Chen Bingnan's words made Cheng Jemin's heart tremble. Could it be that Chen Bingnan had already received the news? It was very possible. The appointment was to be announced tomorrow, so it was quite normal for Chen Bingnan to know in advance.
However, he did not show it on his face and instead put on a puzzled expression.
Chen Bingnan was very satisfied with Cheng Jemin, his secretary. This young man had good character, and despite being a recent college graduate, he was not at all immature. Over the past two days, he had been even more impressive, always prioritizing the bigger picture and maintaining Chen Bingnan's image, which was especially rare.
A superior evaluates subordinates not only based on their abilities but also on their loyalty. Some say that those without virtue and talent are fools, those without virtue but with talent are harmful, those with virtue but without talent are mediocre, and those with both virtue and talent are true talents. In Chen Bingnan's eyes, although Cheng Jemin had some flaws, he was at least a promising talent with great potential.
Alas, it was a pity that there were now regulations prohibiting taking subordinates with him. Feeling a bit sentimental, Chen Bingnan told Cheng Jemin the news he had just received in the afternoon: "Cheng Jemin, I might be moving to a new place!"
"I'll follow you wherever you go!" Cheng Jemin replied without hesitation.
Chen Bingnan was very pleased with Cheng Jemin's reaction. He patted Cheng Jemin's shoulder and said, "Cheng Jemin, I'm going to serve as the executive vice mayor in Ximo Province. Once I settle in, I'll transfer you over."
Cheng Jemin, who had become more adept at reading people, sensed Chen Bingnan's sincerity. After a moment's thought, he smiled and said, "Director, I'm always ready for your call."
"Alright, Jemin, after I leave, there might be significant changes in the department. You must remain calm. Fortunately, you've been assigned to support agriculture, which is a good way to avoid the political storms in the department." Chen Bingnan continued, "When I leave, I'll discuss your situation with Director Li. He is a kind person, so if you have any issues, you can go to him directly. If you feel uncomfortable, you can also call me."
Chen Bingnan's words made Cheng Jemin feel warm, and he couldn't help but think of the diary entry he was supposed to write the next day. In that diary, although Chen Bingnan had mentioned he would pay attention to his growth, there was no mention of Director Li. Perhaps, if he wanted to build his own power base in the future, Director Li could be a valuable ally. It seemed that his spontaneous decision to send the local specialties from Daoxuan County to Director Chen had paid off.
"Director, don't worry about me. In the six months I've been with you, I've realized that your ambitions are not limited to a small department like the Water Resources Bureau. Now, a broader stage awaits you, and it's the perfect time for you to achieve your goals," Cheng Jemin said sincerely, thinking about Chen Bingnan's career trajectory in the diary.
Chen Bingnan's smile grew wider. Although his age and position had made him almost impervious to showing emotions, today's good news made him want to share it with someone.
He was a man with great ambitions, and his greatest desire was to accomplish something significant. Although he was considered a big figure in the Water Resources Bureau, in his eyes, he was just sitting on a cold bench there.
However, he couldn't do much about it. As he gradually adapted to the work rhythm of the Water Resources Bureau, his old leader, who held a powerful position elsewhere, suddenly transferred him. Although it was a lateral move, he knew that with his leader's strategic acumen, this position was just a stepping stone, and a broader stage awaited him.
This exciting news made him feel like he needed to share it. However, his wife, who was a virtuous and devoted mother, was better suited for discussing household matters than political issues.
Now, this young secretary could understand his thoughts, which made him even happier. "Cheng Jemin, this move is both an opportunity and a challenge. Let me test you. If you were the executive vice mayor, what would be the first thing you would do upon taking office?"
This question stumped Cheng Jemin. After all, he had only been in society for a little over half a year, and he had no experience, let alone as a mayor or even a township chief.
However, since the leader had asked, he had no choice but to answer. Being a secretary was difficult, and being a good secretary was even more challenging. One had to be observant and provide information when the leader was unsure. Of course, as a subordinate, one could never be more capable than the leader. Therefore, one had to be careful not to show off or hide one's thoughts, maintaining a proper balance.
Seeing Chen Bingnan looking at him with interest, Cheng Jemin suddenly remembered an entry in the diary about the new mayor of Tianyuan City.
After some thought, Cheng Jemin cautiously said, "Director Chen, you have more experience than I do. I'm just speaking freely because I know you won't blame me for any mistakes. Please don't be angry with me, no matter what I say!"
"It's fine, just speak your mind," Chen Bingnan said, taking a sip of tea, not realizing that he had already considered this young secretary a confidant.
"Director Chen, when I went out today, I noticed that the city's appearance, especially its hygiene, needs significant improvement. If you go there, focusing on this issue might yield immediate results."
Improving hygiene? This suggestion made Chen Bingnan's eyes light up. Before Cheng Jemin arrived, he had already been thinking about how to start his work. After a phone conversation with his old leader, he had a basic understanding of the city's situation. With the mayor's position vacant, his old leader's decision to send him there was essentially a preemptive move.
Given his old leader's influence, he might naturally take over as mayor. However, Chen Bingnan was determined to perform well, to bring honor to his old leader and prove that he was a valuable asset.
He had planned to start with the economic sector, which he was most familiar with. But after hearing Cheng Jemin's suggestion, he realized that it was more suitable for him. After all, taking bold actions would inevitably offend people, but improving hygiene, while not a powerful move, would have a significant impact.
The more he thought about it, the more he liked Cheng Jemin's suggestion. He couldn't resist patting Cheng Jemin's shoulder and saying, "Cheng Jemin, you have some good ideas!"
"Director, I was just speaking randomly because you pushed me," Cheng Jemin thought to himself that this idea was something a mayor would implement, at least a general plan. However, he put on a casual expression.
Chen Bingnan, seeing Cheng Jemin's demeanor, had no more doubts about his administrative abilities. Regardless, Cheng Jemin's suggestion had solved a major problem for him.
He's a good seed, but it's a pity I can't take him with me now!
After a moment's thought, Chen Bingnan had an idea. Since Cheng Jemin was his secretary, helping him a bit shouldn't raise any eyebrows. He then said to Cheng Jemin, "Prepare yourself tomorrow, and join me for dinner tonight."
"Yes, Director," Cheng Jemin's heart skipped a beat. In the past, when Chen Bingnan went out to eat, he only took Cheng Jemin along for official receptions. Now, being invited to a dinner with Chen Bingnan must be a farewell dinner for the Water Resources Bureau.
After chatting for half an hour at Chen Bingnan's home, Cheng Jemin bid farewell and left. Although Chen Bingnan warmly invited him to stay for dinner, Cheng Jemin knew that some things required a sense of propriety.
"Director Chen was at home, and I just finished reporting to him. I kept you waiting, Brother Hu," Cheng Jemin apologized to the driver as soon as he got in the car.
Little Hu stubbed out his cigarette and smiled, "Director Cheng, this shows Director Chen's trust in you. I've driven the secretary of Director Zhao a few times, and he never stayed more than five minutes at Director Zhao's place."
Seeing Little Hu's flattering smile, Cheng Jemin's heart stirred, and he said, "Driver Hu, take me home first, and then deliver some of these gifts to Director Feng. Do you know where he lives?"
"Sure, I know," Little Hu was excited. Although the gifts were from Cheng Jemin, delivering them himself would certainly earn him some favor with Director Feng.
Cheng Jemin didn't let Little Hu take him all the way to his dormitory but got off at the entrance. He took two local specialties and walked toward his dormitory.
"Cheng Jemin," just as he was about to enter the dormitory courtyard, he heard a clear voice. A tall figure appeared in his line of sight. Seeing the young woman smiling at him in the light, Cheng Jemin's heart warmed, and he quickened his pace.
"Where were you today? I called you, but no one answered," the woman said, standing in front of him with a playful scold.
Seeing her pouting lips, Cheng Jemin had an urge to kiss them, but he dared not act on it, as their relationship hadn't reached that point yet.
He smiled at her and said, "Xixi, are you really waiting for me here? If so, I'm so touched I might cry!"
"You're just teasing me!" A faint blush appeared on the woman's face, and she laughed shyly.
Seeing her smile, Cheng Jemin's heart suddenly flashed with a memory from the black notebook. The person who would accompany him through twenty years of a simple life, could it be this woman he admired?
Chen Jemin felt a warm and strange emotion growing in his heart, and a sudden thought came to him: he had to find her!
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