Chapter 5: The Governor's Secretary

A surge of electricity shot from Zhang Jun’s feet straight to the crown of his head!

Ma Hongqi asked him if he wanted to change jobs. What was certain was that even if he didn’t come over as a secretary, he could definitely be transferred to work in the provincial government.

Zhang Jun had been unhappy working at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute. Since joining, he had been marginalized and had practically warmed the cold bench.

He was already tired of the attitudes of those few superiors.

The smiling tiger Wu Guoquan and the cold-faced Yanluo Sun Quan all looked down on Zhang Jun. All the hard and dirty work was dumped on him, and he never got a share of promotions or wealth.

Zhang Jun didn’t understand why he was singled out so particularly. Was it simply because he had the highest academic qualifications? Were they afraid he would stand out? Was that why they suppressed him?

In one’s lifetime, there are often only a few opportunities that can change one’s destiny; grasping them means soaring to the heights.

Leaving the Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute to enter this compound symbolizing the highest power of the province might be the greatest opportunity of Zhang Jun’s life!

His hope, once dead, instantly rekindled like spring sprouts, brimming with vigorous vitality.

He strove to suppress his inner joy and said calmly, “Governor Ma, I am willing to follow your arrangements.”

The opportunity was offered by Ma Hongqi, so the gratitude and obedience were naturally directed to this benefactor before him, not the organization.

Ma Hongqi smiled faintly, then his expression turned solemn as he said, “My previous secretary died young in an accident. I admired him very much, but fate had run its course—such a pity! I’m short of a secretary now. At a recent alumni reunion, someone recommended you to me. Would you be willing to come over and give it a try?”

Secretary?

Ma Hongqi really intended to transfer him over as a secretary!

Even a pie falling from the sky wouldn’t be this sweet!

No matter how composed Zhang Jun tried to be, he felt his voice trembling slightly with his heartbeat.

At this moment, the opportunity was precious; he couldn’t utter any refusal or polite hesitation.

If the leader says you’re capable, you simply are, no need for humility.

Excessive modesty would only appear insincere and pretentious.

Moreover, opportunities vanish in the blink of an eye; if he didn’t seize this one, there might never be another.

“Thank you, Governor Ma, for your recognition and kindness. I am willing to give my all to be your secretary. I have not worked as a secretary before, but I can study diligently. If I make mistakes in the future, please criticize me generously. Your high standards and demands are the greatest care and encouragement for me.”

Ma Hongqi was very satisfied with Zhang Jun’s steadiness. Although young, his words and demeanor were very appropriate—clearly a promising talent. It seemed the recommendation from an old classmate was not mistaken.

“Comrade Zhang Jun, you must be mentally prepared. The provincial government offices are not like lower-level units. The work here is heavy, time is tight, and overtime is frequent. Are you married? You might have little time to care for your family in the future. You need to discuss this with them to gain their support and understanding.”

“No problem. Although I am married, I have not yet had children,” Zhang Jun replied without hesitation. “I can devote all my time and energy to work.”

“I’m in charge of the province’s health work, but I don’t understand medical knowledge myself. Having a professional and outstanding graduate like you by my side will surely help a lot.” Ma Hongqi glanced at the calendar on his desk and asked, “Can you start work tomorrow?”

“Yes! I can come anytime!” Zhang Jun was eager to transfer immediately.

Ma Hongqi called in Wu Li and said, “Comrade Wu Li, thank you for your hard work in the secretarial office these days. Starting tomorrow, the secretary work will be handled by Comrade Zhang Jun. You will return to the provincial office.”

Wu Li stiffened instantly, like a monster from Journey to the West frozen by Sun Wukong’s spell, motionless.

Zhang Jun thought to himself: so what Xie Xiaoya said was true!

Ma Hongqi’s previous secretary died in a car accident. Whether the rumors were true—that he died while being intimate with a woman in the car—remained unknown.

Wu Li was only staff at the provincial office. Ma Hongqi had just temporarily transferred him here for assistance.

No wonder Wu Li hadn’t accompanied Ma Hongqi to work earlier.

Although it was only a temporary assignment, Wu Li clearly wanted to stay, working hard, afraid of making mistakes.

Unfortunately, Zhang Jun’s arrival shattered Wu Li’s hopes.

Feeling unprecedented grievance and sadness, but unwilling to show it, Wu Li forced a smile and said, “Congratulations, Comrade Zhang Jun. I’ll hand over the work to you shortly.”

Zhang Jun nodded.

He actually wanted to ask Ma Hongqi who had recommended him, but it was not the right moment.

Could it be that someone had seen his published papers and recommended him to the old classmate?

On Ma Hongqi’s desk were two telephones, one red and one black.

The black phone was a combined internal and external line, also known as an external line phone.

The red phone was called the "red machine," a party-government secure network phone, specifically used by leaders at or above the deputy provincial level for confidential calls.

Each red phone had a four-digit number and could only connect with other phones with similar four-digit numbers, with the entire system encrypted.

Although mobile phones were widespread, leaders at this level rarely used them for calls and certainly never for important matters.

Ma Hongqi picked up the black phone receiver and dialed a number, saying, “Comrade Zhou Kang, please come over.”

Shortly, a tall, thin middle-aged man entered.

Ma Hongqi pointed to Zhang Jun and said, “Comrade Zhou Kang, this is Comrade Zhang Jun, my newly selected secretary. His current work unit is the Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute. Please handle his transfer.”

Zhou Kang was the deputy secretary-general of the provincial government and served Ma Hongqi. He glanced at Wu Li and hesitated before saying, “Bringing someone from outside to be a secretary? Our office is full of talent—many skilled writers and top graduates! I think there will be objections.”

Ma Hongqi raised his eyelids and lifted his thick eyebrows, snorting coldly, “Who would object? Let them come talk to me! My secretary is chosen personally by me. Do you want to arrange it otherwise? I’m in charge of health work. Who in the office understands medical knowledge? Name one!”

Zhou Kang twisted the corner of his mouth and said helplessly, “That’s true. I wonder what rank Comrade Zhang Jun holds now?”

Zhang Jun answered, “I am a deputy chief staff member.”

Zhou Kang was surprised and smiled lightly, “The deputy governor’s secretary should at least be a section chief, or a deputy division chief to be appropriate. Your current rank is too low.”

Ma Hongqi said firmly, “Comrade Zhang Jun is currently a deputy chief staff member, has worked for five years, and holds a postgraduate degree. After the transfer, he will serve as the section chief of Section Four of the Provincial Government Office, with promotions to be considered later.”

Zhou Kang wiped his face and said, “Since the leader has decided, I have no objection.”

Zhang Jun thought to himself, good old Zhou Kang—he opposed it four or five times before finally conceding!

It seemed the provincial government compound was not as harmonious as it appeared on the surface; beneath the calm exterior, turbulent undercurrents surged!