Secretary Cao, that old fox, had long seen through their tricks of feigning poverty, and ultimately left only two hundred acres of state-owned construction land allocations.

Lin Hao and Li Jingyi were well aware but could only silently curse the cunning old fox.

However, securing eight hundred acres of state-owned construction land was enough to alleviate Wucheng County's financial issues, barely achieving the goal of their trip.

"Secretary Cao, we still have difficulties," Li Jingyi immediately added.

The smiling Secretary Cao's smile disappeared abruptly as he earnestly said, "Feel free to raise any difficulties. As long as I can make the decision, I will give you an immediate response."

"Secretary Cao, you're aware those companies are all part of the new energy industry chain. They all want some preferential policies and subsidies..." Li Jingyi began to express her concerns.

Secretary Cao, being a pragmatic leader, offered numerous suggestions and solutions and advised them to visit several other departments the next day to see if they could obtain some preferential policies.

After the discussion was over, Li Jingyi asked about the Wucheng County leadership team, especially concerning the county head and executive deputy county head, as they couldn't be left vacant.

"Secretary Li, regarding the county head, I will transfer someone over immediately. As for the executive deputy county head, isn't Lin Hao in charge of economic development?" Secretary Cao smiled at Lin Hao.

Li Jingyi glanced at Lin Hao, surprised, "Secretary Cao means for Lin Hao to take over as the executive deputy county head?"

"Lin Hao has a double degree as a senior economist and is currently a deputy county head. The Organization Department sees no issue with him. Moreover, he has been instrumental in spearheading the new energy project, familiar with all the enterprises' situations. If we switch to someone else, it would take them a long time to get acquainted with the work. Therefore, the municipal committee's opinion is for Lin Hao to take the position," Secretary Cao replied with a smile.

Upon hearing this news, Lin Hao felt a wave of excitement. After all, he had just been promoted, moving from a section-chief level to deputy director level, and now, so soon after, he's advancing into the standing committee.

Though a deputy county head is part of Wucheng County's senior leadership, it lacks a certain flavor. Only by entering the executive body can one truly be at the power's core.

While Lin Hao was still in shock and joy, Secretary Cao turned to him, smiling, "Lin Hao, do you have the confidence to take on the role of executive deputy county head?"

"Secretary Cao, frankly, I'm a bit surprised and delighted. I thank Secretary Cao and the organization for their trust and my leaders for their nurturing. Since my background is in economics, and the executive deputy county head is primarily responsible for the county's economic development, combined with my familiarity with the new energy projects and various enterprises, I believe I am capable of this job." Lin Hao responded with a smile.

His statement was a high EQ response, first thanking the organization and leaders, then explaining his capabilities in economics, before concluding with facts and logic, making it reasonable and justified.

"Hahaha... Lin Hao, even our municipal committee leaders have their eyes on you. Do a good job, and the organization is watching," Secretary Cao laughed heartily.

"Secretary Cao, I'm still here, aren't you trying to poach my person?" Li Jingyi said warily.

"To be honest, Wuning City's five-year economic development plan urgently needs economic talents! However, we also know Wucheng County needs talent like Lin Hao, so we definitely won't poach Secretary Li's people." Secretary Cao laughed heartily.

"That's more like it." Li Jingyi felt a lot more reassured.

"Secretary Li, since Zhang Yonghong was caught, there's a vacant deputy mayor position for economic affairs here in Wuning City. The municipal committee's opinion is to transfer you up..." Secretary Cao said this while staring at Li Jingyi, seemingly observing her reaction.

Upon hearing she was being promoted, Li Jingyi felt a sense of joy, but thinking of Wucheng County's situation, she immediately declined.

"Secretary Cao, Wucheng County is in a mess right now; it wouldn't be right for me to leave just like that."

"Hehehe... See, I told you you're someone who sees things through to the end and won't leave a mess behind." Secretary Cao laughed heartily.

"Wucheng County may be a mess, but I promise to have it on track within three months and ensure the smooth advancement of the new energy project, striving for results within this year," Li Jingyi promised.

"Don't feel any psychological pressure; just focus on your tasks. There will be opportunities in the future," Secretary Cao nodded slightly.

The ranks of county party secretary and deputy mayor are similar, although the name of a deputy mayor might seem bigger, the county party secretary wields significant local power and is a true authority figure.

If a deputy mayor could enter the standing committee, they would have real power. Otherwise, a county party secretary is more influential.

Moreover, since Zhou Banghuai and his cohort were isolated for review, numerous leaders at varying levels and some peripheral people were arrested, causing panic and chaos in Wucheng County.

If at this time, the county party secretary is changed, and a newcomer becomes county head, Wucheng County will surely fall into chaos.

Though her tenure is short, Li Jingyi has gotten to know Wucheng County and gained control over some of its leaders, thus becoming more familiar with local work.

Thus, Secretary Cao's opinion is to let her continue her work, and once Wucheng County stabilizes, find a way to transfer her to the city.

As for Lin Hao, who focuses on economics and not politics, Secretary Cao naturally wants him too, but he dares not poach Li Jingyi's confidant and beloved aide.

After going out, they discussed it and immediately checked into a hotel next to the municipal committee, making it convenient to visit the city's department leaders the next day.

But to meet department leaders, appointments were necessary.

Li Jingyi returned to her hotel room and started calling the department leaders one by one, mainly those in the Natural Resources Planning Bureau, Commerce Bureau, Investment Promotion Bureau, and Trademark Bureau.

After finally finishing the calls, the beautiful secretary was exhausted, but luckily, the hotel served food, so the two ate a little casually.

Lin Hao, knowing Li Jingyi was very tired, advised her to rest well and then returned to his room.

As for the driver, Lin Hao had him drive the car back and instructed him to come back to pick them up the next day.

Returning to his room, Lin Hao took a shower and then left the hotel to see Zhang Yuanyuan.

In the small two-bedroom apartment, as soon as Zhang Yuanyuan saw Lin Hao, she rushed into his arms.

"What's wrong? What happened?" Lin Hao asked, somewhat surprised.

"Lin, I'm bored to death at work right now. You don't even come to keep me company," Zhang Yuanyuan complained.

"Don't you have a good best friend? Ask her to keep you company," Lin Hao said with a smile.

"Tang Shiying went to Sanya on vacation and I'm not sure when she'll be back," Zhang Yuanyuan replied.

"You could go on vacation with her too. You can trade stocks anywhere with your laptop."

Lin Hao embraced her as they walked into the living room and sat on the sofa.