128: Chapter 128

Moreover, Li Dakang was no ordinary Township Party Committee secretary; he was also a standing committee member of the County Party Committee, wielding significant influence within the county.

Finance Director Yu Changping considered himself loyal; ever since Li Dakang arrived in Guantian Township, he had always executed his instructions meticulously. Whether it was a note or a signature from Li Dakang, he would ensure the funds were allocated immediately, never daring to delay for even a moment.

In the work of the Finance Office, he always prioritized Li Dakang's decisions, never cutting corners.

Precisely because of this, Finance Director Yu Changping had come specifically today to pledge his loyalty to Li Dakang, hoping that Li Dakang would see it, take note, and perhaps give him a helping hand at a critical moment to help him climb to a higher rung on the ladder.

When Finance Director Yu Changping pushed the door open and entered, he was carefully holding a blue-and-white porcelain jar. Inside the jar was wild kudzu root powder, which he had asked his rural relatives to dig up from the deep mountains and forests, then carefully ground using traditional methods.

This kudzu root powder was bright white in color and fine in texture—a rare treasure from the mountains.

"Secretary."

Finance Director Yu Changping bowed slightly, his tone sincere and tinged with concern: "This is some wild kudzu root powder specifically sent by my relatives in the countryside. I heard you've been having a lot of social engagements lately. If you mix this powder with boiling water, it can help sober you up, protect your liver, and stimulate body fluids to nourish the stomach."

"Thinking you might find it useful, I brought some for you to try."

As he spoke, he placed the porcelain jar gently on Li Dakang's desk, his movements respectful yet not sycophantic.

The blue-and-white porcelain jar made a crisp sound against the solid wood desk, and the seal script characters for "Blessings, Longevity, Peace, and Health" on the jar glowed with a warm luster in the sunlight.

Li Dakang looked up and examined the exquisitely crafted jar, naturally understanding Finance Director Yu Changping's intention.

Yet, seeing how travel-worn the other man looked, and thinking about how much effort it must have taken to obtain this kudzu root powder, a trace of warmth still welled up in his heart.

Amidst the ups and downs of officialdom, having someone put in such effort was, after all, a gratifying thing.

"Finance Director Yu, you've put a lot of thought into this."

Li Dakang's lips curled slightly, his tone softening considerably. He reached into his drawer, took out a pack of Zhonghua cigarettes, pulled one out, and tossed it to Finance Director Yu Changping.

"Sit down. As it happens, I have something I want to discuss with you, too."

Anyone who has worked at the grassroots level in townships knows that for officials who smoke, the longer they have been in office, the heavier their addiction becomes.

Li Dakang was no exception; nowadays, he had to smoke at least two packs a day, though not much actually entered his lungs—most were handed out to others during receptions or discussions.

"Thank you, Secretary."

Finance Director Yu Changping took the cigarette with both hands, skillfully fished a lighter from his pocket, lit it for Li Dakang first, and then lit his own.

He took a deep drag, squinted his eyes to savor it for a moment, and said in a sincere tone: "It's strange to say, but every time I smoke a cigarette from you, Secretary, I always feel it's exceptionally mellow, with a long-lasting aftertaste."

Given Finance Director Yu Changping's current status, Zhonghua cigarettes were no longer an unattainable luxury. Although he couldn't smoke them every day, getting a few packs every few days to satisfy his cravings was not a problem.

Anyone with a discerning eye could tell that his words were deliberate flattery.

"Take two packs with you when you leave later."

Li Dakang waved his hand with a smile, his tone casual yet carrying the composure of someone in a superior position.

"Then many thanks, Secretary."

Finance Director Yu Changping took a few more deep drags, letting the smoke circulate in his lungs before slowly exhaling.

He rubbed his hands, hesitating to speak, unsure for a moment how to broach the main topic.

Li Dakang naturally understood why he had come, but seeing him delay opening his mouth, he was happy to play dumb.

Having been immersed in officialdom for many years in his past life, he knew the ropes of being an official very well: being too aloof made it easy to become isolated, while being overly approachable would cause subordinates to lose their sense of awe.

As a leader, the most important thing is to grasp the right measure—one must let subordinates feel approachability while maintaining an aura of authority that commands respect without anger.

After all, in the arena of power, what a leader wants is never to be looked at as an equal, but to be looked up to from the bottom of a subordinate's heart.

The office fell silent for a moment, with only the "tick-tock" of the wall clock sounding.

Finance Director Yu Changping felt his back beginning to sweat, and a fine layer of beads of sweat had formed on his forehead, but he dared not raise his hand to wipe them, fearing that such an action would reveal his inner anxiety.

Li Dakang, on the other hand, remained composed throughout. He gently flicked the ash from his cigarette and shifted the conversation to the development plan for Guantian Township: "Finance Director Yu, although the financial situation in our Guantian Township has improved, there is still a long way to go to achieve long-term development."

His voice was unhurried, yet every word was forceful.

"Especially with infrastructure construction and livelihood projects like education and medical care, all of which require continuous and substantial capital investment."

Li Dakang's gaze deepened: "The burden on your shoulders as Finance Director is not light; you must manage this purse string strictly and well."

Finance Director Yu Changping listened, feeling as anxious as if he were on fire, yet he maintained a focused expression on his face, nodding in agreement from time to time: "You are right, Secretary; these are indeed the top priorities."

"Therefore."

Li Dakang paused meaningfully and looked at Finance Director Yu Changping with a piercing gaze: "I hope you can continue to leverage your professional strengths, make the financial work more solid and standardized, and contribute even greater strength to the development of Guantian Township."

These words were like a basin of cold water poured over Finance Director Yu Changping's heart, and he instantly understood Li Dakang's implication.

However, his many years of experience in officialdom allowed him to quickly adjust his expression, and he bowed respectfully: "Please rest assured, Secretary; I will certainly fulfill my duties and continue to do my utmost for the development of Guantian Township."

His voice was steady and forceful, with not a trace of his inner disappointment to be heard.