After arriving at the municipal committee, Chen Bin brought up the idea of recomnding Qian Shujuan.
Duan Baijian was visibly surprised upon hearing this.
"Why do you want to recomnd her?"
"Because the people in Beihuang County have very conservative mindsets. For instance, Gu Konglian is firmly opposed to developing tourism. I believe that revitalizing the local economy requires soone with progressive thinking to serve as County Magistrate."
Duan Baijian nodded, finding so sense in Chen Bin’s reasoning.
"Do you have any other reasons?"
"The political environnt in Beihuang is very complicated. Cadres from other regions struggle to carry out their work effectively. Secretary Hao needs soone local to coordinate these matters, and I think Qian Shujuan is precisely the person who can fulfill that role."
After pondering for a while, Duan Baijian finally replied.
"I’ll consider it, but whether Qian Shujuan will take over as County Magistrate still requires a collective discussion during etings."
Chen Bin nodded repeatedly, feeling very satisfied with this outco.
A week later, Dagu City’s discipline inspection committee announced its decision regarding Gu Konglian—he would be dismissed from his duties and expelled from the party.
In other words, Gu Konglian would now be just an ordinary citizen.
Soon after, two officials ca to Beihuang County to gather feedback about Qian Shujuan from other cadres.
Following the incident, discussions erupted again within Beihuang County’s political circles.
Clearly, most people had already guessed that higher authorities were likely considering Qian Shujuan for the position of County Magistrate.
The individual most opposed to this idea was Cao Bencong.
As the Executive Deputy County Magistrate, he believed he was next in line to take over after Gu Konglian’s departure.
"Damn it. It’s one thing to let a woman take the top spot, but now they want the second-in-command to be a woman too. Don’t we have any competent n left in Beihuang County?"
Tang Heqing voiced his dissatisfaction as well.
"Exactly! Among us here, who isn’t more capable than Qian Shujuan? Why should she get to be County Magistrate?"
The conversation in Cao Bencong’s office grew even louder and more chaotic.
That evening, after work, Wan Yuwei arrived ho to find Qian Shujuan deep in thought on the couch.
"Mom, I heard that today the municipal committee sent people to gather information about you?"
"Maybe."
Qian Shujuan’s expression was calm as she spoke, showing no sign of excitent.
Yuwei continued, "Then you should treat Chen Bin to a al. After all, he’s the one working behind the scenes on this."
"I don’t need your advice. I’ll handle matters when the ti cos."
The next morning, Duan Baijian had just finished a eting when his secretary rushed in to inform him.
"Secretary Duan, several County Committee cadres from Beihuang are here to bring sothing to your attention."
Duan Baijian nodded and quickly returned to his office.
Upon seeing him, Cao Bencong and the others imdiately stood up from the sofa and greeted him.
"Secretary Duan!"
Duan Baijian gestured for them to sit down.
"What issue have you co to raise?"
With a smile, Cao Bencong asked, "I’ve heard that the organization is considering appointing Deputy County Secretary Qian Shujuan as County Magistrate. Is this true?"
"It’s true, and we’ve begun researching and discussing this matter. Why? What issue do you see?"
Cao Bencong glanced at his colleagues before speaking earnestly.
"We believe Qian Shujuan is not suitable for the County Magistrate position."
"Why is that?"
"First, her capabilities are lacking. Second, Beihuang County already has a female leader; how can the top two positions both be held by won? Lastly, she lacks grassroots support and won’t win over the public."
Duan Baijian’s gaze swept across their faces, and he responded in a stern tone.
"Qian Shujuan has never served as County Magistrate before—how can you know she won’t do a good job? Gender equality has long been established. Why can’t the top two positions be held by won? As for her grassroots support, we can only evaluate that once she begins her work."
Refuting every point raised by Cao Bencong, Duan Baijian continued.
"Although my ti in Dagu City has been short, I understand Beihuang better than most of you. Poverty here is one factor, but the bigger issue is that leaders like you are shortsighted and failing your citizens!"
Upon hearing this, Cao Bencong and the others hung their heads in sha.
Though Duan Baijian’s words were harsh, they were undeniably right.
These cadres had long prioritized their own pockets over the welfare of the people.
After being reprimanded, the officials left the office looking dejected.
As they exited the office building, they ran into Qian Shujuan.
Malice filled their eyes as they glared at her, as though their humiliation stemd wholly from this woman.
Ignoring their expressions entirely, Qian Shujuan walked confidently into Duan Baijian’s office.
"Secretary Duan, did you ask for ?"
Smiling, Duan Baijian gestured for her to take a seat.
"How do you feel about the organization’s plan to appoint you as County Magistrate for Beihuang?"
Qian Shujuan imdiately replied with determination.
"I promise not to let the organization down. I’ll wholeheartedly support Secretary Hao and strive to ensure that the citizens of Beihuang County lead better lives."
Nodding, Duan Baijian appeared satisfied with her response.
"You know Secretary Hao and Chen Bin recomnded you to the municipal committee, right?"
"I do!"
"They told you have progressive ideas and advocate for developing tourism—qualities of a rare and excellent cadre. I hope you’ll use your new position to et everyone’s expectations and prove that won are equally capable as n."
Qian Shujuan rose to confirm with conviction.
"Please trust , Secretary Duan. I’ll make sure you’re not disappointed!"
As soon as she left the office, Duan Baijian received a call from Chen Bin.
"Secretary Duan, you’ve probably just spoken to Qian Shujuan, right?"
"Indeed. What’s the matter?"
"I think she should first serve as Acting County Magistrate. Once she proves herself capable, we can officially confirm her appointnt. This would help avoid discontent among those in the county."
Although skeptical of Chen Bin’s motives, Duan Baijian did not challenge him.
"Alright, let’s allow her to serve as Acting County Magistrate for a while."
That evening, at a private room in Beihuang Hotel, Qian Shujuan hosted a dinner with Chen Bin and Hao Wenjing.
At the table, she smiled and said.
"I’ve been wanting to dine with Secretary Hao and Chairman Chen for so ti, but never found the right opportunity. I’m glad we finally made it happen today."
Chen Bin and Hao Wenjing exchanged smiles and began exchanging pleasantries.
Soon, Qian Shujuan raised her wine glass and spoke earnestly.
"I want to thank Secretary Hao and Chairman Chen. Without your recomndation to the municipal committee, I might never have had the chance to serve as County Magistrate. In any case, I’ll keep it simple: thank you both!"
With that, she drained her wine in one go.
Hao Wenjing finished her drink and smiled as she asked.
"County Magistrate Qian, you must be curious why I decided to recomnd you, right?"
Qian Shujuan nodded, still puzzled by the decision.
Hao Wenjing explained, "The reason is simple. Leadership is about wisdom, not physical strength. Why should n have all the advantages? I wanted to show everyone that won are just as capable as n!"
This resonated deeply with Qian Shujuan.
As a female cadre in Beihuang County, she had long been underestimated.
Now, eting soone like Hao Wenjing, she felt a strong sense of solidarity.
At this mont, Chen Bin also spoke up.
"My reason for recomnding County Magistrate Qian is even simpler—I believe you can genuinely lead the people of Beihuang toward prosperity!"
In her years of public service, Qian Shujuan had never experienced such wholehearted trust.
Hearing Chen Bin’s words, she felt an overwhelming surge of determination.
It turned out that the people who truly understood her were these two outsiders!
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