The Ambitions to Conquer the Official Career
Chapter 443: Starting with a Bowl of Wine

Chapter 443: Chapter 443: Starting with a Bowl of Wine

Gathered around the table, inhaling the primitive aroma of the mushroom chicken, Ji Yang praised, "This is truly something from nature."

Huang Dayong laughed, "Secretary Ji, we don’t have much here, just these kinds of things."

Looking at Huang Dayong, Ji Yang smiled and said, "Dayong, you were discharged from the military, right?"

"Yes, I served in the military."

"The military really trains people, and by looking at you, you clearly have that military demeanor."

Huang Dayong, with a smile all over his face, said, "Indeed, those years molded me."

"It’s essential to see more of the world outside. Our poverty alleviation work requires young officials like you to take on responsibility."

Huang Dayong suddenly became very excited, thinking that since Ji Yang was a standing committee member of the city’s party committee, favoring him might pave the way for further advancement, even...

He glanced at Huang Song, who was sitting there.

Ji Yang then turned to Huang Song and said, "Comrade Huang Song, seeing the situation in Kuzhu Town, I deeply feel the weight and length of the road to poverty alleviation."

Huang Song quickly responded, "The biggest issue here is the roads. I wanted to ask when our town will get roads as well, since the county has built them elsewhere."

He knew the situation well; other places had roads because the province had earmarked funds for it. Their town didn’t have unique features, so even if they requested it, it wasn’t likely to happen, but he wanted to show an attitude that he too was eager to develop.

Ji Yang sighed and said, "The county built those roads because those places had the conditions. If Kuzhu Town had the conditions as well, naturally, it could happen too."

Huang Song gave a bitter laugh and said, "We also want to find some solutions, but, as you see, we have nothing here. Even agriculture is challenging because the soil here isn’t suitable for it."

Unsuitable for planting?

Suddenly, a thought struck him. He had always heard that the soil here was poor but had never thought about testing the soil quality. Perhaps there were aspects he wasn’t aware of.

Ji Yang made a mental note of this.

In his heart, Ji Yang realized that if he wanted to develop this area, the key was to replace people like Huang Song. With them around, there was little chance of developmental success.

Of course, further observation was also necessary.

"Secretary Ji, since you’ve come here, you must drink a few good glasses. This is our local corn liquor, which we brew ourselves. It’s quite strong."

Ji Yang smiled slightly and said, "Good, let’s drink good."

"Here we start with a bowl, and only after that do we officially start drinking. Secretary Ji, I’ll finish this bowl first."

Watching a clay bowl filled with liquor being consumed in one go by Huang Song, Ji Yang was somewhat surprised at his capacity to drink.

"Secretary Ji, it’s our custom here to drink a bowl of liquor before a meal. It shows respect for everyone. But for you, a sip will suffice," Huang Dayong added.

After he finished speaking, he looked at Ji Yang.

Ji Yang then realized, this was intentional; no matter the circumstance, they wanted him to fit in by drinking.

"Alright, I respect local customs. If everyone else can drink, I definitely will too."

Ji Yang picked up the bowl and gulped down the liquor.

It had to be said that the drink was potent, a warm current flowing downward immediately.

Fortunately, Ji Yang’s eleven meridians had been tempered, and once the liquor entered his body, it was quickly dissolved by the True Yuan.

A breath of alcohol fumed out, and with that rich aroma, all the alcoholic vapor dissipated.

He hadn’t anticipated that after his meridians were unblocked, True Yuan could have such power.

Given this, Ji Yang no longer cared about drinking.

Ji Yang wanted to see what they would do after trying to outdrink him.

Looking toward Zheng Hong and the others, he saw that they were already surrounded by some officials, who were also pressing them to drink.

Gao Dajun then looked at Ji Yang.

Ji Yang smiled and said, "Everyone’s enthusiasm is overwhelming. Feel free to drink; there’s nothing to worry about."

Although he knew that after being intoxicated, Huang Song and the others may try something, Ji Yang didn’t plan to miss this chance. Only by integrating with them could he understand more about the situation.

Hearing Ji Yang’s words, Huang Song burst into laughter, "Secretary Ji has given us great respect. Everyone, please eat and drink well. I am personally covering today, so there’s no issue of corruption."

Everyone laughed.

Ji Yang also smiled and said, "Comrade Huang Song seems to have a great capacity for alcohol. You’ve shown me quite the welcome!"

Huang Song laughingly said, "I dare not, dare not, it’s indeed one of the traditions of South Dian. If guests come and we don’t treat them well, that would be considered rude. Many places have this tradition of ensuring at least the first bowl."

Ji Yang smiled and said, "Those who can’t hold their liquor wouldn’t be able to withstand this."

"We judge based on capability; we don’t force anyone to drink."

Ji Yang laughed and said, "Well then, since I respect local customs, everyone, this bowl is to honor you, for persisting in working in this difficult area. You’ve worked hard." As he finished speaking, Ji Yang drank another bowl.