In the world of officialdom, there seems to be an unspoken rule that people often envy not the success of strangers, but the rise of those close to them who unexpectedly surpass them. Isn't it common to see colleagues of equal standing and ability, who, while outwardly friendly, inwardly view each other as rivals, making it difficult for them to maintain a harmonious relationship? It's no wonder that Li Fushui found Tang Zhengshan's behavior unbearable.
Cheng Jieming's words instantly silenced the room, and almost everyone's gaze turned to Tang Zhengshan.
Li Fushui was thoroughly enjoying roasting Tang Zhengshan, but he never expected someone to stand up for him. After a moment of shock, he instinctively asked, "Oh, really? How come when I was leaving, our Director Wang said he would carefully consider the matter in your county?"
Cheng Jieming was standing behind Tang Zhengshan, in the shadows, so Li Fushui didn't see him clearly.
Since Cheng Jieming had the courage to speak up, he wasn't about to back down. He chuckled and said, "Director Wang hasn't been informed yet."
Building a small reservoir first required approval from the Planning and Development Department. Hearing this, Li Fushui became even more enthusiastic and chuckled, "To decide on something without informing Director Wang, who has the nerve to do that..."
Before Li Fushui could finish his sentence, he saw Cheng Jieming standing behind Tang Zhengshan and was taken aback. He quickly changed his tone, "Oh, I haven't had much to drink yet, and I'm already getting confused! Director Cheng, I didn't see you there."
Although Cheng Jieming didn't want to offend anyone unnecessarily, since he had decided to invest in Tang Zhengshan, a high-performing stock, he naturally had to use Section Chief Li as a stepping stone. Besides, the guy had been acting too arrogantly. People who think too highly of themselves are often good at pretending. Not taking action against such people would not be beneficial for their future growth.
"You, Section Chief Li, are our esteemed guest today, and your eyes can't hold me!" Cheng Jieming said bluntly.
Li Fushui was startled, as if his buttocks were on fire, and quickly stood up, his face full of fear and panic. "Director Cheng, you really embarrassed me with that joke! With you here, how could I dare to act arrogantly?"
Then, Li Fushui introduced Cheng Jieming to Secretary Gao and County Chief Lu: "I must introduce you to our Water Resources Department's Director Cheng, Secretary Chen's secretary."
Secretary of the department? This title made Secretary Gao and County Chief Lu blink rapidly.
"Director Cheng, hello. I am Gao Ziqing from Daoxuan County. It's an honor to meet you!" Secretary Gao quickly approached Cheng Jieming and extended his hand warmly.
Faced with Secretary Gao's enthusiasm, Cheng Jieming responded warmly, smiling and shaking hands with him. "Secretary Gao, you are the leader, and it's a pleasure to meet you."
When Secretary Gao came to the provincial capital to handle affairs, he often encountered officials who put on airs, even some section chiefs and deputy section chiefs. Although he was a local leader, coming from the grassroots to the provincial capital, he was here to seek help, and it was already good that he didn't have to grovel.
Cheng Jieming's attitude made him feel very comfortable. This young man was very considerate. He shook Cheng Jieming's hand vigorously and said, "Brother Cheng, to take on such a heavy responsibility at such a young age, you must be a talented person. It's a rare opportunity to meet you!"
"Secretary Gao is right, I'll have to toast you a few more times later," Cheng Jieming glanced at Tang Zhengshan and smiled. "Secretary Gao, Brother Tang is really dedicated to his hometown. He specifically went to Secretary Chen to follow up on this matter. It's probably because Brother Tang is the section chief that this matter was handled. Secretary Chen has always appreciated Brother Tang, and after hearing his report, he decided to set aside time tomorrow to listen to the county's report!"
Tang Zhengshan stood quietly beside Cheng Jieming, deeply moved by how he had turned the situation around with just a few words. He felt a hint of jealousy, but mostly gratitude, as Cheng Jieming was giving him face.
However, when he heard that Cheng Jieming was arranging for the county leaders to meet Secretary Chen, he felt a bit worried. Although Cheng Jieming was Secretary Chen's secretary, making decisions without the leader's approval was a serious taboo.
Why did Cheng Jieming, who could have just made a call, insist on arranging a meeting with Secretary Chen? The only reason was to gain face both in his hometown and within the department.
Especially to show his hometown that he, Tang Zhengshan, was doing well in the provincial capital and could arrange for the county leaders to meet the deputy director of the provincial water resources department over a small reservoir project. That was no small feat!
"Jieming, this..." After a moment of hesitation, the sincere Tang Zhengshan tugged at Cheng Jieming's sleeve, ready to stop him. However, Cheng Jieming, determined to do a favor, wouldn't back down.
Moreover, with Secretary Chen about to be transferred, Cheng Jieming couldn't afford to delay. Using Secretary Chen's authority to get the matter done in one go was the best choice.
As for Secretary Chen, he would use him if he could, and if not, he would be of no use.
"Brother Tang, you're too modest, always preferring to be the unsung hero behind the scenes." Cheng Jieming waved his hand and said to Secretary Gao and County Chief Lu, "Leaders, you'll have to work hard tomorrow. Secretary Chen has set the meeting for 8 AM, and you only have twenty minutes."
Secretary Gao was very interested in reporting to the deputy director of the water resources department. Even if it wasn't about work, meeting such a powerful figure was something he looked forward to. Hearing Cheng Jieming's words, he nodded quickly. "Director Cheng, rest assured, I'll be at the department by 7 AM tomorrow."
Hearing Secretary Gao's firm words, Cheng Jieming realized that he was likely a leader with a strong and domineering work style. Otherwise, he would have invited the county chief to wait with him. Although Cheng Jieming thought this, he didn't mind, as he wouldn't be interacting with Secretary Gao much in the future.
"Brother Tang and I will welcome you, Secretary Gao, with open arms." Cheng Jieming's words were casual, but he firmly placed Tang Zhengshan in a prominent position.
As a county party secretary, Gao Ziqing was a shrewd person. Although he didn't know Tang Zhengshan's position in the department, arranging a meeting with the deputy director and being called "Brother Tang" by the secretary suggested that he had considerable influence.
When he first arrived, he had been a bit cold to Tang Zhengshan. He realized he had been a bit narrow-minded and needed to mend this relationship. Thinking this, Gao Ziqing's expression changed from gloomy to radiant. He stood up and held Tang Zhengshan's hand warmly. "Brother Tang, your deep affection for your hometown is greatly appreciated by the 450,000 people of Daoxuan County! Your actions set a fine example for all Daoxuan-born officials!..."
Gao Ziqing's heartfelt words made Tang Zhengshan feel a mix of cold and warmth. When he first entered, what was this guy's attitude? He knew that if it weren't for Cheng Jieming's efforts, he wouldn't have had such a 180-degree turnaround.
After a modest exchange, Gao Ziqing even told his father-in-law, Ma Tianbao, that he was fortunate to have found such a good son-in-law.
Although Li Fushui felt a bit uncomfortable being sidelined, he could only stand there and smile. After all, Cheng Jieming was supporting Tang Zhengshan, and he didn't want to oppose him over a small matter.
After a long exchange, Cheng Jieming and Tang Zhengshan were about to sit down. Li Fushui, who had been sitting in the main seat, refused to sit back down. Gao Ziqing, with years of experience in such situations, naturally knew how to handle it. After a few polite exchanges, he smoothly pushed Cheng Jieming into the main seat.
"Secretary Gao, you are the leader and the parent official of Brother Tang. Who else should sit here? Come, Brother Tang, let's invite Secretary Gao to the main seat," Cheng Jieming said, smiling at Gao Ziqing.
Tang Zhengshan thought that with Cheng Jieming's current status, sitting in the main seat shouldn't be a problem. He was surprised when Cheng Jieming offered the seat to Gao Ziqing.
After a moment of hesitation, he felt that Cheng Jieming was truly considerate and always thought of him. He smiled and said to Gao Ziqing, "Secretary Gao, there's no one else here, please sit."
Gao Ziqing, used to sitting in the main seat in the county, was genuinely sincere in offering it to Cheng Jieming. However, being pushed into the seat made him feel very comfortable, and his view of Cheng Jieming changed.
This young Cheng is a remarkable person. No wonder he became Secretary Chen's secretary at such a young age. He must have a bright future.
Thinking this, Gao Ziqing's gaze towards Cheng Jieming became warmer.
Gao Ziqing was genuinely hospitable, and Cheng Jieming was very cooperative, so the dinner was a great success. In less than two hours, four bottles of white wine were finished. Gao Ziqing, still eager, wanted to continue drinking, but Cheng Jieming stopped him, citing the meeting with Secretary Chen the next day.
The rain had long stopped. Even so, Tang Zhengshan and Cheng Jieming still took Gao Ziqing's small Santana home. Looking at Gao Ziqing waving goodbye at the hotel entrance, Tang Zhengshan felt deeply moved. Since marrying Ma Tianbao's daughter, this was the first time he had seen his father-in-law smile so brightly.
All of this was because of Cheng Jieming's help.
Looking at Cheng Jieming's young and handsome face, Tang Zhengshan felt a surge of warmth and gratitude. The recent encounter with Wang Chenghua was still fresh in his mind. After a deep period of depression, he felt a deeper sense of happiness about the outcome.
"Brother Cheng, although great kindness doesn't need thanks, I still want to say a cliché: I'll remember this day forever!"
PS: A new week has begun. I hope everyone continues to support Quan Xiong and help him achieve new heights. Xiao Mao will do his best to write and work hard for you!