Nominal: Starting with an entrance exam for a PhD in Economics at Peking University

But Qi Tongwei didn't say anything, and he was happy to play dumb.

Purchasing some office tea is a trivial matter for the office. As long as the tea quality meets the standards and the price is reasonable, it doesn't matter where you buy it. Besides, the quality of this tea is indeed quite good.

Moreover, the purchases don't necessarily have to be used for important receptions; they can also be used internally.

So Han Shen picked up his teacup again, took a small sip, seemingly reassessing the situation, and after a long while slowly spoke:

"The tea is quite good, refreshing and with a sweet aftertaste, it's unique. How about this, I'll ask the colleagues in the administration office to take a look, and we can bring it up for discussion at the meeting."

This statement was watertight, expressing preliminary approval while maintaining procedural rigor, without making any on-the-spot promises, but the underlying bias was clear to everyone present.

Qi Tongwei immediately raised his glass, using tea instead of wine:

"Then on behalf of my fellow villagers, I thank Senior Brother Han for his care!"

Promoting local tea was the surface purpose, but the deeper intention was to "ask Han Shen for this small favor."

He is well aware of a subtle psychology in interpersonal communication: the effective way to get closer to each other and build trust is not to give and please indiscriminately, but sometimes to make a timely and appropriate request to the other party that is within their ability and that they are happy to give.

This request should not be too heavy, lest it become a burden; nor should it be too light, lest it seem meaningless.

Like a soft thread, it instantly creates a small, positive connection between the two parties upon acceptance. When the other party agrees to help, it's like they've made a small "investment" in you, unconsciously generating a sense of closeness and acceptance.

For Han Shen, purchasing tea was a simple matter, but for Qi Tongwei and his hometown, it was a very meaningful "request."

After tonight, his identity in Han Shen and even in this small circle will no longer be just a new "Professor Li's disciple", but a "junior brother who knows his place, cherishes his hometown, and whom we have helped a little".

Having achieved his goal, Qi Tongwei stopped making a fool of himself and focused on being a good server: serving dishes, pouring drinks for his fellow apprentices, urging them to finish their meals, offering toasts, and remembering his role as the straight man in the comedy routine.

After a few rounds of drinks, Han Shen, emboldened by the alcohol, said, "With Tongwei joining the Economic Commission, our strength has grown once again. From now on, people will probably say we're part of the Peking University faction."

Those present were all shrewd individuals; how could they not understand Han Shen's metaphor? What was Qi Tongwei, a mere 28-year-old assistant researcher, worth? In a ministry as large as the Economic Commission, without a core member at the deputy director level, what kind of faction was he?

Clearly, this means Han Shen is about to take another step forward.

However, Han Shen would certainly not make it explicit before the Organization Department issues a formal order.

There shouldn't even be such a hint.

Kong Haifeng, Jia Tunan, and Xia Xiaojun, all exceptionally intelligent individuals, were greatly encouraged upon hearing this: "Yes, Tongwei is a rare talent."

Having been used as a tool, Qi Tongwei waved his hands repeatedly and said, "You flatter me, senior brothers."

He then added, "We're almost finished with the wine, I'll go to the front desk and get another bottle."

After saying that, he wisely withdrew.

The short, chubby Xia Xiaojun squinted and said, "Junior Brother is a smart guy."

Han Shen smiled and said, "There are no easy characters among my students."

Jia Tunan frowned and said, "Senior brother, you were too careless. You shouldn't have said this, not even to us."

Han Shen said, "It's alright, it's already decided. The Organization Department has already spoken with me, and the official document will be issued in a few days."

Tongwei carries too heavy a mark of our influence; he had no other choice.

It would be too conspicuous for the few of us to get together, and also because of Tongwei's name, I have something important to discuss with you.

……

Qi Tongwei went to the front desk but didn't order any alcohol, nor did he try to pay the bill. Instead, he went to the hotel entrance and smoked for half an hour. Afterward, Jia Tunan came out and found Qi Tongwei: "Junior brother, you're not being fair. You said you were coming to get alcohol, but you ran outside hiding from it. You should be punished."

Qi Tongwei begged for mercy, claiming he was too drunk to hold his liquor.

This is also because mobile phones are not yet widespread; otherwise, Jia Tunan wouldn't have needed to personally come out to find people.

Qi Tongwei returned to the table, drank three cups as a punishment, and the atmosphere returned to its initial harmonious state, as if nothing had happened.

Chapter 36 Introduction

The onboarding training schedule has finally been turned to the last page.

Qi Tongwei, carrying a simple briefcase, formally entered the Industry Division of the State Economic Commission's Industrial Policy Department. The air was filled with the distinctive smell of documents and paper, mixed with the aroma of tea and a subtle sense of urgency.

In a department responsible for heavy industry—steel, non-ferrous metals, building materials, and other massive industries that form the backbone of the national economy—the deputy director is merely the lowest-ranking "official."

In a county town, the deputy director level is the end of many people's political career and the ceiling; but in a ministry, this level is like a section-level cadre in a county town, a primary gear that has begun to bear the heavy load in a huge administrative machine.

The Industry Division One is considered a "large division." It has one division chief, two deputy division chiefs, and seven staff members, making a total of ten people. Compared to other smaller divisions with only six or seven people, it is quite well-equipped.

When you consider that they are facing a massive heavy industry behemoth with a national output value of hundreds of billions and millions of industrial workers, these ten people seem small yet formidable.

A department of ten people is responsible for drawing up industrial planning blueprints across the country, drafting macro policy provisions, approving and granting access to major projects, and monitoring, warning and regulating industry operations... Every single task has far-reaching consequences.

This is precisely why working in ministries, especially in core business departments, is the best way to develop one's so-called "macro perspective"—you never see the gains and losses of a single factory or mine, but rather the ups and downs of the entire industrial chain, and even the resonance with fluctuations in the international market.

Besides the three leaders, the department has seven staff members divided into two groups. One group focuses on steel and is directly led by the executive deputy director; the other group covers non-ferrous metals and building materials.

Specifically, when it comes to compiling industry data for a particular province or drafting a preliminary assessment report for a major project, it is often the responsibility of a single member of the team to draft it independently. Although it will inevitably go through layers of review and discussion in meetings, the quality and orientation of that initial report often sets the initial tone for the entire decision-making process.

When Qi Tongwei first arrived, he had no naive idea of ​​"making a name for himself". Like a dry sponge, he immersed himself in the vast sea of ​​industry briefings, policy compilations, and economic data and analysis reports over the years, greedily absorbing all the nutrients.

He was humble and diligent, and he always completed tasks, big or small, in a clear, timely and reliable manner.

His colleagues in the department reacted to his arrival with a calm and almost natural indifference.

No one gave him a strange look because he was appointed as an "assistant researcher" (deputy director level) upon arrival—in a ministry full of hidden talents, what kind of background and extraordinary promotion hadn't they seen?

Moreover, Qi Tongwei's promotion path was clear and reasonable, with merits, academic qualifications, and the support of a mentor, leaving no room for criticism. Naturally, no one would deliberately flatter him because of this.

Who among those sitting here doesn't have some connections? What people value more is actual ability and reliability.

Most importantly, everyone here is too busy. The sounds of calculator keys, telephones, and documents being turned over, along with the occasional brief discussions about a particular data point or statement, constitute the background noise of the office during the day.

As night falls, the lights stay on, and working overtime is the norm. In this efficient and pragmatic atmosphere, interpersonal relationships are actually quite simple—your ability to share the workload and produce reliable results is the best calling card.

Over the course of a few months, Qi Tongwei has quickly integrated into the team. Although he wouldn't dare call himself a key member, he has become a reliable backbone of the steelworkers' group.

The industry operation briefings and preliminary project review opinions he drafted were logically clear and based on solid data. Even the usually demanding executive deputy director only made minor modifications before approving them.

That day, having a rare moment of free time, Ruan Lingling, the energetic and enthusiastic older sister in the group, came over. Sister Ruan was one of only two assistant researchers in the department besides Qi Tongwei; she was outstanding in her work and even more straightforward in her personality.

“Xiao Qi,” Ruan Lingling said with a smile, holding a teacup, “I’ve been observing you for a long time. Your work is impeccable, you’re reliable! But you need to work on your personal life. My husband has a cousin who just graduated from Beijing Normal University and is now teaching Chinese at the university’s affiliated elementary school. She’s quiet and gentle, and incredibly beautiful! You two would be a perfect match. How about I set you up and let you meet? Just to make friends!”

Upon hearing this, Qi Tongwei put down his pen, a smile of just the right amount of helplessness and gratitude appearing on his face:

"Sister Ruan, your concern warms my heart. It's not that I'm ungrateful, but I've only just settled down, and there's so much to do at the office. This is the time when I need to immerse myself in learning and studying. Talking about this now would be a distraction and would also be a waste of her time."

“Besides,” he paused slightly, a hint of melancholy in his voice, “back in Handong… sigh, you have to wait until you've moved on before you can consider a new beginning, otherwise it’s not fair to anyone. Don’t you think that makes sense?”

His words were tactful and sincere, acknowledging Ruan Lingling's good intentions while presenting the legitimate reason of prioritizing work, and subtly implying that he had "still been hurt by a past relationship," making it difficult for anyone to press him further.

Hearing this, Ruan Lingling sighed and patted his shoulder, "That's true, you young people have your own ideas. Okay, I won't force you. Whenever you've figured it out, just tell me! There are plenty of good girls out there!"

Ruan Lingling's words, however, were like a small pebble gently thrown into Qi Tongwei's heart, creating a delicate ripple. He suddenly realized that it had been quite a while since he had visited the two sisters who had settled in Beijing; time flew by when he was busy with work.

He acted on his thought. That weekend, Qi Tongwei changed into some comfortable clothes and went to the High School Affiliated to Peking University. The Gao sisters, Gao Xiaoqin and Gao Xiaofeng, were able to attend high school here thanks to Professor Li Yiqing's help in arranging things for them, out of respect for Qi Tongwei.

After the gatekeeper announced their arrival, two girls wearing blue and white school uniforms and with ponytails came running out of the school shortly afterward.

It's been over a year since I last saw them. They've grown quite a bit taller, and their youthful awkwardness has faded, giving them the graceful appearance of young women. Sunlight shines on their smooth foreheads, radiating the vibrant energy unique to their age.

"Brother Qi!" Gao Xiaoqin's eyes lit up, and she called out first, her smile bright. Gao Xiaofeng was a step behind, and also called out softly, "Brother Qi," her eyes filled with joy and a hint of annoyance.

"Long time no see," Qi Tongwei said with a smile, looking them over. "You seem to be doing well. Are you keeping up with your studies? Are you having any difficulties in your life?"

"We thought you'd forgotten about us!" Gao Xiaoqin blurted out, with a hint of coquettishness. "How long has it been since you came to see us? Not even a phone call."

Gao Xiaofeng added in a low voice, "My sister was saying that just a few days ago..."

Qi Tongwei's heart softened slightly, especially towards Gao Xiaoqin. The complex memories and emotions from his past life were hard to completely erase, and his tone unconsciously became gentler: "My fault, I've been too busy with work lately. I'll definitely come more often in the future. Come on, let me take you to get some better food. What would you like to eat?"

He habitually raised his hand, seemingly wanting to ruffle Gao Xiaoqin's hair, but halfway there, he realized that they were no longer the thin and helpless little girls they once were, so he naturally pointed in the direction outside the school gate instead.

This subtle, subconscious difference in treatment was keenly noticed by Gao Xiaofeng, who was standing nearby. She quietly pursed her lips, lowered her head, and twisted the hem of her clothes with her fingers.

Gao Xiaoqin, however, was completely unaware, or rather, she was happy to accept this special intimacy, and cheerfully recited the names of several dishes.

……

After a brief weekend interlude, life was once again filled with work.

On Monday morning, Qi Tongwei was compiling a preliminary review opinion on a technological upgrading project of a steel company in a certain region when a familiar figure appeared at the office door—Xu Li, Han Shen's liaison officer and deputy director of the General Office's Comprehensive Division.

This senior colleague was recently promoted to deputy director of the Economic Commission and director of its general office.

"Xiao Qi, are you busy?" Xu Li knocked on the door with a smile.

Qi Tongwei immediately stood up and greeted him warmly: "Brother Xu! Why did you come all the way here? You could have just called if you needed anything, saving you the trouble of coming all this way."

Xu Li waved his hand and lowered his voice: "The director wants to see you about a private matter."

Private matters? Qi Tongwei's mind stirred slightly, but he remained expressionless. He greeted his colleagues and left the office with Xu Li.

Upon arriving at Han Shen's spacious yet unpretentious deputy director's office, Han Shen was standing in front of his desk writing something. Hearing the noise, he turned around.

"Director," Qi Tongwei said respectfully.

"Tongwei is here, have a seat." Han Shen pointed to the sofa, walked over and sat down, and said casually, "Next weekend, Deputy Director Zhong's daughter is getting married. It's not a big party, just some close colleagues and friends. I remember that his daughter and son-in-law are both graduates of Handong University, so you are alumni."

"When the time comes, will you come with me?"

Chapter 37 Urgency

Sunday was the wedding day of Hou Liangping and Zhong Xiaoai. On Wednesday evening, Qi Tongwei was in his ministry dormitory, working under a desk lamp, drafting a report on the regional layout adjustment of the steel industry.

A dormitory supervisor's slightly accented voice called out from the hallway, "Xiao Qi! Someone's looking for you downstairs—"

Qi Tongwei was somewhat surprised, put down his pen, and stood up. Who would come looking for him at the ministry's dormitory at this hour?

Going downstairs, I saw a familiar figure standing in the dim light of the lobby. He looked travel-worn but still stood up straight. It was Gao Yuliang.

"Professor Gao?" Qi Tongwei hurried to greet him, both surprised and delighted. "Why did you come to Beijing? You didn't even tell me beforehand."

Gao Yuliang turned around, his face bearing his usual refined smile, but his brows showed a marked increase in maturity and a hint of youthful vigor compared to when he was at Handong University a few years ago.

"The province organized a group of deputy-department-level cadres to study public administration in the United States. They are now receiving training at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and can also attend the wedding of Hou Liangping and Zhong Xiaoai. I am their teacher and Liangping's superior, and I have also received an invitation."

He is now the deputy chief prosecutor of the Handong Provincial Procuratorate, and is Hou Liangping's immediate superior.

Qi Tongwei suddenly realized that, according to his memories from his previous life, this teacher was about to go to the United States with Li Dakang and others. After returning to China, he would take up the post of Deputy Secretary of the Luzhou Municipal Party Committee and Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee, thus embarking on a real fast track to officialdom.

That was a crucial leap.