63: Chapter 63 Official Transactions

"Anyone valued by County Magistrate Zeng definitely cannot be wrong."

Li Dakang smiled sincerely: "What our Guantian Township lacks most right now are capable young cadres like Deputy Township Head He Tingting. I believe her arrival will surely inject new vitality into Guantian Township!"

County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun's face bloomed with a gratified smile, and he nodded repeatedly: "Good, good, good! Comrade Dakang is indeed a person who understands the bigger picture! So, is it settled?"

"County Magistrate Zeng, rest assured, I understand what needs to be done." Li Dakang promised solemnly.

The two looked at each other and smiled, raising their glasses to drink together.

Sunlight shone on the teacups, refracting a dazzling light.

...

As night fell, the County Government building gradually grew quiet.

County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun packed up his briefcase and walked out of the office.

The winter night breeze carried a hint of chill, yet he felt warm inside.

Pushing open the door to his home, a rich aroma of chicken soup greeted him.

From the kitchen came the sound of a spatula clinking against a pot, and a slender figure was busy at work.

"Xuejun, you're back!"

Hearing the movement, Deputy Township Head He Tingting immediately put down her work and trotted over to welcome him.

She skillfully took County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun's coat and briefcase, her face beaming with a sweet smile.

"Mmm, what delicious thing have you made? It smells so good!"

County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun took a deep breath, revealing a look of satisfaction.

"I'm simmering chicken soup. You sit for a while, it'll be ready soon."

Deputy Township Head He Tingting said gently, then turned and ducked back into the kitchen.

County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun sat on the sofa, listening to the sounds from the kitchen, and his fatigue vanished.

Before long, Deputy Township Head He Tingting carefully walked out carrying a bowl of steaming chicken soup: "Come, have a taste. This is an old hen I specifically asked someone to buy from the countryside."

She placed the soup bowl in front of County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun, her eyes full of expectation.

County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun picked up a spoon, scooped up a spoonful of the golden chicken soup, and put it into his mouth.

The rich fragrance spread through his mouth, and he squinted his eyes contentedly: "Mmm, it tastes really good."

"If it's good, drink more. There's still more in the pot." Deputy Township Head He Tingting smiled until her eyes curved into crescents.

County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun put down the spoon, his expression suddenly turning serious: "Tingting, I have something to discuss with you."

Seeing this, Deputy Township Head He Tingting quickly sat down beside him: "What is it? Why so serious?"

"I plan to arrange for you to be the Deputy Township Head in Guantian Township," County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun said straightforwardly.

"What?" Deputy Township Head He Tingting's expression changed instantly.

"Guantian Township? That backwater? I'm not going!"

County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun was prepared and explained patiently: "Tingting, that's all old news. Guantian Township has changed drastically now."

Afterwards, he detailed the tremendous changes in Guantian Township over the past six months: the booming Bean Products Factory, the rise of the breeding industry, the smooth roads, the increase in farmers' income...

Every figure left Deputy Township Head He Tingting astonished.

"Is Guantian Township really as good as you say?" Deputy Township Head He Tingting asked, half-doubting.

"Of course!" County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun said affirmatively.

"There are quite a few people eyeing this position right now. If it weren't for me, the County Magistrate, personally speaking up, it might not have been secured."

Deputy Township Head He Tingting pouted: "You're a County Magistrate, and you find it so difficult to arrange a Deputy Township Head position?"

County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun gave a bitter smile: "Secretary Yuan's intention is to respect the opinion of the Township Party Committee of Guantian Township, and the one calling the shots in Guantian Township right now is Li Dakang..."

"Li Dakang? That young Township Head who came from the capital?" Deputy Township Head He Tingting said, deep in thought.

"That's right." County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun nodded.

"Although he is just a Township Head, his background is not simple. Even I have to consult with him."

He held Deputy Township Head He Tingting's hand and said earnestly: "If you go to Guantian Township, you must remember: you don't have to give face to anyone else, but you must listen to what Li Dakang says."

"Otherwise, even if I step in, it might not be effective."

Deputy Township Head He Tingting pouted: "But if I go to the township, I won't be able to stay with you often."

"There is plenty of time in the future." County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun comforted her softly.

"I won't let you stay there for too long; I'll transfer you back in a year at most."

"Besides, it's very convenient to go to Guantian Township now. I'll get you a car, and you can come back whenever you have time."

Seeing that Deputy Township Head He Tingting was still hesitating, he added: "This is a great opportunity to get some experience; you won't find another chance like this."

"Guantian Township is currently in a period of rapid development, which is exactly the time to produce results. Having this experience will be of great benefit to your future development."

Deputy Township Head He Tingting pondered for a moment and finally nodded: "Alright then, I'll listen to you."

County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun showed a gratified smile and gently pulled her into his arms.

...

The cold wind of the twelfth lunar month whistled through the courtyard of the Guantian Township Government, swirling up a few withered yellow leaves.

In the blink of an eye, only one week remained until the Spring Festival, and the entire Township Government was enveloped in an atmosphere that was both busy and excited.

Recently, a rumor had been quietly circulating within the Township Government: Township Party Committee Secretary Sun Wei was about to be transferred, and Township Head Li Dakang would take over the position of Secretary.

As for the candidate for the new Township Head, there were many different opinions.

Some said it would be Chairman Shen Dawei, some said it would be Deputy Secretary of the Township Party Committee Duan Yongping, and others insisted that someone would be parachuted in from the county.