Many people believe that one must address a high-ranking official’s secretary by their professional rank, or else it shows a lack of social grace. In the original novel, for instance, Gao Yuliang always addressed Sha Ruijin’s secretary as "Secretary Bai," while Ji Changming addressed him as "Division Chief Bai." Some then speculated that Secretary Bai was annoyed with Gao Yuliang and would occasionally trip him up as a result.
This is complete nonsense. In the eyes of provincial-level officials, what kind of face does a division chief really have? Does addressing them as "Division Chief" show more respect, or does "Secretary" show more? As the saying goes, "A seventh-rank official at the prime minister’s door." In terms of rank, they aren't even qualified to speak to me one-on-one; it is only by virtue of their position that we have any working connection at all. Gao Yuliang’s use of "Secretary Bai" was in no way disparaging. Those who believe that this form of address caused Secretary Bai to target Gao Yuliang are simply over-interpreting. The targeting had absolutely nothing to do with how he was addressed; it was entirely because the leader he served was doing the targeting.
At noon, the Standing Committee meeting concluded. The committee members walked out of the conference room and headed toward the cafeteria. The Provincial Party Committee cafeteria had a private kitchen, but they still utilized a plated meal system. This rule had been put in place by Liang Qunfeng hi…
Chapter 755