Chapter 56

Regarding Cheng Jemin's big profit from selling apples this time, Sun Zhihai couldn't say he had foreseen it, but at least he didn't find it sudden. Cheng Jemin was certainly not a business elite or a maverick, but he was indeed a very persistent person. In Sun Zhihai's view, once a person had a spirit of persistence, they were at least halfway to success in whatever they did.

A few people came out of the bank, and Cheng Jemin felt incredibly relaxed. He smiled at Sun Zhihai and said, "You go find the cardboard box factory and make sure they produce the gift boxes I talked about last night."

"Brother Cheng, I'll get it done as soon as possible."

"Alright, let's stay in touch if anything comes up." Cheng Jemin patted Sun Xiaozhu's shoulder affectionately and said.

Walking down the street, looking up at the sky, Cheng Jemin felt life was so beautiful. The passbook in his pocket made him feel like shouting to the heavens.

Although he had had 40,000 yuan a few days ago, that was money he had borrowed. Now, the 50,000 yuan in his hand was entirely his own.

Thinking about the numbers on the passbook, Cheng Jemin couldn't help but smile foolishly. At the current prices, buying a house in the provincial capital and living with Gu Xixi would definitely be no problem; the remaining money could be used to renovate the house, help his older brother get married, and support his younger sister's education...

One thought after another flashed through Cheng Jemin's mind. When he entered the office building, he suppressed these chaotic thoughts.

"Director Cheng, your desk is inside." Amidst the greetings, Cheng Jemin walked into the office. He instinctively headed toward his position, but it was empty. Just as he was puzzled, Xiao Huang, standing nearby, pointed to Feng Changhai's inner office.

There was now an extra desk in Feng Changhai's office. Seeing this, Cheng Jemin understood that Feng Changhai was going to be thorough in his kindness. He peeked inside and found the room empty, so he sat down opposite Xiao Huang and casually asked, "Brother Zhikai, what are the leaders busy with?"

"They're all upstairs reporting work!" Seeing Cheng Jemin sit down, Xiao Huang quickly took out a small box from his drawer. "My sister came back from out of town yesterday and brought me some cigarettes from elsewhere. Brother Cheng, try them out."

Cheng Jemin didn't hesitate, took the cigarettes, and said, "Brother, when you have time, let's have a good drink together!"

"Sure, Brother Cheng, whenever you're free, just let me know!" Xiao Huang was excited, his eyes shining. Just as he was about to speak, the phone rang.

Xiao Huang picked up the phone and heard Feng Changhai's voice: "Xiao Huang, is Jemin there? Have him come to Director Li's office."

Although Cheng Jemin was a bit puzzled about why Li Zhonghua was looking for him at this time, he still walked out of the office confidently. Xiao Huang watched Cheng Jemin leave, feeling envious.

Life in this world is truly unpredictable. Some people have a smooth path from the moment they start working, while others face endless obstacles. Cheng Jemin was the former. From the first day he came to the department, he was favored by Director Chen. After Director Chen left, he thought he would be in trouble, but unexpectedly, he quickly found a new patron in Director Li, making even Feng Changhai treat him with respect.

Although the organization department always holds up the banner of merit-based selection and transparency in personnel matters, who can deny the complex interpersonal relationships that lie beneath? When would he be able to reach Cheng Jemin's level?

When Cheng Jemin arrived at Director Li's office, Feng Changhai was just coming out. As they met, Feng Changhai quietly said, "The boss is in a good mood today."

Cheng Jemin felt very pleased by Feng Changhai's kind reminder. Although it was just a simple sentence, he could sense that Feng Changhai's attitude toward him had become even more favorable.

"Thank you, Director Feng!" Cheng Jemin said quickly.

Feng Changhai smiled, very satisfied with Cheng Jemin's response. He had seen too many young people become arrogant when they gained power. Now, Cheng Jemin's ability to maintain a respectful and appropriate distance made him feel both gratified and impressed by this young man's potential.

"Director Li." After entering, Cheng Jemin noticed that Li Zhonghua's cup had only half a cup of water left. He naturally picked it up and refilled it.

Li Zhonghua didn't comment on Cheng Jemin's small action but gestured for him to sit down. "Jemin, how's the speech preparation going? I've already given my word to the organization department's leaders, so you can't let us down!"

"Thank you, Director, for your concern. I will do my best!" Cheng Jemin originally wanted to say he wouldn't disgrace the Water Resources Department, but then he thought of a note in his notebook: "I am the state." So he cleverly changed it to "I won't let you down, Director Li."

"That's the spirit. Young people should be bold and take the lead!" Li Zhonghua's smile grew wider. He waved his hand and said, "This time, the provincial organization department is selecting young cadres to support agriculture. It's both a promotion of rural work and a demonstration of the correct personnel policy. You must work hard and not disappoint the expectations of the department and me."

Hearing Li Zhonghua place himself before the department, Cheng Jemin's last bit of hesitation vanished, and he quickly responded, "I understand, Director!"

Li Zhonghua was in a good mood today. Just a few minutes ago, he had received a call from the provincial party secretary, Liu Chuanrui. In the call, Liu Chuanrui praised the Water Resources Department's next work plan, especially its emphasis on putting people first and prioritizing the interests of the masses.

Liu Chuanrui's words were heartfelt: "Director Li, I'm very pleased that you are familiar with water resources work. I'm even more pleased that your policies are open and transparent, and you are highly responsible to the people. Many tasks can be done by anyone, but not everyone has this spirit. I hope you can continue to make me happy. When you achieve results, I will bring the provincial leadership to visit the Water Resources Department."

Li Zhonghua, with his extensive experience in the political arena, was deeply moved by the praise from the provincial leadership. For someone at his level, fifty was a prime age, often referred to as "fifty years of beauty." He knew very well that leaders, especially the top leaders, were very cautious about expressing their feelings. If they did, it meant they had a strong positive impression. This was also why he had Feng Changhai call Cheng Jemin.

"Jemin, let me test you. If a flood occurs in our province, where should we focus our defense?" Li Zhonghua changed the subject.

The key defense area for the Water Resources Department had always been the Machang Reservoir. Although Cheng Jemin didn't do much technical work, he knew this basic fact. Just as he was about to answer, a note in his notebook about a flood two years later came to mind.

"Director, I think it should be the Laoyatan area." Cheng Jemin recalled the note and said softly, "Laoyatan has a narrow terrain and rapid water flow..."

Cheng Jemin's answer made Li Zhonghua a bit puzzled, but after hearing his analysis, he fell into deep thought.

Seeing Li Zhonghua's silence, Cheng Jemin felt a bit anxious. After all, he had never been to that area, and his judgment was based on a diary entry. The reasons he listed in such a short time seemed a bit weak even to him.

"You don't know all the details, but you have a good eye." Li Zhonghua finally spoke, took a sip of water, and said, "If you hadn't reminded me, I might have overlooked it. Merit should be rewarded. What reward do you want?"

In the entire Water Resources Department, some said Li Zhonghua was a strict leader, while others called him a cold politician. Few had seen him so approachable. Seeing him now, Cheng Jemin was both surprised and more confident in his thoughts.

No matter how high a leader's position, no matter how many people feared him, he was still a human being with emotions.

Cheng Jemin's mind raced. He knew that at this moment, as long as his request wasn't excessive, Director Li would agree.

The question was, what did he need now? His rank couldn't be promoted, and he was about to go support agriculture. There were very few things he needed from Li Zhonghua.

"Director Li, I don't dare to make any demands. If you insist, I can offer a suggestion. Do you think it's okay?" Cheng Jemin decided and cautiously said.

"Oh? What suggestion do you have?"

"Director, I think Zheng Yuanhong has strong work abilities, especially in finance, where he is quite professional."

As soon as Cheng Jemin spoke, Li Zhonghua felt a bit uncomfortable. In his view, a leader's concern for subordinates was a form of favor and reward. However, as a subordinate, one must know their place and not overstep, especially not to show off their favor.

You're still young, Cheng. What right do you have to meddle in personnel matters?

As the head of the Water Resources Department, Li Zhonghai could turn a blind eye to some things, but in personnel matters, he had to maintain strict control.

Just as he was about to get angry, he remembered that Cheng Jemin was a smart person. Given his insight, he wouldn't be so presumptuous. What was he trying to do? This showed that Cheng Jemin was a young man who knew how to repay kindness.

The political world is full of risks, and human relationships are as cold as paper. Finding someone like Cheng Jemin is not easy!

Thinking this, Li Zhonghua's eyes softened.

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