At this point, Zhou Jianzhong had completely lost his temper. He smiled sheepishly and said, "Mayor Li, I don't have that much influence. How could I possibly influence the county's decision?"
“Zhou Jianzhong, don’t overestimate yourself, but don’t underestimate Meilin Village either. You should know how much importance the county attaches to Meilin Village. If you go against the town at this critical juncture, do you think you can make a difference? It doesn’t matter if you don’t do it, but when countless village cadres in the surrounding villages and the whole county are cursing you behind your back, let’s see if you can still laugh.” Li Xiuyuan’s voice wasn’t as intense anymore, but it was still very cold.
Zhou Jianzhong took out a cigarette from his pocket and handed it to Li Xiuyuan: "Li Zhen, don't be angry, have a smoke."
"I'm not smoking anymore, I'm already angry enough." Li Xiuyuan was not old, but he had a very good sense of manners.
"Li Zhen, calm down, have a cigarette, have a cigarette." Zhou Jianzhong, despite his advanced age, still smiled and insisted on lighting a cigarette for Li Xiuyuan.
“Li Zhen, I didn’t say I couldn’t do it. The town is giving me a chance to shine in this position, which is a sign of respect for me, Lao Zhou. It’s just that before, they said they would let Zhou Junliang take over, but I just couldn’t accept that.”
"What's so unacceptable about it? Zhou Junliang isn't qualified enough. Does he not know that himself, or do you not know that? At such a crucial moment, if Zhou Junliang is put in charge, who can he command? Everyone has objections. We're just arguing about these trivial matters. Are we going to waste such a great situation in Meilin Village for a little selfishness?"
Can we face the county, or the thousands of people in Meilin Village?
“That night at dinner I said that we should not be limited to our immediate surroundings, but should have a long-term vision and focus on the big picture. What is the big picture? The construction of the new rural demonstration village in Meilin Village is the big picture. Everything must give way to the construction of this new rural area, and no one is exempt.”
Zhou Jianzhong was taken aback. He hadn't understood at the time, but now he did. It was all about the big picture. The other person kept talking about the big picture, but he was asking them for a personal favor. The other person's refusal was very clear back then.
I was acting like a complete idiot back then, wondering if they would agree.
"In addition, as I said, there are actually many opportunities during the construction of the major project in Meilin Village. If you want Zhou Junliang to be the next village director, then let him show his ability and do a good job. If he can establish his prestige during the project construction period, then he will not be afraid of not being elected as the village director when the election is held."
I know what you're saying, that his family is struggling financially and he needs a poverty certificate from the school. Wouldn't it be easier for you, as the acting village head, to get that done? Besides, the village projects all need manpower; as long as he's willing to work, he can earn money…”
Having finished speaking, and with Zhou Junliang already given instructions and arrangements, Zhou Jianzhong was completely convinced and repeatedly said, "Yes, Li Zhen is right, I misunderstood."
As he spoke, Zhou Jianzhong remembered another sentence: "By the way, Li Zhen, I remember you also said something like, 'This opportunity is equal for everyone in Meilin Village.'"
He really remembered what Li Xiuyuan said at the dinner party and pondered it carefully when he got back. All the other things had been explained by Li Xiuyuan today, except for this one sentence.
Li Xiuyuan smiled and said, "You remember it so clearly. It seems you've thought about it carefully since you got back, haven't you?"
"Yes, I just haven't figured it out yet," Zhou Jianzhong said with a forced smile.
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