Chapter 22: Taking on More Responsibilities

"Then let's settle it this way. From now on, let Zeng Yi come to give a massage once a week." Feng Yuqin looked at Fang Nanguo, "Old Fang, what do you think?"

Fang Nanguo took a sip of tea, and after a moment, nodded slightly, "Let's make it on weekends."

With Fang Nanguo's nod, the matter was settled. From then on, every weekend, Zeng Yi would come to the No. 1 Building of the Provincial Party Committee to give Fang Nanguo a massage treatment.

The atmosphere on the scene became a bit more lively. Zeng Yi asked, "Secretary Fang, may I ask how you got this injury?"

Fang Nanguo put down his teacup, and his expression turned somewhat heavy. He remained silent for a long time.

Tang Haoran immediately broke out in a cold sweat. In the No. 1 Building of the Standing Committee, it was always Fang Nanguo who asked questions, and others who answered. No one would ever take the initiative to ask. It wasn't that they didn't want to ask, but they didn't dare to. The intentions of superiors were hard to fathom. One wrong word could lead to regret.

Especially for matters involving the privacy of leaders, no one would dare to mention them. Tang Haoran had followed Fang Nanguo for a long time and only knew that Fang Nanguo had an old injury, but he never dared to ask how it happened.

"For so many years, you are the first to dare ask this question!" Fang Nanguo's sharp gaze fixed on Zeng Yi.

That gaze seemed to penetrate all time and space, like a tangible sword, piercing straight to the heart. Zeng Yi had never seen such a piercing gaze before. At that moment, he felt completely exposed to the other person's sight, with no secrets, as if the other person understood everything and controlled everything.

"That's because they are afraid of offending you, Secretary Fang. In their eyes, there is only their own future. How can they have the attitude of treating and saving people? Without asking how the injury happened, how can they treat it?" Feng Yuqin couldn't help but feel a bit angry, "Old Fang, you too, what's the harm in telling? If you don't tell, I will!"

During the ten years of turmoil, Fang Nanguo's family was confined in a "cowshed" for re-education. They worked during the day and wrote self-criticisms under kerosene lamps at night. Occasionally, they were dragged out for criticism sessions. During one such session, Fang Nanguo was pushed off the platform and landed on a sharp rock, injuring his back.

In those years, even if the injury was more serious, no one would be willing to call a doctor for a re-educated person. Fang Nanguo could only endure the intense pain and continue working and being re-educated. The pain was so deep that he never mentioned this part of his past.

After Feng Yuqin finished telling the story, tears welled up in her eyes. She took a tissue and gently wiped the corners of her eyes.

Fang Nanguo's hands suddenly rubbed his thighs, and his expression seemed to return to those turbulent years. He said with a sigh, "It's good to talk about it. Let these young people know that today's situation was hard-won, and many people paid a huge price for it."

Zeng Yi was silent for a long time, then he raised his head and looked at Fang Nanguo, his eyes filled with determination, "Secretary Fang, I will make a promise to you. I will definitely treat your old injury. I cannot let you, who have dedicated your life to the revolution, bear this pain alone."

"Good! Good, good!" Feng Yuqin said several times, feeling greatly relieved, "Zeng Yi, I knew you would do this!"

Fang Nanguo had heard countless flattering words in his life, but Zeng Yi's words made him feel that they were absolutely sincere. Even his calm heart was stirred, and he said, "Young man, well done, well done!"

Feng Yuqin picked up the words, "Young men like this should be promoted heavily in the future." She pointed to Shao Haibo, "This is Zeng Yi's senior, who last time risked bringing Zeng Yi into the ward to treat my illness, almost getting punished by the hospital. Young men with such responsibility and righteousness should be promoted!"

If Feng Yuqin had said this in the past, Fang Nanguo would definitely have scolded her, but today he was very unusual and didn't get angry. He just said lightly, "What kind of talk is this? Is the Jiangnan Provincial Party Committee run by you, Feng Yuqin!"

After saying that, Fang Nanguo picked up his teacup, "I'm going to the study, you continue." Just as he was about to go up the stairs, he sighed, "Young people are good, full of vitality. They need to take on more responsibilities!"

Zeng Yi had never been in the political arena, so he didn't quite understand the meaning of these words. But Shao Haobo, standing beside him, became excited. If a leader said they would give you more responsibilities, it meant they were going to promote you. Once promoted, the burden on your shoulders would naturally be heavier.

Tang Haoran, an old hand in the political arena, understood immediately. He gave Shao Haobo a congratulatory look, thinking that Shao Haobo was really lucky. Without running or moving, good fortune had fallen on his head. Following Zeng Yi for a re-examination, he hadn't even lifted a finger and had picked up a promotion opportunity. What good luck!

Feng Yuqin encouraged him, "Haibo, you must work hard in the future!"

"Yes, Director Feng, rest assured, I will definitely do a good job in the provincial people's hospital under your leadership!" Shao Haobo stood up, expressing his loyalty with excitement.

Feng Yuqin's recommendation of Shao Haobo wasn't a whim. Whenever there was an opportunity, Zeng Yi always made sure to let Shao Haobo show his abilities. Feng Yuqin had long seen through this. In her eyes, who would be the director of the provincial people's hospital didn't matter much. Now that Fang Nanguo's illness still needed Zeng Yi's treatment, why not help with something she could do with a wave of her hand!

"Old Fang reads books in the study and must drink coffee that I personally brew." Feng Yuqin stood up, "Xiao Tang, you take Zeng Yi and his senior out!"

After leaving the No. 1 Building of the Provincial Party Committee, Tang Haoran said, "Director Shao, you can't escape the dinner tonight. You have to pay for it!"

"I'll pay, I'll pay!" Shao Haobo nodded repeatedly, still unable to suppress his excitement. This was a pleasant surprise, like winning a five million yuan prize, as ordinary people would say. "The place will be chosen by Director Tang, and we won't stop until we're drunk."

"Ha ha, let's go to the Junyue Hotel, I'll arrange it." Tang Haoran laughed, "I can skip other people's celebratory dinners, but I must attend Director Shao's! No, now it should be called Director Shao."

"Not yet, not yet." Shao Haobo waved his hands, still not daring to admit it.

Tang Haoran glared, "Director Feng has spoken, and Secretary Fang has nodded. How can this not happen!"

Zeng Yi finally understood. He thought that leaders spoke with a high level of sophistication. Clearly, it was a promotion, but they called it taking on more responsibilities. Those who didn't understand the political arena might think the leader was going to punish them.

"Right, Brother Zeng, don't forget the main task later." Tang Haoran's expression became serious, "The massage techniques you mentioned, you must teach me tonight, not just to know them, but to use them!"

"Rest assured, I will explain all the details and precautions."

Tang Haoran was relieved and said, "Alright, Director Shao, let's go, and we won't stop until we're drunk!" He waved to the driver, "Junyue Hotel!"

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