Chapter 566: Things Have Come to an End
Secretary Dong saw that the matter had been preliminarily concluded, so he waved his hand to signal Secretary Huang to leave. The gesture was steady and somewhat majestic.
Secretary Huang understood what he meant, bowed, leaned forward slightly to show respect, and then walked out of the ward with steady steps.
As the door of the ward slowly closed, the room fell into a brief silence. Everyone had both longing for the future and anxiety about the results of the report approval.
Secretary Dong leaned against the head of the bed, closed his eyes and thought, as if he was planning ahead for possible follow-up situations; while Grandma Dong gently comforted Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo, asking them to relax.
Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo looked at each other. Although they had smiles on their faces, anxiety was hidden in their eyes. They silently prayed that the province would successfully approve this plan that concerned the hopes of the entire village.
The old ward door slowly closed behind Secretary Huang, making a slight and slightly dull "creak" sound, as if it was also sighing softly for the meeting that had just ended.
Secretary Huang left with steady and swift steps. Every step seemed to step on Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo's tense heartstrings, making their heartbeats even faster.
At this moment, the ward was so quiet that the only sound was the ticking sound of the old alarm clock in the corner. The sunlight struggled to pass through the dusty window glass, casting a few dim rays of light, which interweaved into a mottled light and shadow on the ground.
Secretary Dong was half lying on the hospital bed. He looked a little thin, with his hospital gown loosely worn on his body. His face was pale from a long illness, but his eyes were still bright and deep, as if they could see through everything in the world.
Seeing Secretary Huang leave completely, Secretary Dong's originally slightly serious face instantly relaxed, and the corners of his mouth raised, outlining a kind and soothing smile.
He leaned forward slightly, leaned on the folded bedding at the head of the bed, waved to Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo who were standing by the bed with a slightly stiff posture, and said softly:
"Okay, now you can rest assured."
Secretary Dong's voice was low and hoarse, but it carried an irresistible steady power, like the warm sun in winter, slowly dispelling the haze in the two people's hearts.
He paused for a moment, his eyes revealing a trace of distant memories, as if his thoughts had drifted back to the days when he fought side by side with Secretary Huang, and he slowly spoke:
"Secretary Huang has been with me for more than ten years. These ten years are not long, but they are not short either. I have experienced countless things."
Secretary Dong raised his hand slightly and pointed at the door of the ward, as if he wanted to see Secretary Huang's departing back through the door.
"From the early years of farmland water conservancy reform, to the later start-up of township enterprises, to the planning and promotion of various projects today, he has been by my side at every critical moment and every major decision, working diligently and meticulously."
"He is famous for being cautious in everything he does. He cannot tolerate any flaws in his eyes. No small details or loopholes can escape his eyes."
At this point, Secretary Dong's eyes became more focused. He stared at Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo, as if he wanted to convey this trust to them.
"Take the plan for setting up a brick factory that you brought this time. When he was listening to you, I knew what was going on. He must have listened to every word you said, including where to get the raw materials and how to get them most cost-effectively."
"Where to find skilled workers, how to train them so that they can get started as quickly as possible, and how to sell the products, through which channels to ensure stable profits, these issues must have been weighed repeatedly in his mind."
Secretary Dong narrowed his eyes slightly, and the smile on his face became more determined.
"I know him too well. If he wasn't 90% sure and felt that this matter was even a little bit unreliable, according to his usual style, he would have rejected you right there and right now. He wouldn't have wasted this little bit of time and let you be happy for nothing."
Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo listened quietly to every word of Secretary Dong. Their eyes opened wider and wider, and their originally dim look was gradually replaced by the light of hope.
Wang Jianguo unconsciously clenched his hands at his sides, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force. He felt his heartbeat getting stronger and stronger, like a seed about to break through the soil, struggling hard in his chest.
Zhao Shuzhuo's cheeks flushed slightly, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but rise, and tears of excitement flashed in his eyes, a light of joy and emotion.
When Secretary Dong finished speaking, the two could no longer suppress their excitement. Wang Jianguo took a step forward and said with a trembling voice:
"Secretary Dong, thank you so much! Hearing what you said, we feel much more at ease. We were originally very nervous, but now we finally see the light at the end of the tunnel."
Zhao Shuzhuo also nodded in agreement:
"Yes, Secretary Dong, your words have given us peace of mind. We will prepare well when we return and handle the brick factory business properly."
Secretary Dong looked at the two people's excited expressions, waved his hand gently, and said with a smile:
"Don't be so polite. This is all for our development. I believe you have the ability to do it. When I feel better, I will go to see your brick factory again."
For a moment, the atmosphere in the ward became warm and cozy, and the three of them talked about the future blueprint of the brick factory, as if the bright future was right in front of them and within reach.
The sunlight coming in through the window seemed to become a little brighter, bringing more vitality and hope to this small ward.
After the tense and hopeful meeting in the morning, time passed quietly and it was soon noon.
The hospital corridor was filled with the smell of disinfectant, and occasionally the hurried footsteps of medical staff and the sound of carts passing by could be heard.
Secretary Dong's ward now had a more down-to-earth feel. Two simple folding tables were put together and placed in front of the bed.
The table was covered with a clean blue and white checkered cloth, and several plates of steaming food were neatly placed on it, although the dishes were not very rich.
It was just stir-fried seasonal vegetables, a serving of braised pork, and a bowl of egg soup, but in that era of relative scarcity of supplies, it was quite rare.
Wang Jianguo and Zhao Shuzhuo sat at the table stiffly. Secretary Dong half leaned against the head of the bed, with a kind smile on his face, and greeted the two of them:
"Come on, don't be polite, just eat something and we can talk while we eat."
After saying that, he took the lead in picking up the chopsticks, picked up a piece of braised pork and put it into Wang Jianguo's bowl.
"You have come all this way, you must have worked hard, eat more meat to replenish your energy."
Wang Jianguo was flattered and quickly stood up to thank him:
"Secretary Dong, this is embarrassing. You are still sick. Please eat more."
Secretary Dong waved his hand gently:
"My health is not a problem. You young people are in the age where you can eat. Don't starve."
Zhao Shuzhuo also nodded in agreement, and the three of them slowly began to eat.