Cheng Jemin has a distinctive trait: he is very clear and organized when reporting work, and his appearance is dignified and impressive, which leaves a very good impression on people and easily wins their favor. Moreover, Chen Binnan feels that the most commendable thing about this young secretary is that, although he is his political backer, he is not at all arrogant and always works diligently and keeps a low profile, unlike some secretaries who become extremely self-important, as if they had been inflated by a leavening agent.
"Jemin, during this agricultural support mission, you must learn and observe a lot, act with high standards, and be humble in your conduct. If anything goes wrong, call me anytime." In the waiting hall of the train station, Chen Binnan gently instructed.
Feeling the warmth from Chen Binnan's hand, Cheng Jemin was deeply moved. He suppressed his feelings of parting and said, "Director Chen, rest assured, I won't let you down!"
Chen Binnan nodded. He wanted to give Cheng Jemin a few more words of advice, but he had already said most of what needed to be said the night before over drinks. Besides, he had noticed that Cheng Jemin had matured a lot in recent days.
Such a loyal and sensible subordinate should be well-cultivated to become a good assistant. But now, due to his job transfer, he had to give up this promising young man, which was truly a pity!
"Once I get settled in my new position, you can come and join me!" Chen Binnan finally said what he had not intended to say so directly.
The train's whistle seemed to be urging something. In Cheng Jemin's gaze, Chen Binnan and his wife walked into the crowded entrance. With a loud clatter, the train sped off into the distance.
This leader, who represented an important part of his life, left the land of Donghu and moved on to his own future. And what about himself? He had now completely lost the last bit of protection from this old leader.
From now on, everything will depend on himself!
Cheng Jemin walked out of the station, and the driver, Xiao Ma, quickly approached. "Brother Cheng, Director Chen is gone!"
"Um, let's go back." Cheng Jemin smiled at Xiao Ma and said lightly.
Getting into the Santana, Xiao Ma started the car and said with a smile, "Brother Cheng, do you know? Lu Jinzhong was taken away by an ambulance last night, supposedly due to a heart attack. I think he's just faking it!"
"Whether he's faking it or not is for the doctors to decide. Let them make the judgment." Cheng Jemin didn't really care if Lu Jinzhong was really sick. Now, Lu Jinzhong had become a tool for Li Zhonghua to scare others, and he had no more value to Cheng Jemin.
Seeing Cheng Jemin's calmness, Xiao Ma felt that this person was not to be underestimated. If it were him, he might have been overjoyed. Thinking about this, he became even more determined to befriend Cheng Jemin. While driving, he said, "Brother Cheng, my relatives from my hometown sent me two wild chickens yesterday. My wife cooked a big pot of stew the old way. How about we go to my place for a drink tonight?"
"Sure, I was just thinking I had nowhere to eat tonight." Cheng Jemin readily agreed.
"Brother Cheng, with Lu Jinzhong out of the way, many people are vying for the deputy director position in the finance department. I saw Li Runda from the service company running to Director Zhao's house with something yesterday when I was leaving work!" Xiao Ma was very pleased that Cheng Jemin was giving him face, so he whispered some confidential information he had heard, hoping to get closer to Cheng Jemin.
Cheng Jemin thought about Zheng Yuanhong asking him to speak on her behalf. In the past two days, he had been busy helping Chen Binnan pack for the move and spending his evenings with his beloved Xixi. He hadn't paid much attention to this matter, which was beyond his reach. Now, hearing Xiao Ma mention it, he became interested and asked, "Who is vying for the deputy director position in the finance department now?"
"There are quite a few, but I heard that the most promising candidates are Li Runda from the service company and Zhao Nongchao from the water conservation department." Xiao Ma, an experienced driver, could talk while driving.
Cheng Jemin had met these two people before; they were both seasoned veterans in the department. Although the deputy director of the finance department was at the same level as their current positions, it was a lucrative position that everyone wanted to get a piece of.
Compared to these two, Zheng Yuanhong seemed to be slightly less experienced. However, if he had to choose who would be more beneficial to him as the deputy director of the finance department, it would definitely be Zheng Yuanhong. But the reason he appeared to have the support of Director Li was not because he had gained favor with Li Zhonghua, but because he had touched a sore spot in Li Zhonghua's heart.
At the moment, the most important thing for him was to secure his own position. As for Zheng Yuanhong's matter, he would have to wait until he had the spare capacity to pay attention to it.
With this decision made, Cheng Jemin began to talk about some departmental matters with Xiao Ma, and in just a few minutes, their relationship became even closer.
Just as he settled back into the office, Feng Changhai called. On the phone, Feng Changhai said warmly, "Brother, I've taken care of that matter for you. Don't do anything else these next few days; you must prepare well for this. When the time comes, we'll make a big splash and show everyone the first talent of the Water Resources Department!"
Cheng Jemin was eagerly looking forward to representing the agricultural support cadres in the speech. He had long studied various ways to gain the favor of his superiors. One way was to report work clearly and systematically; another was to report on one's thoughts to show one's high moral standards; and the rarest was to have the opportunity to interact with leaders in daily life. At the moment, the only opportunity Cheng Jemin could seize was the first one.
Therefore, when he heard Feng Changhai say this, he smiled and said, "Director Feng, you've gone to so much trouble for me. If I don't do my best, I'll be letting you down!"
"Right, that's the spirit. Brother, I went to a classmate's place today to get the speech requirements. I'll have Xiao Huang bring them over to you in a bit." Feng Changhai's laughter became even more hearty.
Cheng Jemin didn't want to appear too eager, so he quickly smiled and declined, "Oh, Director Feng, I'll come and get them. I also have some work to report to you."
After hanging up, Cheng Jemin walked to Feng Changhai's office. As he passed the department office, Dong Huacheng suddenly stood up and said, "Director Cheng, is there anything you need?"
Seeing the slightly ingratiating look on Dong Huacheng's face, Cheng Jemin replied coolly, "Director Dong, hello. Director Feng asked me to come over. By the way, Director Dong, have you prepared the office supplies that Director Feng asked you to get for me? I'm waiting to move in."
"I'm working on it. That furniture store is really unprofessional. They said they would bring in some high-quality items, but they need to hurry up. When they come to collect the money, I'll show them!" Dong Huacheng smiled broadly, as if he hadn't noticed Cheng Jemin's sarcasm.
Cheng Jemin casually acknowledged Dong Huacheng's overtures and entered Feng Changhai's office.
Feng Changhai was sitting in his office. Seeing Cheng Jemin walk in, he smiled and said, "Brother, take a seat. Yesterday, when I went out to inspect work with Director Li, they gave me a few boxes of cigarettes. Try them out."
As he spoke, Feng Changhai took out two boxes of "Supreme Rain" cigarettes from his drawer. Cheng Jemin knew that these cigarettes were a new brand from the provincial cigarette factory, and each box cost at least twenty yuan. Given Cheng Jemin's monthly salary of about two hundred yuan, a carton of these cigarettes would cost him a month's salary.
"Thanks, Director Feng. Coming to your office, the treatment is immediately better. Don't spoil me, or I'll get addicted." Cheng Jemin took the two boxes of cigarettes and chuckled at Feng Changhai.
Feng Changhai laughed and said, "You're my brother. Don't be so formal when you're here."
"Then I won't be formal." Cheng Jemin knew that Feng Changhai was trying to win him over through this gesture, so he smiled and said.
After a few minutes of small talk, Feng Changhai took out a handwritten manuscript from a file and said, "Here are the speech requirements. Go home and work on it carefully. Try to surprise them."
"My friend said that many people want to give this speech. Since they've given us this opportunity, we need to put in our best effort. What do you think?"
Taking the document from Feng Changhai, Cheng Jemin respectfully said, "Director Feng, rest assured, I'll do my best. I'll remember your kindness. But there's also the leader who gave me this opportunity. Could you help me set up a meeting to thank them in person?"
Feng Changhai smiled and said, "That's not necessary. My friend is your friend too."
Leaving Feng Changhai's office, Cheng Jemin felt invigorated. Giving a speech at a meeting attended by the main leaders of the provincial party committee was a significant achievement for him. Even if it didn't immediately catch the eye of the main leaders, it was still a good start.
Back in his office, Cheng Jemin called Gu Xixi. He wanted to share his joy with this beloved girl.
"Really? That's great! I'll treat you to dinner tonight. Let's celebrate, okay?"
After making plans with Gu Xixi, Cheng Jemin hung up the phone.
"Xixi, what's got you so happy?" A woman in Gu Xixi's office asked softly.
"Sister Chen, my boyfriend is going to represent the agricultural support cadres at the mobilization meeting next week." Gu Xixi smiled sweetly.
"Boyfriend? Director Fu? But he wasn't selected for the agricultural support mission, right?"
"Oh, Sister Chen, don't joke like that! If you keep saying that, I'll really get angry!"
PS: The New Year is coming soon. Xiao Mao solemnly promises not to take a break during the Spring Festival, as a way to thank all the brothers for their strong support!