Who wants to take the civil service exam after being reborn?

Chapter 470 "A Father's Status Rises Because of His Son"

After finishing his routine meeting at the Provincial Communications Administration, Guo Jiamao returned to his office, casually tossed his laptop aside, slumped in his chair, and pondered what to do for the rest of the day.

It's so boring!
When I was the deputy district head, I didn't even have time to drink water. I was so busy every day that I could barely sit down, and my nerves were always on edge.

Hearing the phone ring makes me jump, fearing that something might happen to the work I'm in charge of.

Now it's all good. Ever since I came to this government office, my butt is practically glued to the sofa. Every week, besides attending meetings, I'm either out conducting research.

The phone seemed to be broken, only ringing once every few seconds.

I've gained almost four pounds in just one month of taking up the post.

"Aside from having to attend a meeting in the provincial capital on Wednesday and a project review at the mobile company on Friday, there's nothing else to do!"

Guo muttered to himself, then picked up a copy of "Reference News".

For a middle-aged leader like him, who is in his prime, sitting in the office is a real ordeal. He can only read through various newspapers and magazines every day and feels that his theoretical level has greatly improved compared to the past.

Guo Jiamao leaned back in his black chair, holding a copy of "Reference News," looking lazy and listless.

But as he flipped through the pages, he suddenly paused.

Then he slowly sat up straight, his expression becoming less relaxed, and placed the Reference News neatly on the table, reading it word by word.

First came surprise, then admiration, and finally, an overwhelming sense of awe and admiration!

He immediately picked up the "broken" phone, found the name "Chen Peisong," and dialed it right away.

The call was answered after ringing for about twenty seconds.

It seemed quiet there, but it wasn't completely silent.

How to describe it? If the Communications Administration Bureau is a dull and desolate palace, then the municipal party committee building where the "Policy Research Office" is located is the imperial palace.

The Cold Palace is cold because there are no talented people there.

There were many people in the Golden Palace, but they all habitually slowed their pace as they came and went, seemingly worried about startling someone, but everyone did the same.

"Old Guo".

Chen Peisong must have walked quickly to the top of the stairs; his voice echoed, "What's wrong?"

"When Chen invested 2000 million to establish that research institute, I told him he was going to do something big!"

Guo Jiamao asked with great confidence, "So, tell me if it's accurate or not?"

"Oh, is that all? We all know about it."

Chen Peisong seemed a little helpless.

When the Yangcheng Evening News first reported this news, Guo Jiamao immediately called to congratulate them.

As it turned out, Chen Peisong knew nothing about it, and only then did Guo Jiamao realize that his son had been causing a huge scandal outside, while his own father had been kept in the dark.

When they got home that evening, Mr. and Mrs. Chen personally questioned them over the phone and finally understood what had happened.

In other words, if it weren't for his friend's reminder, Chen Peisong might not have known about the whole thing until the provincial publicity department issued a press release the next day.

“His mother was so worried that she couldn’t eat, but I wasn’t so anxious. Children and grandchildren have their own lives, let that kid do whatever he wants.”

Old Chen continued speaking in a low voice, seemingly unwilling to acknowledge Chen Zhe as his son.

Of course, he didn't know that while the provincial propaganda department was issuing a barrage of press releases, Chen was being interviewed by Xinhua News Agency.

"Are you still so busy?"

Guo Jiamao could sense that this classmate from the Party School was not as comfortable in his new workplace.

"I'm almost used to it."

Chen Peisong smiled, but also wondered what Lao Guo's purpose was in making this call.
Have you read the Reference News?

Guo Jiamao didn't keep them in suspense and asked directly.

"You know I simply don't have the time."

Old Chen sighed: "I can't even keep up with writing all the official documents every day."

"Hehe~"

Guo Jiamao couldn't help but gloat.

Neither Lao Chen nor I are office workers; we are both good at handling emergencies and complex cases.

As a result, one ended up in a lowly government office, while the other went to the policy research office.

Of course, the Policy Research Office is not like the Party History Office. Given the opportunity, the Policy Research Office can soar to great heights.

"Then go and see for yourself, I won't say any more."

Guo Jiamao "happily" hung up the phone, treating it as a little spice in his monotonous life.

……

Old Chen put his phone back in his pocket and returned to his office.

His desk was by the window. The municipal party committee building was a prime location, and even though he was now a division chief, he was not entitled to have a private office.

He was still crammed together with a group of writers of all ages, looking rather bulky.

However, since he is now the deputy director, he can sit by the window and look out into the distance when his eyes are tired.

"Reference News?"

Chen Peisong wasn't stupid. He keenly realized that what Guo Jiamao had just said must be related to Chen.

But he was too busy. He still had several documents to review, and he had only been there a short time. He felt embarrassed to leisurely read publications before finishing his work.

After all, the head of the research lab was sitting in the small single office next door.

The director of the policy research office is usually concurrently held by the deputy secretary-general of the municipal party committee. Of course, it is usually the person ranked last in the party committee, because this department does not have much real power.

So Lao Chen didn't read it, but just sent Chen Zhe a message when he had some free time.

"Has the young master done something earth-shattering this time?"

Chen Peisong asked.

"none."

Chen replied with a single word.

"This kid..."

Old Chen shook his head; his wife was truly terrified the night before last.

It's one thing to spend 2000 million to build a research institute, since that involves physical objects.

But Mao Xiaoqin couldn't even imagine spending 1500 million yuan on a meal. Was the spoon for that meal studded with diamonds?
When Chen called, the young master readily admitted to the incident, but did so as casually as if he had broken the glass himself, before hanging up to get back to work.

Enraged, Mao Xiaoqin immediately complained to Yu Xuan, who was far away in the capital!

“I raised him for eighteen years. I can’t say I did anything great, but I must have put in a lot of hard work.”

Empress Dowager Mao angrily cursed, "In the end, 1500 million was spent, and there wasn't even a proper explanation. Xiao Yu, tell me, did I give birth to this son for nothing...?"

Old Chen didn't know what the "mother-in-law and daughter-in-law" talked about, but an hour later, his wife leisurely walked out of the bedroom, presumably having been comforted by her daughter-in-law.

While I was lost in thought, I suddenly heard a cough. It turned out that the head of the research lab had arrived.

The director's name is Ji Xinrong. He is 51 years old, a bit short and thin, with little hair on his head. He doesn't talk much, and his expression is always filled with the gloom of frequent and incomplete urination.

"Secretary-General Ji."

Chen Peisong stood up and greeted them.

This title is quite sophisticated; when someone holds multiple positions, they should usually be addressed by their most prestigious one.

"Ah."

Ji Xinrong responded with a lukewarm reply, his voice sounding as if he had phlegm stuck in his throat.

He simply assigned some new tasks, then left with his hands behind his back without saying anything more.

Chen Peisong looked at the pile of documents on the table, which was already like a small mountain, and now it had grown several centimeters taller, and couldn't help but feel a little depressed.

He came from the grassroots level and was very good at reading people. He could clearly sense that his superiors did not have a good impression of him and were always giving him extra tasks, making him carry a heavy burden.

Chen Peisong is certain that he has never offended the other party, but sometimes the world's likes and dislikes are not determined by whether you are a good person or not.

[Identity] is the real reason why some people hate you.

From Ji Xinrong's perspective, although the Policy Research Office has three deputy directors, the newly appointed Chen Peisong poses the greatest threat.

Because he has rich front-line work experience and is several years younger than me, and now he is also deepening his theoretical level, he perfectly meets the central government's new era requirements for cadre promotion.

Therefore, Chen Peisong's "identity" naturally poses a threat to Ji Xinrong's position.

Within the system, the relationship between the head and deputy head is a sensitive one of "cooperation and wariness".

We need to work together to set up a platform, but we also need to be wary of the other party's underhanded tactics, or even verbal probing.

For example, a regular staff member could advise, "Director, you're working too hard. You should take a couple of days off."

This shows concern for the leadership.

But if the deputy director says, "Director, you're working too hard, always busy with work. Take a couple of days off to rest," then it means something else entirely.

To the bureau chief, this sounded like an accusation from his deputy that he was too power-hungry, unwilling to let go of anything, big or small, and distrustful of his colleagues.

Therefore, in response to the threat posed by Chen Peisong, without knowing his background, Ji Xinrong's solution was to continuously assign him more tasks.

Human energy is limited, and once it becomes unbearable, mistakes will be made. If a mistake is made, and the opportunity is seized to criticize it several times in a public meeting, and then labeled as having "limited ability," it will inevitably have a negative impact on Chen Peisong's promotion.

Moreover, this is an open conspiracy.

If you don't do the tasks assigned to you by your supervisor, you're considered a "troublemaker," "lack of teamwork," and "problematic work attitude."

If you make a mistake, it means you "have a problem with your abilities" and need to reflect on it.

How could Chen Peisong not see this situation? If he were still in the old street office, he would have had a hundred ways to shirk his responsibilities. But now he was a "newcomer" to the research office, and if he resisted, he would fall into Ji Xinrong's trap.

If someone refuses to follow orders as soon as they arrive at a new unit, they'll be a target for no superior within the system.

Therefore, Chen Peisong could only accept it silently, and he couldn't complain or say anything sarcastic, because if these complaints were to spread, it would be equivalent to "cutting off one's eggs to worship the gods".

Even God was offended, and the egg was lost. All the hard work was done, but no good impression was left.

He was busy until noon. Chen Peisong ate a quick bite in the cafeteria and rushed back. The office was empty, so he finally had time to pick up the "Reference News" and saw Xinhua News Agency's interview with his son.

"Hey! That's great!"

Old Chen nodded as he read, especially at the last question, where his son's answer elevated the entire interview to another level—

After all that upheaval, his greatest wish was simply to become a "probationary member of the Communist Party."

This shows that in Chen's mind, even being able to converse with the world's richest man is still no match for the Party's approval.

Chen is using his own glory to highlight the greatness of the Party.

"I couldn't have come up with such an answer on the spot when faced with an interview from Xinhua News Agency."

For the first time, Old Chen felt that Chen's ability to assess the situation and his vision far surpassed his own.

As for his business acumen, needless to say, he should be the number one person under 20 in China.

Unfortunately, I still had tasks to complete, so I couldn't watch my son's performance in the interview a few more times. However, when I got home from working overtime that night, I grabbed a copy of "Reference News" and showed it off to my wife.

Chen Peisong made up his mind and returned to his desk to keep busy. His colleagues all had time to take a lunch break, but he, as a "newcomer," couldn't squeeze it out at all.

Before we knew it, it was past five in the afternoon. Some of the colleagues in the research lab who were relatively relaxed were already waiting to leave work and go home at 5:30.

Old Chen took out his meal card. He had recently made it a habit to work overtime and usually ate in the cafeteria every night.

"cough~"

Another cough.

Director Ji Xinrong took the opportunity to inspect his territory while he came out to wash the teacups.

Seeing that Chen Peisong showed no sign of leaving get off work and was instead prepared to work overtime, Director Ji nodded in satisfaction.

"Old Chen, you're going to have a hard time tonight."

Ji Xinrong walked over with a teacup in hand and said warmly, "Only you in our research group can write that document about the reform of small and medium-sized enterprises. After all, you have dealt with them at the grassroots level. We are not as good at writing it."

"Director Ji, what are you saying?"

Faced with Ji Xinrong's insincere politeness, Chen Peisong still smiled and replied, "I may have some experience, but I lack a strategic vision. After I finish writing it, I will need Director Ji's help to revise it to make the article seem more sophisticated."

"It's easy to talk about."

Ji Xinrong accepted the flattery with a clear conscience, but in his heart he was thinking about adding more pressure tomorrow, "going all out" to exhaust him to the point of needing an IV drip. The surrounding colleagues didn't dare to get involved, and instead turned off their computers and packed up their things.

Nobody's a fool; everyone could sense that Director Ji was targeting the newly arrived Deputy Director Chen. However, Ji Xinrong was a senior official, and even though some people sympathized with Chen Peisong, they wouldn't show it.

It can be said that under the influence of the top leader, Lao Chen was already showing signs of being isolated in the research lab.

A moment later, it was past 5:30, but Ji Xinrong was still talking to Chen Peisong. Some cadres in provincial and municipal government departments had a style no different from that of eunuchs.

Eunuchs clearly don't have penises, but they insist on acting like men.

They clearly dislike each other, but they pretend to be very friendly.

However, since Ji Xinrong didn't leave, no one in the research lab dared to pack their bags and leave work, listening to him and Director Chen "building rapport."

Then, someone knocked twice on the open office door: "Hey, you haven't left today?"

Ji Xinrong turned his head, first looking surprised, then instantly plastered a respectful and fawning smile on his face, even the few remaining hairs on his head seemed to flutter in the wind.

He jogged over with small steps, his shoulders unconsciously hunching over, as if an invisible official's authority was pressing down on him: "Secretary-General Lin, what brings you here?"

The person knocking on the door was a leader with a square face, about the same age as Ji Xinrong, or maybe a little older, but he had a "final say" aura in his every move.

Lin Weixian, Secretary-General of the Municipal Party Committee.

Although the Secretary-General and the Deputy Secretary-General seem to be "one in charge and one in deputy charge," their ranks are only one at the level of a full-fledged department head and the other at the level of a deputy department head.

However, the gap between Ji Xinrong and Lin Weixian is far greater than the gap between Chen Peisong and Ji Xinrong.

Because the secretary-general is also a member of the standing committee.

As Lin Weixian arrived, everyone in the office stood up. Secretary-General Lin glanced around and his gaze actually landed on Old Chen: "Peisong, is that right?"

"Ok?"

Chen Peisong and Ji Xinrong were both stuck.

Chen Peisong was thinking, "Do I know Secretary-General Lin?"

Ji Xinrong was wondering how he got to know Standing Committee Member Lin.

"I heard you've been working overtime a lot lately and eating at the cafeteria every day."

Lin Weixian barely paid any attention to Ji Xinrong, just nodded slightly, and then walked past him to continue greeting Chen Peisong: "I also have to work overtime today, why don't we eat together in the cafeteria?"

Chen Peisong was quick-witted; after only a couple of seconds of hesitation, he immediately picked up his meal card and said, "I'll follow Secretary-General Lin's arrangements."

"Hehe, let's go."

Lin Weixian patted Old Chen on the back affectionately: "I heard the canteen has braised eggplant tonight. I worked in the countryside when I was young. Back then, we were short of food and drink. When we were hungry, we would braise a couple of eggplants and add a little oil. I still miss that taste..."

Lin Weixian didn't care at all about the opinions of the other people in the research lab, including Ji Xinrong. As the chatter faded away, the office gradually quieted down.

Everyone in the lab lowered their heads, trying to avoid eye contact with Ji Xinrong, like an invisible storm gathering in a low-pressure atmosphere.

Ji Xinrong's expression froze for a moment before he returned to his small office without a word.

Afterwards, everyone slowly left, still cautious and as if walking on thin ice.

……

On the other side, Chen Peisong and Lin Weixian walked towards the cafeteria, and people kept greeting Lin Weixian along the way.

The title of Secretary-General should not be mistaken for a service staff member just because it includes the word "secretary." In contrast, the title of "Company Secretary" refers to a member of the company's management team.

Lin Weixian's position means he doesn't even need to consider the second-in-command's feelings; he only needs to align himself with the top leader.

This was also the first time Old Chen had dined alone with a leader of this rank, but he wasn't that eager for officialdom, so he spoke cautiously and respectfully, neither flattering nor humble.

At the same time, I was also wondering what Secretary-General Lin wanted to see me about?

Chen Peisong is not a novice in the workplace. When his boss invites him to dinner, it is a sign of goodwill.

However, everything has a reason and a motive. Considering the recent situation, Old Chen gradually realized that it was most likely his son's fault.

The two of them lined up to get their food and chose a relatively quiet spot to sit down. There were very few people eating in the government canteen in the evening; those below the deputy director level went home, while those above the deputy director level mostly had social engagements.

"Old Chen."

Lin Weixian ate a couple of bites of rice, then looked up and spoke again, while Chen Peisong listened intently.

On the way here, Secretary-General Lin only talked about general things like the weather, work, and health, without getting to the point.

Judging from his piercing gaze, he seems ready to get straight to the point.

Do you know how you were transferred from the neighborhood office to the research lab?

Lin Weixian asked with a smile.

"This one……"

Chen Peisong hadn't expected this question. He had a rough idea in mind, but he wasn't sure.

However, in front of his superiors, Lao Chen preferred to pretend he didn't know and let Lin Weixian take the initiative to explain.

"I've always been a bit of a scatterbrain."

Chen Peisong said, "The subdistrict office and the research office are two different systems. I am not good at writing official documents myself, and I don't really know how I ended up here."

"Peisong, you are too modest. The essence of official documents is not how fancy the language is, but whether the viewpoint is correct."

Lin Weixian shook his head and said, "Your article, 'Persistence in Building a Beautiful Landscape,' demonstrates a very forward-thinking perspective."

"Sure enough it is."

Chen Peisong confirmed the reason; it was the same reason he had originally guessed.

However, there is still a key question: who conveyed my understanding of the unity of opposites between ecological environment and economic development to Secretary-General Lin?

“I’m quite familiar with Dean Lin Jinping of the School of Marxism at CUHK. Last year during the final exams… he said that was your opinion… Dean Lin talked to me about this once, and I felt that you were more suitable for the research lab, so I transferred here…”

As Lin Weixian recounted his story, Old Chen finally understood that although the process had been somewhat tortuous, the secretary-general in front of him was his true mentor.

Seeing Chen Peisong's shocked reaction, Lin Weixian smiled, lowered his head and ate a couple of bites of rice, giving the newly appointed deputy director of the research lab some time to digest and understand.

"Thank you, Secretary-General Lin."

Old Chen also had to show his gratitude.

"Everyone should do their job."

Lin Weixian waved his hand, as if it were a trivial matter to him, or perhaps just an unintentional act.

After a while, Secretary-General Lin finished his meal, wiped his mouth, and then said, seemingly casually, "Back at the end of last year, I wonder if Chen Zhe even considered bidding for the right to speak with Buffett."

"As expected~"

As expected, after going around in circles for a while, Secretary-General Lin finally brought up Chen.

“That kid usually doesn’t tell us much. This time he caused such a big fuss that his mother and I only found out after a friend reminded us.”

Chen Peisong was half-true and half-false, and with the aim of protecting Chen Zhe, he even played dumb when facing the Standing Committee members.

Lin Weixian sensed the caution in Chen Peisong's words, but he didn't take it to heart. Instead, he said with emotion, "Old Chen, when you get to my age, you'll understand that so-called success in your career is nothing more than a few lines of Song typeface in your personnel file that can be replaced at any time. But how much have we missed out on?"

"The growth of my children, my wife's gray hair, and my own body that I haven't had time to get a check-up."

Lin Weixian sighed.

That's quite sincere, and besides, when your superior pulls you aside for a heart-to-heart talk, you certainly can't remain silent.

After a moment's thought, Old Chen said sincerely, "Work is complicated, and I just want to be true to my conscience. As for promotion and success, I'll let nature take its course. An old leader once taught me to be resilient in the folds of power and to guard my conscience in the cracks of rules. I've always kept that in mind."

Secretary-General Lin listened with a slight sense of respect.

"No wonder you were able to raise a child like Chen Zhe."

Lin Weixian's tone was filled with envy and admiration.

Mentioning Chen Zhe brings a genuine smile to Old Chen's face, but he still humbly says, "I'm usually too busy; it's my wife who takes care of me."

Secretary-General Lin was skeptical. Chen Peisong's wife seemed to be a doctor. Who else but Old Chen could subtly influence such a spirit of "actively aligning with the organization"?
Standing Committee member Lin certainly couldn't have imagined that "the me before my rebirth" could influence "the me after my rebirth."

"No one in your office should know that Chen Zhe is your son, right?"

Secretary-General Lin joked.

"There's nothing to mention. It would sound like we're getting ahead because of our sons."

Chen Peisong also responded humorously.

While Lao Chen and Secretary-General Lin were chatting, this scene had already been relayed back to Ji Xinrong.

There are two reasons.

First, Lin Weixian's identity is very special; second, there are always many idle people in the municipal party committee compound.

After dinner, the two strolled around the municipal party committee compound. Although Secretary-General Lin did not mention Chen again, Old Chen knew that the secretary-general had invited him to dinner because of his son.

In the pyramid of power, those without value are like rootless duckweed. Leaders need capable assistants to help them move forward, colleagues need partners to leverage their strengths, and subordinates need guiding lights to lead the way.

It is clear that in Secretary-General Lin's mind, Chen possesses the ability to help him (or his children) in the future.

"Just based on one interview?"

Chen Peisong was a little confused. Logically speaking, they shouldn't have been so quick to show goodwill before any other events had unfolded.

Completely baffled, I returned to my office. All my other colleagues had already left. Just as I opened the file and was about to continue working overtime, I heard a creak, and Ji Xinrong came out of the small office.

"Old Chen."

Director Ji smiled broadly, even his messy eyebrows conveying goodwill: "Why did you come back after dinner? Hurry up and go home!"

"I haven't finished this one yet."

Chen Peisong pointed to the initial draft of "Reform of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises" in his hand.

"Snapped!"

Director Ji abruptly closed the book without further ado: "I misunderstood just now. Old Song has been a town mayor before, he's more suitable to be the chief writer. Don't worry about it, go home, go home..."

Ji Xinrong did not act arrogantly before becoming obsequious, but his words clearly expressed his attitude of "admitting his mistake".

That's just how realistic it is within the system.

However, Chen Peisong has a wealth of experience in dealing with people. He is not the kind of "hot-blooded youth" who only cares about talking big. After gaining power, he mocked Ji Xinrong: "I still prefer the way you were so arrogant just now."

Anyone with a modicum of emotional intelligence would accept Ji Xinrong's kindness at this point.

If one had a higher emotional intelligence, they might have said something like, "Thank you for your understanding, Director Ji, but I've already drafted the outline for this first draft. Why don't I take it home and write it down? That way, I won't have to bother Lao Song, and I can take a break at home..."

This is a way to respond to Ji Xinrong's "apology" while saving him face, and without offending Lao Song.

Ji Xinrong paused for a moment, patted Old Chen's arm, and left without saying a word.

Bringing work home is a great option; you can eat some fruit and watch TV during your breaks.

It was on the Guangdong provincial news that evening that Chen Peisong finally understood why Secretary-General Lin had suddenly sought him out:
It turns out that this afternoon, while I was engrossed in writing official documents, the provincial leader in charge of education went to inspect Sun Yat-sen University.

Although the stated reason was "to remind students of safety during the summer vacation and to ensure the daily lives of students staying on campus," those who know the real reason understand.

He called Chen Zhe, but it was a chaotic scene on the other end, probably a drinking party.

"Are you socializing?"

Old Chen asked, casually mentioning a name.

"Yes."

Chen nodded in agreement.

"That's good."

Old Chen said with feigned sadness, "I've never been inside a provincial leader's office in my entire life, yet you're already sitting at the same table with them."

"Dad, look at what you're saying, how corny!"

Chen said with a grin, "This is a meeting where provincial leaders conveyed the spirit of holiday safety. As the only representative of the student union, I just came to listen and had a working lunch."

"Tch! They're acting all mysterious with us."

Old Chen said this, but he was very pleased in his heart.

He could imagine the scene tonight, and even so, Chen Zhe would not steal the limelight or make himself the center of attention. That way, he would always remain clear-headed.

At a dinner party within the system, what you pick up with your chopsticks could be food or a fishhook.

Only a clear-headed and strong person can say to worldly sweet talk, "Stop, I have the power to walk out and flip the table."

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(End of this chapter)