Chapter 222: The Dust Settles (Part 1)

Meng Houshi accompanied his wife to the provincial capital for surgery. Having a close acquaintance serving as an attending physician at the Provincial First Hospital, he navigated the familiar channels with ease and quickly settled his wife into care. With that matter handled, he took some time to visit the home of Zhu Jianguo, the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee.

"Forest is remarkably like his father—too straightforward in personality, too impulsive in temperament. During his year as acting County Party Secretary, he stirred up quite a few controversies. Liu Bing holds significant grievances against him." Meng Houshi had come specifically to discuss Yang Senlin’s situation.

Zhu Jianguo did not immediately respond. Instead, he retrieved a set of precious Hetian jade Go stones he kept in reserve. "I’ve already called Dean Gou at the Provincial Hospital and arranged for your wife to be placed in the VIP ward for senior cadres. You need not worry about that. Come, let’s play a game."

Back in their factory days, Zhu Jianguo and Meng Houshi often played Go together. This particular set had been acquired by Yang Senlin’s father during the chaotic raids of the Cultural Revolution. In an era of extreme cultural deprivation, this set of Go stones had enriched the leisure lives of the three young men. The habit of playing Go persisted through the years and was even passed down to the next generation.

After a few moves of silent contemplation, Zhu Jianguo suddenly spoke. "There is already an arrangement for Forest’s situation."

He focused intently on the board, placed a stone, and continued, "Overall, Forest’s performance leading the county committee in Yiyang has been positive. Politically, he has not deviated from the correct direction. In his work, he has grasped the key issues. There are no major problems in his personal life either. His issue, ultimately, is one of character. He is cast from the same mold as his father—impulsive and lacking in steadiness. As the top leader of a county committee, he still lacks the necessary maturity."

Meng Houshi said, "A while back, someone wrote a letter denouncing Ma Youcai. Although we don’t know who wrote it, many people assumed it was Forest. I believe Forest did not write it. He has many flaws, but I trust his character."

Zhu Jianguo nodded. "Regarding the denunciation letters targeting Forest, the Shazhou Discipline Inspection Commission has also conducted a covert investigation. I believe the decision to shut down the four amino acid factories was reasonable. Pollution issues have already become apparent in developed regions. However, the Shazhou area is still in a period of intense thirst for capital, and people have not truly recognized the importance of environmental protection. On this point, Forest was right. But regarding the vehicle issue, Forest’s explanation is unclear. He did indeed borrow a car. As long as the fact remains, it is difficult to justify. This boy is confused."

Meng Houshi, having served as a secretary-general for many years, was meticulous in his observations. "I have carefully studied the two denunciation letters. My impression is that the style and wording are very similar. They likely come from the same person."

Zhu Jianguo pondered for a moment. "I do not know Ma Youcai well, nor do I need to clarify his character. On this matter, I must respect the decision of the Shazhou Municipal Party Committee. I trust Comrade Changquan. He served as my deputy for many years and is a very upright person."

"A few days ago, Changquan came to the province and specifically discussed the situation in Yiyang. The plan is to appoint Forest as County Mayor and Ma Youcai as County Party Secretary. Ma Youcai has been a county mayor for many years, so his appointment as Party Secretary is normal. This plan conforms to convention. I agree with Comrade Changquan’s opinion."

Technically, the Shazhou Municipal Party Committee did not need to report the adjustment of a county-level leadership team to the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee. However, due to Yang Senlin’s background, Zhou Changquan had specifically sought out Zhu Jianguo.

Meng Houshi felt a deep affection for Yang Senlin. "I believe Forest would not use these Cultural Revolution-era tactics."

"Regardless of what methods others used, Forest indeed has problems in his work and interpersonal conduct."

"This arrangement is a major setback for Forest. He is proud and has always aimed for the position of County Party Secretary."

"Forest needs to have his temper tempered. He needs to experience setbacks to truly mature. I still have a few years left in this term. If Forest can survive this hurdle, I will help him take another step up. After I step down, how far he can go will depend entirely on his own ability." Seeing his old friend’s expression darken slightly, he added, "Old Meng, you must understand me. I am doing this for Forest’s sake. If his abilities are not yet sufficient, promoting him would only harm him."

Hearing Zhu Jianguo speak thus, Meng Houshi knew the大局 (general situation) was settled. Although this outcome was not the most ideal, it was acceptable. It now depended on whether Forest could correctly handle this personnel adjustment.

When the official news broke, it caused a stir in Yiyang. Some rejoiced, others worried. This was precisely the result Hou Weidong least wanted to see. At this moment, he was already in an awkward position in Yiyang. Ma Youcai had once been Zhu Yan’s mortal enemy. Although he had been forced to submit in the later stages, he certainly did not accept it in his heart. It was merely a matter of circumstances. Now that Ma Youcai had taken power, Hou Weidong naturally could not enter his inner circle.

On the other hand, Hou Weidong’s relationship with County Mayor Yang Senlin had grown closer. However, Yang Senlin’s position within Yiyang County was delicate. Hou Weidong dared not get too close to him, fearing collateral damage.

After making an appointment with Zhu Yan, Hou Weidong headed straight for Lingxi. He arrived at the Lingxi Party School at three in the afternoon. Unluckily, Zhu Jianguo, the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Principal of the Party School, was holding a symposium. Zhu Yan, as one of the student representatives, was required to attend the symposium and have dinner with Zhu Jianguo. Hou Weidong had no choice but to wait at the school.

He called Wang Bing, who was just sending Zhu Mei back to the Shazhou School for the Deaf and Mute. Hou Weidong drove around the eastern and western parts of Lingxi for over an hour, visiting the main urban areas. He then returned to the Jinxing Hotel, checked into a room, and tried to sleep for a short while, but tossed and turned, unable to rest.

At five o’clock, Hou Weidong got up and called Li Jing. "I’m in Lingxi, at the Jinxing Hotel. I’d like to treat you to dinner tonight." At that moment, Li Jing was at a construction site in the suburbs. She casually took off her safety helmet and smiled. "Did you come to Lingxi specifically to see me? I’m flattered."

"I came to Lingxi to report my work to Secretary Zhu. Zhu Jianguo is currently convening a symposium with them."

Li Jing walked a few steps faster, creating distance from the subordinates behind her. "I thought you came specifically to see me, but it turns out it’s just on the way. Still, it’s progress that you remembered to call me. I don’t want to eat out. You wait at my place first, and I’ll rush back in a moment. In the future, when you come to Lingxi, don’t bother booking a hotel. Just come straight to my place."

Project Manager Old Zheng had originally been a capable project manager at the Shazhou Investment Company. Now that the company’s performance had declined significantly, he had decisively joined the Jinggong Group when they extended an olive branch. He was now the project manager for the first section of the Lingxi Outer Ring Road.

He was well aware of Li Jing’s rise. He thought to himself, "Since the establishment of Jinggong Group, Li Jing has been reborn. She climbed to her high position step by step by leveraging men. Now she talks about market rules with every breath. This woman is truly formidable."

Seeing Li Jing smile so gently while on the phone, he felt a pang of jealousy. "I don’t believe she’ll stay single forever. Judging by the way she’s talking on the phone, it must be a lover. I wonder which lucky dog it is. What a blessing."

With this thought, his eyes lingered on Li Jing’s back for a moment. Although she was wearing denim clothes, her body curves were still enough to make one’s mouth water.

Old Zheng was in his fifties. Having spent years working on projects away from home, he barely used his wife and had long grown accustomed to enjoying himself outside. However, he had self-awareness. He knew he could not afford a woman like Li Jing; he could only indulge in fantasy. He cursed inwardly, "Damn it, whoever that bastard is, he really has good luck."

"Old Zheng, I have to leave first. The issues discovered earlier must be resolved within five days. I will come back to inspect then."

Old Zheng smiled broadly. "Director Li, please rest assured. These are minor issues and will be resolved immediately. The projects I manage do not have problems. You should trust me after all these years."

Li Jing said, "Old Zheng, this is a key project in Lingxi. Provincial leaders often come to inspect. Pay attention to the details and leave a good impression. Only then will you have the confidence to take on future projects." Old Zheng patted his chest. "Director Li, don’t wait five days. Come inspect tomorrow, and I guarantee there will be no problems."

Watching Li Jing’s hurried footsteps, Old Zheng swallowed hard. He turned around and shouted at his subordinate, "You damn fool, how did you let this slip? Deduct your pay, no arguments."

In the car, Li Jing took out a small mirror from her handbag and looked closely. Since she had been inspecting the construction site, she had only applied light makeup. Walking around the site, the wind had raised dust, covering her face.

When she arrived at her apartment building, she immediately saw the familiar Bluebird car. She quickened her pace to the elevator lobby. The elevator, usually fast, seemed to move as slowly as a snail.

Opening the door, she saw Hou Weidong sitting leisurely in the living room watching TV. "What were you in such a hurry to see Zhu Yan about?"

Hou Weidong stood in front of the bathroom door, arms crossed, watching Li Jing wash her face. "The leadership team in Yiyang has been finalized. Yang Senlin is the acting County Mayor and Deputy Secretary of the County Party Committee. Ma Youcai has become the County Party Secretary."

Li Jing took off her denim jacket, revealing a thin shirt underneath. The shirt was tucked into her belt, giving her a sharp, capable appearance. She turned around and said, "You went to see Secretary Zhu because you want to transfer? Jinggong Group has a major project in the New Administrative District. Don’t be in such a hurry to leave. I heard the situation in Maoyun is quite complex. Zhu Yan is only the Deputy Secretary. I suggest you wait a bit longer before deciding."

"It’s easier to hold office if you have connections in the capital. This is the rule of the officialdom in Lingxi. Given the current structure in Yiyang, it will be difficult for me to develop. Even if I transfer to Shazhou, without a powerful figure to protect and escort me, it will be hard to advance." This was Hou Weidong’s summary of his work experience. When he first arrived in Qinglin Town, he had no connections in the capital and was casually assigned by Zhao Yongsheng. Since becoming Zhu Yan’s secretary, his career had been smooth sailing.

After washing her face, Li Jing gently kissed Hou Weidong. "I suggest you wait a bit longer. Our project will be completed in a few months. Then you can leave with a clear conscience."