Old Master Lin Grants an Audience, Governor Liu Pledges His Support

Several days later, a document more than a hundred pages thick, titled "Guangming Peak Project Master Plan and Core Demonstration Zone Development Proposal (Revised Edition)," landed on Li Dakang's desk.

Lin Yanzhou delivered the briefing himself, explaining everything point by point, from the concept to the details. The proposal abandoned the previous crude model of large-scale demolition and construction followed by rapid land sales, emphasizing instead "industry-city integration, ecological livability, and sustainable development."

The core demonstration zone was no longer an isolated business district, but a "new engine of urban vitality" closely integrated with industrial upgrading in the old city, expanded public services, and ecological restoration.

The creative repurposing of industrial heritage sites, the development of a green transportation network, and the focus on attracting high-end research and development rather than low-end manufacturing all made Li Dakang's eyes light up.

He leafed through it carefully. When he reached the renderings and long-term projections for future tax revenue and employment in particular, his fingers began tapping lightly on the desk, a habitual gesture when he was pleased and deep in thought.

"Good! Excellent!" Li Dakang closed the proposal, a rare, heartfelt smile appearing on his face. "Yanzhou, this proposal has exceeded my expectations! It has vision, fresh ideas, and strong practical feasibility. This is what genuine high-quality development looks like. This is a project that can leave Jingzhou a lasting legacy!"

He was indeed somewhat moved. His earlier support for Lin Yanzhou had been driven more by political calculations and the leverage offered by his background, but now he was genuinely convinced by this meticulously refined proposal.

He asked himself whether he and Ding Yizhen, with their abilities and ways of thinking, could ever have produced a plan so forward-looking yet so grounded in reality. The answer was an absolute no.

"It seems supporting you to lead this project was the right decision." Li Dakang looked at Lin Yanzhou, a barely perceptible note of admiration in his voice.

"Proceed in the direction laid out in this proposal! The municipal Party committee will do everything it can to safeguard your work."

"Thank you for your recognition and support, Secretary!" Lin Yanzhou felt reassured. With Li Dakang's position now clear, the project was already halfway to success.

Leaving the municipal Party committee offices, Lin Yanzhou pressed on without pause, immediately giving Governor Liu Changhe a brief report over the phone and submitting a copy of the proposal.

Liu Changhe showed tremendous interest and immediately said he wanted to hear a detailed briefing in person.

The following day, a high-level briefing was held in a small conference room at the provincial government offices. Not only was Governor Liu Changhe present, but the vice governors overseeing development and reform, finance, and land and resources were there as well, along with the heads of key departments, including the provincial government's Policy Research Office, the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, and the Provincial Department of Finance.

Lin Yanzhou once again gave a comprehensive presentation of the revised Guangming Peak proposal. His reasoning was clear and his data factual, with particular emphasis on the project's role as a model and trailblazer for upgrading Handong Province's industrial structure and promoting innovation-driven development, as well as its value as something "replicable and scalable."

When the briefing ended, enthusiastic applause filled the room.

Governor Liu Changhe was the first to state his position, sparing no praise. "Comrade Yanzhou's proposal has opened my eyes! This is not merely a matter of one project in Jingzhou. It offers a completely new approach and model for future urban construction and industrial development throughout Handong Province! The provincial government firmly supports it!"

He made the decision on the spot. "To demonstrate the strength of the province's support, the provincial treasury will allocate an initial five hundred million yuan in dedicated start-up funding to Jingzhou this year! When we draw up next year's budget, we will continue to give it priority based on the project's progress and needs!"

The news lifted the spirits of every Jingzhou official present. Five hundred million yuan in provincial funding was not just coal delivered in the snow-it was a powerful political signal!

After the briefing, Liu Changhe specifically called Lin Yanzhou into his office.

Once the door was closed, the atmosphere became more private. Liu Changhe personally poured Lin Yanzhou a cup of tea and motioned for him to sit.

"Yanzhou," Liu Changhe said, his tone earnest and weighty, "the proposal is excellent, and you needn't worry about the province's support. I called you in today because I wanted to discuss a few things outside the project."

He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice. "Some time ago, while I was recuperating in Yanjing, Old Lin specifically had his secretary arrange a meeting with me."

Lin Yanzhou's gaze shifted slightly, but his expression remained calm, and he simply listened attentively.

"My old leader was in very good spirits. He cares deeply about Handong's development, and he asked about you as well," Liu Changhe said with feeling. "To be honest, given my age, I thought I would be moving to a second-line post after this term, and I had more or less made my peace with it. But to be granted an audience with Old Lin and entrusted with his instructions, I... was truly overwhelmed by the honor."

His words were sincere. Old Master Lin held an exalted position within the Party, a veteran statesman who could be called a "treasure of the people." For any high-ranking regional official, his attention brought both immense honor and pressure.

"Old Lin spoke to me about many things, but the heart of it came down to one sentence: we old fellows must stand our final watch properly and truly leave something worthwhile for the people and future generations."

Liu Changhe looked at Lin Yanzhou, his gaze complex. "Later, when I saw you again and saw what you had been doing in Jingzhou lately-especially this proposal, designed for long-term development and the people's well-being-I understood."

"Professionally, your approach is right. It takes responsibility for the people of Jingzhou and Handong's future. Personally..." He paused, then said candidly, "For the sake of Old Lin's instructions and your sincere dedication to getting things done and building something, I, Liu Changhe, will support you with everything I have, both professionally and personally."

This was a complete laying of cards on the table and a heart-to-heart, elevating the reasons for his support to a new level.

Lin Yanzhou responded solemnly, "Thank you for your trust and support, Governor. I will not let down your expectations, and I would never dare let down the people's expectations."

Liu Changhe nodded, then revealed an even more crucial piece of information. "There's one other thing. I shouldn't really tell you in advance, but after thinking it over, I decided to let you know so you can prepare. Your appointment and that of the new provincial Party secretary were decided together by the higher-ups. It's just that the departure audit procedures on that end were more complicated, which has delayed things until now. Now it's settled, and the announcement will come in the next day or two."

He looked at Lin Yanzhou. "Once the new secretary takes office, there may be new changes in the situation. Keep that in mind, and continue moving your work forward steadily at your own pace. If you run into any difficulties, you can come to me at any time."

The news exploded like a thunderclap in Lin Yanzhou's mind. Although he had long had a premonition, receiving confirmation from the governor meant something entirely different.

The chessboard of Jingzhou, and indeed all of Handong, was about to undergo its most significant upheaval.

"I understand, Governor. Thank you!" Lin Yanzhou rose and bowed deeply.

Walking out of the provincial government building, Lin Yanzhou felt the burden on his shoulders grow heavier, yet the road beneath his feet seemed clearer as well.