Chapter 61

All the documents of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) are handled by the Secretarial Department for printing, distribution, and registration. In the afternoon, around three or four o'clock, the documents were ready. Qi Daguang was the first to run to the Comprehensive Department to congratulate Chu Tianshu.

Qi Daguang is a very pragmatic person. When Chu Tianshu settled things with Kong Erdou at the Triumph Hotel and returned, he heard Zhao Pingyuan describe it in great detail. He also witnessed Chu Tianshu's ability to resolve crises alone. All of this indicated that Chu Tianshu had a strong background. It would be unwise to oppose such a person.

Chu Tianshu was appointed as the deputy director of the office, in charge of the work. Qi Daguang couldn't help but be convinced. While feeling jealous and envious, he also thought clearly. This young man, being so favored, would surely have a bright future. Building a good relationship with him would be a long-term investment.

Fan Yibing took Liu Chunna and Qian Meihua to tidy up Tian Keming's office, leaving Chu Tianshu alone in the Comprehensive Department.

Qi Daguang's quick change of attitude was hard for Chu Tianshu to adapt to. After shaking hands and congratulating him, Qi Daguang even criticized himself in a low voice, saying that he had not done things well in the past and asked his younger brother not to hold it against him. He added that they were all in the office now and should work together to make progress.

After a few more words, Qi Daguang said goodbye. Before leaving, he said, "Director Chu, you've been promoted. You should treat the brothers to a drink."

Chu Tianshu responded politely, vaguely agreeing.

According to tradition, newly promoted officials must have a routine talk with the top leader.

Chu Tianshu sat alone across from Guan Haoyu, his heart racing. His first reaction upon seeing the appointment document was not excitement but surprise. Yesterday, Jian Ruoming had said that all hope was lost. How did things turn around so quickly overnight?

Guan Haoyu seemed to see through his thoughts and smiled, "Xiao Chu, there were some objections to your promotion, but I am a man of my word."

Seeing that Guan Haoyu was being sincere and not using the usual empty words, Chu Tianshu felt somewhat relieved. He blushed and said, "Thank you for your concern and cultivation, Director."

Guan Haoyu took a cigarette from the pack, and Chu Tianshu quickly stood up to light it for him.

Guan Haoyu was somewhat satisfied with Chu Tianshu's quick thinking. He took a few slow puffs before saying in a serious tone, "Xiao Chu, what are your thoughts on the work?"

"Everything will be according to your arrangements!"

"Good, Xiao Chu. You are young and well-educated. You shouldn't always be doing trivial tasks in the office. Over time, your enthusiasm will be worn down. Recently, the task of state-owned enterprise reform has been heavy. After you take your position, you should focus on this area, assist the division leaders more, and participate in the organization and coordination of SASAC's business work. Of course, this is both a severe test and a rare opportunity for you. I hope you don't have any reservations and can boldly carry out your work. I support you."

Guan Haoyu spoke with deep sincerity, clearly looking to Chu Tianshu's long-term development. Not participating in business work and serving people in the office every day would make it harder to advance in the SASAC compared to the heads of business departments, a problem that Tian Keming and Ouyang Meimei had already encountered.

Chu Tianshu felt a warmth in his heart and quickly stood up to express his determination, "I will not let you down, Director."

After finishing the main points, Guan Haoyu waved Chu Tianshu over, motioning him to move his chair closer to the desk. He personally made a cup of tea and said softly, "Yesterday, Vice Mayor Yi's secretary called to inquire about your situation. It seems Vice Mayor Yi is very concerned about you."

Seeing Guan Haoyu looking at him with a smile, Chu Tianshu suddenly realized that this was the crux of the sudden change. He quickly said, "I only met Vice Mayor Yi yesterday. Even if I did something within my capabilities, it was the result of your cultivation, Director, and the collective effort of the SASAC."

Chu Tianshu's meaning was clear: I am your man, Guan Haoyu, and any achievements are yours and the collective's.

Despite Chu Tianshu's proper response, Guan Haoyu's expression turned sour. He thought Chu Tianshu was hiding something and not being sincere with him, just using formal words to敷衍.

Guan Haoyu waved his hand and said, "Alright, that's all. You can go."

After the talk with the top leader, Chu Tianshu, as usual, went to thank the other SASAC leaders.

He listened to Huang Rushan's advice and thanked Duan Qingshan. Finally, he came to Jian Ruoming's office.

As soon as he saw Chu Tianshu, Jian Ruoming smiled and asked, "Xiao Chu, are you surprised?"

"Surprised, very surprised."

"Did you think that after Director Guan went home and slept, he remembered his promise to you?"

"Very likely." Chu Tianshu sat down across from Jian Ruoming and asked, "Director Jian, do you think it's not like that?"

"Of course not."

"How? Can you predict the future?"

Jian Ruoming laughed, "No, I can't predict the future, but I know that yesterday afternoon, Vice Mayor Yi's secretary, Wang Shaolei, called Guan Haoyu."

"Wang Shaolei? I don't know him. How do you know, Director Jian?"

"That's not your concern. I've been in the provincial government for many years and have a few friends."

Chu Tianshu suddenly understood, "Oh, I see. No wonder Director Guan talked to me so mysteriously about Vice Mayor Yi's concern."

After Chu Tianshu recounted the conversation, Jian Ruoming frowned, "So, Guan Haoyu's intention in appointing you as deputy director is quite deep."

Chu Tianshu was puzzled and looked at Jian Ruoming.

"At today's party group meeting, the division of responsibilities among the SASAC leaders was reorganized, and the Enterprise Reform Department was assigned to me. Now, the instrument factory's reform is at a critical stage, and Guan Haoyu and Huang Rushan have suddenly retreated to the background. This is worth pondering."

Chu Tianshu quickly reacted, "This means they see the instrument factory's reform as a hot potato, and no one wants to touch it."

"That's one reason, but it's just the surface." Jian Ruoming's expression turned serious. She paused for a moment and continued, "According to what I know, the instrument factory's reform has transcended the meaning of state-owned enterprise reform and has become a political bargaining chip between Tang Yifu and Yi Haitao. They are trying to protect themselves by pushing us to the front."

Chu Tianshu said excitedly, "That's great. We can use this opportunity to implement a time-for-space plan and seek the greatest benefit for the laid-off workers."

Jian Ruoming shook her head, "No, it won't be as simple as we think. I am just the deputy director of the SASAC, and the decision-making power is still with Guan Haoyu. Have you noticed that the city media has collectively remained silent on the significant event of the laid-off workers' collective petition? This is very unusual."

After Jian Ruoming's reminder, Chu Tianshu broke out in a cold sweat.

It seemed his political acumen was far inferior to Jian Ruoming's.

The collective petition of the laid-off workers was calm, indicating that the overall transfer plan for the instrument factory was still being pushed forward. Jian Ruoming being pushed to the front was just Guan Haoyu's way of protecting himself. No matter which side he offended in the future, Jian Ruoming would be a good scapegoat.

At the same time, Guan Haoyu, believing that Chu Tianshu was associated with Yi Haitao, used the promotion as a pretext to throw him onto this battlefront.

Too terrifying!

Chu Tianshu, now the deputy director of the SASAC office, felt the complexity, cruelty, and danger of political struggles on his first day as an official.

Thinking about this, Chu Tianshu said with concern, "Director Jian, you can also go with the flow and let things be. There's no need to get involved in this mess."

"No," Jian Ruoming shook her head slightly and said, "Xiao Chu, since we are already on the same battlefront, I won't hide anything from you. At this point, I have no choice but to move forward. For the public, we must seek benefits for the laid-off workers, which will inevitably harm some people's vested interests. For myself, I don't want to just go through the motions in the SASAC. I can't let some people think I'm just a political decoration."

Jian Ruoming's words were straightforward. She didn't want to just go through the motions, which meant she wanted to compete with Huang Rushan for the position of SASAC director. The term "political decoration" was a rumor spread by Ouyang Meimei behind her back.

Hearing Jian Ruoming's honest words, Chu Tianshu said firmly, "Director Jian, I am very grateful for your trust and help. Since you are willing to sacrifice for the benefit of the laid-off workers, what else can I say?"

Jian Ruoming smiled faintly, "I may not be as noble as you think. Guan Haoyu has pushed me to the front, forcing me to make a choice in the instrument factory's reform. It's either Tang Yifu or Yi Haitao. But I don't even know their respective positions yet."

Chu Tianshu said confidently, "Director Jian, if it's a blessing, it's not a disaster; if it's a disaster, it can't be avoided. We are choosing justice, not power. We will stand with whoever seeks benefits for the laid-off workers. What's wrong with that?"

"Xiao Chu, you don't understand the political arena well enough. Any matter involving fundamental interests in the political arena involves at least two opposing forces and complex interpersonal relationships. An official's choice is not necessarily based on which side is just, but on which side can bring the greatest benefit. If you choose the right side, you will have the opportunity to share in the benefits in the future power distribution."

"What if you choose the wrong side?"

"Total ruin."

"Then, what should we do?"

"What else can we do? As you said, choose to stand with the interests of the laid-off workers." Jian Ruoming said with difficulty, "However, from the media's collective silence, it seems that the side maintaining the current plan is in the lead. To make a difference, we must first draw public attention and gain media support. Otherwise, with our current capabilities, we will only be sitting ducks."

Knowing there is a tiger in the mountain, yet heading towards it.

Hearing Jian Ruoming's choice, Chu Tianshu felt even more admiration for her.

But with the current situation in a deadlock, what should they do?