Ding Jinlin came to Tianxing County at around 8 o'clock in the evening, and he drove here by himself. He called Zhou Tianhao when he arrived at the outskirts of Tianxing County. After receiving the call, Zhou Tianhao was very surprised. At first, he thought Ding Jinlin had returned to Chunshan City and asked him to meet in Chunshan City. Only when Ding Jinlin said he was already in the outskirts of Tianxing County, he realized that Ding Jinlin emphasized on the phone that he did not want to see others, nor did he need the Tianxing County Government to come forward to receive it.

Since the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection came to Tianxing County, so long has passed, Zhou Tianhao has rarely contacted other officials with good relationships, so as not to affect other people because of such contact. This is not a shocking thing. Since in the officialdom, since he is facing direct leaders, he has to take huge risks. At this time, looking for alliances openly is to pull others into the water and ask others to take risks, which is very immoral.

Speaking of which, among the officials of the same level, the relationship between Zhou Tianhao and Ding Jinlin is the best. The two were superiors and subordinates, appreciated and supported each other. Just when Zhou Tianhao was under investigation, he was worried about Ding Jinlin, but Zhou Tianhao still felt that he was too worried. There have always been conflicts between him and Wang Fan and Wang Xiaobin, and Ding Jinlin may not be.

When Zhou Tianhao arrived at the outskirts of the city, he saw Ding Jinlin standing next to the highway from afar, smoking cigarettes constantly, and the flames of the cigarette butts were very conspicuous.

"County Magistrate Ding, you are a distinguished guest. You should tell me when you set off."

"County Magistrate Zhou, I do have some things, I want to talk to you. I will go back later."

There was no one in the car behind Ding Jinlin, which showed that Ding Jinlin did not bring the driver and this happened. It did mean that Ding Jinlin didn't want anyone to know that he had come to Tianxing County.

“No meal.”

Ding Jinlin shook his head and said he had not eaten.

Zhou Tianhao was even more surprised. The distance from Hongli County to Tianxing County was not too far, which was about 80 kilometers, no more than two hours. It was over 8 o'clock now, and even if the speed was slower, it would set off after six o'clock. You can go out after dinner.

"Let's go to have a meal first, and talk while eating."

"I don't want to go to a hotel for dinner."

Tianxing County cannot be compared with Chunshan City. At this time, there are still not many restaurants open. Although Zhou Tianhao is the county magistrate of Tianxing County, he rarely eats in small restaurants and is not particularly familiar with them. After searching for a while, the two of them found a restaurant that mainly takes midnight snacks.

The two sat in the private room, and Ding Jinlin went to order food. After all, in Tianxing County, many people knew Zhou Tianhao.

Ding Jinlin's appetite was not very good. When the hot pot came, he ate a few bites and put down his chopsticks and had to drive tonight. Zhou Tianhao didn't dare to ask Ding Jinlin to drink.

"County Magistrate Zhou, how was the situation going on when he investigated Tianxing County's misappropriation of project funds?"

"There is no news yet. The investigation team has been away for more than half a month. I don't care about this matter. They can handle it as much as they want. Anyway, I won't go to talk to someone."

"Last time I returned to Chunshan City, I asked indirectly. I heard that the city is preparing to hold a special meeting to study this matter. However, such a thing has received a great response in the city. Many people think that this is not a matter. If it really needs to be dealt with, it would be too far-fetched."

"Forget it, let's not talk about this anymore, I feel bad."

Ding Jinlin was silent for a moment and spoke again.

"Get some wine and think about drinking."

"That's all right. Drinking is OK, but you can't continue driving."

"You can send a driver later and take me back."

"Don't be so anxious. Stay here for one night. If you don't want others to know, I can arrange it."

"No, I have to go back tonight."

After ordering a bottle of wine, Zhou Tianhao held the bottle.

"County Magistrate Ding, do you have something to say?"

"Do pour the bar first, I do have something to do."

Ding Jinlin drank the first glass of wine in one breath. Zhou Tianhao knew that Ding Jinlin's alcohol capacity was not very good. He was usually afraid of drinking, but his performance today was a bit wrong.

"County Magistrate Zhou, we held a democratic life meeting. It just ended in the afternoon and it took three days in one breath. Humph, the airs were big enough. After I finished it, I realized that this life meeting was specifically for me."

Zhou Tianhao's hand holding the wine glass shook for a moment, and a little white wine was sprinkled out.

"County Magistrate Ding, why do you say that? The democratic life meeting is held every year. Everyone gives each other opinions. Some opinions can be heard, and some opinions do not conform to the actual situation, so don't care."

"I am definitely not a fuss. Last time the investigation team of the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection investigated Tianxing County's misappropriation of project funds, I felt something was wrong. This was not a matter at all. Why did the investigation be carried out with great fanfare? If this is also a problem, then all counties and cities in Chunshan City, including Chuncheng, have problems. Who has not misappropriated project funds? After returning to Chunshan City, I specifically inquired. It is said that no one in Tianxing County complained, which is a bit strange. Thinking of Secretary Zhuang going out to study, I had an ominous premonition. Sure enough, I just started to deal with you, but it has not ended yet. Now the finger has begun to be directed at me. I am afraid I am not much better than you."

"It's not that serious, what exactly does the democratic life meeting say?"

"I didn't care when I notified the democratic life meeting to be held. Anyway, it will be held every year. After the beginning of the year, all work has been implemented almost all, and the work meeting that should be held has been completed. It is time to hold a democratic life meeting at this time. Before the meeting, Mayor Liang came to the county and said he was attending the democratic life meeting. I was not particularly surprised. It was just that the executive vice mayor came to attend the democratic life meeting. Is it elevated the status of Hongli County?"

Ding Jinlin picked up the wine glass again and drank it in one breath.

"After the democratic life meeting began, I felt something was wrong. On the first day, everyone summarized their work and carried out self-criticism. Everyone had shortcomings in their work, and they all had certain problems. You know my personality. I am too straightforward and don't like the roundabout way. I have long known that I am not suitable to be a county magistrate. During this time in Hongli County, I must have offended some people. I can't rub sand in my eyes, and I can't stand some of the situations. The criticism is very direct. Some of the cadres in the county like me, and some of them have a lot of opinions."

Zhou Tianhao nodded. Ding Jinlin's personality is indeed like this. It is easy to change the country and nature is difficult to change. It is unlikely that it will be completely changed and become a good match for everyone.

"From the afternoon of the next day, the democratic life meeting changed its taste, that is, from the beginning of everyone's criticism and self-criticism, all the fingers were aimed at me. The first person to attack was Tian Junxing. He spoke for more than half an hour. The content involved was no longer criticism, but it was a criticism of the government's work and a question of my personal abilities. I felt uncomfortable listening to it, but considering that it was a democratic life meeting, everyone wanted to give opinions, so I didn't say much. But after Tian Junxing spoke, the rest of the people also began to repeat this topic and criticize one-sidedly."

Ding Jinlin's face began to turn red. I don't know if it was the effect of white wine or the effect of emotions.

"The situation today is even more amazing, almost universally speaking. When it comes to my problem, I have become an unforgivable person. Because my appearance has affected the development of Hongli County. The best way is to leave Hongli County and solve all problems. I don't like to doubt it casually, but during the rest period, I also learned about some situations indirectly. It turns out that this democratic life meeting has been prepared for a long time, but I, the county magistrate, don't know it, and at this time, I felt the problem."

Ding Jinlin might have been a little excited. When he picked up the wine glass and was about to drink it again, Zhou Tianhao held his arm.

Ding Jinlin looked at Zhou Tianhao and put down his wine glass.

"In the afternoon, before the democratic life meeting ended, I spoke again, talking about my work, including my understanding of the democratic life meeting. In my words, I also revealed some doubts and expressed my discomfort. Unexpectedly, Mayor Liang criticized me by name when he finally summarized. The general meaning is that leading cadres must have the courage to recognize their own problems and listen to criticisms so that they can make progress."

When Zhou Tianhao heard Ding Jinlin say this, he felt uncomfortable. Using the democratic life meeting to criticize someone is indeed a good idea.

"Old Zhou, I didn't think of myself. I felt something was wrong with this kind of limelight. Secretary Zhuang didn't go out to study for a long time. Besides, he came back in August, but at this time, you and me had problems. Who doesn't know that Secretary Zhuang trusts you and me very much. What does this mean? Could it be that someone can't wait to squeeze out Secretary Zhuang, and the positive method does not work, so he can do it through other methods? Could it be that Secretary Zhuang is the same as Secretary Cai, who will leave Chunshan City after the study is over? If so, what hope does Chunshan City have in the future?"

Ding Jinlin's words completely alerted Zhou Tianhao.

"Old Ding, I understand what you mean. You and I have encountered problems. It seems that it is really not easy. The other party's methods are good and they can grasp the key points, but they should not be too proud. Secretary Zhuang is still the secretary of the municipal party committee after all, and Chunshan City is not their world. You and I are all living people and will not wait to die."

"Lao Zhou, I know you have a solution. Tell me what we should do next."

"I'm considering whether you go to Beijing and find Secretary Zhuang directly. Before going, it is best to find out some situations through good friends from the Municipal Party Committee Office, such as Lao Meng, and ask for information on some details, the better..." (To be continued...)
Chapter completed!