Chapter 200: No Way Out
The vice minister didn't care whether Lin Yuanshu answered or not. He asked on his own, "Do you have a preferred candidate for the position of deputy director of the Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine?"
Lin Yuanshu shook his head decisively and said softly, "No, I'm not very familiar with the researchers from other research institutes, so I don't know their capabilities."
Her position as director of the Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine was already noteworthy enough. Recommending someone she knew as deputy director would only make her more unpopular. She had to leave some hope for others.
The deputy minister stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "Alright, I will arrange a suitable deputy director for you."
Lin Yuanshu wanted to state his requirements for the deputy director, but after thinking about it, he ultimately didn't say it. Instead, he smiled and said, "I trust your and the minister's judgment."
As a person, you still need to be discerning.
Early the next morning, Lin Yuanshu arrived at the Ministry of Health. The minister handed him all the documents related to the Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine. The documents included the institute's construction scale, functional zoning, approximate construction funds, total number of staff, and so on.
Although the deputy director of the research institute has not yet been selected, the administrative staff, logistics manager, equipment manager, and other relevant personnel have been finalized and are all experienced personnel transferred from other units.
Those who are conscientious and responsible at work, and those who slack off at all, were not selected for the Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine.
The leaders above are very concerned about this pilot project at the research institute.
Lin Yuanshu took the document. Although the document was not heavy, she felt extremely burdened. Fortunately, she was not a lone commander. At least the heads of important positions had been selected, so she did not need to worry about everything. She only needed to ensure that the general direction remained unchanged.
A few days later, the classmates all learned that Lin Yuanshu had been appointed as the director of the research institute. Their gaze towards Lin Yuanshu immediately changed. In addition to admiration, there was also envy. They all surrounded Lin Yuanshu and asked him a barrage of questions.
"I heard that this research institute is not yet completed. How long will it take to complete? I hope it will be completed in time for my graduation, so that I may be assigned to this research institute."
"How did you manage to become the director of this research institute? Do you have any tips for getting promoted?"
"Then you're going to be incredibly busy in the days to come."
"You're just talking nonsense! You're studying and managing the research institute at the same time, it would be strange if you weren't busy. Comrade Lin Yuanshu, if you have any questions about your studies, you can always come and ask me."
"You...you can ask me too. My grades are better, and I can even lend you my notes."
"Your notes are nowhere near as good as mine! If you want your grades to stay up, you'll have to look at my notes."
The conversation drifted further and further away, but Lin Yuanshu remained the center of attention.
Seeing this, Lin Yuanshu didn't know whose question to answer first. There were just too many people talking, and she couldn't tell who had spoken or who had asked the question!
Gao Lianzhen squeezed her way to Lin Yuanshu. She had only gone to the restroom, and when she came back, she saw everyone surrounding Lin Yuanshu, making it impossible to move.
She stretched out her arm to stop everyone and said loudly, "Alright, everyone, keep quiet and don't come over and disturb Comrade Lin Yuanshu's studies by asking pointless questions."
One of the students couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "They're really making a mountain out of a molehill. The master hasn't even spoken yet, and the lackey is already talking first."
Upon hearing this, Gao Lianzhen shot her a sharp glare.
The student immediately covered his mouth, lowered his head guiltily, and looked around, but wouldn't look at Gao Lianzhen.
Seeing how spineless that classmate was, Gao Lianzhen felt it was pointless to argue with her. Arguing with such a person would only lower her own standards. In the end, wasn't she just jealous of her good relationship with Lin Yuanshu and thought that she could get benefits from Lin Yuanshu?
They underestimated her relationship with Lin Yuanshu.
Lin Yuanshu didn't notice this little incident because she had too many voices around her. She felt that Gao Lianzhen's words just now were playing the bad cop, and now it was her turn to play the good cop.
She cleared her throat and looked at Gao Lianzhen, saying, "My classmates didn't disturb my studies; they were just concerned about me. As for how long it will take to build the research institute, I can't say for sure yet."
Although the overall plan states a two-year timeframe, plans can change, and unforeseen events will inevitably occur, so the exact timeframe is uncertain.
Afterwards, Lin Yuanshu answered several more questions she heard, answering those he could and ignoring those he couldn't.
Seeing that Lin Yuanshu was so kind and answered all their questions, the students felt embarrassed to continue surrounding him and gradually left his desk, returning to their own seats.
Upon seeing this, Gao Lianzhen's expression returned to normal. Fortunately, these people had some sense and didn't keep pestering Lin Yuanshu endlessly.
During lunch break, under the sycamore trees on the school playground.
Lin Yuanshu chatted with Gao Lianzhen about what happened that morning. She said with a smile, "I didn't expect you to be so quick-witted this time. You actually came up with the idea of one playing the bad cop and the other the good cop to divert everyone's attention from me."
Gao Lianzhen looked puzzled and said, "What do you mean by one playing the bad cop and the other the good cop? I never thought of that idea. I really think you don't need to take your classmates so seriously. If they want to become as capable as you, it will take them at least twenty years. By the time they catch up with you, you might already be in an even more prestigious position."
She originally wanted to say "Minister of Health," but worried that such a statement would cause trouble for Lin Yuanshu, so she changed her wording.
Lin Yuanshu realized that, in modern terms, Gao Lianzhen was definitely a fan of his career and couldn't wait to promote her, promote her, and promote her again!
She patted Gao Lianzhen on the shoulder and sighed, "Never underestimate anyone around you."
You may not need connections, but you can't live without them.
Everyone has a bright future ahead of them!
Gao Lianzhen pursed her lips. She didn't underestimate anyone; she just felt that apart from Lin Yuanshu, everyone else was nothing special.
She had been living in a daze until she met Lin Yuanshu, and she realized that there was another way for women to live, and that women could also be incredibly successful at work.
"By the way, hasn't the deputy director been chosen yet?" Gao Lianzhen didn't want to dwell on this issue with Lin Yuanshu any longer, so she changed the subject and brought up other things.
Lin Yuanshu explained earnestly, "It should be finalized soon. I asked the Minister of Health before, and he said that the appointment documents are already being prepared."
Gao Lianzhen patted her chest and said with relief, "That's good. We can't let this matter interfere with your work."
Lin Yuanshu said dismissively, "The Minister of Health is even more worried than I am about whether the overall coordination of the Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine will proceed smoothly, so you can relax about this matter!"
She knew that the Minister of Health was meticulous and wouldn't mess things up when it came to selecting personnel.
Gao Lianzhen nodded thoughtfully.
Meanwhile, in the director's office of the Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the director handed an appointment document to a middle-aged woman with slightly graying temples.
He smiled and said, "Comrade Liu Hongmei, congratulations on your official appointment as the deputy director of the Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine. This is a great thing, and you have really brought honor to our institute."
Liu Hongmei looked at the director in disbelief. She didn't even look down at the appointment document, but pointed to herself with her finger. "Me? Is it really me? Could it be someone with the same name?"
It wasn't that she lacked confidence, but rather that the whole situation was somewhat unimaginable. She chose to apply for the position of deputy director of the Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine not because she felt she had a chance of being selected, but because she was afraid that the leaders would think she lacked ambition and was just getting by in her work, slacking off.
That's why she submitted the application materials to her superiors, hoping to prove herself in this way.
She was also aware that she was not competitive compared to others, after all, she was getting old and would have to retire in a few more years. She had not made any great achievements and was just average in every aspect.
The director patted his chubby belly and said with a smile, "There is no one with the same name as you in our research institute."
Liu Hongmei took a deep breath and asked cautiously, "Why was I selected? I want to know the reason so that I can better secure my position as deputy director. I know my shortcomings, but I don't know what strengths the leaders above saw in me."
Sometimes change happens in an instant, from disbelief at the beginning to wanting to secure one's position now.
After thinking for a moment, the director revealed what he knew: "Originally, the Minister of Health and his team nominated Comrade Xu Wei from the Chinese Academy of Traditional Medicine, not you. However, the director of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Medicine said that Comrade Xu Wei was busy with project tasks and couldn't get away, so you stood out among the candidates. Although you are older, you have rich work experience! You have some knowledge of both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, and you can do a good job in logistics. Colleagues who have worked with you have all given you very good reviews..."
Although Liu Hongmei found it unbelievable that she had become the deputy director, he saw it as an inevitable result. The most important point, which he did not say, was that the key to this selection of the deputy director was not work ability, but whether he could cooperate with Lin Yuanshu and whether he would outwardly comply with Lin Yuanshu's orders while inwardly disobeying them.
There were some things he couldn't say too bluntly, and he hoped Liu Hongmei would figure it out herself.
Liu Hongmei said with a solemn expression, "Such a good opportunity, and the president of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine just turned it down for Comrade Xu Wei. I'm sure the Minister of Health won't be happy about this either."
She never dared to dream of such a thing, yet some people obtained it so easily and didn't cherish it. The difference between people is truly vast!
The director raised an eyebrow and smiled, "If the Minister of Health could be so happy, we wouldn't have known about this."
Why was this news able to get out? It's because the Minister of Health turned a blind eye to it! He might even have fueled the fire.
Liu Hongmei understood immediately, and she continued to ask, "Why would the director of the Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine do such a thing? Did he know that doing so would offend the Minister of Health?"
She only saw the downsides and not the benefits, and she really couldn't understand the behavior of the director of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Medicine.
The director said vaguely, "It's probably because he's dissatisfied with the director of the Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine recommended by the Minister of Health, which is why he made such a provocative move. If you want to secure your position as deputy director, you need to get to know Comrade Lin Yuanshu better. Now that your appointment letter has been issued, she's probably the only one who can decide whether you stay or leave."
Liu Hongmei nodded thoughtfully and said in a strong voice, "I understand, thank you for the reminder, Director."
The director laughed heartily and said, "Work hard and prove to everyone that you are better than the cadres of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Medicine. The Minister of Health and the others did not make a mistake in choosing you."
"Okay," Liu Hongmei agreed without hesitation.
Although she is old, it doesn't mean she lacks passion.
After leaving the director's office, Liu Hongmei went to the laboratory to find Qu Zhigang. After all, Qu Zhigang had gone to the epidemic area with Lin Yuanshu before, and the two had interacted. He should know Lin Yuanshu's personality.
Liu Hongmei explained her purpose earnestly. Qu Zhigang's expression was somewhat unpleasant. It wasn't directed at Liu Hongmei, but rather he didn't want to discuss Lin Yuanshu's matter with others again and again, as it would only make him feel useless.
"The director sent me here." Seeing that Qu Zhigang remained silent, Liu Hongmei could only invoke the director's name. She was certain that Qu Zhigang wouldn't question the director about such a trivial matter, and she was also certain that even if the director knew about it, he would cover it up for her.
Qu Zhigang took a deep breath and said reluctantly, "Actually, Comrade Lin Yuanshu is quite easy to get along with. As long as you flatter her and follow her orders, although she is quite assertive at work, she is not uncommunicative. Her attitude towards you largely depends on your attitude towards her..."
After listening to Qu Zhigang's words, Liu Hongmei exclaimed, "You really understand Comrade Lin Yuanshu very well! I know how to get along with Comrade Lin Yuanshu now. Thank you!"
Qu Zhigang's expression froze instantly. He didn't want to know about Lin Yuanshu either, but everyone always liked to ask him about Lin Yuanshu, which meant that whenever there was any news about Lin Yuanshu, someone would pass on the message to him.
The last time he saw Lin Yuanshu was several years ago.
Liu Hongmei didn't care about Qu Zhigang's thoughts; she had a lot to do today! For example, going to the Ministry of Health to complete the procedures, and going to the school to meet Lin Yuanshu, and various other miscellaneous busy things.
One family is happy while another is sad; the atmosphere on Xu Wei's side is not so good.
When Xu Wei learned from a friend that he had been recommended by the Minister of Health to be the deputy director of the Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, he had no time to be happy before he heard some bad news from his friend: the director had already declined the offer on his behalf.
He was deeply shocked and filled with disappointment, muttering to himself, "Why did this happen? Although the project I'm working on is important, it's not so important that I'm indispensable! Even without me, the project can still move forward. What am I supposed to do now? What right do I have to question the dean..."
If he wants to continue working at the Chinese Academy of Traditional Medicine, he can only act like a fool.
His friend told Xu Wei the news out of schadenfreude, but seeing Xu Wei like this now, he felt bad too. He whispered to comfort him, "Maybe the dean wants to give you a more important position."
Xu Wei didn't hold out much hope. He forced a smile and said, "This matter happened several days ago. If they wanted to give me a more important position, they would have done so long ago. They wouldn't have waited until now."
His friend patted Xu Wei on the shoulder, his mind racing with thoughts of how to comfort him.
Just then, the dean's secretary came up to Xu Wei and said in a serious tone, "The dean requests your presence."
Upon hearing this, my friend instinctively said, "That's great! I knew I wasn't wrong."
A glimmer of hope rose in Xu Wei's heart.
Watching Xu Wei and his secretary walk away, the friend went from being happy for Xu Wei to being jealous of him. He had originally wanted to see a good show, but ended up being the one who became the monkey.
Throughout the journey, Xu Wei tried to mentally prepare himself, convincing himself to accept the devastating news, as he had no other choice but to do so.
The two entered the dean's office. The dean only glanced at Xu Wei and knew that Xu Wei had already heard about what happened at the Ministry of Health. After all, it was hard for him to ignore the resentment in Xu Wei's eyes.
He didn't seem guilty at all; instead, he remained calm, pointed to a chair, and said, "Sit down and let's talk."
Xu Wei took a deep breath and sat down in front of the dean. He dared not mention the Ministry of Health, fearing that he might not be able to help but speak rudely and offend the dean. When people are angry, they can say anything.
He looked at the dean cautiously and asked, "Dean, is there something you need from me?"
The dean tapped the table lightly with his fingertips and said casually, "There are some things I didn't want to tell you, but I was worried you would misunderstand me if I didn't. I helped you turn down the position of deputy director of the research institute, which was also for your own good. I wanted you to take the position of director. I don't need to tell you the difference between the two. I'm sure you understand."
Xu Wei was not overjoyed by these words. He hesitated and said, "But isn't Comrade Lin Yuanshu the director of the Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine? The appointment document has already been issued. It will be difficult to get the leaders above to change their minds."
The dean scoffed, "So what if the appointment document has been issued? If she makes a small mistake, she can still be removed from her position as director. That's what you call being unworthy of the position."
Xu Wei gasped, a look of utter disbelief on his face. This was a forced attempt to make Lin Yuanshu unworthy of his position!
I really don't know if it's his bad luck or Lin Yuanshu's bad luck to have met such a dean.
To be honest, he would rather be the deputy director than the director, at least that position would be legitimate.
"Then I'll be waiting for your good news." Xu Wei gave a fawning smile.
Sigh, when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head. Even if you're unwilling, you have to follow the dean's plan.
Seeing that Xu Wei was very sensible, the dean nodded in satisfaction and casually instructed, "I should be waiting for your good news. You are the one who will take the position of director, so of course you have to do it yourself. I just gave you some ideas. I can promise you that as long as you pull Lin Yuanshu down from that position, I will definitely push you to take it."
Xu Wei's smile gradually disappeared. For a moment, he didn't know what to say. The dean had made him miss the opportunity to become the deputy director, but was willing to help him become the director, but on the condition that he find a way to bring Lin Yuanshu down from the position of director.
So the question is, what role did the dean play in all of this?
Although the dean was willing to support him, which made him very happy, he would have become the deputy director of the research institute long ago if it weren't for the dean.
Seeing that Xu Wei remained silent, the dean questioned, "What? You can't do it? Or you don't want to?"
Xu Wei forced a smile and said confidently, "Of course I want to do it. This is a great opportunity to become the director of the research institute. I'm just thinking about how to deal with Lin Yuanshu. I've heard that Comrade Lin Yuanshu is not an easy person to deal with..."
He spoke enthusiastically, but felt powerless inside. The dean had never given him a choice. He had been told such an important matter, and he either had to go along with the corrupt practices or be completely suppressed by the dean. There was no third option.
"Do you want me to arrange a few people for you?" The dean looked at Xu Wei's ambiguous smile and suddenly felt a pang of pity, which is why he asked this question.
Xu Wei shook his head and refused, saying, "No need, I can do it."
He felt that the "personnel" the dean mentioned were not for assistance, but for surveillance.
The two chatted for a while longer before Xu Wei left the dean's office with a heavy heart.
The secretary watched Xu Wei's departing figure, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes. "Dean, why didn't you let me handle this? I guarantee I can complete this task without arousing suspicion. I don't think Xu Wei can do this job well."
The dean said irritably, "A wild goose leaves its cry as it flies by. You are my secretary. If you are found out, I will also be implicated. But Xu Wei is different. He has no choice but to go down this dark path. When he becomes the director of the research institute, I will still have leverage over him. It's like killing two birds with one stone."
It's much easier for him to distance himself from Xu Wei than from his secretary.
Besides, it doesn't matter whether Xu Wei can successfully bring down Lin Yuanshu. If he succeeds, everyone will be happy. If he fails, he has backup plans and can also find out Lin Yuanshu's trump cards.
For him, Xu Wei was merely a stepping stone.
The secretary didn't understand, but she did as instructed.
Before Xu Wei could return to his work post, his friend pulled him to an empty stairwell.
My friend casually inquired, "So, how's it going? Is the dean planning to promote you?"
Xu Wei gave a bitter smile. There was no promotion, no better position, only being coerced.
"No, they talked to me about some work-related matters. Through this conversation, I realized that my vision was too narrow. My existence is indispensable to the entire project, so the dean was right to refuse on my behalf, and I accept it wholeheartedly. That's all, I need to go back to work." Xu Wei said this nonsense with a straight face.
friend:"……"
He believed it; he's a dog.
As long as Xu Wei didn't get promoted, that was fine. He didn't need to find out about other things. As the saying goes, the more you know, the faster you die.
After parting ways with his friends, Xu Wei walked listlessly back to his workplace. He pondered all the way and still felt that he couldn't make a move on Lin Yuanshu, not because he had a high moral compass, but because he felt that the chances of being discovered were very high.
He didn't think he was that capable of removing Lin Yuanshu from his position as director of the research institute. Lin Yuanshu had the Dongfanghong Research Institute and the Ministry of Health standing behind him.
Unlike him, who is all alone, unless he is reckless and doesn't care about the consequences, as for the dean, he can delay as long as possible, and if he really can't delay, then he can deal with it when the time comes.
Lin Yuanshu hadn't expected that after talking to Gao Lianzhen about the deputy director at noon, she would meet with the future deputy director of the research institute after school in the afternoon.
Liu Hongmei was very polite to Lin Yuanshu. After all, when she went to the Ministry of Health to handle her transfer procedures today, the vice minister repeatedly emphasized that she should cooperate well with Lin Yuanshu's work, so she understood Lin Yuanshu's importance.
She's not the kind of person who likes to do things knowingly.
Lin Yuanshu pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "It's not a good place to talk outside. Do you have time now? Could you come to my house? I'd like to discuss the upcoming work arrangements with you."
Liu Hongmei nodded and readily agreed, "Of course I have time."
Even if she doesn't have time, she'll make time for it, especially since she already has time.
It seems Qu Zhigang wasn't lying to her. Lin Yuanshu's personality was pretty much as he described. He was very dedicated to his work and was ready to discuss the upcoming work arrangements with her as soon as they met.
On the way, Lin Yuanshu didn't know what to talk about with Liu Hongmei, so they simply talked about work. Of course, they didn't go into depth, just talked about things that everyone knew, to avoid leaking information.
Lin Yuanshu also learned from Liu Hongmei about what had happened between the Minister of Health and the President of the Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She was unaware of this, as she had been either at school or at the state-owned construction company these past two days, coordinating with the infrastructure managers.
It turned out that the director of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine was waiting for her here. Unfortunately, he overestimated himself and thought that there were no other talents available besides his academy.
Going against the Minister of Health in this way is simply a thankless and futile effort.
However, she did not expect that the Minister of Health's choice would be someone from the Chinese Academy of Traditional Medicine, giving her the feeling that there was a traitor among the Minister of Health's staff.
The director of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine did not approve of her as the director and insisted on assigning her a cadre from the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine as the deputy director. Was he worried that she was doing too well in her work?
Thankfully, the director of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Medicine refused, otherwise she would have really vomited blood. It seems that she trusted the Minister of Health too early. She had previously been so confident that the Minister of Health would be reliable. She's really embarrassed now.
She thought for a moment and whispered, "Keep an eye on Xu Wei during this time. I'm worried that he's resentful and might do something that would be detrimental to us."
Liu Hongmei nodded seriously. "I will send someone to keep an eye on him."
Lin Yuanshu asked curiously, "Do you have any manpower?"
Liu Hongmei patted her chest and said, "I also have a few friends at the Chinese Academy of Traditional Medicine."
Lin Yuanshu understood instantly.
Before long, the two arrived at the apartment building in the family compound.
Logically, Lin Yuanshu should have moved out of the apartment building since she no longer works at the Dongfanghong Research Institute. However, since the staff dormitory of the Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine has not yet been completed, she submitted an application to the Ministry of Health to continue living in the family compound until the staff dormitory of the Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine is completed.
To be honest, she also wants to buy a house! Unfortunately, there are no houses available for her to buy right now. Most houses are allocated by work units, and there are very few commercial houses available. She can only wait for the relevant regulations to be released before she can buy a house.
Her current situation is that she has money, but can't buy anything unless she takes illegal measures.
Lin Yuanshu led Liu Hongmei into his study. The house was empty at the time. Luckily, Liu Hongmei was a woman, otherwise, she wouldn't know where to take the deputy director to discuss work matters.
As soon as she sat down, she got down to business, "I met with the infrastructure manager yesterday, and if all goes well, they can officially start construction tomorrow. I've already taken care of all the paperwork for the research institute site, and I've also prepared a task list. You just need to follow the steps on it..."
Liu Hongmei swallowed hard. Lin Yuanshu's execution was truly impressive. If she remembered correctly, Lin Yuanshu's appointment document had only been issued recently, yet he had already accomplished so much.
She frankly said, "I need to look at the relevant information from the Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine to determine what my next step should be and whether anything has been missed on the task list. Although I have no experience in this area, I have watched the Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine develop."
Lin Yuanshu readily agreed, "No problem. You can only look at the important documents here before you leave. You can take the less important documents home to read."
Liu Hongmei understood Lin Yuanshu's concerns and did not insist that he had to take it home to see.
The two got along very well and discussed things together.
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