Chapter 59

"Most of us here are from rural areas, and at the end of the day, we are still farmers by origin. From the day we were admitted to university, we underwent a transformation. Our lives have become much better because we are now state officials, university graduates, living on the state's payroll, and earning salaries. We have taken root in this city. In our hometown villages, we are the elites, the ones who can uphold the family's honor. When people mention state officials, they are incredibly proud, and so are our families. We are the pride of our families, the pride of our villages, and the pride of everyone."

"But comrades, the people who are proud of us for leaving the mountains are still living in extremely harsh conditions. Among them are our brothers and sisters, our fellow villagers. This time, when we go to the countryside, we might be going to the most difficult and remote areas in the province. We will conduct investigations and visit the poor to ensure they no longer suffer! I solemnly pledge on behalf of everyone that we will fully commit ourselves, doing our best for our beloved relatives..."

These words deeply moved everyone. At this moment, Cheng Jemin was completely different from his usual manner of speaking that often annoyed people. He broke the routine, using the most heartfelt and touching language to explain his glorious mission and made a solemn pledge. This time, they would not go down with a belly full of resentment and return with a belly full of alcohol when the deadline comes. The agricultural support officials represented by Cheng Jemin would be heart-to-heart with the local people, working happily and enduring hardships happily, to reassure the leaders and comrades.

Everyone saw that his expression was so complex, his emotions so intense, his heart so anxious, and his words so tender. After Cheng Jemin bowed to everyone, the audience burst into thunderous applause. Some people wiped away tears while clapping. Some exclaimed, "Cheng Jemin is really amazing. He can grab our hearts and hit the most vulnerable spots in our emotions. He inspired everyone's fighting spirit with appropriate methods and beautiful words."

Next, it was the turn for the provincial party secretary, Liu Chuanrui, to speak. Surprisingly, Liu Chuanrui said, "Comrade Xiao Cheng's pledge speech deeply moved me. I will only say three things here: First, learn more, observe more, and ask more questions; second, work with your heart, act with your heart, and think with your heart; third, gain knowledge, achieve results, and make gains. Finally, I will give you one more sentence: Only with your heart can you delve deep, fulfill your responsibilities, and improve. I will be waiting for you to report back to the organization!"

The mobilization meeting ended. As Cheng Jemin walked out of the meeting room, he saw Gu Xixi waving at him. When he came to Gu Xixi's side, the young girl whispered with a smile, "Not bad, I'd give you an 80! You really have a talent for speaking. At the last provincial organizational meeting, a county party secretary gave a very impressive speech that left a deep impression on me. But dear, you did even better."

Cheng Jemin laughed happily, "Really? Are you just being biased because you love me? Ha ha, shouldn't you reward me?"

"Of course, I'll treat you to lunch today. How about we go to the VIP Building for some steamed buns?"

"I also want a spiritual reward," Cheng Jemin said playfully.

Gu Xixi rolled her eyes and walked forward with large steps.

"Hello, Cheng Jemin, I'm Li Jinhu from the Department of Agriculture. Your speech today was really great!"

A man in a casual down jacket, with a tall and straight figure, and a radiant smile, extended his hand to Cheng Jemin. Although it was their first meeting, Cheng Jemin felt a sense of goodwill towards him. They were all officials going to the countryside for agricultural support. Cheng Jemin's speaking opportunity meant he stood out in front of the provincial leaders. Extending the significance of this opportunity, it might even be a sign of a well-planned personnel move.

In such a situation, this person could still cheer for him, wave the flag, and clear the way, without any trace of jealousy. If this person became a great figure, he would surely be remarkable. Because, treating political rivals as friends is a true art of being a person.

Thinking this, Cheng Jemin quickly extended his hand, "Hello."

"Your pledge speech was unique and very impressive, I couldn't even imagine it!" Li Jinhu said, then added with a smile, "We seem to be assigned to Jinbei City. Let's keep in touch."

"Sure, let's keep in touch!"

After a brief conversation, Li Jinhu tactfully took his leave. Watching Li Jinhu's back, Cheng Jemin sighed to Gu Xixi, "Compared to Li Jinhu, I lack this kind of social ability."

Gu Xixi held Cheng Jemin's hand, "Everyone needs to improve themselves. I believe you will do well."

Holding Gu Xixi's hand, Cheng Jemin walked out confidently. Just as they stepped out of the provincial party committee compound, a black Bluebird stopped.

The rear window rolled down, and a woman who looked to be under fifty, wearing a blue business suit, poked her head out. Cheng Jemin could feel Gu Xixi's hand stiffen, and her expression was surprised.

"Mom, are you here on business?" Gu Xixi quickly let go of Cheng Jemin's arm and greeted her softly.

If it weren't for Gu Xixi's words, Cheng Jemin would never have imagined that this woman was Gu Xixi's mother. She was too young, and she exuded a deep-seated pride.

"I'm here to take care of some business. Get in the car, we'll go to the teahouse ahead and chat." The woman's tone was firm.

Gu Xixi glanced at Cheng Jemin, and Cheng Jemin noticed a determined look in her eyes.

"Mom, this is my boyfriend, Cheng Jemin. We were just planning to go to the VIP Building for some steamed buns. Why don't you join us?"

Gu Xixi opened the car door and pulled Cheng Jemin in without hesitation, "Jemin, this is my mom."

Cheng Jemin greeted her politely, "Auntie, hello."

Gu Xixi's mother nodded indifferently, "Hello, young man."

In terms of etiquette, Gu Xixi's mother was impeccable, but from her indifferent greeting, Cheng Jemin felt a cold distance.

The driver was a young man in his twenties, and he drove very steadily. Sensing the different atmosphere in the car, he kept his head down and remained silent.

Gu Xixi was the most talkative in the car, constantly chatting with her mother. However, her mother's responses were indifferent, and the atmosphere in the car was oppressive.

However, Cheng Jemin was not without gains. At least from Gu Xixi's words, he learned that her mother's surname was Zuo and that she worked at the Tianyuan City Construction Bureau.

The VIP Building was not large, but it was well-known. Although it was half an hour before lunchtime, many cars were already parked there.

"Director Zuo, what brings you here today?" Before the Bluebird even stopped, a chubby middle-aged man quickly ran to Gu Xixi's mother, Zuo Xinlan, with a beaming smile.

Zuo Xinlan smiled at him, "Old Fu, I was craving your steamed buns."

"Director Zuo, this way, please." Under the guidance of the middle-aged man, Cheng Jemin and the others did not take the public entrance but a wider, cleaner, and tidier staircase.

Cheng Jemin had eaten here before, but he didn't know that this small VIP Building had such a hidden staircase. After going up the stairs, the man even helped Zuo Xinlan pull out her chair and said with a smile, "Director Zuo, shall we have the usual?"

"Yes, Old Fu, you can go about your business. We'll chat." Zuo Xinlan was not displeased by the man's flattery. She sat down gracefully and gave him a light instruction.

The middle-aged man, a shrewd person, sensed Zuo Xinlan's meaning from her words. He smiled and said, "Director Zuo, take your time. I'll be outside if you need anything."

The door closed softly as the middle-aged man left, and the room's atmosphere became oppressive. Cheng Jemin looked at Gu Xixi, who was biting her lip, and his heart began to churn.

Cheng Jemin was a smart person, and his frequent contemplation of the contents of the black diary made him more mature and steady in many matters. From Zuo Xinlan's demeanor, he understood that his girlfriend's mother seemed to have come with ill intentions.

The more critical the moment, the more he needed to stay calm. Although he felt a bit uncomfortable with the situation, he still maintained a faint smile.

"Auntie, this tea is quite good." Cheng Jemin noticed that Zuo Xinlan's teacup was empty and refilled it with the small teapot.

Zuo Xinlan hummed and then asked, "Xiao Cheng, where are you from?"

"I'm from Yinfan City," Cheng Jemin said carefully, putting down the teapot.

"Yinfan City is an old area. I've been there, and some places are not very satisfactory!" Zuo Xinlan said with a smile, looking at Cheng Jemin. "I remember there's a Xingbei neighborhood in Yinfan City. Do you live there?"

Xingbei neighborhood was a government residential area in Yinfan City, and most of the residents were officials at the department level or above. Although Cheng Jemin hadn't wandered around much in Yinfan City, he knew about Xingbei neighborhood.

Cheng Jemin, who was increasingly adept at human relations, sensitively picked up on the implications in Zuo Xinlan's gaze. His sixth sense also told him that Zuo Xinlan must have some understanding of him. Asking this question was purely a form of teasing, a bit like a cat playing with a mouse.

Taking a deep breath, Cheng Jemin said firmly, "Auntie Zuo, I'm from a village in Wuxu County, Yinfan City."