"Comrade Xu Shaojie, we've been waiting for you for a long time, haha, to send you off to take up your new post in the district and pick you up on your way back home."

  Seeing Zhang Tai Zhong waiting for him, Xu Shao Jie was somewhat surprised. This was also making a big deal out of nothing. He was just a deputy department-level cadre, and there was no need for Zhang Tai Zhong to show up in person.

  "Thank you Director Zhang for your trust in me. Now that I'm back at the municipal party committee office, I will definitely work hard and not disappoint your expectations."

  "Great, haha, Little Xu, you were originally a cadre in the municipal party committee office, and after going out for training for over a year, you have achieved great results. Keep up the good work, work hard, young people have a bright future ahead."

  "Director Zhang, thank you for your encouragement. I'm young and lack work experience. You're my superior, and there are things I've done poorly. Please criticize and correct me more."

  The conversation lasted no more than 10 minutes, and Zhang Taitong took Xu Shaojie directly to the municipal party committee office. Liao Hongyun was already waiting there. The people in the municipal party committee office had learned that Xu Shaojie was back and would take up the post of secretary to Municipal Party Committee Secretary Ding Yuan. What Xu Shaojie saw were warm smiles, as well as admiring glances.

  "Liao Secretary General, I have sent Xu Shaojie over, the task is completed."

  "Thanks to Minister Zhang for bringing us such a talented person."

  "Haha, Secretary Liao is laughing, originally it was a cadre from your municipal party committee office, and the personnel quota hasn't even been adjusted."

  After Zhang Tai Zhong left, Liao Hong Yun's expression turned serious.

  "Xiao Xu, your work has been excellent, but that's all in the past. This time back, you'll retain your current rank of Zhengke level. Your specific duties are to serve Secretary Ding Yuan, which means your true responsibility is as Secretary Ding Yuan's secretary. Your task is very heavy, and Secretary Ding Yuan's work is very busy, so you need to get into role as quickly as possible. Secretary Ding Yuan's previous secretary has been transferred to the county city for work, and Secretary Ding Yuan went to the provincial city and will be back in two days, so you can't take a holiday, there's only one day left, handle everything properly, and start formal work in two days."

  Xu Shaojie didn't dare say anything empty this time, blinked his eyes, and remained silent.

  "Don't be nervous, you and Secretary Ding Yuan are already familiar with each other. Secretary Ding Yuan's work style is solid and pragmatic. You did a good job in Yudu District, keep up the enthusiasm, I hope you will do even better in your new position."

  Xu Shaojie didn't say anything in the end. Secretary Ding Yuan was practical and said that those empty words were useless, what's the point of saying something big if you can't do it later, it would be even more embarrassing than not speaking at all.

  After getting the office key, he went in and took a look around. It was already 5:30. Xu Shaojie saw the computer inside the office and really wanted to operate it. After graduating, he hadn't seen a computer for a long time. However, it was already quitting time, so there would be plenty of time to play with it later. He didn't want to appear too eager.

  At this moment, Liao Hongyun was already beaming with joy.

  "Xiao Xu, go ahead and take care of your business. I know you have something to do this afternoon. Be sure to arrive at the office on time tomorrow morning. As soon as Secretary Ding returns, the first thing he wants to do is see you. I just called Secretary Ding a little while ago."

  Zhao Deling and Xu Yunfei both had their own thoughts. To say that Xu Shaojie was just a regular section-level cadre, they didn't need to accompany him for dinner. Although the municipal party committee office cadres had a bright future, they also needed opportunities. Some people stayed in the municipal party committee office for many years before going to work in a municipal unit. However, Xu Shaojie's situation was different. His promotion speed was too fast. He had just started working and became a deputy section-level cadre within a month. Then, within half a year, he became a regular section-level cadre. Just as people began to notice him, he became Secretary Ding Yuan's secretary. This kind of promotion speed was unheard of in Huaiyang City. The two knew that Xu Shaojie's relationship with Ding Yuan was different from the usual, so they decided to support Xu Shaojie's proposal. Earlier, Zhao Deling and Xu Yunfei had discussed and agreed in principle to Xu Shaojie's proposed adjustments to the Yudou District team.

  When Xujiaojie entered the Huaiyang Hotel, Zhang Shikui and Huang Guangming were waiting outside. After seeing Xujiaojie, Zhang Shikui and Huang Guangming immediately shook hands with him, congratulating him verbally as they all entered the private room together.

  "Secretary Xü, we've had a great conversation. Congratulations to you! Today we must treat you to a few cups of wine."

  Xu Shaojie thought for a long time. As an official at the municipal party committee office, there was nothing special about being a section-level cadre. Section-level cadres were everywhere in Huaiyang City. However, becoming Secretary Ding Yuan's secretary was different. Although it was still a section-level position, if he did his job well, his future promotions would certainly continue to be rapid. He was already 24 years old, and although he could be considered young, time waits for no one, and it would pass quickly. He needed to seize the opportunity. Facing Zhao Deliang and Xu Yunfei, Xu Shaojie wouldn't be dazzled.

  "Secretary Zhao, Mayor Xu, thank you for your care. In the past year or so, almost two years of working in Huaian City, I have learned a lot. Now that I'm leaving, I really feel a bit reluctant to part with it. You both have rich work experience, and if I could continue to learn from you, it would be my greatest wish."

  "Secretary Xu is so humble, let's talk in the afternoon and go to the municipal party committee office to take up the post."

  Xu Shaojie knew that Zhao Deling and Xu Yunfei were both concerned about his attitude towards Huai'an City in the future. Many times, a secretary can represent the views of the municipal party committee secretary.

  "We've already talked about it, Secretary Ding will be back the day after tomorrow, I won't forget Huai'an City."

  "Haha, okay, Secretary Xu, you've worked in our Huai'an City before, and you're also a cadre from our Huai'an City. Just remember us, Huai'an City."

  Zhao Deling and Xu Yunfei were more enthusiastic, they had long expected that Xu Shaojie might become Secretary Ding Yuan's secretary, but maybe after a while. The secretary of the municipal party committee is not something that anyone can take on, unexpectedly, Xu Shaojie directly became Secretary Ding Yuan's secretary.

  The atmosphere was harmonious during the meal, after all, Zhao Dekun and Xu Yunfei had different identities now. Everyone was relatively reserved, with Zhang Shikui and Huang Guangming being slightly excited. It was clear that they were invited to accompany them for a reason.

  "Director Zhao, Secretary Huang, do you know that Secretary Xu recommended you to me and suggested that you form a team? I've discussed this with Mayor Xu and we agree on this plan. You must work hard, the foundation laid by Secretary Xu is not simple, it's the result of hard work. Secretary Xu trusts you both completely and believes you can lead the team to do a good job."

  Huang Guangming's face could no longer conceal his excitement. He had not expected that his promotion would be so rapid, in just half a year, he would soon become the district head of Yu Du District. Previously, he did not dare to think about it. Moreover, everyone knew the situation in Yu Du District, as long as he worked hard, his future would be bright. Huang Guangming nudged Zhang Shikui, and the two immediately stood up to toast Zhao Deliang and Xu Yunfei, then toasted Xu Shaojie.

  Xu Shaojie was greatly surprised, never expecting Zhao Deling to say such a thing. Isn't this giving himself a huge favor? Xu Shaojie immediately understood that favors must be repaid, and in the future, he would not hesitate to speak up for Huai'an City when given the opportunity.

  No one got drunk, after all the occasion was different. More than an hour later, the banquet ended. Xu Shaojie insisted on sending Zhao Deling and Xu Yunfei to the hotel entrance, with Zhang Shiqiu and Huang Guangming closely following behind Xu Shaojie.

  "Director Xu, no, Secretary Xu, Director Zhao and Mayor Xu have left. We still need to drink well, we didn't drink well earlier. We need to accompany you in drinking happily. I thought about it, if we don't get drunk, we won't leave. Director Huang, do you agree?"

  "Of course I should, today I'll die with you, gentleman, guaranteeing that I'm the first to fall."

  "Alright, that's it for today. Let's get drunk in Yudu District tomorrow afternoon. I'll take all my stuff away too, I've already left and don't want to occupy the space anymore. It's up to you guys from now on."

  Zhang Shikui and Huang Guanghui immediately expressed their agreement. At this moment, Xu Shaojie took out his mobile phone, feeling a little reluctant to part with it.

  "I should hand over the mobile phone. I am not the secretary of Yudu District, it's not suitable to bring this mobile phone with me. However, I will keep the SIM card, everyone knows this is my number, in case of confusion. The mobile phone has not been used for a long time, it's still new, now it should be handed over to Huang Quanlong for use."

  Zhang Shikui and Huang Guangming looked at each other, not expecting Xu Shaojie to make this move.

  "Let's talk about it again tomorrow, Secretary Xu."

  Xu Shaojie shook his head and handed the phone over to Huang Guangming, including the phone case.

  Back home, Zhang Xiaoyu had been waiting for a long time without any news from Xu Shaojie. Zhang Xiaoyu hadn't eaten well, and Xu Shaojie smiled as he told her that he was back working at the Huaiyang Municipal Party Committee office, and would be following Secretary Ding Yuan from now on. Zhang Xiaoyu was overjoyed, thinking that anything good that happened to Xu Shaojie was also happening to her.

  Without a mobile phone, Xu Shaojie had to use the landline to call Zhang Shaocai and inform him of his arrangements. Less than half an hour later, Zhang Shaocai and Yan Yuhuan arrived.

  "Shao Jie, is what you said true?"

  "Big brother, big sister, I've already reported to the municipal party committee office this afternoon, but the holiday has been postponed. Secretary Ding will be back from the provincial city the day after tomorrow and I still have to go to work."

  "Alright, I knew you had potential. Look, in just over a year, the secretary of the municipal party committee has appeared at home. Follow Secretary Ding Yuan and work hard. Hmph, what am I saying these for? You're much more capable than me, you know how to do things."

  Yan Yuhuan's face was full of smiles.

  "Xiao Jie, you must work hard, in the future, your older brother and I will be relying on you."

  "Hey, no need to say more, today is a happy day, something big and joyful happened. I was wondering why the magpie was chirping at me this morning. Shao Jie, let's go out and have some drinks, celebrate properly."

  Yan Yuhuan and Zhang Xiaoyu's faces changed, Xu Shaojie had been drinking for a long time, both of them had said it before, asking Xu Shaojie to drink less, but the effect was not very good.

  "Don't go out, just drink at home. Such a happy occasion, it's okay to have some wine. Xiaoyu, let's get something to eat. If we drink outside and run into acquaintances, who knows what state we'll be in? Shaojie has been drinking a lot lately."

  Xu Shaojie suddenly remembered so many gifts, he walked into the house and took out four packs of Zhonghua cigarettes.

  "Brother, these were sent from downstairs, take them back and smoke."

  "Alright, I'll take this cigarette and smoke it. Heh heh, now I have a cigarette for the New Year."

  The whole family had just sat down when someone came knocking on the door. Xu Shaojie was very surprised, who would come visiting at this time?

  "Secretary Xū, Happy New Year! I've come especially to pay my respects."

  It was Huang Guangming who came in, followed by a woman, presumably his wife. Xu Shaojie hastily invited them into the house. After a round of introductions, Yan Yuhuan and Zhang Xiaoyu's midnight snacks were also ready. When the cold dishes such as ears and tongues were brought out, Xu Shaojie was amazed that there were still these things at home. The hot pot was Sanxiang hot pot, which was served quickly.

  "Huangqu Zhang, let's have a good drink, sister-in-law, Huangqu Zhang has no objection to drinking, right?"

  "Xu Secretary, you said drink Old Huang as he pleases, if he dares to say a word out of turn, I won't let him go home."

  Everyone burst out laughing, Zhang Xiaoyu brought out a package of glutinous rice wine from home, Xu Shaojie waved his hand repeatedly, saying drink good wine. Yan Yuhuan knew that Zhang Xiaoyu didn't recognize good wine, so she accompanied Zhang Xiaoyu into the room and soon brought out two bottles of Maotai liquor.

  "Alright, this is the maximum limit, no more additions are allowed. Sorry, Huangqu Chang."

  Xu Shaojie reluctantly opened his mouth.

  "Sister-in-law, you think we're drinking plain water? With the highest limit, just these, I guarantee that after a while, I'll gloriously fall down in front of you, absolutely no nonsense."

  "Less came, today I also want to accompany you guys drinking."

  Xu Shaojie and Huang Guangming had already drunk a lot, naturally they were somewhat different, but the atmosphere was different. The two plucked up their courage, after Huang Guangming drank a cup of Maotai liquor, he could hardly hold on anymore. However, Huang Guangming's enthusiasm was high, Xu Shaojie gave Yan Yuhuan a signal with his eyes, Yan Yuhuan hastily spoke in a low voice to Huang Guangming's lover, and finally managed to persuade Huang Guangming.

  When the night was over, it was already after 12 o'clock at night. Huang Guangming and his wife bid farewell and left, Zhang Shaocai and Yan Yuhuan also left. Xu Shaojie saw the bag left by Huang Guangming, inside were two packs of Chinese cigarettes and two bottles of Maotai wine.