117: Chapter 117 The First Merit

By the time Minister Sun Ping arrived in Changyuan County, it was already getting dark.

He didn't go to the County Party Committee guesthouse; instead, he had his driver park the car in front of that private restaurant on the south side of the county seat.

The place was quiet, the food was clean, and most importantly, the owner knew how to keep his mouth shut.

He booked a small private room on the second floor, looked over the menu, and told the waiter not to rush the food, saying they should only start cooking once the guest arrived.

After doing this, he took out his phone and sent a message to Xu Weidong.

"Comrade Weidong, are you free this evening? I've come to Changyuan County. Let's grab a casual meal together."

Less than a minute after sending the message, a reply came back.

"Uncle Sun has arrived? I'm heading over now. Please send me your location."

Minister Sun Ping looked at the words "Uncle Sun" on the screen, the corners of his mouth curling up.

Logically speaking, he shouldn't be the one to enjoy this privilege, but this young master was willing to call him Uncle Sun. Every time he heard those words, he felt lighter on his feet.

He sent the location and added another sentence.

"No rush, take your time on the road."

Twenty minutes later, Xu Weidong pushed the door open and entered.

He was wearing a dark blue jacket, his hair cut short and looking sharp.

Every time Minister Sun Ping saw him, he had this feeling; the young man possessed a composure that didn't match his age.

When he wasn't smiling, he felt somewhat imposing, but when he smiled, he was as gentle as a younger relative from next door.

"Uncle Sun, have you been waiting long?"

Xu Weidong draped his jacket over the back of his chair and sat down opposite him.

"Just arrived, just arrived."

Minister Sun Ping poured him a cup of tea and asked, "Was the traffic bad on the way?"

"It was fine. The Public Security Bureau had a meeting, and I came over as soon as it finished."

Minister Sun Ping called for the waiter to serve the food, adding a specific instruction.

"No need for alcohol; we'll be drinking tea today."

He knew Xu Weidong didn't drink alcohol; he had at least that much discernment.

The dishes were served one by one, all home-style flavors without any pretentious delicacies.

Minister Sun Ping chatted while picking at the food, asking if the Public Security Bureau had been busy lately, how the follow-up work for the Crackdown on Organized Crime was going, and how Deputy Captain Wang Tiejun and Director Li Zhongmin were cooperating.

Xu Weidong answered them one by one, unhurriedly, with every word hitting the mark.

Halfway through the meal, Minister Sun Ping put down his chopsticks and wiped his mouth, his expression shifting from casual chat to the preamble for serious business.

He had been in the officialdom for over twenty years and was most adept at this kind of transition.

One second he was talking about whether the food was too salty or bland, and the next he could shift the topic to personnel adjustments, as naturally as turning a page in a book.

"Comrade Weidong, Uncle Sun called you here today because there's a matter I want to give you a heads-up on in advance."

Xu Weidong also put down his chopsticks and picked up his teacup to take a sip.

"Please go ahead, Uncle Sun."

Minister Sun Ping didn't rush to speak; he refilled his tea, poured one for himself, and while holding the cup, said slowly, "The provincial authorities recently issued a new directive regarding the training and employment of young cadres."

"Minister Ma specifically spoke with the Municipal Party Committee, emphasizing that cadres need to be tempered in multiple positions, especially grassroots ones."

"Secretary Wan and Mayor Lin both attach great importance to this, and they specifically called me in a couple of days ago to convey the instructions from the higher-ups."

Minister Sun Ping paused, observing Xu Weidong's expression.

The young man's face showed no ripples, just listening attentively, as if hearing a routine work report.

Minister Sun Ping nodded inwardly; this level of composure was not something an ordinary person could possess.

"After communicating with Secretary Wan and Mayor Lin, I have a preliminary idea."

Minister Sun Ping put down his teacup, his gaze falling on Xu Weidong's face.

"You've been at the Public Security Bureau for quite a while, and your achievements are plain for all to see. However, having been in the political and legal system for so long, it's inevitable that your perspective will have some limitations."

"If you are to shoulder heavier responsibilities in the future, understanding only one line of work isn't enough. Therefore, the city is considering whether you could switch positions and serve a term as a Party Committee Secretary in a township."

After saying this, Minister Sun Ping picked up his teacup and took a sip, as if to leave himself some time to observe.

Xu Weidong was silent for a few seconds; his facial expression didn't change.

Minister Sun Ping couldn't tell what he was thinking, but he didn't rush to ask.

"Uncle Sun."

Xu Weidong spoke, his voice as steady as if he were discussing a matter unrelated to himself.

"Is this consideration from the city based on work requirements, or…"

He didn't finish the sentence, but Minister Sun Ping understood.

He was asking if this was normal cadre training or because of his father's connections.

"Based on work requirements."

"No one can find fault with your performance at the Public Security Bureau."

"The Crackdown on Organized Crime, taking down Sihai Group, that barbecue restaurant case—which one wasn't achieved through hard, head-on effort?"

"For a cadre like you, it is normal organizational logic to give you more responsibilities and more platforms."

"Secretary Wan and Mayor Lin both feel the same way."

Xu Weidong nodded and picked up his teacup for another sip.

Minister Sun Ping felt that the way this young man drank tea was different from others—unhurried and calm, as if he were savoring something important.

Perhaps it was a case of "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"; right now, even if Xu Weidong were to fart, Minister Sun Ping would probably praise it for being forceful.

"The situation in Hukuang Township is quite complex."

Minister Sun Ping continued, having laid the groundwork properly.

"Its economy ranks in the lower-middle tier of the county. There are coal mines, the management is somewhat chaotic, and the volume of letters and visits is not small."

"You went there for research when you were at the Public Security Bureau, so you should have an impression of the situation there."

"This township has potential, but it also has difficulties."

"If you can open up the situation in Hukuang Township, lead the team well, and handle the affairs of the common people one by one, then your growth won't just be about being able to fight in the political and legal sector, but about having the ability to handle comprehensive work."

People who have been in officialdom for a long time understand that the weight of this "comprehensive work" is heavier than any commendation order.

Xu Weidong put down his teacup and looked at Minister Sun Ping, his gaze calm and composed.

"Uncle Sun."

Xu Weidong spoke, his voice neither high nor low.

"I only have one stance."

"As long as the organization needs me, I can work in any position."

Minister Sun Ping was stunned for a moment. He had expected to hear some polite pleasantries; he hadn't expected such a crisp and decisive reply from Xu Weidong.

"I have already streamlined the work at the Public Security Bureau."

Xu Weidong continued, his tone like he was reporting on work.

"Deputy Captain Wang Tiejun is in charge of public security, and Director Li Zhongmin is in charge of criminal investigation; the two of them cooperate well."

"The follow-up work for the Crackdown on Organized Crime is also progressing normally and won't be interrupted just because I leave."

"As for Hukuang Township…"

Xu Weidong paused, as if reviewing the situation of that township in his mind.

"I have some understanding of the conflicts between the mines and the masses there, as well as the grassroots governance issues. If the organization decides to send me there, I am confident I can do the job well."

Minister Sun Ping listened to these words, and that indescribable feeling welled up inside him again.

He had spent most of his life in the Organization Department and had seen how many young cadres behaved at such moments.

Some would make excuses, some would bargain, some would agree on the surface but secretly pull strings to change locations, and others would thump their chests on the spot to express their determination, talking bigger than the sky, only to turn out to be all show and no substance when it came time to do the work.

But Xu Weidong was different; he didn't say much, but every word landed on solid ground.

He didn't use pretty phrases like "thanking the organization for the training," nor did he use cliches like "I will definitely not fail the organization's expectations." He just calmly said, "I am confident I can do the job well."

This kind of self-confidence was not faked.

"Comrade Weidong."

Minister Sun Ping's voice held a bit more sincerity as he said, "I am very happy that you think this way, Comrade Weidong."

"This matter hasn't been finalized yet; the county needs to go through the procedures, and the Municipal Party Committee Organization Department also needs to file it."

"But the direction is basically set."

"I'm telling you in advance because I want you to be mentally prepared, to hand over the work that needs handing over, and to understand the situation that needs understanding."

Xu Weidong nodded and said, "Thank you, Uncle Sun, I understand."

Minister Sun Ping looked at him and suddenly smiled, saying, "You, this child, are different from others."

"If it were anyone else, hearing they had to go to a place like Hukuang Township, even if they didn't refuse on the spot, their expression wouldn't be pleasant."

"You, on the other hand, are like it's nothing."

Xu Weidong smiled and said, "Uncle Sun, work is work, no matter where it is."

"The Public Security Bureau is work, and the township is also work."

"As long as it's for the sake of the common people, what difference does the position make?"

Minister Sun Ping picked up his teacup, using tea instead of wine, and raised it towards Xu Weidong.

"Well said. Uncle Sun will toast you with a cup."

The two clinked cups, the tea gently sloshing in the cups.

Minister Sun Ping drank it all in one gulp, and the thing that had been hanging in his heart finally settled.

He came to Changyuan County today, ostensibly to give a heads-up, but actually, he wanted to snatch this "first merit."

To be the first to tell Xu Weidong this news before anyone else could open their mouths.

He knew Xu Weidong could see through this little scheme.

But this young man hadn't shown any dissatisfaction from beginning to end; instead, he had adopted such a high-minded attitude, making him, as the uncle figure, feel warm inside.

"Comrade Weidong."

He put down the teacup, his tone more intimate than before.

"I have worked in the Organization Department for so many years and have handled so many cadres that I've lost count."

"Some were promoted and their paths were smooth. Some went down and never came back up. The difference lies not in ability, but in character."

Minister Sun Ping paused, looking into Xu Weidong's eyes.

"You are twenty-six this year, a section-level Public Security Bureau Chief; you are top-tier even in the whole province."

"But top-tier seedlings must be able to withstand the wind and rain even more."

"In Hukuang Township, the affairs of the common people are not easy to handle, and the team is not easy to lead."

"If you can achieve results there, your future path will be wide."

Xu Weidong listened attentively without interrupting.

After Minister Sun Ping finished speaking, he finally spoke, his voice not loud but very sincere.

"Uncle Sun, I will remember what you said."

Minister Sun Ping nodded and didn't say anything more.

The two sat for a while longer, finished the remaining food, and refilled the tea twice more.

Nearly at nine o'clock, Xu Weidong stood up to take his leave.

Minister Sun Ping walked him to the door and shook his hand, holding it for two seconds longer.

"If you need any help from Uncle Sun, call me anytime."

"Thank you, Uncle Sun."

Xu Weidong let go of his hand, turned, and went downstairs.

His footsteps gradually faded away in the stairwell, steady and powerful, just like the man himself.

Minister Sun Ping stood at the door of the private room, watching the figure disappear around the corner of the stairs.

He turned back into the room, picked up the jacket draped over the back of the chair, took out his phone, and sent a message to Secretary Yang Wei.

"Tomorrow at nine in the morning, I will come to your office."

He had snatched this "first merit."