Chapter 158 The Perfect New Job
The train journey back seemed a bit smoother than the one that had taken us there.
Shu Ran was still leaning against the window, but her state of mind was completely different. In her handbag, besides thick meeting materials and a densely filled notebook, there was also an honorary certificate.
Sitting opposite him, Xiao Zhao was full of energy. He had been organizing meeting minutes the whole way, sorting out the key points he would report to his superiors when he got back, and muttering "key points," "highlights," and "leader's instructions" from time to time. His attitude towards Shu Ran had gone beyond the existing respect, now bordering on fervent worship—to be able to have a private conversation with a high-ranking leader in the department and to receive such an honor, in the eyes of this young cadre, Shu Ran was already a person with connections to the highest levels.
"Comrade Shu Ran, do you think this report outline is okay?" Xiao Zhao handed over several sheets of paper filled with writing. "Part One: Overview and spirit of the meeting; Part Two: Our gains and insights, highlighting your speech and the impact of the new model; Part Three: Suggestions for further implementation, in conjunction with any research teams that may be sent down from the ministry..."
Shu Ran took the document, glanced at it, and nodded: "The structure is acceptable. However, Officer Zhao, don't focus solely on me. Emphasize that this is the result of the collective efforts of all educators in the border regions, especially those unsung teachers in grassroots companies and pastoral areas. My speech is simply a summary of their practices."
Xiao Zhao paused for a moment, then suddenly realized and nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, Comrade Shu Ran, you're right! I didn't think things through; I was only thinking about highlighting achievements. We should highlight the collective and the practice of the masses!" He quickly picked up a pen to make corrections.
Shu Ran said no more, turned to look out the window, and began to think about the situation she would face when she returned.
The ministry's research team, as revealed by Liao Cheng, is a clear signal and also an impending test. Minister Zhou's remarks on the strategy of consolidating border defense through education, though conceived at the highest levels, will inevitably influence specific policies and work arrangements in border areas in some form.
As a newly selected grassroots role model, she will inevitably be thrust into the spotlight, either becoming a pioneer in implementing new ideas or a pawn in the power struggle among various parties.
She must quickly clarify her thoughts, find her position, and identify where to focus her efforts. She cannot afford to wait passively.
Six days and six nights later, the train arrived in V City one evening. Stepping out of the somewhat old-fashioned station, the familiar atmosphere of V City washed over me. The pace of the pedestrians on the street seemed to be half a beat slower than in the capital, carrying the unique spaciousness of the frontier.
Xiao Zhao arranged for a jeep from the bureau to pick her up. The driver was the same one as last time, Old Zhang. Seeing Shu Ran, Old Zhang grinned, "Comrade Shu Ran, you're back? You've had a long day!"
"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Zhang." Shu Ran put her luggage in the car.
The car headed towards the Education Bureau. On the way, Xiao Zhao couldn't help but boast to Lao Zhang, "Master Zhang, you have no idea how amazing Comrade Shu Ran was in the capital this time! She spoke at the conference, received special praise from the ministry leaders, and even won a national advanced award!"
Old Zhang's eyes showed more admiration, but he didn't ask any more questions. "Comrade Shu Ran is a capable person."
Shu Ran smiled but didn't reply, her mind wandering to V City outside the car. The streets seemed cleaner than when she left, and some new slogans had been painted on the walls, related to developing production, consolidating the border, and improving culture.
As she passed the central square, she saw a newly erected bulletin board with pictures and articles on it, and she could vaguely make out the large characters for "Education Work Symposium" and "Advanced Experiences." It seemed that the good news had already reached her in some form.
The car stopped in front of the Education Bureau building. It was rush hour, and people were coming out of the building one after another. When they saw Shu Ran and Xiao Zhao getting out of the car with their luggage, many people stopped and looked at them.
"Comrade Shu Ran is back!" someone greeted warmly.
"Xiao Shu, I heard you've done a great job in the capital! Congratulations!" This was a colleague with whom I usually have a good relationship.
Shu Ran smiled and responded politely to each person, her manners impeccable. She could sense that those gazes contained sincere congratulations, simple envy, and also a sense of distance. After all, it was inevitable that such a young woman suddenly receiving such high honors and attention would disrupt the established order.
Upon reaching the second floor, she encountered Wu Jianguo in the corridor. He was carrying a file folder, and upon seeing Shu Ran, he paused for a moment before smiling and saying, "Comrade Shu Ran, you're back? You must have had a long journey."
"Hello, Director Wu." Shu Ran nodded in greeting.
"I heard you've brought honor to our border region in the capital. You're truly a promising young man." Wu Jianguo's tone sounded very official, but the complex emotions in his eyes were hard to hide. "Director Han instructed that you come back and rest for a while, and then go to his office to report tomorrow morning."
"Okay, thank you, Director Wu."
Back in the office, it was exactly as she had left it, except for a thin layer of dust on the desk. Wang Juan, who shared the office with her, wasn't there; she'd probably already left. Shu Ran put down her luggage and quickly wiped the desk.
She didn't immediately return to her dormitory in the affiliated college, but went to the archives room first. Zhang Yaqin was about to lock the door when she saw her and her eyes widened in surprise: "Oh! Our great hero is back! Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"
"Sister Yaqin," Shu Ran said with a smile as she walked over, "I just got off the train and came to check in. Any new documents or news these past few days?"
Zhang Yaqin reopened the door, letting Shu Ran in, and said in a low voice, "Things haven't been peaceful in the bureau while you've been gone. News of your 'Spark Model' being a resounding success in the capital has reached us, and Director Han has held two meetings with mid-level managers, emphasizing the need to learn from your pragmatic spirit and requiring each department to consider how to integrate the spirit of the meetings with local realities. Some people," she gestured towards the door, indicating certain individuals, "haven't said anything on the surface, but they've been gossiping behind your back. They say you were lucky to have caught the wave, but that's just talk in the context of the capital… Anyway, there's been a lot of idle chatter."
Shu Ran listened quietly, her face expressionless. These reactions were entirely within her expectations.
“However, Director Han and Secretary Zhou’s attitude is very clear: they firmly support you,” Zhang Yaqin continued. “Secretary Zhou also specifically emphasized at the meeting that we must protect the innovative enthusiasm of grassroots comrades and oppose empty talk and jealousy. Oh, by the way, they’ve called from above during the days you were gone to inquire about your situation, so it seems they also attach great importance to it.”
"Thank you for telling me all this, Sister Yaqin," Shu Ran said sincerely. Zhang Yaqin was well-informed and upright; she was one of the few people in the bureau she could trust and obtain information from.
"Don't mention it." Zhang Yaqin patted her hand. "You really made us grassroots people proud this time. But Xiao Shu, I have to remind you, you need to be extra careful for the next period of time. There are people who support you, but there are probably quite a few who want to see you fall. If your model is really promoted, it's hard to say whose interests it will threaten or whose limelight it will steal. Be careful in everything you do."
"I understand, Sister Zhang. I'll be careful."
It was already dark when Shu Ran left the archives. She returned to her dormitory. The simple single room was as deserted as when she left. She boiled water and brewed a cup of jasmine tea, its fragrance filling the room. She sat down, slowly sipping her tea, organizing her thoughts.
She needs to report to Director Han tomorrow, but more importantly, she needs to proactively offer her own ideas. Passively waiting for promotion or assignment is not her style. She must strive for a position that best suits her and allows her to utilize her strengths.
Night deepened, and V City quieted down. Shu Ran spread out paper and pen, beginning to draft a report outline on implementing the spirit of the National Education Work Symposium and her next steps in developing education at the grassroots level in border areas. She highlighted several directions for further promoting the "Spark Model," and, in conjunction with Minister Zhou's strategy of consolidating border areas through education, proposed several forward-looking yet practical policy recommendations. Finally, she cautiously expressed her desire to continue delving into grassroots communities and focusing on combining educational practice with policy research.
She didn't want to be completely embroiled in the complexities of government affairs, as that would drain too much of her energy and deviate from her original aspirations and strengths. However, she also knew that without a certain platform and a voice, her ideas would be difficult to truly implement and more easily constrained by various forces.
What she needs is a position that allows her to maintain contact with the front lines of teaching at the grassroots level, while also enabling her to participate in policy discussions and resource coordination.
She hadn't quite figured out the job title or specific responsibilities yet, but she already had a general idea of what to expect.
The next morning, Shu Ran arrived at Director Han's office ten minutes early. Secretary Liu greeted her with even greater enthusiasm than usual: "Comrade Shu Ran, you've arrived! The director is waiting for you inside, please come in."
When Director Han saw Shu Ran enter, he stood up from behind his desk with a smile on his face: "Our great hero is back! Please sit down, please sit down! You must be tired from your journey, why didn't you rest for another day?"
"Director Han, I'm not tired. I should report the meeting's progress to you and the bureau as soon as possible." Shu Ran sat down in the chair opposite her.
"Good, good." Director Han sat back down, looking at Shu Ran with satisfaction. "Xiao Zhao already gave a brief report over the phone, but I still wanted to hear it from you personally. This trip to the capital was incredibly fruitful! Not only did it showcase the achievements of our border region education and bring us honors, but more importantly, it garnered high attention from the ministry leadership! Vice Minister Sun personally called to fully affirm your work and even hinted at the ministry's intention to send a research team down here. This is a huge encouragement for our entire bureau's work!"
"Director Han, the achievements are inseparable from the guidance and support of the bureau, and even more so from the silent dedication of countless comrades at the grassroots level in the border areas. I am simply reporting on my work."
Director Han waved his hand, indicating that she didn't need to be so modest: "What's yours is yours, and what deserves recognition should be recognized. Your thinking is correct, your methods are effective, and the leaders of the department have a good eye. This also points the way for our next steps."
He changed the subject, his tone becoming serious: "Comrade Shu Ran, given your outstanding performance at this meeting and the high regard the ministry has for you, the higher authorities have decided to adjust your work assignment. Considering your professional abilities and grassroots experience, we plan to appoint you as the deputy director of the teaching and research office, and concurrently as the deputy leader of the newly established 'Frontier Region Education Development Research Group,' with Secretary Zhou serving as the group leader. Your main responsibilities will be to conduct in-depth research on the unique characteristics and policy needs of frontier education, summarize and promote effective grassroots experiences, and participate in liaising with the ministry on potential research and policy pilot projects. What do you think?"
As the deputy director of the teaching and research office, she has acquired a certain administrative rank and influence. The deputy head of the research group, although a semi-permanent position, is directly linked to policy research and high-level liaison, making her a crucial role. This arrangement was clearly carefully considered, providing her with promotion and a platform while attempting to confine her to the scope of "research" and "liaison." It may also have been intended to prevent her from becoming too involved in specific administrative affairs, thus avoiding backlash from other mid-level cadres.
To be fair, this is a pretty good and safe arrangement. But for Shu Ran, it's not enough.
She hesitated for a few seconds, then raised her head and said with a firm gaze, "I am very grateful for the organization's trust and training. This arrangement is a great encouragement and impetus for me personally. However, Director Han, I have an immature idea that I would like to report to you, and I would also appreciate your guidance."
"Oh? Go ahead." Director Han showed an interested expression.
"During this trip to the capital, besides attending meetings, I also had in-depth exchanges with leaders from the ministry and representatives from other regions, especially listening to Minister Zhou and Vice Minister Sun's instructions on the strategic importance of education in border areas." Shu Ran carefully chose her words. "I increasingly feel that the development of education in border areas is at a critical juncture. It is no longer just a matter of popularizing literacy and establishing a few schools; it is more related to the long-term stability and ethnic unity of the border areas. This requires us, on the one hand, to continue to go deep into the grassroots and solve the most pressing problems on the front lines; on the other hand, we must also consider the direction, path, and policy needs of education in border areas from a holistic and strategic perspective."
She paused, observing Director Han's reaction. Director Han listened attentively, nodded, and gestured for her to continue.
“So I was thinking,” Shu Ran continued, “if possible, could I continue to retain some opportunities to conduct in-depth grassroots research while undertaking some research tasks? The Huozhong model needs further improvement and promotion, which cannot be separated from feedback from front-line practice. At the same time, I also hope to have a more direct channel to promptly transform the real situation at the grassroots level, the difficulties in policy implementation, and some of our forward-looking thoughts into policy recommendations or draft plans, rather than just keeping them at the research report level.”
She finally stated her core demand: "Perhaps we can consider establishing a more flexible position or working mechanism, allowing me to be relatively detached from daily administrative affairs and focus on a combination of policy research, grassroots practice tracking, and high-level policy interpretation. This way, I can ensure that I have a grasp of the situation on the front lines, while also leveraging my strengths in policy understanding and implementation to better serve the overall strategy of education in the border regions."
After Shu Ran finished speaking, the office fell silent. Director Han tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, lost in thought. Shu Ran's proposal was essentially a demand for a more independent and flexible privileged position within the existing institutional framework. It avoided directly vying for existing administrative power, instead emphasizing professionalism and service. However, everyone knew that a position capable of directly producing policy recommendations and aligning with the interpretation of high-level directives had considerable potential influence.
This girl truly has extraordinary ideas. Director Han thought to himself.
"Your idea... is very insightful." Director Han said slowly. "Indeed, what we lack now is a versatile talent like you. Getting bogged down in endless meetings and paperwork, or just engaging in empty talk, won't solve the real problems of education in the border regions."
He stood up, paced around the office a few times, then turned around: "How about this, I think we can refine your idea of a special researcher. For now, as we've researched, you'll serve as the deputy director of the teaching and research office—that's the organizational procedure. But at the same time, the bureau will officially appoint you as a 'Special Researcher on Frontier Education Policy,' directly responsible for the frontier, with Secretary Zhou and I directly overseeing you." Your main tasks will be to maintain follow-up research at your grassroots contact points, lead preliminary research and drafting of plans for major frontier education policies, and, as one of the bureau's representatives, be responsible for liaising with the central government on frontier education.
Director Han pondered for a moment, then said, "You won't be involved in routine administrative matters unless absolutely necessary. If you need any resources or require coordination, you can report directly to me and Secretary Zhou. How does that sound?"
This almost completely granted Shu Ran's request, and even gave her greater autonomy and a direct reporting channel.
This title may seem like a nominal one, but it directly puts the person in charge of the frontier and connects them with the central government, making it an arrangement of great significance.
With a firm resolve, Shu Ran stood up and solemnly said, "Thank you for your trust and support, Director Han. I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations and contribute all my strength to the development of education in the border region."
"Good, that's exactly what I wanted to hear!" Director Han's face was full of expectation. "Comrade Shu Ran, go for it boldly, but also pay attention to your working methods and unite with your colleagues. If you encounter any difficulties, come to me anytime."
Stepping out of the director's office, Shu Ran felt her steps become much lighter. She had successfully secured her ideal position, avoiding the drudgery of administrative work while gaining crucial access to core policy discussions and high-level communication, and still maintaining ties with the grassroots. It was practically a perfect start.
In the following days, the bureau officially announced the personnel adjustments and the appointment of researchers. The uproar was less than Shu Ran had anticipated. On the one hand, Director Han and Secretary Zhou expressed their strong support; on the other hand, Shu Ran's position as a "special researcher" was indeed quite unique. She wouldn't directly oversee specific departments, wouldn't be involved in much of the existing interest division, and was more like a senior think tank or project leader. This relieved some cadres who might have been dissatisfied, and some even felt it was just an empty title or a way for leaders to appease younger key personnel.
But anyone with a discerning eye knows the power and potential of this position, so there's bound to be a lot of discussion and observation behind the scenes.
Shu Ran didn't have time to worry about these things. She immediately immersed herself in her new role, taking the initiative to meet with several senior teaching and research staff in the teaching and research office, humbly seeking their advice and understanding the common problems existing in basic education in the border areas. She began to attend some important meetings of the bureau, but most of the time she just listened and rarely spoke.
In her capacity as a "Special Research Fellow on Frontier Education Policy," she also drafted an internal report on several current issues in frontier education, proposing several suggestions for improvement and pilot projects. After completing the report, she submitted it directly to Director Han and Secretary Zhou.
The report caused quite a stir within the unit. Secretary Zhou specifically called her to his office, held up the report, and said, "Xiao Shu, your report is very valuable. The Party Committee has decided to incorporate some of the suggestions in your report into our work priorities for the next stage, and we are considering recommending it to the Ministry."
This is undoubtedly the first significant affirmation of her new role. Her position is gradually translating into influence.
In her spare time, she wrote a long letter to Chen Yuanjiang. She described in detail her experiences on the return journey, the changes in V City, her job adjustments and preliminary plans, and also subtly mentioned the delicate environment she faced and how she was coping. She wanted to know his current situation and any new developments regarding strategic developments in the capital.
The letter has been sent, but I don't know when I will receive a reply.
After mailing the letter, Shu Ran strolled along the increasingly spacious streets of V City. News and rousing songs played on the radio, and occasionally trucks carrying supplies drove in from outside the city, demonstrating that the border region was developing step by step under the country's vigorous development.
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