When returning home, he found Jiang Encheng still perusing old photos. Their photo albums were slim, mostly filled with later pictures. Father and son typically took one photo per year in the countryside, during festivals when someone with a horse and a camera would come to capture images of the locals. Over more than a decade in the countryside, Jiang Xiaochuan and Jiang Encheng were the only subjects in those photos.

As Jiang Xiaochuan secured a job and passed the civil service exam, the number of photos gradually increased when they moved to the provincial capital.

Yet, even with additional pictures, their family album remained sparse.

Observing Jiang Encheng engrossed in reading, Jiang Xiaochuan refrained from disturbing him and headed to the kitchen to prepare a meal. His cooking skills might not be exceptional, but his efforts were driven by genuine care.

During the meal, Jiang Encheng suddenly inquired about whether Jiang Xiaochuan had someone he liked. Jiang Xiaochuan was momentarily taken aback, shook his head, and felt a mix of complex emotions.

Considering he was at the age to be married, almost reaching the number thirty made someone feel a sense of urgency. Yet, he hadn’t found someone he truly liked. It was a matter that required more contemplation when he had the time.

.

Remaining busy, Jiang Xiaochuan set off for the municipal government early the next morning. Arriving at the bus stop, he found it deserted since it was the first bus of the day. The bus driver, rubbing his eyes and yawning, seemed equally fatigued.

Upon reaching the municipal gate, several guards who had pulled an all-nighter dozed off in the duty room. Only Wei Bin, still yawning, retrieved the day’s newspaper from the box.

“Mayor Jiang, it’s so early!”

“You’re early too. You’ve worked hard. Staying up all night to watch the gate. Get some rest.” Jiang Xiaochuan smiled and advised.

Wei Bin nodded appreciatively.

Such interactions were what Jiang Xiaochuan enjoyed more—no need for words, just a sense of kindness. Unfortunately, as soon as he stepped through the door, tension enveloped him, and his mind filled with a barrage of information, akin to being on the brink of a constant battle.

He was handling some tasks in the office and making plans for the next week when he heard someone walking outside the door, inserting the key and shaking it, preparing to open the door. However, as soon as the key was inserted into the keyhole, there was a “huh” sound.

Wei Lai opened the door and noticed that the door of Jiang Xiaochuan’s office was slightly ajar. Seeing the hanging coat vaguely exposed behind the door, he knew Jiang Xiaochuan was inside. Quickly, he made a cup of tea and brought it in.

.

At that moment, Jiang Xiaochuan had just finished his work. When he saw Wei Lai knocking on the door and entering, he shared with Wei Lai the recent work matters he had planned.

As Jiang Xiaochuan’s confidential secretary, Wei Lai must be aware of many of Jiang Xiaochuan’s undisclosed habits, so he was careful with his words. Jiang Xiaochuan also admired this young man who had recently entered the secretarial industry.

Jiang Xiaochuan said, “Due to the change in work content, I not only need a secretary, but I also need a deputy mayor’s secretariat. You will remain my confidential secretary, but the personnel in the secretariat need to be carefully selected. Please pay attention. Fortunately, we will coordinate with the Human Resources Department within three days.”

When Wei Lai heard the three words ‘deputy mayor’s secretariat’, he was momentarily stunned before realizing what was happening and quickly responded, “Okay, I will pay attention. Don’t worry.”

Jiang Xiaochuan patted his shoulder, stood in front of the window, holding Wei Lai’s cup of tea in his hand, and conveyed to Wei Lai what he needed to focus on recently. “You know my work has changed a lot recently. This is a challenge for both of us. Many things may go awry if not handled well. If you can prevent those troublesome individuals, just block them. If you truly can’t or encounter difficulties, report them to me. I’ll handle it.”

Wei Lai was stunned; Jiang Xiaochuan was…

Jiang Xiaochuan was intentionally cultivating him.

How could Wei Lai not see such an obvious move? According to Jiang Xiaochuan’s implication, even with the establishment of the secretariat, there would be no changes to his role as a confidential secretary. He was highly likely to become the secretary-general of the secretariat.

This presented both a tremendous opportunity and a significant challenge.

Wei Lai sensed his determination soaring, yet he also felt the weight on his shoulders.

After Jiang Xiaochuan uttered these words, he naturally anticipated Wei Lai’s thoughts. He wasn’t inclined to elaborate further; Wei Lai wasn’t present in the previous life, and Jiang Xiaochuan needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of him now.

“The investment promotion project that Qian Qiming and Zhou Qian worked on last time ended in bankruptcy. Despite the chaos in Chengzhou, economic construction must persist. If the economic growth rate continues to decline, it could lead to an irrevocable abyss. Shortly, Dai Xu, the Rongyuan Heavy Industry boss, and Qiao Sen, China representative of Lisson Group, will visit. Arrange a hotel as a welcome venue. Other domestic and foreign companies will attend the meeting, so you’ll have additional responsibilities in this area. Pay attention.”

The reformed of state-owned, foreign, and domestic enterprises, coupled with the sudden financial crisis in Chengzhou City, presented real challenges for Jiang Xiaochuan.

As Lian Cheng stated, it was about turning the tide — but whether it could be achieved remained to be seen. He could only observe for now.