Chapter 47
Chapter 47: Promotion
Fang Jian stayed at home, keeping Yiyi company. Besides Yiyi, Liu Yuanyuan was also present, and the two little girls were having a great time. Meng Yuhai had been busy measuring and carefully designing the villa, so Fang Jian volunteered to pick up Liu Yuanyuan from kindergarten and bring her home to be with Yiyi. If it were anyone else, Meng Yuhai would never have agreed. However, when Fang Jian suggested it, she immediately accepted.
Suddenly, the door opened, and Fang Biao walked in, looking somewhat excited. In the kitchen, Shi Hui glanced over and asked, “Why did you just come back? Did you work late today?”
Working late was common as a junior clerk in a government office if you wanted to advance. But at Fang Biao’s age, what future could he hope for? He just wished for a peaceful retirement, receiving a pension, and spending the rest of his life in peace. That’s why they had a second child, Fang Yiyi, after the two-child policy was implemented, ensuring they could pick her up from school daily.
Fang Biao shook his head slightly. After hesitating, he couldn’t help but say, “No overtime today, but the director called me for a meeting.”
“The director called you? For what?” Shi Hui asked.
Fang Biao’s tone was quite excited as he replied, “The director said he wants me to be the head of the Second Department.”
“What? Did the director lose his mind?” Shi Hui exclaimed.
Fang Jian almost burst out laughing but managed to hold it in. However, he also had a vague understanding of what was going on. Although Zhang Liang hadn’t informed him of the details, he hadn’t received any calls from Hu Bin for several days and hadn’t seen the burly man either. He might not have noticed if he were indifferent, but Fang Jian was always paying attention.
He understood, especially after seeing the news that Vice Mayor Hu had retired. Now, his father was suddenly being promoted to department head. Fang Jian thought for a moment and said, “Dad.”
“What is it?” Fang Biao asked.
“You’re already fifty years old,” Fang Jian advised. “As a section chief, a relatively minor position, there will surely be many responsibilities and troubles if you take it. Why bother?”
Fang Biao furrowed his brow slightly and asked, “What do you mean?”
“I’ve earned some money now. If you and Mom are willing to work, go ahead. But if you don’t want to work, consider early retirement. Then, you can travel around our beautiful country with Yiyi, enjoying its scenic wonders. Isn’t that appealing?”
Shi Hui felt a little tempted upon hearing this.
However, Fang Biao’s expression darkened, and he responded, “What are you saying? That money is yours, not mine. Besides, I’m not old yet and still have the energy to serve the people.”
Shi Hui glanced at her husband, shook her head, and then turned to enter the kitchen.
Fang Jian sneered and turned his head to continue playing with the two little girls.
Fang Biao looked around, unsure of what to say. He wasn’t obsessed with power, but a lifetime working in a government office had ingrained certain values and responsibilities in him.
Fortunately, Fang Jian didn’t mention the purchase of the multimillion-dollar mansion; otherwise, there would have been another round of complaints. The next day at noon, Fang Jian received another call from Chen Tao.
“Hey, Fang Jian, did you agree with General Ji?” Chen Tao asked without any formalities.
Fang Jian was shocked and asked, “Agree with what?”
Chen Tao was puzzled and said, “Today, General Ji found me and told me that he’s promoting me to team leader in the company, and asked me to invite you to a banquet, saying he wants to apologize to you in person.”
Fang Jian blinked his eyes twice, instantly understanding. If Chen Tao wasn’t in that company anymore, he definitely wouldn’t bother. However, General Ji promoted Chen Tao, which was a clear signal. After thinking for a moment, Fang Jian agreed to the meeting. So, they had lunch as usual at that private Chinese restaurant.
When General Ji saw Fang Jian this time, his respectful attitude was even stronger than when dealing with Hu Bin. While others didn’t know the inside story of Hu Bin and his son’s downfall, General Ji had witnessed it all. Hu Bin’s plans were clear, but after just one conversation with Fang Jian, they were caught completely off guard. General Ji was deeply worried about this kind of influence.
After the meal, Fang Jian patted Chen Tao’s shoulder and reassured General Ji, “Don’t worry, General Ji, my brother is still working under you. What are you worried about?”
General Ji immediately understood what Fang Jian meant and knew what to do in the future. Regardless, the company had to try to keep Chen Tao, as this capable person might demand accountability if they let him go. After this meal, Fang Jian realized he had work to do.