A whirlwind marriage with a high-ranking official: Lights out, don't force me to take the initi

The two entered Liu Jianguo's office at the end of the corridor.

Liu Jianguo gestured for her to sit down, poured a glass of water from the thermos, and pushed it towards her.

"Comrade Ye, I received a phone call a while ago," Liu Jianguo said, sitting down opposite her and leaning forward slightly. "It was from the Publicity Department of the All-China Women's Federation. They said they wanted to find out about your situation in Harbin from the sidelines."

Ye Wenxi paused for a moment as she picked up her water glass: "The All-China Women's Federation?"

"Yes," Liu Jianguo observed her expression, "I told you the truth about your situation, and it was all positive. However... they didn't tell me exactly what they were going to do. I thought I should tell you this, and I also wanted to ask you if you know the reason behind it?"

Ye Wenxi blinked, looking completely bewildered. "I don't know. The All-China Women's Federation? Looking for me?"

Liu Jianguo laughed: "You really don't know?"

"I really didn't know." Ye Wenxi put down her water glass and shrugged. "I only found out about this today from you."

Liu Jianguo hesitated for a moment, then tentatively asked, "Could it be the selection of the March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter? Has it been elevated to the national level?"

Ye Wenxi thought for a moment and shook her head: "Probably not... Given my current situation, I probably wouldn't qualify for the national-level March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter award."

"Could it be at the provincial level?" Liu Jianguo looked at her. "Has the Women's Federation...not informed you of the final result?"

"We haven't received any notification yet."

"Oh..." Liu Jianguo leaned back in his chair and nodded thoughtfully.

The reason Liu Jianguo brought this up specifically was that if Ye Wenxi were to be awarded the title of Provincial or even National March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter, the corresponding support and assistance from his side would have to be increased.

The more recognition Ye Wenxi receives at the national or governmental level, the more it proves that what she is doing is on the right track.

Its structure, direction, and value can all withstand scrutiny.

At that time, the priorities of many things will have to be re-evaluated.

A military family entrepreneur who is hailed as a model by the Women's Federation, any amount of support given to her can be considered "politically correct."

Ye Wenxi sensed the probing in his words and smiled, "Director Liu, I really don't know. If you have any policies or questions about the vehicle fleet, just follow the normal procedures. I'm not in a hurry."

Liu Jianguo laughed and stood up: "Alright, I'll let you know about the transportation and auxiliary material quotas. That's all for today, Comrade Ye, take care on the road."

"Okay, goodbye Director Liu."

Ye Wenxi got up and left the office, but a question arose in her mind: the All-China Women's Federation wanted to see her? What could it be about?

Ye Wenxi left Liu Jianguo's office, went downstairs, and walked to the reception room on the first floor of the Light Industry Bureau.

She flipped through the phone book, greeted the old man on duty, and borrowed the black rotary dial phone on the table.

She dialed the number for the Women's Federation's publicity department.

"Hello, is Section Chief Liang here?"

"That's me."

"Section Chief Liang, this is Ye Wenxi."

"Hey, Comrade Ye!" Section Chief Liang's voice came through the receiver, tinged with amusement. "Why did you suddenly decide to call me? How have you been lately? Have you started school yet?"

"I've been admitted and am already taking classes at the art academy. Are you free today? I'd like to visit you."

"What a coincidence," Section Chief Liang said, raising his voice slightly. "I was just looking for you. I have some good news to tell you. Come on over, it's convenient for me right now."

Ye Wenxi glanced at the clock on the wall; it was almost eleven o'clock. "Section Chief Liang, it's lunchtime. How about we find a place to eat and talk?"

"Sure, I know a halal restaurant on the street corner ahead. Their beef pies are pretty good. Let's meet there."

"Okay, I'll be right there."

Ye Wenxi hung up the phone, went out of the Light Industry Bureau, turned two corners, and found the halal restaurant.

Section Chief Liang was already seated by the window, a pot of jasmine tea in front of him. Seeing her enter, he smiled and waved, "Comrade Ye, over here!"

Ye Wenxi walked over and sat down, and Section Chief Liang poured her a cup of tea.

The two ordered two bowls of mutton soup, a steamer of beef pies, and a plate of cucumber salad.

The steaming hot pies were served, their aroma a blend of oil and scallion.

Section Chief Liang picked up half a pie, put it in his mouth, chewed it a couple of times, looked up at Ye Wenxi, and said with a mysterious smile, "Comrade Ye, I have two good news to tell you today."

Ye Wenxi put down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth: "What good news?"

"The first one," Section Chief Liang held up one finger, "you've been named a provincial-level March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter."

Ye Wenxi paused, as if she hadn't heard clearly: "...Me?"

"Yes, it's you." Section Chief Liang smiled, his eyes narrowing into slits. "The documents have been issued, and there will be an award ceremony in Harbin in a few days. You'll need to come back to receive the award."

She picked up her water glass, wanting to clink glasses with Ye Wenxi.

Ye Wenxi also raised her glass, and the two glasses gently clinked together: "This...this is truly unexpected. Thank you, Section Chief Liang, and thank you to all the leaders of the Women's Federation..."

"Don't thank me yet," Section Chief Liang waved his hand, "There's something even better. For this provincial report, we plan to create a special feature based on our previous on-site investigation at the garment factory."

The military region's garment cooperatives and mutual aid societies will be featured in a special report, and your provincial evaluation will also be mentioned in it.

Now, your garment company's name will be known throughout the entire province.

Upon hearing this news, Ye Wenxi's heart skipped a beat.

For her, being able to do a feature on the garment company was more gratifying than winning any personal awards.

"Then...how can we cooperate? Just tell us, and we'll do our best to cooperate. If you need to come to the military region for filming or interviews again, you're welcome anytime, and I'll make arrangements in advance."

"We'll discuss the specifics later," Section Chief Liang said, picking up a piece of cucumber with his chopsticks. "But Comrade Ye, don't just get too excited. There's something else going on. There's new progress on Comrade Ding Jiahe's side."

Ye Wenxi put down her cup, her eyes lighting up: "Jiahe? How is she?"

"Comrade Ding Jiahe has been shortlisted for the national-level March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter award." Section Chief Liang lowered his voice, as if he were revealing a huge secret. "The final results will be announced in the next few days. If she is selected, she will be invited to Beijing to give a presentation and receive commendation from the leaders."

Ye Wenxi slammed down her chopsticks, her face beaming with joy: "That's wonderful! Jiahe...she truly deserves this honor. You know her story, she's come through such difficult times. Does she know the news?"

"I haven't had a chance to tell her yet, but I'll let her know later."

After asking the question, Ye Wenxi suddenly had a thought.

If Jiahe goes to Beijing, will the All-China Women's Federation's internal publication, "Half the Sky Newsletter," feature her in a special report?

She voiced her question, and Section Chief Liang nodded: "That's for sure. She's a national-level March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter, a key figure in the Women's Federation's publicity campaign, and she's bound to get featured in a special report."

Section Chief Liang looked at her and suddenly smiled: "Comrade Ye, you're the same."

Ye Wenxi didn't understand: "What?"

"I'm telling you, you're the same," Section Chief Liang said seriously, putting down his chopsticks. "The All-China Women's Federation is conducting a special evaluation of you."

"Huh? Me?" Ye Wenxi was extremely surprised.