"Continue," Chen Feng said with interest.
"My dad said that recently, the capital has been vigorously promoting economic assistance policies to balance economic development across China. Simply put, affluent regions help less developed regions. My dad said that if you're willing, he can arrange for the most developed areas along China's coast to assist Mingshan District, which would lead to a qualitative leap for Mingshan District." Cheng Lu said excitedly.
"Hmm, this is indeed excellent news," Chen Feng said smoothly.
"So, you agree?" Cheng Lu tentatively asked.
"I very much want to agree, but I cannot agree," Chen Feng replied with a sigh.
"What do you mean? What do you mean by 'very much want to agree, but cannot agree'?" Cheng Lu was stunned. If such an opportunity presented itself to others, they would agree in an instant. Yet, Chen Feng refused.
"From my perspective as the Director of the Development and Reform Commission, agreeing to assistance from developed regions for Mingshan District would be very beneficial. With funding and talent support from developed regions, Mingshan District would undoubtedly develop rapidly. This would boost my political achievements significantly. However, the problem is that this isn't good news for District Chief Qin." Chen Feng explained patiently.
"What? Why isn't it good news for Deputy Qin? She's the District Chief of Mingshan District. If Mingshan District develops, she will also benefit." Cheng Lu asked, confused.
"Xiao Lu, you might not understand yet. I am the Director of the Development and Reform Commission of Mingshan District, so assisting Mingshan District's economic development can be counted as political achievement. However, Qin Yan is the top leader of Mingshan District. If Mingshan District's economy develops due to assistance, she won't gain political achievements. For Qin Yan to gain achievements, she must use various policies to develop Mingshan District's economy herself." Chen Feng continued to explain patiently.
"If that's the case, then Qin Yan's political achievements will have to be sacrificed. If one doesn't look out for oneself, heaven and earth will destroy them. Prioritize your achievements first, and deal with other matters later," Cheng Lu advised Chen Feng.
"Xiao Lu, you know my character. How could I do such a thing? Qin Yan is my benefactor and patron in the political arena; I cannot fail her. Moreover, development through aid for the Development and Reform Commission of Mingshan District is only temporary, not long-term," Chen Feng replied calmly.
"Chen Feng, I know your character. You always think of others, especially your women, and prioritize their interests. However, I think it's also good to live for yourself occasionally. Besides, this opportunity is rare, and it would be a pity to lose it," Cheng Lu continued to persuade Chen Feng.
"Xiao Lu, you don't need to say any more. This is my character. I cannot betray my brothers, my conscience, my women, or my original intentions for personal gain..." Chen Feng replied with determination.
"Do you mean that this excellent assistance opportunity will be given to another district?" Cheng Lu tentatively asked.
"Not only will the opportunity be given to another district, but Mingshan District will also assist the most backward district in Jiangcheng City," Chen Feng said word by word.
"What? Mingshan District paired with Jiangcheng's most backward district? Chen Feng, do you know what the word 'assist' means? It's not just about opening your mouth; it requires substantial funds to be given to the assisted party." Cheng Lu was getting anxious. Chen Feng's thinking was too erratic and astonishing. Ordinary people would never think this way. Wasn't this like bragging and pretending to be rich, even if it meant getting thoroughly shamed?
"I naturally know that assistance certainly involves economic aid. However, it doesn't matter; Mingshan District can borrow money," Chen Feng replied calmly.
"What? Borrow money to assist? Chen Feng, are you crazy? You're doing this kind of thing where you get thoroughly shamed and pretend to be rich? Is this still the same brilliant new star of the political arena?" Cheng Lu questioned with confusion.
"Xiao Lu, don't worry, I'm still the same person; I haven't changed. As for you saying I'm someone who gets thoroughly shamed and pretends to be rich, I don't object. However, this kind of behavior, where one gets thoroughly shamed, is necessary. Since you're not an outsider, I won't hide anything from you. Borrowing money to assist the most underdeveloped district in Jiangcheng has only one purpose: to let the higher authorities know that Mingshan District's economy is very strong." Chen Feng explained.
"Chen Feng, did I hear you correctly? Puffing up your chest to pretend to be rich is just to let the higher authorities know that Mingshan District's economy is very strong, and that District Chief Qin is very capable? I think such empty fame is not worth it." Cheng Lu replied gloomily.
"This is not empty fame."
"How can it not be empty fame? Bragging and pretending to be rich, no matter in what field, is empty fame," Cheng Lu affirmed.
"Xiao Lu, you've known me for quite some time. You should know that I'm not that kind of person. Honestly, if it were just for empty fame, I really wouldn't do this. The reason I'm doing this is for the long-term development of Mingshan District's economy. Let me put it this way: for Mingshan District's economy to develop rapidly and significantly, it absolutely cannot wear the hat of a poverty-stricken district. Wearing the hat of a poverty-stricken district might indeed offer preferential assistance and policy benefits. However, it also firmly suppresses Mingshan District under the label of poverty-stricken in terms of spirit and morale. It's like asking why underachievers remain underachievers. It's not because they are stupid, but because they deep down believe they are underachievers, so they lose all fight." Chen Feng explained word by word.
Cheng Lu understood instantly.
"I'm sorry, Chen Feng, I misunderstood you," Cheng Lu said apologetically.
"It's alright. My idea is not something everyone can understand," Chen Feng replied with a calm smile.
"In that case, how about I go tell my dad that Jiangcheng District doesn't need assistance from developed coastal areas? This way, Jiangcheng's entire spirit will be uplifted, and its development potential will be immense," Cheng Lu said excitedly.
"This is also not right; it's an overcorrection. Most districts in Jiangcheng do not need assistance from developed coastal areas. However, there are some areas that do require assistance from developed coastal areas. This is called analyzing specific problems with specific solutions. Hmm, let me give you an analogy. Some underachievers aren't lazy or messing around, but rather they haven't found the right way to study. At this time, if someone helps them, they can quickly transform from an underachiever into an excellent student," Chen Feng continued to explain with a calm smile.
"Chen Feng, matters of the political arena are too complicated! The same issue can be understood in many different ways. Honestly, my brain can't keep up," Cheng Lu said with a wry smile.
"It's not just the political arena that is complex and ever-changing, requiring specific analysis for specific problems. Everything in the world is like this; everything is complex and requires specific analysis for specific problems. Whoever is simplistic will be eliminated by this world, it's that simple," Chen Feng remarked.
"Fortunately, I have you, and I can constantly learn from you. If I were navigating the political arena alone, I'd probably be so tricked by now that even my mother wouldn't recognize me," Cheng Lu also said with emotion.
"By the way, Xiao Lu, are you going back to the Cheng family today? I happen to have something to discuss with your father..." Chen Feng asked.