Chapter 21: Zhao Gang's Conversation

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“Lu Hao, I see from your resume that you’ve only been working for three years. Work hard and aim for an early promotion to deputy section chief,” Hong Haifeng encouraged Lu Hao as they climbed the stairs.

“Village Chief Hong, it’s not that easy,” Lu Hao replied with a wry smile.

“It’s all about effort. By the way, where are you living now?” Hong Haifeng asked again.

“I’m staying at the township middle school. My fiancée used to teach there, so I’m lodging in her dormitory.”

“I know the teachers’ dorms. The conditions aren’t great—just bunk beds. I’ll arrange a new dorm for you right away,” Hong Haifeng said with a slight frown, then added, “Don’t worry about it.”

“Thank you very much, Village Chief Hong,” Lu Hao quickly expressed his gratitude.

Hong Haifeng waved his hand dismissively. With a newcomer finally arriving at the township, he was keen to win Lu Hao over to his side.

Soon, he led Lu Hao to knock on Zhao Gang’s office door and then pushed it open. “Secretary Zhao, Lu Hao is here.”

“小 Lu, come in, have a seat,” Zhao Gang said warmly from his chair.

Hong Haifeng, showing good judgment, didn’t linger and left promptly.

“Thank you, Secretary Zhao,” Lu Hao said, hiding the sarcasm in his eyes as he took a seat opposite Zhao Gang.

After some polite exchanges, Zhao Gang sincerely got to the point. “Actually, the disciplinary action against you wasn’t my decision. It was insisted upon by Director Li, and since the accounting for poverty alleviation was under your management, I couldn’t really object. Fortunately, the Municipal Discipline Commission intervened promptly and cleared your name. As soon as I learned this, I immediately convened a meeting to revoke your punishment.”

“I must thank you even more, Secretary Zhao,” Lu Hao put on a grateful expression but cursed Zhao Gang silently as a sly old fox.

If he hadn’t overheard Zhao urging Deng Song in the break room to expedite the disciplinary process against him, he might have actually believed Zhao’s words.

“No need to thank me. Just do a good job with poverty alleviation—that’s the best way to answer the Party and the people. Don’t be like Song Bo and Niu Dashan; they’ve truly disappointed me,” Zhao Gang said with deep regret.

“Secretary Zhao, rest assured, I’ll study hard and consult our leaders whenever I have questions,” Lu Hao said earnestly, having spent time with his cousin and learned the ways of officialdom.

“That awareness is a good start. By the way, our Secretary Lin used to work at the municipal level. She’s well-versed in theory and very experienced. You should talk to her more about poverty alleviation,” Zhao Gang said approvingly.

He deliberately mentioned Lin Xiyue, hoping to gauge Lu Hao’s reaction.

Lu Hao simply nodded repeatedly in agreement.

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Zhao Gang saw no unusual expression on Lu Hao’s face and wasn’t disappointed. After all, this was a way to curry favor with Lin Xiyue.

Afterwards, Zhao Gang launched into a formal discussion with Lu Hao about poverty alleviation in Fangshui Township, emphasizing the importance of his role as the director.

Upon leaving Zhao Gang’s office, Lu Hao still felt somewhat uneasy.

Just a few days ago, Zhao had pulled him aside to use him as a scapegoat. Now, suddenly, Zhao was promoting and favoring him. The rapid change in attitude left Lu Hao unsettled.

He didn’t return immediately to the Poverty Alleviation Office but called Fang Jing from the corridor.

“Why are you calling me again? I gave you advice when you were punished, and you told me to mind my own business. Do you still care about me?” Fang Jing complained as soon as the call connected.

She was still upset about their last argument—and mostly disappointed that Lu Hao’s punishment would delay his promotion.

“Fang Jing, the punishment has been revoked,” Lu Hao said, rubbing his temples.

“Revoked?” Fang Jing was momentarily stunned.

Lu Hao then explained everything that had happened over the past few days.

He knew Wang Shaojie wouldn’t have told Fang Jing about any good news regarding him.

After hearing the news, Fang Jing’s mood improved significantly. “Not bad, not bad. You’re at least a mid-level cadre in Fangshui Township now.”

“Too bad it’s not a deputy section chief position. I can’t join the leadership team yet,” Lu Hao said with a bitter smile.

“As long as you know, don’t slack off. You must get promoted to deputy section chief soon, only then will my parents be satisfied and agree to our marriage,” Fang Jing reminded him.

“Yeah, when will you come see me?” Lu Hao couldn’t help but ask, hinting at their recent lack of intimacy.

Fang Jing caught his meaning but decided to press him a little. She held back and said, “You bad thing, don’t get your hopes up. I’ll only come after you get promoted.”

“Getting promoted depends on connections and opportunities. It’s not that simple,” Lu Hao said disappointedly.

“Who says? There’s an opportunity now. I heard the new county Party secretary will soon be appointed. He’s an outsider from the province, not Li Zhen. There will definitely be reshuffling in the county cadres. You should seize the chance, do whatever it takes to win over the new secretary, and you’ll get promoted,” Fang Jing shared the information she had.

Lu Hao wasn’t convinced. He had already heard Zhao Gang and Deng Song mention this. Since the new county Party secretary was from the provincial level and had no ties to him, why would he promote Lu Hao?

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To avoid arguing with Fang Jing, Lu Hao didn’t contradict her and only said he would try.

Seeing Lu Hao wasn’t taking her words seriously, Fang Jing gave a few perfunctory replies and then found an excuse to hang up.

In officialdom, one must try every means to build connections. If Lu Hao ignored her advice, he would suffer losses sooner or later.

When Lu Hao returned to the Poverty Alleviation Office, Niu Dashan had just come back.

He was full of grievances and anger as he went to see Li Haotian, but was promptly thrown out.

After years of doing dirty work for Li Haotian, once he was no longer useful, Li betrayed him and kicked him aside. Niu Dashan was naturally furious.

“Director Lu, these three people were just transferred here by Village Chief Hong from other departments. They will also be working with us in the Poverty Alleviation Office,” Tang Chunyan stepped forward to inform Lu Hao.

Lu Hao had to admit that Hong Haifeng was quick in sending reinforcements. Now their Poverty Alleviation Office was essentially reformed, and much work could be assigned.

“Hello, Director Lu!” The three newcomers quickly greeted Lu Hao.

They had all worked in the township government for years and knew the political landscape had changed. With Song Bo out, Lu Hao was clearly in charge of the Poverty Alleviation Office.

As for Niu Dashan, after being humiliated in the village chief’s office, he was no longer able to make waves.

Hearing the title “Director Lu” from the newcomers made Lu Hao feel somewhat awkward about his changed status.

“Hello everyone. From now on, we’ll all work in the same office. Our mission is to use poverty alleviation funds to genuinely serve the people,” Lu Hao said after a brief pause, promptly setting the general direction for their work.

He absolutely would not tolerate corruption, embezzlement, withholding subsidies from the poor, or misuse of funds in the Poverty Alleviation Office ever again.

“You sure like to spout slogans. Poverty alleviation is a deep, murky pool—you better take a good look in the mirror and see if you’re really capable of managing it well,” Niu Dashan muttered quietly, feeling increasingly uncomfortable.