The topic of the dinner naturally revolved around the people and events in the county. As the wine gradually rose, the initial restraint also disappeared.
Wang Yanshu suddenly put down his wine glass and looked at me with an inquiring look: "Hongjun, I'm afraid you came to the city this time not just to check on us, right?"
The alcohol really gave me courage, so I didn't beat around the bush and said, "I mainly want to meet Mayor Hu to report on the idea of ​​abolishing the county and establishing a city."
As soon as the words fell, Wang Yanshu seemed not to have heard clearly, and his tone suddenly rose: "Abolish the county and establish a city?!"
I nodded in confirmation: "Yes, the county party committee and county government have reached a consensus and are preparing to promote the county to a county-level city."
This news was like a stone thrown into water, stirring up a thousand waves. The three people's faces showed an expression of novelty and surprise that could not be concealed.
Liu Keji spoke first, his tone was cautious and a little yearning: "It's a bold idea, but... it's really exciting! If this thing succeeds, it will definitely be a milestone in the history of the development of the whole county! Hongjun, are you sure?"
Hu Haitao also sat up straight and asked eagerly: "Yes, tell me quickly, what are the chances of success?"
I explained: "According to the standards of the Ministry of Civil Affairs in 1993, our county's GDP, urbanization rate, urban population and other hard indicators have all met the standards. But the key links are at the provincial and municipal levels - the city must first conduct a preliminary review, the province must organize a joint review by multiple departments, and finally, after approval by the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, it will be submitted to the Ministry of Civil Affairs for review."
Liu Keji pondered for a moment and recalled: "I remember when I was deputy county magistrate, the county also had this idea. But later I heard that after 1997, the higher authorities tightened the policy and did not approve it for a long time? Now... the county is open again?"
I nodded. "We started accepting applications again last year, but the approval criteria are very strict. The county's idea is that no matter what the result is, the process of striving for it itself is a strong boost to the county's economic and social development."
Liu Keji nodded: "That's right! Man proposes, God disposes. If we do our best, the results will come naturally. As an old comrade in the county, I support it with both hands!"
I raised my glass and said, "Old leader, with your words, we will definitely work hard to build our hometown better!"
Liu Keji and I clinked glasses and drank it all in one gulp.
At this time, Wang Yanshu interrupted with a teasing tone: "You guys have done a very strict job of keeping it secret. I didn't hear anything at all."
I laughed and joked, "It seems that County Magistrate Xu also set an ambush for you when he returned home. Your sense of confidentiality deserves praise."
Wang Yanshu curled his lips and said disapprovingly: "He's keeping it a secret? I think he doesn't know it at all!"
I shook my head. "That's not true. Secretary Kuang has discussed this with the main leaders of the county party committee, county people's congress, county government, and county political consultative conference, and solicited their opinions. How could County Mayor Xu not know? Secretary Kuang requested strict confidentiality, fearing that if the news leaked out and the city disagreed, the situation would be too passive."
Liu Keji nodded slowly, with a look of satisfaction on his face: "Comrade Tieying is mature and thoughtful in his work and for the country. This matter has been handled properly."
Wang Yanshu asked tentatively: "The city... won't have any objections, right? After all, the mayor and his brother are in our camp."
Hu Haitao immediately responded: "Director Wang is right! Although I was transferred to work in the county, it is also my second hometown where I have worked hard! It is my responsibility to build a good hometown. I will definitely exert influence on Hu Haiyang!"
We laughed out loud and the atmosphere reached its peak in an instant.
After two bottles of white wine, I was just tipsy. But Hu Haitao was still not satisfied and was in high spirits, so he insisted on having some red wine to cheer him up.
Liu Keji is old, and half a catty of liquor is the limit. In addition, he has the habit of taking a lunch break, so it is reasonable for him to leave early.
When it was Wang Yanshu's turn to find an excuse to leave, Hu Haitao refused to let him go. After several attempts, Wang Yanshu could not get away from him and had to stay with a wry smile.
But I never expected that it was this subsequent red wine that made me drink too much and eventually... caused that "disaster"!
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