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

The two then exchanged views on some more specific personnel and situations.

After several rounds of tea, the conversation finally came to an end.

As I went downstairs, the aroma of food wafted from the restaurant. Lin Jingyi, who rarely cooks, prepared a table of home-style dishes.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was harmonious, filled with everyday conversation and joy.

After the meal, Qi Tongwei and He Xuan declined the car service and chose to walk home.

The streets were quiet and deserted on a winter night. He Xian, arm in arm with her husband, chatted about everyday things: "My aunt's braised chicken is still the most authentic. No matter how my mom tries to make it, it's just not quite right."

Qi Tongwei smiled and said, "Then why don't you learn from them?"

He Xuan wrinkled her nose playfully: "If I do it, then the chicken will have died for nothing, won't it?"

Qi Tongwei couldn't help but laugh out loud.

He Xian gently rested her head on her husband's shoulder, remained silent for a moment, and then asked softly, "Your job... is it going to be another transfer?"

Qi Tongwei was slightly surprised: "How did you know?"

“I have a feeling,” He Xuan said softly, “that you have bigger things on your mind, that you want to go further and stand higher, and that you definitely need to go out into the world.”

Qi Tongwei squeezed her hand, his tone apologetic: "I just feel sorry for you and the children. We've been apart for so many years."

In order to ensure that the children could enjoy the best education, He Xian took them to live in Shuntian Prefecture, while Qi Tongwei traveled to many places for work.

“Don’t say that.” He Xian raised her head, her gaze clear and firm. “Compared to others, my children and I are already very happy and content. Besides, I’ve visited all the places you’ve worked, and every time I go back after a while, the changes are so significant. I know you’re truly working for those places and bringing about change. My children and I are very proud of you.”

She paused, her tone softening further: "I'll come to be with you after the children finish their college entrance exams. Wherever you go."

Qi Tongwei felt a warmth in his heart and held her hand even tighter.

The two fell silent, simply leaning on each other as they slowly made their way forward.

Two weeks later, the appointment was issued.

Comrade Qi Tongwei will no longer serve as a member of the Shuntian Municipal Party Committee, a member of the Standing Committee, or as the Vice Mayor of the Shuntian Municipal People's Government; he will be transferred to the position of member of the Handong Municipal Party Committee, a member of the Standing Committee, and as the Vice Governor of the Handong Municipal People's Government, responsible for the day-to-day work of the provincial government.

He took office along with Sha Ruijin and Tian Guofu.

PS: The reason for writing the details is mainly to save Teacher Gao's political life in the previous chapter. A department-level official cannot stay in Handong. It is necessary to avoid the most intense period of political struggle in Handong, and also to avoid the restriction that one cannot serve as the head of the place of growth.

The timeline did not follow the original novel's 15-year plot, but instead adopted the TV series' 17-year timeline, because the author felt that Gao Yuliang and Governor Liu were both retiring the following year, so a leadership transition year would be more reasonable.

Furthermore, in the TV series, Sha Ruijin asks Li Dakang, who has served as a member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee for four years, why he didn't recommend Yi Xuexi to the organization. Tian Guofu then mentions that Li Dakang didn't become a member of the Standing Committee during Zhao Lichun's term, so there was an intermediate secretary position.

Chapter 100, the story has entered the TV drama phase. I took a day off yesterday to work out the outline.

Chapter 100 I Don't Like This Discipline Inspection Secretary

Provincial-level leading cadres meeting.

Inside the auditorium of the Hantong Provincial Party Committee, the atmosphere was solemn and serious. Leading cadres from all cities and prefectures across the province and provincial departments gathered together, with a solemn Party emblem and bright red flags hanging above the rostrum.

The Vice Minister of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee sat in the center of the rostrum, flanked by the newly appointed provincial Party Secretary Sha Ruijin, Governor Liu, the newly appointed Secretary of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection Tian Guofu, and the newly appointed member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Executive Vice Governor Qi Tongwei.

The meeting was chaired by Governor Liu. After a brief speech, he asked the Vice Minister of the Organization Department of the Central Committee to read out the Central Committee's decision and introduce the three newly appointed comrades.

The Vice Minister introduced Sha Ruijin: "Comrade Sha Ruijin is politically steadfast, has a strong sense of the overall situation, and is rich in leadership experience. He has been trained in multiple positions, and his achievements are particularly outstanding in promoting reform, development, and maintaining stability... The Central Committee believes that Comrade Sha Ruijin is suitable to serve as the Secretary of the Handong Provincial Party Committee. It is hoped that after taking office, Comrade Ruijin will unite and lead the Provincial Party Committee, rely closely on the vast number of cadres and the masses throughout the province, forge ahead with determination, work diligently, and continuously create a new situation for reform, development, and stability in Handong."

The introduction of Tian Guofu states: "Comrade Tian Guofu is principled, familiar with discipline inspection and supervision work, and has a rigorous and pragmatic work style. He has performed outstandingly in the building of Party conduct and integrity and the fight against corruption. The Central Committee believes that Comrade Tian Guofu is suitable to serve as a member of the Provincial Party Committee, a member of the Standing Committee, and Secretary of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection in Handong. It is hoped that Comrade Guofu will earnestly fulfill his supervisory responsibilities and contribute to creating a clean and upright political environment in Handong."

Finally, his gaze turned to Qi Tongwei:

"Comrade Qi Tongwei is a young and outstanding cadre who is being cultivated by the Central Committee. He has good political qualities, a high level of theoretical understanding, a strong sense of the overall situation, and is able to consciously maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee in thought, politics and action."

"This comrade has been trained in multiple positions. He has valuable experience in participating in top-level design and formulating national development strategies and plans in national macroeconomic management departments, and has a broad vision and is good at grasping macro trends. He also has solid experience in serving as a principal leader in local areas and governing a region. In particular, during his tenure as the secretary of the municipal party committee of an important prefecture-level city in a major economic province, he demonstrated outstanding economic work ability and the courage to tackle reforms. He was good at creatively implementing the central government's spirit in combination with local realities, and achieved remarkable results in cultivating emerging industries, promoting transformation and upgrading, and promoting high-quality development. He has achieved significant economic and social benefits and won widespread praise from cadres and the masses."

"During his tenure as Vice Mayor of Beijing, he participated in the service and support work for many major national events and the construction and management of the capital, further enhancing his ability to handle complex issues and coordinate overall work. Comrade Qi Tongwei has a profound work style, is pragmatic, dares to take responsibility, is good at uniting colleagues, and is strict with himself."

"The Central Committee believes that it is appropriate for Comrade Qi Tongwei to serve as a member and standing committee member of the Handong Provincial Party Committee and to be nominated as a candidate for vice governor. We are confident that Comrade Tongwei will be able to give full play to his advantages of being familiar with the macroeconomy, adept at promoting reform and development, and rich in local governance experience, and will fully cooperate with Comrade Sha Ruijin and the main leaders of the provincial government to inject new and strong impetus into the future development of Handong, especially the sustained and healthy development of the economy and the improvement of government governance efficiency, and earnestly shoulder the important responsibility of promoting local development and benefiting the local people."

This introduction not only recounted Qi Tongwei's complete and impressive resume, from the grassroots to ministries, and then to local governments and the capital, but also used phrases typically used to evaluate and expect important local government leaders, such as "fully cooperating with the work of the main leaders of the provincial government," "injecting new and strong momentum into the future development of Handong," and "shouldering the important responsibility of promoting local development and benefiting the local people." The implications were self-evident to the politically astute officials present—Qi Tongwei was not only there to serve as the executive vice governor, but also to succeed him as governor, to "shoulder heavy responsibilities" and "plan for the future."

After the presentation, the hall erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Subsequently, Sha Ruijin, Qi Tongwei, and Tian Guofu made statements in turn.

Finally, on behalf of the various leadership bodies of Handong Province and all cadres and the masses in the province, Governor Liu extended a warm welcome to the three newly appointed comrades and expressed his full support and cooperation for their work to ensure a smooth transition.

Following the meeting, a meeting of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee was held. After a brief speech, Sha Ruijin proposed to conduct an on-site investigation soon to understand the province's situation. Tian Guofu immediately responded that the Discipline Inspection Commission also needed to obtain firsthand information, and he could accompany Secretary Sha on the investigation.

Qi Tongwei stated that government work is complex and multifaceted, and as a newcomer, he needs to quickly familiarize himself with his assigned areas and the province's economic and social development, particularly finance and major projects. He plans to conduct intensive desk work and departmental research first and will not accompany the delegation for the time being.

The welcome banquet that evening was held at the Provincial Party Committee Hotel, and the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

After the banquet, Qi Tongwei did not return to the temporary residence arranged by the Provincial Party Committee, but instead got into Gao Yuliang's car and went to the Provincial Party Committee's No. 3 compound together.

Upon hearing the sound, Teacher Wu Huifen came out to greet them. After a few brief pleasantries, she considerately left the space to the teacher and student with their special relationship.

The aroma of tea wafted through the study.

Gao Yuliang changed into his home clothes, losing some of his official demeanor and gaining more of a scholarly elegance, but his eyes remained deep.

"Try it, this year's new tea tastes quite good." Gao Yuliang poured the tea himself, his tone casual. "How are you feeling today?"

Qi Tongwei took the teacup with both hands and blew on it to cool it down: "Everyone is good at putting on a show."

Gao Yuliang took a sip of tea and asked seemingly casually, "Tongwei, what do you think of Secretary Sha and Secretary Tian from the Discipline Inspection Commission?"

Qi Tongwei put down his teacup and pondered for a moment: "Secretary Sha is decisive and efficient; he wants to get things done and establish his authority. It's hard to say where his fire will start. As for Secretary Tian..." He paused, his tone slightly cold, "I don't like this secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission."

"Oh?" Gao Yuliang raised his eyelids slightly. "What do you mean?"

Qi Tongwei shook his head: "Teacher, you're testing me. The fact that a Discipline Inspection Commission secretary is parachuted in at this time means he must have a special mission. The talks between the Central Organization Department and the higher-level Discipline Inspection Commission are probably very targeted. What he should be doing right now is quickly familiarizing himself with the internal work of the Discipline Inspection Commission, sorting out clues, and assessing the corruption risks among our province's cadres. But he's in a hurry to accompany the secretary who's mainly investigating the economy and people's livelihoods—that's inappropriate. Secretary Sha's trip focuses on the economy and assessing the cadres' condition to prepare for future personnel arrangements. This is more like the work of an Organization Minister. How much substantive integrity can a Discipline Inspection Commission secretary really assess by so eagerly getting involved? It's probably mostly just an act."

Gao Yuliang's lips curled into a half-smile: "Then tell me, what was his motive?"

Qi Tongwei also laughed: "His real purpose in currying favor with Sha Ruijin is probably to get his eye on the position of deputy secretary of the provincial party committee after you step down next year."

Gao Yuliang laughed and pointed at Qi Tongwei: "Tongwei, now that you've risen in rank, why have you become so sarcastic?" Although he was laughing, there was little joy in his eyes.

"There's no need to hide anything from the teacher," Qi Tongwei said frankly.

Tian Guofu's intentions are almost obvious. Next year, Gao Yuliang will step down to the second line, and the position of deputy secretary of the provincial party committee will be vacant. This position carries great weight and is in charge of party building, mass organizations, etc. It is an important stepping stone for further advancement.

Although Sha Ruijin did not have absolute decision-making power, his recommendations were of paramount importance.

If Tian Guofu wants to win, he must demonstrate absolute loyalty to Sha Ruijin, while also showing Sha Ruijin that he is not just a "professional cadre" who only investigates cases, but also possesses certain comprehensive coordination and leadership abilities.

Gao Yuliang put down his teacup, sighed softly, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger: "No need to hide it, you just keep bringing up my retirement next year. If it were anyone else, they would definitely hold a grudge against you."

Qi Tongwei remained expressionless and spoke sincerely: "Teacher, your mind is as clear as a mirror, and you can see through everything. Even if I don't say it, you can guess what everyone is planning."

Gao Yuliang suddenly put on a stern face, feigning displeasure: "So you came back this time to seduce me?"

Qi Tongwei remained calm and instead smiled as he refilled Gao Yuliang's tea: "Teacher, you flatter me. Handong is your foundation. I am here to serve you. I will stabilize the situation and do things well. The peaches are ripe, which is also the result of your careful cultivation over the years. I am just helping to look after the orchard."

“You…” Gao Yuliang couldn’t maintain his serious expression any longer, shaking his head and chuckling, “You’re the future governor candidate, it’s a done deal, why would you need to serve in the army for me?”

His words were not empty boasts. Whether it was Qi Tongwei's impressive resume, the unfathomable depth of his background, or the meaningful introduction given by the deputy minister of the Organization Department at today's meeting,

Everyone with a keen sense of smell has already seen it clearly—unless something major happens, it's only a matter of time before Qi Tongwei takes over as governor of Handong Province.

Qi Tongwei's smile faded, and he said seriously, "Teacher, no matter where I go or what position I hold, I will always be your student."

Chapter 101 A Sleepless Night (Part 1)

Despite not having worked together for many years and maintaining contact with each other, Qi Tongwei and Gao Yuliang were unable to delve into the core topics during their first meeting.

Especially at this sensitive and delicate moment when Gao Yuliang failed to win the top position and is facing retirement, it is unrealistic to expect him to reveal all the personal networks and political resources he has cultivated over the years during their first reunion.

The two chatted for a few more minutes about some trivial macroeconomic situations in Handong. After finishing their tea, Qi Tongwei got up to say goodbye.

Luo Xuejun, Gao Yuliang's secretary, escorted Qi Tongwei to the temporary residence arranged by the Provincial Party Committee.

After many years, Luo Xuejun hasn't changed much, except that his hairline has receded, which adds to his mature appearance.

The whereabouts of "Little He," who was by Gao Yuliang's side in his previous life, are still unknown.

Luo Xuejun has been working with Gao Yuliang since 03 and is now the director of the Second Comprehensive Division of the Provincial Party Committee Office, a key position.

When Gao Yuliang retires next year, it would be a natural thing to send him to a county to serve as the county party secretary, or even directly promote him to the position of vice mayor or vice director.

For him, this was an opportunity that could be described as "defying fate".

The provincial party committee compound was quiet and solemn in the night.

Qi Tongwei led the way, with Luo Xuejun half a step behind, their steps in sync, and they led the way in a low voice.

Qi Tongwei suddenly spoke, his tone calm: "Director Luo..."

Luo Xuejun almost immediately bowed slightly and interrupted sincerely, saying, "Governor Qi, you flatter me. Without your support back then, where would I, Luo, be today? Please just call me Luo; it sounds more friendly."

Qi Tongwei addressed him as "Director Luo," a cautious remark born from a long-awaited reunion.

After all, it had been many years since they last met, and they didn't know if the other person's temperament had changed. Now, it was a critical period for receiving Gao Yuliang's political legacy, and the relationship with the teacher's closest secretary had to be handled properly.

But since Xiao Luo took the initiative to speak, given Qi Tongwei's current status and past kindness towards him, there was naturally no need for him to refuse.

He smiled and readily agreed, "Okay, Xiao Luo. How's work lately?"

"Thanks to you and Secretary Gao, everything is fine, and there are many opportunities to learn and grow," Luo Xuejun replied succinctly.

Qi Tongwei nodded and casually asked, "I heard you were pursuing a part-time doctoral degree at Handong University while working?"

Luo Xuejun humbly replied, "You are a shining example, and I am merely imitating you poorly. I hope you will forgive my shortcomings."

"That's a good thing." Qi Tongwei's smile deepened, his tone encouraging. "So, you're now my junior brother too. Keep up the good work."

Luo Xuejun, however, was very tactful at this moment. He did not take the opportunity to call him "senior brother" but simply said, "I dare not, I dare not. Governor Qi has always been a role model for me."

Qi Tongwei, on the contrary, held him in higher regard.

By taking the initiative to mention and acknowledge this "brotherhood" relationship, one is itself sending a subtle yet clear signal of closeness.

He hoped that through Luo Xuejun, he could influence Gao Yuliang's decision-making and mindset more gently.

Given his current meteoric rise and contrast with Gao Yuliang's declining fortunes, it's perfectly normal for some members of the "Han University Gang" to want to switch sides and make early bets.

But Luo Xuejun, at least at this moment, must not show the slightest sign of such a thing.

Qi Tongwei cannot make any explicit promises or offers of official positions to Gao Yuliang right now, as that would irritate Gao Yuliang.