The weather was nice on May Day, with bright sunshine. Li Xiuyuan led Zhou Jianzhong upstream along the Blackwater River. Looking around, they saw a vibrant and lively scene full of spring.
As they walked, Li Xiuyuan said, "Director Zhou, the Blackwater River has become clearer, so it's no longer suitable to call it the Blackwater River. What do you think would be a good name for it?"
"Let's just call it Baishijian then," Zhou Jianzhong said without hesitation.
Li Xiuyuan stopped and gazed at the distant mountains, shaking his head slightly as he said, "While the name 'White Stone Stream' is not bad, it sounds like just a place name, the original name of this river. The river flowing before us now, cleared from turbidity and turned from black to white, was created by the working people, not by the great power of nature..."
Zhou Jianzhong realized that Li Xiuyuan had something on his mind. "If you have something on your mind, just say it. Why beat around the bush like this? Do you think we can disagree?"
Zhou Jianzhong quickly said, "Mayor Li, what you said makes sense. Why don't you give this river a name? Our knowledge level is not good enough, and besides, it was you who led everyone to clean up this river."
Who said Zhou Jianzhong couldn't speak? He's quite good at it. However, Li Xiuyuan shook his head: "This is not my achievement. The fact that the Blackwater River can become clear again and regain its former clarity is thanks to the visionary leadership of County Chief Yun of the county government and the hard work of the villagers of Meilin Village. I dare not take credit for it."
Li Xiuyuan's humble words made Zhou Jianzhong realize that this Mayor Li was indeed worthy of becoming the deputy mayor at such a young age. Look at the level of his speech, no one could find a single fault with him.
If someone always keeps the leaders and the people in mind, who can say they are politically incorrect?
However, Li Xiuyuan then said, "But regarding this name, when I was reporting to County Chief Yun last time, he mentioned it briefly: 'Happiness River,' meaning that this river can bring happiness to everyone. What do you think?"
“Okay, that’s a good name,” Zhou Jianzhong said dryly.
Li Xiuyuan's lips twitched. He was hoping Zhou Jianzhong would continue to perform well, but Zhou Jianzhong ended it just like that. However, Li Xiuyuan didn't care.
He nodded directly and said, "Okay, then let's do it this way. Prepare a monument by the riverbank with the name 'Happiness River' written on it. Inscribe the history of the Happiness River on the back, explaining its impact from White Stone Stream to Black Water River."
Then, in a certain year and month, the county government allocated a certain amount of money, the dredging project officially started, when it was completed, and what the impact was…
Li Xiuyuan gave a brief explanation, and Zhou Jianzhong understood that Li Xiuyuan was trying to flatter the leader.
“Okay, Mayor Li, I will definitely handle this matter carefully.” Zhou Jianzhong agreed first, then looked at Li Xiuyuan and asked, “Mayor Li, should this matter also be completed before the project is finished?”
"As much as possible, but not necessarily. When the inscription on the back of the stele is finished, bring it over so I can take a look first," Li Xiuyuan instructed.
Zhou Jianzhong nodded. It seemed that Mayor Li didn't trust his ability to flatter, and wanted to personally oversee the process.
However, he also understood that there was indeed a distance between himself and Li Xiuyuan.
Otherwise, he's the deputy mayor, and I'm just an acting village head.
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