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

Zhou Jin hurried back to his office, closed the door behind him, and only then did his tense back relax slightly. He walked to the window, looked at the lush trees along the Yan River below, and his fingertips trembled slightly—the position of Standing Committee Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Yan City Party Committee, which he had originally planned to wait another year or two for, was now within his grasp.

Excitement surged through him like a tidal wave, but he forcibly suppressed it. He knew that the provincial party committee's recommendation was only the first step in a long journey; the final appointment rested with the capital, and uncertainties remained. Even so, this recommendation was enough to stir his emotions—becoming a vice-ministerial-level member of the Standing Committee at the age of 38 was not only an affirmation of his three years of work but also a crucial leap in his career.

Taking a deep breath, Zhou Jin picked up the encrypted phone on the table and dialed her father Zhou Chengbang's number. The moment the call connected, his voice still carried a trace of lingering excitement: "Dad, I have some important news to tell you."

"Oh?" Zhou Chengbang's voice remained calm and composed. "Is it related to the personnel adjustments in Yancheng?"

Zhou Jin paused for a moment, then chuckled—his father was certainly experienced and shrewd; he must have heard about it beforehand. He quickly recounted Li Xiangming's conversation in detail, including the provincial party committee's recommendation results and Secretary Li's veiled reminder. Finally, he added, "I originally thought I'd need another two years to reflect, but I didn't expect the opportunity to come so quickly. I'm just worried…the competition will be too fierce."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chengbang on the other end of the phone let out a hearty laugh: "What are you worried about? Relax, it's not a big problem."

His tone was firm and carried an undeniable power, instantly calming Zhou Jin's anxiety: "First, your qualifications and abilities are fully sufficient. When you were transferred to the position of mayor of Yan City in 2005, you were already a full-fledged provincial-level cadre. Now, four years have passed, and you have served your full term. More importantly, your achievements speak for themselves—Yan City's GDP ranks first in the province, its industrial structure has been optimized, and people's livelihoods have been significantly improved. These are all solid achievements that no one can find fault with."

"Secondly, don't forget, the Zhou family is still the Zhou family, and the Su family has never faded away. Your maternal uncle, Su Weidong, is now the commander of the Rongcheng Military Region, wielding considerable military power; your father-in-law, Chen Dashan, is the commander of the Yuanmu Army, enjoying great prestige in the military. We have people on both the military and political fronts, and that's our confidence."

Zhou Chengbang paused, his tone becoming more serious: "Thirdly, you must remember the report you submitted, 'China's Opportunities and Responses under the Global Technological Revolution,' which the organization has always kept in mind. The strategic value of that report is enough to influence the country's technological layout for the next ten years. The organization hasn't given you a substantial personal reward not because they've forgotten, but because they're waiting for the right opportunity. This personnel adjustment is the best opportunity."

These words were like a reassuring pill, instantly putting Zhou Jin at ease. Holding the phone, a warm feeling welled up inside him—his success today was certainly due to his own efforts, but it was also inseparable from the support of his family and the recognition of the organization.

"Dad, I understand." Zhou Jin's voice calmed down, filled with unprecedented determination. "I will cooperate fully with the upcoming investigation."

"That's right." Zhou Chengbang nodded in satisfaction. "Remember, keep a calm mind, report your work truthfully, don't try to show off, and don't belittle yourself. The organization is evaluating your character, ability, diligence, performance, and integrity. Your actions over the past three years can withstand any scrutiny."

After hanging up the phone, Zhou Jin felt a sense of relief. He walked to his desk, picked up the progress report on Yancheng's pilot project for building a strong nation in science and technology, and his gaze became increasingly determined.

As Li Xiangming had predicted, the inspection team from the Provincial Party Committee's Organization Department arrived in Yancheng City early the next morning. The five-member team, led by the Deputy Minister of the Provincial Party Committee's Organization Department, went straight to the Municipal Party Committee compound.

The inspection was conducted strictly according to procedures, without any ambiguity. First, a cadre meeting was held, where Zhou Jin, on behalf of the municipal government, delivered a work report, detailing her achievements over the past three years in multiple aspects, including economic development, industrial upgrading, people's livelihood, and Party conduct and integrity. The report was rich in data and included specific examples.

Subsequently, the inspection team held individual talks with members of the municipal party committee and government leadership teams, heads of various districts and counties and municipal departments, as well as representatives of some enterprises and grassroots people, to solicit opinions widely.

In the interview room, everyone's evaluation of Zhou Jin was surprisingly consistent: "Mayor Zhou has ideas and courage, and dares to take risks and get things done, bringing real changes to Yancheng City." "He has a down-to-earth work style, often goes deep into the grassroots, and gets along well with the people." "He is humble and low-key, does not make decisions unilaterally, and has a strong sense of cohesion in his team." Occasionally, a few different voices would emerge, but they would only focus on his age, and no one could deny his achievements.

The inspection team also reviewed a large number of archival materials, including economic statistics reports of Yancheng City over the past three years, project approval documents, ledgers of livelihood projects, and records of cadre appointments and removals. Every document was clear, complete, and could withstand scrutiny.

During the inspection period, Zhou Jin continued to work as usual, arriving on time every day and immersing himself in the front lines of the project without the slightest hint of impatience. He knew that the organization's eyes were discerning, and only by working diligently could he earn ultimate recognition.

As the sun set, the inspection team concluded its day's work. The Vice Minister shook Zhou Jin's hand, smiling, and said, "Comrade Zhou Jin, your work has been very thorough; the changes in Yancheng are evident to all. We will report the inspection findings truthfully to the Provincial Party Committee, and we ask that you continue to maintain this spirit of hard work."

Zhou Jin nodded solemnly: "Thank you for the organization's trust and evaluation. I will certainly live up to the trust placed in me."

Watching the inspection team's car drive away, Zhou Jin stood at the gate of the municipal party committee compound, gazing at the setting sun. He knew in his heart that he had taken this step steadily and firmly. But the road ahead was long, and even more arduous challenges awaited him.