In September, as summer transitioned into autumn in Jiangbei, the corn reached its critical growth period.
Yili Enterprise from the northern part of the country came to Jinan for an inspection, but their destination was not Annan; instead, it was Mu Yuan County. Mao Weiguo accompanied and hosted them throughout the visit in his capacity as Vice Mayor of Jinan City.
For this type of farming, Jinan indeed offered favorable conditions, especially with the pioneering presence of Niu Huahua. However, there was one question that puzzled the Yili team: why had they been brought to Mu Yuan instead of the originally mentioned Annan?
Yan, the Vice President leading the Yili delegation, privately raised this question with Mao Weiguo. Mao explained, “Annan already has a Niu Huahua. In the long run, you will be processing and selling raw milk locally. To avoid potential competition in the future, we made this consideration.”
This reasoning deeply moved the Yili representatives; it reflected a responsible attitude. With their initial intentions established, they proceeded to relevant negotiations. Meng Xiangjun, the head of Jinan City’s government, and Secretary Zheng Kaixuan also paid close attention and emphasized to the relevant parties: “Yili’s entry is a support for Jinan and a friend to the people of Jinan. We must ensure a warm reception for our friends from afar!”
As the formal signing approached, Mao Weiguo boldly called Qi Shuming, Secretary to Vice Governor Wang Hongbin: “Hello, Qi. This is Mao Weiguo from Annan… Jinan and Yili Group are holding a signing ceremony on October 1st, and we would like to invite Vice Governor Wang to attend… Alright, I’ll wait for your call. Thank you!”
On the morning of September 30th, just when Mao Weiguo had lost hope for Vice Governor Wang’s attendance at the ceremony, he received a call from Qi Shuming: “Vice Mayor Mao, please hold on; the leader wants to speak with you!”
Mao Weiguo’s hand trembled slightly as he picked up the receiver. Vice Governor Wang’s voice remained warm: “Comrade Weiguo, I see that you are not only capable and responsible but also have a broad perspective… Tomorrow morning, I will come over with Comrade Chongyuan… We must support and encourage comrades who dare to take action and can get things done!”
After hanging up, Mao Weiguo held onto the receiver for a long time in disbelief: this was not just a surprise; it was more like a shock! He immediately reported the news to Meng Xiangjun, who was equally excited: “I will communicate with Secretary Zheng right now!”
Jiangbei Province has seventeen prefecture-level cities. Although transportation has become increasingly convenient over the years, one cannot simply invite provincial leaders at will! Their travel plans are made after careful consideration; especially for someone like Wang Chongyuan in an official position—unless in special circumstances—such plans typically require one or two months’ notice or even three to four months for inspections or research trips.
This new development was promptly communicated to Yili. Originally represented by an older executive from their basic operations department for signing, they quickly changed their plans so that both the Chairman and General Manager would fly to Jiangbei to attend the ceremony and sign on behalf of the company.
The entire event's scale suddenly elevated beyond what someone in Mao Weiguo’s position could manage alone. The Yili team arrived at Jiangcheng International Airport late at night. After accompanying Meng Xiangjun to greet them at the airport, Mao Weiguo rushed back to Jinan. The next morning, all four major leaders of Jinan were at the intersection waiting to welcome the provincial leaders’ convoy.
Technically speaking, Yili was a guest and did not need to be welcomed at the intersection; however, both top leaders were clearly touched by Jiangbei Province's enthusiasm and insisted on coming along.
This situation left even the secretary-general of Jinan City’s office in a difficult position. Ultimately, there was no choice; since they were guests from afar—and distinguished guests at that—their wishes had to be respected.
At the national road intersection, it was not comrades from Jinan City who first shook hands with Wang Chongyuan but rather top executives from Yili Enterprise from far-off northern regions!
Such an occurrence might be unprecedented throughout Jiangbei Province. Wang Chongyuan was quite talkative; after shaking hands with various individuals, he invited Yili's Chairman into his car. Following suit, Deputy Governor Wang Hongbin invited Yili's General Manager into his vehicle as well. With police lights flashing ahead, their convoy made its way grandly towards Ji Nan Reception Hall.
In the largest conference room of the Reception Hall, Wang Chongyuan delivered an enthusiastic speech, warmly welcoming friends from afar on behalf of Jiangbei and congratulating Yi Li on its establishment in Jiangbei.
Mr. Yao Yuan, Chairman of Yi Li, expressed gratitude for Jiangbei's hospitality and optimism for the future cooperation between both parties. As a result, Meng Xiangjun, who was originally supposed to sign on behalf of Ji Nan, was directly replaced by Wang Chongyuan.
With so many big shots present, Mao Weiguo, the nominal Vice Mayor, became somewhat inconspicuous. Fortunately, Vice Governor Wang remembered him and introduced him to Wang Chongyuan: "This is Comrade Mao Weiguo..." and they shook hands.
After the signing ceremony, Wang Chongyuan and Wang Hongbin from Jiangbei, along with Yao Yuan and General Manager Chang Hao from Yi Li, did not attend the lunch banquet but returned together to Jiangcheng.
Later, the front page of Jiangbei Daily prominently featured a large photo of Vice Governor Wang Chongyuan meeting with Chairman Yao Yuan of Yi Li, reporting that Yili Enterprise would discuss strategic cooperation with Jiangbei.
In comparison, the investments made by Yi Li in Ji Nan seemed trivial. This led to much speculation among Ji Nan's main leaders: even this Big Leader could "steal the show"!
Different positions bring different heights; there is no basis for comparison, nor is there any way around it...
At the luncheon, Secretary Zhang Zhicheng of Mu Yuan County and County Mayor Li Mingfang toasted Mao Weiguo repeatedly... Their sincerity was palpable; Mao Weiguo understood that they were not just toasting him as Vice Mayor but were eager for the resources he could offer.
On the way back to Annan, Mao Weiguo felt quite tipsy yet mentally clear as he chatted with Zhang Qiang in the passenger seat: "Xiao Zhang, to be honest, I still have some thoughts about not being able to keep Yi Li in Annan!"
Zhang Qiang turned back: "County Mayor, I think you really don’t need to worry. As long as we do our job well and achieve results, that’s what matters!"
Mao Weiguo replied, "Your viewpoint is somewhat similar to Xiao Hu's."
He continued, "Thinking about our work over the past two years, we have changed a lot... By the way, you've been with me for almost two years now. Staying by my side may not be beneficial for your personal development. Do you have any plans? Feel free to speak openly; I know you well!"
Zhang Qiang said, "County Mayor, I haven't really thought about it in detail... Right now, I'm doing more execution than planning. If you really want to let me go, I think I'll focus on 'working' for a while..."
Mao Weiguo looked at him approvingly: "Good. You’re not aiming too high and know how to stay grounded; that's commendable. Early next year, I’ll make some adjustments for you. But if it doesn’t go well, don’t take it personally..."
Zhang Qiang felt touched: "County Mayor, I can't say you saved me from peril, but if I had stayed at the Education Committee any longer, I might have really been wasted. Don’t worry; wherever you place me, I will accept it and work hard!"
Suddenly he slapped his forehead: "Oh right! I almost forgot—Xiao Hu and Mao Na are coming back tomorrow morning. They seem to be bringing a guest who just returned from abroad for an inspection in Annan!"
Mao Weiguo perked up: "Did they mention what aspects they would be inspecting?"
Zhang Qiang replied: "No. The guest's intention is just to take a casual look first. However, Xiao Hu wants to visit the Mutton Hot Pot production workshop at Eternity and Annan Eight Middle School among other places. He asked me to give you a heads-up but said we don’t need to accompany them. After their visit, they will contact us based on their assessment for formal discussions."
Mao Weiguo remained enthusiastic: "Alright, I understand. Hopefully this kid can give us another surprise!"
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