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

In mid-2014, as summer deepened in Beijing, an important meeting was held. The meeting agenda was tight, and after successfully completing the discussion of relevant topics, the principal leader abruptly changed the subject, glancing at the attendees and asking with concern, "Is Comrade Zhou Jin still working in Shaanxi Province?"

Although this question was not on the pre-set agenda, it immediately attracted the attention of the comrades present. Comrade Lu Zetao, as a leader who was familiar with Zhou Jin and had recently taken office, immediately took over the conversation, his tone showing approval of the cadre: "Yes, he is currently still serving in Shaanxi Province as the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and concurrently as the Secretary of the Yancheng Municipal Party Committee."

He continued, "When he returned to Beijing to report on his work last time, he mentioned the old leader's encouragement to him to 'take root in the old revolutionary base areas and work hard to revitalize the country.' He said that he had worked in the Northwest for more than eight years and had witnessed the development and transformation of Yancheng City. Now he constantly reminds himself to continue to do his best for the development of the old revolutionary base areas and live up to the expectations of the organization and the people."

As soon as he finished speaking, the leader in charge of personnel matters added, "Based on overall work considerations, we are also studying the possibility of assigning Comrade Zhou Jin to a more important position to further develop his abilities in coordinating regional development. His work performance in Shaanxi Province is solid and outstanding, demonstrating his comprehensive qualities capable of shouldering heavy responsibilities."

"He has indeed worked in the Northwest for quite some time." The main leader nodded slightly, his tone revealing his emphasis and consideration. "In more than eight years, he led Yancheng to achieve remarkable development results, becoming a highlight of regional transformation, which is no easy feat. But comrades, we are currently facing a complex and severe domestic and international situation, and the tasks of reform and development are arduous. We especially need a composite cadre like Comrade Zhou Jin, who possesses both solid professional knowledge and rich local practical experience."

His gaze swept across the room as he continued, "As everyone knows, Comrade Zhou Jin has a profound professional background in macroeconomics and finance. In his early years, when he participated in important related work, he demonstrated excellent professional competence and the ability to handle complex issues; some of the policy recommendations and research reports he led or participated in were also quite strategic and actionable. Such a comrade should be given a more important position that affects the overall situation and play a greater role."

He paused briefly, then said earnestly, "Supporting local development is crucial, but certain overarching and strategic tasks at the national level also urgently require backbone personnel with both grassroots experience and a macro perspective. Currently, reforms in some key areas are entering a more challenging phase, which is precisely where the professional competence and pragmatic style of Comrade Zhou Jin are needed."

This opinion sparked in-depth discussion among the participants. Some comrades expressed their agreement: "This consideration is necessary. Comrade Zhou Jin has made solid achievements in promoting local economic development and strengthening Party building. Allowing such cadres to gain experience on a more important platform is beneficial to the long-term development of the country."

Some comrades suggested proceeding cautiously: "Comrade Zhou Jin has worked in the Northwest for a long time and laid a solid foundation. The continuity and stability of her work also need to be taken into account. We can follow the organizational procedures, conduct an in-depth and comprehensive investigation first, and then carefully study the specific arrangements based on the actual situation."

After thorough discussion, the meeting reached a consensus: relevant central departments should conduct a comprehensive and in-depth investigation of Comrade Zhou Jin in accordance with the regulations and procedures for cadre selection and appointment. Based on the investigation, it is proposed to recommend him for a key leadership position in an important national economic department, so that his professional skills and practical experience can contribute his wisdom and strength to the overall situation of national reform, development, and stability on a more important platform.

The relevant opinions were quickly conveyed to the Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee through formal organizational procedures. The main responsible comrade of the Provincial Party Committee spoke with Comrade Zhou Jin immediately, conveying the central government's concern and considerations.

At that time, Zhou Jin was conducting research on key agricultural industry projects in Yancheng City. Upon receiving the notification, he immediately returned to the provincial capital. During the conversation, the main leader of the provincial party committee said earnestly, "Comrade Zhou Jin, the Central Committee cares about and attaches great importance to you! You have worked diligently in the Northwest for more than eight years, not only devoting a great deal of effort to the development of Yancheng City, but also gaining widespread recognition for your comprehensive abilities. Now the organization is considering transferring you to a more important position, which is both a trust and a heavy responsibility."

A warm current surged through Zhou Jin's heart, and he was filled with emotion. Eight years had passed, and he had deeply integrated his feelings into this land of Northwest China; the mountains, rivers, trees, and the vast number of cadres and people here were all things he found hard to part with. But he was also keenly aware that, as a Party member and cadre, obeying the organization's arrangements was his bounden duty, and regardless of his position, he was fighting for the cause of the Party and the people.

He stated unequivocally and firmly: "I sincerely thank the organization for its long-term cultivation and trust. I will resolutely obey the organization's arrangements and fully cooperate in the assessment process. Regardless of the final decision, I will perform my duties diligently to ensure the smooth and orderly progress of all tasks currently under my responsibility, and stand firm in my post."

Stepping out of her office, Zhou Jin gazed at the rolling mountains outside the window, her thoughts swirling. From accumulating experience through early specialized projects to honing her skills through long-term practical work on the front lines in local areas, and now facing new missions, each change in her job has been a new challenge and a test of her abilities, as well as a different practice in serving the needs of the country and its people.

He took out his phone and sent a message to his wife: "The organization is looking into my job transfer, and I may need to return to Beijing. Once it's finalized, our family will be able to reunite in the capital."

Soon, his wife replied: "No matter where the organization assigns you, the children and I will firmly support you. The children often talk about the orchards in Yancheng, saying that they must go back to visit them again if they have the chance."

Looking at the message, Zhou Jin's face broke into a warm and relieved smile. He knew that no matter how heavy the burdens of the future would be, his family would always be his warmest harbor and strongest support. The more than eight years of struggle in Northwest China, those days and nights spent working hand in hand with cadres and the masses to overcome difficulties, had become his most precious wealth and foundation, which would surely support him to move forward more resolutely on his new journey ahead.

Soon after, the inspection team arrived in Shaanxi Province, and a comprehensive, in-depth, and meticulous organizational inspection officially commenced according to procedure. A new chapter in Zhou Jin's life was about to begin.