Fu Guomin believed that Dongzhou would definitely not become a highlight in this national conference. According to the conference schedule, the mornings were reserved for plenary sessions, and the afternoons for group discussions. The groupings were not fixed, and except for the first day, which was limited to discussions within the province, the rest were shuffled randomly. The objective was to enable culture and tourism departments from different regions to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and improve each other’s strengths.

On the second morning, the conference officially commenced, emphasizing adherence to the guidance of the new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, comprehensively implementing the Central Committee’s directives, accurately understanding new situations and tasks, proactively adapting and seeking changes, promoting a better combination of effective markets and proactive government engagement, and modernizing market governance to advance high-quality development in the culture and tourism markets.

The main leaders of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the deputy secretary of Nanwan, the conference host location, both delivered speeches.

In the afternoon, the group discussion phase began, initially divided by province.

Pinghai Province brought representatives from seven cities to the conference. The provincial culture and tourism head, Xing Wenhua, personally attended and presided as the group leader for the discussions that day.

It was Xu Chunliang’s first time attending such a high-level conference. Accompanied by Fu Guomin and Fan Lidada, they arrived early at the smaller meeting room. Fan Lidada introduced their new culture and tourism bureau chief, Fu Guomin, to Xing Wenhua.

Xing Wenhua shook hands with Fu Guomin and said, "Dongzhou was the last in Pinghai to establish a culture and tourism bureau; in this respect, you are behind."

Fu Guomin replied with a smile, "Secretary Xing, good things are worth waiting for. Our Dongzhou strives to catch up and surpass others."

Xing Wenhua said, "Having determination is good." His impression of Dongzhou was that its cultural and tourism development was lagging.

Everyone took their seats. The smaller meeting room had an oval table. The directors and deputy directors of the city culture and tourism bureaus sat down, while other accompanying personnel could only sit against the wall, essentially as observers, as they were mostly junior staff.

Xu Chunliang sat behind Fu Guomin, glanced around, and realized he was the youngest. Everyone else was attentively focused on the senior leaders.

Xing Wenhua said, "Everyone attended this morning’s meeting. Let’s share some thoughts. Old Yang, you start." He directly named the head of Nanjiang’s culture and tourism, Yang Jianwu.

Yang Jianwu, chubby and smiling, said, "Secretary Xing asked me to speak, so I’ll say a few words. Our Nanjiang City’s total tourism revenue last year was 198.93 billion yuan, with total tourist visits reaching 103.3465 million, and a per capita expenditure of 1,922 yuan, setting a historic high. This year’s situation is better than last year’s. Without surprises, we expect to set new records again. It’s certain that Nanjiang still ranks first in every indicator within Pinghai Province."

Xing Wenhua said, "Old Yang, today is a discussion, not a boasting session. Nanjiang being first should be a given. As the ancient capital of six dynasties and the provincial capital, it’s normal for it to be first. Not being first would be abnormal."

Everyone laughed. In fact, other cities in Pinghai were not convinced of Nanjiang’s status as the provincial capital. Despite having such good resources, its GDP was only second in the province, below Gusu. This was mainly due to favorable policies in recent years. Otherwise, it was originally ranked third, behind Xinwu. As for tourism revenue, the gap with Gusu was not significant either.

Moreover, a majority of the influx into Nanjiang were people from neighboring Nanwan, making the city’s influence extend more to Nanwan’s cities than to its sibling cities in Pinghai, causing further discontent among these sibling cities.

Such discontent also reflected in their views of Yang Jianwu. They felt he maintained his superior attitude solely due to policy advantages. If the province maintained balance, others couldn’t say, but Gusu could definitely surpass Nanjiang in tourism.

Yang Jianwu continued, "We in Nanjiang were among the first cities nationwide to develop smart tourism. Our current development level is also among the top in the nation. We will continue to deepen our efforts in this field this year, aiming to further expand our national influence."

Xing Wenhua nodded and said, "Nanjiang, Gusu, and Xinwu’s culture and tourism work is all quite commendable." He glanced at the data: "It should be no problem for Nanjiang and Gusu to surpass 200 billion in tourism revenue this year. Xinwu also has the potential to exceed 150 billion."

He continued to look through the data: "Oh, Yancheng is also advancing towards the 100 billion mark, well done. Jiangdu has fallen behind in recent years. With highlights like ’The Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlit Night,’ one of the ancient nine states, and a nationally recognized historical city, its tourism revenue is only fifth in the province at just over 60 billion, which doesn’t match the city’s image at all."

Jiangdu’s culture and tourism head, Qi Hongyan, felt a bit embarrassed being directly addressed. She sincerely replied, "Secretary Xing, we are working on improving the culture and tourism environment, aiming to reach a new milestone in the next three years."

Xing Wenhua continued checking the data: "Dongzhou isn’t even half of Jiangdu’s revenue? Comparisons can be damaging, whether among people or between goods; cities are the same."

Fu Guomin felt a bit awkward. The leader wasn’t sparing them any face at all. Fu Guomin said, "Secretary Xing, Dongzhou is an old industrial base, and we’ve only recently begun transitioning, so we started later than our sibling cities in the area of culture and tourism."

Xing Wenhua said, "Don’t emphasize reasons. Starting late is due to a lack of awareness about tourism development. Dongzhou’s GDP isn’t bad; it’s higher than Jiangdu, right? So why is there such a gap in tourism revenue?"

Fan Lidada smiled and said, "Secretary Xing, we can’t compare with Jiangdu in terms of tourism. Jiangdu is a historical city, whereas Dongzhou..."

Xing Wenhua said, "Xiaofan, I don’t agree with you. In all of Pinghai, Dongzhou was the first established city. If I recall correctly, it has over 2,600 years of history. Jiangdu and Nanjiang both have over 2,400 years. In terms of history, Dongzhou is as good as any city. As local cultural and tourism leaders, you’ve already lost in terms of spirit."

Fan Lida was flushed; this leader was truly unsparing.

Fu Guomin said, "Secretary Xing, we have also recognized our own problems. We have just completed an institutional reform and established the Culture and Tourism Bureau. The leadership team of Dongzhou City has also given us great attention and support. We will certainly take practical actions to ensure that Dongzhou Culture and Tourism reaches a new level within a few years."

Xing Wenhua didn’t like hearing those empty promises; he preferred to study data: "Dongzhou’s GDP ranks sixth in the province, and its tourism revenue ranks ninth. This doesn’t align with your city’s positioning. You always claim to be the big brother of Jiangbei, yet your tourism revenue doesn’t even surpass Hai Zhou."

Fu Guomin said, "Hai Zhou’s natural resources are richer than ours."

Xing Wenhua said, "Xiaofu, I’ve noticed you are very good at finding excuses. Hai Zhou is coastal, Nanjiang has the river; now tell me, what does Yan City have?"

Fu Guomin thought to himself, Yan City has Taihu Bay, but he held back from saying it. The leader was dissatisfied with their work, and there was even a bit of prejudice. This meeting was clearly intended to use them as a negative example.

Fan Lida also dared not speak; being criticized in front of so many peers was unpleasant. But there was no choice; after all, they were behind, and as the saying goes, "the backward are beaten." This is a truth from ancient times to the present.

The two of them dared not speak, but that didn’t mean others wouldn’t. Xu Chunliang couldn’t hold it back anymore: "Yan City has Taihu!"

Everyone was stunned; this young man really had some guts. Being on the side as a listener, one shouldn’t speak unless the leader asks.

Xing Wenhua looked at Xu Chunliang: "Young man, you are...?"

"I’m from the Dongzhou Culture and Tourism Bureau. My name is Xu Chunliang." Xu Chunliang stood up, not out of reverence for power, but out of basic politeness.

Xing Wenhua was amused: "I enjoy talking with young people. You may sit and speak."

Xu Chunliang said, "I’ll stand; if I sit, you might not see me."

Quite a few people laughed; this young man indeed had a bit of a fearless quality.

Fan Lida secretly groaned; he thought Xu Chunliang shouldn’t be speaking in such a setting. But Fu Guomin didn’t think it was a problem; Xing Wenhua had spoken ill of them, and if they didn’t say anything, the leaders in Dongzhou might criticize them as well. Fu Guomin was pondering how to respond, but Xu Chunliang stood up first.

Xing Wenhua said, "Xiaoxu, I’d like to hear your opinion. Why do you think Dongzhou’s tourism is so backward in the province?"

Xu Chunliang smiled and said, "Since Secretary Xing is asking, I’ll say a few words. Dongzhou’s tourism is backward because the previous leadership of the Tourism Bureau was incompetent. Our city’s leadership identified this issue and immediately rectified it, merging the Culture Bureau, Cultural Relics Bureau, and Tourism Bureau to establish the Culture and Tourism Bureau. Through rigorous selection, we formed a young and energetic leadership team. I believe this situation will improve soon."

Fu Guomin chuckled inwardly, good, well-pushed; it’s all the fault of the former leaders, after all, it has nothing to do with me.

Xing Wenhua said, "Is it only because of leadership issues?"

Xu Chunliang said, "There are historical reasons too. In the past, Dongzhou was just a coal-producing area. The province positioned us as a heavy industrial base. For years, Dongzhou has continuously provided coal to the entire province, making great contributions to the development of our brother cities. With our mountains of coal and seas of minerals, we’ve forged everyone’s green waters and lush mountains. Now that our resources are exhausted and pollution is severe, people shouldn’t despise us for being backward. If the province had initially positioned us for tourism development, with Dongzhou’s cultural and historical heritage, we would certainly not be inferior to any city."

There was complete silence; this was both a complaint and a fact. Although everyone was in the same province, Jiangnan and Jiangbei were entirely different. Dongzhou was one of the most unique cities in Pinghai; this city had a long history and was the most valiant place in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai area. Yet being valiant doesn’t mean being unreasonable; the people of Dongzhou are inherently bold and forthright, with a spirit of chivalry and righteousness running through their veins.

A land of flying dragons and a hometown of emperors and generals.

Dongzhou, known as the hometown of nine dynasties, a strategic military location, and the Eastern Athens, but past glory does not represent the present. Even in the eyes of sibling cities in the same province, Dongzhou feels more like Shandong, lacking any Jiangsu-Zhejiang traits.

Xing Wenhua said, "Xiaoxu speaks very well. Dongzhou has indeed made too many contributions to Pinghai, and in recent years, the support Pinghai has given to Dongzhou has been less than Jiangnan. Now, facing resource exhaustion and city transformation, we, the brother cities, have the responsibility and obligation to help."

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