booktalesy Chapter 17 The Abandoned Former Secretary
Chapter 17 The Abandoned Former Secretary
Wu Zhiyuan said firmly, "Please rest assured, Secretary Xu, I will carefully understand your intentions and revise it as soon as possible."
As Wu Zhiyuan stepped out of Xu Youwei's office, he took a deep breath, feeling the heavy weight of the few pages of paper in his hand.
This was not only Xu Youwei's first test of his abilities, but also the starting point of his career as the chief secretary of the municipal party committee.
After calming himself down, Wu Zhiyuan went to the office of Geng Dongqing, the director of the Municipal Party Committee Office.
Geng Dongqing's office is on the other side of the same floor.
The door was ajar, and he knocked politely.
"Please come in." Geng Dongqing's voice was neither warm nor cold.
Wu Zhiyuan pushed open the door and entered. Geng Dongqing was bent over his desk reviewing documents, and he looked up slightly.
Wu Zhiyuan said respectfully, "Director Geng, I'm reporting for duty. May I ask what instructions or arrangements you may make?"
Geng Dongqing put down his pen, leaned back slightly, and said in a businesslike tone, "This morning you will move to the outer room of Secretary Xu's office, which is Ang Yang's current office."
You and Ang Yang should complete the handover of your work. You are currently on probation and will be temporarily assigned to the Secretariat Section 1. Specific tasks will be arranged by Section Chief Lang Wenping.
Wu Zhiyuan could keenly sense that Geng Dongqing was indifferent. Could it be because he was not the secretary Geng Dongqing had chosen?
Lang Wenping's office is on the 18th floor.
After Wu Zhiyuan introduced himself, Lang Wenping stood up and even poured himself a cup of tea, a stark contrast to his attitude towards Geng Dongqing.
Wu Zhiyuan felt flattered.
Lang Wenping looked to be around forty years old, but his temples already had gray hair.
At forty years old, still a section chief, is considered a slow promotion in the municipal party committee office.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lang Wenping took out some printed work manuals and contact lists and instructed, "Zhiyuan, you will be working in the outer room of Secretary Xu's office from now on. In principle, anyone who wants to see Secretary Xu must first go through you."
Your position is crucial; you act as a "shielder" and "filter," ensuring the Party Secretary can see the people he needs to see and handle important matters, while also protecting him from unnecessary distractions. Finding the right balance is very important.
Wu Zhiyuan humbly said, "I hope Langke will continue to provide guidance and support in the future."
Lang Wenping smiled and said, "You're new here, so it's only right that I help you onto your horse and see you off."
Seeing that no one was around, Wu Zhiyuan said softly, "Lang Ke, do you have time tonight? I'd like to invite you for a small get-together and also ask you for some advice."
Lang Wenping was taken aback at first, but didn't refuse. Instead, he asked cautiously, "Who is participating?"
Wu Zhiyuan could see Lang Wenping's concerns.
Although discipline and rules were not strict in those days, the composition of people at private gatherings in places like the municipal party committee compound was a very sensitive matter, and one could not easily agree to dinner invitations from unfamiliar people.
He immediately explained sincerely, "Lanko, we've only invited you for now. You can decide who else will participate."
I'm new here and don't understand many of the rules, let alone the ins and outs of the job. I sincerely want to learn from you, my senior colleague; I have no other intentions. We just want to have a simple meal and chat.
Lang Wenping hesitated for a moment, then agreed: "Okay, I'll bring one person. Do you have any trustworthy friends? Let's make it four people, just enough for a card game table."
Wu Zhiyuan immediately thought of Sun Runcai, so he said, "I have a good friend who is the director of the city's police station. I'll ask him if he has time."
Lang Wenping nodded: "Okay, Zhiyuan, the person I invited is called Jiang Hao. He served as Secretary He Jiaping's secretary for three months, and Secretary He admired him very much."
After Secretary He's incident, Jiang Hao was also investigated. No problems were found, but he was transferred to the Municipal Fisheries Bureau—essentially a relegation assignment.
He Jiaping was Xu Youwei's predecessor. His downfall was announced at the beginning of the year, which triggered a political earthquake, with many officials, including members of the Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee and the Secretary-General of the Municipal Party Committee, being investigated one after another.
The opinions of the people of Longcheng regarding He Jiaping are not unanimous; rather, they believe he is a capable but corrupt official.
During his tenure, Longcheng reversed the trend of consecutive years of negative economic growth. He did some things by attracting investment, demolishing illegal structures, and carrying out large-scale construction. Moreover, he was relatively approachable and often held on-site meetings, solving some long-standing problems.
Jiang Hao must have exceptional abilities to become He Jiaping's secretary.
However, it seems inappropriate for Wu Zhiyuan to have a small gathering with the former secretary of the municipal party committee secretary, who had already been dismissed, on his first day as the chief secretary of the municipal party committee.
But since Lang Wenping had already spoken, Wu Zhiyuan naturally couldn't refuse.
He immediately sent a message to Sun Runcai, who readily agreed, saying that the municipal party committee's chief secretary was inviting him to dinner, and that he had to attend no matter how busy he was.
On his first day as the chief secretary of the municipal committee, Wu Zhiyuan took the initiative to invite Lang Wenping to dinner, which immediately brought the two closer.
Lang Wenping said sincerely, "Zhiyuan, we'll be colleagues from now on. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask."
Secretarial work is complex and multifaceted. I've worked in this department for several years, and I have some experience to share with you.
First and foremost, you must keep your mouth shut. No matter what you see or hear, you must never tell anyone unless you are required to report it.
Second, one must be meticulous in doing things. The secretary's schedule, document circulation, and guest reception must be handled without the slightest error.
Third, you must be clear about your role. You are a secretary, a waiter, an advisor, but not a decision-maker. You must never overstep your bounds...
Lang Wenping spoke frankly and sincerely, and Wu Zhiyuan took notes of everything he said, repeatedly expressing his gratitude.
Lang Wenping then gave instructions on some specific matters, such as the document circulation process, meeting procedures, and vehicle usage regulations.
Afterwards, Lang Wenping accompanied Wu Zhiyuan downstairs to the outer room of Xu Youwei's office, which was the secretary's office.
Xu Youwei was not in his office; he was presiding over a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee.
A man in his thirties, wearing a navy blue suit, was tidying up his personal belongings with a gloomy expression.
Needless to say, he is Ang Yang.
When Ang Yang saw Lang Wenping and Wu Zhiyuan enter, especially when he saw Wu Zhiyuan, his eyes instantly became complicated, showing disappointment, resentment, and undisguised hostility.
He forced a smile and said to Lang Wenping, "Lang Ke, I'll be almost done packing."
Lang Wenping seemed to sense the awkwardness in the air and smiled as he tried to smooth things over: "Angyang, thank you for your hard work."
Zhiyuan, come and get acquainted with this comrade Angyang. He has a strong pen and was temporarily in charge of Secretary Xu's secretarial work.
"Looking forward, this is Comrade Wu Zhiyuan, he will take over from here on."
"Hello, Encore." Wu Zhiyuan extended his hand proactively, his attitude sincere. "I've long heard of your excellent writing skills; I look forward to your guidance in the future."
Ang Yang glanced at Wu Zhiyuan's outstretched hand, hesitated for a moment, then reached out and touched it, saying with a forced smile, "It's not a matter of guidance. Secretary Wu is young and promising; to be noticed by Secretary Xu, he must have something special."
"It's time for me to return this temporary spot to its rightful owner."
Wu Zhiyuan smelled a sour grapes smell.
Wu Zhiyuan withdrew his hand without showing any emotion and calmly said, "You're too modest. I'm here to learn."
Ang Yang didn't reply. He packed his things, didn't hand over his work, pushed the cart, and left without looking back.
Lang Wenping looked at the proud figure and shook his head gently. He whispered to Wu Zhiyuan, "Zhiyuan, don't take it to heart."
Ang Yang is capable, but he's a bit too ambitious. He thought the secretary position was a sure thing. Just be more careful in the future.
These words were both a comfort and a reminder.
Wu Zhiyuan nodded: "Thank you, Langke, I understand."
He knew that he had unknowingly made an enemy.
The struggle for official positions has always been this naked and cruel.