Chapter 35 Designing Life
On August 22, Hu Jiao from the Information Section of the Provincial Party Committee’s Inspection Office received an official transfer order. He completed the handover procedures within three days and officially took up the post of deputy county magistrate of Tong County, Fenghuang City, Nanzhao Province.
This news did not cause much stir in the Inspectorate. Those who knew about it were very calm, and when they saw Hu Jiao, most of them gave him formal blessings.
Although it was somewhat surprising that he became a deputy county official at the age of 25, people who knew Hu Jiao's experience could understand it. Being promoted to deputy director was entirely a matter of chance. Originally, in the local government, one would have to work hard for five or six years before being promoted to deputy director.
Hu Jiao was lucky, as his mother happened to be seriously injured while bravely saving others. Out of consideration for the patient, Hu Jiao was transferred to the Inspection Department of the General Office of the Provincial Party Committee, a relatively idle and seemingly insignificant department.
Who would have thought that not long after he arrived, an article was leaked and the Inspection Office was upgraded to deputy department level, and Hu Jiao's original administrative level of section chief also rose accordingly.
Moreover, Hu Jiao has been transferred to the Inspectorate for several months and has basically not been at work normally. The few times he came were due to the lack of staff left behind.
Now Teacher Li Aiju has been discharged from the hospital and is recuperating in Hu Jiao's new home in the Nanhu Provincial Party Committee compound. The provincial government has appointed a deputy chief physician from the Provincial People's Hospital's brain injury department to serve as Teacher Li Aiju's professional rehabilitation instructor. He only needs to visit the hospital department for consultations and checkups once a week, and the rest of the time is focused on helping Teacher Li Aiju with her recovery.
Hu Jianguo returned to Nanhu every week. He did not live at home in Hongjiang during the rest of the time, but lived in the small residence of the Municipal Party Committee. There were special service personnel there, so it was not troublesome for him to live alone.
So Hu Jiao's work was back on track again. He had already heard the news from his father before, and returning to Tong County was what he wished.
But the wedding with Li Juan had to be postponed again.
The wedding was originally planned to be held in early September, before Teacher's Day. However, considering Li Aiju's health condition, the parents of both parties decided to wait. Anyway, the two had already obtained the marriage certificate and became a legal couple.
Hu Jiao had a very comfortable time during this period. No one cared whether he came to work or not. He spent every day with the two most important women in his life. When Li Juan was at work, he would chat with her , discuss classics, talk about music, and massage her with Xiaoju to keep her in a good mood.
After work, Li Juan would either go to her house for dinner or have dinner with her mother, usually taking turns every other day. On weekends, the two families would get together, and if Li Mingyong and Hu Jianguo had time, they could even go for a walk in the suburbs.
In the two-story Western-style building, Li Aiju likes to read on the grass in the small garden. She has a parasol, a lounge chair, green grass, clear sky, warm autumn breeze, a book in hand, and a cup of tea. After more than a month, Li Aiju's face has become noticeably rosy and her body has gained some weight, but she is becoming more and more wealthy and elegant like a middle-aged woman.
When He Banghui has nothing to do, he often comes to hang out with Li Aiju. Being with her makes him feel peaceful and happy, which always makes He Banghui sigh that Li Aiju is a woman who truly understands and enjoys life.
Li Ya and Wang Jianxin hosted Hu Jiao alone for a farewell dinner, which would be boring if there were too many people. Besides, Hu Jiao had no relationship with the others, but Xu Hui, the wife of Gao Li, the deputy secretary-general of the provincial party committee and another big sister in the information department, came uninvited.
Only after Hu Jiao repeatedly apologized and drank three cups as punishment did Xu Hui let him go.
Seeing Hu Jiao's sincere attitude, the two initiators, Li Ya and Wang Jianxin, felt embarrassed and drank a glass of wine as a punishment.
Li Yaliang drank the bottom of the cup, "Sister Xu, I was inconsiderate. But it's also your fault!"
Xu Hui looked at Li Ya in surprise, knowing that this kid was a dog with no hope of success. Why didn't he invite me to dinner and now he blames me?
"Hey, if you can't make sense today, I'll show you how I'm going to deal with you!" Xu Hui is not pretty, but she is generous and lively. She gets along well with people in the Inspectorate. Those younger than her call her Sister Xu, and those older than her call her Xiao Xu.
He always smiles to everyone he meets and is warm and hospitable. His most distinctive feature is his eyes, which are not big, but always contain kindness.
Just like now, he was speaking harshly but his eyes were full of smiles. Li Ya shook his head and said, "Why not blame you? It's your fault! I am worried, right? There are three grown men here and you are the only beauty. We don't care, but if someone gossips about it and spreads the news to Secretary Gao...it will be inappropriate."
Xu Hui smiled at Li Ya's serious nonsense and said, "Duck is good at flattery. Come, I'll give you a drink. Cheers!"
Wang Jianxin and Hu Jiao burst into laughter. This was called flattery that hit the horse's leg. Li Ya made a bitter face, took the wine from Xu Hui's hand and drank it.
"Sister Xu, you are the most caring person in our department, and you are a role model for protecting the weak. How could you be so cruel as to destroy my small body?"
Xu Hui picked up an empty cup, filled it with wine, and said slowly: "Okay. Considering that Yazi is in poor health, I will drink a glass with you. This wine is the essence of grain. Drinking more is good for your body development. Cheers!"
Hu Jiao couldn't control his laughter and slapped his chair. Ya Zi sighed and couldn't bear to watch Xu Hui holding the cup, so he took it and drank it again. "I think I understand what it means to shoot oneself in the foot. Comrades, you must wake up and don't be fooled by the appearance of a good person. Come on, sister, dear sister, my dear sister, please forgive me, I was wrong! Don't pour it again!"
Xu Hui rolled her eyes at him, "You're so conceited, I didn't pour it for you, you want to drink it? Just tell me, oh! I see, you like the wine I pour?"
Li Ya shook his hands vigorously, shrinking back like a frightened bird. "Today I have truly seen how powerful good people are. When they act badly, they are even worse than bad people."
Xu Hui looked at him with a half-smile. Li Ya covered his mouth tightly. Seeing him like this, Xu Hui couldn't hold it back any longer. She burst out laughing and looked at Hu Jiao. "Chief, let me toast you. I wish you success in your work and great success."
Wang Jianxin had been watching quietly with a smile on his face. After Hu Jiao and Xu Hui finished their drinks and sat down to eat, Wang Jianxin slowly spoke, "Xiao Xu, we were planning to treat you again tomorrow, but we didn't expect you to come to our house in person. I'm definitely not trying to fool you by saying this. Since you're here, why don't you just tell me everything?"
After Xu Hui drank two cups, her cheeks flushed. "How dare I disobey Director Wang's orders? Chief, our Lao Gao is also going to Fenghuang."
Hu Jiao grinned. This news came so suddenly!
Deng Shengni had been in office for three days, and the situation was not optimistic. The provincial party committee had not yet made a clear decision. Hu Jiao did not go to inquire, nor did he hear any rumors about this. He did not expect that the provincial party committee would delay for a month, and in the end, Deputy Secretary-General Gao Li won.
Wang Jianxin took a sip of the wine in his glass. "I just heard the rumors last night. Seeing you show up today confirmed my guess. Speaking of which, it's time for Secretary Gao to go down and take on some responsibilities. Now, two people from our office will go out at a time and go to the same place. It's a good thing."
Hu Jiao could hear Wang Jianxin's advice, so he walked around to Xu Hui, poured wine, and raised his glass, "Sister Xu, I punished myself by drinking three glasses before, this glass is to express my gratitude. I will not disturb Secretary Gao for the next two days, please take care of everything, Sister Xu!"
Xu Hui still smiled sweetly, "Drink slowly, I can't compare to you big buckets, Chief, we don't have much time to spend together, but I can see that you are a capable person. Our old Gao also said that we have to rely on you local people in Phoenix to support our work in the future."
As they drank and chatted, Wang Jianxin talked about Phoenix City's industry, infrastructure and other matters from time to time, which made Hu Jiao think constantly.
Finally, Wang Jianxin offered a glass of wine and said, "Let's gather here today. Hu Jiao has settled down in Nanhu now, so we have plenty of time."
After seeing Xu Hui off first, the three of them found a teahouse, with a pot of Biluochun tea and a gentle and beautiful serenade playing in the teahouse.
Lighting up the Zhonghua cigarette Wang Jianxin brought out, Hu Jiao could no longer hold back the doubts that had been lingering in his heart. He asked, "Teacher Wang, what do you think of what happened today?"
Wang Jianxin blew on the tea and said jokingly, "Back then, your reward for confinement."
Hu Jiao didn't understand. Could it be that Gao Li was also involved in that incident? No way, the Wu family had basically been uprooted by the Chang family, and it had also brought disaster to the He family.
Looking at Hu Jiao who was puzzled, Li Ya's face was full of smiles. Wang Jianxin then pointed out, "Hu Jiao, you underestimate yourself. But it's no wonder. You gritted your teeth for three months and managed to get through it. Maybe it was just an unexpected disaster for you. As for later, you were lucky to have escaped the disaster. But you didn't think that your experience has accumulated enough capital for you!"
After shaking off the ash from his cigarette, Wang Jianxin sipped his tea while observing Hu Jiao's expression. Seeing that Hu Jiao began to think seriously, he continued, "As for your father and Vice Governor Li, they certainly won't tell you directly how to make amends, right?"
Hu Jiao nodded. Indeed, no one mentioned that matter again. Including himself, after he was released, apart from the shock of learning that Liu Jie was Wu Hao's wife, he didn't take the confinement to heart at all.
Wang Jianxin looked at Hu Jiao calmly, "Why don't you put yourself in his shoes? If you were a leader, when choosing a candidate for promotion, you would choose between someone like you who has been investigated by the Commission for Discipline Inspection, keeps his mouth shut, and is trustworthy, and someone who has a good relationship with you but has not been tested. Which one would you choose?"
After Wang Jianxin asked this question, Hu Jiao suddenly realized that these were principles that could not be put on the table for discussion, and they were truths that could only be understood but not expressed in words.
No one can guarantee that he will not make mistakes in his life, and no one can complete all the work alone. You always need others to share and cooperate. In the business world, when seeking partners, credit is definitely the most important thing. The same is true in the officialdom, and it is even more stringent.
So in this regard, Hu Jiao has already seized a huge initiative and advantage. He himself has been tested and has proven his credibility with facts.
When the superior leaders promote and appoint cadres, the so-called confidants, that is, close and trustworthy people, are called confidants. In the unspoken rules, whether the superiors can "trust" has become the key to promotion and appointment.
It just so happens that Hu Jiao is trustworthy. He has the advantage of diploma, talent, theory, strong backing, and a good family background. As long as he does not offend the bottom line of some big shots, his rise is inevitable.
Hu Jiao understood all this and couldn't help but sigh. If it weren't for Wang Jianxin's words, he would still be kept in the dark and naively complacent, thinking that he had survived a disaster, that his luck had turned, and that his leaders had taken notice of him.
Little did I know there were so many things in it.
"Listening to your talk is better than reading for ten years!" Hu Jiao expressed his feelings from the bottom of his heart without any pretense.
Wang Jianxin accepted it calmly, "If I don't tell you, someone will tell you sooner or later, but from a different perspective. Your father and others hope that you can understand it yourself, so that you can truly understand it. It seems that I am interfering in other people's business."
Without waiting for Hu Jiao to speak, he continued, "Do you know that some time ago, the governor and the secretary-general simultaneously asked you to be their secretary?"
Hu Jiao nodded, and Wang Jianxin said, "That's right. So, if I don't say anything today, someone will bring it up sooner or later. Is it clear now?"
Hu Jiao nodded again, he understood!
No matter how unclear he was, he had wasted decades of study, and it was not in line with the wisdom left to him by that gangster and scoundrel.
"Knowledge of the world is knowledge, and understanding of human nature is writing."
Hearing Hu Jiao's sigh, Li Ya clapped his hands and laughed, "Yes, this is what I learned from Director Wang. It is also the greatest realization I have gained since I started working. Director Wang is definitely an expert in this area."
Wang Jianxin waved his hand and said modestly: "I have been doing nothing for decades longer than you, so I have more experience and perspectives. As the saying goes, people are replaced, and the past and the present are connected. How much energy can I, an old man, exert? I still have to rely on you young people."
Hu Jiao looked at him sincerely, and said solemnly, "Teacher Wang, from now on, I will be your disciple. Please teach me!"
The muscles on Wang Jianxin's face trembled uncontrollably. Hu Jiao picked up an empty teacup, refilled it with water, stood up, and solemnly offered him tea.
"Okay, okay, okay! I, Wang Jianxin, have accomplished nothing in my life. I never expected that when I was old, I would go through the ups and downs of officialdom. I never expected to meet you!"
Li Ya followed suit and handed a cup of tea to Wang Jianxin, but Wang Jianxin laughed and scolded him: "Don't act cute, kid! Stay still!"
Li Ya shrank his head, grinned foolishly and sat back.
After taking the tea from Hu Jiao and receiving three bows as a sign of respect, the relationship between master and disciple was officially established.
After sitting down again, Wang Jianxin's agitated mood slowly calmed down, and he looked at Hu Jiao with kindness and care in his eyes.
"Everyone's life is only a few decades long. No matter how you spend it, time will not wait for anyone. Therefore, you must make full use of your time and live your life in this world. Only then can you be said to be worthy of heaven and the people. How to make your life have the greatest value? You need to plan and design it seriously, carefully and pragmatically. Design the path you want to take and your future development, and then realize it step by step. Do you understand?"
Wang Jianxin's state at this moment was like an old tree coming back to life in spring, with dead vines sprouting, and his whole body was shining with the light of a wise man.
Seeing Hu Jiao nod, Wang Jianxin stretched out his finger and began to analyze, "Life is divided into two parts, life and work. In life, you have entered into marriage. As long as you maintain a stable relationship and treat your family well, basically there will be no major problems. As for work, for now, your appointment to Tong County is just the people above who want to age you up. As long as you carry out your work normally... Even if you violate discipline or laws, as long as the impact does not exceed Nanzhao, you will not have any problems!"
Li Ya was startled and looked at Wang Jianxin in shock, "Director, this isn't that exaggerated, is it?"
Wang Jianxin smiled complacently, "If it were you, there would be no hope. Hu Jiao is different. Your life plan must be firmly attached to him. I have already talked to you about this. As for whether you are convinced or not, let's wait and see."
Li Ya scratched his head, "Of course I am convinced. I have no choice but to accept it. Brother Hu's experience is not something that ordinary people can endure. Besides, he is my brother-in-law now. Following him is better than... ahem. Director Wang, please continue."
Hu Jiao couldn't help but laugh when he heard the unfinished words, thinking that he must have meant "It's better than being bullied by my sister."
Wang Jianxin looked at Hu Jiao and continued to point his finger. "It's difficult to be a politician in Xinhua. From the perspective of the political system, there are eight steps from section to ministry! As for village-level cadres, it doesn't apply to you, and you have already entered the third step, deputy director. In the next year, if nothing unexpected happens, you can steadily enter the fourth step, director. What's next? After becoming a director, have you ever thought about it?"
Hu Jiao shook his head and told the truth, "I have never thought about becoming a high-ranking official. I have never had any big ambitions."
"This is not ambition! It's a career, a man's career. Moreover, you are fully qualified and qualified to create your own career. After being promoted to director, you will be promoted to deputy director. I guess there won't be too many personnel changes in the current political situation in Nanzhao, but you must be prepared! What if Vice Governor Li and your father are transferred to other posts, what will you do alone in Nanzhao? This requires careful planning! Design your own career development, design your own team, and unite some people around you. When you are truly independent, you can lead them to realize their respective life values."
Hearing this, Li Ya immediately raised his hand and said, "Brother Hu, I'll be the first to surrender! I must lend a hand to my brothers."
Wang Jianxin waited for Hu Jiao to slowly digest the views and ideas he instilled in him. He was optimistic about Hu Jiao, not only because of his background, but also because of his intelligence and talent.
This is just like a peerless sculptor coming across a piece of jade that has been passed down through the ages.
"You need to analyze your strengths, advantages, and strengths, and also recognize your shortcomings and weaknesses. No one is perfect. You can pretend to be perfect to others, but you must be realistic to yourself. Know what you know and admit what you don't know. Don't pretend to be rich. Because your future path may be shattered to pieces with just one wrong step. It can be said that every step is difficult and dangerous. So every step must be cautious and down-to-earth. In this regard, I will do my best to remind you as long as I live."
Hu Jiao nodded. He didn't have the urge to pretend in this regard.
"As for talents, you can slowly explore the people in the prefectures and counties. Among these people, the best ones can only govern one side and be independent. Their work experience limits their way of thinking, and they pay more attention to immediate interests and lack long-term vision. Of course, there are outliers, such as people like your father. Haha, if you meet such talents, you can't miss them. If you can't win them over, remember, you must not be soft-hearted!"
Turning to look at Li Ya, "Including him, if one day he has second thoughts about you, you must use every possible means to make sure he never stands up again!"
Facing Wang Jianxin's grim gaze, Li Ya's hair stood on end.
