Chapter 670: Overwhelming Advantage

In the evening, Lu Fan hosted a banquet for Director Bai Chengzhi, with Luo Shiyu and Du Wenlong accompanying.

At first, Luo Shiyu did not pay much attention to Bai Chengzhi, until Lu Fan whispered to her that Director Bai had been Secretary Hong Tao's secretary when he worked in Nanzhao Province, and she realized that this director was "not ordinary"!

Looking at Bai Chengzhi's attitude toward Lu Fan—close yet respectful—Luo Shiyu felt a yearning for that circle; she sincerely thought that cooperating with Lu Fan might be the best decision she could make.

Municipal Party Secretary Wang Jianming being inspected by the Organization Department was a major event in Haiwu City's political life; the leading cadres all rushed to congratulate the Secretary, and Mayor Fu Yujie went specially to Wang Jianming's office to convey his blessings and subtly gauge the situation. When the opportunity arose, no one could remain indifferent.

Keeping in mind the matters Secretary Lu had assigned, after a few courteous words, Wang Jianming slowly said, "Yujie, in the two years we've worked together, our cooperation has been pleasant and we've forged a deep revolutionary friendship. As we part, I have a few heartfelt words I'd like to share with you!"

Hearing Wang Jianming's solemn tone, Fu Yujie hurriedly replied, "Please, Secretary, do not withhold your guidance; I am all ears!" His consistently modest attitude was largely due to him being an "outsider."

Wang Jianming's expression was grave as he said earnestly, "Whatever you do, without a foundation it's like a rootless duckweed, a water without source, a tree without a trunk. If you wish to achieve something on the prairie, relying solely on solo effort and self‑preservation is clearly untenable."

Now the prairie situation is clear, and it's time for you to make a decision; if you fail to act decisively and miss the opportunity, you may remain on the fringe of the prairie political arena, never rising. Remember, in our line of work, it's like rowing upstream—if you don't advance, you fall behind!

History only favors the steadfast, the ambitious, the fighters, and does not wait for the hesitant, the slack, the fearful! Only brilliance achieved through action, not glory that waits. As the saying goes, "Leaning against a big tree for shade," only by finding a solid backing can you stride forward with confidence!

Sensing Wang Jianming's recruitment intent, Fu Yujie felt very moved. He knew who Wang's "backer" was, because a friend of his also attended that Youth Cadre class, which happened to be in the same cohort as Lu Fan and Wang Jianming.

Should he accept this "olive branch" or not? He had to consider carefully, weighing the pros and cons.

After all, once he accepts the recruitment, it means being fully drawn into the prairie power struggles, and a slight misstep could plunge him into an irredeemable abyss…

However, as Wang Jianming said, Secretary Lu's arrival on the prairie was truly striking, displaying extraordinary leadership talent and daring spirit. She, with decisive and fearless vigor, launched a sweeping anti‑corruption campaign, continuously "capturing cities and lands," and now her reputation keeps rising, her influence expanding, and she is very likely to become the top leader of the Provincial Party Committee, making her an extremely tempting and attractive choice!

A true man born between heaven and earth cannot remain sullen and stay beneath others forever; the world is still unsettled, and you and I are both dark horses!

Weighing the pros and cons, Fu Yujie looked at Wang Jianming, his eyes showing resolve, and said firmly, "No one willingly embraces mediocrity; it's just a lack of power to change the status quo that leaves one feeling helpless. Please, Secretary, guide me; I am willing to follow in your footsteps and never retreat!"

Wang Jianming smiled with satisfaction and said, "Tomorrow you should go to the Provincial Party Committee and report to Secretary Lu. The Secretary is currently in a period of staffing, and as long as you are sincere, there will certainly be a place for you to serve!"

……

December 31, the last day of 2026, the Provincial Party Committee became a "special session" for Haiwu City's leaders: Mayor Fu Yujie, Municipal Party Committee Deputy Secretary Wen Chaozhi, Executive Vice Mayor Yuan Zhijun, Organization Department Head Zhang Wentong, Municipal Party Committee Secretary‑General Zhang Bingkun, lined up to report work to Lu Fan, a blatant, unmistakable "show of allegiance."

Lu Fan captured another victory at the turn of the year, fully securing Haiwu City—a definite good omen!

At three p. m., Lu Fan and Governor Luo Shiyu headed together to Yancheng to visit Wang Hongtao.

Lu Fan only handled the liaison; as for what the two discussed, he had no way of knowing.

But that evening, Luo Shiyu called, her tone slightly agitated, once again stating clearly that the provincial government always works under the leadership of the Provincial Party Committee, obeying the overall situation, following arrangements, being proactive and taking responsibility.

Lu Fan welcomed this outcome.

January 1, Lu Fan took his wife and son to visit his sister.

Lu Yao, three months pregnant, is now the "giant panda" of Chen Deming's family—a priority‑protected individual, living a life of having everything handed to her.

At the Chen residence, after Lu Fan exchanged a few words with his sister, Chen Deming pulled him into the study for a "private chat."

After brewing tea, Chen Deming, with a worried expression, said, "Lu Fan, Yao Yao listens to you the most; could you persuade her to take a few months off and recuperate at home?"

Lu Fan hurriedly asked, "Is the fetus unstable? Is this the doctor's advice?"

Chen Deming sighed, "You know the nature of the Discipline Inspection Committee's work—it drains the mind. But she now needs a good mindset, avoiding prolonged standing or sitting, avoiding excessive stress, and not overworking. You know your sister best; she's a workaholic, and once at the office she can't help herself. After the New Year holiday she plans to travel for a major case; how can that work?"

Lu Fan nodded, "Given her condition, she truly can't be 'flying around' and overworking. Uncle, you directly grant her leave; I'll handle the rest!"

Hearing this, Chen Deming smiled and immediately dialed Chen Jiazhong's number, securing a long leave for his daughter‑in‑law.

Lu Fan entered the living room, sat beside Lu Yao, and said in an unquestionable tone, "I just secured a long leave for you; starting today, stay home and safely nurture the baby!"

"Brother! How could you make that decision on your own?" Lu Yao said angrily.

Lu Fan retorted, "What, can brother no longer control you? The earth keeps turning without anyone; without you, who will handle the case? Ask your sister‑in‑law—can a pregnant woman overwork?"

Li Zimeng immediately chimed in, "Yao Yao, you have to listen to your brother on this; the first few months are the most important. Your unit's workload is huge, and you're impulsive; you can't prioritize. Rest at home, and don't make everyone worry about you!"

"Well, the leave's already granted, what else can I say? I'll call later to hand over the work I have at hand!"

Seeing his daughter‑in‑law take the advice, Chen Deming's family smiled brightly.

After lunch, Chen Deming and Lu Fan talked in the study; he encouraged Lu not to have any reservations, saying that as long as something benefits the prairie's development, improves livelihoods, or stabilizes society, one should boldly try, boldly forge ahead, and boldly act!

January 4, Lu Fan returned to the prairie and began the year‑end push for all work.

January 10 is the deadline for reporting municipal and county economic indicators. To prepare, Lu Fan convened a briefing on major economic indicators and investment plans on January 5, holding the meeting via video conference, attended by Governor Luo Shiyu, Executive Deputy Provincial Governor Gu Yunhao, Provincial Party Committee Secretary‑General Wu Xiaohua, among others.

At the meeting, the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, the Provincial Industry and Information Technology Department, the Provincial Finance Bureau, the Provincial Commerce Department, the Provincial Statistics Bureau, and the Provincial State‑owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission each reported their work plans, with regions speaking in turn.

Provincial Deputy Secretary Lu Fan pointed out that the whole province must always remember "as long as confidence does not slip, solutions always outnumber difficulties," and should more consciously act from the standpoint and mission of a major economic province, putting action first, strengthening confidence, meeting challenges, and striving diligently, turning the Party Committee's trust and support into new development achievements, urging enterprises and projects to report fully and be fully accounted for, with every grain returned to the storehouse.

According to the Provincial Statistics Bureau's estimate, the prairie's main economic indicators this year are not very promising, and it may not even retain last year's ranking.

In response, Lu Fan was not overly worried; the dip in this year's indicators mainly falls on Li Xingyuan and Luo Shiyu. Moreover, a low point has its advantages—by putting in a little effort next year, a noticeable growth surge can be achieved. Lu Fan, having worked in economics for many years, is quite experienced.

On January 12, the Organization Department issued a document announcing that the prairie province's leadership team had finally settled, a result that left cadres and the public across the province stunned and unexpected, instantly causing a massive stir throughout the province.

The moment he saw the document, Li Yuenning was stunned, a wave of indescribable loss flooding his heart—he had been transferred!

Facing this sudden change, Li Yuenning knew he could not resist; with matters at this point, no matter how unwilling, he could only obey the organization's arrangement.

Summoning his spirit, after handing over duties to the Deputy Minister, Li Yuenning packed his belongings and quietly left with a heavy heart, not even saying goodbye to Gu Yunhao and others. That deep sense of loss lingered in his mind, unshakable.

After boarding the plane and looking out at the blue sky and white clouds, he let out a sigh, feeling both a sense of release and a bewildering uncertainty about the future.

At three p. m., the Provincial Party Committee Organization Department held a cadre conference to announce decisions on certain appointments. Provincial Deputy Secretary Lu Fan attended and spoke.

At the meeting, Lu Fan announced the appointment of Comrade Shang Youyang, emphasizing that Shang Youyang's appointment was decided by higher authorities based on overall work considerations, the needs of the job, and the actual research on our province's leadership team construction. Comrade Shang Youyang possesses good political quality, has undergone multiple post experiences, shows strong organizational coordination ability, is upright, pragmatic, and courageous. Everyone must resolutely support the higher‑level and provincial decisions and fully support and cooperate with Comrade Shang Youyang in performing his duties.

At four p. m., Lu Fan also attended the Provincial Propaganda Department cadre conference and announced Wang Jianming's appointment.

As for the all‑cadre meeting of the Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee, Lu Fan "assigned" Provincial Party Committee Secretary‑General Wu Xiaohua to attend in his place, not because it was unimportant, but because it was unnecessary, since Du Wenlong had long begun exercising the top‑leader's authority.

Yun Junjie and Yun Shuo gathered in Gu Yunhao's office, counting people on their fingers: the Discipline Inspection Committee, Organization Department, Propaganda, United Front, Secretary‑General, Military Region, plus himself—seven "iron tickets"—already giving them an overwhelming advantage in the Standing Committee.

Lu Fan's "rise" has become unstoppable, and in the future it may even face opposition!