Chapter 112: The Year's End (2)

  They finally arrived at Fuyuan Teahouse, and Xu Shaojie was already drenched in sweat. All the way here, he had been saying all sorts of good things, and Xu Shaojie almost knelt down to kowtow to Tang Wanrou. Tang Wanrou's personality was something Xu Shaojie knew well - she always kept her promises. It wasn't until Tang Wanrou finally agreed to consider it that Xu Shaojie let out a sigh of relief.

  The environment of Fuyuan Teahouse is very good, the service staff at the entrance wear uniform clothes and greet every guest who enters. Tang Wanjou went to the service desk to ask, Chen Mubiao has arrived and is in room 1018.

  Xu Shaojie met Chen Mubiao for the first time. Chen Mubiao was of medium build, looking pale and clean-cut, with a scholarly appearance that made him seem slightly weak. However, Xu Shaojie noticed that Chen Mubiao's eyes were somewhat sharp. Xu Shaojie deliberately looked at the time, 2:55, the tea on the table had cooled down a bit, no longer steaming hot, indicating that Chen Mubiao had been there for a while.

  "Secretary Xu, nice to meet you. I've been looking forward to seeing you for a long time. Today's meeting is an honor, and your demeanor is extraordinary. I feel inferior in comparison. Please take care of me from now on, Secretary Xu."

  "Director Chen is being polite, you work in the provincial city, it's only right that you should be taking care of me."

  Xu Shaojie was somewhat surprised that Chen Mubiao, who was far away in the provincial city, knew about his appointment as Secretary Ding Yuan's secretary just a few days ago. Perhaps seeing Xu Shaojie's confusion, Chen Mubiao smiled and spoke up.

  "Director Xue, I grew up in Huaiyang City, my father was the deputy secretary of the Huaiyang Municipal Committee, and later transferred to Xilin City. I didn't leave Huaiyang City for long, so I have some friends there, and I knew about Secretary Xue's situation. Today, first, I want to offer congratulations, congratulating Secretary Xue on being reused, second, I want to express my admiration, the achievements Secretary Xue made in Yudu District are something I can never catch up with."

  "Director Chen, I don't know your situation, this is unfair."

  "Haha, Secretary Xu, don't be in a hurry. My experience is actually quite simple. When I was young, I studied in Huaiyang City all the way through. Later, I took the college entrance exam and got assigned to work at the Xilin City Yuanyuan District government office after graduation. At that time, I didn't expect my father would be transferred to work in Xilin City. I started as an ordinary cadre and held positions such as deputy section chief, section chief, and later became the deputy director of the district government office. Although there were some connections through my father in between, this deputy director position can't compare with Secretary Xu's. Even though our ranks are the same, the importance is vastly different. I truly admire Secretary Xu. The vegetable greenhouses and cement factory in Yudu District all received praise from my father. My father worked in Huaiyang City for many years and has a deep affection for it. Although Secretary Xu is younger than me, his abilities far surpass mine."

  "Director Chen is being polite. Your opening remarks have left me speechless. How about this, I'll treat you to dinner this afternoon and we can find a place to go."

  "Secretary Xu, you can't steal the show, can you? You just got back today, it should be me treating you. I've already made arrangements, this afternoon we'll get together with a few people and have a good gathering. Times are different now, let's celebrate the New Year in advance. And I also want to congratulate Secretary Xu and Tang Wanrou."

  Xu Shaojie smiled, Chen Mubiao finally brought up the topic, their conversation would inevitably involve a key figure, Liu Hong, it was because of Liu Hong that the two of them could sit together drinking tea and eating.

  "Alright, I'd rather obey than show respect. Today, I'm delighted to meet Director Chen. To be honest, we're able to sit here thanks to Xiao Rou."

  Tang Wanrou gave Xu Shaojie a fierce stare. The conversation between Xu Shaojie and Chen Mubiao was somewhat vague to her ears, how come every time they met, it was mutual flattery? Is this the style of administrative units? In the public security organ, most people she saw were in a military style, straightforward and rarely beating around the bush.

  "Yes, but there's also your old classmate Liu Hong. Liu Hong is now working in the Xilin City Government Office and has been doing very well, I must say I'm quite impressed. Judging from his momentum, he'll be on par with Secretary Xu in no time."

  "Hehe, I'm not comparable to Liu Hong. His conditions are good, he grew up in a great environment and received good education. His father is famous in Xilin City. I'm just from an ordinary family, there's a gap in all aspects, so I never thought of competing with Liu Hong."

  Chen Mubao's face changed color slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.

  "Secretary Xu, it's not necessarily the case. I'd say that my upbringing environment wasn't bad either. Now I'm 28 years old, several years older than Secretary Xu. However, I still can't compare to Secretary Xu and admit defeat. The growth environment is different, which is innate and cannot be changed by anyone. The key lies in one's own awareness and efforts. I don't deny that the good or bad environment has a significant impact, but external factors are secondary, while internal factors are primary."

  "Hehe, Director Chen, let's not argue, I partially agree with your point of view. From Xiaorou's body, I have already felt these things, not everyone has that kind of understanding."

  Chen's expression was quite focused, as if he didn't want to let go of this topic.

  "Secretary Xu, I'm being presumptuous here, but I've learned a bit about your experiences. Tang Wanrou told me some things, and I also figured some out myself. Please don't mind me saying this - people's upbringing environments are different, so their perspectives will be vastly different too. Who doesn't like a smooth-sailing life? Nobody is born wanting to suffer. As someone studying Chinese, Mencius' famous quote has convinced many: 'The Heaven will not give great responsibilities to a person unless it first tests his heart and mind, exhausts his body and muscles, starves his skin and flesh, and empties his pockets.' When I was in school, I read this and thought about enduring hardships - I even wanted to become an ascetic monk and experience all the hardships in the world so that I could quickly grow up. But after entering the workforce, I gradually realized that not everyone can endure certain hardships - environment plays a huge role. Moreover, as society has developed, our struggles are mainly in the aspect of self-cultivation. I haven't experienced much hardship myself because of my father's influence and the good environment around me. It can't be compared to Secretary Xu's experiences, but Secretary Xu taught me a valuable lesson through Tang Wanrou's matter - sometimes, a smiling face on the surface cannot hide the darkness within."

  Xu Shaojie's expression turned serious, it seemed that Chen Mubiao's intention of meeting him today was not just to have a casual meal or chat, Chen Mubiao's thoughts were completely beyond Xu Shaojie's expectation, on their first meeting, they had already discussed such profound topics as the philosophy of being an official and getting along with people, it wasn't a good thing.

  "Director Chen, I really admire your insight. Before my father passed away, he told me that when interacting with others, one should only speak three-tenths of the truth and not reveal one's whole heart. I've thought about it carefully too, sometimes speaking too much can lead to losses."

  "Secretary Xu, you underestimated me. I've been working for six years and have always adhered to many principles of getting along with others, but the results are not as expected. I feel that making friends is like dating, once you see an opportunity, you need to devote yourself wholeheartedly. Everyone has flaws, there's no perfect person in this world. People always think about protecting themselves while also rejecting others. What I'm saying is true, if my judgment or luck is poor, then I'll admit it. Last time, I almost had bad luck, if it wasn't for Secretary Xu, maybe I would have devoted myself wholeheartedly."

  Xu Shaojie didn't speak for a while, Chen Mubiao's meaning was very clear. Xu Shaojie wasn't sure why Chen Mubiao would say such things and show such an attitude, there must be a reason behind it. However, since Chen Mubiao had already spoken out his mind, he couldn't just ignore it. Chen Mubiao was someone worth befriending, Xu Shaojie thought to himself. Chen Mubiao had been working for several years and had some unique insights. The key thing was that Chen Mubiao's family was not ordinary.

  "Director Chen, I've also experienced some setbacks, just like you, I hope to have true friends. Our work units are different now, very special. Many times, having multiple friends means having multiple paths. Anyone can have bad luck and encounter such situations. Hoping everyone will care about you is unrealistic, but true friends are different. They will care about you, comfort you, and help you as much as possible. I really hope we can become true friends."

  "Secretary Xu, I hope you can look up to a friend like me."

  The two of them burst out laughing, but based on just a few words, it was impossible for them to immediately open up to each other. Chen Mubao's somewhat urgent attitude made Xu Shaojie think of something. Tang Wanyu had said that Chen Mubao might have to leave Xilin City, as both his father and he were in Xilin City, which wasn't quite suitable, and it was affecting Chen Mubao's progress. Secretary-General Chen Dengxiang was from Huaiyang City, so would Chen Mubao directly go to Huaiyang City or one of the counties under its jurisdiction to take up a post?

  After Xu Shaojie had basically confirmed his own ideas, Chen Mubiao's actions were not surprising. In the officialdom, alliance is very important, and mutual support in intense competition can help each other out. Although Chen Dengxiang was a municipal party leader in Xilin City, he couldn't control Huaiyang City, despite having some old connections. However, county officials are not as effective as current managers, so if Chen Mubiao wants to make a name for himself in Huaiyang City, he still needs to rely on his own efforts.

  When having dinner, Chen Mubiao ordered two bottles of Maotai wine. Xu Shaojie hurriedly declined and said that one bottle would be enough for the two of them to drink, as they had just returned home and were a bit tired. Chen Mubiao readily agreed. During dinner, the two did not continue discussing Liu Hong's matter, instead talking about seemingly casual topics. However, through these casual conversations, the two were mutually understanding and even probing each other.

  When going home, Xu Shaojie was in a dilemma. He had drunk wine and couldn't drive. If something happened, it would be troublesome. If Tang Wanrou drove, how would Tang Wanrou get home?

  "Honey, I'll drive you back and then take a taxi home."

  "That's not good, you're a girl, traveling alone, is it safe?"

  "Come on, I'm a police officer, who am I afraid of?"

  Tang Wanrou drives very steadily, it seems she has specially trained for this.

  "Honey, when are you going to come to my home?"

  "I don't know yet, I just got home today and I still have to go out tonight for some things. Tomorrow is the 30th of the lunar new year and we have to be on time for work on the seventh day of the first month, it's a headache."

  "Honey, you've had so much wine, and now you're going out at night? What's going on, I'll go with you."

  "I'm going to Secretary Ding's home, why are you accompanying me? Alright, after sending me back, you can go home early."

  "Hmm, you haven't said when you're coming over to my place yet."

  "I'll go back and check the schedule, you call me tomorrow and I'll tell you."

  Zhang Shaocai and Yan Yuhuan have both returned home, the house is very lively. Xu Shaojie didn't come back for dinner in the afternoon, Han Qing'e was about to make a phone call when Zhang Shaocai stopped her, he knew that Xu Shaojie must be busy with something. After sending Tang Wanyu off in a taxi, Xu Shaojie slowly returned home, half a jin of Maotai wine, not a small amount, Xu Shaojie seemed somewhat excited. Everyone has returned home, so Xu Shaojie can only sleep in the living room, the house is not big, it's an unavoidable situation.

  Han Qing'e smelled the wine on Xu Shaojie's body and was somewhat unhappy. It was already the 29th of the lunar month, and after returning home, he had run out again and drunk wine. Xu Shaojie felt a bit embarrassed, went into his mother's room to search for something, came out with a black plastic bag, and asked Zhang Shaocai to send him off, saying he still needed to go out for a while.

  In Ding Yuan's home, Xu Shaojie didn't stay for long. This time, Xu Shaojie brought wine and cigarettes. Ding Yuan didn't say a word, seeing that Xu Shaojie's face was slightly red, knowing that he had been drinking. Ding Yuan simply said a few words to Xu Shaojie and urged him to go home. Xiao Xinglan grumbled at Ding Yuan on the side, but Ding Yuan just smiled and said it was nothing.

  Xu Shaojie returned home and had sobered up a lot, thinking about what Tang Wanyu had said. His family members were still awake, watching TV in the living room. Xu Yijie was alone in his room fiddling with his new phone. Han Qing'e, Yan Yuhuan, and Liu Xiaomei were preparing the reunion dinner in the kitchen. Xu Pingfan stared at the TV, completely absorbed in what he was watching.

  The timing of the New Year is still very tight, Xu Shaojie calculated that he needs to return to his hometown to pay respects to his father, which is indispensable, and it will take at least two days for the round trip. Xu Yijie also needs to follow Liu Xiaomei back to her parents' home. Although the length of time doesn't matter, there are customs in rural areas: on New Year's Day, you don't go out; on the second day, you pay respects to your elders. According to this schedule, it would be best for Xu Yijie and Liu Xiaomei to delay their return by a day. On New Year's Day, they will leave for the small county town, pay respects to his father, and return to the provincial city on the third day of the new year. On the fourth day of the new year, Xu Yijie and Liu Xiaomei will go back home. According to this arrangement, he can also visit Tang Wanyu's home on the fourth day of the new year.

  After thinking about it, Xu Shaojie found Xu Yijie and told him his plan. He was a bit embarrassed, originally he could have returned to the county town in December, but due to work delays, Xu Yijie had no objections at all, and immediately discussed with Liu Xiaomei, unified their opinions, and arranged for January's schedule. The time left for Xu Shaojie to be free was only two days, but he also had no choice, the working environment changed, and the schedule had to change accordingly.