When he got home in the evening, his grandfather noticed that his grandson was a little late and casually asked him about it.
"Jung-guk, is something wrong today? Why are you so late?"
"Grandpa, it's nothing serious, it's just that the workers blocked the car."
As Sun Zhengguo spoke, he hung his briefcase on the coat rack. What was supposed to be a simple sentence startled his family.
"What? Your car was blocked by workers? Are you alright?" Grandpa quickly asked.
Ning Xiaowei quickly came over, pulled her husband aside and looked him up and down. Only after finding that he was alright did she feel relieved.
"Jung-guk, why are the workers blocking your car?"
"Uh...? What's with your reaction?"
Seeing the family's tense expressions, Sun Zhengguo couldn't help but laugh.
"Didn't the appointment come down from the higher-ups today? What's wrong with the workers blocking my car to congratulate me?"
"Hey! Explain yourself!" Ning Xiaowei slapped her husband a few times in anger.
But the next second, she seemed to have thought of something?
"Jung-guk, what you said a few days ago has come true? Could it be...?"
Sun Zhengguo paused slightly, then raised an eyebrow and said, "It's done."
Those two short words instantly turned the house upside down...
Once things calmed down, the family started eating dinner, but just as the wine was being poured, the phone rang.
Sun Zhengguo could only put down his wine glass and answer the phone first.
The call was from Sun Dajiang, who said that to celebrate his promotion, they were going to throw a banquet for him.
"Dad, there's no need. You should know that given my situation, it's better if I don't host a dinner party. If I do, there won't be enough room in the yard. Let's try to keep it low-key."
After hearing what his son said, Sun Dajiang felt that it made some sense.
But acting as if nothing happened isn't in his nature.
After weighing the pros and cons, Sun Dajiang decided to celebrate.
“Zhengguo, listen to me. This weekend, let’s go to the old courtyard where you used to live and invite all our relatives over. Dad will take care of everything, and we won’t accept any money as gifts. Is that alright?”
After hearing his father say this much, what else could Sun Zhengguo say?
"Thank you, Dad."
"Why are you being so polite with me? By the way, Zhengguo, the second uncle in the backyard has been released. He asked me to thank you on his behalf."
"I understand, but I didn't help you, so tell him not to be so polite."
"Alright! I won't say any more, I'm hanging up."
After the father and son finished their phone call, Sun Zhengguo returned to the dinner table and continued drinking with his grandfather.
...
The following morning, in the institute's conference room, Minister Hong, Sun Zhengguo, and others sat at the leadership table, while some section-level cadres sat below.
Minister Hong was seen holding a stack of promotion appointments and calling out names one by one.
"Comrade Cai Zhenqiang! He has served as the head of the publicity department of the research institute for many years. During this time, he has worked diligently and conscientiously, and his ideological character is excellent."
After deliberation by the Party Committee of the Ministry, it has been decided that Comrade Cai Zhenqiang's original position will remain unchanged, but his administrative rank will be promoted from section chief to deputy division chief, and he will enjoy the treatment of a level 15 cadre.
It is hoped that this comrade will guard against arrogance and impetuosity in future work, strive to do a good job in their duties, and strive to reach a higher level.
After Minister Hong finished reading, Section Chief Cai happily went up on stage to receive his promotion and made a few symbolic remarks.
Of course, someone of his rank wasn't qualified to give a long speech at the front of the stage. After saying a few words, he returned to his seat.
People might wonder, what's there to be happy about when Section Chief Cai has only been promoted one level after working for more than ten years?
That's because you don't understand this administrative system. Since ancient times, there has been a system where everyone has their own specific role. If no one is helping you out, people like Section Chief Cai are the most accurate representation of this situation.
For example, these people were lucky to get this research institute upgrade; otherwise, they would have had to endure it!
An hour later, the appointments were read out, and Sun Zhengguo then gave some words of encouragement before finally adjourning the meeting.
After leaving the meeting room, Minister Hong prepared to leave, but Sun Zhengguo did not let him go.
"Minister Hong, please come to my office. I have some good tea. You should at least have a meal before you leave."
Upon hearing this, Minister Hong waved his hand, "No, no, it's too much trouble every time, it's not appropriate. We should set an example!"
"No trouble at all, Minister Hong. You probably don't know, but Director Hu and Yu Cheng are returning to Shanghai this afternoon. Wouldn't it be more considerate of you, their superior, to give them a farewell dinner?"
"I see." Minister Hong nodded.
"Then you must have a meal before you leave. Who knows when we'll meet again? I'll see you off then."
...
Around noon, two tables of people were drinking and chatting in a private room in the cafeteria.
Faced with a table full of delicious food, Zhang Huaibei didn't seem to have much of an appetite and kept whispering something to his nephew.
Zhang Yucheng nodded repeatedly, "Uncle, don't worry, I promise I'll come back often in the future."
"Yucheng! Don't blame your uncle for nagging. You've been with me since you were little, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that you're my own son. You can't be so heartless in the future, not coming back for ten years. I don't know what you were thinking?"
Hearing his uncle's reproachful tone, Zhang Yucheng was not annoyed at all, but instead felt very warm and responded quickly.
"Yes, yes, Uncle, I promise in the name of the old man that I will come back at least once a year, barring any unforeseen circumstances."
“Not only will you come back, but Wenyue and the children will also be brought back.”
"Yes, yes, yes!"
Zhang Yucheng nodded again. Wen Yue was his wife, currently serving as the deputy director of the office at the Southern Branch Factory, so it wasn't realistic for her to leave at will.
Therefore, he could only try to appease his uncle for the time being.
Soon, because of time constraints and the fact that the train wouldn't wait for anyone, everyone quickly finished their lunch without much idle chatter.
Then came the time to say goodbye. The three cars were ready to depart, and friends came to see them off.
"Yucheng, don't forget to call and let them know you're safe when you get back."
"Yu Cheng, remember to come back and visit often. Take care on your journey."
"Yu Cheng, don't forget to write to us. Have a safe journey."
...
"Thanks, guys. I will. Goodbye."
Zhang Yucheng waved again, trying hard to control his emotions, then got into the car without looking back, quietly wiping away a tear.
...
The familiar train station, the familiar platform—every farewell is always accompanied by sadness.
Even Sun Zhengguo was affected by this atmosphere, and he had many things he wanted to say but couldn't bring himself to say them.
All those words can be summed up in one sentence: "Have a safe journey."
Minister Hong saw the train leave, said goodbye, and departed.
Sun Zhengguo was also preparing to return to his unit, but seeing Zhang Huaibei still standing alone in the wind, feeling sad, he could only go up to him and try to persuade him again.
"Old Zhang, what are you doing? Your nephew is a grown man, can't he take care of himself?"
Zhang Huaibei raised his head, opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately didn't say anything.
He then waved his hand, "Director Sun, let's go back! I'm fine."
Looking at the stubborn old Zhang, Sun Zhengguo shook his head and then got into the car...
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