37: Chapter 37 Seeking Funds from Various Sources

Li Dakang had long anticipated that the county could not provide full funding. Getting three hundred thousand was already an unexpected joy. He knew the financial situation of Anjiang County like the back of his hand; this money was essentially squeezed out from between the teeth.

County Party Secretary Yuan Kai waved his hand and added, "However, you still need to report this matter to County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun. After all, the government is in charge of economic work, and some procedures must be followed."

"I understand, Secretary Yuan. I will go to County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun's place in a moment," Li Dakang replied immediately.

Unlike the smooth meeting with County Party Secretary Yuan Kai, things were not as easy on the side of County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun.

When Li Dakang arrived outside the County Magistrate's Office, he found that several heads of the County Public Security Bureau were already lined up in front.

Although he was a township head, in front of these powerful bureau chiefs, he could only obediently wait in line.

In this system, if a deputy of a unit wants to report work directly to county leaders, especially to the County Party Secretary and the County Magistrate, they need to have a special background.

During the hour he waited, Li Dakang carefully sorted out every sentence he would say later.

Finally, County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun's secretary called his name.

Entering the office, County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun was burying his head in reviewing documents, wearing a crisp black suit, with his hair combed meticulously.

"Hello, County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun. I am Li Dakang from Quantian Township, here to report on my work."

"Hmm, sit down first."

County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun did not even raise his head, his fountain pen moving quickly across the document: "Wait until I finish processing this document."

Li Dakang sat quietly in the chair opposite, showing no sign of impatience on his face. He knew clearly in his heart that this was County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun testing his patience—after all, he was County Party Secretary Yuan Kai's man.

County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun seemed focused on the document, but his peripheral vision was sizing up this young man, secretly pondering, "This kid is quite composed. County Party Secretary Yuan Kai insisted on putting him in Quantian Township despite opposition; what exactly is so special about him?"

Ten minutes later, County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun finally put down his pen and slowly looked up: "Speak, what is the matter?"

Li Dakang repeated the content of his report from earlier with County Party Secretary Yuan Kai, emphasizing the potential of a ten-million-level enterprise and its driving effect on the county's economy.

"According to preliminary estimates, after the Bean Products Factory goes into production, the output value in the first year can reach over one million, and it can exceed ten million within five years. This will completely change the poor and backward appearance of Quantian Township, and at the same time, it can also increase considerable tax revenue for the county."

As he spoke, Li Dakang took out a detailed feasibility report from his briefcase and handed it to County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun with both hands: "This is the detailed plan, please take a look, County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun."

County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun took the report and quickly browsed through the content.

His brows gradually relaxed, and his expression softened. A ten-million-level enterprise, and in a poor township like Quantian—no one could ignore such political achievements.

Although Li Dakang was County Party Secretary Yuan Kai's man, the political achievements belonged to the whole county, and he, as the County Magistrate, would also benefit.

In the political arena, there are no permanent enemies, only eternal interests. County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun could sit in the position of County Magistrate; he had at least that much awareness.

"Comrade Dakang."

County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun finally revealed a trace of a smile: "In principle, I support your plan. But 'one does not know the price of fuel and rice without managing the household'; the county's finances are indeed tight."

"County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun."

Li Dakang's tone was sincere: "You know the situation in Quantian best. If the county doesn't provide any support, I really 'cannot make bricks without straw'."

"Just now, County Party Secretary Yuan Kai has already approved three hundred thousand in road construction funds. I hope that, for the sake of Quantian Township's urgent need for development, you can arrange for the payment as soon as possible."

With things put this way, County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun knew he could no longer push back, otherwise it would be an open confrontation with County Party Secretary Yuan Kai, which would do him no good.

"Alright, since County Party Secretary Yuan Kai has already approved it, I will instruct the Finance Bureau to allocate the funds as soon as possible."

"On behalf of the elders and fellow villagers of Quantian, I thank County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun for your support!" Li Dakang said sincerely.

Returning to the township, Li Dakang dialed the phone number of Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua: "Hello, Uncle Guo, am I disturbing your work?"

From the other end of the phone came Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua's hearty laughter: "Go ahead, Li Dakang, what difficulty have you encountered again?"

Li Dakang reported the funding gap for road construction truthfully.

After hearing it, Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua asked directly: "Is it for that Bean Products Factory?"

"Yes, Uncle Guo, nothing can be hidden from you."

After Secretary Chen Bin finished his meal and went back that day, he had reported this matter to Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua.

"Haha, you kid never look for me unless there's something up," Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua laughed.

"The municipal finances are also very tight right now. How about this, I will allocate six hundred thousand from the mayor's special funds for you, and have it transferred directly to your township's financial account. There is really no more than that."

"I understand, thank you, Uncle Guo! Once this busy period is over, I will definitely go to the city to thank you in person."

Hanging up the phone, Li Dakang let out a long sigh of relief.

The three hundred thousand from the county plus the six hundred thousand from the city, nine hundred thousand in funds was enough to pave the road section from Zhengjia Village to the Township Government.

As for the highway from the township to the county seat, he had an even bigger plan. Don't forget that Cao Yong's father is the Vice Governor in charge of the Department of Transportation; he hadn't used that connection yet.

Work that leaders attach importance to always has astonishing efficiency.