Li Mingxi smiled and shook his head, it was a matter of where. Zhu Huaijing didn't know how to say a word when he saw his modesty, and he began to sweat on his back. He glanced at Li Mingxi, and when he saw that this person was still like a wooden man, he diverted the conversation and asked, "Secretary General Liu is busy today, right?" ”

Secretary-General Liu smiled bitterly and said, "Things are all coming together!" At this time, your Aunt Yu was hospitalized again. I had a meeting in the afternoon until after 6 o'clock, and I rushed to the hospital immediately. I ate it for dinner. Thanks to Xiao Wu, otherwise I really don't know what to do. ”

"What's wrong with Aunt Yu?" Zhu Huaijing asked with concern.

Secretary-General Liu frowned slightly, and sighed: "She has been lying in the hospital for more than half a year. ”

Zhu Huaijing couldn't say anything, he just shook his head. He originally didn't know about Secretary General Liu's family, but later heard Fang Mingyuan say that he knew some of the situation. Soon after Secretary-General Liu married his wife, Aunt Yu, Aunt Yu became paralyzed and has not improved for decades. The two have never had children. The husband and wife have been together for decades and have a good reputation among cadres.

Xiao Wu came over and poured tea and went back to the house. After a while, he came out with a dry towel and stood aside.

Secretary-General Liu looked at Li Mingxi and said with a smile: "I thought that you, who were a painter, must have long hair and a shawl, and a beard all over your face!" ”

Zhu Huaijing hurriedly said: "You guessed right." He has always been like this, and today because he wanted to see the leader, he ran to get a haircut. Otherwise, he won't be able to enter the ** gate. ”

Secretary-General Liu nodded at Zhu Huaijing and said, "Huaijing, you must have asked him for a haircut, right?" That's not right for you. The artist has to have his own personality, what does it matter if the hair is longer? If they don't have their own personality, they won't be creative and they won't be able to produce good works. Mr. Li, don't you say? ”

Li Mingxi just smiled. At this time, Secretary-General Liu finished washing his feet, Xiao Wu dried it for him, and bowed over to take away the footwashing water. Secretary-General Liu smiled at Zhu Huaijing and said, "This Xiao Wu is good. After that, he shouted again: "Xiao Wu, the toenails have grown." Xiao Wu answered, and after a while, he came over with his nails. Secretary-General Liu stretched out his hand to take the nail clippers, but she said: "Your waist is too hard, so I'll cut it for you." Secretary-General Liu pointed at Xiao Wu with a smile, and said to Zhu Huaijing: "Look at you, this Xiao Wu is such a good boy." ”

Xiao Wu Waner smiled, moved a small stool, sat down in front of Secretary-General Liu, picked up Secretary-General Liu's feet and put them on his lap, and carefully cut them up. No one spoke for a moment, and Secretary General Liu raised his hand and stroked his hair gracefully. Zhu Huaijing wanted to find a word to say, but he couldn't think of the right words, and he felt very uncomfortable. He turned his head to look at Li Mingxi secretly, but saw that he was fine, as if he was sitting here alone. He really admired this madman. Zhu Huaijing felt that he was the only one who was so embarrassed, and he became more and more embarrassed. He knew that Secretary General Liu would not be embarrassed. Zhu Huaijing has seen a lot of such leaders, if you are alone with him, he likes to talk to you and say a few words, otherwise he will not say a word, either his face is expressionless, or he seems to be smiling instead of smiling, let you be bored and panicked, and his back is sweating.

At this moment, Secretary-General Liu was leaning back on the sofa, his eyes narrowed slightly, like an elegant person enjoying music. Only the sound of cutting toenails clicked. Xiao Wu looked very professional when he cut his toenails, and after cutting, he carefully polished them. Finally waited until the cut was finished, and Zhu Huaijing asked Li Mingxi to open the painting and let Secretary-General Liu criticize and criticize. Li Mingxi didn't get up, but only stretched out his hand towards Zhu Huaijing. It turned out that the painting was placed on the low cabinet behind Zhu Huaijing, closer to him. Zhu Huaijing was slightly unhappy, so he had to raise his hand to take the painting. I thought to myself that Li Mingxi really didn't understand the rules. On the other hand, Li Mingxi does not pay attention to secular etiquette, which is exactly what he is innocent and lovely. If it's in officialdom, it's a big taboo. In officialdom, everyone has to carefully abide by some rules according to their positions, status, and identity, and dare not take half a step out of the ordinary easily. In fact, there is no document that lays down these rules, but they are more entrenched than the letter of the law. For example, Li Mingxi stretched out his hand towards Zhu Huaijing just now, it is a normal thing, you are closer to the painting, you take the painting is a gesture, it is not a big deal. But according to the rules of officialdom, it will not work. You Li Mingxi is so big, so you came to command me? I'm still the director!

Zhu Huaijing stood up with the painting and motioned for Li Mingxi to stand up as well. Li Mingxi didn't understand what he meant, and still sat still. He had no choice but to call: "Come, Mingxi, let's open it and let Secretary General Liu take a look." ”

Only then did Li Mingxi stand up weakly, and opened the two paintings one by one with Zhu Huaijing. The first one to open was the big one, Secretary General Liu looked at it carefully, nodded and said Okay! When he opened the small one again, Secretary-General Liu looked at it carefully, but stood up and said, "Okay!" Overall, both are good, but I prefer this one. ”

Li Mingxi looked at Zhu Huaijing proudly, which meant that Zhu Huaijing immediately understood, that is, his eyesight was not as good as that of Secretary General Liu. Secretary-General Liu said and took a closer look, took a few steps back and looked at it for a while, and said, "Yes, really good." Especially this one, the composition, artistic conception, and brushwork are all very good. Of course, the big one is also very good, and it is best to hang it in the living room. I'm reluctant to hang this small one! ”

After reading the painting, Secretary-General Liu pulled Li Mingxi to speak. Li Mingxi said a little more now, but he only asked and answered, and he didn't take the initiative to say anything. Secretary-General Liu talked to Li Mingxi for a while, and then explained to Zhu Huaijing: "Huaijing, you should worry more about Mr. Li's exhibition." If you have any problems, tell me immediately. We don't have more such talents, but less. In a city, without a few first-class artists, the cultural taste cannot go up. I have a point of view, which may be different from the average person. That is to say, of course, we must strive to boost the economy, but if we neglect cultural construction and simply pursue economic development, then economic development will eventually lose its vitality. Because without the support of culture, economic development will not last long. I also believe that the economy can create miracles in a short period of time, and cultural construction must be the result of a long-term historical accumulation. Therefore, my personal opinion is that we must not engage in short-term behavior in cultural construction, but must focus on the long-term and the future, and always put cultural construction in an important position. And this work is very specific, to put it bluntly, it starts with the artist. Catch a few first-class artists, and your city will have taste. When we talk about painting and sculpture in Rome, music in Vienna, and literature in Paris, isn't it because there were several famous writers, musicians, and painters born there? This one...... Of course, on the one hand, it is also necessary to grasp the popularization of culture, correctly handle the relationship between popularization and improvement, and not only bring up a number of first-class artists, but also let culture and art enter the lives of the people. We can't let art be aristocratic at any time......"

Secretary-General Liu gushed endlessly, but Li Mingxi sounded like a book from heaven, and he was at a loss. He just looked at Secretary-General Liu and spoke, without smiling or nodding his head. Zhu Huaijing knew that Li Mingxi would be dizzy when he listened to this set of official words, but fortunately, his expression still looked like he was listening carefully to the teachings, and he would not embarrass Secretary General Liu. After Secretary-General Liu finished speaking, Zhu Huaijing hurriedly said: "Secretary-General Liu's leadership consciousness is not ordinary, and he is very culturally conscious. It's not that I'm saying it, but now some leaders, don't look at them, they have all gone to university, and some of them have master's diplomas and doctoral degrees, but they lack cultural awareness. Without cultural awareness, it is difficult to talk about modern consciousness; And without modern consciousness, there is no need to talk about the pioneering spirit......"

Secretary-General Liu raised his hand and motioned for Zhu Huaijing to speak slowly, and he would not say anything. Secretary-General Liu took over his words and talked about Zhu Huaijing's major events: "That's why I have always advocated boldly employing young and pioneering cadres. Huaijing, the organization is ready to put pressure on you. ”

Secretary General Liu paused for a moment when he said this, and did not look at anyone, but just rested his head comfortably on the sofa and looked at the ceiling. Zhu Huaijing didn't expect that Secretary General Liu's conversation with him would begin like this. He knew that what Secretary-General Liu said was that the organization would promote him, and what he wanted to say was, of course, not to thank the organization for its trust, but to thank Secretary-General Liu for his cultivation. So he looked at the eyes that didn't look at him, and said very sincerely: "Thank you very much, Secretary General Liu." I will work hard and never fail you. ”

Secretary General Liu turned his head at this time, glanced at Zhu Huaijing, looked away again, and then said: "You are the deputy county magistrate below, and you have been in charge of education, as well as finance and trade. I'm sure you've done a good job as a finance and trade director. I'm very busy these days, so I won't talk to you anymore. Today is a formal conversation. The position of the director of the Finance and Trade Division has been vacant for a long time, so you can hand over the work here and take office immediately. The documents will be sent shortly. I'll talk to the Personnel Department, arrange a time, and I'll take you to meet with the comrades in the Finance and Trade Department. ”

Zhu Huaijing was continuing to say words of thanks, and Secretary-General Liu looked up at the wall clock on the wall. Zhu Huaijing immediately realized that he should leave. But before he could turn around and mention his farewell, Secretary General Liu interrupted him, looked at Li Mingxi and said, "Then thank you, Mr. Li, thank you two?" ”

Zhu Huaijing immediately stood up, bowed over and said, "Then we will leave, Secretary-General, you rest." ”

Xiao Wu hurriedly stood up and said, "Director Zhu, the two of you are good to go." ”

Zhu Huaijing smiled at Xiao Wu and expressed his gratitude. He wanted to say that you have done a good job here, but when he saw this situation today, he felt that this was redundant. Zhu Huaijing took Li Mingxi and walked out, turning back and smiling. Secretary-General Liu slowly stood up and waved at them. Xiao Wu ran in front and opened the door. Zhu Huaijing finally turned around and waved his hand and went out. The door was gently closed behind it. Zhu Huaijing learned the lesson of the last time, and when he came out, he didn't say anything, just lowered his head and went downstairs without making a sound. After walking for a long time, Li Mingxi suddenly asked thoughtlessly: "Secretary General Liu's wife is still so young?" ”

Zhu Huaijing didn't react for a while, was stunned, and said, "His wife? …… Oh, that's his nanny! Really, you wooden fish braincase, don't you understand a word when I talk to him? ”

"Who cares what you two say? All I heard was that your leader seemed to be talking about how many artists he wanted to arrest, and that tone was like '*****'. Li Mingxi grunted.

Zhu Huaijing knew that Li Mingxi was deliberately humorous, and felt angry and funny. He sent Li Mingxi to the gate and said, "I'm looking for something to do by myself!" I'll have to plan your exhibition. It's your business, and I can't help it. Okay, you just prepare the paintings, I'll raise the funds, and then you can participate in the decoration yourself. ”

Li Mingxi smiled, turned around and left. Zhu Huaijing habitually stretched out his hand, but his hand had to draw an arc in the air, which evolved into a posture of scratching his head. He watched Li Mingxi staggering in the cold wind, and a warmth surged in his heart inexplicably, and his chest jumped a few times with emotion. He walked back for a while before he vaguely realized what he had just been moved. He couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief, feeling quite emotional. He thought maybe this was a friend! It is a real friend who has no interest. Only in front of such a friend, he Zhu Huaijing is real. It's so hard to meet such a friend now!

He had a lot of things in his head to think about for a while, and he didn't go home right away. He went straight to the office. He sat down at his desk, and the first thing he remembered was talking on the phone with Yuqin. He dialed the phone, and his chest couldn't help but beat wildly. It's a beautiful thing that this woman always gives him this feeling. The phone was connected, Yuqin fed it flatly, and when she heard that it was him, her tone immediately became happy, and she said, "Ho, Huaijing, are you very busy today?" Didn't call me for a day. I'm on duty tonight. Zhu Huaijing was also inconvenient to go over tonight, so he said, "It's a little busy." There's such a big thing, you know. I'm also working overtime in the office. Let me tell you, Mayor Pi and Secretary-General Liu have talked to me today, asking me to go to the Finance and Trade Department as the director, and I will go to the Finance and Trade Department in a few days, and the affairs here must be handed over quickly. Yuqin was silent for a while and said, "Congratulations! How can I comfort you? Zhu Huaijing laughed and said, "What do you say? Yuqin understood what he meant, and said, "You are bad! I won't tell you, you can work overtime. Don't be too late, get some rest early. ”

Putting down the phone, Zhu Huaijing's heart was beautiful for a while. I wanted to get up and go back, and I felt like there was something else going on. After thinking about it for a while, I remembered that it should be the hospitalization of Secretary General Liu's wife. He thought he should visit the hospital. There's nothing to think about just going to see, it's how to see it. Secretary-General Gu was killed, and looking at this situation, Secretary-General Liu must be in the first place. Secretary-General Liu is really good to him now, and he should show the necessary respect for such a figure. How to respect it depends on your own meaning. Zhu Huaijing thought that last time, in order to congratulate Mayor Pi's second son on studying in the United States, he sent 20,000 yuan, according to the rank of the job, and so on, and at least 10,000 yuan should be given to visit Secretary General Liu's wife. The thought of giving 10,000 yuan made his heart jump suddenly. That's a lot of money for him, equal to two years' salary. Besides, the 20,000 last time was 30,000, which made him even more reluctant. Alas! But there is no way, this favor still has to be done.

Zhu Huaijing patted his head, gritted his teeth fiercely, and walked out of the office. As soon as he reached the hallway, he immediately regained his composure and strode into his stride. There are also armed policemen standing guard at the entrance of the hall, and they are never expressionless. On the way home, he thought it would be better to send 5,000 yuan, just stay in a hospital, and besides, she is often hospitalized. After thinking about it carefully, I felt that 5,000 yuan was okay, so I thought: No more changes, just 5,000.

Xiangmei hasn't slept yet, and she's watching TV alone. Seeing that he had returned, she was not very hot, and only looked at the clock on the wall. Zhu Huaijing understood that she blamed him for coming back late, so he casually talked about the death of the mayor and them, implying that he was busy with this matter. Xiangmei asked him if he had eaten. He said that he had not eaten so late and was hungry early. Xiangmei got up and poured water for him to wash his face and feet.

After going to bed, the two gossiped for a while, and the atmosphere was better, and Zhu Huaijing talked about going to visit Secretary General Liu's wife. When Xiangmei heard that she was going to spend another 5,000 yuan, she sat up, but Zhu Huaijing didn't agree. Zhu Huaijing persuaded left and right, and laid out the truths he said last time. But this time it's not very spiritual, and Xiangmei doesn't live or die. Zhu Huaijing became angry. As soon as he became popular, Xiangmei got out of bed, took out the passbook angrily, threw it to Zhu Huaijing, and said, "Okay!" It's all for you, whatever you want to send, it's none of my business! Don't talk about money in front of me anymore! ”

Xiangmei went to her son's room to sleep in a huff. The passbook was next to Zhu Huaijing's pillow, and he didn't take it. It's no wonder that Xiangmei is angry, it's really heart-wrenching to spend money like this. My father has been working in the countryside with his ass arched all his life, and he has never had 25,000 yuan in hand! No matter how generous Zhu Huaijing usually is, no matter how much he eats and drinks, he doesn't dare to be too big. From time to time, he would think of the countryside he was familiar with. When he buys a pair of leather shoes, buys a dress, or goes to a restaurant, it always suddenly occurs to his father that with all this money, his father has to work hard for half a year or a year. My father bit the loess with his back to the sky, and he couldn't earn enough money for a meal he ate outside for a year. He was too familiar with the villages, too familiar with the peasants like his father! The countryside, which was still very poor, was the background that he could never leave, the hinterland of his heart and emotions.

However, Zhu Huaijing left the countryside after all. Leaving the countryside is the desire of almost all countrymen. The fathers and villagers hope that he will have a good future, and he will be greatly promising. But over the years, he has seen more and more clearly that the so-called great success of a countryman can only be achieved through the efforts of several generations. His generation can only complete the step of changing from a countryman to a city person. He can only create conditions for his son to be more noble than him. Later, the grandson was more noble than the son. Only in this way will his family slowly move into the upper echelons of society. Whether you admit it or not, there is in fact a class in society. People who live in the lower strata, you can arrogantly despise the upper strata, but you don't want to easily approach and go to the upper strata. The so-called upper class has always referred to people who have become big officials, but in recent years, a new element has been added to the ranks of the upper class, that is, people who have made a lot of money. In Jingdu, those who are big officials and those who make a lot of money are called bosses. These bosses are probably the so-called "people" mentioned by Secretary-General Liu when he revised the "** Work Report". Zhu Huaijing thought that the word "person" may not have much special meaning on the word, but it seems that there is a faint breath in the middle: some people are really becoming more and more aristocratic. Thinking about this, he got up and turned on the light, found a dictionary, and turned to the word "person."

[People] Figures with a certain social influence: democracy ~ all walks of life ~ outside the party ~ patriotism ~.

[Personnel] A person who holds a certain position: organ work ~ armed ~ on duty ~ equipped ~.

People can be called people, but people can only be ordinary people. Zhu Huaijing closed the dictionary, and suddenly felt that he was very pedantic and ridiculous, and he actually flipped through the dictionary to verify what a person is and what a person is. Dictionaries are dead, language is alive, and officialdom language is often implicit, obscure, and symbolic, so what's the use of turning dictionaries? Though the rulers are still called public servants, and the rich are still honored as God, the facts are the facts. If the lower class wants to enter the upper class as soon as possible, to use the fashionable official saying, that is, to achieve unconventional development, you must have unconventional means. Zhu Huaijing reached out and picked up the passbook and held it in his hand. The passbook was cold, and a cold air rushed through his body. His eyes were closed, and he experienced an emotion bordering on tragedy. The passbook was pinched in the palm of his hand, and his mood was calm.

I don't know how late it was, he didn't feel sleepy at all, so he simply got up. Hearing that there was no sound from Xiangmei next door, he opened the door and went out. It's cold outside, and the street lights are blue and white, and everything under this light seems to be overshadowed by magic. Zhu Huaijing knew that his face might be terrifying at this time. He went to the office building, and the armed police standing guard looked at him strangely. He pretended to wave to others, like a leader who could do everything he could. I went into the office and sat down for a while, thinking that I might as well go back to sleep. But as soon as I got out of the office building, I went in the direction of the gate.

Zhu Huaijing felt inexplicably tragic when he walked in the cold wind, and tears blurred his eyes. He thought that whoever provoked him at this time would be unlucky, and he would definitely beat this person half to death! The cold wind blew in his face and kept him from breathing. He whined in the wind like a lonely wolf.

He shouted like this, and arrived near the Longxing Hotel. Seeing the bright lights outside the hotel foyer, he stopped shouting. But today's red, green, and green lights made him feel more poignant and sad than he had ever been, and he couldn't help but burst into tears.