Cheng Jemin spent the entire afternoon packing his things. There wasn't much in the office that belonged to him, but it still filled several large boxes. Cheng Jemin thought to himself that the conflict with Lu Jinzhong was probably already known by everyone in the Water Resources Department, and many people were likely waiting to see his downfall.
"Little brother, do you have any plans tonight? Let's go for a drink?" Just before leaving work, Tang Zhengshan called.
Cheng Jemin understood the meaning behind Tang Zhengshan's call. However, he already had plans and politely declined with a smile.
Tang Zhengshan insisted and said some comforting words before hanging up. Tang Zhengshan's call made Cheng Jemin feel greatly comforted, and his heart felt much better. At the same time, he felt a bit guilty, as his initial friendship with Tang Zhengshan wasn't entirely sincere.
After a simple dinner, Cheng Jemin followed his plan and walked confidently toward Li Zhonghua's house. Passing by a liquor store, Cheng Jemin walked in.
As a secretary to a leader, Cheng Jemin was well aware of the current gift-giving trends. There were indeed some people who no longer cared about morals and conscience, always wanting to outdo others. They enjoyed competing and were never satisfied. Once they felt inferior, they would resort to any means to accumulate wealth. What was originally a pleasant environment had been tainted by their actions.
A bottle of Dongtai premium wine, priced at forty to fifty yuan, would be a decent gift. However, Cheng Jemin didn't choose that. Instead, he picked up a bottle of Tianyuan Daqu with no packaging.
Tianyuan Daqu had a loud name and was more famous than Dongtai premium wine. Its fame was entirely due to its price of two yuan per bottle. Ordinary citizens often enjoyed a sip or two in their free time.
With his mind made up, Cheng Jemin walked into the residential compound with the bottle of Tianyuan Daqu. It was winter, and the compound was rather quiet. Cheng Jemin didn't run into any acquaintances and went straight to Li Zhonghua's door.
"Who is it?" A sweet, clear voice came from inside.
Hearing this voice, Cheng Jemin knew it must be Li Zhonghua's daughter, Li Yan'er. Just as he was about to respond, he suddenly remembered something. A few days ago, at a democratic life meeting, Li Zhonghua had announced a rule: "Don't come to my house unless it's necessary!"
If he got a cold shoulder right away, it would be too late!
Li Zhonghua was well-respected in the Water Resources Department. All the deputy directors treated him with respect, not just because of their positions but also because of Li Zhonghua's temper.
When reporting work, it felt like asking him for a personal favor. One had to speak slowly, with a smile and a soft voice. Li Zhonghua would hum if he agreed, and find various excuses if he didn't. He combined thuggish and domineering traits, often cursing people in various settings. Almost all the officials in the Water Resources Department were afraid of him. Of course, his tough work style was also well-known to the provincial leaders.
Faced with such a leader, Cheng Jemin didn't dare to act rashly. He responded in a rough voice, "Is Old Li at home? I want to play a game of chess with him!"
The word "Old Li" immediately silenced the people inside. The girl hesitated for a moment before saying softly, "Please wait a moment."
The door opened, and a girl in a nightgown looked at him in surprise. She had thought that someone who could casually call the director "Old Li" must be an uncle, not a young man who still looked like a boy!
Cheng Jemin broke the awkwardness first, smiling, "Hello, Yan'er, where's your dad?"
"Sweetheart, who's here?" Li Zhonghua's rough voice came from the living room.
When Li Zhonghua heard the voice, he looked toward the door and saw Cheng Jemin walk in with a bottle of wine.
Just this kid, calling me "Old Li"? Thinking about the earlier address, Li Zhonghua felt both angry and amused. This guy was indeed clever. If not for that "Old Li," he probably wouldn't have opened the door today!
Seeing the wine in Cheng Jemin's hand, he secretly smiled. Bringing such cheap wine, wasn't this embarrassing? But what if this young man thought he was clean and upright, not a corrupt official, and disapproved of gift-giving?
After a moment's thought, Li Zhonghua began to consider Cheng Jemin's intentions. This kid was bold, daring to hit someone at work. If he didn't show him some color, he might think no one dared to challenge him!
Li Zhonghua glanced at Cheng Jemin without offering a seat. He wanted to see how the young man would react.
Seeing Li Zhonghua's expressionless face, Cheng Jemin put the wine on the table and smiled politely, "Hello, Director Li."
"Hmm, Xiao Cheng, you came here to play chess?"
"Well, Director Li, you always keep your word. I couldn't get in without calling you 'Old Li.'"
"I came today because I have something to ask you." Cheng Jemin smiled and pointed to the wine on the table, "Director Li, why does this clear wine in the bottle make people act foolishly when they drink it?"
Li Zhonghua couldn't help but smile. This kid was admitting his mistake in this way. He laughed indulgently, "You little rascal, did you drink too much this morning?"
"Director, I did drink, and it was the 'hot-blooded' brand. I'm still young!"
Li Zhonghua's expression relaxed. If a young man didn't have passion, allowing others to step on him, he would be a wimp.
"Tell me, where do you think you went wrong?" Li Zhonghua coughed lightly and looked at Cheng Jemin.
"Director, after deep reflection, I found three mistakes: First, my self-control was lacking. A small matter can ruin a big plan. If someone slaps you on the left cheek, you can offer the right cheek, so what?"
As soon as Cheng Jemin said this, Li Zhonghua almost burst out laughing. But he was a smart man and quickly understood that Cheng Jemin was telling him he couldn't help but react.
This kid, well-trained by Old Chen, was more of a defense than a confession. His actions were entirely due to Lu Jinzhong's bullying.
Unconsciously, Li Zhonghua felt a bit more appreciation for Cheng Jemin. He didn't want to make a big deal out of this. He had agreed to send Cheng Jemin to support the countryside. He couldn't punish him over this small matter.
This was a matter of face, and more importantly, a matter of personnel. Many times, a leader's ability and the ability of his subordinates were equally important. One couldn't just demand that the leader be capable; the subordinates also needed to be competent. Some leaders liked to promote mediocre people to highlight their own abilities, but this often made them look even more mediocre, at least in terms of judgment.
Cheng Jemin was also paying attention to Li Zhonghua's reaction. Seeing that Li Zhonghua didn't respond, he concluded that his explanation was useful. He continued, "Second, I was wrong for not recognizing the situation. Director Chen has left, and the department is now led by Zhao... Oh, someone like me, a unlucky guy, is just a stepping stone for others. It's a waste not to use it, and my spirit of sacrifice wasn't enough."
Li Zhonghua's relaxed expression suddenly turned serious. He understood Lu Jinzhong's intentions to target Cheng Jemin but didn't take it seriously. In politics, promoting and demoting people was common. As the top leader, he didn't need to get involved in every small matter.
However, as the head of the Water Resources Department, Li Zhonghua had his own red lines. With Chen Bingshan's transfer, the department's leadership would undergo a minor reshuffle. Although he agreed to make Zhao Huazhong the deputy director, Cheng Jemin's comment that Zhao Huazhong was now in charge made him uncomfortable. Was Lu Jinzhong trying to curry favor with Zhao Huazhong, thinking that his position as director was waning?
Perhaps Cheng Jemin was trying to sow discord?
"Listen, kid, don't bring up such unsavory matters to me. I suggest you write a self-criticism and deeply reflect on your actions, understand?"
Li Zhonghua's face was stern, but Cheng Jemin felt relieved. He knew he had planted a thorn in Li Zhonghua's heart, which could be powerful when needed.
"Yes, Director! I will deeply reflect and report to you tomorrow at work," Cheng Jemin answered sincerely.
Li Zhonghua looked at Cheng Jemin and fell silent. The room became cold, making Cheng Jemin feel uncomfortable and truly experience the authority of Director Li Zhonghua.
"Dad, how do you pronounce this word?" Li Yan'er ran out of her room, frowning.
Director Li Zhonghua, who was exerting his authority on Cheng Jemin, had to put on his glasses to help his daughter. After looking at it twice, he frowned, "Ask your teacher tomorrow."
"Dad, you said your English was good!" Li Yan'er pouted, clearly dissatisfied.
"You little brat, your father studied Russian. As the saying goes, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. How can one be an expert in everything?"
Before Li Zhonghua finished, Cheng Jemin offered, "Director, I have nothing to do at home. Let me help Yan'er with her studies!"
Half an hour later, Li Yan'er smiled, "Brother Jemin, come again tomorrow!"
Cheng Jemin said solemnly, "I will definitely come tomorrow."
Walking out of the building, Cheng Jemin took a deep breath. He knew he had successfully defused the crisis for the next day. Sowing discord wasn't a high-minded strategy, but for Li Zhonghua, who demanded loyalty in the Water Resources Department, the department was his territory, and he wouldn't tolerate Zhao Huazhong's ambitions!
A line from the black diary flashed in his mind: "No matter how clever the sower, the devil in the heart is the most dangerous."
Looking up at the sky, Cheng Jemin couldn't help but say to himself, "Tomorrow will be a good day!"