Duan Ze didn't have much contact with Qin Mu, and from his understanding, County Magistrate Qin handled things unconventionally, which left him somewhat bewildered, belonging to someone with a certain depth of character.
But that question in the cafeteria made him, an old hand in officialdom, instantly wonder: was this guy pretending not to know, or did he really not know?
Does the financial situation, good or bad, affect civil servants' food and drink?
Besides, this was a decision made by the County Party Secretary, the top leader of the County Party Committee. Asking this way, was he questioning the County Party Secretary's decision?
"Does County Magistrate Qin have any opinions on our cafeteria policy?"
Before Duan Ze could speak, a voice suddenly sounded from behind him.
Turning around, he saw County Party Secretary Yu Xuewen, Deputy Secretary of the County Party Committee Gao Qiang, Executive Deputy County Chief Wang Guohao, and Secretary-General Cheng Gang walking over.
"Secretary Yu!"
Qin Mu greeted him and said, "I was just sighing, under your leadership, Secretary Yu, Huaining County's government cafeteria's food quality is so high, then the financial situation must also be very optimistic. Otherwise, how could meals be free?"
Hmm?
Are you subtly pointing at me?
Yu Xuewen frowned slightly. He didn't know much about Qin Mu yet and was still looking for People to inquire about him. The other party had retired from the military, and as the County Party Secretary, his reach truly couldn't extend into the military, so he could only ask someone to inquire.
Without knowing his background, he also couldn't say anything harsh to Qin Mu.
"County Magistrate Qin, you can't say that."
Before Yu Xuewen spoke, Deputy Secretary of the County Party Committee Gao Qiang stepped forward first, smiling as he said, "Free meals at the government cafeteria are a benefit that Secretary Yu personally secured for everyone. As civil servants, as leading cadres, if we can't even eat well, then how can we have the health to serve the People?"
"Health is the capital of revolution. If we all eat well, drink well, and maintain our health, we will have the energy to contribute to the future of Huaining County!"
He can even flatter like this?
Qin Mu listened to these words, his eyes full of amusement.
A poverty-stricken county, not thinking about improving the lives of its citizens, but instead prioritizing improving the meals for civil servants, even calling it for the sake of better serving the People.
The way he flattered was truly cunning.
"Yes, yes, serving the People is actually a physically demanding job. Without good enough health, it's truly unbearable."
Executive Deputy County Chief Wang Guohao echoed, "Secretary Yu's initiative has allowed the leading cadres of our Huaining County to eat well and maintain their health. This is a very successful decision that has won the unanimous approval of all Comrades."
"Indeed, with this government cafeteria, my health has improved a lot."
Secretary-General Cheng Gang also chimed in.
Good, good, good!
All of you want to flatter, don't you?
Qin Mu finally understood. This group of People was taking turns flattering Yu Xuewen. The deterrent power of the County Party Secretary was truly strong enough.
"After listening to everyone's words, I feel like I've been enlightened!"
Qin Mu pretended to be enlightened and quickly said, "My perspective was too narrow. 'Health is the capital of revolution'—that sentence is absolutely right!"
"Secretary Yu, you are truly far-sighted, ensuring the food and drink of the Comrades at all costs. Your efforts are commendable, and I will widely publicize your deeds. When I meet the leaders of the Municipal Party Committee in the future, I will certainly commend you!"
Uh...
Yu Xuewen's face darkened after hearing that.
This kid, is he doing this on purpose?
And go to the Municipal Party Committee leaders to ask for commendation? Is he out of his mind?
"Comrade Qin Mu, let's not add to the workload of the Municipal Party Committee leaders with the matters of our Huaining County. We can resolve them ourselves."
Yu Xuewen said indifferently, "In addition, some policies of this government cafeteria have been discussed with the Municipal Party Committee leaders, and some leaders feel there's no problem. If you think this cafeteria policy is not good, you can write a report. We can discuss it at the Standing Committee meeting. As long as you have enough votes, we'll follow your suggestion!"
Hearing this, Qin Mu smiled.
Some leaders felt there was no problem, so didn't that mean some leaders felt there was a problem?
And discuss it at the Standing Committee meeting!
He wasn't stupid!
As a newcomer, everyone on the Standing Committee belonged to Yu Xuewen. Who would support him?
There were nine People on the Standing Committee. If it came to a vote, the final result would probably be eight to one. Wouldn't he just be asking for trouble?
"Secretary Yu is exaggerating. This is a project that benefits the Comrades, and I have no objections."
Qin Mu shook his head slightly and said, "In the Huaining County Party Committee, I am just a newcomer. I'll need everyone to take care of me, this newcomer, in the future!"
"Since there are no objections, let's eat!"
Yu Xuewen clearly didn't want to bother with Qin Mu much, mainly because he didn't know his background. So, he decided to give him the cold shoulder first and then determine the specifics once he understood his background.
After speaking, he picked up his plate, got some food, and sat down at a table to eat.
Gao Qiang, Wang Guohao, and Cheng Gang followed closely. The four of them happened to sit at one dining table. After Qin Mu got his food, he randomly found a seat at the back and sat down to eat.
Duan Ze hesitated for a moment, then sat next to Qin Mu.
He naturally wanted to eat with Secretary Yu and the others, but that table was full, and his status wasn't high enough. That table was full of members of the Standing Committee of the County Party Committee. As a Director of the County Government Office, he wasn't yet qualified to join the Standing Committee, plus he currently had a special 'mission,' so he couldn't go over even more.
"County Magistrate Qin, do you have any arrangements for this afternoon?"
Duan Ze asked while eating, "You can tell me in advance, so I can arrange it for you."
"Not for now. Do you have any suggestions?"
Qin Mu asked casually.
The Director of the County Government Office was supposed to serve the County Magistrate. Qin Mu asking him was also to hear his suggestions.
"You've just taken office, so you can visit some units in the county seat, such as schools, public institutions, or go down to the grassroots in the countryside to visit and express condolences to the People."
Duan Ze immediately suggested.
This was a common option!
New officials taking office, visiting everywhere, expressing condolences to the People, and showing their faces.
But since Duan Ze said so, Qin Mu lost interest. Firstly, he didn't have a good impression of Duan Ze, and perhaps the other party had some other motive for arranging this.
Secondly, he knew too little about Huaining County. If he were to visit now, it would basically be arranged by Duan Ze, and he would lose his autonomy.
He didn't want to be a puppet!
"Forget it, I won't go out this afternoon. I'll stay in the office to read some documents and familiarize myself with the work!"
Qin Mu immediately replied.
Uh...
Not going again?
Duan Ze was speechless for a moment. If you want to slack off in the office, why ask me?
Isn't that redundant?
Are you playing with me?
Duan Ze sometimes wondered if this County Magistrate was intentionally trying to annoy him.
He was upset, but there was nothing he could do. The other party was the County Magistrate, and Duan Ze could only endure it.
"County Magistrate, tomorrow is Friday. Our County Government Office plans to hold a welcome dinner for you. Taking this opportunity, everyone can get to know each other better. What do you think?"
Duan Ze changed the subject and asked.
Inviting me to dinner?
This isn't a Hongmen Banquet, is it?