Chapter 241 of 900: Li Jinbo, Propaganda Department of the Provincial Party Committee, 5,000
The bridal chambers swayed, long-awaited reunion deepened, and the night's intimacy allowed the newlyweds to savor the exquisite pleasures of love once more. Zheng Le's flawless body hadn't swelled due to childbirth; on the contrary, it was slightly fuller, making her even more alluring. Unbeknownst to Zhang Guodong, Zheng Le was worried about her figure changing, so she had been paying extra attention to her diet during this time.
"I won't eat much, but I also won't bring any food. I need to pay attention to a balanced diet, otherwise I won't get enough nutrition. Honey, do you think I've gained weight?" That night, after several intimate moments, Zheng Le, her face flushed, snuggled in Zhang Guodong's arms and whispered sweet nothings.
Zhang Guodong was both amused and exasperated.
“Your figure is actually just right. You were too thin before. Besides, you exercise regularly, and with the help of the pills, it’s impossible for your figure to go out of shape. Don’t worry about gaining weight from eating too much in the future, there’s nothing to worry about!” Zhang Guodong comforted him.
The young couple, reunited after a long separation, had endless things to say to each other until 3 a.m., when Zhang Guodong urged them to turn off the lights and go to sleep.
Next door, Xuan Qingbo and Qingzhu, who had just arrived in modern society, returned to their room after dinner. Intrigued by everything in the room, they washed up but couldn't fall asleep. Qingzhu, half-naked in a red bodice, leaned against the headboard talking, while Xuan Qingbo sat cross-legged on the carpet, cultivating, though not fully absorbed in his practice.
"Senior Sister, the spiritual energy here is so thin, less than one-tenth of what it used to be. It's far worse than where we are."
Topics like these kept coming up. Qingzhu kept rambling on, while Xuan Qingying listened without saying a word. They needed time to adjust to this place.
Zhang Guodong and Zheng Le woke up at ten o'clock the next morning. Zheng Le, refreshed and radiant, was even more alluring and refined.
When the two got up, their parents, Zhang Zhengrong and Ye Cuihua, were in the living room. Zhang Zhengrong was reading the newspaper, and Ye Cuihua was taking care of the two little ones. The two little ones had also woken up early and were practicing their martial arts with wide smiles. As soon as Zhang Guodong and Zheng Le appeared, the two little ones noticed them and became even more excited.
"Dad, Mom. Good morning! Good morning, kids!" Zheng Le greeted them and went to wash up, while Zhang Guodong sat down in his pajamas.
The old man rubbed his face against their soft, pink skin, which caused the two little ones to protest and try to avoid him.
"Be careful not to prick them!" Mom complained about Zhang Guodong's rough hands and feet; a baby's skin is so delicate. Mom warmed up some bottles for the two little ones, and their eyes lit up at the sight of them, reaching out to grab them. Unfortunately, the bottles weren't big enough for them to hold, so they could only hold them and suckle hard.
"Xiaotong and Xiaowen have such good appetites, they can drink half a big bottle in one sitting!" Mom said with a smile. "They're almost as big as you were when you were little! Xiao..."
Zhang Guodong stood up awkwardly. "Was I a heavy drinker when I was a kid? It seems so! Of the three brothers, I could usually drink as much as my eldest brother and youngest brother combined."
"Mom, how are things going with my older brother and sister-in-law?" Zhang Guodong asked, changing the subject from his embarrassing childhood memories.
He hadn't contacted his older brother and sister-in-law for a long time. They lived far away in Sichuan, which wasn't as nice as having everyone together. However, he heard that his older brother and the prostitute were busy with their careers and rarely home, which made his parents very unhappy.
He'd say things like, "The second son, Zhang Guodong, already has kids, and you, the eldest, are over thirty. Why aren't you having children yet? What will you do when you're older?" This always left Zhang Guozheng speechless.
Therefore, Ye Cuihua was very dissatisfied whenever Zhang Guodong brought up this matter.
“Your older brother and his family are getting on in years. Their lives are much better now, yet they’re working so hard they’re neglecting their families!” Mom said. “You should try to persuade them when you have time. They’re not young anymore; if they don’t have children now, it’ll be very troublesome when they want them later!”
"I guess they have their reasons, right?" Zhang Guodong sweated a little, thinking to himself, "Brother, I can't really help you." He quickly nodded, agreeing to this arduous task of persuasion. "After all, my brothers are married now, they're not children anymore, they might have their own plans. How can I, as their younger brother, offer advice? Maybe I can just mention it when I have time."
"Consider? These days, what's with all this talk about a life for two? So carefree you young people you don't even want children?" Ye Cuihua retorted.
Luckily, Zheng Le finished washing up and came to Zhang Guodong's rescue. His mother is always right; Zhang Guodong can only obey. Try to argue back? He'd probably get a scolding from his mother!
"Go next door and call Senior Sisters Xuan Qingban and Qingzhu for breakfast," Zhang Guodong said, winking at Zheng Le. "They should be up by now."
Zhang Guodong then went into the bathroom to wash up.
After breakfast, Xuan Qingban and Qingzhu returned to their room, neither wanting to waste any time cultivating. The concentration of spiritual energy outside was only one-tenth. If they didn't seize the opportunity to cultivate, their progress would slow down considerably.
It was quite cold outside. With snow everywhere, it was inconvenient to go out, so Mom didn't take the two little ones out. Around ten o'clock, Zheng's parents arrived. Now, because of Zhang Guodong and Zheng Le's marriage, the two families are as close as one.
The two elders of the Zheng family were beaming, clearly in good spirits.
Zhang Guodong and Zheng Le apologized to the four elders and then went out. "Hey, isn't this Xiao Zheng? Feeling better? Be careful not to catch a cold going out in this cold weather!" The two were walking and chatting when a woman's voice suddenly stopped them.
Zhang Guodong and Zheng Le turned around and saw who it was. A middle-aged woman with a mocking expression and two young people, a man and a woman, got out of a car. The one who spoke was the middle-aged woman, dressed in designer clothes, with rings and necklaces that were quite expensive. However, her makeup was too heavy; the heavy makeup made Zhang Guodong feel uncomfortable at first glance.
The woman glanced at Zhang Guodong with disdain and said, "This is your man?"
"Let's go!" Zheng Le's face immediately turned cold, and he pulled Zhang Guodong.
Zhang Guodong squinted at the sharp-looking man, a chill running down his spine, and said, "Lele, what is this?"
A flush crept across the middle-aged woman's face—from anger. In this courtyard, someone didn't recognize her. In her eyes, this plainly dressed man was mocking her.
"The wife of the director of the Taiwan Affairs Office, and the vice chairman of the provincial Taiwan Affairs Workers' Union!" Zheng Le said. She spoke with a disdainful expression. Zhang Guodong could tell that Zheng Le and this woman had a very bad relationship.
However, despite the impressive title of vice chairman of the provincial trade union, it's actually just a unit under the party committee of the organization. The chairman of the trade union is only at the level of a section chief, and the vice chairman is just a deputy section chief. Even Zheng Le's rank is higher than hers. Zhang Guodong suddenly remembered that among the playboys who had pursued Zheng Le before, one was the son of the office director, supposedly a playboy. Could this middle-aged woman be from that family?
"Who are you? You have no right to speak here! Zheng Le, your taste isn't very good either. If you had accepted Xiao Guang's advances back then, you would be enjoying a life of luxury long ago!" The middle-aged woman scolded Zhang Guodong, and then spoke to the nearly enraged Zheng Le in a mocking tone.
A hint of coldness flashed in Zhang Guodong's eyes.
"You're insulting my wife. Apologize to Zheng Le, and I'll consider letting you off the hook." Zhang Guodong said coldly.
"Pah! Who do you think you are!" the middle-aged woman shouted, as if she had heard something unbelievable. The man and woman beside her hesitated, still standing near Vice Chairman Yao, but then they remembered that Vice Chairman Yao's husband was the office director, one of the most powerful positions in the government. They immediately stopped in their tracks.
A crisp slap sounded, startling everyone.
Vice Chairman Yao was stunned when he saw five finger marks on his face.
"You, you actually dare to lay a hand on someone? Do you know who she is?" The man and woman panicked immediately, and the man shouted at Zhang Guodong.
"This slap is for Lele. Your mouth is too vicious, so I'm giving you a slap to wake you up and teach you how to speak like a human being!" Zhang Guodong ignored him and said calmly.
"Slap! Little one, another slap."
"I slapped you because I don't like the look of you! No one has the right to insult my woman. This was just to teach you a lesson. If there's a next time, don't blame me for being ruthless." Zhang Guodong's voice turned cold. "Get lost, you little brat!"
Zhang Guodong's anger terrified the man and woman. They were caught off guard; Zhang Guodong's speed was too fast. They had finally managed to get on Vice Chairman Yao's good side, only to be slapped twice. This was terrible!
That cold gaze instantly extinguished the courage the two young men had painstakingly mustered, and they hurriedly helped the furious and unconscious Vice Chairman Yao into the car to go to the hospital.
"Guodong, we're in trouble. This shrew has a sharp tongue, but her husband is the director of the office, in charge of security. Let's go." Zheng Le felt a surge of joy seeing Zhang Guodong stand up for her and teach that woman a lesson, but then she said with some worry. "Haha, it's alright; come on, I'll introduce you to a friend," Zhang Guodong said reassuredly.
The Provincial Party Committee Propaganda Department.
Vice Minister Li Jinbo was processing some documents. He was the top-ranked vice minister in the provincial propaganda department, and was now in his early fifties. He still had considerable room for advancement.
Just then, his secretary, Wu Honglin, knocked and entered. "Wu Honglin whispered a reminder.
Li Jinbo then looked up, rubbed his temples, and said with a self-deprecating laugh, "Time really flies! Since it's time, let's go!"
"Okay, the car is ready. Director Huang of the Provincial Radio and Television Station and the others have received specific instructions. This is a routine work inspection. Originally, it was Qin Nan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Minister of Propaganda, who was to go, but Minister Qin had something to do at the last minute, so he entrusted the inspection to him."
In reality, Li Jinbo's rise to this position is certainly no small feat. Recently, the provincial television station has been undergoing personnel and financial reforms. This is Director Huang's first major undertaking since taking office, and his first report to the propaganda department.
This brings to mind Huang Qingyuan. They are close in age and both serve as deputy directors of the provincial propaganda department. Although Huang ranks relatively low among all the directors, he is not to be underestimated.
As the director of the provincial television station and the deputy director of the provincial propaganda department, this position makes it relatively easy to achieve results. It's impossible for Li Jinbo not to feel pressure.
The provincial propaganda department sent only three vehicles, keeping a low profile, and they entered the area without any obstacles.
Downstairs in the administration building, Huang Qingyuan, accompanied by six deputy heads and the heads of various departments, waited for Li Jinbo's car to arrive. Many were speculating about Vice Minister Li's background, but Huang Qingyuan remained calm and smiling. He had a prosperous appearance and wore glasses, making him look more like a scholar.
The black Audi slowly drove up, and Huang Qingyuan's smile deepened, yet he maintained his dignity as a leader.
When the car stopped, Huang Qingyuan quickly took a few steps and personally opened the car door for Li Jinbo.
"Welcome to the provincial leaders' inspection!" Huang Qingyuan said with a respectful smile.
Li Jinbo was surprised for a moment, but he quickly put on a smile and, after getting out of the car, shook Huang Qingyuan's hand and said, "Old Huang, you're still putting on this act? What provincial leader? You're a vice minister, after all!"
As if exchanging pleasantries with an old friend, Huang Qingyuan chuckled and said, "Minister Jinbo, my position as deputy minister is just a figurehead. This is the area I'm actually in charge of, as you know."
Li Jinbo accepted the compliment. Although they were both vice ministers, he was representing Minister Qin this time, so he couldn't lower his status too much. Besides, the two had very little private contact and weren't familiar with each other.
"Let's go. Don't keep everyone waiting." In the crowd, Director Qi of the Provincial TV Office walked in the middle. Given his rank and status, his role as the guide for receiving visiting leaders at the Provincial TV Station was inseparable from his duties.
Just as I was about to get on the bus, the phone rang.
Director Qi frowned upon seeing the phone and immediately hung up. But the phone kept ringing, seemingly determined to get through. Xiao Yindang's advertisement for "house" said, "What's wrong with this woman? Today we're hosting provincial leaders!"
Director Qi was somewhat annoyed, but after thinking for a moment, he answered the phone. "Old Qi, you have to stand up for me! That slut has grown wings and dares to mess with other women!" As soon as the call connected, his wife on the other end burst into tears.
"Wait. What are you saying?" What slut, what hitting someone? Director Qi lowered his voice. He couldn't say anything aloud because there were other people around, but he was very puzzled.
"That slut Zheng Le, how dare she hit me! I'm in the hospital right now, you have to stand up for me!" Vice Chairman Yao was just throwing a tantrum, her crying irritating Director Qi.
But he frowned.
Zheng Le? Isn't he still not back to work? His maternity leave isn't over for another four months. How did he end up fighting with his wife? He knows his wife well; sometimes she's a real headache for him too.
"What happened?"
Yao Hong, that woman, embellished the story, giving a long account. Director Qi's anger flared up instantly. He initially thought it was Zheng Le who was responsible, but if it was her, there was also the former deputy director Zheng Tianfu standing behind her. He had to be mindful of the consequences. But upon hearing that his wife had been beaten by a young man, his son's "love rival," his face turned ashen.
He knew, of course, that his son had been pursuing Zheng Le, but Zheng Le had quietly gotten married and had children. He did have some reservations about this. However, the deed was done, and having reservations was useless; his son had no chance.
I never expected such a mess to happen!
He holds a high position at the provincial TV station; when has he ever been humiliated like this? And now, to make matters worse, others witnessed it. This slap in the face is a direct insult to him. People will say he can't even protect his own wife.
After hanging up the phone, Director Qi immediately called the head of the security department, starting by berating him: "What kind of head are you? Vice Chairman Yao was attacked and injured at the station, and you've been completely indifferent!"
The cursing startled the security chief. He recognized Director Qi's voice clearly, but Vice Chairman Yao? A sudden realization struck him – wasn't Director Qi's wife the vice chairman of the labor union?
Damn it, these officials, wouldn't it be better to just say their names? Why bother saying Vice Chairman Yao? It's the same thing.
"What? Who has the audacity to hurt people in here? Director Qi, don't worry, I'll take people out to investigate this matter immediately!" the head of the security department said.
Director Qi gave a slight response, then said sternly, "Very well, the perpetrators of this malicious attack cannot be let off the hook. Vice Chairman Yao is already hospitalized. Your security department must provide a full explanation for this matter. It must be dealt with seriously."
Meanwhile, Zhang Guodong dialed one of the two phone numbers Li Daolin had given him, but the other party didn't answer for a long time.
"What's going on?" Zhang Guodong frowned. He tried calling again from a different number, and finally someone answered.
"Hello. Who is this?" The voice on the other end was that of a young man. Wu Honglin answered the phone. Li Jinbo was in the conference room relaying Minister Qin's instructions. He usually carried the work phone, but he carried his personal phone.
Zhang Guodong couldn't get through to a personal phone number the first time he tried, but the second time he tried a work phone.
"Is this Minister Li's work phone? I was introduced by his old classmate Li Daolin. My name is Zhang Guodong. Is Minister Li not here? I can't get through to his personal phone," Zhang Guodong said.
An old classmate? Li Daolin? Wu Honglin was startled. He naturally knew who Li Daolin was—the former Standing Committee member of the Municipal Party Committee and Vice Mayor. He and Vice Minister Li were close friends.
"Hello. Hello. Minister Li is in a meeting right now. Why don't you call back in twenty minutes?" Wu Honglin immediately said warmly. Since he knew Minister Li's private phone number, it was naturally not a nuisance call.
Zhang Guodong was a little annoyed, then helplessly spread his hands and said, "Minister Li and Xu are in a meeting, let's call later." Zheng Le smiled and said, "It's alright, since he's Brother Li's old classmate, it's fine to visit him later."
Zhang Guodong took Zheng Le's situation to heart. However, he didn't plan to use Fatty's connections. Otherwise, Zheng Le and Li Yun might clash, so he was a little hesitant.
He thought of Li Daolin and told him about Zheng Le. Li Daolin then gave him Li Jinbo's phone number. It seemed that the two had a very close relationship.
The Provincial Party Committee's Publicity Department. If he gets transferred in, his starting point will be quite high. If he wants to be transferred elsewhere later, it will be a natural promotion. After all, it's a good thing, and Zhang Guodong has no reason to refuse, right?
He was destined to never be an official, but since his wife had chosen to enter this line of work, he naturally approved. With him around, he believed no one would dare touch his woman!
Li Jinbo relayed Minister Qin's instructions; the meeting was relatively short. It consisted of only a few brief remarks, primarily involving a report from Huang Qingyuan on personnel and financial reforms.
After the instructions were conveyed, Huang Qingyuan, on behalf of the station, hosted a welcome banquet for Li Jinbo, the leader. During this time, Wu Honglin finally found an opportunity to give Wang Cai his phone number.
Wu Honglin waited patiently for the next installment.
Upon hearing this, Li Jinbo immediately remembered the matter; Li Daolin had even called him about it. He then gave Ding a brief instruction and said, "Yes. It's Mayor Li's younger brother. Give me his phone number."
As he spoke, Li Jinbo took out his personal phone and dialed the number. This greatly surprised Wu Honglin!
Wang: After much thought, I'll only be posting this once. Please don't criticize me too harshly. Hehe.
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