Chapter 359: Taking Office (Part 2)

Chapter 359: Taking Office (Part 2)

Hou Weidong held a certain status in Yiyang. To be scolded by Jiang Long, the Deputy Director of the Construction Commission, stirred a fire in his heart. Although he did not lose his temper on the spot, his demeanor cooled significantly, losing the warmth it had held moments before. He replied coldly, “The management level of the Science and Technology Commission is a matter known to the County Party Committee and the County Government.”

Jiang Long was taken aback by the retort. He recalled what Liu Kun had said during their drinking session the previous night and thought to himself, “The era of Zhu Yan is over. Hou Weidong is now a beaten dog. Why is he still acting so arrogant?”

Despite these thoughts, Hou Weidong remained a prominent figure in Yiyang. Although Jiang Long was closely aligned with Liu Kun, he did not wish to make an enemy of Hou Weidong, who still possessed considerable influence, merely for Liu Kun’s sake. Seeing that Hou Weidong’s response was neither soft nor hard, but laced with subtle barbs, Jiang Long softened his tone. He adopted a consultative manner, saying, “Director Hou, building quality standards are strictly enforced these days. Since an accident occurred at this site, fines are inevitable, and temporary suspension of work is required. This is also a matter of responsibility to the owners. I hope you can understand.”

Hou Weidong was about to leave Yiyang and had no desire to create further trouble. Seeing Jiang Long’s tone soften, he relaxed his attitude as well. “This is your duty, and I can understand it,” he said. Turning to Zhou Yongtai, he added, “I have prior engagements and must leave now. Contact me if there are any further matters.”

Once Hou Weidong had departed, Jiang Long could no longer hold back his grievances. He vented his frustration at Zhou Yongtai, who looked cautious. “It was your construction site that had the accident, yet it has become my dereliction of duty. I have been criticized by my superiors several times because of this.”

Zhou Yongtai responded submissively, “We did manage this project strictly. The accident was indeed an isolated incident. We will certainly pay attention in the future. We will ensure such things do not happen again.”

Zhu Yalong, the boss of the construction team, stood by and chimed in. “Director Jiang, please rest assured. Such incidents will absolutely not occur again.” As the boss of a construction team operating within the jurisdiction of the Construction Commission, Zhu Yalong viewed the Commission and the Land Resources Bureau as the providers of his livelihood. Therefore, when Jiang Long arrived at the site in a rage, Zhu had been careful to maintain a respectful demeanor throughout.

Jiang Long’s face hardened. He showed no leniency toward Zhu Yalong. “Boss Zhu, this matter is not yet resolved. In addition to suspending production for rectification, there will be fines. If another accident occurs, you will not be allowed to work in Yiyang anymore.”

Zhu Yalong nodded vigorously, his face grim, like a chick pecking at rice. Zhou Yongtai continued to smooth things over from the side, and they finally managed to appease the group from the Construction Commission.

At noon, the project manager of Bu Gaogao Company in Yiyang treated Jiang Long to a meal. As they were eating, Jiang Long received a call from Zhang Yajun, the Director of the Construction Commission. Zhang Yajun asked immediately, “What is the situation with the Agricultural Research Base?”

Hearing a slight edge in Zhang Yajun’s tone, Jiang Long replied, “An accident occurred. According to regulations, rectification is required. Work can only resume after the inspection is passed.”

“What is the main issue?”

Jiang Long paused to think, then said, “It is still a matter of management.”

Zhang Yajun expressed his dissatisfaction. “What do you mean by ‘management issues’? Be specific. Is it a failure to implement the responsibility system? Is there no safety officer? Or are there problems with the specific measures?” Hearing Jiang Long hesitate and fail to provide a clear explanation, Zhang Yajun continued, “I have visited this site myself. The management is quite standardized. This incident is merely accidental. Have the construction team prepare a self-inspection report as soon as possible. There is no need to halt production.”

“You are the one who summoned the ghost, and you are the one who releases it. You want me to be the scapegoat,” Jiang Long muttered with dissatisfaction after hanging up the phone.

At that moment, Zhang Yajun, Director of the Yiyang Construction Commission, was driving on the Lingxi Expressway. He was not sitting in the front passenger seat but, like a city-level leader, occupied the seat behind the driver. In Mayor Bu’s office, he had learned that Hou Weidong was to become Secretary Chang Quan’s secretary. After calling Jiang Long, he dialed Hou Weidong’s number.

“Director Hou, this is Zhang Yajun. How is the situation at the research base?”

“The injured workers are out of danger,” Hou Weidong replied.

Zhang Yajun said, “It is good that no one died. If there had been fatalities, the nature of the incident would have changed. Since it is only injuries, it should not be a major issue. The construction of the research base is a key project for the county, and with Director Hou overseeing it, our Construction Commission has full confidence. I have already spoken to Jiang Long regarding his suggestion to halt production for rectification. A self-inspection report will suffice; there is no need to stop work.”

Hou Weidong quickly responded, “Thank you, Director Zhang. Please rest assured, such incidents will absolutely not occur again.”

Zhang Yajun laughed heartily. “We are all brothers. Why be so formal?” He added, “Looking at the New Management Committee over the past half year, they have essentially relied on the foundation left by you, with hardly any new projects. Transferring you to the County Science and Technology Commission was a major misstep by the County Party Committee.”

After hanging up, Hou Weidong crossed his arms and pondered. “Director Zhang’s words are interesting. It seems he has already received the news. I wonder if the official document has been issued?”

In the afternoon, just as work began, Yang Liu called. “Director Hou, I have obtained the official document regarding your transfer. It has been formally issued. I will fax it to the Science and Technology Commission office.”

Hou Weidong went to the commission office. The fax machine was placed on Director Xiao Ning’s desk. Xiao Ning was concentrating intently on practicing calligraphy. Seeing Hou Weidong enter, he did not hide his activity. “Director Hou, is there something you need?”

Hou Weidong smiled cheerfully. “Nothing urgent. I just need to receive a fax. Please do not stand up; continue your practice.”

Hou Weidong spoke sincerely. He was no longer the Director of the Yiyang County Science and Technology Commission, so he had little interest in managing such trivial matters. However, these words made Director Xiao Ning feel somewhat awkward. “Director Hou, let me help you receive the fax. This machine is an antique; the quality is not very good.”

“No need. I will do it myself,” Hou Weidong said, waving his hand.

Seeing Hou Weidong handle it personally, Director Xiao Ning did not insist further, offering only some guidance from the side.

As expected, the fax machine, like other equipment in the Science and Technology Commission, was an antique. When outputting paper, it hesitated like a shy bride entering her bridal chamber. As soon as the fax paper cautiously emerged from the narrow slit, Hou Weidong reached out to catch it.

After reading the official document, Hou Weidong finally felt completely at ease. He returned to his office, reported the matter to Zhu Yan, and then went down to the fourth floor to knock directly on Ji Haiyang’s office door.

The door was opened by Zhuang Weiguo, Deputy Director of the County Party Committee Office. He shook Hou Weidong’s hand warmly and whispered, “Congratulations, congratulations.” Through the crack in the door, Hou Weidong saw that there were guests in Ji Haiyang’s office. He asked with a smile, “Is Secretary Ji busy?”

Zhuang Weiguo still held Hou Weidong’s hand and whispered, “Hong Ang, Secretary-General of the Shazhou Municipal Party Committee, is here discussing your matter. The Secretary-General of the Municipal Standing Committee is personally involved. Director Hou, you truly have face.”

When Zhuang Weiguo finally released his hand, Hou Weidong smiled. “I should avoid this matter for now. I will come to report another day.”

Secretary-General Hong Ang stayed in Yiyang for only a little over an hour. Ma Youcai was in Guangdong negotiating a project and was not present. Hong Ang met with Ji Haiyang, the Deputy Secretary in charge of organization. He explained the intentions of the Municipal Party Committee Office and, incidentally, inquired about Hou Weidong’s situation.

Strictly speaking, this procedure was irregular. Generally, candidates are investigated before official documents are issued. Now that the document had already been released, Hong Ang was conducting the investigation. He felt it was somewhat absurd, like taking off one’s pants to fart. However, since Hou Weidong was about to become Secretary Chang Quan’s secretary, he was cautious and made the special trip.

Hong Ang sat in Ji Haiyang’s office for an hour. After thoroughly understanding Hou Weidong’s basic situation, he returned to Shazhou.

As soon as Hong Ang left, Zhuang Weiguo immediately said, “Hou Weidong was here just now.” Ji Haiyang dialed the phone directly and laughed, “Weidong, you are quite capable. You’ve made a big move. Come down to my office quickly.”

That evening, Ji Haiyang invited Zeng Zhaoqiang, Zhu Bing, Qin Feiyue, and others to a meal at the Yiyang Hotel. These individuals were all cadres closely associated with Zhu Yan and had good relationships with Hou Weidong. Upon hearing that Hou Weidong was to become Secretary Chang Quan’s secretary, their eyes widened like copper bells. Under the轮番 bombardment of their congratulations, Hou Weidong became heavily intoxicated.

The next day, the news spread like an inescapable mosquito, buzzing through the County Party Committee and County Government buildings. It quickly became an open secret known to all.

Throughout the morning, Hou Weidong’s phone rang incessantly. Anyone who considered themselves to have some status or connection, such as Zhang Jin and Su Ming, called to congratulate him. Hou Weidong felt as though he were a newly elected head of state, with dignitaries from various countries sending telegrams of congratulations.

Liu Kun, Director of the Government Office, learned of the news and felt deeply unsettled. In school, Hou Weidong had been an outstanding student cadre, while Liu Kun had been an ordinary, inconspicuous student. After entering the workforce, except for a brief period in Qinglin Town, Liu Kun had always lived in Hou Weidong’s shadow. Now, Liu Kun was the Director of the Government Office, while Hou Weidong was merely the Director of the Science and Technology Commission. Liu Kun had barely managed to suppress Hou Weidong’s prominence, only for Hou Weidong to leap ahead once again, leaving Yiyang behind to become Secretary Chang Quan’s secretary.

Liu Kun understood clearly that in his competition with Hou Weidong, he had little chance of victory. Feeling quite dejected, he locked himself in his office.

“Am I really inferior to Hou Weidong?” he thought, feeling disheartened.

At noon, his father called him home for a meal. His sister, Liu Li, was also rarely present at home.

“He walks his broad road; I cross my narrow bridge. Why should I treat him to a meal?” Liu Kun muttered.

Seeing his son’s stubbornness, Minister Liu of the Propaganda Department grew impatient. “Why are you so obstinate? Hou Weidong is your classmate and former colleague. Treating him to a meal to catch up is not a big deal. Do you really need to have your ears cut off?”

Liu Li said, “Haitao once waited outside someone’s door until two in the morning to secure a business deal. He endures much humiliation in his daily life. What is this slight discomfort compared to that?”

Liu Kun remained silent, his face dark.