143: Chapter 143 Introduction by a Noble Person

The temperature of the drinks, the plating of the dishes, the positioning of the servers, the selection of music—every detail had to be flawless.

Before long, Vice Governor Cao Jianhui's official car pulled up precisely beside Director Lu Guoqiang's vehicle.

Just as Director Lu Guoqiang was about to step forward to greet them, he saw a young man, roughly in his twenties, push open the car door and step out first.

The young man stood as straight as a pine tree, his well-tailored navy blue suit accentuating his balanced physique.

His features were sharp and defined, and beneath his sword-like brows, a pair of eyes shone with intense spirit. His gaze held a depth of wisdom and composure that belied his youth, and his poised demeanor made one instinctively want to take a second look.

While Director Lu Guoqiang was still pondering the identity of this stranger, Vice Governor Cao Jianhui stepped out from the other side.

Director Lu Guoqiang immediately refocused, stepped forward quickly, and bowed slightly, saying: "Old Leader, you have arrived."

Vice Governor Cao Jianhui smiled warmly and patted Director Lu Guoqiang's shoulder affectionately: "Guoqiang, thank you for going to the trouble of arranging this. Let's have a good talk tonight."

He looked at the young man beside him, his tone filled with a hint of admiration: "Come, let me introduce you. This is Li Dakang, currently serving as the Party Secretary for Guantian Township, Anjiang County, Xinying City."

"Hello, Director Lu!"

Li Dakang stepped forward, extended his right hand with a crisp, decisive motion, and spoke in a clear, powerful voice: "Thanks to the special funding support from the Provincial Department of Transportation last time, the road conditions in Guantian Township were finally improved. The fellow villagers specifically asked me to thank you in person."

Director Lu Guoqiang only then realized who he was.

That three-million-yuan special appropriation had indeed been specially approved by him, and per Vice Governor Cao Jianhui's instructions, it had been transferred directly to the township's fiscal account.

In this era, such a method of appropriation that bypassed both the municipal and county-level treasuries was very rare.

What surprised Director Lu Guoqiang even more was Li Dakang's age; he looked to be barely in his twenties, yet he was already governing a region.

One had to know that at the grassroots level, those who could become a Township Party Secretary before the age of thirty were few and far between.

Director Lu Guoqiang keenly noticed that in the way Vice Governor Cao Jianhui looked at Li Dakang, there was an extraordinary sense of affection and high regard—this was not the typical dynamic between a superior and a subordinate.

He secretly speculated that this young cadre likely had a significant background.

If Director Lu Guoqiang had known that Li Dakang also concurrently served as a member of the Anjiang County Party Committee, he would have been even more certain of his judgment: there must be extraordinary political resources behind this young man.

"Secretary Li is young and promising!"

Director Lu Guoqiang warmly grasped Li Dakang's hand, a smile plastered on his face.

"It is our duty to do practical things for the grassroots. If there is an opportunity another day, I will certainly go to Guantian Township to see the new changes."

While speaking, Director Lu Guoqiang calmly observed Vice Governor Cao Jianhui's reaction, hoping to glean more information from his old leader's face.

Vice Governor Cao Jianhui stood to the side with his hands behind his back, smiling as he watched the two converse.

His eyes, which had seen countless people, narrowed slightly, revealing a look of satisfaction.

Having been in the political arena for so many years, he knew that this kind of occasion was more valuable than a formal meeting in an office.

In fact, regarding the road repair funds, given Vice Governor Cao Jianhui's current status as a member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Governor, he could have resolved it with a phone call or a signed note.

Director Lu Guoqiang was his old subordinate and certainly would not dare to be negligent.

But Vice Governor Cao Jianhui had specifically arranged this dinner tonight, and his intentions went far beyond that.

Director Lu Guoqiang recalled the critical moment half a year ago when he was promoted to the Provincial Party Committee; it was precisely through Li Dakang that he had met the heavyweight figure Li Hongji, and subsequently entered the core circle of the Li faction.

Now, he wanted to use the same method to pave a path for promotion for his old subordinate, Director Lu Guoqiang.

"Guoqiang."

Vice Governor Cao Jianhui interjected at the opportune moment, his tone carrying the concern of an elder: "Although Li Dakang is young, he has achieved many concrete results at the grassroots level."

"In the future, when your Provincial Department of Transportation arranges projects, you should listen more to the opinions of grassroots comrades."

Director Lu Guoqiang was astute and immediately understood his old leader's meaning.

The smile on his face became even more enthusiastic: "Old Leader is right! Our work must be more grounded."

"Secretary Li, I must invite you another day to share your experience in grassroots work with the young cadres in our department."

Vice Governor Cao Jianhui nodded in satisfaction.

He knew that with Director Lu Guoqiang's political acumen, he would certainly be able to seize this rare opportunity.

In officialdom, sometimes the introduction of a key figure is more effective than ten years of burying one's head in hard work.

What Vice Governor Cao Jianhui was doing today was building a bridge between Director Lu Guoqiang and Li Dakang.

The evening breeze blew gently, and the courtyard lights cast long shadows of the three men.

Vice Governor Cao Jianhui looked up at the star-studded night sky and thought to himself: Perhaps it won't be long before this old subordinate of his takes another step forward toward the vice-provincial level.

After all, in this circle, connections are the greatest political capital.

Subsequently, the three walked slowly into the meticulously decorated private room under the guidance of Xiao Jia, and the elegant scent of sandalwood greeted them.

The private room featured a new Chinese-style decor, with mahogany furniture paired perfectly with elegant silk cushions. Several original ink paintings by contemporary masters hung on the walls, appearing even more profound and artistic under the glow of the soft spotlights.

In the center of the dining table were exquisite blue and white porcelain tableware, each piece gleaming with a warm, gentle luster.

Following an elegant gesture from Xiao Jia, waitresses dressed in qipao entered in succession, serving one delicacy after another onto the dining table.