Chapter Eight Reminder

  (Continue to refine the opening text, the main storyline has not changed at all, old readers don't need to pay attention to me, if it causes any inconvenience, please forgive me)

  Everyone in the inspection room looked at Liu Siyuan with a different gaze, and he himself also clearly felt that his status in the inspection room had risen significantly.

  But what made him happiest was receiving a phone call from Fang Xinyi.

  "Liu Inspector, I'm a man of my word. Coincidentally, Xiaohui is being discharged from the hospital today, so let's invite you to Spring Breeze Pavilion for a meal together?" Fang Xinyi's voice was very pleasant to listen to.

  Liu Siyuan hastily said politely: "Fang classmate is being polite, I think this meal should be on me instead, let's just consider it a celebration for Ding Hui's discharge from the hospital."

  Fang Xinyu smiled and said, "Don't worry, although I'm just a poor student, Chunfeng Pavilion can still afford to invite you. It's Director Liu who's used to big fish and meat, don't be disdainful."

  "No, no. That night, we must meet." Liu Siyuan was now in high spirits, and after work, he hastily rushed back to his rental house, taking out the suit that had been stored at the bottom of his trunk.

  Chunfeng Pavilion is a mid-range restaurant in Hanjiang City, not luxurious but clean and tidy. Fang Xinyu also booked a private room, the environment is quite good.

  When Liu Siyuan arrived, the two girls had been waiting for a while. Fang Xinyu was dressed similarly to last time, wearing a light yellow T-shirt with jeans and sneakers on her feet, her long hair tied up in a standard student attire. Her absolutely beautiful face didn't have any makeup on it, giving off an indescribable pure and innocent flavor.

  Compared to others, Ding Hui was dressed more maturely, wearing a white embroidered blouse on top and a midi skirt on the bottom. Her face was also carefully made up, looking even prettier than when she was lying in bed. Walking down the street, her head-turning rate wouldn't be low, but unfortunately, compared to the A-level beauty beside her, she still fell short by several levels.

  At the dinner table, Fang Xinlei didn't say much, basically only responding when asked. On the other hand, Ding Hui seemed very enthusiastic in describing the scene of students cheering and rejoicing after Huang Si Lang's downfall. When Liu Siyuan talked about his own impressive performance in the investigation team that day, she also seemed to be experiencing it vicariously and was extremely excited.

  "Liu Ge, now your leader seems to appreciate you a lot?" Ding Hui said with a hint of blush on her face after drinking some wine.

  Liu Siyuan said with a complacent smile: "Hehe, I couldn't guess what's on the big leader's mind, but I heard he did praise me a few times."

  "Really? That's great!"

  "There are many leaders who have exaggerated, and he may have forgotten as soon as he turned his head." Fang Xinyu suddenly interjected, pouring a basin of cold water on everyone's head.

  Liu Siyuan was a bit embarrassed and didn't know what to say, but Ding Hui quickly jumped in to argue on his behalf: "Hey, how could that be? I heard this time the incident was quite big, not only did they take away Huang Silang, but also Vice Principal Zhang. Xinyi, don't you think it's strange that Liu Ge's leader would forget about this?"

  "It seems that this time back at the municipal government compound, colleagues are all discussing this matter." Liu Siyuan was encouraged and quickly straightened his waist.

  "Oh? The gossip you're referring to should be about how many people are praising you, right?" Fang Xintu said calmly.

  Liu Siyuan chuckled and said: "This is not a lot either..."

  "Fang Xinyu said coldly, 'Inspector Liu, I have to remind you that in the officialdom, the most taboo thing is to be high-profile. For example, in your case, everyone has praised you highly, so you must be careful not to be killed by flattery! Once a person becomes complacent, it's easy to forget the heights of heaven and the thickness of the earth, and then offend the leaders without even realizing it. Moreover, although this time you followed the intentions of the mayor and the secretary-general, at the same time, you also offended many powerful figures in the municipal departments, including a vice-provincial governor. Now, the situation is stronger than people, so they won't do anything to you for the time being, but that doesn't mean they won't find trouble with you later, it's all remembered in their minds.'"

  "She paused and continued: 'I can be sure that someone is waiting for the opportunity to set you up. These people must also have some complicated relationships, and many times you can't defend against them. At this time, you must keep a low profile, being low-key in both your words and actions.'"

  It was as if he had been suddenly enlightened, and his whole body felt a thrill. Cold sweat seeped out from behind his back. He had indeed been feeling somewhat airy these past few days, completely forgetting that the officialdom was always full of crises. Thinking carefully, not to mention those bureau chiefs, just recently Xing Jun's behavior had been abnormal, not having lunch with him for several consecutive days, and their relationship had become more distant. Even Zhang Jinsong was no longer as enthusiastic towards him as before. This was a sign of crisis!

  Liu Siyuan said sincerely: "Xin Yi classmate is right, reminded very timely ah, I indeed have some not put right position."

  "Uh, of course, I was a bit harsh earlier, don't be offended. In any case, you still managed to get on the good side of the mayor and the secretary-general this time. The mayor is too far away from you, but since the secretary-general thinks highly of you and is your direct superior, you should grasp this opportunity." Fang Xinyi saw his sincere attitude and not only stopped attacking him but also encouraged him a few words.

  "Besides, Yuhan also said you're not bad." Fang Xinyu suddenly added.

  It turned out that Xiao Yuhuan and Fang Xinyi knew each other. Liu Siyuan thought to himself, no wonder she said those things that day.

  "By the way, how old are you, Liu Ge?" Ding Hui asked, intentionally changing the subject as she saw him looking a bit embarrassed.

  "Oh, I'm a dragon." Liu Siyuan said casually.

  "What? Me too! It seems we're of the same age." Ding Hui said in surprise.

  "I've read this a year ago..." Liu Siyuan said with embarrassment.

  Finally, Ding Hui had to compare birthdays with him. Liu Siyuan was born in July, and Ding Hui was born in December, so it's okay, he's still the older brother. If not, he would have become the younger brother. Later on, he found out that Fang Xinyi also started reading early and skipped grades, so she is three years younger than him, which means she is only 18 years old now.

  "How did Liu Ge pass the civil service exam back then? I heard it's very competitive now, do you have any connections at home?" Ding Hui suddenly asked.

  "What does it have to do with me? I'm from Beishan County, Ziwai City. My parents are laid-off workers waiting for retirement in the county town. They're honest and down-to-earth." Liu Siyuan said frankly. "It's just that I was lucky, the competition for the national exam wasn't too fierce back then, not like now."

  "Ah, what a coincidence! I'm also from Ziwai City, but I'm from Cheng'en County." Ding Hui said happily.

  Liu Siyuan was quite surprised and said: "Really? It turns out we are still half-fellow countrymen after all."

  Ding Hui raised her glass and said: "Yes, Liu Ge, I'll toast you a cup. This year, I also want to take the civil service exam, Liu Ge must help me more."

  "No problem, anyway I live close to Hanjiang University, and Little Wisdom can come over whenever you call." Liu Siyuan said with a pat on his chest after downing a glass of wine.

  "By the way, Xinyi, aren't you also taking the civil service exam? Want to study with Liu Ge together?" Ding Hui turned her head and said.

  "I'm afraid I'll become a light bulb." Fang Xinyi looked at the two with profound meaning, and said in a bad tone.

  Ding Hui's small face suddenly turned red, and she lightly patted Fang Xinyi a few times. Liu Siyuan could only awkwardly smile, but he suddenly realized that Ding Hui seemed to have not clearly refuted him.

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  This meal can be said to have ended with both host and guest satisfied, especially Liu Siyuan, who absolutely benefited greatly. Fang Xinyi's reminder was very timely. The next day, he arrived early at the office and started cleaning as usual. Since he joined the inspection room, he has become the exclusive cleaner of the inspection room. Unexpectedly, Xing Jun also came quite early, saw Liu Siyuan, hesitated for a moment, picked up the broom to help.

  "No need, Brother Xing, I'll handle this myself, you're busy." Liu Siyuan hastily said.

  Xing Jun looked at him for a moment, didn't say anything, nodded and put down the broom to return to his own seat.

  Liu Siyuan quickly finished sweeping, and proactively made a cup of tea for him, smiling: "Xing Ge hasn't summoned his younger brother for several days, making his younger brother feel a bit at a loss these past few days."

  Xing Jun was finally amused by him and laughed: "You little guy is now a big red man in the eyes of the leader, how can you be at a loss."

  "Hey, what a big shot I am. I still know my own weight. This time the thing at Hankou University was just dumb luck, after a few days the heat will pass and the leaders will have forgotten about me." Liu Siyuan said with a smile.

  Xing Jun looked at him with a profound gaze, guessing that he wanted to mend their relationship. Liu Siyuan's performance was even better than he had imagined, and Xing Jun thought to himself that this young man might have a promising future, at least he has good luck and a good attitude, which are also very important for navigating the officialdom. It was precisely these two qualities that he lacked in his own early years.

  As the saying goes, "Don't hit a smiling face," Xing Jun thought he seemed quite sincere, and those little grudges in his mind dissipated a lot. He said a few pleasantries, and soon their relationship was restored to some extent.

  Liu Siyuan asked: "This, Xing Ge, I feel that the two deputy directors have been a bit off lately. Can you give me some guidance?"

  "Hey kid, you didn't even notice something so obvious." Xing Jun couldn't help but shake his head, not expecting him to have such poor political sensitivity.

  "Xing Ge, please give me more guidance." Liu Siyuan pulled over a stool and sat down beside him, looking eager to learn.

  "The Municipal Supervision Office, after all, is still a subordinate institution of the municipal government office. The Hanjiang City Government Office is half a grade higher than the general prefecture-level city government office, which is at the deputy department level. Therefore, it should be said that our supervision room should be an ordinary positive treatment framework. Of course, due to the importance and special nature of the inspection work, high matching with half a grid is also very common, that is to say, high matching to a deputy bureau-level positive treatment framework.

  Secretary Zhang used to serve as the director of our Supervision Office while serving as the secretary-general, and at that time, he was still at the deputy department level. He was already highly matched and even more highly matched, with an extra grid. Although it was a part-time job, it was barely acceptable.

  Now that Secretary Zhang's "deputy" title has been removed, and he has become the municipal government secretary-general at the positive department level, it is impossible to justify his concurrent serving as the director of the Supervision Office." Xing Jun said in one breath.

  "Oh, so we need a new director then!" Liu Siyuan suddenly realized.

  "That's right, and our two current deputy directors are hardworking and capable, with a good style, so they naturally become the most popular candidates." Xing Jun shrugged.

  Yao Yuan and Zhang Jinsong are now ordinary deputy department-level officials. As long as they climb to the director position, following the tradition of Hanjiang City Government Supervision Office Director's high matching, a deputy bureau-level official should be secured. It's no wonder that the two have had some mental changes recently. Although both are deputy department-level officials, there is still an essential difference between them in a vice-provincial city. The simplest example is that a deputy bureau-level official who is sent to a district can become a member of the district party committee or a deputy district head, while an ordinary deputy department-level official can only be the head of a district bureau, and at most, the head of a department in a municipal bureau.

  "By the way, who do you think has a better chance between the two deputy directors?" Liu Siyuan couldn't help but ask.

  "Hmm, it's hard to say now, we have to see what the leaders think. And the candidate may not necessarily be one of our two leaders. I heard that Zhao Feng, the director of the Supervision Office of Ziwai City Government, has been asking Secretary Zhang to report on his work recently." After Zhang Zhengdong was promoted, he was still in charge of the supervision office, so he had a great deal of say in the matter of who would be the next director.

  "There are too many uncertain factors in officialdom, and it's also possible that the two deputy directors have been arguing for half a day, only to have someone parachuted in from above. Such things do happen from time to time." Xing Jun said with some emotion.

  Liu Siyuan nodded, not hard to imagine, this is absolutely a battle between dragons and tigers. Thinking again, being able to observe the great war up close is also a rare opportunity, just like in martial arts novels, watching two masters exchange moves at close range can always learn a trick or two, gaining a lot of benefits. Liu Siyuan thought that he should keep his eyes open recently, and casually asked: "Xing Ge, what background are our two deputy directors?"

  Cadres who can mix to the level of deputy department or above, without a backstage it is almost impossible. Otherwise, the ending will be like Zhang Jinping, relying on seniority to mix to the deputy department and then unable to go up. Especially Zhang Jinsong, who was in his thirties and had already reached the rank of deputy department, must have a simple backstage.

  As expected, Xing Jun looked around and said with a mysterious expression: "I heard that Director Zhang's background is one of the main leaders of our municipal party committee."

  What is referred to as the main leader of the municipal party committee specifically refers to the eleven members of the standing committee of the municipal party committee. Ordinary deputy mayors and secretaries-general of the municipal government are not even qualified. Liu Siyuan heard this and couldn't help but take a deep breath, the members of the standing committee of the municipal party committee were unattainable high-ranking officials for him, to put it bluntly, all important decisions in Hanjiang City had to go through the Standing Committee.

  "What about Director Yao?" Liu Siyuan asked further.

  "Director Yao, I'm not quite sure about her, but she's different from Director Zhang. She used to work at the grassroots level and has some experience there, so it's not like she doesn't have a chance." Xing Jun thought for a moment before continuing, "Besides, Director Zhang is still a bit young and hasn't even started a family yet."

  Liu Siyuan understood that when the Organization Department evaluates cadres, age and marital status are also important parameters. If one is too young, it's easy to be criticized for lacking experience, while being unmarried means they're not yet stable and mature. A stable family is also a condition for high-ranking cadres. It seems Zhang Jinsong will have to suffer in this regard. On the other hand, he didn't expect Yao Yuan's background to be so mysterious.

  "Unexpectedly, Brother Xing also couldn't see through Director Yao." He sighed casually.

  "That's all, she's not the only one in the inspection room that I couldn't see through." Xing Jun said with a sip of water.

  "Who else?" Liu Siyuan instinctively retorted.

  "Isn't it you? What's your background, kid?" Xing Jun looked at him with profound meaning.

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  "You really don't have a background?" Fang Xinyi suddenly asked as she lifted her head in the small teahouse beside Hanjiang University that night.

  Liu Siyuan didn't expect that after Fang Xinyu invited him out the day before, Ding Hui would call him the next day and ask him to tutor her. Although Fang Xinyu said she didn't want to be a third wheel that day, in the end she was still dragged along by Ding Hui. However, from start to finish, she had a distracted look on her face, until Ding Hui went to the bathroom, at which point she finally spoke up and asked the above question.

  "Heart willing, I really have nothing to do with it, however..." Liu Siyuan stammered.

  "Go on, I always feel that something is not right, the city government inspection room is also a good job, how did you get in directly?" Fang Xinyi leaned towards him and listened seriously.

  Liu Siyuan smelled the fragrance of the girl, feeling a bit dizzy and hesitant for a moment before stuttering out: "Actually, things were like this, on the day of the civil service exam, I ran to the entrance of an Industrial and Commercial Bank in the city..."

  After spending some time telling her own story, Fang Xinyu immediately interrupted and asked: "That Director Ouyang wouldn't be Ouyang Xinghua, the head of the Organization Department of the Hanjiang Municipal Committee, would he?"

  "Ah, right, but I also knew it later." Liu Siyuan nodded and said.

  "No wonder... Have you been in contact with Minister Ouyang later?" Fang Xinyi asked.

  "How is that possible? He's a standing committee member of the municipal party committee, such a big leader, how can he be so out of touch with reality." Liu Siyuan smiled and said, "So I said I don't have any background, it's not just nonsense."

  Fang Xinyu hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "I'd suggest you find an opportunity to get in touch with him, having the Minister of Organization Department as a backer is not something you can easily come across."

  "This..."

  "Are you afraid of being rejected? What's the worst that could happen, you'll just be refused and won't lose anything. I really don't know how you chased girls in the past." Fang Xintu teased.

  "This is true, I haven't even had a romantic relationship yet." Liu Siyuan said with some embarrassment.

  "Oh? I really didn't expect it." Fang Xinyu said with a hint of surprise and a smile.

  "Hehe, never mind about that. I'll listen to you, and tomorrow I'll give Minister Ouyang a call to try." Liu Siyuan said resolutely.

  "Hmm, we can first call his secretary, that Chu Director you mentioned." Fang Xinyi added.

  "What are you guys talking about so happily?" Suddenly, Ding Hui's voice came over.

  "Haha, we were talking about your brother Liu's love history." Fang Xintu said nonchalantly, unexpectedly revealing her playful side.

  "Ah! I want to listen too." Ding Hui hastily said.

  "I don't have any emotional history, I just told Xin Yu, I've never had a girlfriend." Liu Siyuan said with his hands spread out and an innocent face.

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  That night, Liu Siyuan returned home and hardly slept all night. The next day at work, he was also restless, constantly hesitating whether to call Minister Ouyang. Although he had indeed helped someone in distress that year, time had passed and the other party's leader might have long forgotten this matter. Moreover, they had already repaid him, and his current position in the inspection room was the best proof of this.

  Hesitated for half a day, finally asked the notebook, didn't expect this demon to be quite self-aware, quickly replied with one line: Hurry up and hit! Behind it also floated out a red heart shape, don't know what it means.

  Liu Siyuan finally found an opportunity, taking advantage of the time when he was alone in the office, and mustering up all his courage, dialed Chu Ziqiang's phone number.

  "Director Chu, hello. I'm Liu Siyuan from the Municipal Supervision Office. I'm so sorry to call you out of the blue, and you may not even remember me..." Liu Siyuan nervously introduced himself.

  "Comrade Little Liu, I heard that you did well on that exam and didn't disappoint Director Ouyang's expectations. Great job! Now working in the Supervision Office, I hear you're doing a great job too? The other day, Mayor Chen even mentioned your name to praise you, and Secretary Zhang from the Government Office is also full of praise for you." Chu Ziqiang took over the conversation without hesitation.

  Liu Siyuan's heart was like a stormy sea at this moment, and he suddenly realized that everyone was paying attention to his every move. He hastily said: "At the time, it was all thanks to the great help of Director Ouyang and Director Chu, otherwise I wouldn't be where I am today."

  "You didn't also help Minister Ouyang out of a big trouble? The leader often mentions your bravery and justice too." Chu Ziqiang was much more gentle than he had imagined.

  "This, Director Chu, I'd like to report on the work progress. Is it convenient? Also, thank you for your support and guidance." Liu Siyuan hastily expressed his intention.

  "Oh, I'll ask for you, wait for my call." After that, Chu Zi Qiang hung up the phone.

  After hanging up the phone, Liu Siyuan felt that his whole body was drenched in sweat. After a while, Zhang Jinsong returned to the office alone, looking worried and unhappy. He thought for a moment, then proactively went forward to make him a cup of tea, saying: "Zhang Ge, is everything okay? Are you not feeling well?"

  "Little Liu, now you're also standing on your own, not bad, not bad." Zhang Jinsong said with a tone that was somewhat distant.

  "This is still not good enough as taught by Brother Zhang, Brother Zhang should help me more in the future. If I do anything wrong, please scold me, don't be polite." Liu Siyuan said respectfully.

  "Alright, I was worried no one would scold me. You little brat, you're asking for it."

  Liu Siyuan chuckled and said, "However, before Zhang Ge scolds me, can you give me some advice on the vacant land in Beihong District? I heard it was Zhang Ge's responsibility last year."

  Zhang Jinsong's expression was profound, and he spoke slowly and deliberately: "That piece of land...," took a sip of water, "this matter is difficult to say, but also simple."

  "Please instruct me, Brother Zhang." Liu Siyuan said respectfully.

  Zhang Jinsong tapped the table and said, "Yes, to say that this land is idle, if you want to thoroughly solve it, let the developers who have acquired these lands stop occupying the land without developing it. Hurry up and develop it for me. However, this is very difficult. Businessmen are all profit-driven, and now that the land value is rising so fast, they will definitely lack motivation. At that time, there will be a lot of excuses, and the district government will also have a headache."

  Liu Siyuan nodded in agreement.

  "But to explain it to the leader is simple." Zhang Jinsong paused for a moment before saying: "Since it's idle, that means breach of contract, and breach of contract means fines. Let the district government issue a fine notice, and that's considered an explanation. I remember those few developers paid the fine quite readily."

  Liu Siyuan suddenly realized that it was indeed as he said, this matter is difficult to say and simple to say. If you want to do it perfectly, it's very difficult, but if you just want to give the leader an explanation, it's very simple.

  At this time, Liu Siyuan's mobile phone rang. He took a look at the incoming call and hurriedly answered it respectfully: "Hello Director Chu."

  Chu Zi Qiang's voice was somewhat strange, he said: "Director Ouyang has already said that recently work is quite busy, I'm afraid there won't be time to listen to your work report."

  Although it was a bit disappointing, this was also within expectations. At least others still remembered him, which wasn't bad at all, Liu Sanyuan comforted himself.

  "However..." Chu Zi Qiang continued, "Director Ouyang said that if Comrade Xiao Liu is free tomorrow night, he'd like to invite you over for a casual dinner at his place."

  Liu Siyuan's heart, which had just calmed down, was lifted again, and he hastily said, "I have time, I will definitely be on time."

  Chu Zi hung up the phone after a brief conversation, muttering to himself for a moment. It seems that the leader values this young man quite highly. Generally speaking, if a leader takes the initiative to invite you to their home for dinner, it's definitely not an ordinary relationship.

  Just hung up the phone, suddenly heard Zhang Jin Song say: "Director Chu won't be Chu Zi Qiang from the Municipal Party Committee Secretary's Office, will he?"

  It turned out that he had just heard the phone, Liu Siyuan hastily said: "That's right, I have a nodding acquaintance with Director Chu, and this time he wants to invite me to dinner." He also left a mind, didn't bring out the great god Ouyang Xinghua.

  Zhang Jinsong nodded and didn't ask any further questions, but had a thoughtful look on his face.