Chapter 29

On Monday, Chu Tianshu still arrived at the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) office building at 7:50, wearing a white shirt, a designer tie, and neatly pressed trousers. His hair was perfectly groomed, and he wore a smile, looking spirited and refreshed.

As soon as he entered the building, Chu Tianshu warmly greeted the receptionist, Zheng Xiaomin, saying, "Good morning!"

Zheng Xiaomin beamed with a sweet smile, her youthful face showing two shallow dimples. She replied, "Big Brother Chu, good morning to you too."

Chu Tianshu reached out and gently patted her cute little head, saying, "You're being too informal." Then, he headed straight for the second floor.

Zheng Xiaomin watched his back as he walked away, smiling to herself. Big Brother Chu is truly handsome and suave, but it's a pity he always treats me like a child. It's so annoying.

Upon reaching his office, Chu Tianshu, as usual, boiled water and cleaned up, working with great enthusiasm.

The other SASAC staff, seeing this, were secretly surprised: This guy is really composed! He's about to be reassigned, yet he's still working so diligently. It's quite rare.

According to the schedule, Guan Haoyu arrived and immediately convened an expanded Party Group meeting.

The meeting was chaired by the SASAC Director and Party Group Secretary, with the Party Group members being Huang Rushan, Jian Ruoming, and Duan Qingshan. The head of the Organization and Personnel Department, Ouyang Meimei, and the Office Director, Tian Kemin, were also present as expanded participants.

This was essentially the highest-level decision-making body of the SASAC.

For a long time, Guan Haoyu had held all the power, and the others could only follow his orders.

Guan Haoyu's opening remarks were straightforward: "Today's expanded Party Group meeting is mainly to review and approve the list of candidates for the 'Reside in Villages' program, and to discuss related work in the commission. Ouyang Director and Tian Director, who would like to speak first and share your opinions?"

Ouyang Meimei looked at Tian Kemin.

Tian Kemin's bald head was drenched in sweat. He wiped it with a tissue, then dejectedly took out a piece of paper and said weakly, "After careful consideration, I have voluntarily requested to participate in the 'Reside in Villages' program. This is my application, please review it."

There was a moment of shock.

Only a faint, barely noticeable smirk appeared on Jian Ruoming's lips.

Guan Haoyu, being the top leader, quickly regained his composure after the initial surprise. He turned to Ouyang Meimei and said, "Ouyang Director, what is the opinion of the Organization and Personnel Department?"

Ouyang Meimei, still harboring resentment over Tian Kemin's lack of respect last Friday, and knowing that the SASAC might soon add a new leader, with Tian Kemin being her biggest competitor, was delighted to see him volunteer for the 'Reside in Villages' program. She immediately responded, "Director Tian has set a good example as an experienced cadre. I personally believe this spirit is worth promoting and encouraging."

Duan Qingshan and Jian Ruoming followed with their support and affirmation.

Huang Rushan stared at Tian Kemin's bald head for a long time, wondering what had gotten into him. Instead of proposing Chu Tianshu, who had already been decided, he was volunteering himself for a tough assignment. Even if he wanted to stop him, he couldn't find a reason. He could only give a few symbolic words of praise and raise his hand in agreement.

In organizational principles, the minority must服从 the majority.

Since it didn't involve significant conflicts of interest, and there were plenty of sycophants in the agency, one more or one less Tian Kemin didn't matter. Guan Haoyu had nothing to say. He glanced at Tian Kemin and said slowly, "Ouyang Director, please submit the list of candidates according to the results of the Party Group meeting."

The discussion on related work continued, mostly covering content that had already been discussed, and a consensus was quickly reached.

Before the meeting ended, Guan Haoyu asked as usual, "Does anyone have any other questions?"

At this moment, Ouyang Meimei suddenly said, "Director Guan, I have one more question. Since Director Tian is going to 'Reside in Villages,' who will be in charge of the office's daily work in the future?"

Ouyang Meimei's question was clearly meant to leave no room for Tian Kemin, aiming to remove him from his position first.

Tian Kemin, who had been silent and gloomy, couldn't express his frustration. He could only curse silently: Women are the most venomous! Ouyang Meimei, you're not satisfied with my misfortune and are now adding insult to injury. Damn it, this is likely a conspiracy between Chu Tianshu and Ouyang Meimei to ruin me.

Whether it was a promotion or a reassignment from the middle management, the vacant position would likely be filled by someone, and this was a process of power distribution.

Guan Haoyu remained calm. He wanted to see how the others would react to the distribution of power, especially to see what Jian Ruoming, the new arrival, would think.

For a leader, the distribution of power is the most sensitive issue. Generally, everyone wants to speak for their own people.

A glimpse can reveal the whole picture!

Jian Ruoming's stance on this issue would easily reveal her true intentions for transferring from the provincial government to the local SASAC.

Guan Haoyu scanned the room and said, "Since the Organization and Personnel Department has raised this issue, let's discuss it. What are everyone's opinions?"

"Indeed, Ouyang Director's concern from an organizational perspective is valid. The office is an important department, and any disruption in its operations would significantly impact work," Duan Qingshan agreed.

After saying this, he deliberately glanced at Tian Kemin, as if to say: Baldy Tian, you don't respect leaders, and I can't help you in critical moments, but I can still give you a push.

Seeing the situation turning against him, Huang Rushan said, "Comrade Tian Kemin has voluntarily requested to participate in the 'Reside in Villages' program. As everyone has said, this spirit is worth affirming. He is only temporarily assigned for a year and is not being relieved of his duties. He should still be the Director of the SASAC Office."

Tian Kemin was so grateful he almost cried.

"Director Jian, what is your opinion?" Guan Haoyu directly asked Jian Ruoming.

Everyone turned to look at Jian Ruoming.

Tian Kemin was nervous, Ouyang Meimei was expectant, Duan Qingshan was indifferent, Huang Rushan was on guard, and Guan Haoyu was alert.

Although they had different thoughts, they all shared the same idea as Guan Haoyu: to see what this cadre from the provincial government would propose.

Jian Ruoming maintained her characteristic smile and said, "I agree with Director Huang's opinion. It is not appropriate to replace the Office Director during Comrade Tian Kemin's 'Reside in Villages' period."

Tian Kemin and Huang Rushan both breathed a sigh of relief.

Jian Ruoming continued, "However, Secretary Duan's point is also valid. The office's work should not be affected by the temporary vacancy of the Director. Therefore, I suggest that since the Secretarial Section already has a section chief, we consider appointing a section chief for the Comprehensive Section. This way, all aspects of the office's work will be managed."

This was a compromise solution, and everyone agreed.

"Director Jian, who do you suggest for the section chief position?" Guan Haoyu asked, probing further.

Guan Haoyu, a seasoned politician, had confirmed through this test that Jian Ruoming was indeed a capable cadre who had seen many big scenes and considered issues comprehensively. Such a person would be a formidable opponent if they became an adversary. Now, Guan Haoyu wanted to see if Jian Ruoming had already decided on a candidate, which would suggest factionalism.

Jian Ruoming saw through Guan Haoyu's intentions. She flicked her hair and said with a smile, "Director Guan, I have not been at the SASAC for long and am not yet familiar with the office staff and their work. I think Comrade Tian Kemin, as the Office Director, should be the one to recommend a candidate."

Jian Ruoming's response was flawless, and no one objected.

Guan Haoyu was reassured, indicating that she had no intention of interfering in the SASAC's power distribution.

Everyone then turned to look at Tian Kemin.

Tian Kemin was pleasantly surprised. He was about to be reassigned, yet Jian Ruoming suggested that he recommend a candidate for the Comprehensive Section chief, which he had not expected.

"Um..." Tian Kemin habitually glanced at Guan Haoyu's expression, trying to gauge his intentions. However, this sudden decision had not been discussed in private, so Tian Kemin didn't know what to say.

He didn't like any of the candidates in the Comprehensive Section. His original intention was to promote Xiao Zhao from the Secretarial Section to the Comprehensive Section chief. However, seeing Ouyang Meimei staring at him intently, he felt uneasy. Chu Tianshu still had the video of his embarrassing behavior, and this pair of lovers might collude to ruin him. If he recommended someone and Chu Tianshu got angry and exposed the video, the situation would be irreparable.

Guan Haoyu, growing impatient, said with a stern face, "Tian, don't be indecisive. Speak up."

Tian Kemin looked up, gritted his teeth, and said, "I recommend Chu Tianshu."

Several people almost simultaneously widened their eyes.

Huang Rushan thought to himself: Volunteering for the 'Reside in Villages' program was already bizarre, and now recommending Chu Tianshu as the Comprehensive Section chief. It seems Tian Kemin's mind has been affected by Chu Tianshu.

Duan Qingshan also thought: This isn't Tian Kemin's style! He's a vindictive and opportunistic person, yet today he's suddenly showing high moral standards and even recommending a rival.

Ouyang Meimei was delighted: Ha, Chu Tianshu, you've turned a misfortune into a blessing. How will you thank me?

Jian Ruoming secretly laughed: Humph, Baldy Tian, I knew you would recommend Chu Tianshu.

Guan Haoyu had no particular impression of Chu Tianshu. He looked around, seeing no one speaking, and coughed, then asked casually, "What do you all think of Comrade Chu Tianshu?"

His question was ambiguous, seemingly asking about Chu Tianshu's usual performance and also about his suitability for the Comprehensive Section chief position.

This was Guan Haoyu's leadership style: not revealing his intentions until he had a clear idea, and forcing others to speak first.

Ouyang Meimei couldn't contain herself and spoke first, "I agree with Director Tian's proposal. Comrade Chu has been at the SASAC for two years, working diligently, tirelessly, and conscientiously. He is a suitable candidate for the Comprehensive Section chief. This will add vitality to the cadre team and give young people hope, setting a good example."