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

Chapter 84 Three Years

Time flies, and three years have passed in the blink of an eye.

(Let's skip the details of the ministries' storylines. May all readers become the person they aspire to be three years from now.)

Over the past three years, the world has changed, and my personal trajectory has steadily moved forward within the established plan.

In terms of his career, Qi Tongwei spent two years in the Department of Industrial Policy, a period of focused concentration and solid foundation building.

He immersed himself in specific industry research, policy drafting, and coordination. Several reports he wrote on the upgrading paths and risk avoidance of specific industries were rich in data and insightful. They were not only well received by his company, but also personally reviewed by the department leader in charge, who believed that "the problems were accurately identified and the suggestions were actionable."

This solid foundation earned him the label of "steady and reliable, outstanding in professionalism," and also provided him with sufficient qualifications and reputation for his next transfer.

The real opportunity came in 2000.

With his continuous attention to the international economic situation and his keen sense of the times, he put forward a systematic and forward-looking assessment of the potential impact of the financial crisis and the response strategies of domestic industries at an internal seminar.

This assessment report went through several twists and turns before finally attracting the attention of higher authorities. Although it was not publicly stated, its core viewpoints vaguely coincided with some of the subsequent proactive measures taken by the top leadership.

This "precise insight" became an invisible yet extremely important asset in his career.

Riding this wave of opportunity, and with the backing of Han Shen's efforts and his own capabilities, Qi Tongwei was successfully transferred to the Department of Foreign Economic Coordination in 2001 and promoted to Director of the Policy Research and Comprehensive Division.

This position is at the forefront of the alignment between domestic and international economic policies, and it was particularly crucial during the turbulent and turbulent period before and after China's accession to the WTO.

With his solid foundation in economics, profound understanding of domestic industries, and proven "international perspective," Qi Tongwei has indeed played an irreplaceable "bridging" and "early warning" role in participating in research on the alignment of relevant rules and the formulation of contingency plans to deal with potential frictions.

He not only adapted quickly to his new position, but also rapidly became one of the company's key personnel.

Economically, at a low point when the financial crisis might affect the domestic stock market and market panic was spreading, Qi Tongwei frankly explained to He Xuan's family that he had borrowed a not-so-large sum of money as "start-up capital".

Subsequently, he used his vague memory of the rebound patterns of several key sectors and individual stocks in the later stages of the crisis to carry out a precise and short-lived operation.

After making a profit, he did not hesitate to use all of his earnings to purchase four properties in several areas of Beijing that were not yet considered top-tier areas at the time.

After purchasing the assets, he immediately and truthfully reported the source and current status of these assets to the organization, with complete procedures and clear sources.

This was the first and last time he used information asymmetry to acquire personal wealth.

He knew all too well that for someone aspiring to a career in politics, more money was never necessarily better.

It wasn't that he lacked the ability or opportunity to seize more—given his vision, acquiring more benefits wouldn't have been difficult—but rather that he was keenly aware of the wisdom of "knowing when to stop."

Even wealth acquired through clean means can attract attention, breed envy, and potentially bring endless trouble.

If leaders and colleagues come to "ask for advice" on investment strategies, whether you help them or not, it will cause trouble.

Although he invested all his profits in real estate, in his view, while Beijing real estate is a high-quality asset with long-term appreciation potential, its returns are far less than those of equity in some yet-to-be-developed technology companies.

However, he still chose real estate because real estate naturally has the attributes of being "reliable," "stable," and "not easily liquidated or misappropriated," which can minimize the risk of problems such as "borrowing money for investment" or "managing money on behalf of others."

Even so, news that he had "bought four houses in Beijing by speculating in stocks" spread like wildfire.

After all, at that time, when civil servants had relatively limited legitimate income channels, the stock market was one of the few permitted "paths to wealth".

For a time, colleagues and even superiors came in droves to "learn from our experience" and "discuss our ideas".

Qi Tongwei was prepared for this.

He was completely honest with everyone: he was not a stock trading expert, but just happened to make a risky "bottom-fishing" attempt based on his professional judgment and foresaw the extreme market volatility that the financial crisis might bring. It was purely by chance.

He also showed some of his colleagues his specially preserved trading records, which included several failed trades, to prove that he was not a "stock market guru".

The more money a stock investor has lost, the more likely they are to indulge in a hindsight mentality of "I knew it earlier than him, so I must have made more money."

After seeing Qi Tongwei's "rough" and even somewhat "amateurish" operation records, many people felt relieved and even began to "instruct" him with a sense of superiority, not forgetting to give him some advice before parting:

"Next time someone makes this kind of 'financial crisis' prediction, be sure to let me know in advance, and I'll show you how to make a big score!"

Qi Tongwei always agreed with a smile, but in his heart he had already decided that his stock account would remain dormant and he would never touch it again.

A wise person avoids standing under a crumbling wall; once is enough.

In terms of daily life, however, it presents a different, warm and simple scene.

Not long after returning from his temporary post, Qi Tongwei and He Xuan naturally tied the knot. The weddings were held separately in Qijia Village and Beijing, simple yet grand.

Apart from his mentor Gao Yuliang, Qi Tongwei declined almost all of his "old friends" from his past life, including the Gao sisters.

He has lofty ambitions in this life and does not want to leave any possible entanglements or hidden dangers in the realm of personal relationships.

He Xian's brightness and wholeheartedness have already filled every corner of his emotional world, while Han Shen's family background and expectations also require him to be careful with his words and actions.

After their marriage, he only took He Xian to visit the Gao sisters twice as a matter of ordinary friendship. After that, they gradually drifted apart and went their separate ways.

The following year, they welcomed the fruits of their love—a pair of beautiful and adorable children.

He Xian's mother-in-law, Lin Wanyi, and aunt, Lin Jingyi, are twins; the He family has this gene.

Father-in-law He Shihong gladly named his sister, first suggesting "Qi Yuege", which means "the music and singing have not ended", which is very elegant.

However, when Qi Tongwei heard the words "the music has not ended," the complete phrase "holding jade and precious stones, the music has not ended" immediately came to mind. Feeling it was unlucky, he politely but firmly refused.

The final name chosen was "Qi Huaiyin," which still closely reflects the bond between the parents (the sound of strings) and signifies embracing good news and lasting blessings.

The younger brother followed his older sister's example and took the name Qi Huaiyuan.

Because the little girl had bright black eyes, her family affectionately called her "Little Grape." Her younger brother said that a humble name would make her easier to raise, so her grandfather named her Iron Egg.

He had no obsession with "the continuation of the political lineage"; his lifelong struggle to climb the ladder was more about realizing his self-worth and ambitions.

As for his children, he only wishes that they be healthy and happy, and grow up according to their own wishes. No matter which path they choose in the future, he will be their staunch supporter.

Just like his uncle Han Shen's son chose to devote himself to scientific research, Qi Tongwei also sees it as a good life.

Nowadays, Li Aihua, the mother, is stationed in Beijing to help take care of "Little Grape" and "Iron Egg," while Qi Chunhai, the father, spends most of the year there as well. Although Lin Wanyi, the mother-in-law, has not retired, she also often comes over to help out and enjoy family time.

Even the usually reserved father-in-law, He Shihong, has been visiting Qi Tongwei's home more often because of his granddaughter.

Qi Tongwei discovered that he had also started to "love home".

When I'm at work, I look forward to getting off work. When I open the door, two soft, cuddly little ones stumble and rush over, calling out "Daddy" in their unclear speech. Instantly, all my fatigue and calculations are washed away.

He Xian sometimes gets off work early and will pretend to be jealous, vying with his children for a hug.

The land of gentle pleasures is indeed a hero's grave. The ancients were right.

But he was happy to be buried in this "tomb".

That day, Qi Tongwei was summoned to Han Shen's office.

Three years later, Han Shen's influence and prestige within the Economic Commission had deepened, but he remained the deputy director.

The office furnishings remained the same, except the green plants by the window were even more lush.

Han Shen skipped the pleasantries and went straight to the point, his tone calm yet carrying a business-like decisiveness:

"Liang Qunfeng will soon be stepping down completely from his position as deputy chairman of the CPPCC. The relevant procedures are already underway, and I will handle the communication with the Organization Department. You should prepare yourself, complete the handover of your work as soon as possible, and then go to Daokou to officially assume the post of county party secretary."

PS: Director Qi has officially started to take charge.

Chapter 85 Sending Off

Everything proceeded smoothly and according to plan.

However, unlike the "temporary posting" three years ago, this transfer is a genuine change in position.

The position of Director of the Policy Research and Comprehensive Division of the Department of Foreign Economic Coordination is a crucial one within the department, bridging the gap between higher and lower levels. It cannot remain vacant indefinitely, waiting for him to return after "gilding his resume."

His organizational affiliation and personnel file will be officially transferred to Handong Province, making him a member of the provincial-level cadre system.

However, he is different from other cadres who are "sent down" in the general sense. His "roots" are still deeply rooted in the soil of the State Economic Commission, and he will most likely return to his next post.

This assignment to a local post is a chance to gain experience, accumulate experience for governing a local area, and prepare for the next leap forward.

Before leaving office, the director of the Department of Foreign Economic Coordination had a special talk with Qi Tongwei.

The director expressed his appreciation for Qi Tongwei's keen insight and pragmatism before and after China's WTO accession, but also hinted at regret in his words:

“Tongwei, the country has just opened its doors and is in dire need of talent. You are familiar with the rules and have an international perspective. Staying in the company provides a large platform and a wide range of contacts, and you can play a more direct role. It may not be any slower than going to the grassroots level. Going down there will involve a lot of things and will not be easy.”

He patted Qi Tongwei on the shoulder, then changed the subject, his tone becoming one of sincere affirmation: "However, I've carefully read your internal report. It demonstrates insight into the grassroots political landscape, which is extremely rare. You have the ambition and ability to take charge independently in a local area and open up a whole new world for yourself. Work hard; though the path may be small, the stage is vast. I look forward to seeing your achievements!"

After saying goodbye to the director, the next farewell was even more difficult—saying goodbye to his wife and daughter. On the day he left home, "Little Grape" seemed to sense that her father was going on a long trip. She clung to his leg and wouldn't let go. Her big, dark eyes filled with tears, and she called out in her childish voice, "Daddy, don't go."

He Xian's eyes were red. She had matured a lot in the two years since becoming a mother. She tried her best to smile and comfort her daughter, and then carefully packed her luggage. All her words were summed up in one sentence: "Be careful, I'm here for you."

Qi Tongwei kissed his daughter's soft cheek, then hugged his wife tightly before turning and boarding the train heading south.

After arriving in Handong, the provincial capital, Qi Tongwei, accompanied by the director of the Cadre Division of the Provincial Party Committee's Organization Department, first went to Lüzhou City.

He paid a visit to Gao Yuliang, the current Party Secretary of Lüzhou City, and Li Dakang, the current Mayor.

Li Dakang remained energetic and decisive. During the meeting, he did not engage in much small talk but went straight to the topic of economic development. He had clearly conducted in-depth research on Daokou County's resource endowment, industrial structure shortcomings, and potential development breakthroughs, and spoke eloquently, even offering several bold ideas that were quite characteristic of Li Dakang.

It's still that familiar drive—eager for quick results and a pursuit of tangible achievements.

In Gao Yuliang's office, however, the atmosphere was completely different.

In seven years, Gao Yuliang has completed a remarkable transformation from a scholar to a local leader. Now, sitting behind the large desk of the municipal party secretary, he exudes an increasingly dignified and composed demeanor, with a sense of satisfaction and ease between his brows.

Starting as the director of the Department of Political Science and Law at Handong University, he rose rapidly through the ranks in a short period, serving as the deputy chief prosecutor of the provincial procuratorate, the secretary of the political and legal committee of Luzhou City, the deputy secretary of the municipal party committee and secretary of the political and legal committee, and finally the secretary of the municipal party committee. His career can be described as swift and remarkably successful.

This kind of opportunity is enough to make anyone proud.

Qi Tongwei's trajectory is equally astonishing. In just seven years, he rose from a grassroots anti-drug police officer to the county party secretary who is about to take charge of a county, a speed that is no less impressive.

The teacher and student looked at each other, both with emotion in their eyes.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, the conversation naturally turned to work.

Gao Yuliang suppressed his smile, his tone becoming serious and concerned: "Tongwei, this time you're back with a different identity, and the significance is quite different."

Qi Tongwei sat upright, just as he had listened to teachings in the classroom at Handong University years ago.

Gao Yuliang continued, "Your article, 'Cadres at the Crossroads,' being published in the internal reference is no small matter. It means that your name and analysis have entered the vision of leaders at a considerable level. Their initial impression of you is that you understand economics, and more importantly, you have a profound insight into the grassroots political ecology beyond your age."

"Now, you happen to be going to govern a place you have 'observed' before. This is like a special 'exam.' If you do well and achieve outstanding results, that is 'unity of knowledge and action' and 'integration of theory with practice.'"

He paused slightly, his gaze deep: "If... the results are not satisfactory, or even if there are mistakes, although it won't be enough to condemn someone outright, it will inevitably leave people with the impression of being 'armchair strategist' or 'ambitious but incompetent'."

"To turn things around, it will take several times the effort. Therefore, the next few years at Daokou are crucial for you; you can only succeed, there can be no failure."

Qi Tongwei nodded solemnly: "Teacher's point is correct. Director Han has also repeatedly emphasized this point. I will keep it in mind and do my best."