Chapter 43: The Party Secretary Prepares to Head to the Countryside

Wu Yunqiu continued, "This article is quite good; the intent is clear, the focus is prominent, it aligns with the realities of Ninghai, and the writing flows well."

Hearing this, the tension in He Shinian's heart eased slightly.

Returning the manuscript to He, Wu said, "You can make some minor adjustments to the flow. Once you've polished it, print it out and bring it to me. I will sign off on it personally."

He Shinian acknowledged the instruction.

Back in his office, he read the piece carefully twice more, noted areas for improvement, and made revisions on his computer. After several more checks and a few tweaks to his word choices, he found no further issues. He printed the document and went to Wu Yunqiu's office.

This time, Wu didn't even look at it; he simply signed his name and added a note: "Received and approved. Wu Yunqiu."

"That’s it. You can hand the draft to Director Ou."

When he arrived at Director Ou Huasheng's office with the manuscript, he didn't know what had happened, but Ou was berating someone over the phone, his face livid and his expression chillingly fierce. Seeing He Shinian, he hung up immediately and asked, "What is it?"

He Shinian placed the printed draft on the desk. "Director Ou, this is the revised manuscript."

Ou Huasheng didn't reach for it. Glancing at it, he said coldly, "Why so fast? Did you actually change the issues I mentioned?"

"I made some minor revisions."

Seeing Ou Huasheng ready to find fault again, He Shinian didn't give him the chance. "Secretary Wu has already reviewed it and provided his approval."

Hearing this, Ou Huasheng swallowed the words that had already reached his throat. He reflexively picked up the manuscript and flipped to the last page, where he indeed saw Wu Yunqiu's signature. His expression softened. He closed the folder and said, "Alright then. Since Secretary Wu deems it acceptable, no further changes are needed."

After He Shinian left, Ou Huasheng’s face darkened once more. He had targeted He Shinian repeatedly, only to have the man skillfully defuse every attempt. Thinking of the reception incident and the petition materials, Ou Huasheng gnashed his teeth in frustration, yet for the moment, he was powerless.

Back in his office, He Shinian felt a sense of satisfaction watching Ou Huasheng get thwarted. He couldn't resist sharing the story with Tian Mi. Upon hearing it, Tian Mi laughed heartily.

"Villains like him need leaders like Secretary Wu to keep them in check," she said indignantly. "If we don't show him some spine, he’ll really think those of us below are easy to bully."

He Shinian felt a bit worried after hearing this. He didn't want to gloat, and he hoped the matter would end with Tian Mi. "I only told you about this."

Tian Mi replied quickly, "Don't worry, Section Chief. I understand. I won't tell anyone else."

On Thursday, after finishing an event, Wu Yunqiu returned to his office and told He Shinian, "Shinian, coordinate with the County Committee Office and come up with a plan. I’m planning to visit the towns and townships next week to take a look around."

He Shinian asked, "Sister Qiu, which towns do you want to visit?"

Wu Yunqiu replied, "If there’s enough time, let's visit them all. I’ve been in Ninghai for four months, stuck in this office dealing with endless official business. I’m starting to feel like a statue in a temple."

Ninghai County has a population of 1.1 million, comprising fourteen towns, two new districts, and one economic development zone. A week would be enough to visit them all.

"Sister Qiu, which departments should accompany you?"

"No big spectacles," Wu said. "Discuss it with the County Committee Office and handle it as you see fit."

"Understood. I’ll go coordinate with Director Ou."

He Shinian went to Ou Huasheng's office. To his surprise, Ou Huasheng actually smiled at him and his attitude was much more polite than before. Previously, Ou had addressed him as "Little He" or just "He Shinian," and often omitted any form of address entirely. This time, however, Ou said, "Ah, Comrade Shinian, you're here?"

He was baffled by this sudden courtesy but didn't dwell on it, explaining Wu Yunqiu's intention to tour the countryside.

Ou Huasheng listened, habitually lit a cigarette, and asked, "What is Secretary Wu’s opinion?"

"He didn't specify; he just left it to the County Committee Office to arrange," He replied.

Ou Huasheng took a deep drag and quickly outlined a plan, which He Shinian noted down. After finishing, Ou added, "We'll leave it at that for now. If there are any changes, we'll touch base again."

Just after returning to his office and taking a few sips of tea, his phone rang. It was Zhou Xian from the television station.

"Secretary He, are you free tonight? Our leadership would like to invite you to a casual dinner."

Hearing Zhou Xian’s melodic voice, He realized that as a host, she truly had an appealing tone. Zhou had helped him with the department's supplementary funding, and from a social etiquette standpoint, he should have been the one to initiate an invitation. He had been delayed by work, so he readily agreed since he was free that evening.

"I am free tonight. Let me host this dinner. How many of you are coming?"

"Our leader wants to have a good chat with you. Not many—just the two of us."

"Fine. I’ll make the arrangements and let you know the location."

"Great, then see you tonight."

Zhou hung up with a sweet, slightly coquettish tone. After the call, He Shinian thought of Tian Mi. Since she was now responsible for liaison work with the TV station, they would be dealing with each other often.

"Are you free tonight?" He texted.

Tian Mi sent a giggling emoji and asked, "What’s this, Section Chief? Inviting me to dinner again?"

"Smart as ever."

Tian Mi chuckled. He Shinian explained the situation, and she replied, "Sounds good. I’m at the Section Chief’s disposal."

"Alright, book a private room for four. Somewhere quiet."

No sooner had he hung up than Li Zhaoyang, the mayor of Nanping Town, called. Since the former Party Secretary of Nanping, Qian Dazhi, had been placed under investigation, Li had been overseeing the town's work. Wu Yunqiu had been in no hurry to confirm him in the position, which left Li feeling like an ant on a hot pan. Having been mayor for five years, he was desperate to advance. He knew that if he couldn't secure the Party Secretary position now, his future career might be in jeopardy. Consequently, he frequently called He Shinian for dinners, hoping to bridge the gap to Wu Yunqiu.

After some polite pleasantries, Li said, "Brother He, are you free tonight? Give me a chance to show my appreciation."

Li had provided the evidence that led to Qian Dazhi’s downfall, so He Shinian owed him a favor. However, he had already promised Zhou Xian and couldn't back out.

"I’m truly sorry, Mayor Li, I’ve already committed to someone else."

Li was clearly unwilling to give up. "How about a cup of tea after your dinner?"

He Shinian thought about how he had already declined Li several times. Refusing again would be seen as rude and could easily make an enemy. In officialdom, there were only friends or enemies—no middle ground. As a new secretary, he needed to build his network.

"Alright then. I’ll contact you when I'm finished."

Li replied happily, "Great, Secretary He. You go ahead with your business; I'll prepare."

At the end of the workday, Fang Jie drove Wu Yunqiu back to the County Committee compound. He Shinian rode his bicycle, with Tian Mi sitting on the back, and they left the compound together. They were unaware that their departure was being watched closely by Wang Dongge from upstairs.