Chapter 025: Pre-Appointment Conversation

This story is purely fictional.

Chi Zhaoming entered the director’s office. The director gestured for him to sit down. He personally brewed a cup of tea for Zhaoming, carrying it slowly over and placing it on the tea table before him, then taking a seat opposite.

“There’s nothing particularly urgent today. First of all, let me congratulate you! For you to stand out among hundreds here at the station—it’s no small feat, truly something to celebrate!” The director spoke loudly, showering Zhaoming with praise.

“Oh, not at all. My rapid growth is entirely thanks to your care and guidance over these years. I’m well aware of the pivotal role you played in my promotion to department-level cadre. I heard it was rather delicate at the time—the station’s leaders each held their own opinions and clung to their own ideas…”

“You know about that? They bullied me for being an outsider,” he said, laughing heartily.

“There were divergent opinions about my promotion, but you pushed aside opposition and spoke up for me at a crucial moment. If you hadn’t intervened, the other leaders wouldn’t have been so quick to speak on my behalf. I’m not ambitious by nature—I’ve always adopted a ‘let things be’ attitude, simply wanting to do my job well. Others like to drop by, pay visits to leaders, but I prefer to stay at home, read, and do things I enjoy. Before any decision was made, some suggested I should visit the homes of the leaders. You know how, when it’s time to promote cadres, some leaders’ homes are bustling with visitors. Hearing this, I was admittedly worried, thinking I hadn’t visited any leader’s home and perhaps had little hope. Still, I kept a ‘whatever happens’ attitude—being promoted would be wonderful, but if not, it’s no big deal.” Zhaoming shared his thoughts with the director.

“For this round of competitive appointments, some deputies resorted to improper practices to get promoted, but you firmly put a stop to it. I’ve heard of your reputation—you brought a breath of fresh air and righteousness to the station!”

“I didn’t expect you to be one for flattery! Hearing these words from you truly makes me see you in a new light. But how did you find out about all this? Even the details—so precise. Could it be some leader was so unprincipled as to leak the meeting’s proceedings?” The director asked in surprise, palms spread in a questioning gesture.

“I don’t think there was any leak. In fact, I believe there’s never truly been anything secret. In the past, at our unit, news would be flying around outside before the meeting even adjourned. Before you arrived, this was commonplace—each member of the leadership team had their own agenda, forming cliques and factions. Five members, four intentions—where’s the secrecy in that? On the surface, everything looked harmonious, but behind the scenes, it was all machinations. I’ve seen it plenty over the years and grown used to it. I’ve lost out at the last moment several times during promotions, as everyone muddled through, with rampant protectionism, nepotism, and self-interest. If you backed the right person, your prospects were bright; if not, there was no way up.” Zhaoming spoke with some indignation.

“So tell me, how did you find out about that person who approached me during the promotion?” The director was eager to know the origins.

“It was pure coincidence. The night after the meeting, I was visiting someone in a neighborhood with a friend, and I overheard a woman crying to another person—the voice was familiar. I never expected to see you listening to her complaints in that neighborhood. I didn’t eavesdrop on purpose, just out of curiosity, but I caught most of the conversation. Nowadays, some leaders abuse their power for personal gain and even take money without delivering on their promises.” Zhaoming shook his head. “Truly hateful.”

“What you describe is indeed an abnormal social phenomenon and somewhat representative, but not all leaders are like that. Some won’t do anything without a benefit, and those who do often make a mess of things. I’ve heard rumors about some leaders—supposedly, to be promoted to section-level cadre, you’d need at least a hundred thousand yuan. I hadn’t transferred here yet, but if I had been, I wouldn’t have let those who run for office and buy positions get promoted. Rest assured, such unhealthy trends don’t thrive under my watch. As the saying goes, such winds must not grow, and such people must not be employed! If unhealthy influences are not curbed, there’s no way to speak of uprightness and harmony.” The director spoke with conviction.

“That’s right. I’ve heard of your integrity. With a leader like you in charge, we’re genuinely happy and supportive! If not for you, I wouldn’t have had any hope this time either—thank you, thank you!” Zhaoming said with a smile.

“Now you’re going too far. I’ve always handled matters openly and never played power games! What matters to me is actual achievement, public recognition, and a balance of virtue and talent. I simply consolidated everyone’s opinions—that’s democratic centralism! Still, there are rumors outside that I promoted you because we’re from the same hometown. Honestly, I hadn’t even noticed we were from the same place—I only knew you transferred from the army to the television station over ten years ago. At home, you’re a good husband to your wife and a responsible father to your child. Even just your diligence with your son is commendable.” The director took a sip of water.

“At work, you’re conscientious and hardworking, a model for colleagues in both work and study. Since I arrived here, that’s what I’ve seen and heard. In less than two years at the station, you successfully transitioned from soldier to civilian—what others can do, you can do, and what others can’t, you can still manage. Especially on the day the station’s satellite equipment malfunctioned, you truly performed a great service, averting a major broadcasting accident. Talents like yours are rare in our system, and your achievements speak for themselves. If cadres like you aren’t promoted, then who should be?” The director was generous in his praise.

Zhaoming couldn’t help but blush, realizing how well the director understood him. He quickly replied, “Director, you flatter me. I’ll redouble my efforts and work with my colleagues to do a good job so as not to let down your expectations!”

“If there’s nothing else, you can get back to work. Keep it up!” The director patted Zhaoming on the shoulder.

Zhaoming rose to take his leave and returned to his own office…

Wu Zhengzhe left Zhaoming’s home early in the morning. He didn’t go anywhere else but returned to his own office to prepare his case report.

After finishing, he stood up and stretched, then sat back at his desk. Because he’d drunk too much the night before, his scalp tingled. He felt his usually sensitive nerves dulled, his mind and body weighed down as if filled with lead, muddled and sluggish, as though his brain cells had died and he could no longer think. His phone screen kept flashing silently on the desk—calls coming in, but in his foggy state, he was oblivious.

He sat dazed in his swivel chair, head tilted back, eyes closed.

That morning, Xiao Jin was whistling “Our Life Is Sweeter Than Honey,” walking with a spring in his step as if he had springs in his shoes. His joy was palpable.

Colleagues in the police building saw Xiao Jin so happy and called out loudly, “Officer Xiao, did you find a gold bar? You look so cheerful—just look at you!”

No sooner had he stepped into the office than the phone rang. He picked it up and heard a commanding voice: “Bring Wu Zhengzhe with you, and both of you come to my office! 1318.”

Xiao Jin hadn’t yet processed who was calling. What did 1318 mean? He thought for a moment, then suddenly realized and exclaimed, “Number One.” He saw Wu Zhengzhe still sitting there in a daze. “The chief called, and you didn’t even answer?”

Wu Zhengzhe took a while to react, checked his phone, and saw a string of missed calls from the director. Xiao Jin seemed a bit nervous but quickly calmed down. He didn’t have time to straighten his uniform in front of the mirror, only adjusted his crooked tie and called out, “Wu Zhengzhe, hurry up—Number One is about to blow his top.” (To be continued)