The residual heat of SARS gradually dissipated with the invasion of the heatwave, and Black Mountain County returned to its former peaceful life.
This SARS made people experience the fear of nature firsthand, as if they had not recovered from the shadow of death. However, for Black Mountain County, it was a fatal blow. Because of SARS, the county treasury was almost emptied.
Black Mountain County was poor, and the monthly taxes were only enough to maintain daily operations. It was impossible to talk about development.
This time, the county spent nearly 7 million yuan on SARS, which was equivalent to spending a month's salary of more than 6,000 public servants in the county. Although the amount was small, they would not be able to pay their salaries next month. This was a matter of stability, and it gave Lu Yiwei a headache.
In the past, he had never asked about the county's finances, but after knowing the real situation, he was shocked. The county's finances had a surplus of more than 20 million yuan last year, but now there was not much left. Where did the money go?
One day, Lu Yiwei called the director of the finance department, Liu Jianguo, to his office to ask about the situation.
Liu Jianguo was born and raised in Black Mountain County, and was promoted by Yan Bugao. It was rumored that he had bought the position at a high price. As for whether it was true or not, only he and Liu Jianguo knew. But what was certain was that Liu Jianguo was loyal to Yan Bugao and was very obedient. Because Yan Bugao controlled the county's finances, the head of the county, Jin Rongguang, could not mobilize social resources and had no say in the county.
Whether in a poor or rich county, the director of the finance department was an important figure. If nothing unexpected happened, they would basically be promoted after their term ended. As the chief butler of the county, the allocation of financial resources was decided by him alone, and the power in his hands was astonishing.
Lu Yiwei was not familiar with Liu Jianguo, but he knew him well. Liu Jianguo's ability was average, but he was like a fish in water, and belonged to the "mediocre" role in the officialdom. However, he did not dare to underestimate the power of this kind of person. When it came to playing tricks, he might not be his match.
Status determined everything. Even after Yan Bugao had fallen, Liu Jianguo was not like others, bowing and scraping to Lu Yiwei. Instead, he deliberately went against him. During the SARS period, he would always delay the allocation of funds, and would not allocate them without Lu Yiwei's signature. This action seemed to be following the rules and strict procedures, but in fact, it was deliberately making things difficult for them. Lu Yiwei was well aware of this, but he could not find a reason to question him.
There were two reasons why Liu Jianguo dared to be so disrespectful to Lu Yiwei. First of all, Lu Yiwei was only in charge of the County party committee's work. He hadn't officially become the secretary of the County party committee. Moreover, he was only a deputy division chief. It was not easy for him to rise to the top in a single step. Even if the Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Guo Jinzhu, supported him, the other municipal leaders would definitely not agree. Unless a provincial leader stepped forward and made an exception to promote him, there might be a chance. But with his qualifications and resume, Guo Jinzhu did not dare to risk universal condemnation.
Secondly, Lu Yiwei was a provincial cadre. According to the relevant documents, there would be other arrangements after the period of temporary employment. Up until now, Lu Yiwei's term of service had already expired. Maybe he would be transferred out of Black Mountain County one day. Why should he be afraid of him?
Also, Liu Jianguo was very clear about Lu Yiwei's connections. Other than Zhang Zhiyuan, there was also his father-in-law, Fan Rongkui, supporting him from behind. So what if he had connections? Would he dare to touch a single hair of his?
Faced with Lu Yiwei's questioning, Liu Jianguo answered very casually, "Secretary Lu, you don't know the cost of food and fuel. Which unit in the county isn't waiting for food with their mouths wide open? Take the integration of education resources last year for example. A total of more than five million yuan was spent. This money was intended to be used for transportation construction, but it had to be put on hold. Until now, it has not been allocated. Coupled with the cost of SARS, it's good enough that I can maintain it until now. "
Faced with Liu Jianguo's attitude, Lu Yiwei restrained his emotions and said, "So, I'm spending all the money in the county?"
"I didn't say that. It's the truth." Liu Jianguo said carelessly.
Lu Yiwei was furious. He stared at Liu Jianguo and said, "Do you know who you are talking to?"
Liu Jianguo put down his crossed legs and shook his head, "Secretary Lu, maybe you are not familiar with me yet. This is how I speak. You will get to know me after a while. If you feel that the money doesn't match up, you can send someone to investigate me anytime. "
Lu Yiwei did not know where Liu Jianguo got his confidence from. Could he really guarantee that he would be fine? If that's the case, I will satisfy you. He had already decided to move this smelly and hard rock away, but he did not say it out loud. He said, "Alright, you can leave first. I will call you again."
Liu Jianguo slowly got up and swaggered out of the office.
The fire in Lu Yiwei's heart continued to burn. He wanted to tear Liu Jianguo into pieces, but his identity was different now. He had to bear with it.
After Liu Jianguo left, Zhao Xiaokang came in and whispered, "Secretary Lu, don't be angry with him. The reason why he dared to challenge you is because Mayor Li is backing him up."
Lu Yiwei did not know about this relationship and asked, "What do you mean?"
Zhao Xiaokang said, "There are rumors that he bought his position, but that is not the case. Liu Jianguo was just an accountant in the Transportation Bureau in the past, but he got involved with Mayor Li's brother-in-law. Since then, he had been promoted all the way and did not put anyone in his eyes. After that, he colluded with Yan Bugao and embezzled a lot of assets. How hateful. "
Lu Yiwei was shocked when he heard this. "How do you know all these?"
Zhao Xiaokang said embarrassedly, "As your secretary, I know some things and can provide you with reference when you make decisions."
Zhao Xiaokang did not say anything, and Lu Yiwei did not ask further. But he was impressed that Liu Jianguo knew all the leaders in the county well. Even when he was a secretary, he didn't have this kind of ability. There really was an expert outside the mountain.
Lu Yiwei suddenly panicked. Since Zhao Xiaokang could find out about other people, does that mean he also knows about me? This kind of person is a double-edged sword. If I use him well, he can help me, but if I don't use him well, I will be shooting myself in the foot. It is better to stay away from this kind of person.
Dong Xuebing does not have any foundation in Black Mountain County, and he can only use his wits to take down Liu Jianguo. But Dong Xuebing must not be lenient to those who are disobedient!
"Alright. I got it."
Zhao Xiaokang was interested to talk about other secrets, but he walked out of the office in disappointment when he saw Dong Xuebing's attitude.
Lu Yiwei sat in front of his desk and smoked. His mind was in a mess. He must think of ways to get rid of Liu Jianguo, and he must think of ways to get money. At this moment, Yan Bugao called him and asked him to have dinner with him.
This was the first call Yan Bugao made after he was dismissed. As an old leader, Lu Yiwei had no reason to reject him, so he agreed to the date.
Lu Yiwei wanted to call Wu Shixun, but he gave up when he thought of the two of them not getting along. At night, he brought Zhao Xiaokang to Xi City.
After not seeing Yan Bugao for a few months, Lu Yiwei was shocked by Yan Bugao's change. He thought Yan Bugao would be dispirited after the beating, but he was full of energy, radiant, and had a great temperament. He was even fatter than before. Such a mentality was admirable.
"Brother Yiwei, we meet again. Haha …" Yan Bugao held Lu Yiwei's hand, and even the way he addressed him changed.
Lu Yiwei smiled and replied, "Secretary Yan, it's been a while. I miss you. Actually, I wanted to visit you a long time ago, but I didn't have the time. I didn't expect you to call me personally. I'm really ashamed. "
"Hai!" Yan Bugao's face darkened. "You're treating me like an outsider. Why are we talking about this? I know you're busy, and I don't want to disturb you. Now that SARS is over, we have time to catch up. Haha, sit down."
After sitting down, Yan Bugao looked Lu Yiwei up and down. He nodded and said, "Not bad, not bad. You're more mature than before. This is what a leader should be like."
Lu Yiwei said humbly, "Secretary Yan, you're making fun of me. I've wanted to tell you something for a long time. I didn't get to where I am today because …"
"Stop!" Yan Bugao suddenly raised his finger and said seriously, "Don't say anymore. There are some things that you and I know."
Seeing that Yan Bugao was unwilling to talk about it, Lu Yiwei did not continue.
Yan Bugao was in a good mood. His expression was serious just now, but now he was smiling. He said cheerfully, "Although I'm not in Black Mountain County anymore, I'm very concerned about the progress and movements in the county. I learned that you turned the tide and saved Black Mountain County from a desperate situation. You even used public opinion to get the special attention of the provincial leaders. I really admire you for this. Don't be fooled by your young age, your ability is above mine. "
"No, no." Lu Yiwei hurriedly waved his hand and said, "Secretary Yan, you really think too highly of me. If I had half of your ability, I'd be satisfied."
"Sigh!" Yan Bugao sighed and said, "Don't learn from me. I'm old and stubborn. I don't want to make progress. If I really had to control SARS, I would really be powerless. Even if I could control it, it wouldn't be as effective as you. Not to mention other things, Secretary Guo has straightened his back in front of the provincial leaders because of you. This is all because of you. "
That was true. After the story of Black Mountain County's fight against SARS was reported by the People's Daily, it caused a strong reaction in society. People from all walks of life came to learn from it. There were newspaper reporters and leaders of the county and city. After sending off this group, another group came. Not to mention other things, the county had spent a lot of money on the previous reception.
The money was spent, and the face was earned. Black Mountain County was known to outsiders, and Guo Jinzhu was proud. When he talked to Lu Yiwei some time ago, he was overflowing with excitement and praised Lu Yiwei for doing a good job. He was secretly proud that he had made the right move. Even when he returned to the province and met the provincial leaders, he was full of confidence.
Regarding this, Lu Yiwei was not complacent, but his heart was particularly heavy. Did Black Mountain County really do a good job? In fact, everyone was well aware of this. The one who should really thank was Su Meng. If it wasn't for her brilliant writing, wantonly embellishing, and sparing no effort to publish in the central party newspaper, there wouldn't be today's results.
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