Chapter 6: A Blessing from Heaven

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Upon entering, Lin Hao saw a middle-aged man sitting behind a desk, sternly reviewing the documents before him. Approaching, Lin Hao steadied his nerves and said, “Secretary Gu, hello. I’m Lin Hao from the Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau. Director Ma mentioned you wanted to see me.”

Lin Hao raised his gaze slightly, waiting respectfully for the instructions of this vice-ministerial-level official.

Gu Yuejin looked up and scrutinized Lin Hao for a moment, then waved his hand. “Sit down and speak.”

“Thank you, Secretary,” Lin Hao replied, feeling a weight upon him as he lightly settled into the chair.

“Comrade Lin Hao, after graduating from university, you passed the provincial exam and were assigned to the subdistrict office. You worked there for two years before Xu Fei, deputy minister of the Municipal Organization Department of Tianzhong City, transferred you to the Housing Bureau. A year later, you were promoted to deputy section chief, and it’s been two years since, correct?”

“Yes, Secretary Gu,” Lin Hao answered honestly.

He wondered if there was some issue with Xu Fei’s transfer procedures. But even if there were, would the provincial Discipline Inspection Secretary personally intervene?

“What’s your opinion of Xu Fei?”

Lin Hao was momentarily stunned, then realized this was a simple test to see if he could control his emotions and give an objective assessment.

Xu Fei was just a mid-level cadre; even Zhou Ya’s investigation into him was an overestimation. How could Secretary Gu keep him in mind? As head of the provincial Discipline Inspection Commission, his role was to oversee the larger picture and lead with strategic guidance. He was far too busy to get bogged down in details.

“Smart, bold, patient.”

Having thought it through, Lin Hao spoke without hesitation. Setting aside personal feelings, he admired Xu Fei.

It took three years to orchestrate the scheme and cultivate a scapegoat—patience few possess. Moreover, he had seduced his own wife; if she wavered, he would be in danger. One had to admit, that was audacious.

“You hold him in quite high regard. I thought you’d curse him out,” Gu Yuejin smiled and nodded.

“I hate him, but I must admit, for three years I knew nothing. He’s truly formidable.”

“I’ve read your improvement plan from your time at the subdistrict office and the Housing Bureau’s overall guidelines. Both are commendable. You have talent and genuinely want to serve the people.”

Suddenly changing the subject, Gu Yuejin caught Lin Hao off guard. His prepared remarks about Xu Fei were rendered useless; he expected a detailed inquiry about Xu Fei.

“These are just some preliminary ideas. They still need refinement and haven’t been implemented yet.”

“Nowadays, officials tend to craft flashy but impractical plans. Good ideas are hard to put into practice,” Gu Yuejin remarked with an inexplicable sigh, leaving Lin Hao speechless.

“After this recent incident, I hear you’ve had some realizations? Planning to blend into the crowd?”

At that moment, Lin Hao finally understood why Ma Bo was away for over ten minutes—likely reporting on his performance to Secretary Gu.

“My approach does need to change. I can’t keep doing things my own way. Previously, I lacked vision and couldn’t see the bigger picture.”

“Cunning—but not bad. The enemy is crafty; we must be craftier to catch the rat.”

“Absolutely, Secretary.”

“My former secretary was bribed and is now under investigation. The Discipline Commission and Provincial Party Office recommended some candidates, but someone recommended you. Do you think you’re up to it?”

The words made Lin Hao’s breath quicken. The previous secretary’s bribery and downfall was major news.

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Who exactly had recommended him?

But Lin Hao had no time to ponder. He immediately stood and blurted out, “Report, Secretary Gu. Although I have no experience in secretarial or disciplinary posts, I will study hard and strive to become a qualified secretary during the transition.”

“Moreover, following you is a precious opportunity. I look forward to improving my ideology, awareness, and abilities so I can better serve the people.”

The public often sees secretaries as mere attendants—serving tea, carrying bags, driving cars—but Lin Hao knew a secretary must have experience handling leadership affairs. They are not just servants but sometimes advisors. Taking on everything oneself is unwise.

Otherwise, once in the role, one would be completely lost.

“No need for such formality. I never care what others say, only what they do. You’re currently a deputy section chief, still affiliated with the Housing Bureau. Transferring here won’t be easy; you’ll start on secondment. A three-month probation period—whether you’re a dragon or a worm, it’s up to you.”

Gu Yuejin’s face grew stern as he lightly tapped the desk.

“Yes, I will work twice as hard and never disappoint your expectations,” Lin Hao’s mind instinctively produced these words. He had intended to speak at length but stopped himself. He recalled Secretary Gu’s preference for action—he didn’t want to be disliked before even starting.

“Good. Later, have Comrade Ma Bo take you to handle the formalities. Familiarize yourself with the situation today—any problem starting tomorrow?”

“No problem! Thank you, Secretary Gu.”

Lin Hao’s heart nearly leapt out of his chest. He was thrilled. Just like that, he became the provincial Discipline Inspection Secretary’s secretary? It felt like a dream.

He wasn’t surprised at all—this was clearly prearranged. Secretary Gu had someone find him, investigate him, then Ma Bo tested him.

After all, Secretary Gu was a vice-ministerial-level official and the office director. If he couldn’t guess the intention, he might as well quit.

“Secretary Lin, the secretarial duties have all been handled by fellow bureau colleagues for now. I’ve placed all the materials on your desk; familiarize yourself quickly. Soon, someone will come to hand over the work.”

With that, Ma Bo turned and left.

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For Ma Bo, if it weren’t for Secretary Gu, Lin Hao wouldn’t even have the chance to meet him. Flattering? Impossible.

Although the secretary is nominally the second-in-command, Lin Hao was only on secondment and held a deputy section chief rank. Normally, the provincial Discipline Inspection Secretary’s secretary must be at least a deputy division chief. His qualifications were insufficient. Moreover, as the office director, Ma Bo had many ways to prevent Lin Hao from taking the position.

Once Lin Hao was settled, then it would be time to make friends.

His attitude today was already quite friendly—it was a posture to show subordinates. Ma Bo had his own loyalists, all eager to fight tooth and nail for a seat in this secretary’s office.

Now, Lin Hao had snatched it. How could they accept it without resentment? Distancing himself from Lin Hao was a way to win over his own team and make his stance clear.

If Lin Hao didn’t understand this, Ma Bo had no need to worry; he wouldn’t last long as secretary.

After everyone left, Lin Hao still felt dazed.

He had no idea who had recommended him—someone whose standing must be high enough for the provincial Discipline Inspection Secretary to overlook the recommendations from the Discipline Commission and Provincial Party Office.

No matter how hard he wracked his brain, he couldn’t guess. He decided not to waste energy now; he would find out in time.

Sitting in the secretary’s office and gazing out the window, he gradually gathered his thoughts.

Then he began reviewing materials to understand the internal structure, personnel, and daily work of the Discipline Commission.

When he came across some documents about Xu Fei, his breath grew heavier. Perhaps he could use his position and influence to investigate Xu Fei.

But he immediately shook his head. As secretary, he couldn’t focus too much on Xu Fei’s case. Otherwise, the leadership might suspect personal vendetta.

Once past the probation and with enough evidence collected, holding a deputy minister of the municipal organization department in check at the provincial Discipline Commission would be easy.

Given the man’s nature, Lin Hao didn’t believe there was no dirt or incriminating evidence.

He read through the documents late into the evening until his phone rang, pulling him back.

“Lin Hao, are you trying to die? Didn’t we agree to meet tonight? You stood us up? You have ten minutes to get here, or don’t even think about divorce,” shouted Xu Qian angrily on the other end.

By now, she had given up, thinking since everything was exposed, it didn’t matter anymore.

Leaving Lin Hao, she could live better.

“Got it,” he replied.

Hanging up, Lin Hao felt agitated. Tomorrow was his first day at work, and the divorce couldn’t be delayed. Such a hassle.

When he stood, he realized it was already seven in the evening. After leaving, most of the office staff had gone home.

Still, the person Ma Bo said would hand over the work hadn’t come.

Interesting—some clearly didn’t want him in this position.

“Who are you? Who let you be here? Who told you to wander around the Discipline Inspection office?”