The Twenty-Fifth Chapter: Encouraging and Instructing

  In the living room of Secretary Tang's home, the conversation between the two continued.

  Tang Guoqiang worked in the municipal party committee's organization department for over a decade, and his vision wouldn't be limited to Changjia County. He was a far-sighted official who gave up many opportunities to lead a directly affiliated bureau of the municipal party committee when soliciting personal opinions. To outsiders, it might seem inexplicable, but based on his years of experience in organizational work, not having been a leader at the grassroots level would make it difficult to advance further in his career. In Jianan City, he had connections and seniority, but lacked grassroots work experience.

  After taking office as the Secretary of Changja County, another problem entered his field of vision - he lacked a basic team of cadres. Therefore, he began to consciously cultivate subordinates with political prospects. Ye Zhenran entering his line of sight was like water flowing into a channel.

  "Xiao Ye, before submitting the plan to the party committee for discussion, we must do our work thoroughly. First, communicate individually with the comrades of the party committee, and then hold a meeting. If individual exchanges reveal that there are many objections and they cannot be persuaded, do not rush to hold a meeting for discussion. Wait until the conditions are ripe before proceeding. Only in this way can we ensure that each of our plans is passed, and only in this way can we ensure that our prestige is not lost." Secretary Tang instructed.

  This was completely the teacher's kind and patient guidance to the student, exceeding the normal exchange between the county party secretary and deputy township head. Ye Zhenran said gratefully: "I understand, thank you Secretary Tang for your teachings."

  "What do you think of Wang Jingyu's views?" Secretary Tang continued to ask.

  "I think her views seem a bit conservative." Ye Zhenran didn't understand why Secretary Tang shifted the topic to Wang Jingyu, and after some thought, carefully chose his words.

  "It's not conservative, it's prudent." Secretary Tang corrected: "Wang Jingyu can consider economic issues from a political perspective, which shows that this comrade has a broad vision. When considering things, she can first observe whether they are consistent with the party's line and policy, which is a manifestation of a mature leader politically."

  Ye Zhenran was surprised to find that Tang Secretary highly praised Wang Jingyu. In comparison, Qin Daming, although reporting everything, was somewhat inferior compared to Secretary Wang.

  "But don't be discouraged, young people are prone to impulsiveness. Moreover, from the preliminary work in the economic zone and textile mill, you also have courage and strategy. I think that in terms of economic construction, your vision is broader than other leaders of the Mashan Township Government, and the methods are more effective." Secretary Tang took a sip of tea and smiled encouragingly. "Maintaining the sharpness of young people's thinking, while learning from old comrades' stability, will be more beneficial to your growth."

  The longest conversation, made Ye Zhen feel benefited greatly. He deeply knew the dangers of officialdom, and whether he could stand firm in the initial stage was related to how far his career could go. And he was lucky to have met a good teacher like Secretary Tang who kept pointing him in the right direction.

  "Your words are music to my ears, leaving a lingering fragrance. Secretary Tang, your words can save me ten years of struggling in the officialdom." Ye Zhenran said with shining eyes, sincerely.

  Seeing Ye Zhenran's attitude, Tang Secretary smiled with satisfaction. He had a good impression of Ye Zhenran in his heart, young, wise, educated, and seemingly very lucky, and with some polishing, he would definitely become a useful person.

  Just as they were talking, the doorbell in the living room rang. Ye Zhenran opened the door and it was Director Fu from the Organization Department who had arrived. He hurriedly greeted him: "Director Fu is well."

  "Xiao Ye is here too." Minister Fu entered the door and shook hands with Ye Zhenran first, then said to Secretary Tang: "Secretary Tang, I'm late, won't it disturb your rest?"

  Secretary Tang stood up and took a step forward, saying: "Not late, come on, sit down and chat."

  Ye Ziran poured a cup of tea for Fu Minister, knowing that he came so late and must have something to discuss with Tang Secretary. He then said to Tang Secretary: "Secretary Tang, I still need to send Zhang Nianyue back, so I'll take my leave first."

  Before Secretary Tang could speak, Minister Fu pretended to be nonchalant and said: "Little Ye, you're being too polite, why do I have to leave as soon as I arrive?"

  Ye Ziran hastily said: "How dare I, Minister Fu's words have put me in a difficult position, whether to leave or stay." After a pause, he continued: "Indeed, we need to send Zhang Nianyue back home, it's too late and her family will be worried."

  Tang Secretary waved his hand and said: "Little Ye, go ahead, Minister Fu is just joking with you."

  Fu looked at Ye Ziran and winked, then burst out laughing.

  Ye Ziran then went in and knocked on the bedroom door, Yu Jia smiled and opened the door, guessing that they had a very harmonious conversation. Hearing Ye Ziran say he wanted to send Nianyue home, Tang Hong reluctantly held onto Nianyue's hand and wouldn't let go. Nianyue then promised Tang Hong to come visit her again in a few days, only then was Tang Hong satisfied. The several people then walked out together, for a time it was lively with the sound of birds chirping. Secretary Tang and Minister Fu both stopped their conversation, looking at them. Ye Ziran and Zhang Nianyue said goodbye to each one of them at the door, finally Tang Kang said: "Brother Ye come often." Only then did everyone disperse.

  July is a romantic season with flying bees and dancing butterflies, where emotions are most easily nourished and developed. Although Ye Zhenran and Zhang Nianyue haven't been together for long, the love that had been lurking in their hearts for so long quickly sprouted like a seed planted in fertile soil, basking in the warm sunshine. The blank page of their suppressed romance was rewritten unknowingly when they met, each encounter leaving behind a precious landscape like a seven-colored brush stroke on paper.

  Zhang Nianyue is the eldest daughter of the family, three years older than her younger brother. Her parents dote on both children, and she has developed some spoiled habits, but as she grows older and gains more life experience, she has matured a lot. Seeing Ye Zheyen's return with a less enthusiastic expression than when he left, she asked: "Muhou, what did you discuss with Secretary Tang? You seem to have something on your mind."

  "No, I'm worried about how you'll get past your mom tomorrow." Ye Ziran replied.

  Nianyue couldn't help but laugh and said: "You actually remember that mom is coming tomorrow."

  Ye Ziran called Qu Dao: "How could I forget, she is the future mother-in-law."

  Nian Yue slapped him on the back and said with a smile: "Don't be arrogant, who is your future mother-in-law?"

  Although Zhang Nianyue had a good impression of him, the two had only been together for a week after all, and she hadn't fully accepted him in her heart. As someone who had enjoyed a princess-like status among many boys since high school, she was being reserved.

  Yezhen then made a bitter melon face and said: "Now that you mention it, I'm even more worried."

  Nian Yue let out a "heh heh" laugh. Seeing him worried about this matter, she couldn't help but feel a little pleased with herself, thinking to herself "let him be anxious". But what came out of her mouth was a different story: "You have Grandpa to cover for you, don't worry."

  "That's also true." Ye Zhenran relaxed a bit.

  The car drove past the small theater of Donglin Street Cultural Square, and the horn faintly played Hong Kong singer Wong Ming-hua's "Wan Shui Qian Shan Zong Shi Qing"

  "Don't say the green hills have many obstacles, the wind is strong and vigorous, white clouds can convey emotions over the mountain peaks; don't say the water has many changes, the water is clear and calm, gentle love is like water forever. Not afraid of the storm blowing away our passion, thousands of waters and mountains are all about love. Gathering and parting are also destined by heaven, no complaints to heaven or fate, just hoping for the mountains and waters to bear witness."

  The two of them walked and enjoyed themselves amidst the floating songs, when Yu thought of something and said: "Actually, mom usually wouldn't think of anything else, I'm just worried that my brother might not pass that hurdle."

  "Is your brother coming too? What's wrong with him?" Ye Zhenran asked in surprise.

  "Mom's here, of course he followed. He's a little rascal, you can't fool him easily." Nian Yue said with some schadenfreude.

  Ye Ziran suddenly became tense and asked repeatedly: "He's just a kid, what could he possibly have to ask? Could it be that he found out you like me and went to tell mom?"

  Nian Yue heard and immediately punched him on the back, shouting: "Stop, stop." When Ye Zhenran tightened his brakes, he jumped off his bicycle.

  He stopped the car and changed from riding to pushing. He glanced at her, saw that her face was slightly red, her bright eyes flashing by, and there wasn't much annoyance, knowing that she was joking with him, smiled and said: "It's my fault for saying the wrong thing, it's because I like you, and reporting back to mom."

  Nian Yue smiled and praised: "This is good, this young lady will reward you with a burst of laughter." After finishing, she gave him a slap on the face.

  He only felt a soft finger tapping on his face, not feeling any pain, but her intimate action was inexplicably charming. He looked at her lovable and endearing face, his heart itching as if there were insects crawling out. So he teased and said: "You can't say, someone like me who is elegant and refined, a perfect gentleman, in the eyes of a young lady is indeed loved by all, blooming with every glance."

  Nian Yue hastily said: "You are a person who scares people at the sight of you, and makes flowers wilt at your presence." After finishing speaking, she burst out laughing.

  Ye Ziran's face was full of disbelief, saying: "How can that be? I am the majestic village head, wherever I go is fragrant."

  Nian Yue made a tense and worried face, drawing out her tone, and in a soft and delicate voice, imitated the voices of those immoral women, calling out: "Ye Xiang Chang... Ye Xiang Chang..." She paused and said: "I'm really worried that if someone with this kind of accent calls you, after three or two shouts, our Party member Ye Zhen Ran Xiang Chang will be shouted into being corrupt."

  "Come on, it's not that bad," Ye Ziran said with a shake of his head.

  She gave him a cold glance, her pretty face stern, and raised her right hand. She separated her middle finger and index finger, then brought them together with force, making a scissor-like "snip" motion. Her nose twitched as she hummed a few times, saying: "You dare?"

  Ye Zhenran straightened his face and put away his playful smile, saying: "Nian Yue, let's not mess around. Seriously, your brother is really impressive?"

  Nian Yue smiled slightly and said, "Just wait until tomorrow and you'll know."

  Ye Ziran pushed the cart, chatting with her as they walked, and soon arrived at Ye Lao's house. Opening the door, Zhang Nianyue turned back to say: "Mùtou, come for lunch tomorrow, don't oversleep."

  Ye Ziran hastily agreed, stretched out his hand to help her push open the door, and his fingers inadvertently touched her slender and soft palm. The two of them separated as if they had been electrocuted, and at the same time, a subtle sweetness surged up in their hearts.