Chapter 621: Building Momentum, Ready to Launch

Time flew by; in the blink of an eye it was the end of June. Lu Fan successfully completed his studies, carrying a bountiful harvest and hopes for the future, and returned to Splendid Plain Province.

During this period, Lu Fan devoted himself wholeheartedly to his studies, continually drawing nourishment from knowledge, gaining a deeper understanding of many complex theories and practical problems, broadening his horizons, increasing his erudition, and opening his mind; he benefited immensely.

It is worth mentioning that over these few months he interacted daily with Si Daiqiang, Wang Gang, Guo Xiaopeng, Zhao Ziren, and others, and their relationship grew day by day.

After getting off the plane, Deputy Secretary-General of the Provincial Committee Qi Shengyin met him.

On the way back to the Provincial Committee, Lu Fan sat quietly in the car, looking through the window at the familiar city—the bustling streets, the throngs of people, the skyscrapers standing side by side—his mind filled with countless thoughts, and it was time to leave! Anyone would feel reluctant to part; this place is a precious memory that is hard to erase from his political career.

Back in the office, Qi Shengyin lowered his voice and asked, "Secretary, I heard you might be transferred; can I follow you?"

Lu Fan gave a noncommittal reply, saying, "Don't listen to outside rumors; just do your own work well."

Qi Shengyin answered embarrassedly, "Okay, Secretary!"

Lu Fan then asked, "Is Secretary Jingchen in?"

"He has no afternoon engagements; he's in the office right now."

Lu Fan picked up his water cup, stood up, and went to the Secretary's office.

Upon entering, Propaganda Department Head Qin Mengyang was reporting his work; he quickly stood up, smiling, and said, "Congratulations, Secretary Lu, on completing your studies!"

Lu Fan laughed and replied, "It's rare to have a chance to quiet the mind and "recharge"; I indeed gained knowledge and insight. Secretary, I'm here to cancel my leave."

Qin Mengyang, sensing the situation, said, "Secretary, I'll not disturb you. Secretary Lu, you two talk." Having said that, he withdrew.

Wang Jingchen revealed a heartfelt smile and said, "Department Head Zhou Xi and I have communicated; heading to the grasslands, the road is blocked and long, the task is heavy and the road far. May you have chest full of hills and valleys, belly full of heaven and earth, cut through thorns and brambles, fear no distant place, and on the vast grasslands bloom with new brilliance!"

"It is an honor, yet also a heavy pressure and responsibility; fearing to betray the organization's trust and expectations, I must work diligently day and night, give my all, fulfill my duties, be diligent and pragmatic, and remain cautious from start to finish!"

Wang Jingchen asked, "Lu Fan, if there is any unfinished business in Huayuan, please speak up."

After a moment's thought, Lu Fan replied, "Secretary, I personally have no requests; I may just need to bring a few people over later, and I ask the Secretary to accommodate."

Wang Jingchen smiled and said, "That's reasonable; no matter who you want, I'll give you a green light all the way. Remember, Huayuan will always be your natal home!" As the saying goes, "Everyone lifts the bridal sedan," if Lu Fan really takes people with him, it's definitely a good thing, and he has no reason to stop him.

"Thank you for your support, Secretary; during the time I've worked with you, I've learned a great deal, which will surely benefit me for life!"

After chatting a while, Wang Jingchen suddenly asked, "After you leave, regarding the deputy secretary personnel, who do you think is more suitable?"

Lu Fan pondered and replied, "In terms of seniority, Comrade Chongzhou best meets the requirements, though Comrades Lingyun, Jinwu, and Yongchang are also suitable candidates. But this is a matter for the organization to consider, so I won't speculate."

Returning to the office, he found Executive Deputy Provincial Governor Huang Chongzhou sitting on the sofa, his face showing worry.

Lu Fan laughed and said, "The master's away, and you can't even brew tea?"

Huang Chongzhou's expression changed, and he smiled slightly, saying, "You spent a few months at the party school, got all refined, huh? Such opportunities probably won't come again!"

"Yes, in the long river of seeking truth, only by constantly studying, diligently studying, and studying creatively can one overcome heavy mountains and cross steep ridges; this time the gains have been great!"

"Are we leaving soon? I heard the meeting has already been concluded!"

Lu Fan laughed and replied, "Only after seeing the document can it be considered settled; for now, whatever rumors circulate cannot be taken as fact."

"Lu Fan, if you get promoted, do you think I have a chance to compete for the deputy secretary position?"

"You are the Executive Deputy Provincial Governor; in Huayuan you have the deepest seniority, so of course you have a chance. If there is an opportunity, I will definitely recommend you to the organization."

"No need for thanks; from now on, whatever happens in Huayuan, just give me a heads-up!" Huang Chongzhou beamed with satisfaction.

Just as Huang Chongzhou stepped out, Political and Legal Committee Secretary Wang Jinwu arrived, sharing the same goal as Huang Chongzhou: to win Lu Fan's support and vie for the deputy secretary post.

Lu Fan repeated what he had just told Huang Chongzhou, indicating he would fully support Wang Jinwu's ascent. Since such promises cost nothing, at the moment of parting, Lu Fan would not offend anyone.

As the workday was ending, Cheng Haohao came over, exchanged a few greetings, and then bluntly said, "Secretary, if you go to another post, can I follow you?"

Lu Fan considered it and said, "Nothing's been decided yet; we'll talk later!" Regarding this secretary, Lu Fan intends to bring him along; he already had the plan to transfer him back to the Organization Department. Going to the grasslands requires 'combat'; one needs capable hands nearby, and finding a new secretary would require breaking in—time waits for no one.

On the morning of July 5, Lu Fan received notice and urgently went to Yancheng to accept an organizational talk.

Upon arriving at the Organization Department, it happened to be just after the afternoon workday began, and Department Head Zhou Xi personally talked with Lu Fan.

Zhou Xi spoke earnestly: "According to the organization's observation, you have rich leadership experience, emancipated thinking, broad vision, clear thought, are good at offering ideas, setting direction, and planning major affairs; you have strong overall coordination ability, strong work drive, emphasize people‑first and people's livelihood, listen to the masses' voices, care about the people's hardships, focus on Party building and anti‑corruption; the organization is generally satisfied with you!"

Sending you to work in the grasslands stems from the bigger picture, based on work needs, after thorough deliberation, pooling collective wisdom, thorough deliberation, comprehensive consideration, and prudent study; it is a full affirmation, trust, and important commission for you personally!

Hope you always keep the Party, the people, responsibility, and discipline in your heart; stand firm on major issues, be fearless in the face of storms and trials, remain steadfast against all temptations; under any circumstance, maintain unwavering political faith, an unmoving political stance, and an undeviating political direction.

Once in the grasslands, you should quickly grasp the real situation, speak truthfully, take effective action, not shy away from contradictions, not shirk responsibility, dare to shoulder burdens, act boldly, and with vigorous, relentless, and persistent effort achieve success and benefit the grassland people!

Lu Fan replied with unusually firm gaze: "This arrangement sending me to work in the grasslands is the organization's care and trust in me, and also a great personal honor; I thank the organization for years of cultivation and education. Going to the grasslands, to me it is a new starting point, a new mission, a new challenge, and I deeply feel the task is arduous and the responsibility great."

Please rest assured, organization and department head; I will surely carry forward the spirit of persevering like a rolling stone climbing a hill, surmounting this obstacle before me, I will devote all my thoughts to the grasslands cause, pour all my feelings into the grassland people, overcome difficulties and forge ahead, fulfill my duties and perform conscientiously, be upright in conduct and clean in action, and absolutely not betray the organization's heavy trust and expectations!

Zhou Xi continued: "In the grasslands, your post will be deputy secretary concurrent with Discipline Inspection Committee secretary, an unconventional staffing arrangement that is also the result of Hong Tao's strong advocacy; the purpose need not be spelled out, but you must certainly not disappoint Hong Tao's expectations of you! If you encounter any difficulties at work, you may contact me anytime; the Organization Department will fully support your work in the grasslands. Lu Fan, I sincerely hope you quickly "break the ice" in the grasslands and restore clear skies and white clouds there!"

"Department head, I will surely, with the determination to never return until Loulan is broken, the tenacity to cling to the green mountains without letting go, carry forward the fighting spirit, strengthen my combat abilities, dare to draw the sword on major principle issues, and satisfactorily complete the tasks assigned by the organization!"

Zhou Xi asked, "You bear a heavy burden; as the saying goes, a hero needs three helpers. If you have any requests, you may raise them now, and the organization will consider them within reasonable limits."

Lu Fan knew this was no time for pleasantries and bluntly said, "I want to reorganize the grasslands Discipline Inspection Committee and transfer two people to serve as deputy secretaries of the Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee."

"Who specifically?"

"Du Wenlong of the Discipline Inspection Committee and Lin Changping, deputy secretary of the Huayuan Discipline Inspection Committee, with Du Wenlong serving as the standing deputy secretary."

Zhou Xi nodded and said, "Exchanges of discipline inspection cadres to other places are also normal; I have no objection here. When you go to the Discipline Inspection Committee later, you can talk directly with Secretary Jia Zhong; I think there won't be much problem on his end either."

"Thank you for your support, department head!" Lu Fan naturally wanted to bring a large group to attack, but that's impossible; he can only go to the grasslands and make gradual plans. As for bringing the secretary and a few ordinary staff, he can handle it himself.

Leaving the Organization Department, Lu Fan hurried to the Discipline Inspection Committee.

Actually, moving from Organization Department Head to Discipline Inspection Committee secretary represents little political advancement, and once one "breaks into" the discipline inspection system, it's hard to break out. But Lu Fan has no such qualms, because his main role is deputy secretary, and concurrently serving as grasslands Discipline Inspection Committee secretary is of great significance to him—it is a mission, taking the task and organizational intent to the grasslands, equivalent to wielding the "imperial sword", being an imperial envoy with the organization's absolute trust.

Applying a line: "I kill whom the Eastern Garrison dares not kill; I manage what the Eastern Factory dares not manage; strike first, report later, imperially authorized!"

"If this job is done well and done splendidly, the future is limitless!"

Arriving at the Discipline Inspection Committee, the gate bore no plaque; the compound was surrounded by gray brick walls four meters high and one meter thick, giving it an air of mystery. But Lu Fan suddenly felt a sense of closeness—he was about to become an honorable discipline inspection worker!

Du Wenlong had said, the unit numbers about 1,000 people, one‑quarter are women, daily they must complete a huge workload, overtime is routine, and one can work so much as to doubt life.

Following procedure, Lu Fan presented his work ID, after verification he was immediately allowed through.