Xu Shaojie hasn't come back for a long time. Early in the morning, Zhang Xiaoyu took her daughter out to buy vegetables. The little girl has adapted to her surroundings and made many friends in class, and her personality has changed, becoming more lively. She can now play with other kids around her. City kids are just different, they dress neatly and cleanly. After Zhang Xiaoyu came back from buying vegetables, she still had some time, so she busied herself washing Xu Shaojie's clothes while her daughter went out to play with friends.

  A pair of familiar hands wrapped around Zhang Xiaoyu's waist, a familiar breath came over, and Zhang Xiaoyu didn't turn her head back. Her hands were still scrubbing Xu Shaojie's undershirt. After so long together, Zhang Xiaoyu had already changed the way she addressed Xu Shaojie.

  "Shao Jie, you take a rest for a while, I'll finish washing clothes and then cook. It's still early now."

  Xu Shaojie kissed Zhang Xiaoyu's lips, now Xu Shaojie is more and more dependent on Zhang Xiaoyu, Zhang Xiaoyu's maturity and thoughtfulness make Xu Shaojie feel comfortable, if it weren't for the restriction of identity, Xu Shaojie would have married Zhang Xiaoyu.

  "Big brother and sister-in-law will also come to eat later, thanks for your hard work."

  Zhang Xiaoyu was stewing meat when Zhang Shaocai and Yan Yuhuan arrived. There were many dishes in the kitchen.

  "Haha, cousin, my mouth is so lucky today, braised meat, yeah, cured pig's trotters, I love eating them the most. Yuhuan, this is authentic countryside-style cured trotters, can't buy them in the city."

  "Alright, I know. Thank you, Xiaoyu, for taking care of Shaojie's life all this time. Let's cook together later. There's nothing to say to those old men."

  Xu Shaojie was watching TV in the living room on the first floor and had already left early.

  "Brother and sister-in-law, go upstairs and take a seat."

  "Alright, Shaojie, go up with your big brother. I'll stay down here and help Xiaoyu. We can chat for a bit. Sigh... it's still too tough in the countryside. It's only been half a month since you came back this time, so you should really take care of yourself now. There's no good life in the countryside anyway. Just look at your face - it's not as good as before. You need to pay more attention to your body and not work so hard."

  Xu Shaojie smiled silently, while Zhang Xiaoyu lowered her head, her ears slightly red. Xu Shaojie's complexion wasn't good today, mainly because last night, the two of them had been too crazy.

  "Shao Jie, how's it going?"

  "Big brother, there shouldn't be any problem now."

  "You don't seem very happy, but don't underestimate the district committee secretary. He's a leading cadre at the deputy department level, and he's only 23 years old. It's rare to see someone become a deputy department-level leader at such a young age. With this kind of development trend, there won't be any problems in the future."

  "Big brother, I'm not worried about this matter, of course, the district party secretary is a great honor, but being the district party secretary is too much pressure..."

  Xu Shaojie explained the reason, and Zhang Shaocai looked very happy, patted Xu Shaojie's shoulder.

  "Shaojie, I am a person from the countryside, I know the hardships of rural life, you are truly considering the peasants, I really look up to you. If I were a peasant in Yudu District, I would support you with both hands. Now, there are still too few officials who can really think about and do practical things for the peasants. The other day, I went back to my hometown and took a look, after so many years, there hasn't been much change, it's all still the same old thing. So many years have passed in the blink of an eye, but the countryside is still the same old way. It doesn't feel right in my heart either. Shaojie, you're great."

  "Big brother, don't say that, I'm under a lot of pressure."

  Xu Shaojie expressed his concerns one by one. Zhang Shaocai did not speak up immediately, but instead thought carefully for a while, which was not a short period of time.

  "Shao Jie, my views are all from the business world. I think there shouldn't be too much difference between the business world and officialdom. The problems you mentioned are crucial. When I first left the village to make a living outside, I relied on courage and passion, without thinking too much. If I failed, it would only affect me personally, and at worst, I could go back home to farm. But for you, if you fail, the ones who will be directly harmed are the farmers. So I think you are being very cautious, and these considerations are necessary.

  When it comes to using people, when I first started out, there were a few brothers who were extremely close to me, including Liu Fu Gui and Song Guang Ming, whom you know. They were all skilled craftsmen, and I relied on them to slowly develop my business. On construction sites, the wages of skilled workers and laborers are definitely different. Although laborers work hard, they don't have skills. It's like university graduates who can find jobs, while farmers can only farm at home. University graduates can eat at public expense, while farmers can only earn their own food.

  To get things done, you need a few people to rely on. When building a house, laying bricks is a skill. If the master craftsman is not qualified, the wall will be crooked, and he won't get paid. I'll lose materials and time, and suffer a big loss. If some master craftsmman has a grudge against me and sabotages my work, I'll suffer an even bigger loss. With too many losses like this, I might as well close up shop and go back home to farm.

  So I need to win over the master craftsmen. But my personal abilities are limited, and so is my time. As my business grows, it's impossible for me to be on site every day like before. That's why I need to use those old brothers of mine. They help me manage all aspects of the business, sometimes even more carefully than I do. I trust them, which is why my business can grow. Other than that, I'm not sure about other principles, but I do know the saying 'a good man needs three helpers'."

  I think it's the same in official circles, let alone district committee secretaries, even municipal committee secretaries. How much can one person do? If there aren't a few people helping out, what can be done? My view is that if someone is capable and trustworthy, I'll give them more money and benefits. This way, they'll have the motivation to work hard and put in effort. In official circles, it's not just about having power or wearing an official hat; I'm not familiar with these things, but I think it's all about emotional manipulation, economic support, and letting them hold office - that's all there is to it.

  Moreover, one must have the ability and skills themselves. If someone doesn't know the first thing about construction enterprises and wants to be a boss, I think it's unlikely. It's the same with being an official; if you're not up to par, others will look down on you, and no amount of conditions or connections will help.

  Now, let's talk about the peasants' mindset. Your thinking is correct - truly capable people who are willing to work hard are too few in number. Don't be fooled by the large number of migrant workers; most of them don't have a clue. For example, if you give a migrant worker 200 yuan per month to do some task, or give him 10,000 yuan to develop something on his own, I guarantee that almost all of them will choose the first option. They lack the consciousness to take risks.

  So when doing things, you must consider this aspect and sometimes not be too soft-hearted; force them to work hard if necessary. Without using strong measures, I dare say no peasant would voluntarily develop large-scale greenhouses on their own initiative. There are too few brave people willing to venture out.

  I've already thought it through for you - this time, developing large-scale greenhouses, I'll invest some money and find a location in the village to start with. First, we'll make an example of it, regardless of success or failure. This way, it can alleviate some pressure on you.

  "Big brother, I've thought about it too. The key issue now is the problem with people. In the Yu Du district committee team, there are many problems. How many people can really get things done, I don't know. But in the district committee team, there's no one I can trust for now. Moreover, most of the team members are trusted by Liu Zhihua, and even promoted by him personally. You mentioned a problem that I've thought about too - Master causing trouble behind my back would lead to even greater losses. I'm facing such a situation, it's really hard to carry out work under these circumstances, so my confidence isn't very strong."

  "Shao Jie, don't be afraid, you are the district party secretary, what you say will be followed by those below. Besides, can't you promote people you trust? Those who listen will continue to work, and those who don't will be kicked out. There's no need for so much courtesy. I want to get things done, anyone who blocks my way is my enemy. I won't be polite, nor will I show mercy."

  "Big brother, why can private enterprises develop vigorously while state-owned enterprises are struggling to move forward? The reason is the same, it's a matter of personnel. You're the boss of Zhangshi Construction Group, you can say who to hire and who not to hire, but in official circles, it doesn't work that way. I couldn't possibly ask the municipal party committee to dismiss all members of the team and replace them with people I trust. To be honest, I don't have that many trustworthy people either."

  "Shao Jie, your view has some problems. There is a principle you must believe in: when you take money, you have to do things. You can't use the same perspective as Liu Zhihua's to look at everyone. This kind of thinking and perspective will affect your future development. When we were born, except for recognizing our parents, we didn't know anyone else. But now we still do things and earn money. Your vision needs to be broadened. Maybe you have experienced a lot of setbacks and grievances, but since you are in the position you are today, your perspective must change. You can't let those past negative experiences affect you. I believe that your future prospects are boundless, and you will encounter many problems, but there is always a way to solve them. Nothing is insurmountable. To say something arrogant, even the Provincial Party Secretary cannot do without others' help and support. His personal ability may not be stronger than yours."

  "Big brother, thank you for saying these words, every time I encounter a problem, it's always you who helps me."

  "Xiao Jie, don't say that, we are brothers. I've said it before, maybe not too long from now, I'll be asking for your help. You and I are different, I'm a roughneck, thinking about making money, you're a university graduate, eating public food, a leading cadre, the things in your brain are many more than mine."

  At mealtime, Xu Shaojie and Zhang Shaocai shared a bottle of wine between them. The two had always drunk together like this, advancing in tandem, with Yan Yuhuan managing things a bit more, restricting the two from drinking too much.

  "Yu Huan, you don't know, Shao Jie is about to become the main leader, haha, I'm so happy."

  Yan Yuhuan looked at Xu Shaojie on horseback, and Zhang Xiaoyu also looked at Xu Shaojie. Zhang Xiaoyu was originally unwilling to come up to the table to eat, but Yan Yuhuan pulled her up. The little girl held her own bowl and ran to the front of the TV.

  "Shao Jie, is it really like this?"

  "Sister-in-law, don't listen to big brother's words, it's still uncertain what will happen, who knows how things will turn out, now it's just a possibility, and the specifics are still unclear."

  Zhang Xiaoyu wanted to speak up, but Zhang Shaocai and Yan Yuhuan were there, so she didn't dare open her mouth. She looked at Xu Shaojie blinking his eyes.

  "Shao Jie, as long as there is an opportunity, you must work hard. Your brother and I will definitely support you. If you lack money, just say a word and we'll think of a way."

  "Sister-in-law, about the money, big brother has already spoken."

  "Shao Jie, in today's society, nothing is strange, and things can't be done without spending money. I've seen a lot with your older brother, so when you need money, you must speak up, and don't be stingy when doing big things."

  "Sister-in-law, I understand."

  After dinner, Xu Shaojie insisted on calling Liu Fugui to come and drive, as Zhang Shaocai had been drinking and couldn't drive. If anything happened, it wouldn't be a joke.

  After Zhang Shaozhai and Yan Yuhuan left, Xu Shaojie went upstairs. He wanted to think carefully about what Zhang Shaozhai had said and digest it slowly, especially the issue of how to evaluate people and use them properly. Without a good understanding, he might suffer losses if he became the district party secretary. The first person he would face would be Zhang Shiqiu, so he needed to consider his approach carefully. Previously, he thought that asking the municipal party committee to adjust Zhang Shiqiu was not a good idea, as it showed weakness. Zhang Shaozhai's words had already conveyed this meaning. As the ancient saying goes, "A good leader can tolerate and use people." Xu Shaojie thought of Liu Bang, a controversial figure, but his concept of using people was outstanding throughout history. He remembered clearly that famous comment about Zhang Liang, Xiao He, and Han Xin.

  Xu Shaojie was still thinking when a figure came over and directly threw himself into his arms.

  "Shao Jie, is what big brother said true?"

  "Xiao Yu, it's not certain yet, there is such a possibility now."

  "What happened to Liu Zhihua?"

  "Hehe, Liu Zhihua is probably going to disappear from Yudu District."

  Zhang Xiaoyu shook Xu Shaojie's arm, determined to know the reason. Xu Shaojie had no choice but to tell her what happened yesterday, and Zhang Xiaoyu's face turned pale as she listened.

  "Shao Jie, you're really impressive."

  "Xiao Yu, this matter, don't tell anyone, got it?"

  "I won't say it, even if I die."

  Holding Zhang Xiaoyu in his arms, Xu Shaojie was unable to think. He could only chat idly with Zhang Xiaoyu. Soon, Xu Shaojie felt a reaction in his body. Zhang Xiaoyu locked the door and the two of them went wild in the room in broad daylight.