Lu Weimin’s slightly teasing words immediately broke the stale atmosphere, and the mood at the dinner party eased up.
That Zhang Jun seemed to have also realized that his attitude was a bit off. After all, Lu Weimin was still Shen Zilie’s secretary, and there was no need to form a grudge over trivial matters. So, he put aside his pride and toasted to Lu Weimin, who did not hold it against him.
Returning to Nantang for the first time, he knew he would have to establish himself here. The people at this table, to varying degrees, had some background and connections, and it was inevitable that he would need their help and support in the future.
The class reunion was much the same as any other, with inevitable talk of amusing stories and memories from their student days. Things that they had not dared to say back then could now be revealed, either openly or subtly, with the help of alcohol. Even if some of it was a bit out of line, no one would take offense.
After a round of laughter and conversation, Lu Weimin also dredged up some long-buried memories. Zhang Jun worked at the county court and seemed to be pursuing He Lin.
He Lin had apparently been admitted to the provincial materials school and, after graduating from the technical secondary school, was assigned to work at the county materials bureau, which was a highly sought-after unit at the time.
Shu Ya had been admitted to Changjiang Finance College and had just graduated and been assigned to work at the county People’s Bank. Lu Weimin vaguely remembered that Shu Ya’s father was originally the director of the county Agricultural Bank and had now been promoted to deputy director of the regional Agricultural Bank.
There were three other male classmates at the table: Xu Bing, who had joined the army after high school and now worked in the criminal investigation team of the Public Security Bureau; Huang Yongsheng, who had the same name as the Huang Yongsheng from the Gang of Four, and who had been recruited into the government after high school and now worked in Xipo Township; and Cui Youliang, whose family had always been in the postal and telecommunications bureau and who had been recruited internally to work there.
By the time the meal was over, it was almost eight o’clock. Zhang Jun suggested that everyone go up to the third floor to the Night Shanghai dance hall to dance, and everyone agreed.
Stepping into the flashing lights of Night Shanghai, the noise and coolness hit them. The imported Japanese Mitsubishi air conditioning units were considered absolute luxuries in this era, and only Night Shanghai in the entire Nantang county had air conditioning, which was why the entrance fee was twice as high as other dance halls.
The ordinary seats along the walls were already packed, and many people had to stand around, waiting for the dance music to start. The old-style booths were sparsely occupied, and those seats required the purchase of drinks like soda and tea.
Zhang Jun was clearly a regular here and directly led the group of classmates to a booth. The iced sodas were quickly served. As the son of the former head of the supply and marketing cooperative, this place was clearly his territory.
Guo Huaizhang was obviously not very interested in this kind of setting, but as the organizer, he couldn’t dampen everyone’s spirits.
They were all young people in their early twenties, and the love of play was a natural trait. Moreover, with a dozen or so male and female classmates gathered, it was a rare opportunity to deepen their classmate bonds in a suitable environment.
“Lu Weimin, how’s it going working with Secretary Shen?” Guo Huaizhang took a sip of the iced soda and asked casually, “They say Secretary Shen is hard to deal with, but it seems you’re adapting quite well.”
“Eh, it’s okay. Actually, Secretary Shen isn’t that bad. He’s just a bit picky about work and takes his job seriously. As a secretary, we have to adapt to the leadership’s work style. For me, stricter requirements are actually a good thing. It’s better than getting used to a relaxed role and then suddenly having to be strict, right?” Lu Weimin glanced at Guo Huaizhang and said nonchalantly.
“Lu Weimin, I guess you have a rough idea. Secretary Shen is a cadre sent down for training. He’s been in our Linyang region for a year and a half. According to tradition, he’ll return to the provincial capital next year. Being assigned to the county party office is a good thing, but being Secretary Shen’s secretary is a bit uncertain. Once Secretary Shen leaves, what will you do? Other leaders might not be too willing to have you as their secretary.” Guo Huaizhang seemed to have thought about it before speaking.
“Huaizhang, I know. But first, I’m new here. Can I really pick and choose my job? Besides, I think Secretary Shen is a good person. I can learn a lot from him. As for his departure, that’s half a year away. I’ll just focus on doing my job now. Who can predict what will happen in half a year?” Lu Weimin said indifferently, “Besides, many things are uncertain. Who can say what changes will happen in half a year?”
Guo Huaizhang smiled, “That’s true. Maybe Secretary Shen has his own plans.”
Lu Weimin didn’t respond. He wasn’t sure if Guo Huaizhang was trying to get some information from him on his own initiative or if he was being prompted by others to probe for something.
In any case, Shen Zilie’s position in Nantang County was somewhat unique. He seemed to be detached from the complex personnel relationships in the county and was not very willing to get involved in the power struggles. However, this was clearly just a good idea, as no one could ignore him as the county party secretary and deputy county magistrate.
He Lin walked over and sat opposite Guo Huaizhang and Lu Weimin. A few glasses of wine had added a charming flush to her cheeks. The V-neck of her T-shirt, though not as revealing as those worn by girls in the 21st century, still showed a tantalizing hint of cleavage.
“What are you two big secretaries doing here? Still discussing work? Today is a class reunion. Let’s all have a good time. Don’t sit here looking so serious, okay? Big Guo, go ask Shu Ya to dance. Lu Weimin, will you dance with me?”
Guo Huaizhang and Lu Weimin both laughed, “He Lin, shouldn’t girls be a bit more reserved? How can you talk like that?”
“We’re all old classmates. What’s wrong with talking like this? Shu Ya doesn’t want to dance, but I do. I can’t leave her there alone, so I’m here to recruit some partners.” He Lin had a rather bold personality, “