Many people who have been immersed in the political arena have a deep understanding: whether you adhere to the principle of moderation or advocate a clear stance, often your choices are forced upon you. Ask yourself, who among those who can navigate the system is not a master of human relations? The ability to seek benefits and avoid harm is not just possessed, but some have honed it to perfection. Therefore, in a team that is not very united, even if you do not want to take sides, you are still labeled.
For example, consider Cheng Jemin's current situation. Zhao Huazhong and Chen Bingnan's offices are on the same floor, but Cheng Jemin has almost never been to Zhao Huazhong's office. Although he and Zhao Huazhong have no conflicts, because of the subtle relationship between Zhao Huazhong and Chen Bingnan, Cheng Jemin can only stay away from that office. The political arena does not necessarily require a clear distinction between enemies and friends; many times, just a bit of suspicion can plant a thorn in one's heart. If he were to run to Zhao Huazhong's office frequently, it would definitely plant a big thorn in Chen Bingnan's heart.
But this time, he had no choice.
When Cheng Jemin arrived at Zhao Huazhong's office, his heart suddenly turned cold. The door to Zhao Huazhong's office was tightly closed! Could it be that Zhao Huazhong was not in the office? If so, it would delay important matters!
Cheng Jemin almost broke out in a sweat. Reluctantly, he knocked on the door, but there was no response from inside. This made Cheng Jemin's mood plummet. It seemed he had come too late!
If you hesitate when you should act, you will surely suffer the consequences. This was a reflection in the black notebook. If he had come to find Zhao Huazhong earlier, he would not be in this situation now, right?
Just as Cheng Jemin was about to leave in utter disappointment, the tightly closed office door slowly opened, and the tall Zhao Huazhong appeared at the door: "Oh, it's Xiao Cheng. What's the matter?"
"Director Zhao, I have something to report to you." Seeing Zhao Huazhong in front of him, Cheng Jemin was overjoyed. He kept reminding himself: stay calm, you must stay calm. Zhao Huazhong has been in the system for many years and is a sly fox. If you slip up, your plans and future will be wasted!
When Zhao Huazhong saw that it was Cheng Jemin knocking, he was puzzled. Hearing that Cheng Jemin had something to report, he became even more puzzled. Almost everyone in the Water Resources Department knew that he and Chen Bingnan did not get along. Now, Chen Bingnan's secretary was coming to report to him. What was this all about?
After a moment of hesitation, Zhao Huazhong smiled: "Come in quickly."
Although they were in the same building, this was Cheng Jemin's first time in Zhao Huazhong's office. The office was not much different from the one he was familiar with, Chen Bingnan's. There was a large boss chair, and a row of black bookshelves neatly arranged with various books. It was said that a leader's bookshelf was their face; they didn't necessarily have to read them, but they had to have them.
"Xiao Cheng, do you want tea or plain water?" Zhao Huazhong did not sit down immediately but asked with a smile.
Cheng Jemin knew that Zhao Huazhong was just asking casually and had no intention of pouring him a drink. He quickly replied: "Director Zhao, please sit. I just drank a lot of water, so I won't trouble you!"
Zhao Huazhong sat behind the desk, his smile becoming even brighter. He said with a smile: "Xiao Cheng, don't be nervous here. Colleagues should talk and chat in a relaxed and natural way."
Zhao Huazhong was a smiling tiger who would eat you without leaving a trace! This phrase from the black notebook popped into Cheng Jemin's mind. Thinking about this, he calmed down. He tried to relax and said softly: "Director Zhao, I am... reporting something to you."
"Oh, what is it?" Zhao Huazhong looked at Cheng Jemin, who seemed to want to open up but was still a bit nervous, with a very calm smile.
"Director Zhao, it's like this. I meet the conditions for the agricultural support work, and we are giving speeches this afternoon..." Cheng Jemin, looking a bit embarrassed, continued: "I really hope to get your support."
Zhao Huazhong's face was expressionless, but his heart was in turmoil. Although the agricultural support work offered a higher level of benefits, it was still going to the countryside, and not many people in the department wanted to go.
As Chen Bingnan's secretary, Cheng Jemin should know that reaching the deputy section level was just a matter of time for him. One could even say that within three years, Chen Bingnan could almost certainly promote him to a higher position in the Water Resources Department.
However, Zhao Huazhong did not speak but looked at Cheng Jemin in silence. He believed that dealing with a young person just starting their career, his gaze alone was enough.
Sure enough, under Zhao Huazhong's gaze, Cheng Jemin became somewhat uneasy. After a long pause, he stammered: "Director Zhao, I know that being Chen Director's secretary in the Water Resources Department is a recognition of my abilities by the organization, but I still want to go to the grassroots for training. I heard that these two tasks can be done concurrently."
"Hmm, it's good that young people know to enjoy later and endure hardships first. It's very rare to have such thoughts. However, just my agreement is not enough. There are nine judges for this competitive speech!" Zhao Huazhong looked at Cheng Jemin with a concerned expression.
"Director Zhao, please help me. I'm embarrassed to ask Director Chen, but I have already talked to Director Wang and others about this matter!"
Zhao Huazhong nodded and said: "Doing two tasks concurrently is quite stressful. You need to take care of your health!"
"Thank you, Director Zhao, for your concern. I am young and strong, so there won't be any problems."
Zhao Huazhong nodded, took a sip of water, and started chatting with Cheng Jemin about trivial matters, such as where Cheng Jemin was from and who was in his family. After about five or six minutes, he suddenly said: "Xiao Cheng, if you go down, will Director Chen agree?"
"I... I think if I can get more than half of the votes, then... Director Chen probably won't go against everyone's wishes?" Cheng Jemin put on a panicked look.
"Hmm. I believe Director Chen will take a broad view and a long-term perspective on this matter. Good." As Zhao Huazhong spoke, he stood up and gently patted Cheng Jemin's shoulder: "It's good that Xiao Cheng is willing to take on heavy responsibilities!"
When Zhao Huazhong's gentle hand patted his shoulder, Cheng Jemin knew that the matter was settled.
Zhao Huazhong laughed sincerely, both at Cheng Jemin's naivety and at Chen Bingnan's blindness for choosing such a disloyal and short-sighted secretary. "You, Chen Bingnan, really have poor judgment. This isn't me trying to poach your people; it's he who came to me. If I don't help him, wouldn't I be letting down his earnest hopes?"
Leaving Zhao Huazhong's office, Cheng Jemin felt his back was almost drenched in sweat. This conversation was too dangerous; if it had failed, he would have had nowhere to hide!
When Cheng Jemin returned to his office, he was so weak that he collapsed on the sofa. He was almost certain that Zhao Huazhong would not miss this opportunity to make things difficult for Director Chen. As for the impact on Director Chen, he could not afford to worry about it now, as he would be leaving in three days.
The knocking sound suddenly rang out. Cheng Jemin took a deep breath and said: "Come in."
Pang Xiaoguang came in and, seeing Cheng Jemin lying on the sofa, said with a smile: "Brother Cheng, let's go eat. I've already booked a room at Old Chen's Hot Pot. Let's have a good meal."
Pang Xiaoguang knew exactly why he was dragging Cheng Jemin to eat. He smiled and said: "Xiaoguang, it's still early. Let's chat for a while before we go eat."
"Brother Cheng, you're right. The leaders haven't left yet, so it's not appropriate for us to go out." As Pang Xiaoguang spoke, he quickly poured Cheng Jemin a glass of water and said: "Brother Cheng, Tang Zhengshan from the Retired Cadres Office made a fool of himself today. He led the vice-county magistrate from his county to the Planning Department to apply for a project and was chased out by Director Ma. You know, this guy is so shameless. He doesn't even know who he is, and he dares to bring people to Director Ma. It's purely asking for trouble!"
Seeing the disdain and mockery in Pang Xiaoguang's eyes, a scene from the black notebook flashed through Cheng Jemin's mind. A few years later, a leader from his hometown applied for a water resources project and came to him. At the time, although he knew he couldn't help, he still went to the relevant department with the leader after repeated requests.
They were coldly mocked and chased out. Although the vice-county magistrate from his hometown acted as if nothing had happened and even thanked him, Cheng Jemin knew that he was seen as a useless person.
Tang Zhengshan must be feeling very frustrated right now! Thinking about Tang Zhengshan's state of mind, another thought flashed through Cheng Jemin's mind: at this time, even someone like Tang Zhengshan can have good luck. Why didn't Secretary Zhao of Secretary Liu of the Provincial Party Committee choose me instead of Tang Zhengshan?
That was originally a complaint, and Cheng Jemin remembered it vaguely. But now, hearing Pang Xiaoguang talk about Tang Zhengshan's humiliation, he clearly recalled it. If Tang Zhengshan were to become Secretary Liu's secretary, helping him now would plant a seed of gratitude...
"Brother Cheng, some people just don't know their place. Tang Zhengshan has offended Director Zhao, and who doesn't treat him like a plague? He's in trouble himself and still wants to play the hero. It's just asking for trouble!" Seeing that Cheng Jemin was silent, Pang Xiaoguang said with a gloating tone.
Cheng Jemin smiled and patted Pang Xiaoguang's shoulder: "Okay, let's not talk about this. Let's go eat quickly; we have things to do later."
"Brother Cheng, let's go quickly. After the speech this afternoon, I'll treat you to a good drink." Pang Xiaoguang stood up and said with a smile: "I'm counting on you!"
Cheng Jemin smiled but did not speak. His gaze fell on the clock. It was almost twelve o'clock. In two hours, the speech would begin. His fate would soon be decided!
PS: I hope for more enthusiastic recommendations and collections! A big thank you to everyone for your strong support. I bow to you all!