Chapter 6: Mockery and Shock

The next day, He Shinian arrived at the Land Bureau and immediately sensed many people casting strange glances his way.

It seemed the news of his visit to the County Committee—where he hadn’t even met Ou Huasheng—had already spread throughout the bureau.

He Shinian paid no mind to the stares and walked into the office. Not long after, Liu Dajin entered with a cold expression.

Yesterday, He Shinian had slapped him, leaving a bright red handprint on his fingers, which had now darkened to a purple-brown bruise.

Kong Zhengyou had forced Liu Dajin to apologize to He Shinian in front of everyone, ruthlessly trampling on his pride.

He had endured an unprecedented humiliation.

After He Shinian left yesterday, rumors circulated that he was about to be transferred to the County Committee, possibly as a secretary to a certain leader. Liu Dajin’s face had turned as sour as if he had swallowed something foul.

But upon learning that He Shinian had spent the entire afternoon at the County Committee without even seeing Director Ou, Liu Dajin felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction from head to toe.

Today, he came looking for trouble, determined to regain the face he lost yesterday.

“He Shinian, I heard you went to the County Committee? Sat on a cold bench all afternoon and didn’t even get to see Director Ou?” Liu Dajin sneered, his tone dripping with mockery and contempt.

He Shinian furrowed his brows and glanced toward Lin Anyan nearby.

Lin Anyan quickly shook his head, explaining, “Senior Brother, that wasn’t me who spread it.”

Liu Dajin burst into laughter, taunting, “Once you step outside that County Committee gate, the whole town knows. Who else would need to spread it? I knew you didn’t have that damn luck. Just do your handover and wait to be sent to the township!”

Having worked at the Land Bureau for a year, He Shinian had long been targeted by Liu Dajin. Hearing this, he refused to be intimidated and smiled, “Section Chief Liu, if I’m not mistaken, someone said yesterday that I should leave. If I didn’t leave, then he’s my grandson, right?”

Liu Dajin’s face darkened.

“He Shinian, don’t get cocky. You’re just waiting to pack up and get kicked out!”

He Shinian smiled faintly, “Suddenly, having such a big ‘grandson’ is definitely something to be proud of.”

“You…” Liu Dajin was so furious his face flushed red.

The others in the office couldn’t help but burst out laughing at He Shinian’s comeback.

At that moment, Kong Zhengyou appeared at the office door with a stern expression. Seeing He Shinian, he said calmly, “He Shinian, come to my office.”

It was the same line as yesterday, but the tone and feeling had changed.

Inside Kong Zhengyou’s office, his demeanor was completely different from the previous day. He asked, “What’s going on?”

He Shinian knew exactly what he was referring to and recounted the events of the previous day.

Kong Zhengyou’s expression grew serious as he said softly, “Alright, I understand. You may go.”

No sooner had He Shinian left Kong Zhengyou’s office than his phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, it was Tian Mi from the County Committee Office.

Looking around to ensure privacy, he stepped into the adjacent restroom and quietly answered, “Hello, Comrade Tian Mi.”

Tian Mi spoke solemnly, “Comrade Shinian, Director Ou has time at 9:30 this morning. Please be punctual.”

She hung up immediately after.

Checking the time, He Shinian realized he had plenty of time. Skipping a return to the office, he headed downstairs, mounted his bicycle, and made his second trip to the County Committee.

Having made himself known yesterday, the guard not only didn’t stop him but bowed slightly with a smile and opened the door.

He adjusted his clothes and hair in the full-length mirror on the first floor before heading up to the second floor.

To his surprise, Tian Mi was already waiting outside Director Ou’s office.

Seeing him, she stepped forward with a smile. “Comrade Shinian, Director Ou is already waiting inside.”

He Shinian nodded and followed Tian Mi into the office for the second time. Inside, a man about forty years old, wearing black-rimmed glasses and with a shiny bald head, was bent over some paperwork.

“Director Ou, Comrade Shinian has arrived.”

At Tian Mi’s voice, Ou Huasheng looked up, stubbed out the cigarette in his hand, and fixed his gaze on He Shinian.

At first glance, Ou Huasheng had the demeanor of a scholar, but his face betrayed no emotion as he said, “Hmm, have a seat. I need to finish signing some documents first.”

Tian Mi invited He Shinian to sit on the sofa and poured him some tea before standing. “Director Ou, I’ll leave you to it.”

Ou Huasheng did not look up but murmured an “Hmm” from his nose.

After Tian Mi left, only the two remained in the office, and an awkward silence settled.

Seeing Ou Huasheng busy at work, He Shinian didn’t want to interrupt and sat upright like a soldier, his gaze fixed forward.

More than ten minutes passed before Ou Huasheng stood and politely said, “Comrade Shinian, sorry to keep you waiting.”

He Shinian stood, preparing to shake hands, and said, “Director Ou, as the steward of Ninghai County’s 1.1 million people, if you’re not busy, then who is?”

Ou Huasheng showed no intention of shaking hands and instead sat casually on the sofa. “Sit down. Make yourself at home.”

After sitting, he remained silent for a moment.

He Shinian took the initiative, “Director Ou, my unit’s leaders told me yesterday that you wanted to see me?”

Ou Huasheng sized him up from head to toe. With his sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, He Shinian truly had the bearing of a soldier.

“I heard you served in the military?”

“Yes, for five years.”

“You studied at Bashu University?”

“Uh-huh, majoring in computer science.”

“After leaving the military, you joined the Land Bureau. Adjusting well?”

“Fine.”

“After five years in the army, what made you want to switch careers?”

...

Ou Huasheng’s questions jumped around erratically, making it hard for He Shinian to keep up. He wondered if all leaders interviewed like this.

Nonetheless, He Shinian answered truthfully.

After the interrogation, Ou Huasheng lit a cigarette and spoke slowly, “Here’s the situation. Secretary Wu’s former secretary, Xiao Wang, was reassigned elsewhere. As the director of the County Committee Office, I need to find a new secretary for her.”

“I’ve thoroughly reviewed your background and believe you’re suitable, so I recommended you to Secretary Wu.”

“But Secretary Wu seemed hesitant.”

Ou Huasheng deliberately paused, but to He Shinian, it felt like a thunderclap.

“The secretary to the County Party Secretary is a very important position. Secretary Wu’s hesitation stems from your lack of similar prior experience. She isn’t sure if you can handle it.”

“However, after much persuasion, Secretary Wu agreed to a trial period.”

“I called you here today mainly to hear your thoughts and try to finalize this matter.”

At that moment, He Shinian was stunned.

What he had told Lin Anyan yesterday was impossible had suddenly become a reality.

“Well? What do you think?”