"Chunian, I have great news for you. This morning, Minister Cheng from the County Organization Department led an inspection team here. A meeting was held for all town officials, where they voted to select outstanding talent for the Town Party Committee leadership. ..."
Qiao Hanxiang told Li Chunnian in detail about the voting and selection process.
Li Chunnian was very encouraged after hearing this. He hadn't expected to receive so much recognition.
Qiao Hanxiang spoke with Li Chunnian on the phone for over half an hour before reluctantly hanging up.
As soon as Li Chunnian ended the call, Qiū Shūhuá's call came in.
"Chunian, your phone is really busy. I tried calling many times before I could finally get through."
After seeing Minister Cheng and his group off, Qiū Shūhuá immediately called Li Chunnian. He wanted to tell him the good news of his high-profile election, but he just couldn't get through.
"Town Mayor Qiū, I apologize, I was on the phone just now."
"Chunian, I have great news. Minister Cheng led a team to inspect cadres, and you were elected with a high number of votes..."
"Town Mayor Qiū, I already know."
"Your news is too well-informed! Who told you?"
"Qiao Hanxiang. I was just on the phone with her."
"Haha, that little Qiao, she beat me to it. Chunian, once your official appointment is finalized, report for duty immediately. Is your injury alright?"
"It's fine. I await Town Mayor Qiū's orders anytime."
After hanging up, Ji Guanglian chuckled, "That was Qiao Hanxiang on the phone just now, wasn't it?"
"Yes."
"You two really can talk. Whispering sweet nothings non-stop. Chunian, I think you and Qiao Hanxiang are quite a match. If you were together, you'd surely be very happy."
"Shut your dirty mouth. Stop trying to play matchmaker here."
Although Li Chunnian said this, his heart felt both sweet and sad.
Sweet because Qiao Hanxiang truly understood him and could bring him joy!
Sad because he had already been intimate with Qián Lìxiù, how could he be with Qiao Hanxiang now?
Chéng Guodong rushed back to the County Party Committee to report to Secretary Tong.
Upon learning that Li Chunnian had been elected with a high number of votes, Secretary Tong was very pleased.
She immediately convened a meeting of the County Party Standing Committee to approve the decision.
Li Chunnian was appointed as a member of the Nanhuan Town Party Committee and Deputy Mayor of the Nanhuan Town Government.
The County Organization Department would issue the official document as soon as possible.
Háng Zhōuxíng, the City Party Committee Organization Minister, arrived at Municipal Party Secretary Yáng Quánjiāng's office precisely at the scheduled time.
Yáng Quánjiāng had anticipated the purpose of Háng Zhōuxíng's visit and had already devised a plan.
Chapter 38: Stop at the Right Point
Háng Zhōuxíng entered the room, and Yáng Quánjiāng said politely, "Minister Háng, please have a seat!"
However, Yáng Quánjiāng did not stand up, so Háng Zhōuxíng had no choice but to sit in the chair opposite his desk.
Yáng Quánjiāng feigned ignorance, "Minister Háng, what brings you here today?"
"Secretary Yáng, Wáng Jiājūn, the County Party Standing Committee Secretary of Discipline Inspection in Cāngyún County, has been suspended for investigation. However, the work of the Discipline Inspection Commission in Cāngyún County cannot be delayed. Comrade Tóng Xiàoyuán has also spoken with me, hoping that the City Party Committee will quickly appoint a new Secretary of Discipline Inspection for Cāngyún County."
Yáng Quánjiāng said calmly, "Are there any suitable candidates?"
"Yes, Comrade Tián Qǐbīng, the Director of the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision Office."
"Oh? Was this candidate Tián Qǐbīng vetted by your City Organization Department, or was he recommended by someone else?"
Háng Zhōuxíng had no choice but to tell the truth, "Secretary Gāo Chéngxiáng recommended him."
"Secretary Chéngxiáng spoke with you?"
Háng Zhōuxíng nodded, "Yes, Secretary Chéngxiáng spoke with me. His purpose was to ask the Organization Department to quickly appoint a new Secretary of Discipline Inspection for Cāngyún County. I asked him if he had any suitable candidates, and he recommended Comrade Tián Qǐbīng."
Upon hearing this, Yáng Quánjiāng's expression turned displeased. "Is it a bit too hasty to appoint a new Secretary of Discipline Inspection for Cāngyún County so soon?"
Háng Zhōuxíng did not respond; he merely looked at Yáng Quánjiāng quietly.
Yáng Quánjiāng continued, "Comrade Dīng Yǒngshèng, the County Mayor of Cāngyún County, is still under detention. His future is still uncertain. Will he be reinstated or will he continue to be investigated by the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission? The Discipline Inspection line has its own work discipline, and it would be inconvenient for me to inquire. Given this situation, I think it's best to wait a bit longer regarding the appointment of a new Secretary of Discipline Inspection for Cāngyún County."
As the top leader of Shūxuān City, Háng Zhōuxíng had to respect Yáng Quánjiāng's opinion and absolutely could not be forceful.
Háng Zhōuxíng replied, "Alright, we'll wait then."
Yáng Quánjiāng suddenly frowned slightly. "This Comrade Gāo Chéngxiáng took such significant action this time without informing me beforehand, which put me in a rather passive position. It's true that the Discipline Inspection line is governed by discipline, but this is Shūxuān City, after all. Is it acceptable that I, the Municipal Party Secretary, was unaware when Comrade Dīng Yǒngshèng was taken into detention?"
Háng Zhōuxíng found it difficult to answer Yáng Quánjiāng's statement because it was too sensitive.
But he had to say something, at least to show his attitude.
Otherwise, Yáng Quánjiāng would surely obstruct the future work of the City Organization Department.
"Secretary Yáng, Secretary Chéngxiáng has always been known for his strict discipline. His actions were indeed due to disciplinary constraints. His reporting to you and myself immediately afterward was an attempt to compensate for the shortcomings caused by these disciplinary constraints."
Yáng Quánjiāng was initially somewhat displeased that Háng Zhōuxíng was speaking up for Gāo Chéngxiáng, but upon hearing Háng Zhōuxíng's last sentence, he couldn't help but feel pleased.
His expression was no longer as displeased, and he smiled faintly. "Zhōuxíng, if Comrade Chéngxiáng possessed your diplomatic skills in speaking, my concerns would have been resolved long ago. Hehe, please go back and convey my message to Comrade Chéngxiáng. I won't speak with him privately anymore."
"Understood, Secretary Yáng. I'll take my leave now."
"Mmm."
Háng Zhōuxíng rose to leave. On his way back to his office, he kept replaying Yáng Quánjiāng's last words.
These words, seemingly casual, contained a great deal of information.
He had to convey the hidden meaning in Yáng Quánjiāng's words to Gāo Chéngxiáng, or else the appointment of Tián Qǐbīng would fall through.
With this thought, Háng Zhōuxíng didn't return to his office but went directly to Gāo Chéngxiáng's office.
As Háng Zhōuxíng entered, Gāo Chéngxiáng saw him and immediately stopped his work and stood up. He warmly invited him to sit and even personally brewed tea for him.
They sat facing each other. Háng Zhōuxíng picked up his teacup and took a sip, remarking self-deprecatingly, "I went to Secretary Yáng's office and talked for so long, I'm really thirsty."
Gāo Chéngxiáng understood immediately: Yáng Qūnjiāng hadn't offered Háng Zhōuxíng tea at all.
But it's better to see through than to expose, this shows both emotional intelligence and wisdom.
"Minister Háng, how did the conversation go?"
Háng Zhōuxíng put down his teacup, his expression growing more serious. "Secretary Yáng said we should wait."
"What's the reason?"
"He is very concerned about Dīng Yǒngshèng's issue."
By saying this much, Gāo Chéngxiáng indicated that Yáng Quánjiāng was using Dīng Yǒngshèng's issue as leverage for Tián Qǐbīng's appointment.
He had only heard rumors before about Yáng Quánjiāng's good relationship with Dīng Yǒngshèng; now it seemed to be true.
As Gāo Chéngxiáng was lost in thought, Háng Zhōuxíng asked, "Secretary Gāo, Dīng Yǒngshèng is currently detained. What will happen to him next?"
Gāo Chéngxiáng replied, "Dīng Yǒngshèng's detention period is about to expire. Currently, Dīng Yǒngshèng's issue is one of leaking secrets. As for other problems, there hasn't been much progress."
"So, after Dīng Yǒngshèng's detention period ends, he'll be dealt with according to the circumstances?"
"Essentially, yes."
Háng Zhōuxíng pondered for a moment. "I do not interfere with your disciplinary investigations, nor do I inquire about any information. However, from the current situation, if Comrade Qǐbīng is to smoothly take office as the Secretary of Discipline Inspection in Cāngyún County, Dīng Yǒngshèng's issue needs to be resolved quickly."
"Although no other issues have been found with him yet, based on his violation of discipline by leaking secrets, the organization must still impose a penalty on him."
"According to the regulations of the Discipline Inspection Commission, what kind of disciplinary action should he receive?"
"As he is a provincial-level cadre holding an important position, this requires serious handling. We are preparing to give him a severe warning. The materials have already been submitted to the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission, and they will issue a reply before his detention period ends. At that time, he will regain his freedom."
"What about the other individuals?"
"The other individuals will continue to be investigated, especially the manager of the Nanhuan Town Construction Company, Zhào Jìn. He is a major suspect in the case where Li Chunnian and Ji Guanglian were attacked by masked thugs. However, there has been no substantive progress yet."
"Should the Public Security Bureau intervene?"
"For the sake of secrecy, the Public Security Bureau cannot intervene for the time being."
Háng Zhōuxíng had just stated that he would not interfere with the Disciplinary Commission's investigation nor inquire about information.
But as they talked, Gāo Chéngxiáng proactively shared a lot of insider information with Háng Zhōuxíng.
The two had worked together for many years and trusted and understood each other.
They had no reservations with each other. When they sat down to talk, it was always an open and sincere conversation.
This was precisely what made their relationship so close.
"Chéngxiáng, Secretary Yáng asked me to convey his message to you, saying he won't speak with you privately anymore. But I think you should proactively go and talk to him. After all, you didn't inform him beforehand, and he's still holding onto it."
Gāo Chéngxiáng quickly nodded. "Zhōuxíng, thank you for the reminder! Otherwise, I would have forgotten in my busyness."
After saying this, they both smiled knowingly.
Chapter 39: Pre-appointment Talk
That evening, Li Chunnian's phone rang. He looked at the caller ID and saw an unfamiliar mobile number.
He pressed the answer button, and a magnetic male voice came from the phone: "Is this Li Chunnian?"
"Yes, who is this?"
"This is Chéng Guodong from the County Organization Department."
Li Chunnian was greatly surprised. He hadn't expected Minister Chéng to call him personally and said quickly, "Minister Chéng, hello!"
"Tomorrow morning, as soon as work starts, come to the County Organization Department to see me."
"Minister Chéng, should I come to your office?"
"Yes, we'll talk when we meet tomorrow."
"Alright."
Minister Chéng then hung up.
Li Chunnian anticipated that he would be promoted but didn't know what position he would hold. Since Minister Chéng hadn't said, he felt it was impolite to ask. He knew he'd find out everything tomorrow when he met Minister Chéng.
Li Chunnian didn't tell Ji Guanglian about this.
After all, Ji Guanglian wasn't being promoted, so telling him might seem like showing off.
The next morning, just as Li Chunnian was getting ready to head to the County Organization Department, Qiū Shūhuá arrived in a hurry.
As soon as Qiū Shūhuá entered, he said, "Chunian, your appointment has been finalized. I'll take you to your new post today."
Li Chunnian didn't show any signs of happiness. Instead, he looked a bit awkward, which surprised Qiū Shūhuá.
Ji Guanglian, lying in the hospital bed, was startled and quickly asked, "Town Mayor Qiū, what position is Li Chunnian being appointed to?"
Qiū Shūhuá happily announced, "Chunian has been appointed as a member of the Town Party Committee and Deputy Mayor."
Ji Guanglian was immediately happy, but at the same time, he felt envious.
He turned to Li Chunnian and said, "Chunian, did you already know you were being promoted?"
Li Chunnian quickly replied, "No, I just found out."
"Chunian, congratulations!"
Ji Guanglian was genuinely happy for Li Chunnian from the bottom of his heart, but at the same time, he felt a bit uneasy.
They had both entered the civil service together and attended the same training. Now Li Chunnian was being promoted, while he was still treading water. Nobody would feel good about that.
Qiū Shūhuá suddenly understood why Li Chunnian wasn't happy and looked awkward.
He had initially intended to tell Ji Guanglian that Li Chunnian was elected with a high number of votes by all the town officials and the villagers of Lìshuǐ Village. But realizing Ji Guanglian's feelings, he decided against it.
Qiū Shūhuá leaned down and asked Ji Guanglian with concern, "Guanglian, the town's work is very busy, and Chunian needs to return to work. Will you be alright here alone?"
"Town Mayor Qiū, I'll be fine here by myself."
However, Li Chunnian said, "Town Mayor Qiū, please arrange for a caregiver for Guanglian."
Qiū Shūhuá nodded. "Alright, I'll arrange it."
He immediately went to find the chief physician and called the hospital director, asking them to assign a caregiver to Ji Guanglian.
The hospital acted efficiently. In less than ten minutes, a caregiver was sent over to look after Ji Guanglian round-the-clock.
Only then did Qiū Shūhuá and Li Chunnian leave with peace of mind.
As they went downstairs, Qiū Shūhuá said, "Chunian, I was so caught up in the excitement that I didn't consider Guanglian's feelings. That was my oversight."
"Town Mayor Qiū, Guanglian should be promoted too."
"You're right, but we need to find the right opportunity."
"By the way, I forgot to tell you. Minister Chéng called me last night and asked me to go see him first thing in the morning."
Qiū Shūhuá was taken aback, then asked with a smile, "Yes, it wouldn't be right for me to take you to your new post. The County Organization Department must send someone to escort you there; that's the organizational procedure. Come on, I'll take you."
Qiū Shūhuá drove Li Chunnian to the County Party Committee compound but didn't leave immediately. He waited for Li Chunnian in the car.
Li Chunnian hurried to the County Organization Department and knocked on Minister Chéng's office door.
When Minister Chéng saw Li Chunnian, he warmly invited him to sit down.
"Chunian, I've called you here today for a pre-appointment talk. You've heard about the preliminary voting and your upcoming appointment, haven't you?"
Li Chunnian nodded quickly. "Yes, Town Mayor Qiū already told me everything."
"Secretary Tong will conduct the pre-appointment talk with you personally today."
Li Chunnian was very surprised and asked, "Is it the new Secretary Tong?"
"Yes, of course, it's the new Secretary Tong."
Li Chunnian never dreamed that the person conducting his pre-appointment talk would be the new County Party Secretary. He couldn't help but feel nervous.
Minister Chéng continued, "After Secretary Tong finishes talking with you, Comrade Lǚ Cōng, the Executive Deputy Minister of the County Organization Department and Director of the Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security, will escort you to your new post."
Nervous and bewildered, Li Chunnian nodded.
Minister Chéng picked up the phone and called a cadre from the County Organization Department, instructing him to lead Li Chunnian to Secretary Tong.
Having worked in the County Committee Office for a period, Li Chunnian had some understanding of organizational procedures.
His upcoming appointment as a member of the Town Party Committee and Deputy Mayor was, at best, a deputy-section level position.
Even if the Deputy Minister of the County Organization Department conducted his pre-appointment talk, it would have been a great honor.
But unexpectedly, the person conducting his pre-appointment talk was none other than the esteemed County Party Secretary.
The closer he got to the County Party Secretary's office, the more nervous Li Chunnian became. Unconsciously, his palms began to sweat.
Upon arriving at the door, the cadre knocked.
A voice from inside said, "Come in." The cadre pushed the door open and entered respectfully, "Secretary Tong, Comrade Li Chunnian is here!"
"Please have him come in."
The cadre turned around and came back out, motioning Li Chunnian to enter.
As Li Chunnian entered, the cadre closed the door from the outside.
Upon entering, Li Chunnian said respectfully, "Secretary Tong, hello!"
There was no reply from across the room. Li Chunnian was puzzled.
He looked up and saw a beautiful, radiant woman smiling at him as she walked out from behind the desk.
When Li Chunnian saw her face clearly, he gasped in surprise and became momentarily dazed.
How could it be her?
Was this really the County Party Secretary's office?
Her crisp footsteps grew closer.
She walked up to him and smiled, "Li Chunnian, we meet again!"
She didn't add the title 'Comrade' after his name, which made Li Chunnian feel a sense of closeness, as if he were instantly transported back to that rainy day when they were under the umbrella together.
Looking at her enchanting smile, Li Chunnian forgot that he was in the County Party Secretary's office.
He couldn't help but exclaim, "Aren't you Kitty?"
She paused for a moment, then beamed with a smile. "Yes, I am Kitty."
Li Chunnian asked, "How are you here?"
She couldn't help but giggle. "Don't just stand there, please sit down!"
Even at this moment, Li Chunnian hadn't equated her with the County Party Secretary.
In his memory, Kitty was just a gentle, virtuous, kind-hearted, and beautiful woman.
How could such a young woman be the County Party Secretary?
Li Chunnian, still in a daze, sat on the sofa. She personally made him a cup of tea.
She didn't sit opposite him but sat beside him.
Li Chunnian immediately smelled a refreshing fragrance emanating from her.
Her voice was gentle as she asked with concern, "Are your injuries healed?"
"Much better. How did you know I was injured?"
She pursed her lips and smiled. "Although I wasn't by your side, I knew your situation very clearly."
Seeing Li Chunnian still looking dazed and perplexed, she couldn't help but smile again.
But after smiling, she suddenly sat up straight, her expression turning slightly grave.
"I've decided to conduct your pre-appointment talk personally."
Hearing this, Li Chunnian was stunned into silence.
Chapter 40: Heart-to-Heart Talk
As she suddenly sat up straight and her expression turned slightly grave, her aura underwent a dramatic transformation.
She was no longer the gentle and lovely Kitty but instantly became a powerful leader with a commanding presence.
Li Chunnian looked at her in shock, stammering, "Are you Secretary Tong?"
"Yes, I am Secretary Tong!"
Li Chunnian felt as if he were in a dream.
He blinked hard several times, trying to convince himself of what he was seeing.
So she was the newly appointed County Party Secretary!
How could he have been so foolish?
This was clearly the County Party Secretary's office, and she was the only one in the room. If she wasn't Secretary Tong, who else could she be?
But he had called her Kitty! This was a serious offense!
Thinking of this, Li Chunnian's previously relaxed expression immediately became reserved.
He quickly got up and sat on the sofa opposite her, hastily saying, "Secretary Tong, I apologize! I truly didn't realize you were Secretary Tong.