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

As the county party secretary, he had considerable autonomy in this area and was unwilling to get too entangled with the deeply entrenched local forces, which would only create more obstacles.

He took the new documents from Luo Xiangdong and his gaze fell on the name "Liao Qingyuan".

Luo Xiangdong, observing the situation, introduced Liao Qingyuan at the opportune moment: "Secretary, this Liao Qingyuan came from a rural area under Lincheng City. He studied Chinese Language and Literature at Luzhou Teachers College. He met a local girl from Daokou while in school, and she came back with him. He was assigned to teach Chinese at the county's No. 1 Middle School, where he taught for five years. His writing is indeed excellent; he has published articles in the *Luzhou Daily* and *Handong Education*. The key thing is... he seems quite steady, meticulous in his work, knows the rules, and knows his limits."

Qi Tongwei listened and looked at the documents, nodding slightly.

Good writing skills weren't the most important thing to him—he could write important documents himself, and the county party committee office had a whole team responsible for routine reports. What he valued most was, first and foremost, a clean personal background, free from any local network of vested interests; and secondly, a calm and composed personality, meticulous thinking, knowing when to advance and retreat, understanding intentions, and reliability in handling affairs.

"Bring it over for a look." Qi Tongwei closed the documents and made his decision.

"Okay, I'll contact the school right away." Luo Xiangdong acknowledged and withdrew.

About half an hour later, there was another knock on the door. Luo Xiangdong led a young man in.

The man was about twenty-six or twenty-seven years old, thin, wearing a slightly worn but clean jacket and dark trousers, with a pair of ordinary black-rimmed glasses perched on his nose.

Her overall demeanor carried the scholarly air unique to the teaching profession, but she stood upright with clear eyes. When her gaze met Qi Tongwei's, she maintained the proper respect without appearing timid, and there seemed to be a sharp spirit that refused to be silenced deep in her eyes.

That fleeting glint of light gave Qi Tongwei a hint of Teacher Gao's charm, which greatly increased his positive impression of him.

Qi Tongwei didn't beat around the bush and asked directly, "Teacher Liao, what are your thoughts on secretarial work?"

Liao Qingyuan had clearly done his homework before coming and anticipated this question. After a moment's thought, he didn't use the usual platitudes about "serving the leader," but instead offered an unexpected analogy:

"Secretary, I think... it's a bit like the eunuchs in ancient times who didn't have the right to approve imperial edicts."

Upon hearing this, Qi Tongwei couldn't help but smile.

This analogy, though seemingly a joke at first glance, succinctly captures the core essence of secretarial work—secretaries themselves have no power; all their influence and presence depend on the leader they serve.

"That's an interesting analogy," Qi Tongwei said calmly. "Do you usually enjoy reading history?"

Liao Qingyuan answered very frankly: "I haven't read much, I've just flipped through some in my spare time."

"You can read a little more," Qi Tongwei casually suggested, but his gaze never left the other person's face. He then asked another question, "I heard that you came to Daokou for love?"

Liao Qingyuan's expression dimmed almost imperceptibly for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure and answered frankly, "Yes. However... we've already broken up. Her family... has arranged a blind date for her, and I heard... she should be getting engaged soon."

Qi Tongwei frowned immediately, his sharp gaze turning to Luo Xiangdong beside him.

Why wasn't this important information mentioned in the previous background check?

Luo Xiangdong's forehead instantly broke out in a cold sweat, and he inwardly groaned. When he inquired with the principal of the No. 1 Middle School earlier, the principal only mentioned that Liao Qingyuan was diligent at work, had good writing skills, and that his girlfriend attended Chengguan Elementary School; he hadn't mentioned breaking up at all! This…

Liao Qingyuan seemed to have sensed something and took the initiative to explain, "We broke up amicably. She teaches at Chengguan Elementary School, which is not the same unit as me. We didn't publicize the breakup, so our colleagues and leaders at the school probably don't know much about it."

Qi Tongwei nodded to himself.

This kid has a good eye for things.

This sentence not only explained the reason for the lack of information, but also inadvertently extricated Luo Xiangdong from his dereliction of duty.

"So now, what are your plans for the future?" Qi Tongwei continued to press, his tone devoid of emotion.

Liao Qingyuan carefully replied, "I've been working at the county's No. 1 High School since I graduated, for five years now. Although Daokou isn't my hometown, I've lived and worked here, and I have feelings for the people and things here. I plan to settle down here and live here long-term."

Qi Tongwei wasn't really concerned about a young teacher's love life. What he wanted to know was whether this young man from out of town, after experiencing emotional setbacks and losing his most important social connections in the area, still had the will to stay in Daokou. Would he think of leaving this "heartbreaking place" when faced with work pressure or dissatisfaction?

Frankly speaking, if Qi Tongwei had known beforehand that Liao Qingyuan had just broken up with his local girlfriend, he probably wouldn't have given him this opportunity to meet.

A person who may be emotionally unstable and lack the willingness to commit long-term is not suitable for a secretarial position that requires a high degree of stability and loyalty.

However, the brief conversation after their meeting changed Qi Tongwei's opinion.

This person has a clear mind, quick reflexes, and, more importantly, a strong ability to read between the lines and understand intentions.

First, he keenly sensed that Qi Tongwei was dissatisfied with Luo Xiangdong due to a lack of information, and immediately spoke up to explain, subtly exonerating Luo Xiangdong, demonstrating his emotional intelligence.

Secondly, when asked about his "future plans," he immediately understood the deeper meaning behind the question—the secretary was testing his stability and long-term commitment, so he gave a very clear answer.

"Hmm." Qi Tongwei remained noncommittal. "You should go back first."

"Yes, Secretary." Liao Qingyuan bowed slightly and retreated with steady steps.

Only two people remained in the office.

The gentleness on Qi Tongwei's face vanished instantly, and his gaze fell heavily on Luo Xiangdong, causing the atmosphere in the office to drop sharply.

"Director Luo," Qi Tongwei's voice wasn't loud, but it carried a heavy sense of pressure, "what kind of work attitude is this? I asked you to find a secretary, and you can't even investigate the most basic background information? Such a big change in her relationship status, and you're completely unaware?"

Luo Xiangdong lowered his head, not daring to defend himself: "Secretary, it was my negligence in my work, and the investigation was not thorough enough. I apologize."

Qi Tongwei stared at him for a few seconds before softening his tone slightly. Although Luo Xiangdong was definitely one of his own, a proper reprimand was still necessary.

But he still gave the order: "Find out. What's his ex-girlfriend's name? What does her family do? Who is her fiancé now? What's his background? I want the results before I leave work today."

"Yes, Secretary, I'll take care of it right away!" Luo Xiangdong felt like he had been granted a pardon and quickly agreed, almost backing out of the office.

Before leaving get off work, Luo Xiangdong indeed returned with more detailed information.

"Secretary, we've investigated. Liao Qingyuan's ex-girlfriend is named Jiang Ping, and she teaches at Chengguan Elementary School. Her father is... Jiang Dazhao, the deputy director of the county finance bureau." Luo Xiangdong paused, "Jiang Ping is engaged to the son of Liu Jianshe, the mayor of Chengguan Town."

After listening, Qi Tongwei tapped his fingers lightly on the table. His face remained expressionless, but a sense of understanding flashed through his mind.

A marriage alliance between two small families in the county town... one the deputy director of the finance bureau, the other the mayor of the town. A typical exchange of resources to consolidate local power.

As for Liao Qingyuan... a powerless and insignificant peasant boy, he came to an unfamiliar county town with passion and love, but in the end, he could not overcome the local power dynamics and class consciousness.

This plot... feels a little familiar?

This kid has a vibe that's a bit like Teacher Gao, and his situation... it's kind of like me.

A powerless peasant boy hoping to marry the daughter of a local political family in an unfamiliar environment? It's not that easy.

After a moment of silence, Qi Tongwei raised his head and said to Luo Xiangdong, who was waiting anxiously:

"Just him."

"Inform him to hand over his work to the school. He should report to the county party committee office the day after tomorrow."

"Director Luo," Qi Tongwei said, looking at the relieved Luo Xiangdong, his tone returning to normal, "You recommended this person, so you can mentor him for a few days and familiarize him with the rules and procedures of the County Party Committee Office."

Chapter 93 A Day in the Life of a County Party Secretary

At 6:30 a.m., in the county committee's residential compound

As the early autumn morning light shone through the gaps in the curtains, Qi Tongwei's biological clock woke him up precisely on time.

The county town awakens early; the faint sounds of bicycle bells and the shouts of early morning vendors can already be heard, tinged with a heavy Hanbei accent: "Spicy soup—fried dough sticks—"

The family compound was located behind the county committee compound. It consisted of several five-story gray brick buildings constructed in the early 1990s. He lived on the third floor, in a two-bedroom, one-living room apartment of over 60 square meters. The apartment was simply painted, and the furniture was mostly left by his predecessor—simple and sturdy.

He got up, closed his eyes, and meditated by the bed for five minutes. Once he was clear-headed, he got up to wash up.

The bathroom was small, and the white tiles were cracked. When the faucet was turned on, the water flowed first as a stream of rusty-colored sewage before becoming clear.

He washed his face with cold water and looked at his thirty-two-year-old face in the mirror—there were fine lines at the corners of his eyes, but his gaze was more composed than it had been three years ago.

The face towel was brought from home; it was made of coarse cotton and printed with faded peonies.

At 6:40, he put on a loose-fitting outfit and started his morning run.

This is a habit he has maintained for the past seven years since his rebirth.

Before leaving, he glanced at the photo frame on the dresser—He Xian was holding two-year-old "Little Grape" Qi Huaiyin and "Iron Egg" Qi Huaiyuan, smiling brightly under the White Pagoda in Beihai Park.

He gently brushed his fingers across the glass of the picture frame, then turned and locked the door.

As I was going downstairs, I ran into Old Chen, the vice chairman of the county political consultative conference, who lived across the street. He was wearing a training uniform and twirling two shiny steel balls in his hands, clearly having just finished his workout.

"Good morning, Secretary Qi!" Old Chen's voice boomed.

"Good morning, Chairman Chen." Qi Tongwei nodded with a smile, without stopping.

He jogged for 30 minutes, and when he was slightly sweaty, he finished his workout.

Then we went directly to the county committee canteen for breakfast, which was simple: millet porridge, steamed buns, pickled vegetables, and boiled eggs.

Arrive at the office at 7:40 AM

The office is about 20 square meters and simply furnished: a dark wooden desk, two old sofas opposite it for guests, a row of filing cabinets against the wall, and a half-dead pothos plant by the window.

The most eye-catching thing is a calligraphy scroll hanging on the wall, written by Teacher Gao: "Uphold integrity and innovate".

He first opened the window to ventilate the room, and after sitting down, he began to read the newspaper that Liao Qingyuan had placed on the table.

The first newspaper he picked up was the People's Daily. The front page headline was about the latest developments in western China, while the second page had an inconspicuous news item: a province was piloting a reform of official vehicles. Qi Tongwei circled this news item in red pen. Daokou County had more than 130 official vehicles, and the annual maintenance, fuel costs, and driver salaries were a considerable expense. But this couldn't be rushed; they had to wait for the right opportunity.

Next came the "Handong Daily" and the "Lvzhou Daily." He was used to quickly scanning all the headlines first, and only reading a few paragraphs of the reports that interested him in order to understand the dynamics, leadership activities, and key work directions within the province and city.

At 7:50, rhythmic footsteps echoed in the corridor, followed by a gentle knock on the door.

"Enter."

Liao Qingyuan pushed open the door and came in, carrying a thermos and a folder. "Good morning, Secretary."

Liao Qingyuan has been working for almost three months. He is meticulous and tight-lipped, and overall, I am quite satisfied with him.

He placed the thermos on the low cabinet next to the coffee table with light and steady movements.

"Good morning." Qi Tongwei looked up. "What are the plans for today?"

Liao Qingyuan opened the folder, speaking steadily and clearly:

"At 8:30 a.m., Director Ma of the Tourism Bureau and Deputy Director Jiang of the Finance Bureau came to report on the renovation plan and budget for the Roman Lake Hot Spring, as well as the reception for the 'Kangxi' TV drama crew. At 9:40 a.m., County Head Xu accompanied Director Liu of the Provincial Department of Transportation's Highway Division to inspect the completion of the provincial highway widening project and asked if you should personally receive them again. At 10:30 a.m., the Party Secretary of Dianqian Township came to report on the renovation project of the Malingshan Scenic Area. The development zone investment promotion meeting, originally scheduled for 11 a.m., was postponed by County Head Xu to 2 p.m. because the Guangzhou businessmen's flight was delayed."

What about in the afternoon?

"At 2 PM, there will be an investment promotion meeting in the development zone. At 3:30 PM, Director Wang of the Letters and Visits Bureau will report on the analysis of the county mayor's hotline calls received in the third quarter. At 4 PM, there will be a brief telephone interview with a reporter from the Luzhou Daily regarding the development strategy for Daokou tourism. I have already placed the outline on your desk. At 6 PM, Deputy Minister Qian of the Municipal Party Committee's Organization Department will lead a team to inspect cadres. You will need to attend the reception dinner at the guesthouse."

After listening, Qi Tongwei pondered for a moment and said, "Just have County Chief Xu accompany Director Liu of the Transportation Department. I won't meet with him. Call County Chief Xu and tell him I have an urgent matter to handle this morning. But remind County Chief Xu that Director Liu must take the application report for the supporting funds for the provincial highway widening back with him."

"Understood." Liao Qingyuan quickly wrote it down in his notebook.

"The report from Dianqian Township mentioned 10 o'clock. Regarding the Roma Lake plan, I told Director Ma that I need to see the detailed design drawings and the qualifications of the construction company, not just empty talk. For the portion of the budget exceeding one million, I asked him to provide a detailed breakdown; if he can't explain it clearly, he shouldn't go to the meeting."

"Okay." Liao Qingyuan noted it down and added, "In addition, the Education Bureau sent a preliminary investigation report on the renovation of dilapidated primary and secondary school buildings throughout the county. I've placed it on top of the file basket on your left. Also, the Municipal Party Committee Office faxed over a notice that there will be a city-wide county-level economic symposium next week, and you are required to prepare a ten-minute speech."

Qi Tongwei nodded, indicating that he understood. Liao Qingyuan quietly withdrew and closed the door behind him.

The office fell silent. Qi Tongwei first opened the Education Bureau's report, his brow gradually furrowing. Daokou County was facing financial difficulties and had a significant backlog in education. The report listed seventeen township primary and secondary schools with varying degrees of dilapidated buildings, affecting nearly three thousand students. He heavily underlined several numbers in red pen and wrote in the margin: "Please have the Finance Bureau and the Education Bureau jointly draft a three-year solution, prioritizing the resolution of Class D dilapidated buildings. The Standing Committee will hold a special discussion next week."

After processing several urgent documents, he checked his watch; it was 8:20.

At 8:30, Director Ma of the Tourism Bureau and Deputy Director Jiang of the Finance Bureau arrived on time. Director Ma was a plump middle-aged man who liked to gesture when he spoke; Deputy Director Jiang was Jiang Ping's father, in his fifties, with his hair neatly combed. He looked at Qi Tongwei with some caution and his attitude was extremely respectful.