Sharpening the Blade Against the Red Wall: From Hong Kong to Handong

Li Xiangming returned to Yancheng from the provincial party committee compound. As soon as his car entered the municipal government office building, he asked his secretary to notify Zhou Jin to come to his office immediately.

Zhou Jingang had just returned from the construction site of the second phase of the apple deep processing base. Still covered in dust, he immediately hurried to the municipal party secretary's office after receiving the notification. When he opened the door, he saw Li Xiangming standing by the window, gazing at the skyline of Yancheng, his back showing a hint of reluctance.

"Secretary Li, you wanted to see me?" Zhou Jin stepped forward and asked respectfully.

Li Xiangming turned around and looked at the spirited yet calm and humble young man in front of him. His eyes were full of satisfaction. He stepped forward and patted Zhou Jin on the shoulder: "Comrade Zhou Jin, sit down."

After the two sat down, Li Xiangming cut to the chase and said, "The provincial party committee standing committee meeting just ended, and I have some news to tell you. The central government's evaluation of me has concluded, and I will soon be transferred to Shanghai, leaving Yancheng."

Zhou Jin was taken aback. In his memory, Li Xiangming's transfer was scheduled for 2010, but it was a year earlier than expected. He figured it was the dramatic changes in Yan City over the past three years that made Li Xiangming's achievements stand out, thus prompting the earlier transfer.

Before Zhou Jin could speak, Li Xiangming continued, "Your achievements and contributions in Yanshi over the past few years are evident to the entire province. From attracting investment to empowering the economy with science and technology, from industrial upgrading to improving people's livelihoods, you have transformed an old district that relied on energy into a benchmark for the province's top economy. No one can deny your contributions."

He paused, then his tone became solemn: "For the long-term development of Yancheng, and to ensure that the revitalization of this red land is not interrupted, I solemnly recommend you to take over the position of member of the Standing Committee of the Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Yancheng Municipal Party Committee at the Standing Committee meeting."

"What?" Zhou Jin suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with surprise. He did have ideas for further advancement, but he originally thought he would have to wait at least another year or two. He didn't expect the opportunity to come so quickly. What shocked him even more was that this position was not only the top position in Yan City, but also a position within the provincial party committee standing committee—a 38-year-old vice-ministerial level standing committee member, a rare find even nationwide.

Seeing his shocked expression, Li Xiangming couldn't help but chuckle: "What's wrong? Scared?"

Zhou Jin quickly regained her composure, suppressed the turmoil in her heart, stood up, and solemnly bowed to Li Xiangming: "Secretary Li, thank you for your recognition and recommendation. Without your trust and support over the past three years, my work in Yancheng would not have progressed so smoothly. Rest assured, I will definitely keep your instructions in mind, safeguard the development achievements of Yancheng, and continue to work for the well-being of the people in the old revolutionary base area."

"Sit down and let's talk." Li Xiangming waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to be so polite. "I have complete confidence in entrusting Yan City to you. You have ideas, you have the courage, and more importantly, you have the people in your heart. That's more important than anything else."

He looked at Zhou Jin with a hint of earnest advice in his eyes: "The Organization Department should send someone to Yan City to investigate you tomorrow. You need to be prepared, report your work truthfully, and listen to the opinions of cadres and the masses."

Zhou Jin nodded and earnestly agreed: "I understand, I will definitely cooperate with the inspection work."

Li Xiangming sighed, his tone tinged with reluctance: "To be honest, I really hate to part with you, my partner. For the past three years, one of us set the direction, and the other handled the implementation; our cooperation was flawless. After I leave, the burden of Yan City will fall entirely on your shoulders, and your responsibilities will only become heavier."

Zhou Jin felt a warmth in her heart and said sincerely, "Secretary Li, during your years in Yancheng, you laid a solid foundation for the city's development. Your appointment in Shanghai will be a much bigger stage. No matter what you encounter or what difficulties you face in the future, please feel free to contact me. I will do my best to help you if I can."

Li Xiangming nodded with satisfaction, then, as if remembering something, he changed the subject, lowered his voice, and subtly reminded him, "However, there's something I need to remind you. The provincial committee's recommendation has been approved, but the final approval authority rests with Kyoto. This position is highly competitive, and there are quite a few people in the province eyeing it. While you're in Kyoto, you should also find someone to pull some strings, keep things in order, and make sure everything goes smoothly."

Zhou Jin's heart skipped a beat. Li Xiangming's words were a heartfelt reminder. He knew that he hadn't gotten to where he was today without the support of his old commander and father, and now, at this crucial moment, he really needed another push from Kyoto.

He stood up again, bowed deeply to Li Xiangming, and said with utmost sincerity, "Secretary Li, thank you for your reminder. I will remember your kindness. No matter the final outcome, I will never forget your patronage."

Li Xiangming smiled and helped him up: "Why are you being so polite with me? I just hope you can take over smoothly and make Yanshi's path wider and farther."

The two chatted for a long time, sharing their experiences on everything from the future industrial layout of Yancheng to the development of the cadre team and the advancement of livelihood projects. The setting sun cast long shadows through the window, and the conversation in the office was filled with deep affection and expectations for the land of Yancheng.

As Zhou Jin left Li Xiangming's office, his steps were unusually steady. He looked up at the sunset on the horizon, knowing clearly that this was not only an opportunity for a position, but also a heavy responsibility. The future of Yan City awaited him to write a new chapter.