Reborn as Zhao Ruilong of Handong, I will defy fate.

Chapter 237 Development is the only way forward; those in power should act with such arrogance!

Wu Huifen looked dejected.

Suddenly I lost all my appetite.

He put down his chopsticks and let out a helpless sigh.

Pregnant in October and giving birth once.

She raised her daughter with great difficulty, only to have her go to study in the United States and never return.

As a mother, Wu Huifen was naturally heartbroken.

I think of the pain of childbirth, and the incessant crying of my daughter when she was little.

I remember her taking her first steps and babbling, and the first time she called me "Mama" clearly and brightly.

I remember teaching her to read and write, wash dishes and cook, sing and dance, and instructing her in history, culture, and etiquette.

I remember her having a fever and cough in the middle of the night, and I carrying her through the pouring rain to the hospital. Every cough she uttered felt like a knife to my heart...

The past events are vivid in my mind, like a movie playing at high speed, with each frame flashing through my mind.

I hope she grows up healthy and happy.

But the result?

Once I went to study in the US, he would only call once every two or three months.

Every time they call, it's just to ask for money; they barely offer any words of concern or care.

That's why the couple was certain that their daughter would not return to China after graduation.

They will definitely try every means to stay in the United States, making up all sorts of reasons.

For example, only by acquiring US citizenship can one enter more advanced laboratories and conduct scientific research more effectively.

therefore.

The husband said to pretend that the daughter never existed.

Wu Huifen knew that this wasn't just said in anger; her daughter Gao Fangfang was truly capable of such actions.

"Okay, okay, why are you crying?"

Gao Yuliang tore off two pieces of paper and handed them to his wife.

"Hurry up and wipe away your tears and eat. Let's go downstairs for a walk later. It's been a long time since I've been back to school, and I really miss it."

Wu Huifen took the tissue and gently wiped away her tears.

"Don't you think we can find a way to get her back?"

"How can we figure out a solution?"

Gao Yuliang smiled wryly and retorted, "You're a history professor, don't you know that once people form a belief, it's very difficult to change it?"

"Hou Liangping and Zhong Xiaoai have been married for so many years. Zhong Zhengguo has been dismissed from his post, and Hou Liangping is also going to be imprisoned. His daughter must have long forgotten about him."

"So the main reason she doesn't want to return to China is obviously no longer Hou Liangping, but that she genuinely feels that staying in the United States is better, that she can learn more, and that she has a better future!"

Wu Huifen sighed and shook her head, giving a helpless, bitter smile.

"As the world's leading superpower, the United States possesses a strong military, advanced cutting-edge technology, a prosperous market economy, and a free and relaxed social atmosphere, which is quite attractive."

Gao Yuliang took a deep drag of his cigarette and said calmly:

"I think Ruilong is absolutely right."

"We have been asleep for a century, and in modern times we have fallen behind the West."

"There is already a certain gap in strength, and the ideology and culture have been infiltrated, to the point that many people have formed fixed perceptions."

"Not only do we believe that only the West is trustworthy, abides by rules, and has a fair rule of law, but the United States, as the leader of the West, is also a beacon of human civilization and a perfect country full of democracy and freedom."

"They also think that only the West knows how to invent, create, and innovate, while we Chinese only know how to copy, imitate, and produce shoddy goods. The products we produce may seem cheap, but their performance and quality are far inferior to those of the West."

"They even firmly believed that no matter how hard we tried to catch up, we could never catch up with the West in any field, including military, technology, industry, medicine, education, economy, and infrastructure, and that we had to swallow our pride in order to survive."

"And there are quite a few people who have this kind of perception. The vast majority of them don't even know how many countries there are in the world, let alone have ever gone to any Western country to conduct in-depth investigations and research. Much of their information is hearsay, but they are absolutely certain of it."

"They understand neither others nor themselves, yet they always feel inferior. They are filled with worship, awe, fear, and longing for the West. In the end, it all comes down to a lack of self-confidence. So much so that after kneeling for so long, they can no longer stand up!"

At this point, Gao Yuliang reached out and stubbed out his cigarette.

"So I think that if we want our daughter to return to China willingly in the future, it won't be useful to just talk to her and persuade her."

"She couldn't possibly believe me if I told her I could do well in biological research back in China and make a name for myself, even better than in the US, without any concrete evidence."

"Therefore, the best approach is still what Ruilong said: development is the only way forward. Only by seizing opportunities, making every second count, and developing ourselves well can we break through conventional wisdom with our strength!"

"Just like Fangfang's biological research in the United States, if our Dragon Country had more advanced scientific research equipment, better scientific research mechanisms, and higher scientific research levels, do you think she wouldn't come back?"

Wu Huifen wiped away her tears and smiled, "You're a law professor, the best at sophistry, how could you believe Ruilong's words so easily?"

"Because what he said makes a lot of sense! If you compare a country to a person, poverty will make you look down on. Who would believe you if you said you had a bright future? The best way is to work hard and make money. When you have money, why would you worry about being looked down on?"

Gao Yuliang served himself a bowl of soup and took a couple of sips to soothe his throat.

"And as for Ruilong, you must not look at him with ordinary eyes."

“He can help his father write proposals, help his future father-in-law write reports, and even have long private conversations with President Shen.”

"His thinking and vision far surpass those of young people his age, and his perspective and level of understanding of issues are also far above that of ordinary people."

Wu Huifen nodded slightly.

"Yes, this child is quite good. Otherwise, why would my sister dote on him like a precious treasure?"

"But if we keep this to ourselves, my wife and I think Ruilong is a good person, but some people think he's really bad!"

Gao Yuliang's eyes suddenly turned cold.

"Who is it? Ruilong could have been a rich and powerful young master, enjoying a life of luxury, but he has devoted himself to the development of Handong. Who would think he is particularly bad?"

Wu Huifen got up and said while clearing away the dishes:

"Who else could it be? Those whose interests were harmed after the Eight-Point Regulation was introduced!"

"Take our Handong University as an example. The guesthouse has been put up for sale and has become an independent private enterprise. In the future, faculty and staff of Handong University will not be able to go out for meals and drinks at will and then reimburse themselves with public funds."

"In addition, school buses can no longer be used for private purposes at will, nor can they be used as a pretext for academic exchanges or other forms of publicly funded travel. Furthermore, holiday benefits can no longer be distributed arbitrarily."

"They can't even find excuses to give or receive gifts, meaning they can't do things like they used to for weddings, moving, birthdays, etc., and they can't collect money as gifts... This has cut off a lot of people's source of income. How could they not hate Ruilong?"

Gao Yuliang was taken aback.

"No, the rules weren't issued by Ruilong, so why hate him?"

Wu Huifen laughed and said, "It wasn't him who issued the order, but it was his idea!"

“They don’t care how much of our school’s funds are wasted every year due to lavish spending on meals and private use of official vehicles.”

"They don't think about how much more practical work could be done with the money saved; they only think about how it won't benefit them."

Gao Yuliang snorted coldly.

"It's clearly a good policy that benefits the country and its people, but just because it harms their own interests, they think Ruilong is bad!"

"I think every single one of these people should be removed from the faculty and staff of Handong University!"

"What right do people who only want to take advantage of public resources and seek personal gain have to work in education?"

"And when we raised salaries and social security for all public employees in the province before, why weren't they grateful to Ruilong?"

"They get the benefits but aren't grateful; they think Ruilong is particularly bad when the shady profits are gone. They're the kind of people who only want to take advantage and never suffer any loss!"

After a while.

Gao Yuliang and Wu Huifen went downstairs for a walk.

Out of curiosity, Gao Yuliang even took a special stroll to the guesthouse of Handong University.

The guesthouse was originally built in the 1960s and was renovated in the 1980s.

At first glance, it looks unremarkable and even a bit old, but it has a strong sense of history.

But in Gao Yuliang's memory, the guesthouse was always thriving.

Even though restaurants and eateries on the surrounding streets have closed down one after another, and been replaced by one generation after another.

Even though it's not a high-end establishment and the food isn't particularly delicious, this guesthouse has always stood the test of time.

The reason is quite simple: it is backed by Handong University and, apart from official receptions, it basically only serves the university leaders and faculty.

Because school faculty and staff can get discounts on banquets and accommodations here, and those with some power can even have the expenses charged to the school's public account and reimbursed at the end of the year, there are often various banquets and events.

Gao Yuliang recalled that his wedding banquet with his wife Wu Huifen, as well as their child's one-month celebration, were all held at this guesthouse. The director hinted that he could pay the bills on the public account, but he insisted on paying them himself.

However, the discount was so huge when it came time to pay that it probably didn't even cover the cost of the ingredients.

Looking back now, Gao Yuliang can't help but feel a little guilty.

It seems like I'm saving money, but in reality, the guesthouse got the school to reimburse me.

But where does the school's money come from?

What appears to be education funding ultimately benefits the general public.

of course.

The butt determines the head!

How much education funding has been wasted, how much food and beverages have been squandered...

Those who benefit from the system don't care at all, and even feel at ease with themselves.

Now that this hidden benefit has been eliminated, more education funds can be used for education.

They were heartbroken and furious.

Even after they received a nominal raise, they still felt that Zhao Ruilong was particularly bad.

but……

Without sufficient power, they can only suppress their resentment, no matter how much they disapprove.

They don't even have the courage to protest publicly.

Clearly, deep down, they knew they were in the wrong for taking advantage of public resources.

If things really escalate, it will only incite public anger and make people curse us mercilessly.

dong dong dong...

A rapid, deafening sound of an electric pickaxe rang out.

Gao Yuliang stopped and turned his head to look at the Handong University Guesthouse, which was under construction and fenced off.

I thought I would still be able to see the house number, but I didn't expect that the entire outer wall had been cleared away.

"They're still working overtime to renovate even after dark. What kind of shop are they opening?"

"Look, isn't that a job posting? This place is going to become a big hotel."

At his wife's prompting, Gao Yuliang went to the job posting on the fence, adjusted his glasses, and looked at it carefully.

"Chefs, waiters/waitresses, cleaners, lobby managers... they've hired quite a few people!"

"What about the staff of the former guesthouse? Were none of them hired?"

Wu Huifen laughed and said, "Those with permanent positions will naturally be transferred to other positions within the school, while those without permanent positions will naturally be dismissed!"

“From now on, this will be a purely privately owned hotel. Without the public funds from our school, won’t we have to renovate, hire new staff, and focus on improving our services?”

Gao Yuliang stood with his hands behind his back, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Great! That's wonderful! We should have done this a long time ago!"

"Less waste of public funds means less corruption and more practical work can be done!"

"Furthermore, with fewer vested interests in government agencies, there will be more fair competition in the market economy!"

"Yes!"

Wu Huifen said in deep agreement:

"Without the use of public funds for lavish meals, the newly opened hotel must compete on its own merits."

"From now on, we will focus on meeting customer needs, instead of just trying to curry favor with leaders at all levels."

"If the food is expensive and not tasty, and the accommodation is unsatisfactory to guests, then it will inevitably be eliminated by the market."

Gao Yuliang nodded silently.

He certainly knew that only through sufficient competition could the survival of the fittest be achieved.

Only companies that survive fierce competition can continue to expand and grow stronger.

This applies not only to the catering industry, but also to other industries.

So don't be fooled by what you see; it's just a guesthouse belonging to Handong University that has been separated and transferred.

What Gao Yuliang saw was that Secretary Zhao Lichun was leading the entire Handong Province in continuously curbing corruption, changing unhealthy practices, and striving to create a fair and competitive business environment.

Although doing so will inevitably affect the interests of many people, draw criticism and curses from many, and may even cause some people to lose their jobs, it will be extremely beneficial in the long run.

Just like the existence of the Hantong University guesthouse, it not only wastes a lot of educational funds, but also affects consumption around the school.

Faculty and staff will no longer be able to take advantage of public resources in the future.

Since they have to pay for it themselves, they will inevitably be very selective about the surrounding restaurants and hotels.

Just like students have to spend their own living expenses, they will inevitably go to restaurants or food stalls that have good taste and good value for money. Those that are expensive and not tasty will inevitably be ruthlessly eliminated soon.

By eliminating the guesthouse, the faculty and staff with stronger spending power and more frequent banquets are freed up, which will further increase the number of consumers around the school and enhance their spending power.

For stores to survive, they must compete more fiercely on service, price, quality, and innovation...

Wouldn't this lead to full market competition?

When an old shop closes down, a new one will inevitably open.

With continuous competition and recruitment, won't the economy be stimulated?

Handong University is not the only comprehensive university in the country.

Only in Jingzhou, the provincial capital of Handong.

There are eight universities directly under the Ministry of Education, including Kyoto University, Kyoto Aerospace University, Kyoto University of Science and Technology, Kyoto Agricultural University, and Yonggu Pharmaceutical University.

In addition, there are more than ten provincial universities, including Jingzhou University of Posts and Telecommunications, Jingzhou University of Information Engineering, Jingzhou University of Technology, Jingzhou Normal University, and Jingzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

As for provincial and municipal colleges and vocational schools, the number is even greater.

After such a rectification, the amount of education funds saved each year is probably an astronomical figure.

The large sum of money saved could be used to support many impoverished students, repair many rural school buildings, and start many new research projects...

"Well done, Ruilong!"

"Although it may incur some criticism, it will benefit the country and its people!"

"Our Crown Prince of Handong should be able to act with such power and whims!!"

With a sigh, Gao Yuliang took Wu Huifen's hand and slowly walked back to the campus.

After a while.

The barricades were opened, and a truck slowly drove out.

Beneath the thick layer of construction debris inside the carriage lies the 'Handong University Guesthouse' sign, which used to be lit up every night.

The thumping of the electric hammer and the hissing of the cutting machine.

It was as if a farewell song was playing, sending off the trucks loaded with construction waste.

This night.

Gao Yuliang tossed and turned, unable to sleep, his mind filled with countless thoughts and ideas.

Handong Province is developing at an extremely rapid pace; if it wants to progress, it must do so even faster!

So the next day, after a quick breakfast, he rushed back to Lüzhou, where he could finally put his skills to good use...