Chapter 45 of 100

Chapter 45

14 min read3,433 words

Chapter 1: A Contract of Employment

In a certain place in the capital, Li Zhengyu sat upright, facing a frail old man with white hair and beard who was half-lying on a rattan chair. The old man, with his eyes half-closed, asked, "What's the latest from the Lin family?"

Li Zhengyu respectfully replied, "Father, the head of the Lin family has spoken to me. They are willing to form an alliance with us!"

"Ah!" The old man responded lightly, as if everything was within his expectations.

"Father, Xiao Yi has done our Li family a great favor this time. This child, who is far away...,"

"Isn't Li Yi twenty-one years old now?" The old man suddenly asked.

"Yes, he is five years older than Juan'er."

"Hmm, not young anymore. Arrange a job for him, let him start working. Knowledge can be learned on the job! But age and experience are treasures!" The old man's hand gently tapped the cushion. "Back in my day, at this age..."

Li Zhengyu listened humbly, not daring to show any impatience.

When the old man finally paused, Li Zhengyu interjected, "Father, where do you think it would be best to send Xiao Yi for training?"

The old man was silent for a moment, then said, "Send him to the Advisory Office! Invite Old Gu to come over."

A look of surprise flashed across Li Zhengyu's face, but he didn't ask any questions. He simply responded and got up to leave.

A smile tugged at the corner of the old man's mouth.

Those familiar with the old man knew that he only smiled like this during the war, after defeating cunning enemy soldiers.

The scene shifts to a southern province, a thousand miles away. Qian Ning had a headache these past two days. He had just returned from a business trip when Li Yi came to see him twice. Each time, Li Yi was shamelessly asking for a job, and it had to be in an administrative unit.

Where could Qian Ning find him a job? All administrative units were already overstaffed, and the positions were tight.

Qian Ning sat at his desk, thinking for a moment, then went to Xu Shaonong's office. He saw that the student council president, Lu Jun, was talking to Xu Shaonong.

Xu Shaonong and Lu Jun both stood up to offer their seats when they saw Qian Ning enter.

"Hello, Principal Qian!" Lu Jun respectfully greeted.

Xu Shaonong asked, "Old Qian, is there something you need?"

Lu Jun said, "I'll take my leave first."

Qian Ning called out, "Lu Jun, don't go yet. I just need to say a few words to Principal Xu. Principal Xu, did anything happen at the school while I was away? Anything about Li Yi?"

Xu Shaonong made a few "oh" sounds, knowing he couldn't hide it forever, and recounted the events of that day. Of course, he didn't implicate himself, pushing all the blame onto the security guards and Fu Qiang.

After listening, Qian Ning didn't show much reaction and said, "Has the selection of outstanding Party members from major universities by the provincial party committee's organization department ended?"

"It's over, the list has been finalized." Xu Shaonong said, then pulled out the list and handed it to Qian Ning.

Qian Ning looked it over and nodded. "Add Li Yi's name."

Xu Shaonong was surprised. "Li Yi? That's not appropriate! The provincial party committee is grooming these Party members as reserve talents! Li Yi is not qualified!"

Lu Jun, who was listening, added, "That's right. Li Yi isn't even a student council member, let alone a class officer. He doesn't have the necessary qualifications. The provincial party committee's organization department won't consider him. I even approached him to join our student council, but he refused and even beat up the people I sent."

Qian Ning glanced at him, making Lu Jun lower his head.

Qian Ning slowly said, "Li Yi is a talent! A talent who has made significant contributions to the country! If he's not qualified, who is?" His voice was low, but his tone was heavy.

Xu Shaonong quickly responded, "I'll add him right away!" He took the list from Qian Ning and added Li Yi's name at the bottom.

Qian Ning nodded in satisfaction and walked out, hands behind his back.

As soon as the door closed, Xu Shaonong frowned and said, "This Qian Ning is too decisive!"

Lu Jun, with a serious face, chuckled, "Principal Xu, once my father is in the top position, you'll have a chance to be the top dog!"

Xu Shaonong laughed, "I was personally promoted by Governor Lu. He is my umbrella!"

Back in his office, Qian Ning, worried about the outcome, called his old classmate Ouyang Ji.

"Ah, my great Principal Qian, you finally deigned to call me!" came a hearty laugh from the other end.

"Ouyang, you're now a member of the provincial party committee and the organization minister. Your office is grand, and your authority is heavy. I wouldn't dare to bother you easily!" Qian Ning laughed. "But today, you must help me with this matter."

"What is it? You make it sound so serious. I have high blood pressure, you know!" Ouyang Ji joked.

"We have a student named Li Yi. I want to recommend him to your organization department's reserve cadre program. I've already filled out the list; you just need to approve it!"

"Li Yi? Is he the young student from the Steel Summit?" Ouyang Ji pondered.

"Ha, this kid has truly become famous overnight!"

"Old Qian, I have a word of advice. It's best not to get involved in Li Yi's affairs!"

"What do you mean? I can't manage my own student's affairs?"

"I have a transfer order for him, issued directly from the top. You'll understand when you see it. How about this, submit the list, and I'll handle it." Ouyang Ji spoke vaguely.

Qian Ning hung up, troubled, and instructed his secretary to call Li Yi.

Li Yi excitedly came to the principal's office and smiled, "Principal Qian, is there good news for me?"

Qian Ning pointed to the sofa.

Li Yi laughed, "Just tell me what's up. I'm young, no need to sit."

Qian Ning wanted to laugh but couldn't. He asked, "Who have you offended?"

Li Yi chuckled, "What do you mean? I'm young and hot-tempered, so I might have offended someone."

Qian Ning sighed, "Never mind, just look at this!" He handed Li Yi a document.

It was a letter of employment, a red-headed official document from the provincial party committee's organization department. The document was brief, just two lines: "The comrade Li Yi from Southern University is hereby appointed to the First Section of the Advisory Office of the Provincial Advisory Bureau. Please report within three days. Seal of the Provincial Party Committee's Organization Department."

Li Yi laughed, "Great! Finally, I have a job! Principal Qian, what is this Advisory Office? I've never heard of it before."

Qian Ning smiled bitterly but didn't want to dampen the young man's enthusiasm. He said, "The Advisory Office is an important unit. It has a consultative and advisory role, mainly responsible for research, policy recommendations, and national consultation."

"Ah! Isn't it like the military's staff office?" Li Yi laughed. "Principal, thank you so much!"

Qian Ning, a bit embarrassed, said, "Sure! I'll handle the procedures for you. Prepare yourself and report for duty. The work at the Advisory Office isn't too busy, so you can still come back to take classes and lectures. Don't neglect your studies."

"Rest assured, Principal, I won't let you down." Li Yi thought, how could such an important department not be busy? How could he have free time?

---