In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Chapter 154, Section 153: A New Offensive, Heart-to-Heart Talks, Future Arrangements
In Secretary Tian's office, Zhao Guodong and he sat in silence, only smoking continuously.

The smoke rose, thick and lingering, like a stagnant fog, pressing heavily on the lungs of the two people.

Mixed within the smoke was a silent, burning sensation, as if sparks might fly at any moment.

Wang Weidong and Yang Guangming's footsteps were unusually hurried in the empty corridor, almost jogging as they stopped again in front of the dark brown wooden door.

Wang Weidong took a deep breath, but he forcibly suppressed the surging excitement in his chest, raised his hand, and knocked on the door with his knuckles.

"Come in!" Secretary Tian's voice rang out immediately, hoarser than before, but with a clear sense of urgency, penetrating the door panel.

The two pushed the door open and entered.

Thick smoke billowed in, carrying a pungent smell.

Secretary Tian and Zhao Guodong jumped up from their seats almost simultaneously.

Secretary Tian forgot to flick the cigarette between his fingers; a long, grayish-white ash had accumulated, teetering precariously.

Zhao Guodong's bloodshot eyes stared intently at the two men like searchlights, especially at the bulging, heavy dark green canvas tool bag in Wang Weidong's hand, and the sense of calm and barely concealed excitement on his face.

"Secretary! Deputy Factory Director Zhao!" Wang Weidong's voice was loud and clear, radiating the confidence of someone who had won a battle.

He carefully placed the canvas bag on Secretary Tian's large desk, which was covered with a thick glass plate. The bag made a dull "thud" as it fell, indicating its considerable weight.

He deftly untied the drawstring at the top of the bag, revealing a neatly stacked bundle of banknotes inside—all ten-yuan notes, brand new and eye-catching.

Several gold bars, wrapped in old oil paper, were heavy and golden.

Stacks of anonymous deposit certificates printed with different bank names;
There were also colorful tickets and certificates, stamped with various seals, a thick stack of them.

With perfect understanding, Yang Guangming spread the still-wet ink register of stolen goods on the table, right next to the shocking pile of valuables.

"Found it in a hidden compartment in the double bed frame in Kuang Juncai's bedroom!"

Wang Weidong pointed to the summary column in the register, speaking quickly and clearly, each word like a hammer blow to the heart, "Cash, 13,500 yuan! Eight gold bars, estimated to weigh about 1,200 grams! Anonymous deposit certificates, totaling 8,600 yuan! And..."

His gaze swept over the stack of coupons, “Three watch coupons, two sewing machine coupons, one bicycle coupon, 120 feet of military cloth coupons, and 230 jin of national grain coupons…”

He rattled off the key data in one breath, each cold number like a heavy lead weight crashing into the smoke-filled, silent space.

Secretary Tian took a deep drag on his cigarette, the accumulated ash falling onto the glass without him even noticing.

He leaned closer to the stolen goods, his experienced eyes sharply scanning the bundles of brand-new banknotes, then landing on the gold bars that gleamed coldly under the light, carefully examining the blurry stamps and amounts on the deposit slips, and finally settling on the thick stack of vouchers symbolizing scarce goods.

His face, etched with the deep lines of time, was initially taut, like a lump of dried, hardened clay. Then, as if the surface of a frozen river were cracking open for the first time under the early spring sun, the deep lines between his brows slowly began to smooth out, and the corners of his mouth even twitched upwards almost imperceptibly.

He let out a long sigh, the breath carrying a heavy smell of smoke, as if a great burden had been lifted, and his straight back relaxed slightly for a moment.

"Good! Good! Good!"

Secretary Tian said "good" three times in a row. His voice was not loud, but each word carried immense weight, striking the table and resonating in everyone's hearts.

He straightened up, his gaze fixed intently on Wang Weidong, then turning to Yang Guangming, "Well done! Weidong, decisive and swift in action! Guangming..."

He paused deliberately, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration, "Your eyes are truly amazing! You're meticulous and perceptive! If you hadn't seized upon the contradictions between the accounts and the scene, pointing out the possibility of a hidden layer, this irrefutable evidence would have remained buried for who knows how long!"

Zhao Guodong's face, which had been tense like a bowstring, completely relaxed.

He slammed his fist into his thick palm with a sharp "smack," and the gloom that had been hanging over him since last night seemed to be mostly dispelled by this powerful punch.

He looked at the shocking pile of evidence on the table, then at the thin but determined Yang Guangming, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration, and even a hint of barely perceptible gratitude.

He nodded vigorously, his Adam's apple bobbing, everything understood without words.

The atmosphere in the office suddenly relaxed.

That invisible, suffocating tension was replaced by a victorious exhilaration, tinged with the smell of smoke.

Secretary Tian sat back down in the large rattan chair, picked up the registration book, put on his reading glasses, and carefully flipped through the pages one by one.

His calloused fingers slowly traced the shocking numbers, as if he were taking stock of the glorious results of a battle, or as if he were weighing the weight of the sins hidden behind them.

“Wei Dong.” Secretary Tian put down the registration book, his approval replaced by a deeper solemnity. “This is only the first step! The case is only half solved!” His gaze was sharp, fixed on Wang Wei Dong.

Wang Weidong immediately straightened his back, like a taut javelin: "Secretary, please give your instructions!"

Secretary Tian pointed his finger forcefully at the stolen goods on the table: "First, Kuang Juncai embezzled state property, and the amount was particularly large. The evidence is irrefutable, and there is no doubt about it!"
You must immediately organize a crack team for an overnight interrogation! Get a clear picture of his modus operandi, the time of the crime, his accomplices, and the channels through which he disposed of the stolen goods, line by line!
How much cloth has he stolen over the years? Who did he sell it to? How was the money divided?

Not a single corrupt official can escape justice! This theft case must be handled swiftly and severely, becoming an airtight case that can withstand the test of history!

His tone was resolute, carrying an unquestionable determination.

"Yes! I guarantee I will complete the mission!" Wang Weidong's voice was loud and clear, full of confidence, his chest heaving with the passion of battle.

"second."

Secretary Tian's voice suddenly became louder, with a force that seemed to pierce through the smoke, "And this is the most crucial point! Right now, all we can prove is that he stole the cloth, and there's a huge deficit in the accounts."

But did he actually start the fire? Was it a desperate act of arson to cover up a theft?

He paused again, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, a profound warning in his eyes: "This is the key to determining the nature of the case!"
Theft is a serious crime, but arson is an even more serious crime!
This fire, in particular, burned state property and almost caused a major disaster, alarming the city!

Kuang Juncai isn't stupid. He can't escape theft now, but without direct evidence, he definitely won't confess to arson easily! Nobody wants an even heavier charge to be placed on their head!

He will definitely cling to the official conclusion that "the fire was caused by aging wiring and an accidental short circuit!"

Secretary Tian's fingers tapped heavily on the table again, making a dull sound:

"Therefore, Weidong, you must not relax your vigilance in the slightest! You cannot think that everything is fine just because the stolen money and goods have been found! You must not underestimate Kuang Juncai's shrewdness and stubbornness!"

He's a tough nut to crack right now! The real challenge is to pry open his mouth, get his confession about arson, or find direct physical evidence of arson—residual ignition materials, eyewitnesses, etc.

This is related to Comrade Zhao Guodong's complete innocence and the final determination of responsibility for the accident!
This concerns whether our factory accident was an accident or sabotage by class enemies! Do you understand?

The slight relief that had just appeared on Wang Weidong's face vanished instantly, replaced by the unique fortitude of a soldier and the solemnity of facing a tough battle.

He snapped to attention, heels together, and said in a deep voice, "Understood! Secretary! I will interrogate him personally! I will not give him a chance to breathe, nor will I give outsiders a chance to interfere or collude! I will make sure that the arson lead is solidified! I will make him completely expose his true colors!"

"Alright! There's no time to lose, get on it right away!" Secretary Tian waved his hand decisively, with the resolve of a battlefield commander. "If you're short-handed, come directly to me! Whatever support you need—search warrants, technical assistance—just ask! If necessary, I'll personally call the district public security bureau to coordinate! Be fast, accurate, and ruthless!"

"Yes!"

Wang Weidong said no more, picked up the photocopy of the registration book on the table, gave Secretary Tian and Zhao Guodong a standard military salute, and nodded vigorously to Yang Guangming.

He turned around, and with a gust of wind, strode out of the office, his heavy footsteps fading rapidly into the empty corridor.

The door clicked shut, and the brief excitement in the office was replaced by a new and deeper sense of anticipation.

The smell of smoke in the air seemed to have settled down.

Secretary Tian picked up the "Chunghwa" cigarette pack on the table, took out another cigarette, paused on the pack, and lit it with a match. The orange flame flickered, reflecting on his pensive face.

The smoke began to swirl again. He looked at Yang Guangming, who had been standing quietly to the side, his gaze softening considerably, filled with the concern of an elder.
"Xiaoyang, you've worked hard too. Go back and rest first. Leave the interrogation to Weidong and his professionals. We'll let you know as soon as there's a major breakthrough."

"Okay, Secretary. I'll head out now." Yang Guangming replied respectfully, bowed slightly to the two leaders, and left the office filled with the smell of smoke and an invisible pressure.

The cool air from the corridor, carrying the chill of early winter, jolted his muddled mind.

He didn't go back to his office immediately, but stood at the bottom of the stairs for a moment.

Looking down from here, the vast factory area is spread out in all directions.

The towering chimneys tirelessly spew out thick smoke, the huge factory buildings stand like silent steel behemoths, and the deep, continuous roar of the machines echoes through the air.

Last night's terrifying fire that lit up half the sky, and the storm that swept through the entire factory afterward, seemed to be temporarily overshadowed by the inertia of this massive industrial machine.

But Yang Guangming knew perfectly well that the undercurrents beneath the surface were even more turbulent.

Kuang Juncai's arrest only opened a crack; a more complex game, involving Dou Honglang and even higher-level power struggles, has only just begun.

He took a deep breath of the cold air and walked steadily toward his office.

He pushed open the door, walked to the table, picked up the large enamel mug, went to the thermos in the corner, and poured a full cup of cold boiled water.

The cool water slid down my parched throat, bringing a brief moment of clarity and calming the turmoil and lingering excitement in my heart.

He sat back in the hardwood chair and leaned back.

In less than half a day, his situation and state of mind had been completely transformed.

The shift from those close to the leader who might be implicated to the key figures who exposed the corrupt officials was so rapid it was dizzying.

Time flowed slowly as they waited. Yang Guangming remained motionless, sitting there, sorting out his chaotic thoughts, reviewing every detail from the time the fire broke out until now, pondering Zhao Guodong's situation, and weighing his own future path.

The door was pushed open gently, almost without making a sound. Zhao Guodong's tall figure appeared in the doorway.

His face still carried a hint of seriousness, as if the interrogation was not yet over, and his brows were habitually furrowed slightly. However, the gloom that had been so heavy between his brows before had largely dissipated, and his eyes had regained their sparkle.

He gently closed the door behind him.

"Factory Manager." Yang Guangming immediately stood up.

Zhao Guodong waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down, his voice lower than usual: "Sit, sit down."

He pulled over another wooden chair from the table and sat down.

The office was small, and the two people were separated by a desk, very close to each other.

Zhao Guodong didn't reach for a cigarette as usual. He just looked at Yang Guangming, his eyes filled with complex emotions—heartfelt appreciation, gratitude for surviving a disaster, and a sense of valuing a reliable companion after weathering a great storm.

“Guangming,” Zhao Guodong said, his voice low and sincere, carrying a sense of heartfelt sincerity, completely different from his usual leader's tone, “This time, thanks to you. Really, thanks to you.”

He repeated, emphasizing his words, "If it weren't for your sharp mind, noticing the discrepancy between the accounts and the actual situation, obtaining that crucial ledger, and realizing the hidden compartment in the furniture… the consequences would have been unimaginable. I, Zhao Guodong, will remember this favor. I'll keep it in my heart." He pointed to his chest. Yang Guangming felt a warmth in his heart and quickly said, "Factory Director, please don't say that. This is all I should do, it's my duty. You always teach me to be attentive, meticulous, and principled in my work. I was just following your instructions. Anyone else would have done the same." His tone was sincere, without any arrogance.

Zhao Guodong waved his hand, interrupting his modesty, his tone leaving no room for doubt: "If it's your credit, then it's your credit. Others? Hmph, not necessarily! You're capable, quick-witted, methodical, don't act recklessly, can step up in crucial moments, and have a clear head. I've seen all of that."

He paused, leaned forward slightly, placed his hands crossed on the table, and his expression became more serious, even carrying a rare solemnity:

"Guangming, I want to have a talk with you today. Not as your leader, but as someone who has been through more than you, I want to have a heart-to-heart talk with you, share some of my thoughts on your future, and hear your opinion."

Yang Guangming's heart raced slightly. He sat up straight, placed his hands on his knees, and looked intently at Zhao Guodong, like a student listening to a teacher's instruction: "Director, please speak, I'm listening."

Zhao Guodong pondered for a moment, seemingly organizing the most appropriate words to ensure the precision of each one:
"Your current position is my full-time secretary. This position is tedious, meticulous, demanding, and also very challenging. Doing a good job in this role is a testament to the leader's trust in you."

According to the unwritten rule in our factory, and for the sake of convenience, those who perform well after a few years are usually given the title of deputy director in the factory affairs office.

He paused, looking directly at Yang Guangming, observing his reaction:

"As you know, this deputy director position is a nominal one. It mainly gives you the treatment of a deputy section chief."

But it's a stepping stone, and it's important.

Within the system, rank is a hard and fast rule, a stepping stone to entry.

With your abilities and the great contribution you've made this time, I'll try to find a way to expedite the process, shortening it by one or two years as much as possible.

This way, you can save a lot of time spent on seniority-building and waiting in line. This step is crucial.

Yang Guangming understood, and a wave of emotion surged within him.

This honorary title of "Deputy Director of the Factory Affairs Office" is the end point for many secretarial positions, but also the starting point for a broader horizon.

It means that the administrative level has reached deputy section chief. Although there is no real power for the time being, the status is different. The weight of one's words and the level of contact will change accordingly.

This is indeed a common and relatively safe promotion path within the system.

The fact that Zhao Guodong took the initiative to bring it up shows his thoughtfulness.

Zhao Guodong then changed the subject, his tone becoming more earnest, carrying the expectations of an elder for a younger generation:

"But Guangming, I value you, not just want you to have this secretary position as a nominal title and live a comfortable life."

You are young, educated, energetic, quick-witted, and a good writer. But if you spend all your time in a secretarial role, writing reports, coordinating, and serving the boss, your sharpness will be worn down, your abilities won't be truly utilized, and your horizons will ultimately be limited.

His gaze was intense, as if he wanted to see into Yang Guangming's heart:

"My idea is that once you've reached a higher rank, earned the title of deputy section chief, and established yourself, when the time is right, I'll find a way to release you and assign you to a substantive deputy section chief position."

For example, a deputy director of a workshop or a deputy section chief of a department. These are the places where you can truly hone your skills and demonstrate your abilities.

Managing people, managing affairs, and taking responsibility—directly engaging with the front lines of production and solving practical problems—this is true growth and a solid foundation.

Zhao Guodong's tone was very practical; he didn't make empty promises or grand pronouncements, but rather outlined a realistic and feasible path.
"Of course, this can't be rushed; we also need to wait for the right opportunity."

A lateral job transfer faces relatively less resistance, but it still requires some effort.

However, this is what I truly think, and this is what I plan to do. Those who work under my wing, Zhao Guodong, will not be treated unfairly if they are willing and capable of getting things done.

You've done a great job this time, getting on Secretary Tian's good side. That's a great starting point, a solid stepping stone.

"Afterwards, I will do my best to pave the way for you and clear away any unnecessary obstacles."

These words, spoken frankly and candidly, clearly outlined a future development path for Yang Guangming: to accumulate seniority as a secretary and advance to the deputy section chief level -> to find a suitable opportunity to transfer to a substantive deputy section chief position -> to develop and accumulate achievements in a substantive position.

This was even clearer and more positive than Yang Guangming had privately anticipated.

Zhao Guodong's candor and planning made Yang Guangming truly feel valued and trusted, and included in the core circle. In this era, such trust is more precious than gold.

A strong warm current surged into Yang Guangming's heart.

He understood that in a large state-owned factory where seniority was paramount and relationships were deeply entrenched, Zhao Guodong's clear consideration for him, a young man without a strong background, was a sign of great importance.

Meeting Zhao Guodong's sincere and expectant gaze, he spoke earnestly and steadily, without a trace of flattery, only heartfelt gratitude and solemnity: "Factory Director, thank you! Thank you so much!"

His voice was slightly strained, but he quickly regained his composure. "You've thought so much about me, so far ahead, so practically. I'm really touched and feel very reassured."

Rest assured, I know what's important. I will do my best in my role as secretary, lay a solid foundation, and never let you down.

I understand the path you've shown me, and I'm willing to follow you and work hard and learn diligently.

No matter what position I'm assigned later, as long as it's for the factory, and I can learn real skills and improve my abilities under your guidance, I'm willing and will do my best.

Yang Guangming's response not only fully expressed his gratitude to Zhao Guodong for recognizing his talent, but also demonstrated his down-to-earth and conscientious attitude, and implicitly conveyed his understanding and acceptance of future arrangements. He struck the right balance, was sincere yet composed, and demonstrated the awareness that a young cadre should have.

Looking into Yang Guangming's clear and determined eyes, Zhao Guodong revealed a rare, genuinely relaxed smile, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothed out.

He nodded, seemingly relieved, and leaned back.

"Good! It's good that you have the ambition! Young people should have aspirations!"

He shifted the topic back to the present, his tone becoming pragmatic and forceful again, "You deserve the most credit for this matter, and no one can deny that. As for Dou Honglang..."

A cold glint flashed across his lips. "Hmph, he's probably too busy trying to protect himself to care about anything else. We and him are on completely different paths, so there's no point in offending each other. What's rightfully yours, what's rightfully yours, you won't miss out on a single penny! What you deserve, you must fight for!"

Zhao Guodong's tone was resolute, carrying a hint of protectiveness:

"I have already had a preliminary discussion with Secretary Tian."

First, your issue of joining the Party.

You are a probationary member of the Party, and your performance during the probationary period has been outstanding. With this significant meritorious service, we will strive to help you become a full member of the Party ahead of schedule and a glorious official member!

This is a major event in my political life! With this status, my future path will be much easier!

In this era, being a Party member is the foundation and guarantee for progress, and a passport to participate in core work.

"Secondly, administrative rank!"

Zhao Guodong held up two fingers, his eyes gleaming. "Your current rank is 27th-level clerk, right? If you follow the established path and work your way up to deputy section chief, five or six years is already considered fast."

With such a great contribution this time, it's just right to make an exception!
I will personally intervene and apply for an exceptional promotion for you, aiming to raise you two or even three levels!
If this can be implemented effectively, it can save you two years, or even longer, of accumulating seniority!

He continued, “Guangming, you’re still young. In the system, sometimes time is more important than anything else! The sooner you get up there, the more opportunities you’ll have! The higher you climb! This is your chance! You must seize it!”

Yang Guangming's heart was filled with turbulent emotions, making it difficult for him to remain calm.

The two things Zhao Guodong fought for for him—early formal Party membership and promotion without prior appointment—are tangible benefits that can significantly shorten his promotion cycle.

In particular, the time saved by the exceptional promotion is invaluable for a young cadre like him who lacks a strong background and relies entirely on his own abilities and opportunities. This means he can compete from a higher starting point earlier.

"Director!"

Yang Guangming stood up again, his tone filled with barely suppressed excitement, but even more so with a heavy solemnity and determination, "I...I really don't know what to say."

You've considered things for me more thoroughly and practically than I ever imagined!
Being promoted to full Party membership ahead of schedule and receiving a promotion ahead of schedule... these are all great things that I never dared to dream of.

I assure you, I will not let you down! I will work even harder, study diligently, and improve myself!

Zhao Guodong also stood up, walked around the table, and went to Yang Guangming. He patted him hard on the shoulder, the force still heavy, carrying a sense of entrustment and encouragement, and conveying trust.

"Keep up the good work! You have a long road ahead of you! Keep your sights on the future! We've taken a big step forward over this current hurdle."

With Wei Dong handling the subsequent interrogations and Secretary Tian personally overseeing things, nothing could go wrong.

"My 'suspended work' hat..."

He chuckled self-deprecatingly, "It won't last much longer anyway. Just relax and wait for good news! Don't worry!"

After saying that, Zhao Guodong patted Yang Guangming's shoulder heavily again, gave him a deep look, as if to pass on strength and confidence to him.

Then he turned around, his steps noticeably lighter, opened the wooden door to the inner office, and walked out.

His back seemed to straighten again, regaining its former strength and composure.

The wooden door to the inner room closed gently, shutting out the sounds from outside, leaving only Yang Guangming alone.

Yang Guangming stood still for a long time without moving.

Zhao Guodong's heartfelt conversation was like a powerful yet warm torrent, washing over him and dispelling his weariness, the chill of the ordeal, and his uncertainty about the future.

An unprecedented sense of security and a clear sense of hope took root in his heart.

For the first time, the future seemed to unfold a clear path of ascent before him.

Although the road ahead will inevitably be thorny, and there will be unpredictable struggles and challenges, with clear guidance, solid support, and a goal to strive for, our hearts are filled with a heavy sense of strength and an impulse to make a big splash.

He slowly walked to the window and looked into the distance.

The unassuming two-story building of the security department was now bustling with people, like a striking focal point in the factory area.

There, a decisive battle was taking place. Wang Weidong and his comrades were locked in a struggle of wills and wits with Kuang Juncai.

Yang Guangming knew that his perilous journey through this storm had temporarily come to a stop, while another storm, which would determine the fate of many more people and involve a wider range of issues, was entering its most intense and crucial stage.

Dou Honglang will not sit idly by and wait for his doom; undercurrents are still surging.

He let out a deep, steady breath.

The excitement and turmoil in his eyes gradually subsided, replaced by calmness and sharpness, like steel after being tempered.

He stood quietly by the window, like a tree with deep roots, waiting for the final result and for his own new journey, full of challenges and hope.

(End of this chapter)