"Dam, are you interested in playing a game with Uncle Zhen? I heard your Go skills are pretty good too." Zhen Jingcai walked out of the kitchen, untying his apron and smiling, "Your father's chess skills are top-notch in our factory, but unfortunately, I don't like chess. There are a few good Go players in our factory, but it's a pity they don't have much time to play together. How about a game?"
"Father, what time is it now? Mother's soup will be ready soon. How long will your game take?" Zhen Ni pouted and complained, "Are you going to let us starve while you play chess?"
"Ha ha, Little Ni is unhappy. You're right, let's skip it for now. We can play another day." Zhen Jingcai affectionately patted his daughter's head, "Go get your father's teacup and bring out a bowl of chilled mung bean soup for Dam. It's hot, and we still have a while before dinner. I'll sit with Dam for a bit."
Under the grape arbor in the courtyard, the shade was cool, and the evening sun filtered through the grape branches.
"Uncle Zhen, I can't say I have no feelings about it, but after so long, it's become less significant. The conditions back home are a bit tough, but I'm a Communist Party member, so I must follow the organization's assignment. As for what I plan to do after going back, I haven't thought much about it yet. I need to see what work I'll be assigned to first," Lu Weimin said calmly, meeting Zhen Jingcai's gaze.
"Hmm, I didn't expect it to be that way. There were some surprises at the party committee meeting, and I don't know what Old Gu was thinking. But the matter is over, and there's no point in talking about it now. I've always believed that gold will shine wherever it is, it's just a matter of timing." Zhen Jingcai's gaze fell on Lu Weimin, a hint of regret in his calm eyes, "Old Gu, Old Guo, and I had lunch together today. I originally planned to mention your situation, but after some thought, I decided it wasn't the right time. However, I did talk to Old Guo, and he agreed that you should stay in Nantang for a while. After a year, we'll try to transfer you back to the factory, to show some consideration for Old Gu's face."
Does he really need to go back to the factory now?
Does the difference in location matter to him now?
Perhaps in their eyes, continuing to date Zhen Ni requires this as a condition.
But Zhen Jingcai shouldn't be so shallow.
"Uncle Zhen, I actually think going back home might not be a bad thing. I just graduated from university and don't know much. Going to the countryside for some training is a good opportunity to gain experience. Besides, the factory is full of university graduates, and it's hard to make a name for myself here. Maybe there are more opportunities down there," Lu Weimin said after some thought.
"Oh? You think so?" Zhen Jingcai raised his eyebrows in surprise.
Although he had learned a lot from his eldest daughter, he found it hard to believe that Lu Weimin could have such skills to pull off such an unbelievable feat in his own affairs.
Being able to connect with the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection is something not even ordinary section-level officials can do. Although Zhen Jie said it was probably due to Lu Weimin's university classmate, it was still impressive. Even with such connections, not everyone can use them. Now it seems that this young man, his daughter's boyfriend, has some real ambition.
"Do you plan to stay in Nantang for a while?"
"Uncle Zhen, I want to see how it goes first. From a fatalistic perspective, since I'm going to Nantang, it means I have a connection with Nantang. I should hone myself there to make the most of this opportunity, right?" Lu Weimin's words were philosophical at first, but the last sentence was playful, "If there's no future in Nantang, I can always ask Uncle Zhen to transfer me back later."
"Dam, since you're dating Little Ni, we're not outsiders. I'll speak frankly. Nantang is too remote. If it were a county or city near Changzhou, I wouldn't mind. You and Little Ni are young, and waiting a couple of years isn't a big deal. But the conditions in Nantang are really poor. I've been to Linyang, and many of our factory workers are originally from there. The conditions are terrible. Even now, some families in the countryside can't afford meat for a month. It's been so many years since the reform and opening up, but the situation in remote areas is still very bad. Compared to the plains around Changzhou, the gap is at least twenty years. This isn't an exaggeration, but the truth. So I think it's fine for you to go there for some training, but staying there long-term is a problem. What about Little Ni? Long-distance relationships aren't a good solution. You're not planning to have Little Ni move to Nantang after you get married, are you?"
Zhen Jingcai thought far ahead and spoke realistically. Lu Weimin was touched, knowing that this showed Zhen Jingcai truly supported his relationship with Zhen Ni.
"Uncle Zhen, I understand your concerns. Nantang is my hometown, and I know the conditions there are very poor. But as you said, we're young and have time. I plan to work there for a while and see how it goes," Lu Weimin said with considerable composure.
"Hmm, with such determination, I don't know whether to be happy for you or worried for Little Ni. But a man should have the courage to go to tough places to hone himself," Zhen Jingcai nodded, then added after a moment, "Since you're determined to go to the county, I'll add one more piece of advice. You should use the resources you have, and use them wisely."
"Uncle Zhen, I understand." Lu Weimin knew what Zhen Jingcai meant. Clearly, Zhen Jingcai thought he shouldn't waste the resources he had, but he didn't know that the mysterious resources in his mind weren't as readily available as he imagined.
"Alright, the Deputy Secretary of the Linyang Regional Organization Department, Gao Yingcheng, is my fellow townsman. I called him this morning and mentioned your situation. He said that if the Linyang Regional Committee has a strict rule that all university graduates must go to the counties and not stay in the regional government, and since he's new to Linyang, he can't make an exception. He suggested you go to Nantang first and consider a transfer to Linyang after some time."
Zhen Jingcai's words surprised Lu Weimin. He didn't expect Zhen Jingcai to act so quickly on his behalf. Regardless, this was a kind gesture, and he couldn't fail to express his gratitude.
"Uncle Zhen, thank you for your efforts. You're going to such lengths for my sake..."
"Dam, you're being too formal. You helped me so much, and I didn't say anything. How can a phone call make you so grateful?" Zhen Jingcai pretended to be angry, "It seems you don't consider me family."
Lu Weimin quickly apologized and begged for forgiveness, which made Zhen Jingcai smile again.
It's twelve o'clock, and I'm adding an extra chapter. Brothers, please support me with your recommendations!
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