Zhang Wen's name

Office of the Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of Handong District.

"Hello, Mr. Su, this is Guofu."

"Guofu, what's up with your call?"

"Old Su, I just wanted to ask if Gao Yuliang is going to be transferred. I haven't seen him for a week."

"Yes, he was transferred by his superiors."

"Old Su, where has he been transferred to?"

"His official documents haven't been issued yet; they're currently studying at the Party School. I think he was transferred to Province X to serve as the provincial Party secretary."

Tian Guofu's eyes turned red when he heard this.

"Dad, how can someone with such a tainted reputation like Gao Yuliang be the provincial party secretary?"

"Tian Guofu, mind your place. Are you even going to talk about the cadre regulations? Do you think you have the right to comment on how the higher-ups make arrangements?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Su, I admit it. I'm just a little resentful. Why didn't the higher-ups assign me, such an outstanding comrade as myself, to this position?"

Old Su laughed when he heard this.

"I'm sorry, Guofu, I just couldn't help it."

"Old Su, am I not good enough? Look at me, Tian Guofu. I'm neither greedy for money nor lustful. I'm conscientious and responsible at work, have strong work abilities, and am kind-hearted."

"Guofu, are you talking about someone like that? I can't help but laugh. I agree with the first two points you mentioned, but I can't agree with the last three."

"Old Su, how can you doubt me? I work until midnight every day, and I've arrested so many corrupt officials this year. Besides, I never suppress my subordinates."

"Comrade Tian Guofu, I have to criticize you for working like this. Have you ever considered the feelings of your secretary, driver, and colleagues in the departments under the disciplinary committee who work so late?"

"It doesn't matter to you as one person, but other people have a whole family waiting. If you do this, there will definitely be complaints from below. How can the disciplinary committee maintain its work efficiency in the long run?"

Hearing what Old Su said, Tian Guofu finally realized where the problem lay. "I told him about the tasks I recently assigned. The staff responded readily, but a week had passed without any results. When you point it out, they apologize immediately, but they just don't change anything."

"Mr. Su, thank you for your advice. I was saying that everyone's work efficiency has obviously declined recently. I will definitely make changes."

"Guofu, what did you do with Qi Wei? Did you promote him? We don't want anyone bringing him up when it comes to crucial promotions."

"Old Su, I went to visit his mother. Qi Wei is driving for Sun Liancheng now. Sun Liancheng helped him get a promotion."

"So you're not going to offer any assistance? He can't bring it up, so why don't you just make sure the hospital takes good care of his mother? Reduce her medical expenses within the legal and compliant limits. What's the point of your visit?"

"Old Su, it's already a lot of face for a secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission like me to visit his mother. What more do you want from me?"

"Tian Guofu, are you an idiot? What do you mean by 'giving face'? Is your face worth that much? Do you think you're a US dollar? If you don't handle this matter properly, it will be a knife to your head when you want a promotion. Then, you'll be accused of suppressing subordinates and bullying their elderly mothers."

"Tian Guofu, I've noticed that you've changed a lot since you became the secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission. How long has it been since you went down to the grassroots level to conduct investigations?"

Tian Guofu stammered, "It's been about three years."

"Tian Guofu, you've been out of touch with the masses for far too long. I'm telling you, the reports you've written over the past few years are all based on my own opinions, hearsay, and rumors. It turns out you haven't even been sure whether something is correct or not. This is very dangerous for you, I'm telling you."

"Tian Guofu, you need to spend more time at the grassroots level and treat your subordinates better, otherwise you won't be able to lead your team effectively. Also, I read your report from last year; it was full of trivial matters. I hope you'll take heed of that."

"Mr. Su, do I have a chance to compete for the position of deputy secretary?"

"Tian Guofu, you're dreaming. Do you have any achievements to show for yourself? You should thank Zhang Wen for developing the economy so well that you can keep your current position."

Tian Guofu hung up the phone looking depressed. Why am I always the one who gets scolded?