Haste Makes Waste

After hanging up the phone, Lin Xiao subconsciously looked at the two leaders. Only then did he notice that both leaders had warm smiles on their faces, and their eyes seemed to spark with affection, as if they were seeing long-lost relatives.

No, it's more like finding an organization during the revolutionary period!

"Xiao Lin, it seems Secretary Wang really wants you to be his secretary," Gong Lei said with a smile.

Zhou Zizheng, looking puzzled, asked, "Is there some explanation for this?"

"Minister Zhou, you don't know, Secretary Wang previously offered to have Xiao Lin as his secretary, but Xiao Lin refused."

"Ah—that's a bit of a pity," Zhou Zizheng said. "The training you get on the municipal party committee platform is different. You start at a higher level than at the grassroots level, and your future development will be relatively faster."

Lin Xiao replied calmly, "Mainly because I'm not confident, I lack work experience, and I've never worked in a municipal government agency before. I'm worried that I won't do a good job working alongside Secretary Wang and will instead disappoint his expectations."

Zhou Zizheng nodded with a smile and said, "What you said makes sense. However, there aren't many people who can resist such a great temptation like you. No wonder Secretary Wang trusts you so much. Oh, by the way, I'm a little curious, why do you call Secretary Wang 'Uncle-Master'? Have you known each other for a long time?"

Now, when facing Lin Xiao, Zhou Zizheng no longer had the indifference he had before, but instead appeared as a kind and approachable elder. He also understood that Gong Lei had brought Lin Xiao here not simply to serve him, but also to create opportunities for himself.

Lin Xiao then told Zhou Zizheng that he had met Wang Yuanze once at his teacher's house when he was in college, and they had even had a meal together. As for the teacher Liang Weiwang, he only mentioned him briefly and didn't even say his name.

Lin Xiao still didn't tell anyone that her teacher, Liang Weiwang, was about to become the vice governor, not even Liu Yun.

In Quanzhou, having the Party Secretary as a "backer" is more than enough; there's no need to reveal all your cards.

Zhou Zizheng nodded and smiled as he raised his glass to Lin Xiao, saying, "Come on, Xiao Lin, let me toast you."

"Minister Zhou, it is I who should be thanking you."

Lin Xiao hurriedly stood up, but Zhou Zizheng waved her hand, signaling her to sit down.

Despite having the municipal party secretary behind him, Lin Xiao knew that he had to shoulder many responsibilities alone and could not be arrogant. His humble attitude truly pleased the two leaders present.

"Xiao Lin, Minister Zhou is one of our own. If you have any difficulties, you can ask Minister Zhou for help," Gong Lei said with a smile.

"Haha, Xiao Gong, you're wrong about that. With Secretary Wang around, why would I need to take care of Xiao Lin? On the contrary, it should be Xiao Lin taking care of me."

"Minister Zhou, I am flattered by what you say. I am still young, and it is only right and necessary for me to learn from the older comrades."

"Xiao Lin, to be honest, I've never met a young person like you. You're so humble, composed, and never arrogant or impetuous. It's rare to find someone like you. You have a very promising future!"

Just as Lin Xiao was about to reply, Zhou Zizheng continued, "Xiao Lin, I'm already fifty years old, and I have less and less time to put my skills to use. If there's an opportunity, could you help me make some connections?"

Of course, this is our first meeting, and I shouldn't make any requests, but I think I might be able to help Secretary Wang.

"Yes, Xiao Lin, Minister Zhou is one of our own, and Secretary Wang just arrived, and you're not by Secretary Wang's side. So, if it's appropriate, you could put in a good word for Minister Zhou."

Having said all that, Lin Xiao naturally understood the intentions of the two leaders before him. Although he felt a slight resistance, their words had indeed hit the nail on the head:

My uncle is indeed the municipal party secretary, but he is a newcomer and a leader transferred from elsewhere. It is impossible for him to make any achievements here by himself alone. Even if I can help, it is just a drop in the ocean. Right now, my uncle really needs a few capable assistants.

In fact, from another perspective, this is also equivalent to building connections for oneself, so it can be considered killing two birds with one stone. However, while one has created opportunities for them, whether they can ultimately seize them depends on their own performance.

"Secretary Wang asked me to accompany him for a walk around on Saturday. How about I find an opportunity for you two to 'bump into' each other?"

"Xiao Lin, these things can't be rushed. Haste makes waste! The more eager you are to reveal your intentions, the more people will think you've been planning this for a long time. Therefore, your main job is to keep Secretary Wang company. As for the rest, we'll see how things go."

Although he was slightly intoxicated, Zhou Zizheng was not blinded by excitement.

"Yes, Minister Zhou is right, we really can't rush things. I think you should arrange the itinerary in advance and decide which places you want to take Secretary Wang to. In addition, you also need to prepare contingency plans for unexpected events."

Lin Xiao was taken aback. Wasn't this just the job of a secretary?

His experience as a county magistrate's secretary for several months had made him very familiar with the process. Regardless of the level of leadership, the job responsibilities of a secretary are largely the same.

The difference this time is that previously the leader decided "what to do and what to do first," but this time he took over, instead of simply managing "how to arrange and how to implement it."

"You should be familiar with this process, Xiao Lin. The boss said it's just a casual stroll, but it can't really be that casual. What if you run into some clueless person who provokes you? Who's going to handle that then?"

"Wouldn't it be even better if something really happened? That way, I could openly ask Minister Zhou and Secretary Gong for help," Lin Xiao said with a smile, a hint of something deeper in his eyes.

Zhou Zizheng initially showed a hint of satisfaction, but then became somewhat dazed before saying, "We can't be too deliberate about this, or it will easily cause resentment. I think we should do this: I'll stay in the city, and Xiao Gong will stay in the county, on standby at any time. If anything happens, you can contact us immediately."

However, I believe that Secretary Wang's unannounced visit was intended to understand the people's sentiments. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, it's best not to disturb anyone else.

Lin Xiao nodded in agreement. He naturally understood this principle. His senior uncle had specifically asked him to accompany him, which was an extremely rare sign of trust, and he couldn't just call anyone.

"Two leaders, here's what I'm thinking about for Saturday. Before Secretary Wang came, he did some research on our city, but it was all on paper, so he probably lacks a direct impression. I plan to take Secretary Wang to sample some local delicacies in the morning, then visit some old factories and communities. At noon, we'll sample some local specialties again. If time permits, we'll visit the new district in the afternoon."

This is the plan for Saturday. As for Sunday, I'd like to take Secretary Wang to Fengshan County, to see both the county seat and the towns, so he can experience the local customs and traditions. Of course, I have a personal motive for this. However, I always feel that anything that helps the villagers is worthwhile.

Lin Xiao's gaze was firm. He always kept the promises made to Liu Jianguo and the villagers in mind. Although he was not sure if they could be fulfilled, he would at least try his best to achieve them.

After listening to Lin Xiao's arrangements, Gong Lei thought for a moment and said, "These arrangements are a bit tight. I don't think Secretary Wang will just be going through the motions. I think you should plan it out like this first, and then let Secretary Wang decide later."

"I'll make the arrangements with the Public Security Bureau."

Zhou Zizheng said, but after seeing Lin Xiao's somewhat strange look, he added, "Don't worry, Lao Su is one of us too."

Seeing Gong Lei nod slightly, Lin Xiao finally relaxed her guard a little.

Immediately afterward, Zhou Zizheng took out his phone and dialed a number. After the call connected, he said first, "Old Su, are you free now? Come to the Haofu Hotel..."