Chapter 320: Chapter 194 Zhou Yuanchen: Is Brother Qin around? Help me take a slash!
The grand red doors of the meeting room opened and then closed again as Zhou Shu stormed out.
He hadn’t completely fallen out with Chen Ruofu, but he did leave some harsh words.
The latter, known as the “Tiger of the Inspection Department,” was notoriously hot-tempered in his early years and very domineering in his actions.
If he had issued an order to have the guards drag him out, it would have been a huge loss of face.
“Dignity is important! There are many representatives here. We cannot lose the face of the Education Department!”
Zhou Shu clenched his teeth, comforting himself as he quickly left the government building.
Once seated in his car, he immediately dialed the Education Department:
“Director, Chen Ruofu refused. Fang Butang is also on his side.
Their stance is firm. They are determined to support Qin Shi as Tai’an’s Supernova, vying for the Tianlu quota.”
Far away in the Central City, Mo Qihuan seemed unsurprised. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table and said:
“Tai’an has that enterprising spirit. They want to stand out and gain some exposure, which is not a problem.
Central City is full of talent, and we are not afraid of fair competition.”
Zhou Shu looked hesitant. Over the years, the Education Department had indeed discovered many good seedlings through various competitions and exams.
Yet even the most outstanding Zhou Yuanchen, who had entered the Specialized Domain, had not managed to defeat Qin Shi.
“I’ve talked to young Zhou. A minor defeat is nothing. The key is to get back up after a setback.
Young Zhou has a strong character and great potential. He can still be promoted as the Education Department’s Supernova.”
Mo Qihuan took the initiative to set the tone regarding the Education Department’s failure in the Top 100 Contest, which relieved Zhou Shu.
As the representative, he couldn’t let the contender selected by the Tai’an Metropolitan Area outshine those from Central City and would be held accountable.
Now, with Mo Qihuan’s assurance, Zhou Shu would not face punishment upon returning to Central City.
Thinking of this, he felt grateful to the long-standing Director and said with trembling voice:
“Thank you for your understanding, Director!”
Mo Qihuan smiled and said:
“Young Zhou, messing up once is not a big deal. There are many opportunities on the path to improvement. Make sure to seize them and prepare actively.”
Even across the distant distance, Zhou Shu straightened his posture and solemnly said:
“Understood, I will never let you down again, Director!”
Mo Qihuan’s fingers paused, and the light tapping on the table ceased.
He lowered his head in thought, then dialed the red phone on the desk, calling his secretary in.
“Xiao Liu, please draft a confidential letter to be sent to Yan City later. Also, prepare a personnel reassignment document, transferring Zhou Shu to infrastructure work.
The grand expansion is imminent, and the front lines need talent. Let him take the lead in demonstrating the high standards of our Education Department staff who are unafraid of hardship.”
Infrastructure work, huh?
The secretary’s heart skipped a beat, immediately understanding that as the representative sent to the Tai’an Metropolitan Area, Director Zhou was essentially being sidelined, with no future prospects.
Within the system, the level of positions isn’t absolute. The amount of power is more significant.
But there is one common understanding: only urban areas count as the “hub,” with highly concentrated power.
Being stationed elsewhere for long periods, or stationed on the periphery, generally means being “exiled.”
Director Zhou being reassigned to infrastructure work meant he would undoubtedly be far removed from Central City from now on, with no further chance for advancement.
Indeed, the Director has always been unsparing toward subordinates who performed poorly.
The secretary thought, keeping his head down.
“Allocate some resources to welcome the Fourth Battle Group. Ensure the airport is fully prepared, with no room for error.”
Mo Qihuan spoke more slowly, allowing the secretary to take note:
“And call the Governor’s Mansion. Qin Shi, the champion of the Top 100 Contest, has returned to Tai’an. I believe his commendation and rewards should be prioritized.”
The pen scratched against the paper, making a rustling sound as the secretary wrote down every word.
With his memory, he could easily remember everything after hearing it once.
But the Director’s working style was always . Whether it was daily instructions or important project meetings, there had to be written documentation.
“Is there anything else?”
The secretary closed his notebook and put his pen back in his breast pocket.
He had been working with Director Mo for about seven years, being the Director’s fifth personal secretary.
The Director was relatively approachable, kind, and liked to nurture his subordinates.
The previous secretaries had all progressed well in their careers, holding leadership positions in important departments after leaving the Education Department.
“Cancel the afternoon meeting. I plan to go home and rest; I’ve been feeling a bit tired these days.”
Mo Qihuan looked out at the gloomy sky and said softly: The most update n0vels are published on NovelHub(.)net
“It’s getting cold, and my old ailments tend to flare up. My legs are stiff. Inform the Meteorological Bureau to control the cloud systems, keeping the temperature around twenty degrees and providing ample sunlight for the Central City residents.”
The secretary nodded and casually commented:
“The Director truly cares for the people.”
Mo Qihuan said nothing, and the secretary discreetly left the office.
He stood up, slowly walked to the 180-degree panoramic window, and gazed at his vigorous reflection.
“The more you gain, the more you must give. The Ying family is not a charity. Ying Lin may be slow-witted, but the elders behind him are all shrewd and cunning. Trying to default on the debt would be cutting off one’s future.
If I had known this would happen, I might have chosen to be a low-ranking clerk, perhaps that would have been better.”
Achieving success and then retiring gracefully, those four words are easier said than done within the system.
Having held the Director’s position at the Education Department for decades, Mo Qihuan now realizes how difficult it is to “step down” successfully.
“The Ying family wants to bind me to Zhen Ting, but they are mistaken.”
A glint of determination flashed in Mo Qihuan’s eyes. Since he had no choice but to join the game, he would put everything at stake.