98: Chapter 98 The Vegetable Base Sets Sail

As time passed, Li Dakang's prestige in Guantian Township grew day by day, and some even jokingly remarked that this place had become his "one-man show."

But Li Dakang never cared: during a critical period of reform and development, a moderate "one-man show" could actually improve efficiency. If every decision required endless haggling, precious opportunities would have long since been lost to internal friction.

Time and results would prove everything.

In fact, the township cadres had become accustomed to following Li Dakang's arrangements, especially after he successfully secured the fifty-million investment from Tie Qichang; his prestige had reached its peak.

"Township Head Mao Yungang, it's like this..."

Li Dakang got straight to the point and detailed the plan to build the Vegetable Base.

Township Head Mao Yungang had been training at the county level during this period and had just returned. He didn't know about the experts from the Agricultural University coming over. At first, he was stunned, but then his eyes lit up: "Secretary, this is a great thing! Our township's agriculture has always been a weak point. If this project succeeds, the villagers' income will definitely reach a new level!"

Li Dakang nodded with satisfaction: "That's why I plan to establish a special leading group, with you as the team leader, fully responsible for this project. What do you think?"

Township Head Mao Yungang felt his heart warm; this was a rare opportunity.

But he quickly calmed down, remembering the advice his uncle, County Party Secretary Yuan Kai, gave him before taking office: "Yungang, when you go to Guantian Township, you must learn more from Comrade Dakang and be a good assistant."

So he said sincerely: "Secretary, this project is of great significance. It would be more stable if you personally took charge. I can be the deputy team leader and assist you."

Li Dakang understood Township Head Mao Yungang's thoughts. He didn't care about empty fame; as long as the project succeeded, the credit would naturally follow.

Letting Township Head Mao Yungang take the lead was, firstly, because he valued his ability, and secondly, to affirm his consistent cooperation. At the same time, it also sent a signal to other cadres: following him would not result in any losses.

"Township Head Mao Yungang, don't decline."

Li Dakang's tone was firm: "You have worked in the County Party Committee Office, you have a good grasp of policies, and your coordination skills are strong. This project needs a cadre like you to push it forward."

"Get the team set up quickly and get moving as soon as possible."

Seeing Li Dakang's trust, Township Head Mao Yungang no longer declined: "Then I will draft the list when I go back, set up the leading group in the next two days, and strive to start the project as soon as possible."

"Good, come to me whenever you encounter difficulties," Li Dakang instructed at the end.

Township Head Mao Yungang nodded solemnly and took his leave. His steps were exceptionally light as he walked out of the office, already calculating how to make the project a success.

Watching his retreating figure, Li Dakang smiled with satisfaction and turned back to his desk to continue perfecting the plan.

Outside the window, a few sparrows hopped happily on the branches, as if they were also cheering for the coming change.

In the following period, the courtyard of the Guantian Township Government was always brightly lit until late at night.

The working group led by Township Head Mao Yungang operated like a clockwork mechanism, running without stopping for a moment.

One group carried measuring instruments through the fields, measuring the land inch by inch under the scorching sun; one group sat at desks organizing research data to write detailed reports; and another group often talked on the phone with Professor Yang's team, repeatedly arguing for the feasibility of the planting plan.

One sweltering afternoon, Township Head Mao Yungang returned from the county, covered in sweat, and rushed to the conference room without even having a drink of water.

The working group was arguing fiercely about the site selection, and the sound of the argument reached the hallway.

"I think the land at the east end of Shixi Village is the most suitable!" the head of the agricultural technology station said, slapping the table.

"But it's too far from the water source!" the head of the Water Conservancy Bureau immediately retorted.

Township Head Mao Yungang pushed the door open and wiped the sweat from his face: "Stop arguing, everyone. I just came back from the county Water Conservancy Bureau, and they promised to give us priority in building irrigation canals!"

Cheers erupted in the conference room.

Meanwhile, the phone in Li Dakang's office rang incessantly.

He sometimes argued reasonably on the phone: "Director Wang, this project is related to the poverty alleviation of thousands of farmers!"

Sometimes he explained patiently: "Director Zhang, our circular agriculture model is an innovation in the whole province..."

Through Li Dakang's unremitting efforts, the county finance department added special funds, the Agriculture Bureau specially approved technical support, and even the Transportation Bureau promised to prioritize repairing the road leading to the base.

After the preparation work was ready, on a sunny morning, the activity square of Guantian Township was crowded with people.

Representatives from every village in the township brought their own small stools and came early to attend the mobilization meeting.

Li Dakang stood on the temporarily constructed podium, looking at the weathered but expectant faces under the stage, his heart surging.

"Fellow villagers!"

Li Dakang's voice echoed over the square: "Do you know how much cauliflower costs in the city now?"

As he spoke, he held up a bunch of green vegetables he had just bought from the county vegetable market: "With this quality, it sells for one yuan and five jiao per jin in the city! But the vegetables we grow ourselves only sell for a few jiao to the buyers!"

The crowd below was in an uproar.

Li Dakang continued to explain the Vegetable Base plan in detail: unified varieties, scientific planting, brand sales, and he also specifically mentioned using manure from the breeding farm as fertilizer, which saves money and is environmentally friendly.

When he spoke with excitement, his voice became even louder: "We want the vegetables from Guantian to go directly into supermarkets and restaurants, turning the sweat of our fellow villagers into real money!"

Below the stage, Village Party Secretary Zheng Yaoxian of Zhengjia Village quietly wiped away tears. He remembered the scene when the Bean Products Factory started operation. Many people didn't believe it then, but what about now?

The workers' wages in the factory were almost catching up with those in the city!