At the end of the month, as soon as the statistical data from the Jīnshān County Economic Development Zone was released, it sent ripples through the counties and districts under Yantai City's jurisdiction.
Industrial output value increased by 52.3% year-on-year, fixed asset investment grew by 61.8%, actual utilized foreign capital (mainly from Taiwanese and Hong Kong-funded enterprises like Lianchuang Electronics) achieved a breakthrough from zero, reaching eight million US dollars, and fiscal revenue increased by 48.5% year-on-year… This string of dazzling data not only far exceeded the targets set by the county at the beginning of the year but also surpassed several other county-level development zones in Yantai City with better foundations and superior resources, clearly ranking first in the monthly growth rate rankings!
The news spread like wildfire through the officialdom and business circles of Yantai City.
At the quarterly economic situation analysis meeting held by the Yantai Municipal Government, the Executive Vice Mayor, who presided over the meeting, held the data just compiled by the Municipal Statistics Bureau and specifically mentioned the Jīnshān County Economic Development Zone: "…It is especially worth pointing out that the Jīnshān County Economic Development Zone has shown very rapid development momentum this month! The growth rate of multiple indicators is leading the city, especially in attracting investment and cultivating emerging industries, there are many bright spots! What does this illustrate? It illustrates that as long as the ideas are correct and there is real effort and solid work, even areas with poorer foundations and more remote locations can achieve success!"
Although these were just a few sentences of praise without specific names, being named and affirmed by a municipal leader at such a high-level meeting carried significant weight. In the conference room, leaders from various counties, districts, and departments involuntarily turned their gaze towards the seat for Jīnshān County. Li Dakang wore a calm smile and nodded slightly, while Qí Tóngwěi, sitting behind him, sat with his back straight and a calm expression, only revealing a touch of humility when the leader's gaze swept over him.
During the break, several leaders from other counties took the initiative to approach and greet Li Dakang and Qí Tóngwěi.
"County Mayor Dakang, your development zone has launched a satellite this time! What's the secret? You must share it with us!"
"This must be Director Qí Tóngwěi? Truly young and promising! I heard you turned a distillery into a huge success in Hónghé Town before, and now at the development zone, you're even more remarkable!"
"Director Qi, how did you handle attracting investment for your electronics industry? We want to learn from you. Could you lead a delegation to your place someday to learn from your experience?"
Facing these inquiries, some sincere and some probing, Li Dakang mostly laughed, attributing the success to the collective leadership of the County Party Committee and County Government and the efforts of the comrades in the development zone. Qí Tóngwěi, on the other hand, appeared exceptionally low-key and pragmatic, answering questions concisely, emphasizing the development zone's locational cost advantages and the strong support from County Magistrate Li, never mentioning his personal role. However, the few details about investment attraction and industrial layout ideas he occasionally revealed caused the experts present to nod in approval.
In an instant, the name "Qí Tóngwěi" became no longer unfamiliar within the relevant circles at the Yantai City level. This Deputy Director of the Development Zone, only twenty-three years old, became the focus of much discussion and attention due to his formidable achievements and remarkably young age.
Back in Jīnshān County, the atmosphere was even more fervent. On the electronic display screen in front of the County Party Committee and County Government building, good news about the development zone's excellent performance was being broadcast. Among the government officials, the topic of conversation during breaks was invariably about the development zone and Qí Tóngwěi.
"Did you hear? The development zone ranked first in the city this month!"
"My goodness, over fifty percent growth! This kid Qí Tóngwěi is truly capable!"
"Some people were waiting to see him make a fool of himself when he went to the development zone. They must be dumbfounded now, right?"
"It seems County Magistrate Li really didn't misjudge him; this blade is both sharp and accurate!"
Praises of all kinds surged towards Qí Tóngwěi like a tide. Within the Development Zone Management Committee, those who had previously been dissatisfied with Qí Tóngwěi's strong methods or had adopted a wait-and-see attitude were now completely convinced, and their work enthusiasm had soared to unprecedented levels. Strength, after all, is always the most effective way to earn respect.
At the monthly summary meeting of the Development Zone Management Committee, Qí Tóngwěi did not let himself be carried away by victory. He stood on the podium, with a large chart of performance growth curves and project progress tables behind him.
"Comrades, this month's achievements are the result of everyone's joint efforts and deserve affirmation!" His opening remarks were as concise and powerful as ever. "However, we must clearly recognize that this is just the beginning! Being first in the city does not mean we are the best, only that we are progressing rapidly! Our foundation is still weak, our industrial chains are not yet complete, and the competitive pressure we face will only increase!"
He did not bask in the applause but changed the subject, beginning to analyze the current problems in detail: some supporting infrastructure had not yet been fully put in place, affecting enterprise production efficiency; the newly introduced electronics companies lacked skilled workers, requiring accelerated local talent training and recruitment; supporting industries such as high-end packaging and logistics matching the "Honghe 1949" brand needed further development...
He proposed the goals for the next stage: to ensure that the first batch of resident enterprises, such as Lianchuang Electronics, would commence production and achieve results on schedule; to start the construction of phase two standard factory buildings, targeting more core electronic component enterprises for precise investment attraction; to promote cooperation with provincial universities to establish a training base for skilled workers; to deepen the reform of "streamlining administration and delegating power, strengthening regulation, and improving services" to create a business environment comparable to coastal areas...
His speech contained a calm review of achievements, a sharp analysis of problems, and a clear plan for the future. Those below the stage no longer obeyed solely due to his position and background but were impressed by the ability and vision he displayed.
After the meeting, Qí Tóngwěi stayed alone in his office. Outside the window, the night view of the development zone was different from that of the past; the brightly lit factories and construction sites outlined a picture of vigorous development.
He picked up the document titled "Yantai City Economic Development Zone Monthly Indicator Ranking" from his desk, his gaze lingering for a moment on the bright red "1" behind "Jīnshān County Economic Development Zone."
Becoming famous in Yantai?
That was far from enough.
He knew that this report card would soon be placed on the desks of the main leaders of the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government, and might even attract the attention of relevant departments at the provincial level. This had opened a window for him to a broader stage.
But he knew even better that a tree that excels in the forest will be buffeted by the wind. Standing out at the Yantai City level meant he would enter the sight of more people. There would be admirers, but also jealous individuals, and likely no shortage of those who saw him as a potential rival and wanted him gone as soon as possible.The anonymous reporting letter (reporting letter) from before was just the beginning.
He gently put down the document, his eyes regaining their usual calmness and depth.
Reputation is both capital and a target.
Next, he needed to transform this reputation into more stable authority and greater strength. The successful model of the development zone needed to be replicated and deepened, and his personal political network needed to be further woven and consolidated.
He picked up the phone, dialed a number, and said in a steady tone: "It's me. Regarding the experience exchange meeting that the city might organize next, we need to prepare a more detailed report in advance, focusing on our innovative practices and the common difficulties we face, so as to attract attention and support from higher levels..."
From the receiver, his clear and methodical deployment could be heard.