Chapter 357 – Five hundred million (2/2)
“Don’t be anxious. Take a seat.” Zhao Xinglong is a straightforward person, but today he did not go into the main topic immediately. Instead, he asked about Dong Xuebing’s work and the situation in the Agency.
Dong Xuebing can only answer Zhao Xinglong’s questions. He has a bad feeling something is wrong in his heart.
After chatting for a while, Zhao Xinglong said. “Chief Dong, you must be prepared. The Investment Promotion Agency’s target is quite high.”
Dong Xuebing looked at Zhao Xinglong. “How much?”
Zhao Xinglong replied in a serious tone. “500 million.”
“500 million?!” Dong Xuebing drew a deep breath. “This is 350 million more than last year’s target! Mayor Zhao, you all cannot do this to us. Our staff had pushed themselves to their limits to achieve 200 million RMB last year and broke our County’s historical records. How can our target be increased by so much?! We should not try to run before we can even walk!”
Zhao Xinglong sighed in his heart. He is also under great pressure. “The County Government had not set this target during our discussions before today’s meeting. But during the Party Committee meeting this morning, the Committee wants to focus on the economic developments of our County and want our County to be on par with our surrounding cities and counties. That’s why this target of 500 million RMB comes about. The County has high hopes on the Investment Promotion Agency, and the Finance Department will be issuing 3 million RMB to support the Agency’s work.”
Dong Xuebing had a terrible look on his face. “What if we cannot achieve this target?”
Zhao Xinglong replied. “Every individual will be held responsible.”
“That means I will be fired?”
“Not really.” Zhao Xinglong continued. “I will also be held responsible if the Investment Promotion Agency cannot complete this mission. That’s why the Investment Promotion Agency must do a good job as the whole County is watching us.”
Xiang Daofa again!
Are you finding trouble with me again?!
But Dong Xuebing knew he is a nobody, and Xiang Daofa is doing this to deal with Xie Huilan. Of course, Xiang Daofa might also be doing this for the County, as he will get some credit if the County’s economy improves. But the target of 500 million RMB is too ridiculous. If Dong Xuebing cannot achieve it, Xiang Daofa will use this opportunity to get rid of him.
After leaving Zhao Xinglong’s office, Dong Xuebing went upstairs to look for Xie Huilan.
Dong Xuebing did not ask Secretary Hu if Xie Huilan is in her office. He just knocked and entered her office.
Xie Huilan, who is wearing a fitting suit, is on the phone with a smile. She saw Dong Xuebing entering her office and points to the chair in front, asking him to sit. “… Ok… Just do as we discussed… alright. I still have some work to handle now. That’s all.” After hanging up, Xie Huilan looks at Dong Xuebing and smiles. “Haha… I knew you will come to me to complain about.”
Dong Xuebing replied. “What else can I say?! The target is 500 million! Why not give us a target of 5 billion?!”
Xie Huilan laughed. “Don’t be mad. Haha… a few days ago, I heard you told everyone that if other counties can achieve it, so can we. Some Counties had successfully attracted more than a billion RMB worth of investments…”
Dong Xuebing is worried someone might hear their conversation and is careful with his words. “Mayor Xie, I was only encouraging the staff… but… never mind. I know nothing will change no matter what I say. The Party Committee had set this target, and nothing will change.” Dong Xuebing is still emotional.
Xie Huilan glanced at Dong Xuebing and pushed her teacup forward. “Have some water first.”
Dong Xuebing picked up the cup and drank everything.
Xie Huilan laughed. “Actually, I do agree to increase the Investment Promotion Agency’s target. Giving the Investment Promotion Agency some pressure, funds, and with the support of the whole County, I don’t believe the Agency cannot do a good job, right? But you are just appointed, and I don’t want to give you additional pressure. But now, Party Secretary Xiang had set this target for you. Just treat it as the instructions come from me. This year, I also want a huge increase in the County’s investments. Your responsibility is great, and you must not bring your emotions into your work.”
Dong Xuebing kept quiet for a while and said. “I am not saying that I will give up. Fine… Since you say this, I will also promise you. It is only 500 million! I will bring in 500 million worth of investments into the County even if it cost my life! If I cannot achieve this target, I will give you my resignation letter the next day!”
Xie Huilan looks at Dong Xuebing lovingly. “Haha… I will pretend not to hear your last sentence.”
Dong Xuebing is determined to go all out for Yan Tai County, the people here, his marriage, and his career. He had no other choice but to force himself!
It is only 500 million!
Challenge accepted!