অধ্যায় একান্ন শ' এগারো: উন্নত প্রযুক্তির কি প্রয়োজন?

STANDING COMMITTEE meetings had their own agenda, and none of this concerned Yue Zhang. The die was cast, and whether things would turn out well or poorly depended entirely on the final verdict from above. Yue Zhang did not go out of his way to inquire about the fierce debates and criticisms regarding Qianjin Village during the committee session. Yet, news seemed to have wings, constantly buzzing into his ears. Ignoring it once or twice was easy enough, but hearing it over and over inevitably left him unsettled by the various rumors. Taking some time off, Yue Zhang hurried back to his workplace to consult his underground superior, Lao Guo, about the situation.

"No need to panic. As long as no official document has been issued, just keep doing your job." Lao Guo seemed quite relaxed; not being on the front lines meant he bore no direct responsibility.

"How can I not be anxious? I was even hoping to get some benefits out of this," Yue Zhang said half-jokingly.

"Stop daydreaming for now. Just getting the job done is enough. Since the higher-ups haven't reached a conclusion yet, what are you rushing for? The county committee's decision is relatively cautious—neither offering support nor imposing punishment. We'll just have to see what policies come out next."

Yue Zhang couldn't make sense of these matters. Why should a village relocating its settlement depend on the policies of the highest authorities?

"Yue Zhang, I can't quite tell whether this move of yours will turn out to be a blessing or a curse. At the very least, your name is out there now. Achieving renown at such a young age can be both a good thing and a potential problem for you," Lao Guo said meaningfully.

"Please, tell me more," Yue Zhang urged, eager to hear Lao Guo's perspective.

"What you did in Qianjin Village was quite remarkable. In terms of results, you've outperformed everyone sent down from other units, especially when it comes to building houses for the villagers and achieving common prosperity—you've moved even faster than the county's own pace. Originally, the county wanted to use young cadres going down to the grassroots as a city-wide model, hoping that if things went well, even the provincial authorities might come to report on it. But you seized the initiative before the county could harvest the fruits of success. Generally speaking, you moved a bit too fast. Those who were hoping to use this opportunity to soar upward are certainly unhappy with you; they probably feel you stole their chances and now view you as a rival. So, you'll need to tread very carefully in the days ahead," Lao Guo warned gravely.

"I'm not afraid. What's all this? Relying on their family backgrounds to slack off for a couple of days and then expecting to reap honors? On what grounds?" Yue Zhang retorted defiantly, recalling the behavior of well-connected students back in his training course days.

"Look, that's exactly what I'm afraid of—your youthful hotheadedness making you susceptible to provocation. Calmer minds and a few more years at the grassroots will give you a deeper understanding," Lao Guo advised soothingly.

"Staying longer doesn't matter to me, as long as it doesn't ruin things for Qianjin Village."

"Has Qianjin Village become your precious baby now? Don't worry, since the story of Qianjin Village has already been publicized, even if someone tries to snatch the credit, your reputation remains intact. The county committee held a meeting for your little run-down village—which leader doesn't know about your village now? Do you have any further plans? Would you like me to step in and try to secure something for you?" Lao Guo asked with concern.

"What kind of good stuff can I get? Whatever I can ask for, I want it," Yue Zhang replied unceremoniously, knowing opportunities like this were rare.

"You figure it out yourself. Why are you asking me?" Lao Guo deflected with a noncommittal response.

"How would I know, Uncle Guo? How about getting us designated as an Advanced Model Village, along with an Advanced Individual award or something?" Yue Zhang probed cautiously.

"You're overthinking it. Getting recognized as an Advanced Collective would be decent, but don't even think about an Advanced Individual title. However, your official rank might be something we can work on," Lao Guo dangled the bait.

"Really?" Yue Zhang brightened up. "What inside information do you have? Why don't you go upstairs and put in a good word for me, and get me promoted to a full section chief?"