Chapter 146 Future Planning Ning Weiguo and Wang Yuzhen couldn't help but think about Ning Weidong's statement with serious expressions. After a while, Ning Weiguo didn't say anything. Wang Yuzhen spoke first, "Weidong, what direction do you think your brother should take in the future?" Ning Weidong had already made up his mind and replied, "Sister-in-law, if you ask me, it would be best for you to work as a technical bureaucrat in a professional department in the future." Ning Weiguo also became interested: "Tell me about it in detail." Ning Weidong said: "Brother, if you want to have a stable career, there are two necessary conditions." Ning Weiguo thought for a moment and continued, "Are you saying there's someone up there?" Ning Weidong nodded: "It is easier to be an official if you have someone in the court. This is what historical experience tells us." Wang Yuzhen asked, "What about the other one?" Ning Weidong said: "The other is irreplaceability. If a person offends his superiors and there is no one in the court to protect him, he is doomed. But if he plays an irreplaceable role in a major project, he can also be as stable as a rock." "Irreplaceability?" Ning Weiguo repeated in a low voice.
Ning Weidong continued: "And this kind of irreplaceability can only exist in technical bureaucrats. Especially in modern times, various disciplines have been subdivided, and technical barriers have become increasingly high, which has given rise to the soil for the birth of technical bureaucrats." At this point, Ning Weidong looked at Wang Yuzhen and said, "Sister-in-law, I don't mean anything else. In the future, not many of your family's political resources will fall into the hands of my eldest brother..." Wang Yuzhen didn't mind and nodded. She and Ning Weiguo both knew the answer to this question very well. Wang Yuzhen had two older brothers, so political resources would definitely be given to her son first. Ning Weidong looked at Ning Weiguo: "So, brother, if you want to go further in your official career, you can only take the path of a technocrat. In the circle of technocrats, you have a background and connections, and among ordinary officials, you understand technology..." Ning Weiguo raised his eyebrows and asked, "Tian Ji's horse race?" Ning Weidong said: "That's about right. The so-called governance is nothing more than three major parts: military governance, financial governance, and executive governance. Military governance needs no explanation. Executive governance is the management system from top to bottom. Financial governance..." At this point, Ning Weidong paused for a moment, waiting for Ning Weiguo to digest the information before continuing, "Finally, financial integrity is the most important thing. In the first thirty years after the founding of our country, we solved the problem of survival. Today, the Western world, led by America, is willing to give us money, which means that in their hearts, they have already recognized the objective reality. Including Sulian..." Ning Weiguo and Wang Yuzhen nodded, agreeing with Ning Weidong's statement. Ning Weidong continued, "So, in the foreseeable next 20 to 30 years, we must restrain our forces and focus on developing the economy. Poverty has never been socialism! By then, the country's resources and strength will also be concentrated in the economic field. And if we want to do a good job in the economy, we must involve many technical fields, such as coal, electricity, railways, infrastructure... Choose a field, dig deep, and become an expert..." At this point, Ning Weidong stared at Ning Weiguo and said, "Brother, as long as you can do it, and with the help of my sister-in-law's family at the critical moment, and work hard for twenty years, you may be able to reach the level of my uncle Wang now." Ning Weiguo's expression changed involuntarily. To be honest, he had never thought about such long-term issues before. It’s not that Ning Weiguo doesn’t have long-term goals, but he is not in a position to do things that are not his responsibility. He is too ambitious to think so much in his position. Ning Weiguo pursed his lips, looking at his younger brother with even greater respect, and said in a deep voice: "Then Weidong, which field do you think I should choose?" Ning Weidong also thought about this and replied: "First, electricity and railways should be ruled out." Wang Yuzhen asked in surprise: "Why?" Ning Weidong said: "Because it's too good. The railway is known as the iron boss and is the main artery of the country. The competition is too fierce. We chose this route with the intention of saving political resources. If we enter the railway, this effect will not be achieved." Ning Weiguo nodded. He had some knowledge in this area. It was no less difficult to get a decent position in the railway department than to be a leader of the same level in the local government.
Wang Yuzhen asked, "What about electricity?" Ning Weidong said: "It's almost the same principle, and that's already their territory. If we get in there, I'm afraid we'll get half the result with twice the effort." Ning Weiguo nodded slowly, knowing what Ning Weidong was referring to. Ning Weidong continued: "In addition, I don't recommend coal, oil, and other energy-related industries." Ning Weiguo frowned. In fact, when Ning Weidong spoke just now, the first thing that came to his mind was the coal industry. Because Wang Yuzhen's father had experience in the Ministry of Coal, he had some experience. Another thing is that the future will focus on economic development, and coal, as an energy base, will definitely need further development. Unexpectedly, Ning Weidong blocked the energy industry first. Ning Weidong saw Ning Weiguo's situation and explained, "Brother, the energy industry looks like a financial department, but it is actually an executive department." Ning Weiguo raised his eyebrows. Ning Weidong said: "In the energy industry, local resource endowments are more important than technology. Whether it is coal mines or oil, if there is, there is, and if there is not, there is not. Technology is only to extract these resources under this premise. To put it bluntly, no matter how advanced your technology is, if there is nothing underground, it is like fishing in a tree." Ning Weidong paused and said, "So, any department related to resources will inevitably be entangled with local forces, and will be in a relatively passive position. In the end, facing local forces, they will inevitably compromise and give in." Ning Weiguo's expression was serious, and his eyes were full of complexity when he looked at Ning Weidong. He didn't know when this younger brother, whom he had always treated as a child, had grown to this point. Wang Yuzhen was also a little surprised. Although Ning Weidong had shown some prowess before, this was the first time he had expressed himself so systematically and frankly, and so deeply and so directly. At this moment, Wang Yuzhen felt relieved, seeing Ning Weidong talking confidently and eloquently, she felt that this brother-in-law was not wasted after all. Ning Weidong said: "So, since we emphasize the need to take the route of technocrats, we must avoid these industries that have no technical content or have low technical barriers." Ning Weiguo leaned back on the sofa and took out a cigarette silently. Although he smokes, he seldom smokes at home, especially after moving into an apartment building. He only lights a cigarette when he encounters a difficult problem or is studying an article. Ning Weiguo took a deep breath. The smell of tar stimulated his nerves and made his mind clearer. Ning Weidong didn't rush to speak. He reached out and took the cigarette box and smoked one. After a moment, Ning Weiguo said: "In that case, the only two options left are light industry and heavy industry in the manufacturing sector." Ning Weidong nodded: "Of the two, I prefer the latter. The light industry sector has quick investment and quick results. Once foreign investment is subsequently liberalized, it will definitely be in the light industry sector. Foreign capital will not invest in long-term heavy industry projects here because they are worried that the policy will change. It must be short-term and fast. At that time, light industry in the southeast coast will usher in a wave of great development..." Ning Weiguo understood instantly. Although light industry will develop greatly, this will be mainly driven by foreign investment and will have little to do with relevant management departments. In this situation, there is plenty of room for growth, but it is very unfavorable for future development.
The superiors are not blind. They know exactly what is going on. Ning Weidong said: "At this time, the corresponding heavy manufacturing industry will usher in a very difficult stage. And this is precisely an opportunity. With our size and history, we will never give up the military heavy industry even if we suffer losses. Therefore, the more difficult it is, the more support we will give. Strong winds reveal strong grass, and time reveals a person's heart. If you can calm down, polish your business, and do some real work at this time, you will definitely be rewarded in the future." Ning Weiguo took a deep puff of cigarette, and the tobacco on the cigarette butt remained red for nearly ten seconds, and then he exhaled a cloud of smoke: "I'm afraid this cold stove is not easy to burn!" Ning Weidong smiled and said, "Of course it's not easy to burn. If you really want to step into it, it will take ten or twenty years. If you can endure it to the end, you will win." Ning Weiguo also smiled and asked, "What are the details?" Unexpectedly, Ning Weidong waved his hand and said, "I won't give you any advice on this. The general direction has been decided. You and your sister-in-law should discuss the specific details. This is a tactical issue and it is not my responsibility." Ning Weiguo said: "Wow~ I told you you're fat and you're out of breath. Tactical issues are not your responsibility. You only care about strategic issues. You don't even want to be a general, so why don't you just become a marshal~" Ning Weidong chuckled, instantly bringing down the serious atmosphere. This matter concerns Ning Weiguo's future plans and is a life-long decision that must be carefully considered and not decided on a whim. The reason why Ning Weidong brought this up today was mainly to make Ning Weiguo and Wang Yuzhen consider leaving their current position more carefully. Compared with a plan spanning twenty years with a goal of achieving a major future, the current position of a senior section chief is certainly nothing to regret. It was not until after seven o'clock in the evening that Ning Weidong came out of Ning Weiguo's home. Ning Weiguo and Wang Yuzhen walked him downstairs together, and watched him ride away on his bicycle. Only then did they return home with heavy hearts. The two people in the corridor tacitly held back and didn't make a sound. Only after they got home and closed the door did Wang Yuzhen ask, "Weiguo, what do you think of what Weidong said just now?" Ning Weiguo sighed and said, "When you are away for three days, you should look at each other with new eyes. The ancients were right! Weidong has suddenly become smarter after the Chinese New Year. He seems to have become a different person. His current thinking level and vision are beyond my expectation. Listening to his words today... is better than reading for ten years!" Ning Weiguo sighed as he paced in circles on the ground, rubbing his hands together, trying to suppress his excitement. It was not Ning Weidong’s performance, but Ning Weidong’s words that made him see a clearer direction. As long as he continues in this direction, relying on his unremitting efforts and with the help of the Wang family, Ning Weiguo will be able to see the future. Although the road ahead is still long, we will see the blue sky after the fog has been cleared. Ning Weiguo said seriously, "Yuzhen, I plan to talk to Dad when I get home next week. What do you think?" When this was mentioned, Wang Yuzhen's expression became cautious. Their honor and disgrace depend on their father, the king. Ning Weidong's words here were full of excitement, and she and Ning Weiguo were overwhelmed with emotion, but as long as her father said "no", everything would be in vain. Wang Yuzhen pursed her lips and said worriedly, "Are you in such a hurry? It's better to wait until Weidong and Zhao Ruyi are officially married." Ning Weiguo was indeed a little too excited just now. As the old saying goes, a man with a virtuous wife will not suffer misfortune. Wang Yuzhen's reminder of this game was like putting the brakes on him, and also calmed him down from his excited state. Ning Weiguo nodded slowly: "Indeed, there is no rush."
After saying that, he looked at Wang Yuzhen and suddenly gave her a kiss: "Yuzhen, it's great to have you~" Wang Yuzhen blushed and wiped her face with her hands, rolled her eyes and said, "You are an old couple, but you are still not serious." Ning Weiguo chuckled: "I am serious in front of outsiders, serious at work, and serious at home~ I am too serious. When will Xiaolei have a younger brother?" …… On the other side, Ning Weidong rode his bike home. But just as he reached the entrance of the alley and was about to turn inside, he suddenly heard someone calling his name. Ning Weidong turned his head and looked at the voice, but was a little surprised: "An Ning?" At the intersection of Fuchengmen Street and the alley, under the second roadside tree, An Ning, wearing a fashionable women's windbreaker, was holding a ladies' bicycle with a diagonal beam, standing there with a smile on her face, looking graceful and elegant. Ning Weidong squeezed the brake, stopped and said, "Sister An, looking for me?" As he spoke, he came to An Ning. An Ning was dressed very beautifully today, with a ladylike high bun and a pair of American-style blue jeans under her windbreaker. At this point in time, this outfit is still quite eye-catching, but it is not considered to be weird. Because of the outward shift, many young men and women from well-off families have started wearing jeans on the streets of Beijing. An Ning smiled and said, "Long time no see." Ning Weidong said: "It's not that long. It's not even a month yet." Two people came up. Ning Weidong knew that An Ning's initiative to find him was definitely not a spur of the moment decision. Ning Weidong asked: "Do you want to go home or sit outside?" An Ning said, "Let's go over to their house. I heard that Brother Weiguo and his wife moved away. Are you living alone now?" Ning Weidong smiled and said, "Why? Sister An, what do you think?" An Ning said: "Are you afraid that I will eat you? Or are you afraid that people will gossip about you?" Ning Weidong said: "What am I afraid of? I'm a grown man, just walk~" As he said this, he pushed his bicycle and turned into the alley. An Ning followed closely, pushed the bicycle under the curb, tapped her feet a few times, as light as a butterfly, got on the bicycle, and followed Ning Weidong to the slum. The two of them arrived at the door and attracted a lot of attention as soon as they entered. On Sunday night, many people were chatting outside after dinner, and they happened to see Ning Weidong coming back with a beautiful woman who was well dressed. They were all surprised. Although An Ning had been here once before, she came by herself that time and went straight into the courtyard, so no one noticed her. But today I am with Ning Weidong, so it is inevitable that there will be topics to talk about.
(End of this chapter)
