Chapter 5: Back to the Party and Government Office

After Zhao Bingzhi had walked away, Zhao Yixuan took Wang Jian to a nearby café in the provincial party compound, ordering two cups of coffee and a few cheese pastries. Wang Jian sat across from her, staring at her.

Unable to bear the gaze, Zhao Yixuan giggled and said, "Wang Jian, are you surprised that I can enter the Provincial Party Office?"

"Hehe." Wang Jian also laughed, "I'm not surprised at all now!"

In fact, he was just curious how Zhao Yixuan had managed to hide her background so well during their four years of college; no one would have thought she was the niece of a vice governor.

Taking a sip of coffee, Zhao Yixuan elegantly propped up her hand and said, "Actually, I'm a girl from the countryside, nothing to show off. When I was in college, my uncle was still a secretary in a city, nothing to brag about!"

"Hehe, I understand. I'm also from the countryside. I understand your approach, keeping a low profile."

As they spoke, Wang Jian's eyes were fixed on Zhao Yixuan. She felt a bit flustered under his gaze and covered her mouth, laughing, "Wang Jian, I heard that many female students in school like you."

This made Wang Jian feel a bit embarrassed. He lowered his head and ate a bit of the pastry, then looked up and asked, "Are you one of them?"

"Me? Hehe, sorry, you're not my type." Zhao Yixuan's face turned red as she denied it.

"Hehe, I was just joking, no need to blush!" Wang Jian laughed lightly.

Zhao Yixuan quickly reached out and tapped Wang Jian, "Who's blushing? Don't be so presumptuous!"

"Hehe, just a joke, old classmate, don't take it to heart!" Wang Jian dodged and said.

After laughing and chatting, they finished their coffee. Zhao Yixuan asked, "Wang Jian, do you really plan to stay in the countryside for the rest of your life?"

Wang Jian sighed and smiled, "What can I do? I can't get into the Provincial Party Compound."

"Hehe, Wang Jian, I can't help you get into the Provincial Party Compound!" Zhao Yixuan was helpless, even though she was Zhao Bingzhi's niece, she had no influence with him.

"Hehe, I was just joking. To be honest, I originally planned to resign and work with Chen Yu, but since fate has brought me to Xianhe Township, I want to make a solid effort and prove to everyone that I, Wang Jian, can be a capable person wherever I go!"

Wang Jian's confident words inspired Zhao Yixuan. She believed he had the ability; his talent had already been demonstrated in college. As long as someone recognized him and gave him a chance, he would surely achieve great things.

"I believe in you. If you need anything, you can call me." Zhao Yixuan promised.

After parting ways with Zhao Yixuan, Wang Jian said goodbye to Chen Yu and decided to return to Xianhe Township. There was still one day left of the holiday, and he didn't want to stay in the provincial capital any longer. The longer he stayed, the more he was tempted by city life. Sitting in a café like Zhao Yixuan was indeed a pleasant experience, but it wasn't for him.

Back in the township, Wang Jian decided to make one more effort. He carefully wrote a report, intending to submit it to Zhang Zeguang, hoping to catch his attention. Before he finished the report, news came from the Party and Government Office that Fang Zhiming had been promoted to deputy director. People were speculating that this was to pave the way for Fang Zhiming to become the director, as Feng Guoqiang was soon to be promoted to deputy township head.

Once someone became an official, they would put on airs, and those who wanted to curry favor would become more enthusiastic. Wang Jian felt disdain when he saw others fawning over Fang Zhiming. When Fang Zhiming saw Wang Jian, his attitude became arrogant, and he acted as if he didn't care.

However, Wang Jian didn't fear him. Since he was no longer working in the Party and Government Office, he didn't have to deal with Fang Zhiming's arrogance. He was determined to stick to his principles and do his own work. Finally, the report was finished. When he presented it to Zhang Zeguang, something unexpected happened!

"Always talking about theories and grand plans! If you have the time and energy, do something practical for me!" Zhang Zeguang didn't even look at Wang Jian's report, threw it on the ground, and scolded him.

Wang Jian felt very embarrassed. He bent down to pick up the report, dusted it off, and said, "Adjusting the agricultural industrial structure is a trend. Our township should take action early. I know what I said might sound vague, but it's precisely because it's vague that we need to act quickly and take action. This time, I met Governor Zhao in the provincial capital, and he said the provincial government will soon issue a document requiring us to focus on rural work."

"What? You met Governor Zhao again?" This caught Zhang Zeguang's attention. He thought Wang Jian had just gone to the provincial capital for a holiday, but he didn't expect him to meet Zhao Bingzhi again. This guy was really bold, and what surprised him more was that Wang Jian managed to meet him.

"Yes, I met him again." Wang Jian replied.

"Where did you meet him?" Zhang Zeguang still didn't believe it.

"At the Provincial Party Compound."

"Governor Zhao is in the provincial government, how did you meet him at the Provincial Party Compound?"

"I went to the Provincial Party Compound, and he went there too, so we met."

"Why did you go to the Provincial Party Compound?"

"To find a classmate."

"Does your classmate work at the Provincial Party Compound?"

"Yes, she works in the Provincial Party Office and is Governor Zhao's niece."

Determined to get to the bottom of it, Zhang Zeguang came out from behind his desk, took Wang Jian's report, and said, "Let me see, Wang, you sit down."

Zhang Zeguang quickly flipped through the report. In fact, he was still thinking about what Wang Jian had said. He didn't expect Wang Jian to have a classmate working in the Provincial Party Office, and she was Zhao Bingzhi's niece. He didn't know if Wang Jian's visit was just a simple classmate visit or if there was a romantic relationship. Wang Jian was handsome, and they were classmates, so it was possible that Zhao Bingzhi's niece might like him. If that happened, Wang Jian would have a bright future. Zhao Bingzhi could easily transfer him to the provincial government, and would a small township party secretary even be considered an official in the eyes of provincial government officials?

Thinking about this, Zhang Zeguang regretted not treating Wang Jian better and even criticizing him in front of Zhao Bingzhi.

"Wang, you did a good job. Not bad, worthy of a university student from the provincial capital. If you have time, have your classmate come and inspect our work, to strengthen our relationship with Governor Zhao!" Zhang Zeguang smiled and said after flipping to the last page.

Wang Jian knew Zhang Zeguang wasn't interested in the report but in his classmate and her uncle, Zhao Bingzhi. He thought that even with just a simple classmate relationship with Zhao Yixuan, Zhang Zeguang wanted to curry favor. If he married Zhao Yixuan, he would be on the fast track to success. The nepotism in the political arena was always thriving.

"That's no problem, but what do you plan to do about the agricultural industrial structure adjustment?" Wang Jian readily agreed, knowing it wouldn't be urgent. He would talk to Zhao Yixuan later, but the current issue was how to get the work started.

"Adjusting the agricultural industry seems simple, but it's actually very difficult. The locals may not buy into it. Your idea is good, but it may not be feasible!" Zhang Zeguang said hesitantly.

"What do you suggest?" Zhang Zeguang was moved.

"First, we can hold a mobilization meeting and organize farmers to visit advanced villages. If possible, we can also visit advanced regions." Wang Jian said.

"Holding a mobilization meeting is fine, and organizing farmers to visit advanced villages in the township is also fine. As for visiting advanced regions, that's too expensive. Here's what I suggest: you return to the Party and Government Office and take charge of preparing the mobilization meeting. We'll hold it when it's ready." Zhang Zeguang thought for a moment and decided.

People with limited means often hesitate when it comes to spending money. Wang Jian understood Zhang Zeguang's thoughts and could only lead the farmers to visit advanced villages in the township for now.

Wang Jian thus returned to the Party and Government Office. Du Xiaobei was naturally very happy, while Fang Zhiming was surprised. However, as the deputy director, he was glad that Wang Jian was back, as he could now command him.

"Wang, you're back. Good, I have a document for you to write." As soon as Wang Jian returned to the office, Fang Zhiming gave him a task.

Sitting at his desk, Wang Jian didn't say a word and started organizing the materials for the mobilization meeting. Fang Zhiming immediately became angry and walked over to him, saying, "Wang Jian, I'm talking to you. Didn't you hear me?"

Wang Jian looked up and glanced at him, then picked up the materials and said, "This is the material Zhang Secretary asked me to prepare. Do you want me to drop this and do yours?"

"What material did Zhang Secretary ask you to prepare? I'm telling you, now Zhang Secretary and Director Feng delegate tasks to me, and then I pass them on to you!" Fang Zhiming didn't believe Wang Jian.

Wang Jian laughed and said, "Is that so? If that's the case, it's your mistake. Zhang Secretary assigned this task, and you didn't know about it. How are you performing as the deputy director? Are you qualified? You need to be more careful in the future!"

"What did you say? Who are you to criticize me!" Fang Zhiming was enraged and slammed his hand on the table.

Wang Jian also slammed his hand on the table and stood up, saying, "What? Who are you to give me orders!"

"I'm the deputy director of the Party and Government Office!" Fang Zhiming shouted.

"You know you're the deputy director. Wait until you become the director before you give me orders!" Wang Jian said coldly.

"You... I'll report to Director Feng!" Fang Zhiming stormed out, fuming.

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End of Chapter 5