CHAPTER 394: CHAPTER 394: TO BE AN OFFICIAL, ONE NEEDS TO WITHSTAND LONELINESS

Looking at Duan Baijian’s puzzled expression, Chen Bin explained.

"Hoping to boost the economy just by hosting a Winter Sports Event is almost impossible. Our ultimate goal is actually to develop tourism. Only by letting more people know about this place will we have a chance at development."

"What if the bid isn’t successful?"

"If it’s unsuccessful, then consider it free advertising. After all, there’s no real loss. If you’ve thought it through, when you go to the Provincial Committee to report to Secretary Zeng, you can bring me along. I’m fairly familiar with him."

Duan Baijian’s heart trembled, and he asked immediately, "You know Secretary Zeng?"

"I do. Back when I was the County Magistrate of Dragon Mountain County, Secretary Zeng even specifically came over to inspect."

With those words, Chen Bin’s status suddenly rose several levels in Duan Baijian’s mind.

In his view, someone like Chen Bin, a young talent, must have backing from higher-ups.

Being able to meet Zeng Pengchao years ago likely wasn’t just a simple inspection.

Thinking of this, Duan Baijian smiled and replied.

"Alright, I’ll seriously consider your suggestion. Once I’ve made a decision, I’ll give you a call."

"No problem. Since that’s the case, I won’t disturb Secretary Duan any further."

On the way back to Beihuang County, Hao Wenjing couldn’t help but ask with curiosity.

"Do you think Secretary Duan will accept your proposal?"

Without any hesitation, Chen Bin nodded directly.

"Definitely. If the Winter Sports Event bid is successful, he’ll be the primary contributor. If it’s not successful, it still promotes Dagu City. Since success or failure both yield benefits, why wouldn’t he accept?"

In fact, bringing Hao Wenjing to meet Duan Baijian was the result of Chen Bin’s careful deliberation.

Duan Baijian being able to reach the top position in Dagu City relied entirely on his personal capabilities.

Perhaps due to a lack of connections above, his political career had been stagnant in recent years.

Even though he’s not yet fifty this year, which is considered youthful among officials of his rank,

based on the history of Yanxi Province’s political landscape, those who advanced from city leadership to the provincial level all came from economically strong cities. For a poor place like Dagu City, even if someone were transferred to the provincial level, it would likely be a inconsequential position.

If Duan Baijian wishes to continue climbing the ranks, he’ll need to achieve some remarkable political accomplishments that catch everyone’s attention.

The idea Chen Bin was proposing now carried almost no risk. As long as Duan Baijian wasn’t foolish, he’d surely agree.

Sure enough, the next day at noon, just as Chen Bin was preparing to finish work, he received a call from Duan Baijian.

"After deliberation by the municipal committee, we believe applying to host the Winter Sports Event is very necessary. This afternoon, you and Secretary Hao should come to the city hall. We’ll report the matter together to the Provincial Committee."

"No problem!"

After hanging up the phone, Chen Bin immediately called up Hao Wenjing to have lunch together.

Then, they took a cab to Dagu City.

Finally, they accompanied Duan Baijian on a high-speed train to Tianhai.

When the three of them arrived at the Yanxi Provincial Committee, after several layers of notifications, they were finally able to meet Zeng Pengchao.

Zeng Pengchao first shook hands with Duan Baijian and Hao Wenjing before approaching Chen Bin.

The latter immediately smiled and extended both hands, "Hello, Secretary Zeng!"

Zeng Pengchao shook his hand briefly and asked, "How’s your work in Beihuang County going?"

"It’s going well. Thank you for your concern, Secretary Zeng."

"Working in the Political Consultative Conference now—are you feeling less motivated?"

Before Chen Bin could answer, Hao Wenjing chimed in.

"Since Chairman Chen arrived in Beihuang, he has been very proactive in his work. Our visit here with Secretary Duan is precisely for..."

Chen Bin quickly interrupted her.

"Secretary Duan came up with a promising development path for Dagu City. After discussions at the municipal committee, the idea seems excellent. So, during his report here, he brought us along for learning purposes."

Hearing this, Hao Wenjing couldn’t help but glare at Chen Bin.

She originally wanted to praise him in front of the Provincial Committee Secretary, showcasing his competence.

Now, Chen Bin had attributed all the credit to Duan Baijian.

Compared to Hao Wenjing’s dissatisfaction, Duan Baijian was very pleased at this moment.

He just realized that Chen Bin wasn’t only skilled in economic matters but also highly adept at handling interpersonal relations.

This was indeed admirable.

Upon hearing that this was a plan for economic development, Zeng Pengchao also grew interested.

"What’s the idea? Let’s hear it!"

Saying this, he led the three over to sit on the sofa.

Duan Baijian didn’t hesitate, directly getting to the point.

"Dagu City seeks to bid for the next Winter Sports Event."

Strictly speaking, Yanxi Province isn’t considered a particularly cold region.

Naturally, the idea of hosting a winter sports event had never been considered.

Upon hearing this proposal, Zeng Pengchao was quite shocked.

He first glanced at Chen Bin, then asked Duan Baijian, "Tell me your thoughts."

The latter, following Chen Bin’s instructions, explained why Dagu City should bid for the Winter Sports Event and the potential benefits of doing so.

After listening, Zeng Pengchao cast another glance at Chen Bin.

Then he asked, "The idea is good, but is there enough time? If the bid succeeds, the hardware facilities will need to be completed within two years."

Upon hearing this, realizing there was a chance, Duan Baijian immediately patted his chest and assured.

"Rest assured, Secretary Zeng. As long as the province is willing to support Dagu City, I guarantee that the hardware facilities will be completed on time and with quality. We absolutely won’t drop the ball!"

After brief consideration, Zeng Pengchao nodded slightly.

"Alright. I’ll immediately consult with relevant departments on this matter. Regardless of the final outcome, I’ll give you an answer."

"No problem. Thank you for your efforts, Secretary Zeng."

As the words fell, Duan Baijian prepared to leave with Hao Wenjing and Chen Bin.

Just as the three stood up, Zeng Pengchao suddenly said.

"Chen Bin, you stay behind."

After Duan Baijian and Hao Wenjing stepped out of the office, he immediately asked, "The idea of bidding for the Winter Sports Event—it’s yours, isn’t it?"

Chen Bin didn’t say anything, simply nodded.

Once he got the confirmation he wanted, Zeng Pengchao patted Chen Bin’s shoulder.

"Ever since your heroic deeds made it to the newspapers years ago, I’ve always thought highly of you. The road in politics is never smooth sailing. Sometimes you have to endure loneliness and keep working hard."

"Thank you for the guidance, Secretary Zeng. I’ll continue to work hard."

After bowing to Zeng Pengchao, Chen Bin left the office.

Outside the office building, Chen Bin said to Hao Wenjing.

"Secretary Hao, aren’t you going to say hello to that relative of yours?"

Hearing this, Duan Baijian’s eyes lit up as he looked at Hao Wenjing.

The latter shook her head, "No need. He said not to visit unless it’s important, to avoid unnecessary gossip."

In the evening, Duan Baijian remarked that being away from home didn’t mean they should skimp on themselves.

Therefore, he specifically chose a high-end restaurant for dinner.

During the meal, Duan Baijian treated Chen Bin and Hao Wenjing with great warmth.

Especially after drinking, he generously said.

"In the future, no matter what difficulties you encounter at work, come to me. I promise to handle them perfectly!"