Chapter 9: The Scene of the Slap in the Face

Kong Zhengyou ignored Liu Dajin and turned to He Shinian with a smile. "Comrade Shinian, over this past year at the Land Resources Bureau, you have been diligent and conscientious, accomplishing several practical things for the people. On behalf of the entire bureau, I want to thank you for your hard work!"

Everyone was stunned. What on earth had happened? How could Kong Zhengyou return after just leaving, only to have completely changed his tune? He had gone from arrogant to obsequious in an instant. In the eyes of the crowd, Kong looked like a fawning dog. Kong was the Executive Deputy Director of the bureau—a high-ranking position just one step away from a section-chief level promotion—while He Shinian was merely a low-level clerk. Was there any need for such groveling?

The others were confused, but the truth was crystal clear to He Shinian. The office must have received the official notification from the County Committee, and Kong had gone to verify it. He had discovered that He Shinian was being transferred to the County Committee to serve as the secretary to the County Party Secretary.

"Director Kong, your words make me feel quite uneasy," He Shinian replied, his tone flat but laced with irony.

Kong’s smile only widened. Having spent years in the political arena, he had long ago mastered the philosophy of opportunism, shamelessness, and thick-skinned maneuvering. Even if He Shinian were to point a finger at his nose and curse him, he wouldn't retaliate; he might even praise him for the quality of his insults. Although He Shinian’s official rank hadn't changed yet, as the secretary to the County Party Secretary, he was what the locals called the "Number Two Official." It was a shortcut to the highest authority in the county. "It’s easier to get things done with friends in high places," and Kong knew exactly how vital the secretary was. Anyone who didn't try to curry favor with the County Party Secretary's secretary was either a fool or had lost their mind.

"Comrade Shinian, I have seen your performance this year with my own eyes and kept it in my heart. I knew that one day, you would spread your wings and soar to the heavens..." To be the first to suck up to He Shinian, Kong Zhengyou had cast aside all dignity.

The jarring contrast left everyone dumbfounded. Liu Dajin, in particular, was utterly bewildered. "Director Kong, you already agreed that He Shinian should be transferred to the Wangri Township Land Office. Besides, he’s just a lowly clerk, is there any need to..." Liu Dajin started to suggest flattery, but Kong cut him off sharply.

"Shut your mouth, Liu Dajin! What kind of nonsense are you spewing? When did I ever say anything about sending him to a township?"

Everyone froze.

"Comrade He Shinian is a piece of gold. How could we leave him in a township? That would be burying a great talent and letting the gold gather dust!"

The crowd turned to stone.

Kong continued, "A man like Comrade Shinian belongs at the County Committee, serving as Secretary Wu's assistant. I find the committee's decision to be exceptionally wise, and I support it completely."

What? The crowd erupted in a cacophony of disbelief. Their eyes widened, and their jaws nearly hit the floor. Serving as the secretary to the County Party Secretary? Only now did everyone realize that when He Shinian said he was leaving today, it wasn't a resignation or a tantrum—he had been promoted to serve the Party Secretary!

Liu Dajin’s legs turned to jelly, and his head spun. It was too surreal, too impossible. Thinking back on how he had targeted, mocked, and sabotaged He Shinian over the past year, he wanted to slap his own face. It was over. He was completely finished. His expression was as grim as if he had swallowed a hundred flies; he was filled with utter despair.

The tides had turned. The phoenix had found its tree; He Shinian’s luck had finally arrived. The more arrogant he had been earlier, the more he regretted it now. The slap in the face had come too quickly.

"Comrade Shinian, let me represent the 'home team' and offer you a modest farewell drink. You must do me the honor!" Kong continued, showing no shame.

Just then, He Shinian’s phone rang. It was Qiao Yina. She hadn't reached out since he left the Qiao household two days ago, and he had seen her getting into Feng Anping’s car yesterday. Thinking of that, his expression turned cold. "What is it?"

"Shinian, I’ve called you several times, why was your phone off?" Qiao Yina’s voice came through.

"I was busy," he replied flatly.

"Are you at the office? I’m in the parking lot downstairs. Come down; I have something to tell you."

He Shinian thought to himself that in this information age, nothing could stay hidden. Even Qiao Yina knew already. "Fine," he grunted, and hung up. He wanted to hear her explain why she had gotten into Feng Anping’s car. Even if they were to break up, he wanted clarity.

Turning to the crowd, he saw everyone looking at him with fawning, sycophantic expressions. "Director Kong, I have matters to attend to today. We'll save the meal for another time," he said calmly. Without giving them a chance to speak, he picked up his personal belongings and left. This time, no one blocked his path; they even stepped aside, fearing that their presence might hinder his departure.

Once He Shinian vanished, the smile on Kong’s face vanished instantly. He turned to Liu Dajin and snapped, "Liu Dajin, look at the mess you've made. You’ve dug your own grave, you fool!" With that, he stormed off.

...

In the parking lot, Qiao Yina ran toward He Shinian, her face lit with unconcealable excitement. "Shinian, is it true?"

He Shinian glanced at her. "Don't you already know?"

Qiao Yina grabbed his hand. "I just heard. That Feng Anping really has connections. He only promised he’d keep you from being sent to the township, but I never expected he’d actually arrange for you to become the County Party Secretary’s secretary!"

He Shinian frowned. "Are you saying I only got this position because of Feng Anping’s help?"

"Yes," Qiao Yina said. "He told me that on the phone. He insisted on taking me to dinner yesterday, saying that if I agreed, he would find a way to keep you in the bureau. I never imagined you wouldn't just stay in the city, but become the secretary to the County Party Secretary!"

He Shinian’s first thought was that it was impossible. Feng Anping was a suitor of hers; he would be more likely to kick him while he was down than to help. Helping him? Absolutely impossible. However, hearing that Qiao Yina had only gotten into Feng’s car and gone to dinner with him for his sake, the irritation in He Shinian’s heart dissipated significantly.

Both Ou Huasheng and Feng Anping claimed to have helped him, but He Shinian was certain that neither of them had recommended him to Wu Yunqiu. If it wasn't them, then who could it be?

The two of them walked out of the bureau holding hands. That night, He Shinian took her out, but she had to return home when her mother, Wei Ziqin, called to urge her back.

Back home, He Shinian pushed aside his wandering thoughts, did 200 push-ups, and began to cram knowledge on the duties of a secretary. He studied all night, gaining a basic understanding, but without practical experience, he still felt uncertain about what lay ahead.