Chapter Eighteen: The Qing River's Changes Begin

  Luo Chuan accompanied Xiao Xingya, Chen Gong and Wei Shuqin into the private room and sat down. "Director Xiao, I have another friend who is going to the restroom, he'll be here soon, you know him."

  "Who is it?" asked Xiao Xingya.

  "Director Xiao, long time no see. When will you come to our credit department for a visit?" A short and thin young man walked in.

  "Director Xú, it's you, take a seat and let's chat."

  After several people took their seats, Xiao Xingya, as the host of the banquet, introduced them.

  "Chen Gong, this is Luo Chuan, Director of the Propaganda Department and Standing Committee Member of Fuhai Municipal Party Committee; General Manager Xu, Deputy General Manager of the Credit Department of the Agricultural Bank of China South Province Branch."

  Xiao Xingya didn't stop there and went on to introduce Chen Gong and Wei Shuqin.

  "This is Chen Gong from Qinghe Town Government of Xin Qiao District, and this is..." Xiao Xingya suddenly realized that she didn't know Wei's full name or his work unit.

  Wei Shuqin stood up actively and smiled, "I'm Wei Shuqin, a reporter from Fuhai Daily. Luo Department Head can be considered my superior's superior."

  Luo Chuan sat on the chair and thought for a moment, could this be the leader's daughter? The name seemed to match.

  Chen Gong also stood up and shook hands with Luo Chuan and Xu Cheng one by one, "Director Luo, General Xu, please take care of me in the future."

  Luo Chuan and Xu Cheng were also puzzled. How could someone from this small town make Xiao Xingya personally invite them to dinner?

  Xiao Xingya saw their doubts, "Director Luo, General Xu, this Chen has great potential and a strong ability to develop. In the future, you should take care of your little brother more often, no problem, right?"

  Luochuan knew that Xiao Xingya wouldn't introduce him to just anyone like this, and said to Chen Gong, "Chen Gong, from now on you can just call me Brother Luo, I have some say in Fuhai City too."

  Xu Cheng and Luo Chuan are also iron brothers, "I'm the same, can't help with anything else, no problem finding me for money."

  Chen Gong's head was also hot, and he couldn't help but recognize two big shots, so he hurriedly returned the courtesy, "Luo Ge, Xu Ge, I'm afraid I'll be troubling you both in the future."

  After a round of drinks, Xiao Xingya brought up the topic. "It's Chinese New Year, none of you are going back home for dinner, let's take turns explaining what's going on. I'll start first. For over a decade, I've been spending Chinese New Year alone. My hometown is in Northeast China, and it's been over a decade since I last had contact with my family... Let's not mention the sad things. Anyway, for these few years, there have been people inviting me to spend Chinese New Year together every year, and they're all outstanding men, but I've rejected them one by one. Maybe the person I'm looking for hasn't appeared yet? You guys continue, Secretary Zhang, you go first, let's get our company started."

  Secretary Zhang adjusted his glasses, "At home, it's just my wife. Most of the company's employees are on holiday during the New Year, and Director Xiao has a lot of things to do. These days, running errands and paying New Year's visits are also fully arranged. I have to wait by his side and listen to his instructions. My wife knows I'm busy and is very supportive of my work. Besides, I still need to go home at night."

  Xiao Xingya listened to Secretary Zhang's words, and her heart was still quite sour. "You've worked hard all these years, after the New Year, go to a subsidiary company as the general manager, and relax properly."

  "No need, no need, Director Xiao. Following you is the only way I can grow faster and have a fulfilling life and work." Secretary Zhang had already gotten used to following Xiao Xingya around everywhere.

  "Alright, Director Xiao should remember Zhang Secretary's dedication. It's hard to find such a loyal subordinate these days," said Luo Chuan, who also began to respect Zhang Secretary in his heart. "He can treat the company's affairs as his own, it's not easy for him to have come this far."

  "I was originally planning to spend the New Year with my family back home, but due to the inspections during the holiday period, I ended up staying behind alone in Fuhai. These days, being a public servant is really troublesome, we've become like salespeople or escorts, others think we're making good money, but in reality, our hearts are tired and our bodies are exhausted. The higher you climb, the more pressure you face, and there's no time to relax, it's suffocating. That's why I called Old Xu out for a drink."

  Xu Cheng heard that and said, "Ah, I was dragged out by this guy. After having enough wine and food, I still have to go back home. I'm a family man."

  Luo Chuan glared at Xu Cheng, "You, who knows whether you'll end up at home or in a hotel after drinking!"

  "It's none of your business where I go, Chen Gong and Xiao Wei, it's up to you." Xu Cheng immediately changed the subject.

  Chen Gong looked at Wei Shuqin, "My situation is the same as Director Xiao's, my family is in a distant place, in the capital city of Beijing, and I am alone in the southern province. I won't be going back home for these two years, what about you, Shuqin?"

  "Wei Shuqin finally introduced, 'No one is at home, my dad went to the countryside to give New Year's greetings to citizens and villagers, he won't be back for a few days, OVER.' Wei Shuqin briefly explained why she didn't go home for dinner without mentioning her mother."

  Luochuan's heart became even more certain, and indeed it was the leader's daughter.

  After chatting about some family matters, the atmosphere became more harmonious and the conversation naturally became more relaxed.

  Heaven's gate was broken, God wanted to repair it by bidding. An Indian said: "I can fix it for 3000 yuan, the reason is that materials cost 1000 yuan, labor costs 1000 yuan, and I will earn 1000 yuan." A German came and said: "It needs 6000 yuan, materials cost 2000 yuan, labor costs 2000 yuan, and I will earn 2000 yuan." Finally, a Chinese calmly said: "This needs 9000 yuan, 3000 for you, 3000 for me, and the remaining 3000 to hire that Indian to do it." God was amazed.

  ……

  After exchanging phone numbers with each other, several people bid farewell one by one.

  Before parting, Chen Gong asked a question that had been on his mind, "Xiao sister, I remember the first time we met was with Director Liu together. He didn't have an official position as high as Director Yuan's, so why don't you recognize Director Yuan? And why are you being so polite to Director Liu?"

  Xiao Xingya carefully explained, "I've known Liu Yadong for a long time. His father was also a heavyweight leader in Fuhai City. Since there's an urgent matter with the Xin Qiao project, we met up for dinner and to catch up. I should thank him for helping me out, regardless of his identity. Usually, district and county leaders are at the level of our company's vice president, so they're usually handled by my subordinates. I'm usually busy running around the city and province."

  Chen Gong suddenly cleared up the doubts.

  The seven-day holiday passed in a flash, on the last day, in the morning, two people went to Pacific Cinema to watch a movie - "Transformers 3", that fight was too intense, in the afternoon, Chen Gong accompanied Wei Shuqin shopping at New Century Department Store.

  Chen Gong had big and small bags all over his two hands, and even his neck was full of bags, attracting the attention of passersby. Chen Gong felt very embarrassed, I've become a porter, fortunately no one here knows me, or it would be humiliating.

  Two people arrived at the parking lot, Chen Gong unloaded a batch of goods and put them in the trunk of the Honda car.

  "The holiday is over, and I'm going to be busy again. Chen Gong, the interview report on our village's small reform is also done, I won't be going to Xin Qiao District for a while now, you have to call me at least once a week, and try to find time to come to Fu Hai City to see me within a month. Although I haven't agreed to you being my official boyfriend, you're still not allowed to go after other girls..." Wei Shuqin went on and on.

  "You're asking for too much, I'll write it down on paper and take a good look at it when I get back." Chen Gong's head was bursting with anger.

  "Go die." Wei Shuqin heavily slapped Chen Gong with a palm.

  "Alright, alright, I'm leaving. Look, my poor Harrier is still intact as if it hadn't been crashed." Chen Gong slowly walked towards his Harrier jet.

  "Drive slowly, and call me when you arrive at Qinghe." Wei Shuqin was a bit reluctant to part with Chen Gong. They wouldn't know how many months it would take before they could meet again, and they couldn't be like before, quarreling every day.

  Chen Gong couldn't bear to part with this pesky little fellow either. "Alright, I'm leaving. You work hard and when I have time, I'll come to Fuhai to look for you."

  Watching Chen Gong leave, Wei Shuqin waved her hand behind him.

  The holiday is over and it's time to go back to work, also need to calm down.

  Chen Gong arrived at Qinghe Town Government and went straight to the Social Affairs Office.

  At 9:00 am, "Director Zhang, Director Chen, the Party and Government Office informed you to go to the conference room immediately. There is an emergency meeting. All deputy directors and above from the town are required to attend."

  Zhang Zhuli and Chen Gong went together to the conference hall. On the way, Wang Guoqiang walked up to Chen Gong's side and whispered, "Take action."

  Entering the conference room, the chairman's platform was empty, apparently the leaders had not arrived yet. Chen Gong found a seat in the second row and sat down.

  After waiting for twenty minutes, Guo Keswin walked into the back conference room, followed by the Director of the People's Congress and the Chairman of the Political Consultative Conference, then Qi Xiaonan and a strange man.

  Chen Gong thought that the strange man was the protagonist of the meeting, what's going on? Chen Gong was still guessing, Song Jie said that after the holiday, Qinghe Town would have two adjustments. It seems that the first adjustment has arrived, and Wang Guoqiang said on the way that he took action, maybe it was Qi Xiaonan who took action against Li Aimin.

  A strange man sat in the center of the rostrum, with Qi Xiaonan sitting close to him. "Everyone, please quiet down. Today, we have an important announcement to make. This is Comrade Zhang Zhonghua, Deputy Director of the District Organization Department. Next, we invite Director Zhang to read out the appointment and removal document from the district, let's give a warm applause."

  Qizhao Nan led the applause with a big round of claps, and Chen Gong and the people below also followed suit.

  After a sparse applause, Director Zhang pressed his hand down, "Comrades of the four classes in Qinghe Town, hello. I came to Qinghe Town this time on behalf of the district committee to read out a personnel appointment and removal document. I won't say much, I will directly read out the content of the document to you. 'The Organization Department of Xin Qiao District Committee's Decision on Comrade Li Ai Min's Job Appointment and Removal' (Xin Zu Ren [2013] No. 3), Comrade Li Ai Min is no longer serving as a member of the Party Committee of Qinghe Town, Xin Qiao District, and Deputy Mayor. Comrade Li Ai Min has been transferred to the Archives Bureau of Xin Qiao District to serve as a member of the bureau's party group and deputy director."

  Everyone present knew that Li Aimin was done for. He was already quite old to begin with, and it seemed like his time had come.

  At this moment, Qi Xiaonan looked at Li Aimin with a cold gaze. Li Aimin sat in the front row below and didn't dare to look back, lowering his head. His plan not only failed but also backfired on himself. Li Aimin miscalculated, never expecting Qi Xiaonan's counterattack to be so swift and ruthless.

  With Director Zhang's words of encouragement and exhortation, the first item on the meeting agenda was completed. Director Zhang also went to the Secretary's office accompanied by Qi Xiaonan, and there must be arrangements for noon.

  Comrade Guo Kesong took the microphone, "Comrades, who will take over the position of Secretary Li is still being studied by the district. Let's move on to the second item of our meeting. I'd like to announce the adjustment of middle-level cadres in our town. Comrade Wang Zhiyuan, Director of the Demolition and Relocation Office, will no longer serve as Director and has been appointed as Deputy Secretary of the Binjiang Community Party Committee. The position of Director of the Demolition and Relocation Office will be taken over by Comrade Zhang Zhuli from the Social Affairs Office. The work of the Social Affairs Office will be temporarily presided over by Deputy Director Chen Gong. Comrades, capable people will always shine, regardless of their position or the work they do..."

  Although Chen Gong is now officially in charge of the daily work of the Social Affairs Office, he is still a deputy director. It seems that it's really like what Song Jie said - I will only be able to take over formally after the second change.

  The meeting officially ended, and Guo Kesha called out to Chen Gong, "Have lunch with Minister Zhang this afternoon. Minister Zhang specifically asked you to accompany him, and I'll go with you. Secretary Qi and Minister Zhang may have already left."