Chapter 1027: Fang Jingwen Suddenly Wants to Switch to a Corporation

Chen Bo laughed and said, "Looks like there's a situation, I'll step back for now."

As usual, Su Yang would have waved his hand and said it didn't matter, but this time he gave a slight nod.

Actually the phone had rung before, and no matter who was beside him he felt indifferent; but this time his heart felt a little different from usual.

Indeed, the call was from Fang Jingwen.

The reason it felt different is that before, whenever something happened on his side, Fang Jingwen would call to check in, usually with a teasing tone of concern.

But this time they hadn't been in touch for almost half a year; of course he couldn't initiate contact, since a married comrade sometimes still needs to avoid suspicion.

Especially in Zhou Ruohan's eyes, she doesn't mind any female comrade's work interactions, but she is the only one uneasy about any connection between him and Fang Jingwen.

But from his perspective, his relationship with Fang Jingwen is perfectly proper, with no overstepping at all.

Moreover, he considers himself someone who can keep his heart pure, yet he doesn't understand why Zhou Ruohan always guards him as if warding off thieves.

But it's hard for him to argue about such matters; otherwise it would really be indefensible.

After pressing the answer button, he didn't rush to speak, waiting for Fang Jingwen to talk first.

Sure enough, her usual tone changed: "What? Can't take the call? Then I won't say anything. Send me a message when you're free, and I'll call you back."

Su Yang's heart suddenly thumped; indeed his guess was right—there must be something, and he began to wonder what Fang Jingwen wanted him to do.

After all the help she's given, he feels he ought to do his utmost to repay her.

He said, "There's nothing inconvenient. Someone was here earlier, but they stepped out; now it's just me, so go ahead."

Fang Jingwen didn't tease as usual; in a very serious tone she asked, "I've been County Magistrate here for over half a year; where do you think the next step would be most suitable?"

Su Yang was taken aback, thinking, "You ask me this kind of question—it's like an insider asking an outsider."

Even if you're not clear on future career planning, aren't there senior experts to consult?

However he still said, "Logically, shouldn't you first take the Secretary role? Then perhaps also serve as a Vice Chair of the Municipal Political Consultative Conference or a Vice Chair of the People's Congress, to raise your rank. The next step would be to join the Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee directly. Of course, with your credentials, moving from County Party Secretary straight into the Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee isn't that hard."

Yet the Fang Jingwen on the other end fell silent; after a while she said, "I haven't ignored that path—I planned it at least half a year ago. Recently I was your superior; my progress can't be slower than yours. You're already at Deputy Division-level; I must also move toward a Vice-department level position."

"But I've changed my mind now, because I find it too tiring, and Within the System, though it seems calm on the surface, it's actually turbulent underneath—you know that. I'm not like you, with such boundless energy to pursue my goals at any cost."

"I also can't constantly claim to serve the Common People; the original intention is to seek welfare for the Common People, but women can sometimes be more selfish. After giving so much, even if recognized, what does it achieve? And how big must an official be to be considered big?"

"Originally I wanted to go straight into a corporation, a comparable state‑owned enterprise, with less pressure and a less hectic workload, so I could pause and rest. One can't miss out on enjoying youth while still young, only to regret it when older. After hearing your words, I'm even more resolved; I plan to join a power utility. Of course, it depends on whether they accept me."

Su Yang was instantly shocked: "What's going on? Your political future is so bright, how can you just quit like that? What about the cadres who follow you? How will your superiors view this? What about the Common People who have high hopes for you?"

Fang Jingwen said, "In the end, people live for themselves, not for others. I've already said I'm different from you; if we truly talk about serving the Common People, about the organization's trust, about future prospects—didn't Zhou Ruohan also have a brighter future? She resolutely chose to step back, comfortably becoming a stay‑at‑home mother in Jingcheng. Why can't I step back?"

"Moreover, freeing up a County Magistrate position—who knows how many cadres are secretly delighted. Actually I just want to ask you, do you think it's better for me to return to Jingcheng or stay locally?"

Su Yang couldn't answer for a long time; actually he wanted to say, can you be like Zhou Ruohan? She had to rest temporarily because she was pregnant.

You're at the prime fighting age, running off to enjoy youth—doesn't that seem excessive? Yet on second thought, given her condition, even a two‑year stint in a corporation wouldn't delay anything upon return. Moreover, promotions in a corporation are faster than in local government; advancing to Vice‑department level in two years is certainly doable. Returning would make her 100% a Vice Mayor, whereas staying locally might not be that easy.

The Fang Jingwen on the other end chuckled lightly: "Jingcheng is so big—are you afraid I'll run into Zhou Ruohan? Could you have something hidden in your heart? Fine, I won't make it hard for you; I'm just seeking your advice, and you can't answer. Then I've decided to return to Jingcheng; we'll discuss future matters later, and if my mind changes someday, I'll go back to work locally."

"But I still need to relax for these two years; I can't be exhausted like a spinning top all day, especially with no one nearby to notice my fatigue—it's not efficient."

"Where will your next step be? The new round of cadre exchanges starts next month; normally, you reserve cadres are on the exchange list. I also heard that assigning you to a locality is far more difficult than for regular cadres, and the difficulty isn't just about economic development—there are other factors."

"So I still hope you have a plan in advance; I'm sure your father‑in‑law's family can definitely help you get a good posting. If the organization arranges it, you might not even have time to cry."

Su Yang said, "I obey the organization's arrangement; wherever I work is the same. If I start picking and choosing, that's not me. It's just that I haven't figured it out this whole afternoon—why did you suddenly want to go to a corporation?"

Fang Jingwen said very seriously, "I'm already 26; back home that's considered a mature young woman. Peers of my age are at least married with children. Being single like this isn't appropriate. So at this optimal age I want to pursue a relationship, and if suitable, marry, so I don't leave life with regrets. Is that reason enough?"