Just as Gong Nuobei and the others were negotiating the smartphone project with the Ascension Group, the selection for the GreenCang County Head finally concluded.

As expected, Sun Lei became the County Head, under the direction of the provincial authorities.

Ye Zetao was already mentally prepared and felt no surprise.

For Nie Xiaowei and the others, this was shocking news.

Ye Zetao heard that after Nie Xiaowei returned from the city, he hadn't shown up for work, which spoke volumes about his poor mood.

Gan Liping rushed to Ye Zetao immediately, asking, "Secretary Ye, what is the deal with this Sun Lei?" Considering herself a firm supporter of Ye Zetao, Gan Liping was much less guarded in her questioning.

Looking at Gan Liping, Ye Zetao realized he needed to ground his own people for the next steps.

Sun Lei's arrival was so high-profile; it wouldn't be right not to give his confidantes a clear picture.

So, he said, "Sun Lei is the son of Sun Xianghong, the Governor of Heyuan Province." After saying this, Ye Zetao said no more.

Gan Liping gasped, "The Sun family’s?" Seeing Ye Zetao nod, Gan Liping declared, "No matter who he is, he cannot change the excellent momentum GreenCang County currently enjoys!" She had long since made up her mind: following Ye Zetao meant absolute commitment.

Now, everyone's interests were tied to Ye Zetao.

Ye Zetao smiled, "Secretary Gan speaks well." Ye Zetao wasn't overly concerned about Sun Lei's arrival.

If the current situation in GreenCang County could be overturned by Sun Lei, it would only prove his own incompetence.

Curiously, after the Municipal Party Committee approved Sun Lei's appointment as the Secretary of the GreenCang County Party Committee, there was no movement for two days.

Just as everyone wondered what would happen next, a phone call from the Municipal Party Committee sent shockwaves through the county. "Sun Lei is bringing eighteen billion in investment?" Listening to Chen Daxiang relay the content of the call, Ye Zetao was somewhat taken aback.

The Sun family was making a massive play this time! "Zetao, the Sun family is making a huge move this time, fully backing Sun Lei.

This is a new materials project, aiming for a model of technology, trade, and capital.

It's to construct the industrialization project for rare metal new materials technology and its products.

It includes six industrialization projects and one public facility, advancing new materials industry development through an industrial incubation and growth model.

The slogan is grand; this project has already drawn high attention from the province.

Sun Lei and his group are already at the provincial capital now, and the province has notified the city and county leaders to rush there immediately." Ye Zetao took the call and secretly nodded.

The Sun family's move was indeed extraordinary this time; they must have expended considerable effort to establish Sun Lei.

Ye Zetao wasn't opposed to anything that would benefit GreenCang County's development.

If Sun Lei could bring such a massive project, Ye Zetao considered it a great thing for the people.

He immediately summoned the Standing Committee members and explained the situation. "Eighteen billion!" Zhu Linyu was astonished, truly taken aback.

Everyone else was significantly shaken.

Not just GreenCang County, but Quyang City itself had never seen an investment of that magnitude; the largest project in the city was only fifteen billion.

And now, eighteen billion! What was Sun Lei’s background? This was what everyone was concerned about.

Without real strength, how could he bring such a huge project instantly? Nie Xiaowei stood there, his face dramatically changing.

He realized why he hadn't been promoted; it turned out the arriving Sun Lei had a deep background! Ye Zetao ignored everyone’s internal thoughts, made arrangements for the arriving Standing Committee members, and then set off for the city with Gu Linggao, Nie Xiaowei, and Qiao Yingchang.

They set off for the city in several cars.

When Ye Zetao and his group arrived in the city, they were met by Mayor Chen Daxiang, who was waiting for them. "Secretary Shi has already left for the province.

Let's go together," Chen Daxiang looked very serious.

There was no further delay; they rushed toward the province.

Halfway there, Gu Linggao called Ye Zetao.

Shortly after Ye Zetao’s car stopped, Gu Linggao’s car arrived, and Gu Linggao entered Ye Zetao’s vehicle.

Seeing Lan Yitian consciously move over to Gu Linggao’s car, Gu Linggao inwardly praised him; this Lan Yitian was a perceptive person.

Once settled in Ye Zetao’s car, Gu Linggao glanced at Fang Mingyong, who was driving, looking like he wanted to speak but hesitated.

Ye Zetao smiled faintly, "Xiao Fang used to be Elder Hua’s security detail; his connections are actually still in the capital." Gu Linggao turned sharply to look at Fang Mingyong, remaining stunned for a long time before looking back at Ye Zetao. "It's fine as long as Secretary Gu knows," Ye Zetao added.

Calming himself, Gu Linggao could never have imagined the driver Ye Zetao hired had such a distinguished background.

Fang Mingyong usually appeared reserved and unremarkable; he truly hadn't expected this! Knowing Fang Mingyong’s background, Gu Linggao found his confidence in Ye Zetao growing even stronger. "Old Gu, if you have something to say, just say it." "Secretary Ye, since there are no outsiders here, allow me to speak frankly from the heart.

I won't be in this position for much longer, and seeing all the changes happening in the county makes me happy.

I don't want things to change due to various reasons.

I don't know who Sun Lei is, but the fact that he can bring an eighteen-billion project is itself a show of force, a way to let everyone know he has powerful backing.

He comes with ill intent!" This was Gu Linggao speaking from the depths of his heart! Ye Zetao knew Gu Linggao was wholeheartedly committed to following him now.

It was precisely because of this realization that Ye Zetao intentionally let slip Fang Mingyong's background—it was meant to solidify Gu Linggao's faith. "Old Gu, what is our objective in our positions on the County Party Committee? It’s nothing more than leading the masses toward a better future.

Regardless of who arrives, as long as they have the masses in their hearts and genuinely work for the people, why should we reject them? County Head Sun hasn't even arrived yet and has already brought such a massive project—I think this is a good thing, and we should support it vigorously.

In the next phase, I hope our comrades in the county will actively seek out projects and boldly promote all aspects of our county’s development!" Gu Linggao listened to Ye Zetao speak, and looking at him, he couldn't detect any insincerity.

A sense of respect involuntarily rose in his heart.

This Ye Zetao was someone who truly put his heart into development.

Ye Zetao's capacity for tolerance was vast! "Secretary Ye, it seems my perspective was indeed too narrow!" "Old Gu, I've been pondering something: if our leading cadres didn't harbor too many personal interests, wouldn't our work proceed much smoother?" Gu Linggao nodded, "When one is free of desire, one is firm; that is the principle!" Ye Zetao stated seriously, "Whether leaders grasp power or manipulate power, it ultimately boils down to the various benefits attached to that authority.

If we dismiss those benefits and only focus on the welfare of the masses, I believe even the greatest temptations won't lead us astray.

In this regard, I think this should be the direction for our next study!" Originally, Gu Linggao worried that Sun Lei’s arrival, backed by such a large project, would drastically alter the county's structure.

But after hearing Ye Zetao’s words, Gu Linggao realized that Ye Zetao’s thoughts had already reached a profound height.

This man’s thinking was not ordinary; in his eyes, the interests of the people came first.

Regarding the project Sun Lei brought, Ye Zetao held no other agenda but acceptance.

Seeing Gu Linggao’s reaction, Ye Zetao understood Gu Linggao’s good intentions and said sincerely, "Old Gu, since County Head Sun has such connections, we must leverage his capabilities.

The sooner GreenCang County develops, the greater the benefit for everyone.

In fact, that is also a form of shared interest!" A smile broke across Gu Linggao’s face.

He knew everything was under Ye Zetao’s control.

As Ye Zetao said, although the project Sun Lei brought was his accomplishment, since it was being implemented in GreenCang County, the project belonged to GreenCang County, and the leaders of the County Party Committee all had a stake in it.

Considering GreenCang County's current situation, Gu Linggao felt even more confident.

As long as the county personnel stayed closely aligned with Ye Zetao, how much trouble could Sun Lei possibly stir up? Ye Zetao’s broad-mindedness also revealed a quiet confidence in his control over the county.

Glancing at Fang Mingyong, who was driving with focused attention, Gu Linggao finally felt his anxiety subside.

Regarding Sun Lei’s arrival, Gu Linggao had inquired through some channels.

Sun Lei had also intentionally leaked his identity upon arrival, so many people were aware of his background.

With such a person coming, Gu Linggao was worried, which was why he had stopped the car midway to communicate with Ye Zetao.

He hadn't expected to learn about Fang Mingyong’s background from Ye Zetao—a former security guard for Elder Hua.

How significant was that? The fact that Hua Wei entrusted his security detail to Ye Zetao indicated that Ye Zetao had earned Hua Wei’s trust.

No wonder Ye Zetao was so confident; following Ye Zetao meant choosing the right path! "Old Gu, GreenCang County is a pilot county for national industries, and this isn't limited to just one or two sectors, nor can it be achieved with just one or two projects.

There will be more and larger projects in the future.

Should we reject foreign investment? Not at all.

Capacity allows for growth.

Our county has immense development space.

Whether it's foreign capital or domestic capital, as long as they invest, we accept them, though our primary focus remains the careful nurturing of national industries!" Gu Linggao nodded, "That’s good.

The cultivation of national industries shouldn't happen in a greenhouse; competition fosters development!" "Well said.

We only provide policies and services; the key is for them to train their internal strength.

Only when they are strong themselves will they be truly powerful!" Ye Zetao's vision was truly grand! The two quickly set aside the matter of Sun Lei's arrival and began discussing the next phase of GreenCang County’s development.

To be continued!