Wucheng County and Dushan County are only a half-hour drive apart, making them true neighbors.

However, Dushan County is not well-located; one might say it's even more remote than Wucheng County, and its economic development lacks momentum.

The paper mill has always been a leading player in the county's economy, but now it's been shut down due to environmental issues, making Dushan County's situation even more difficult.

Therefore, the talk of complementary advantages from Dushan County is just official rhetoric. However, County Magistrate Zhang certainly wouldn't casually pass on Secretary Tian's words without some deeper meaning.

"Secretary Tian is right! Our two counties are so close; indeed, we should strengthen cooperation, complement each other's strengths, and unite to better develop the economy," Lin Hao replied with a smile.

"We know Wucheng County has started a new energy project, and the entire industry chain requires a lot of workers, while our Dushan County lacks everything except labor force," Zhang Bo subtly suggested.

Lin Hao immediately grasped Zhang Bo's meaning; however, he wouldn't easily agree to the request, as he is not one to act without seeing tangible benefits.

"Brother, to be honest, the new energy project has indeed been launched, but many enterprises have not yet officially started production. Most factories are still under construction, and some companies are still acquiring land... The pressure to resolve more employment issues is significant on my side, but rest assured, once the entire industry chain is fully operational and production capacity is increased, I will think of ways to help you solve some of the labor force issues," Lin Hao explained with a smile.

However, future problem-solving, consideration, or consultation is just empty official talk without any binding power.

Of course, this is a necessary measure; outright rejection would be embarrassingly awkward.

"Heh heh heh..." Zhang Bo chuckled and said, "Thank you so much, County Magistrate Lin."

Having reached a consensus, the two continued chatting until lunchtime.

County Magistrate Zhang hosted a banquet at the hotel next to the county committee, entertaining Lin Hao and Yu Peishan and expressing gratitude on behalf of the county committee and county government, while also gifting them local specialties.

However, the employee list and resumes were not settled this time, and Lin Hao took them back to find ways to arrange employment across different companies.

Of course, this was an exchange of interests, essentially a win-win situation.

Lin Hao had already arranged for the National Development and Reform Commission to specifically handle the 400 acres of state-owned construction land quota.

In the afternoon, Lin Hao dropped Yu Peishan and Xia Jingjing off at the new company's office site before heading to the county committee to meet Li Jingyi.

Today, Li Jingyi was dressed in a black suit, with a tight pencil skirt, and a smile of joy on her face.

"Secretary Li, why are you in such a good mood? Did you find a golden ingot?" Lin Hao joked as he joyfully entered her office.

"You're here just in time; how are things over there?" Li Jingyi asked, her smile fading to a serious tone.

"Everything's resolved. Yu Peishan's company has created jobs for over a hundred people, and I'll find a way for some paper mill workers. Plus, County Magistrate Zhang agreed to give us an additional 100 acres of state-owned construction land quota," Lin Hao replied with a smile.

"What? An extra 100 acres? Aren't you profiting immensely?" Li Jingyi exclaimed with delight.

"That's not entirely accurate; I've helped Dushan County solve a significant issue. County Magistrate Zhang even specially hosted a banquet for me and sent you some local specialties," Lin Hao said, handing a basket to Secretary Li.

Li Jingyi didn't take it, glancing at the basket and saying with a smile, "You take it back—I don't cook."

"If you don't want it, it's fine; the colored peanuts and winter bamboo shoots inside are very tasty." Lin Hao, unceremoniously, took it back.

"Regarding the state-owned construction land quota, I've asked the National Development and Reform Commission to coordinate the specifics so we retrieve the quotas as soon as possible. Additionally, for the existing construction quotas we hold, bidding needs to begin..." Lin Hao began to report in detail.

"County Magistrate Lin, just handle these matters promptly. Everything must remain legitimate and compliant; there's significant attention from above on our Wucheng County, and we can't give them any leverage," Li Jingyi advised.

Lin Hao replied, "Rest assured, Secretary Li, I have it under control."

"Yesterday, after Director Wang was taken away by the city commission for discipline inspection, he confessed to bribing Zhang Yonghong with five million. Previously, Zhang Yonghong hadn't confessed to this, but now the city commission plans additional penalties for him due to resisting organizational scrutiny. He's truly finished this time," Li Jingyi said with a smile.

"No wonder you're so happy; turns out that old lecher has met his demise," Lin Hao chuckled.

"It's unclear if it's because Director Wang was taken away by the city yesterday, but several directors who were supposed to come down for investigation and research today have all made excuses for not coming, postponing to next week," Li Jingyi added with a smile.

"That can't be. Yesterday's incident was just an unexpected event; they wouldn't blame it on me, would they?" Lin Hao asked in shock, pulling a troubled face.

"After you had a fallout with Director Wang, not even two hours later, he was taken away by the city commission. Even if you're innocent, people might think you had a hand in it. Those directors are afraid of you now and simply found excuses not to come, or postponed for a later date to observe the situation," Li Jingyi explained with a smile.

"I've been wronged; I honestly had nothing to do with it," Lin Hao insisted indignantly.

"I believe you too, but today, insider news from the city indicates that Director Wang acted on someone's behalf, mainly to suppress Su Muchen, not targeting you," Li Jingyi revealed.

"What? Suppress Su Muchen?" Lin Hao's mind began to race.

"It seems that someone has designs on the deputy county magistrate position for which Su Muchen has been nominated," Li Jingyi suggested.

"Is that why? I thought it was targeting me. If Su Muchen were investigated, who would have the best chance to become deputy county magistrate then?" Lin Hao asked seriously.

"You're trying to say whoever benefits is the mastermind behind this?" Li Jingyi mused.

"Otherwise, why target Su Muchen specifically? Unless someone wants to stir trouble without cause or grievance," Lin Hao countered.

"You make a point, but there are only a few directors in our county who are qualified, and it's hard to pinpoint who has the best chance. As of now, none have approached me," Li Jingyi acknowledged.

Lin Hao certainly knew that several directors were qualified, even more so than Su Muchen, given their seniority and connections.

These individuals harbor ambitions for the deputy county magistrate role, which is understandable, and if Su Muchen is ousted, their chances will arise.

Yet, truly occupying this position is not an easy task.

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