi Tongwei had anticipated this and calmly explained, "Mayor Li, the major expenses are scenic area renovation, road reconstruction, and service facility construction. Sending people to other places to learn and introduce snack-making techniques, purchasing or leasing transportation vehicles, publicity expenses, upgrading and renovating hot spring hotels... all of these add up to 1000 million, which is already a conservative estimate based on careful calculation. Moreover, we are not making a one-time investment, but rather constructing it in phases."

"Installment payments? How much for the first installment?" Li Dakang grasped the key point.

"The first phase mainly involves launching publicity, repairing some core scenic areas, and supporting infrastructure, which will cost approximately 200 million yuan," Qi Tongwei replied.

Li Dakang glared at him: "200 million? That's alright... Wait, you, Qi Tongwei, are you trying to play tricks on me? You throw out an astronomical figure of 1000 million to intimidate me first, and then you think 200 million is 'acceptable'? Let me tell you, not even 200 million! 50 at most, take it or leave it!"

Qi Tongwei feigned difficulty: "Mayor Li, 50 is really not enough, it's barely enough to get started. We need at least 80 to set up the framework and see initial results."

"60!" Li Dakang said decisively. "Not a penny more! If you try to bargain again, you can go ask Secretary Gao for a written approval!"

Qi Tongwei knew that this was the limit Li Dakang could offer, and going up to Gao Yuliang would be tantamount to slapping Li Dakang in the face, which would be a losing proposition.

He immediately knew when to stop, and said with a smile, "How can I trouble two people for one thing? Let's do as the mayor said, 60! Thank you for your support, mayor! Also... I have another favor to ask."

"Speak! I'll think about it." Li Dakang picked up his teacup.

"Because of the businesses Li Duohai ran, the county owes the banks a lot of money, and now the higher-level banks are unwilling to give us new credit. But development cannot be separated from working capital. Could Mayor Li help us coordinate and communicate with the banking system?" Qi Tongwei raised another key problem.

Li Dakang pondered for a moment, then nodded: "I can put in a good word for you on this issue. The bank has the money, but it also depends on the repayment ability and the project's prospects. Your plan is well-made and convincing; I'll talk to them on your behalf."

He paused, his tone tinged with admiration: "I admire your courage to think big and act boldly, and your willingness to take on debt to develop! Some county party secretaries are timid and hesitant, afraid to take responsibility, clinging to their meager resources and not daring to touch them. How can the economy possibly improve under such circumstances!"

After exchanging some specific details on implementation, Qi Tongwei took his leave.

After leaving the municipal government building, Qi Tongwei went to the municipal party committee building to meet with Gao Yuliang.

In Gao Yuliang's outer office, he met Gao Yuliang's secretary, who was also an acquaintance—Chen Qingquan, the head of the First Secretariat Section of the Municipal Party Committee Office.

This man, who wore glasses and had a humble demeanor, was the one who later became the vice president of the Jingzhou Intermediate People's Court and loved learning foreign languages.

The two exchanged a few pleasantries.

Upon entering the inner room, Qi Tongwei keenly noticed that Gao Yuliang seemed to be shrouded in a faint sorrow, unlike his usual spirited demeanor.

He first reported on his communication with Li Dakang and the results of obtaining 60 yuan in funding and a bank's coordination commitment, and then presented a copy of the tourism development plan.

Gao Yuliang carefully reviewed the plan, nodding frequently and giving it a positive evaluation: "The idea is good, it takes into account the actual situation of the crossing, and it also shows innovation. It's a good start that Mayor Li Dakang is willing to support it."

After finishing their business, Qi Tongwei looked at his mentor with concern and asked softly, "Teacher, is something on your mind?"

Chapter 91 Gao Yuliang's Dilemma

The time when Gao Yuliang and Li Dakang took charge of Luzhou was not much earlier than the time when Qi Tongwei took charge of Daokou.

At the beginning, Gao Yuliang was also full of vigor, but Qi Tongwei knew from his past life's memories that during this period, in front of the powerful mayor Li Dakang, the brilliance of Gao Yuliang, the municipal party secretary, was indeed slightly suppressed.

Tian Guofu once said that Li Dakang was "the top leader when he was mayor and the top leader when he was secretary," which, while an exaggeration, reveals some truth.

This is closely linked to the personnel structure at a higher level.

At this time, Liang Qunfeng had officially retired from his position as vice chairman of the CPPCC, and his influence had waned; while Zhao Lichun, who had opposing political views and a long-standing feud with him, was gaining momentum in Handong and his influence was not to be underestimated.

With overt or covert support from the top leaders of the Party Committee, Li Dakang, as mayor, naturally wielded a different level of influence than usual.

This trend will reach its peak after the leadership transition in 2003 and Zhao Lichun's further advancement.

However, Gao Yuliang's political wisdom and skill far surpassed those of Yi Xuexi.

Despite facing challenges from a powerful second-in-command and lacking clear endorsement from superiors, Gao Yuliang managed to maintain his position as secretary through his superb balancing skills and firm control over personnel and party affairs, without being sidelined or ousted by Li Dakang.

Finally, when Li Dakang arrived at the Crescent Lake Food City, the provincial authorities intervened and transferred him away.

At this moment, Qi Tongwei judged that the friction and difficulties in cooperation between the two were probably only just beginning to emerge.

But given Gao Yuliang's pride and aloofness, how could he easily reveal such an embarrassing situation as "I can't control the mayor" in front of his students? He chose to downplay it.

"There are some work-related matters, a lot to sort out." Gao Yuliang picked up his teacup, his tone as usual.

Qi Tongwei understood but didn't point it out. Instead, he smiled in a relaxed and nostalgic tone and said, "On the way to the Municipal Party Committee, I passed by Xinhua Bookstore and suddenly remembered when I first entered Handong University. I was so engrossed in reading martial arts novels that I forgot to eat and sleep."

Gao Yuliang raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly surprised by the change of topic, but out of habit between teacher and student, he continued, offering a simple comment: "Martial arts novels, after all, embody ordinary people's imagination of seeking righteous revenge and transcending reality. They have their own unique cultural charm and moral allegorical value. Jin Yong's works are particularly adept at combining historical background with the fate of the characters, and their scope is remarkable."

"The teacher's analysis is thorough." Qi Tongwei nodded. "I don't have the same theoretical depth as the teacher, but there are some sentences that I've remembered very clearly all these years."

"Oh? Which sentences impressed you the most?" Gao Yuliang asked with great interest.

Qi Tongwei recalled briefly and said slowly, "For example, 'The principles of being a true man are beyond your comprehension'; 'Wherever there are people, there is a world of intrigue'; and... 'Let him be strong, the breeze still caresses the mountain ridge; let him be arrogant, the bright moon still shines over the great river.'"

Upon hearing this, Gao Yuliang's gaze suddenly sharpened, and he gave Qi Tongwei a deep look.

With his intelligence, how could he not hear the underlying words of advice and guidance in the student's voice? He put down his teacup, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger: "So fast? Even the slightest disturbance in the city has reached your intersection?"

Qi Tongwei looked bewildered: "What do you mean by 'passed to the crossroads'? Teacher, I just suddenly remembered these sentences and said them offhand."

Gao Yuliang snorted lightly, a half-smile on his face: "You know nothing, yet you come here to make veiled accusations and lecture your teacher?"

Having said that, Qi Tongwei stopped pretending and frankly said, "The previous secretary of the road crossing was Comrade Yi Xuexi. He had some understanding and evaluation of Mayor Li Dakang's work style, which I have heard about. In addition, based on my understanding of your personality and abilities as well as Mayor Dakang's, I can roughly guess some of it."

Gao Yuliang was silent for a moment, seemingly feeling that there was no need to maintain that perfect mask in front of the students any longer. He sighed softly, his tone revealing a rare weariness and self-deprecation: "Yes, with your intelligence, you would have found out sooner or later. Just yesterday, at the five-person municipal party committee meeting, Li Dakang criticized the municipal development plan that I led the drafting of... to utterly dismantle it."

Qi Tongwei did not interrupt, but simply made a gesture of listening attentively.

“The key…” Gao Yuliang shook his head, with a hint of helplessness, “The key is that the problems he mentioned, the loopholes he pointed out, hit the nail on the head and made sense. At the meeting, I was actually somewhat… unable to refute them.”

Qi Tongwei continued, "Mayor Dakang is indeed skilled in economics."

He knew perfectly well that, not to mention the current Gao Yuliang, even the "Secretary Yuliang" whose political skills had reached perfection more than ten years later, would not truly excel at specific economic construction, but rather at personnel arrangements, theoretical exposition, and power balancing.

Gao Yuliang was certainly not the kind of naive official who would hold a grudge over the loss of "face" at a meeting.

What truly troubled and worried him were the two deeper, more thorny issues reflected in this matter:

First, there is Li Dakang's "uncontrolled" attitude.

Li Dakang had many more and gentler ways to communicate and negotiate with the municipal party secretary regarding a development plan that involved the entire city.

However, he chose to confront the issue directly at the meeting, using sharp and uncompromising language.

This is by no means because Li Dakang lacks emotional intelligence—as a former secretary who later managed to deal with Sha Ruijin and even his secretary, Director Bai, with great finesse, Li Dakang was certainly not ignorant of human relationships.

His "unfeigned politeness" towards his peers and subordinates often stemmed from his inner judgment that "there is no need to worry."

His current actions are undoubtedly sending a signal: he believes that in certain areas, he does not need to be too concerned about Gao Yuliang's ideas and authority.

Secondly, and what made Gao Yuliang even more confused was that, in the context of the era of "taking economic construction as the center," he had to admit that his talent and insight in this area were indeed inferior to Li Dakang's.

The sense of powerlessness and confusion brought about by this realization had a significant impact on Gao Yuliang, who had always had a smooth and successful life and was proud and arrogant.

The main reason is that my promotions were too fast and too smooth before, and it was difficult to adapt to suddenly encountering such a strong partner who is indeed more "professional" than me in some aspects.

Qi Tongwei, observing his teacher's expression, knew where his teacher's heart lay, so he continued to comfort him in a more tactful way: "Teacher, there were many famous generals in the early Han Dynasty, such as Cao Can and Fan Kuai, who had made great military achievements, but in the heart of Emperor Gaozu of Han, the number one meritorious official in the founding of the country was Xiao He, who was in charge of the rear, ensuring supplies and managing government affairs."

No need for many words; just get to the point. That's often how you communicate with intelligent people.

Who is Gao Yuliang? He is not ignorant of the principles, but sometimes when he is in the midst of it, he is easily led astray by his emotions and specific conflicts.

The smarter a person is, the more likely they are to get stuck on trivial details.

Yes! Why should I argue with Li Dakang about specific economic plans?

As long as the core power of the municipal party secretary is firmly grasped—managing cadres, strengthening party building, setting the direction, and planning the overall situation—no matter how successful Li Dakang is in making economic work, the greatest leadership responsibility and the ultimate achievement will still be attributed to him as the "squad leader."

This is similar to academic papers. No matter how much specific work the first author does, as long as the corresponding author is listed, the corresponding author always enjoys the highest recognition weight.

Gao Yuliang was confident that he was in no way inferior to Li Dakang in terms of political wisdom and personnel skills.

As long as he remains firmly in his position as the top official in Luzhou and is not ousted or sidelined, he can completely turn Li Dakang's "economic winds" into his own political achievements and capital for advancement!

Having grasped this point, Gao Yuliang's worries vanished almost entirely, and a composed, wise smile returned to his face. His gaze towards Qi Tongwei was filled with satisfaction and admiration.

"Tongwei, you've really grown up. Sometimes you see things more clearly than your teacher."

Qi Tongwei quickly replied modestly, "Teacher, you flatter me. My humble opinion is something I've gained from listening to your teachings in the past."

Gao Yuliang's mood improved, and he smiled, "Alright, stop flattering me. Don't leave at noon, just have a simple meal with me at the municipal party committee's small canteen, and we'll have a good chat."

“Okay, teacher.” Qi Tongwei readily agreed.

---

In the afternoon, Qi Tongwei returned to the Daokou County Party Committee office. He had just sat down when a familiar knocking sound came from outside the door.

"Enter."

Luo Xiangdong, director of the county party committee office, pushed open the door and entered, his face bearing his usual respectful smile, holding a document in his hand.

"Secretary Qi, you're back." Luo Xiangdong placed the materials on the table. "You weren't quite satisfied with the secretary candidates recommended by the County Party Committee Office and the Government Office. I've found another one who I think might better meet your requirements."

"Oh? Who is it?" Qi Tongwei asked casually, his gaze falling on the newly delivered documents.

Luo Xiangdong lowered his voice, his tone laced with mystery and ingratiation: "He's a Chinese language teacher at the county's No. 1 High School, named... Liao Qingyuan. He has an excellent teaching reputation, and his writing is particularly outstanding; he frequently publishes articles in provincial and municipal newspapers. Most importantly, he's a steady and meticulous person, and his family background is simple and clean. Would you like to meet him?"

Chapter 92 Secretary

Qi Tongwei had met the secretary candidates recommended before, but he always felt that they were not quite right.

Some are slick and worldly, while others are too naive. There are also a few who are more or less connected to local families or power networks in Daokou, which is exactly what Qi Tongwei is trying his best to avoid.