The Tempting Road to Becoming an Official

After all, for the same thing, Shangguan Shoudong could have chosen anyone, but he specifically chose Chen Fang.

This shows that.

Although this is not an easy task.

It is enough to benefit him greatly.

Nowadays, Chen Fang already has experience in grassroots struggles and work.

What he currently lacks is legitimate high-level strategy.

After understanding this matter.

Chen Fang asked, "Who is the protagonist of tonight's banquet?"

"Yang Zui, the son of Yang Baihao, the Provincial Committee Secretary of Yanzhao."

Xu Wanwan told Chen Fang.

At a certain level.

Whether it's the wife or children, they become the "spokespersons" on the surface.

This kind of socializing can not only prevent the criticism of forming factions but also facilitate communication between parties.

In the circle of Yuanjing.

These second-generation officials or wealthy elites frequently organize similar private banquets, which, to be frank, are used to clandestinely communicate on behalf of the previous generation.

Yang Zui is not part of this circle.

But he represents Yang Baihao's position.

After all, Yongle New District is to be placed on the territory of Yanzhao Province.

Winning over Yang Zui.

Is the same as winning over Yang Baihao.

If Yanzhao Province is willing to allocate a place for the development of Yongle New District.

For Xu Xianqing.

This plan would have the preconditions for establishment, otherwise, there would be no hope of negotiation.

"I see, you're bringing me as a male companion to this banquet, creating the illusion for Yang Baihao that Shangguan Leadership supports your father, so that Yang Baihao is very likely to stand on your side, right?"

Chen Fang asked.

Xu Wanwan did not shy away.

She directly nodded and said, "Yes, that's the reason, Mayor Chen, sorry, I didn't tell you the truth, I used you..."

After this response.

Chen Fang fell into deep thought.

At this time, the car had already stopped at an underground parking lot of a hotel.

Xu Wanwan looked at him with eager eyes.

As long as he opened the door.

It would mean clarifying his stance.

To be honest.

For Chen Fang.

This choice is extremely difficult as well.

No matter which side he eventually chooses to stand with.

He will surely suffer a strong backlash from the other side.

If he clearly chooses not to stand with any side.

It would mean throwing the problem back to Shangguan Shoudong.

His expectations of him would naturally all be in vain.

Therefore, he must clearly understand what Shangguan Shoudong really means.

Follow his true intentions.

No matter how difficult it is, at least he will have confidence.

Thinking of this.

Chen Fang suddenly looked at Xu Wanwan and asked, "Can I make a phone call?"

"Of course."

Xu Wanwan immediately agreed.

Then she signaled the driver to get out of the car.

Before closing the door, Xu Wanwan specifically said, "Mayor Chen, this car is soundproof, trust me, and it definitely has no listening devices, so..."

"I understand."

Chen Fang responded.

He exhaled a long breath.

Dialed Li Chong's number.

Since it was already evening, Li Chong answered quickly.

The cheerful voice of Li Chong came through the receiver: "Ah Fang, what's up? Miss me?"

Despite being the secretary of a high-ranking leader and a deputy minister-level cadre, Li Chong had no airs in front of Chen Fang.

"Brother Chong, I want to consult you on something."

Chen Fang also pretended to be casual and said.

Li Chong was taken aback.

He said, "Sure, ask away, as long as I can answer."

"Brother Chong, you know, since I was young, I've been learning traditional Chinese medicine from my parents. Nowadays, times have changed, and the development of traditional Chinese medicine has hit a bottleneck. Do you think after retirement, I should open a traditional Chinese medicine clinic like my parents, or should I devote myself to researching a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine and make some changes? I've been thinking about this for a long time, and it's giving me a headache. Brother Chong, can you give me some advice?"

Chen Fang's words.

He asked very skillfully.

Opening a traditional Chinese medicine clinic in a conventional way naturally implied conservatism.

While researching the combination of Chinese and Western medicine represented reform.

On the surface, he was asking about his own retirement choice, but in reality, he was indirectly extracting information from Li Chong.

As Shangguan Shoudong's closest aide.

He naturally had a say.

After a moment of silence on the phone.

Li Chong laughed and said, "Ah Fang, your question is really stumping me. I'm not well-versed in traditional Chinese medicine. How about this, the leader is here, let him answer you."

Shangguan Shoudong?

Chen Fang immediately became nervous.

In no time at all.

The familiar voice of Shangguan Shoudong came from the other end of the line.

"Hello."

"Hello, leader."

"What were you consulting with Xiao Li about?"

Shangguan Shoudong asked.

Chen Fang repeated his question.

Shangguan Shoudong chuckled.

And asked, "Are you starting to plan for retirement?"

Hearing this, Chen Fang understood, the leader was asking him, is the choice between conservatism and reform already at hand?

He replied with a "hmm," and said, "Initially, I was quite confused as to why, but this idea popped into my head. After thinking it over, I still feel that this question is too significant, so I wanted to seek advice from experienced individuals like you, leader, could you give me some advice?"

"Hehe..."

Shangguan Shoudong chuckled lightly.

He said, "Do you know why traditional Chinese medicine is looked down upon while Western medicine has become mainstream?"

"Because traditional Chinese medicine has too many chronic illnesses and rare diseases, there are few genuine practitioners with true skills, and many medical arts have been lost, leading to the emergence of many quacks."

Chen Fang responded.

The so-called quacks obviously referred to parasites bred out of the old conservative system.

"Correct, traditional Chinese medicine has many problems, but Western medicine, on the other hand, often only treats the symptoms but not the root cause. Moreover, people have to endure the side effects of medication. It has its shortcomings too. Therefore, I believe that if one can draw upon the strengths of both and study ways of adapting both, the result should be the most perfect."

Shangguan Shoudong said leisurely.

Chen Fang shuddered.

In an instant.

As if he understood something.

He paused and said, "Leader, I understand."

"Haha, understanding is good, understanding is good, however, knowing how to integrate traditional Chinese and Western medicine is an art, Ah Fang, the road stretches far and wide, I will explore it diligently, if you decide to merge Chinese and Western medicine, those traditional old-school Chinese medicine practitioners might sabotage your efforts, at that time, I won't have a say, so don't blame me."

"Okay, leader, I will surely remember."

After receiving the response.

Chen Fang exchanged a few pleasantries and then hung up the phone.

Shangguan Shoudong's meaning could not be more clear.

To let him study the combination of Chinese and Western medicine, that essentially meant supporting the reformists.

Of course.

Within these words.

Shangguan Shoudong also implied another layer of meaning.

If Chen Fang chooses to stand with the reformists.

Then the conservatives would inevitably retaliate against him.

Even if he faces retaliation, Shangguan Shoudong wouldn't step in to rescue him.