Chapter 1290 Father and Son Traveling Together

The conversation jumps straight into practical work, which is the most familiar and effective way for fathers and sons to communicate.

Upon hearing this, Gu Chengyuan withdrew his hand, leaned back slightly, and gazed at the passing street scene outside the window. His eyes became deep and focused, as if he could already see the future blueprint of this city.

“Dad, the night market is of strategic significance to us far beyond the value of a city with a population of ten million.”

“First of all, it’s a ‘lighthouse’.” Gu Chengyuan held up one finger:

"The purpose of our parade today is to illuminate this place, so that all the survivors still struggling in Zhoubang and even further afield can see that this place has been liberated, order has been rebuilt, and civilization is being restored!"

"This will generate tremendous centripetal force, attracting talent, refugees, and even other forces to cooperate. We want to make this place a symbol and benchmark for the revival of civilization in the end times."

Gu Jianguo nodded. He fully understood this point. The military parade just now was the grandest "lighting-up" ceremony.

"Secondly, it's the central hub." Gu Chengyuan held up his second finger:

"Its geographical location determines its radiating capacity. To the north, it connects to the industrial city of Chongqing and Sichuan Province; to the south, it connects to Guangdong and Guangxi; and to the east, it connects to the Central Plains..."

"In the medium to long term, this place will become one of the most important political, economic, cultural, and military command centers of our theater. A large number of institutions, universities, research and development centers, and core factories will be concentrated or newly built here."

"Therefore, reconstruction is not simply about restoring the original appearance," Gu Chengyuan continued.

"We need to proceed in sections and steps!"

"The core area, which is the original city center and Guanshanhu area, should be prioritized for clearing, reinforcement and reconstruction to serve as an administrative, scientific research and high-end residential area."

"The industrial zone needs to be replanned, utilizing the existing industrial base, but it must be upgraded and transformed in combination with the post-apocalyptic resource situation and new technologies, especially to support our existing military industrial chain."

“The surrounding residential and agricultural areas need to be built in conjunction with the defense system to form tiered defense and self-sufficient community units.”

Gu Jianguo listened very attentively, nodding from time to time, and interjected, "What about the population? The current population is far from enough to support your plan, and the subsequent resettlement and management are also major problems."

"Yes."

Gu Chengyuan affirmed, "Population is of paramount importance. I believe we can use the existing system that combines 'contribution points' and 'credit ratings'."

“All survivors who entered the night market, whether indigenous or outsiders, were initially placed in a unified resettlement camp to receive quarantine, basic skills training, and ideological education.”

"Then, based on their skills, physical strength, and willingness, they are assigned to different reconstruction positions to earn points, which can be redeemed for better living conditions, food rations, medical and educational opportunities, etc."

"Credit ratings are linked to compliance with laws and regulations, completion of tasks, and contributions to the collective. Those with high credit ratings will have more opportunities and rights, such as serving as grassroots managers or participating in technical work."

"At the same time," a sharp glint flashed in Gu Chengyuan's eyes, "the internal security forces and the newly reorganized night market security bureau will strictly enforce the law to ensure order."

"Any act of sabotaging reconstruction, inciting chaos, or engaging in espionage will be severely punished. In times of chaos, harsh measures are necessary; stability is of utmost importance now."

Gu Jianguo pondered: "This requires a very efficient and clean management team. If it is implemented suddenly, the management committee may not have enough cadres, especially grassroots cadres and managers, as well as key personnel from the public security bureau. There will be a lot of vacancies."

"Can your military system send a group of people? I heard that as the war has progressed, there are still a large number of officers and soldiers who are stranded due to injuries and have not been resettled."

“I think we can take this opportunity to bring them all in. The night market is our base, and we can integrate more military factions that are loyal to you, which will make it easier to control.”

"Especially in terms of job allocation, we try to give preference to retired military officers and soldiers, which is also conducive to improving the combat effectiveness of the troops and subtly enhancing the attractiveness of the military."

After listening to his father's advice, Gu Chengyuan nodded: "You're right. In the current situation, it would indeed be very beneficial for local governments to bring in more experienced leaders who have been through the brutal war."

"Otherwise, if this goes on for a long time, it could easily lead to a farce like 'the courtesan is oblivious to the sorrow of a fallen nation, still singing 'The Song of the Rear Courtyard' across the river.'"

"After all, sometimes protecting someone too much can be cruel."

"In addition, a group of experienced grassroots cadres can be drawn from old gathering places such as Chongqing and Chongyi."

"Most importantly, we must boldly promote and cultivate new people during the reconstruction process, especially ordinary survivors who have performed outstandingly in resettlement and reconstruction work. We need to establish a new talent selection and promotion mechanism."

Listening to his son's clear and far-sighted plans, Gu Jianguo's last bit of dazed feeling caused by the distance completely disappeared, replaced by a heartfelt admiration and a sense of reassurance.

My son is not a reckless man blinded by victory; every step he takes is carefully considered, with both a grand strategic vision and pragmatic implementation measures.

He was no longer just proud of his son's achievements, but also full of confidence in the future path of the regime in which he had participated and which his son led.

"You've thought this through very thoroughly," Gu Jianguo finally said, his tone full of affirmation and support.

"If there's anything you need my cooperation on, or if you think there's anything I can still do at this old age, just let me know."

"I will get the newly established night market management committee up and running as soon as possible, and focus on the most urgent tasks of restoring order, resettling people, and starting production."

Gu Chengyuan smiled, a smile filled with deep trust: "Dad, why don't you take on the role of the first mayor of this night market for now!"

"You can handle the specific administrative matters, and we'll keep an eye on the overall direction. If we encounter any problems, we'll solve them together. With our father and son working together, there's no obstacle we can't overcome."

"Isn't that a bad idea? Me, the mayor of the night market?" Gu Jianguo hesitated for a moment when faced with his son's suggestion.

"What? Does our Governor Gu think the position of mayor is too low?" Gu Chengyuan rarely teased.

As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Jianguo immediately said in an annoyed tone:

"You little brat, do you think I'm that kind of person? I'm just afraid you'll accuse me of taking over!"

"Hahaha, Dad, you taught me to trust people, and besides, won't you pass the reins to me after you've seized power? I'd love for you to seize power! Hahahaha—"

"Wow, it's a closed loop!"

...

Amid the banter between father and son, the motorcade continued its smooth journey to the banquet venue, with the city scenery outside the car windows flowing past.

Inside the carriage, the faint sense of alienation from before had been replaced by a more solid and closer connection based on shared goals, mutual trust, and kinship.

They were no longer just talking about father-son relationships, but about a grand blueprint for the survival of millions and the continuation of civilization.

In this post-apocalyptic wasteland, such bonds may be stronger than pure emotions, and more capable of resisting the fate of "solitude and loneliness on high ground."

A new journey has quietly begun as the wheels of time turn.

This time, they are not only blood relatives, but also comrades-in-arms fighting side by side, and fellow travelers writing history together!