18: Chapter 18 Beautiful Boss Shen Meizhu

"Hello, hello," Zhang Huaijing said, giving her a perfunctory handshake.

"Yaner used to work at the municipal government, but she was transferred to the Youth League Committee this year as a deputy," Director Qiao Xinmin said in a booming voice. "Secretary Zhang came from the provincial level; his writing and theoretical skills are top-notch in all aspects, and he's also your direct supervisor. You should learn a lot from him and perform well."

"That's right. Secretary Zhang, you might not remember, but one year, the General Office of the Provincial Party Committee held a three-day training session on information and comprehensive drafting. I attended it. You lectured for two hours on stage, and it was excellent—very practical, lively, and much more interesting than the other teachers."

Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner's face flushed slightly, unable to hide her minor excitement.

"You're too kind. I was just trying to be sensationalist and talking a load of nonsense."

"See? Even your casual remarks are so eloquent," Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner said, her eyes sparkling and her face beaming with a smile.

Seeing his daughter looking a bit infatuated, Director Qiao Xinmin felt displeased and quickly changed the subject. "The youth are truly formidable. It's only Secretary Zhang's second day in Haizhou, and he's already famous. I heard your speech at the Standing Committee meeting this afternoon caused quite a stir. Everyone was deeply impressed."

"Oh? It already reached Director Qiao's ears?" Zhang Huaijing seemed not to notice the subtle probing. His smile remained bright and his demeanor elegant. "How should I put it? 'Viewed from the front, it's a ridge; from the side, a peak; varying in height and distance.' Things look different depending on your perspective."

Director Qiao Xinmin pointed a finger and laughed. "Exactly. As they say, 'I can't see the true face of Mount Lu, only because I am in the midst of it.'"

"Then let me add a concluding line: 'Let the winds blow from all directions!'" Zhang Huaijing laughed heartily after speaking.

Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner, who didn't quite follow their exchange, giggled along.

She felt that Deputy Secretary Zhang Huaijing was truly charismatic—handsome, refined, mature, dignified, and possessing an air of peerless dominance. This was what true handsomeness looked like.

Before the laughter subsided, a graceful yet coquettish voice suddenly came from the doorway. "Oh, who's here? Old Man Qiao is laughing so happily!"

Everyone looked up to see another beauty. She was of average height and build, wearing a high-end black short dress that made her skin look luminously white. She had long hair cascading over her shoulders, an oval face, a high nose, bright red lips, and large, shimmering almond eyes.

However, Zhang Huaijing, who was used to seeing beautiful women, could tell at a glance that her face showed the results of significant cosmetic procedures.

Behind her was a female assistant carrying gifts. Though the assistant looked decent, she paled in comparison to her employer's temperament.

It was said that Haizhou was famous for its beautiful, gentle, virtuous, and capable women. Over the past two days, Zhang Huaijing had seen so many that it was overwhelming.

Seeing her high-end and somewhat revealing attire, Zhang Huaijing figured she wasn't part of the government system.

Sure enough, Director Qiao Xinmin introduced her. "This is President Shen Meizhu, a famous female entrepreneur in Haizhou. And this is the new Deputy Secretary Zhang Huaijing. Why don't you introduce yourself?"

Shen Meizhu had already guessed his identity but still acted pleasantly surprised. She stepped forward and extended her hand. "Oh, so it's Secretary Zhang! I've heard so much about you. I was just thinking of paying you a visit, but I didn't expect to run into you here at Old Qiao's. I've long heard that Secretary Zhang is young, handsome, and talented. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation. Old Qiao, has the average age of our Haizhou City leadership dropped by a few more years?"

She was articulate, cheerful, and composed—clearly someone well-versed in social etiquette.

Zhang Huaijing had already stood up. He shook her small, milky-smooth hand before quickly letting go. He smiled faintly and said, "President Shen, you flatter me. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Secretary Zhang, you're welcome to visit my company for an inspection and to provide guidance," she said politely, pulling a business card from her purse and handing it over.

"Alright, I'll be sure to visit when I have time." Zhang Huaijing saw the card read: Chairwoman and General Manager of Damei Group, Deputy to the 13th Haizhou Municipal People's Congress.

Shen Meizhu restrained her enthusiasm so as not to neglect Director Qiao Xinmin, as her original purpose was to visit him. Turning away from Zhang Huaijing, she swayed her hips and sat next to Director Qiao Xinmin, looking very concerned. "Old Qiao, look at you. You've lost so much weight after falling ill; it's heartbreaking. You really shouldn't drink so much in the future. You must take care of your health."

Director Qiao Xinmin was very pleased and said loudly, "Thank you for your concern, President Shen. The night before last was a welcome dinner for Secretary Zhang; I had no choice but to drink."

He made it sound as if his illness was Zhang Huaijing's fault.

In reality, he hadn't drunk much during the dinner itself, but rather during the second round of drinks later that night.

Shen Meizhu glanced at Zhang Huaijing and said, "Old Qiao, next time you come to my place, I'll treat you to some health-boosting wine."

At this point, Zhang Huaijing took his leave.

Director Qiao Xinmin stood up politely without asking him to stay. He said to his daughter, "Yaner, go see your supervisor out."

Shen Meizhu flashed a professional smile. "Goodbye, Secretary Zhang!"

Outside the ward, while waiting for the elevator, Zhang Huaijing said to Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner, "There's no need to see me out. Go back."

"I must. You're my supervisor, and also..." Before Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner could finish, a flush swept across her face.

Looking at her, and considering she was a deputy division-level official, she should be in her thirties and have some life experience. Why did she blush so easily?

They entered the elevator, which was packed with people. There was also a gurney with a patient and two nurses.

Zhang Huaijing and Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner squeezed in, followed by Secretary Jiang Tao.

Space was limited. Zhang Huaijing and Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner were pressed tightly against each other. Zhang Huaijing could feel the softness and warmth of her body, along with an indescribable fragrance.

She tried to move away slightly, but someone getting off the elevator pushed from behind, shoving her right into Zhang Huaijing's arms.

Her soft, prominent curves pressed firmly against him.

Zhang Huaijing leaned back, trying his best to avoid contact.

"I'm sorry." Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner's face was already scarlet. She turned back and glared angrily at the man who had pushed her.

While she had a good impression of Zhang Huaijing, she wasn't the type to throw herself at him.

Once downstairs, Secretary Jiang Tao went to get the car while Zhang Huaijing and Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner stood waiting in silence.

Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner suddenly asked, "Secretary Zhang, when you're free, will you come to the Municipal Committee of the Communist Youth League to guide our work?"

"I will. How many deputy secretaries do you have? Which areas are you in charge of?"

"Two deputy secretaries, one Researcher, and two Associate Researchers," Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner replied. "I'm mainly in charge of publicity, united front work, and youth rights."

Since she wasn't in charge of the office or organizational affairs, she was likely lower in the rankings.

Zhang Huaijing nodded and asked, "You must be the youngest deputy division-level official in the city, right?"

"Not at all. I'm already twenty-nine. There have been others who became deputy division-level officials at twenty-eight."

"That's still quite impressive."

As they spoke, the car arrived. He got in, waved to Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner, and the car left the hospital.

On the way, Secretary Jiang Tao held back twice but eventually couldn't help himself. While driving, he said, "Secretary, you might not know this, but Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner's promotion to the deputy division level was an exception; she skipped a year and a half of the usual time."

"No wonder."

"Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner was previously the section chief of the Information Section in the Municipal Government Office." Secretary Jiang Tao seemed to speak casually, but he was actually expressing his dissatisfaction. "In the past two years, the Mayor and Director Qiao have been on very good terms."

"Were they not on good terms before?"

"Not really, but after the leadership transition, their relationship suddenly improved. Then, in April this year, Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner was promoted." Secretary Jiang Tao looked back, and seeing no response from Zhang Huaijing, he continued, "I heard Deputy Secretary Qiao Yaner has always been single because her standards are extremely high; there's probably no one in Haizhou City she'd settle for. Also, that Shen Meizhu is very close with the Mayor as well..."

During last year's leadership transition, Niu Panlong was elected despite some unexpected voting discrepancies. After the transition, Niu Panlong's relationship with Director Qiao Xinmin improved significantly, and then Director Qiao Xinmin's precious daughter was exceptionally promoted to a deputy position in the Municipal Committee of the Communist Youth League.

Furthermore, Shen Meizhu, a deputy to the Municipal People's Congress, was on very good terms with both Niu Panlong and Director Qiao Xinmin. (Ugh, this is so hard to adapt; I wonder if the readers will understand?)

It seemed normal on the surface, but Zhang Huaijing had a faint feeling that things weren't that simple.

"Xiao Jiang, don't gossip about leaders behind their backs." Although Zhang Huaijing appreciated the insider information, he didn't like the gossiping. For a Secretary, this was a major taboo.

I'll observe him for a while longer. If he doesn't improve, I'll replace him!