The Tempting Road to Becoming an Official

In anyone's view.

Once you stand at the highest position.

It's like having the power to control everything.

In fact, it's not like that.

Shangguan Shoudong securing the top position is simply the result of balancing various interests.

"The Heavenly Appearance Sect case caused a big stir; when you called, the leader was able to mobilize all the resources to suppress it within two hours, which took a lot of effort. After all, such matters have wide-reaching impacts, and he couldn't make decisions alone. In the end, compromises were made on many fronts, and a lot of interests were yielded to achieve the result..."

After saying this.

Li Chong sighed.

Though he only said a few words.

Chen Fang could hear.

The "deal" behind this was not something Li Chong's sigh could clarify.

One can get a glimpse of this from the frequent personnel changes across provinces and ministries after the highest meeting concluded.

Next.

Li Chong led him to a doorway.

The two guards in black were about to search Chen Fang.

Li Chong waved his hand and said, "No need, the leader has instructed that he doesn't need to be searched."

And thus.

Chen Fang, for the first time in his life, walked into the office holding the highest power.

The office was large.

But not as luxurious as he imagined.

Bookshelves, a desk, a full set of sofas, and even a small conference table.

Judging by the age of the furniture, it has been used for many years.

Li Chong invited Chen Fang to sit down.

He poured him a cup of tea and said, "The leader has a meeting, which should be ending soon. Please wait a bit. He only has twenty minutes."

Chen Fang nodded.

Hesitated for a moment, but finally mustered the courage to ask, "How is Mengmeng lately?"

"Well... I'll go check if the leader is here."

Li Chong was clearly startled by the question.

He did not answer.

Instead, he hurriedly walked toward the door.

At that moment.

Chen Fang felt a chill in his heart.

A bad premonition overcame him.

He suddenly stood up, wanting to ask further, but just then, the door creaked open from the outside.

Shangguan Shoudong walked in from outside.

"Leader..."

Li Chong quickly called out and pointed to Chen Fang, saying, "I've already brought Ah Fang in."

"Okay, I know. Go prepare the materials for the next meeting. I'll talk with him for a bit. Come get me when it's time."

"Okay, I'll go do that now."

After speaking.

Li Chong hurried away.

Looking fatigued, Shangguan Shoudong sat down opposite Chen Fang.

"Sit down, why are you standing there?"

Shangguan Shoudong gave him a once over and asked.

It was only then that Chen Fang hurriedly sat down.

Having known Shangguan Shoudong for a long time, theoretically, he shouldn't have been uneasy, but for some reason, sitting before him again made his heart race with nervousness and even a bit of excitement.

Perhaps it was because Shangguan was once Mr. Shangguan, and now, he was the person at the highest position.

He checked his watch.

And said, "I don't have much time. I'll get straight to the point. You handled the Heavenly Appearance Sect incident well, and I must thank you properly. Whatever you want, as long as I can do it, I will give it to you."

"Really? I can ask for anything?"

One would expect Chen Fang to be modest.

However, he was not.

He raised his head directly and asked frankly.

Shangguan Shoudong nodded.

And said, "Don't you believe me when I speak?"

"I want to see Mengmeng."

As soon as Chen Fang said this.

Shangguan Shoudong was taken aback.

It was clear to see his mouth twitch slightly, and after taking a deep breath, he said sadly, "When Mengmeng left, she said she didn't want anyone to disturb her, especially you. It seems my daughter still has feelings for you."

The tone didn't sound very heavy.

But Chen Fang's heart tightened.

As if someone had gripped it harshly in their palm.

"When did this happen?"

Chen Fang asked.

"The day you called to report about the Heavenly Appearance Sect's conspiracy."

Shangguan Shoudong replied.

After speaking, he continued softly, "Mengmeng said she really hoped to see the day I was successfully elected. Unfortunately, she didn't see it, and she never will again..."

These words.

Sounded like the mumblings of an old father.

Filled with sorrow, sadness, and endless regret.

"Alright, let's not talk about her for now. I've called you here to discuss something. I'm planning to have you study at the highest party school for a while, to enrich your theoretical knowledge. Are you willing?"

Shangguan Shoudong asked.

The highest party school?

Seemed to notice the surprise in Chen Fang's eyes.

Shangguan Shoudong continued, "As society progresses, the government management cadre system must also progress. Previously, ability was the primary criterion for promotion. Although this is still important now, education is also crucial. You can take this time to obtain a postgraduate degree from the party school, thus broadening your future prospects..."

Twenty minutes is not long.

After discussing some trivial matters.

Li Chong came to remind them.

He told Shangguan Shoudong that time was almost up.

"Ah, you see, we haven't even spoken much, and there's no time left. Being in a high position, you can't always help it..."

After sighing.

Shangguan Shoudong stood up.

He shook hands solemnly with Chen Fang.

And said, "This time when you go back, prepare simply. The class starts in half a month. Study hard and don't disappoint my expectations."

At that moment.

For some reason.

Chen Fang felt somewhat moved.

He nodded heavily and said, "Alright, Leader."

After releasing the handshake, Shangguan Shoudong said to Li Chong, "Xiao Li, you don't need to accompany me to the meeting. See Ah Fang out first."

"Okay, Leader."

Li Chong responded.

Shangguan Shoudong's silhouette then disappeared.

"Brother Li, why is the leader sending me to the party school at this critical moment? I still have many things unfinished in Rongjiang City."

Chen Fang asked Li Chong in confusion.

Li Chong smiled slightly.

And said, "The leader is protecting you."

"Protecting me? What do you mean?"

Chen Fang became even more puzzled.

Li Chong patted him on the arm and said, "People say you, Chen Fang, are smart, but apparently not that much. The leader wants to groom you to be the next him..."

Boom!

Like a bolt from the blue.

Chen Fang froze on the spot.

The next him?

What does that mean?

The leader plans to groom him as the next holder of the highest position?

"I still don't quite understand why sending me to study at the highest party school would be protecting me?"

Chen Fang scratched his head and asked.

Li Chong laughed and said, "There are three reasons. The first is the educational requirement, which naturally goes without saying. The second is still due to Jiang Chuo and the Heavenly Appearance Sect..."