80: Chapter 80 Driver Selection

Township Head Mao Yungang was not some naive, inexperienced youth. His ability to become a township head at the age of thirty relied not only on County Party Secretary Yuan Kai's support but even more so on his political sensitivity.

Township Head Mao Yungang secretly sized up Li Dakang, who was even younger than himself, and pondered: "This Secretary Li must have a significant background; following him is definitely the right choice."

Seeing this, the other members of the Township Party Committee also expressed their stances one after another.

Chairman Gan of the People's Congress patted his chest in assurance: "Wherever Secretary Li points, we will strike; we will never hesitate!"

The head of the Armed Forces Department stood up even more excitedly: "Our Armed Forces Department firmly obeys the leadership of the Township Party Committee!"

Li Dakang smiled and calmly opened his notebook: "Thank you, comrades, for your trust. Next, I will announce the division of labor among the team members..."

At the end of the meeting, Li Dakang casually proposed: "Given Comrade Zheng Shijun's outstanding work performance, I propose appointing him as the Deputy Director of the Township Party and Government Office."

As soon as his voice fell, the whole room was filled with sounds of agreement.

Township Head Mao Yungang was the first to raise his hand in approval, and the other committee members also expressed their support one after another; the proposal passed without any suspense.

After the meeting adjourned, Director Su Zhiguo followed closely behind Li Dakang back to the office.

At this moment, this Director of the Party and Government Office felt both nervous and expectant. As an "old subject" left behind by the former Secretary Sun Wei, he urgently needed to prove his value to the new Secretary.

"Secretary, do you have any specific requirements regarding the choice of a driver?"

Director Su Zhiguo bowed slightly, his voice respectful yet measured.

The previous Township Government driver had been with Secretary Sun Wei for a long time and was used to working with him, so he was taken along to the Education Bureau. Currently, the position of Township Government driver was temporarily vacant.

Li Dakang stood by the window, sunlight filtering through the glass and casting dappled light and shadow on his well-defined profile.

"It's best if it's a veteran, and he needs to be young and strong."

He turned around and added: "Also, assign one to Township Head Mao as well; you go and ask for his opinion."

Director Su Zhiguo looked troubled: "Secretary, the township only has one jeep right now. Assigning two drivers might..."

"That jeep should have been retired a long time ago."

Li Dakang interrupted him, his tone unquestionable: "Go buy two Santana sedans; second-hand is fine, but the condition must be good."

"One for me to use, one for Township Head Mao. Keep that jeep for public use."

Director Su Zhiguo nodded repeatedly, secretly delighted: This is a great opportunity to show my worth!

He asked tentatively: "Shall I bring the candidates for the driver position for you to review tomorrow?"

Li Dakang nodded slightly, his gaze carrying a touch of approval: "With you handling things, I am at ease."

...

As the sun set, Su Village was bathed in a golden afterglow.

Director Su Zhiguo's older brother, Su Zhihai, was chopping wood in the courtyard. His wife was busy cooking dinner at the stove, and their son, Su Wu, sat on the threshold, idly fiddling with a military knife.

"Xiao Wu."

Su's mother sighed: "You've been back for more than half a year now; you can't just stay idle like this forever. Your second uncle is an official in the township, how about..."

"Mom!"

Su Wu stood up abruptly, spinning the military knife in his hand with a flashy flourish.

"Don't worry about my affairs; I have my own plans!"

Just then, the Village Party Secretary rushed into the courtyard: "Dahai! Su Zhiguo called and said to have Xiao Wu go to the Township Government tomorrow..."

That night, the elderly couple of the Su family tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

Su Wu lay on the bed, staring at the mottled ceiling. His thoughts drifted back to the military camp, and the ugly face of that gold-plated officer appeared before his eyes again; he couldn't help but clench his fists.

At dawn the next day, Su Wu set off on the road to the Township Government.

In the morning mist, his tall, upright figure was as straight as a javelin.

Arriving at the gate of the Township Government, Su Wu stood solemnly as if on guard duty, attracting frequent glances from the early-rising township cadres.

"Xiao Wu!"

Director Su Zhiguo hurried over and grabbed his nephew's hand: "Let's go, have breakfast first!"

In the cafeteria, steaming buns exuded an enticing aroma.

Director Su Zhiguo lowered his voice: "I want to recommend you to be the driver for Secretary Li."

The chopsticks in Su Wu's hand paused. He looked up, a glimmer of light flashing in his eyes: "Second Uncle, I..."

"Don't be in a rush to agree."

Director Su Zhiguo said sternly: "Driving for a leader is not a simple matter. You must be able to control your mouth, keep a steady hand, and, more importantly, guard your heart."

Su Wu took a deep breath, the tenacity forged by his military career appearing on his face: "I understand."

...

The door to Li Dakang's office was gently knocked, and Director Su Zhiguo walked in with Su Wu.

Sunlight streamed through the window, outlining the young man's silhouette with exceptional clarity.

"Secretary Li, this is Su Wu, whom I mentioned to you."

Director Su Zhiguo introduced, "My own nephew, just discharged last year from the Special Operations Brigade of the Northwest Military Region."

Li Dakang put down his documents and sized up the young man before him with a piercing gaze.

Standing at one meter eighty-five, with broad shoulders and a straight posture, he was clearly a soldier who had undergone rigorous training.

"Can you drive?" Li Dakang asked.

"Yes!" Su Wu's voice was loud and clear.

"I was a driver when I first joined the army, and I am familiar with all kinds of vehicles."

A trace of interest flashed in Li Dakang's eyes: "How are your combat skills?"

Su Wu hesitated for a moment: "I took third place in the brigade-wide competition."

This answer made Li Dakang raise an eyebrow.

He stood up, suddenly stepped forward, and his right hand formed a claw, striking directly at Su Wu's throat.