The Tempting Road to Becoming an Official

Chen Fang sure has good luck with his career.

While he was pondering how to deal with Mei Yiru, there was a knock on the door.

Chen Fang could only temporarily set aside his thoughts and called out, "Come in."

The door opened.

Wafts of fragrance drifted in.

Chen Fang looked up, and a stone-faced Mei Yiru unexpectedly walked in.

"Secretary Chen…"

"Ah, Committee Member Mei? Is there something you need?"

Chen Fang asked.

With a troubled expression, Mei Yiru said, "Secretary Chen, I would like to request a few days off."

Chen Fang was immediately alert.

Mei Yiru seemed to notice his unusual expression and quickly waved her hands, saying, "Secretary Chen, don't misunderstand; I have no other intentions, there really is something going on at home."

"Can you tell me what's going on?"

Chen Fang asked.

Mei Yiru sighed.

She said, "My… my dad has Alzheimer's disease, and my mom is having a hard time taking care of him alone, so I want to take a few days off to find a better sanatorium to settle my parents."

Judging from Mei Yiru's expression.

She didn't seem to be lying.

Chen Fang thought for a moment and said, "How about the Yuanjing General Political Sanatorium? Conditions are good there, and treatment might be more effective."

"Secretary Chen, you must be joking. For a sanatorium at that level, how could someone like me possibly arrange for entry? Even with the cadre sanatorium in Longxing, my rank wouldn't qualify, let alone my parents."

Mei Yiru thought Chen Fang was joking.

So she replied self-deprecatingly.

Chen Fang gave a slight smile.

He said, "Wait a moment, I'll make a phone call and see if it can be arranged."

After finishing.

Chen Fang picked up his phone.

He found a number.

As soon as it rang, the call was answered.

The person on the other end said warmly, "Hey, Brother Chen, what's the matter?"

"Director Sun, I'd like to trouble you with something."

Chen Fang said politely.

Whom was this call to?

To Sun Weifa, the security chief of Yuanjing General Political Sanatorium.

The same Sun Weifa who made things difficult for Chen Fang at the sanatorium's gate on the day Mr. Xu passed away.

Originally, Chen Fang could have used Dong Fuzhong's influence to teach Sun Weifa a lesson, but he didn't; instead, he spoke well of Sun Weifa, helping him avoid trouble.

As soon as he walked out that day.

Sun Weifa asked for Chen Fang's phone number.

In Sun Weifa's view, someone like Chen Fang was worth befriending.

Another reason is obvious.

Chen Fang, so young yet having great relationships with the Xu Family and the Dong Family, for his own future's sake, making friends with him was necessary.

"Brother Chen, what are you saying? Just tell me whatever it is, as long as I can help."

"Brother, then I won't hold back. I have a friend whose father has Alzheimer's, and here we can't find a suitable sanatorium, so…"

Chen Fang didn't finish his sentence.

Giving Sun Weifa room to understand.

Sun Weifa listened.

After a moment of silence.

He said, "Brother Chen, to be honest, slots at our sanatorium are scheduled, but since you asked, I'll make arrangements for you. Just have the elder come over, call me directly, and when they arrive, I'll get it sorted."

"Thank you so much, Brother. Next time I visit Yuanjing, I'm treating you to drinks."

Chen Fang said excitedly.

Sun Weifa laughed heartily and said, "Alright, alright, I'll wait for those drinks then…"

Chen Fang was using speakerphone during the call.

So Mei Yiru heard it too.

A problem she couldn't solve despite many efforts was resolved by one phone call from Chen Fang.

More importantly, it was the best sanatorium nationwide; how could Mei Yiru not be excited?

"Secretary Chen, thank you. Really, thank you so much. You... you've solved a huge problem for me. I... I don't even know how to thank you enough. I…"

Mei Yiru seemed flustered.

Chen Fang smiled.

He said, "Committee Member Mei, no need to be so polite. We're colleagues, helping each other is natural. You should go home today, book tickets for your parents, and I'll give you the contact number. If you want to take a few days off to accompany them, I can approve that too."

"No, no need, I don't need time off. My mom alone is enough, I just need to arrange their tickets."

Mei Yiru, looking overwhelmed, waved her hands continuously.

"Alright then, reach out if you need anything else."

Chen Fang said.

Mei Yiru said a few polite words.

She was about to turn and leave.

As if suddenly recalling something.

She said, "Secretary Chen, how about I treat you to dinner? Just as a thank you."

"It's okay, no need to be so polite."

Chen Fang waved his hand and said.

Mei Yiru was still persistent.

She continued, "Secretary Chen, I have no other intention; I just want to express my gratitude."

He previously refused because he didn't want Mei Yiru to suspect.

Chen Fang actually wanted to get closer to her.

Having dinner together would naturally be great.

Feigning casualness, he said, "Alright then, but lunch isn't convenient; is dinner okay?"

"Dinner it is; I'll book a restaurant and inform you then."

Seeing Chen Fang agree.

Mei Yiru was very happy.

After bidding farewell once more, she left joyously.

Once Mei Yiru was gone.

Chen Fang tidied up a bit and stood up.

Today was officially his first day at work, and according to protocol, he had to visit the office of the top official, otherwise people would gossip.

Tang Guozheng's office was located on the tenth floor of the main building.

As soon as he stepped out of the elevator.

Chen Fang saw Cui Liansheng storming past with an angry expression.

After all, he was the third top official in Shangqing City.

Chen Fang still greeted him.

But Cui Liansheng seemed not to hear, stepping onto the elevator without a glance at Chen Fang.

"Secretary Chen, you've arrived…"

At this moment.

Yuan Jun, Tang Guozheng's secretary, walked out of the office.

Upon seeing Chen Fang, he immediately raised his voice and called out.

No need to say, he was informing Tang Guozheng inside the office.

"Has Comrade Chen Fang arrived? Invite him in."

Tang Guozheng shouted from inside the office.

After pushing open the door.

Chen Fang noticed that a teacup by the coffee table had been smashed outright.

Moreover, the tea tray was also a mess; it was evident that the conversation between Tang Guozheng and Cui Liansheng hadn't gone well.

"Xiao Jun, clean this up quickly."

Tang Guozheng gave the order.

Yuan Jun hurriedly came in with a broom and mop.

In no time.

The floor and tea table were cleaned up.

Tang Guozheng pointed to the sofa and said, "Comrade Chen Fang, have a seat."

Regarding the mess, Tang Guozheng naturally wouldn't explain it to Chen Fang.

"Comrade Chen Fang, how do you feel? Are you adapting well?"

As soon as he sat down, Tang Guozheng leaned back on the opposite side, crossing his legs, looking at Chen Fang and asking.

"Thank you for your concern, Secretary Tang; I'm adapting well. The work atmosphere in Shangqing City is quite good."

Chen Fang said.