17: Chapter 17 Strategizing

Secretary Man Chaojian continued, "You've just arrived, so you need to familiarize yourself with the situation first. Where do you plan to go for your first research stop?"

"Then let it be the Organization Department."

Zhang Huaijing was so shrewd, how could he not know his intentions? Thus, he went with the flow and gave him the answer he wanted.

Secretary Man Chaojian smiled with satisfaction.

Minister Meng Zhaodi's sudden shift to a neutral stance today was all because of Zhang Huaijing, wasn't it? She was wary of Zhang Huaijing being the Deputy Secretary in charge of organization, and his brother-in-law was the head of the Provincial Party Committee's Organization Department. Moreover, she seemed to have a good impression of him, being impressed by his performance.

What woman wouldn't like an official like Zhang Huaijing, who possessed both looks and talent?

Therefore, Secretary Man Chaojian believed that Zhang Huaijing could establish a good relationship with Minister Meng Zhaodi and subsequently persuade her to support the new proposal. This would bring the count to five votes.

The Minister of the United Front Work Department could also be won over. By then, they would have the advantage in numbers. With him, the top leader of the Municipal Party Committee, making the final decision, it would only be a matter of time before the new proposal passed the Standing Committee.

But some things are better left half-said; there was no need to be explicit. The bureaucracy was a place where people spoke in riddles most often, and it was the battlefield where "collusion" was most prevalent.

After chatting for a while, Secretary Man Chaojian asked, "Huaijing, regarding this proposal, what should be the next step?"

"Secretary, please give the instructions; I will follow your lead."

"I'm at my wit's end. You're young, creative, and well-traveled. Give me some advice."

Zhang Huaijing thought for a moment and said, "I think we need to continue holding meetings. You're right—a drum doesn't make a sound unless it's beaten, and a truth isn't clear unless it's debated. We should hold an enlarged meeting on a larger and broader scale, involving representatives from all levels, departments, and industries to discuss and brainstorm together."

"Some people have various concerns. Once things are discussed openly and explained at the meeting, they will be able to accept it. Once thoughts are unified, there will be no resistance. This was also a common working method of our Party during the early revolution."

"You're right. If thoughts aren't unified beforehand, even if the Standing Committee forces it through, some people might not understand or support it during implementation—or even be incited to obstruct it. Then it would become an unmanageable situation," Secretary Man Chaojian nodded in approval.

"I suggest holding large-scale discussions in stages and steps. Start by convening relevant functional departments, such as transportation, development and reform, finance, construction, and water conservancy. Then, include land, agriculture, culture and sports, fisheries, and district and county leaders. It would also be best to invite some NPC deputies, CPPCC members, and public representatives."

Secretary Man Chaojian sipped his tea while looking thoughtful, then suddenly looked up and asked, "Is it necessary to include NPC deputies and CPPCC members?"

"Does the Secretary have any concerns?" Zhang Huaijing's mind raced, and a thought suddenly popped up: Could it be that his vigorous push for this project was truly to pave the way for certain business owners to make money?

Secretary Man Chaojian's mind was also quick, and he hurriedly explained, "Director Qiao Xinmin has an unusual relationship with the Mayor. I'm worried that the NPC deputies might stand up and oppose the new proposal."

Zhang Huaijing gave an "oh" and said, "That doesn't matter. We can screen the attending deputies and members. We only need business owners, especially those with qualifications for road and bridge construction."

"Oh? Why?"

"They will definitely support the new proposal because with an increased budget of tens of millions, once they win the bid, they can make even more money."

Secretary Man Chaojian's expression froze slightly as he gave Zhang Huaijing a look filled with complex emotions. "Are any of your friends among them?"

"No, I don't have any acquaintances here in Haizhou, let alone business owners."

Zhang Huaijing grew even more suspicious of whether Secretary Man Chaojian truly had selfish motives for this project.

"Alright, I think that works," Secretary Man Chaojian agreed readily. "Huaijing, my pursuit of this new proposal really isn't for a vanity project, nor is it to leave behind some 'Secretary's mark,' and it's certainly not about political struggle. It's entirely out of consideration for the big picture, the people's livelihood, and the future development of the entire Haizhou City. I hope you can understand and support me consistently."

"Secretary, I understand. I will," Zhang Huaijing replied with a complex look but a simple statement.

But in his heart, he thought: We're both thousand-year-old foxes, so don't try to play your tricks on me.

He felt Secretary Man Chaojian was a bit hypocritical, but the problem was that he was the Secretary; he often had to maintain a certain air, blending truth with falsehood.

At seven o'clock, he returned to his office, Room 605.

Secretary Jiang Tao came in to ask for instructions regarding the schedule for the weekend and next week. Zhang Huaijing said, "You can take tomorrow and the day after off; no need to accompany me. I'll just stay at the hotel to rest and wander around if I have time."

"Alright, Secretary," Secretary Jiang Tao agreed cautiously.

He had been transferred from the Secretarial Section by Secretary-General Fang Yuan. He was twenty-six years old, had been working for three years, was slightly chubby, and of medium height. Having only interacted for two days, Zhang felt he was alright.

"Thanks for your hard work. You can head off now." Zhang Huaijing dismissed him, wanting to stay in the office to look over some documents for a while.

"Thank you, Secretary." Secretary Jiang Tao turned to leave but then suddenly turned back, looking as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

"Is there anything else?"

"Oh, Secretary, I think there's something I should report to you." He carefully observed the leader's reaction.

"Go ahead."

"Director Qiao Xinmin ruined his health drinking last night. He already had high blood pressure and suddenly collapsed in his office at noon today. He's currently hospitalized at the City People's Hospital. Would you like to pay him a visit?"

Zhang Huaijing was slightly taken aback. "Hospitalized? Was it a cerebral hemorrhage? Is it serious?"

"A mild cerebral hemorrhage, not very serious."

"That's good then." The image of the tall and brawny Director Qiao Xinmin appeared in Zhang Huaijing's mind. On his first day in office, Qiao had been polite to the point of indifference toward him.

"If you're going, I'll arrange the vehicle and a fruit basket."

"Has Secretary Man been there yet?" Zhang Huaijing naturally understood the etiquette. If the top leader hadn't visited yet, why should a Deputy Secretary be in such a hurry?

"I asked Secretary Yang. Secretary Man plans to go tomorrow morning at ten."

Zhang Huaijing gave an "oh" and said, "Then I'll go tomorrow afternoon."

Secretary Jiang Tao said, "Secretary, the Mayor is also going tomorrow afternoon. Would you like to go in the evening instead? Or perhaps the day after?"

Hearing this, Zhang Huaijing suddenly felt a surge of nameless anger. This was a reminder that he was the number three leader and shouldn't jump ahead of the Mayor!

But who the hell did Niu Panlong think he was?! We are both Deputy Secretaries of the Party Committee, and I don't report to him. Why should he get to suppress me in such matters? I intend to keep a low profile and hide my brilliance, but I shouldn't have to walk on eggshells and show weakness at every turn.

He really wanted to lecture this Secretary, but his anger vanished without a trace in an instant. He was someone living a second life, with the merged and upgraded memories of two people; he should be able to remain unperturbed by favor or humiliation and not let his emotions show on his face.

On second thought, Secretary Jiang Tao was just following the habitual thinking of this environment and might even be acting in his best interest. So he smiled and said, "Then I'll go at noon."

Secretary Jiang Tao was pale with shock and stammered as he repeated, "Noon?"

"Is there a problem?" Zhang Huaijing looked up and asked calmly, his presence as imposing as a mountain.

Secretary Jiang Tao's heart trembled, and he hurriedly said, "No... no."

"Go and arrange it."

At one o'clock the next afternoon, accompanied by Secretary Jiang Tao, Zhang Huaijing arrived at the senior cadre ward of the City People's Hospital.

Director Qiao Xinmin had undergone a minor surgery. His head was still wrapped in gauze, and he looked a bit haggard, but he could walk around and had no trouble eating.

Seeing Zhang Huaijing arrive, Director Qiao Xinmin appeared very calm. He extended his large hand and said, "Secretary Zhang, thank you for coming to see me. Please, have a seat."

Zhang Huaijing shook his hand and sat on the chair by the bed. Qiao's wife hurriedly poured a glass of water.

After chatting for a while, a tall, fair-skinned, and beautiful girl walked in. She was stunned for a moment upon seeing Zhang Huaijing, but then a look of pleasant surprise appeared on her face.

Director Qiao Xinmin introduced her, "This is my daughter, Qiao Yaner. Yaner, this is Deputy Secretary Zhang of the Municipal Party Committee, your supervising leader."

"Hello, Secretary Zhang!" For some reason, Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner's face suddenly turned red, yet she still gracefully extended her fair, delicate hand.