Chapter 7: Turning Swords into Plowshares

A hostile voice came from behind. Lin Hao turned his head and saw a middle-aged man of about forty, wearing glasses and looking at him with a face full of resentment.

“Hello, I’m new here today, the secretary to Secretary Gu,” Lin Hao said with a smile, extending his hand in a friendly gesture.

But the man merely snorted coldly and sized him up.

“So you’re the new Section Chief Lin. Quite young and promising, with rather clever methods,” he said, his words dripping with sarcasm, though on the surface they seemed flawless.

Hearing this, Lin Hao had a pretty good idea—this must be the person recommended as Secretary Gu’s secretary. Otherwise, he wouldn’t harbor such bitterness.

Few fools survive long in the General Office; maintaining composure is essential. This middle-aged man’s sarcastic tone suggested there was some grudge between them.

Since Lin Hao had just been seconded to the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission, the only way to offend someone was by taking their position.

“I’m flattered, but just lucky. I can’t compare to Director Sun. Everyone knows Director Sun of the First Comprehensive Division is highly capable with a strong pen. I hope to learn a lot from him and that he won’t be stingy with his guidance,” Lin Hao replied with a warm smile, extending his hand again.

He was only here on a temporary assignment and could be sent back at any time. Not knowing the inner workings of the Commission, it was best to offend as few as possible, at least outwardly.

If the other man was truly ungrateful, the three-month transition period would be enough for him to maneuver.

The incident with Xu Fei had taught Lin Hao that backstabbing didn’t always require open confrontation; it could happen behind the scenes.

He used to disdain such tactics, but now, as a leader’s secretary, he had no choice but to employ them.

Sun Qian looked at Lin Hao with curiosity. “You know me?”

“When I chatted with Secretary Gu today, he mentioned Director Sun. He said you were the talent recommended by the Discipline Inspection Commission’s General Office, but due to some special reasons, they had to appoint someone like me, a junior deputy section chief,” Lin Hao explained.

This wasn’t exactly a lie. Secretary Gu had indeed mentioned the General Office’s recommendation but didn’t name Sun Qian. Still, Sun Qian wouldn’t dare ask Secretary Gu directly. The only person he could question was Ma Bo. If Ma Bo recommended Lin Hao, would he say Lin Hao was unqualified? That would be insulting Secretary Gu—treating everyone like dogs and cats.

Language is an art. Lin Hao’s words were partly fabricated, but everyone would take them as truth.

As for how he knew this, Lin Hao had seen the personnel records of the General Office that evening. He found that Sun Qian was slated for promotion from deputy director of the First Comprehensive Division to director of the Fourth Division, pending approval. Such a transfer and promotion at this time must serve to qualify him as a leader’s secretary—Lin Hao could think of no other reason.

After hearing this, Sun Qian’s expression improved considerably, and he felt much relieved.

Sure enough, it wasn’t a matter of his ability but special circumstances. The Secretary still cared about him; his future held promise.

“Lin Hao, right? I’m about twenty years older than you, so just call me your older brother. Becoming Secretary Gu’s secretary is a bright future indeed. Got time? Let’s grab some drinks,” Sun Qian said, his attitude shifting swiftly.

He’d been waiting to see Lin Hao fail, feeling resentful. But seeing Lin Hao’s intelligence and tact, he realized the man must have caught Secretary Gu’s attention. That kind of composure was rare.

If the man were a fool, Sun Qian wouldn’t hesitate to offend him. But for a clever person, offending the second-in-command would only make it impossible to survive here.

“Gladly. I’m new and eager to learn,” Lin Hao replied without hesitation. Men talk better over drinks.

What he needed most now was to understand the inner workings of the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission. Having a seasoned insider guide him was invaluable.

After packing up their things, they headed to a nearby tavern, ordered several small dishes, and a bottle of white liquor.

After a few drinks, both relaxed and loosened up.

“Lin Hao, as a deputy section chief seconded to the General Office, serving as Secretary Gu’s secretary, many eyes will be on you. Be careful,” Sun Qian said frankly after a few words.

He might not be entirely sincere, but Lin Hao accepted the goodwill.

“Brother Sun, I’m worried since I’m blind to the Commission’s workings. If you could give me some pointers, that would be great.”

“It’s not that hard. As secretary, your main task is to serve the leader well. Secondly, you must fulfill the role of the second-in-command,” Sun Qian said mysteriously, pride barely contained in his tone.

“Oh? Please enlighten me,” Lin Hao feigned curiosity.

Seeing Lin Hao eager to learn, Sun Qian felt a surge of satisfaction. So what if he was the leader’s chief secretary? He still had to seek his advice.

“You need to supervise, coordinate, and push forward related work under certain circumstances. Understanding the leader’s intentions and implementing tasks requires exceptional execution and organizational skills. If you can’t read the room or grasp the leader’s will, you won’t do well. Of course, our Commission is special; we shoulder important propaganda work, so having a strong pen is essential.”

Many misunderstand drinking culture, thinking it’s just a gathering of drinkers. In reality, many unsuitable topics can be smoothly raised in such settings.

Some things said can even be denied later.

No one would discuss such intimate matters with a stiff posture around a tea table.

Lin Hao took careful notes. He recognized these as precious insights. Though brief, these words encapsulated the essentials of being a secretary.

Whether one could grasp them depended on personal talent and learning ability.

“I’ll keep your advice close to heart, Brother Sun. I won’t forget this kindness,” Lin Hao said cautiously, avoiding grand promises.

After all, he now represented not only himself but also the leader’s image and authority.

“You’re a smart one. I’m betting on you. Tomorrow, remember to get your access pass; otherwise, registration will be a hassle. Also, your personnel file from your original unit must be transferred here. I’ll make a call to have it sent over tomorrow,” Sun Qian said, raising his assessment of Lin Hao.

Someone Ma Bo recommended as Secretary Gu’s secretary couldn’t be a fool.

From their exchange, Sun Qian sensed Lin Hao was a talent who might rise swiftly. How Lin Hao gained attention and was recommended to Secretary Gu? He wouldn’t ask. Over time, he’d naturally learn. Asking right away might make Secretary Gu think he harbored resentment. Everyone here knew what to ask and what to avoid.

What he didn’t expect was that Lin Hao himself was completely unaware of these details.

“Thanks, Brother Sun. I appreciate it,” Lin Hao said earnestly.

Handling these matters himself would be tedious and uncertain. Without connections, people just follow procedures, and he couldn’t complain. If Secretary Gu knew he was incompetent, that would be bad.

Having someone handle it was a great relief.

Of course, Lin Hao didn’t think Sun Qian was kind-hearted; it was simply because of his status as the First Secretary of the Pingyuan Discipline Inspection Commission.

After finishing a glass, Lin Hao looked at him and quietly asked,

“Brother Sun, where do you think I should focus my efforts now that I’ve taken office? Could you tell me more about why the previous secretary stepped down? I want to avoid any pitfalls.”