Chapter 69: The Great Way

Qin Yizhou's performance greatly surprised and delighted the officials responsible for the reception in Nanjiang Province, especially You Zhenya. Nanjiang had often failed in reception efforts, leading You Zhenya to believe that hosting Qin Yizhou would be an ungrateful task. However, now he felt that there was a good chance he could rewrite the history of Nanjiang's inability to retain senior leaders.

"These peppers must be carefully tended to!" You Zhenya instructed Yue Shangao, then hurriedly accompanied Qin Yizhou inside.

The furnishings in the room were all very carefully chosen, clearly of high quality. However, following Zeng Yi's requirements, everything was kept simple and unadorned, highlighting a restrained yet grand style. The room was also decorated with a few items that added a homely touch, such as curtains, a feather duster, an old reclining chair, and an old palm-leaf fan. Scissors and a spray bottle were placed next to a few simple potted plants, bringing the room to life.

Qin Yizhou was very satisfied. After Old Qiao retired, he wanted to enjoy a peaceful life as an ordinary person. If the place were made to look like a palace, Old Qiao would not stay long.

Yue Shangao stood at the stairs and said, "Director Qin, the second floor has a study and a bedroom. We have taken special anti-slip measures on the stairs and reduced the height of the steps while increasing their length, making them very stable to walk on."

Qin Yizhou walked up and down the stairs twice and said, "Very good, it's very comfortable to walk on, but the handrails need to be reinforced."

"Yes, we will replace and reinforce them immediately!" Yue Shangao nodded hurriedly.

Upon reaching the second floor and entering the study, the first thing Qin Yizhou saw was a calligraphy piece by Old Qiao: "Eternal Vigor." The brushwork was extraordinary and the style was majestic.

Qin Yizhou was greatly surprised. Only those closest to Old Qiao knew about his peculiar temperament. He was particularly proud of his calligraphy, and if you presented him with famous works or praised other calligraphers in front of him, he would consider it a slight to his own skills. It was surprising that Nanjiang had hung a piece by Old Qiao, whether by coincidence or intention.

Yue Shangao then introduced, "When arranging the study, we gathered many calligraphy works, but after comparing them, we found that Old Qiao's piece was the best. The brushwork is dynamic and powerful, full of righteousness, and everyone agreed it was the most suitable to hang here."

Qin Yizhou was very pleased and nodded slightly, "You have truly put in a lot of effort. Old Qiao rarely writes for others, so his works are hard to come by."

His gaze moved, and Qin Yizhou noticed a marble disc rack next to the bookshelf, filled with opera discs and some tapes. The release dates were all from a long time ago, including some rare performances by old masters. He was surprised to see that they had managed to find and place them here.

Qin Yizhou was no longer just surprised but amazed. It seemed this was not a coincidence! Nanjiang Province had clearly put in a lot of effort to understand Old Qiao's habits. While it was understandable that many knew Old Qiao enjoyed calligraphy, very few knew he liked opera. Even his driver, who had been with him for over a decade, was unaware of this preference. He wondered how the people of Nanjiang had found out.

"Good! Good!" Qin Yizhou nodded repeatedly. Seeing the economics books on the bookshelf, he was even more satisfied. As Old Qiao's personal secretary, he knew best what Old Qiao liked to read. While many assumed Old Qiao would enjoy books like "Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government," that was a big mistake. Old Qiao's favorite was economics.

You Zhenya was even more delighted. The secretary's role was to identify problems and point out flaws, but Qin Yizhou had repeatedly praised the arrangement of Old Qiao's residence. This was truly unexpected, and it seemed there was a good chance of retaining Old Qiao!

Entering the bedroom, Qin Yizhou said, "The mattress must be changed. Old Qiao has a back injury and cannot sleep on a soft bed."

Yue Shangao was no longer just surprised but astonished. How could Zeng Yi know these details so well? He quickly said, "Director Qin, please feel the firmness. This is the firmest mattress we could find on the market."

Qin Yizhou was again surprised. He pressed the mattress, felt it, and, still unsure, sat on it to test it. Finally, he said, "Good, the firmness is just right."

Yulong Mountain Villa had even considered the mattress, and Qin Yizhou could find no fault. He looked around and said, "Secretary You, your arrangements are excellent, so good that I, who have been Old Qiao's secretary for decades, feel a bit ashamed. Even if I had arranged it myself, it wouldn't have been any better."

This was the highest praise. You Zhenya's smile grew wider, "Director Qin, you are too modest. You are Old Qiao's trusted confidant. We need your advice and help."

Qin Yizhou waved his hand, "Once Old Qiao arrives in Nanjiang, as long as you can show the same sincerity in taking care of him as you did in arranging this house, I believe he will be very happy here."

"As long as Old Qiao is happy, all our efforts will be worth it." You Zhenya chuckled, his face beaming.

Yue Shangao then said, "Director Qin, we have also arranged a different style room in the villa as an alternative. Would you like to see it?"

"No need to see it, this one is very good!" Qin Yizhou looked at Yue Shangao, thinking he was a capable person. He must have used some special channels to gather such detailed information about Old Qiao's preferences, with an efficiency comparable to the General Staff's intelligence department.

Yue Shangao, feeling praised, felt his confidence grow. He looked around for Zeng Yi but found that he had not come upstairs, probably waiting downstairs with the officials of lower rank. Yue Shangao decided to maintain a good relationship with Zeng Yi. His words were like gold, and a casual suggestion had earned him praise from his superiors. If this happened a few more times, his promotion would be just around the corner. In this era, working hard is not as important as working smart, and working smart is not as important as working in the eyes of the leadership. As long as you catch the leader's attention, they will consider you capable and remember you when it comes to promotions.

After inspecting the residence prepared for Old Qiao, Qin Yizhou did not stay long at Yulong Mountain Villa. He had other matters to check, such as the meteorological and geological data of the past twenty years and the medical facilities in Nanjiang.

Leaving Yulong Mountain Villa, You Zhenya patted Yue Shangao on the shoulder affectionately, "Work hard, the organization believes you can do even better!"

"With Secretary You's encouragement, we will strive to improve our work even further." Yue Shangao smiled and reported, "Actually, the reason Director Qin was satisfied with the reception work is not entirely due to me. Many of the room arrangement ideas came from Expert Zeng of the Health Bureau."

Yue Shangao did not want to take all the credit. Zeng Yi was sent by Director Feng, and Wang Jinzhu was also present that day. He believed Wang Jinzhu was equally astonished and would report the matter to the higher-ups in the provincial reception office.

You Zhenya said "Oh" and noted it in his mind, then got into the car to accompany Qin Yizhou to the city.

After the inspection in the afternoon and settling Qin Yizhou, You Zhenya hurried back to the provincial party committee.

After listening to the report, Fang Nanguo was greatly encouraged. Nanjiang had hosted many senior leaders before, but none had ever given such high praise for the reception work. He said, "Good, it seems we have a good chance of retaining Old Qiao."

You Zhenya nodded and smiled, "I observed that Director Qin was indeed very satisfied with our reception work."

"Work hard these next few days and do a good job with Director Qin's reception."

You Zhenya nodded quickly, "This is my duty, not hard work." If someone tried to take this "hard work" from him, he would be very dissatisfied. In his view, this was a surefire way to earn credit.

During dinner, Fang Nanguo, who usually did not speak during meals, made an exception, "Today, Qin Yizhou came, and he was very satisfied with the reception for Old Qiao. You Zhenya mentioned that Zeng Yi played a significant role. What is his current situation?"

Feng Yuqin was a bit surprised and said, "He is in charge of planning and strategy in the health base preparatory group and has made many good suggestions. He is a very creative person. Additionally, I heard that he opened a clinic."

Fang Nanguo frowned, put a piece of vegetable in his bowl, and said, "Young people should follow the great way!"

Feng Yuqin understood her husband's meaning. In Fang Nanguo's eyes, only serving the people and benefiting the world was the true great way. In comparison, treating a few patients was a minor path.

Feng Yuqin nodded and continued eating, already having a plan in mind.