Chapter 144 The Secretary

Friday, a little after eight in the morning. Li Yuan, who had partied with Su Tianyu until midnight last night, still arrived at the office at seven-thirty this morning. He personally cleaned Li Mingsheng's office from top to bottom, even scrubbing the toilet in the private bathroom.

To be honest, this kind of work could have been left entirely to the cleaning staff. Li Yuan only needed to supervise in the room. Once Mayor Li came to work, he could shoo them out and symbolically wipe the floor a few times, creating the appearance of being diligent and attentive. However, since becoming Lao Li's secretary, he had never given the cleaning staff a chance, doing everything himself, no matter how big or small.

This habit was certainly tiring, but it also cultivated Li Mingsheng's dependence on Li Yuan in both life and work. If Li Yuan took a day off, Lao Li would feel like something was missing.

A secretary who could do this much was definitely a role model in the industry.

At eight-thirty, Mayor Li arrived at the office on time. As soon as he sat down, tea and a spare breakfast were brought to his desk.

"Don't be so busy, you haven't had breakfast either, have you? Eat with me." Mayor Li said with a smile.

"No, thank you, Leader. I ate at the restaurant when I came." Li Yuan replied with a smile, picked up his work notebook, and began to report today's schedule and urgent matters to Mayor Li.

After they talked for more than ten minutes, Mayor Li suddenly asked, "Hey, is Xiao Su back?"

"He's back. We had dinner together last night." Li Yuan concealed the fact that he had gone to the pleasure boat to have fun.

"Ah!" Mayor Li nodded, "He did a good job with the hostage exchange. This kid has the education and ability. He's actually quite suitable for working in the Municipal Office."

As soon as Li Yuan heard this, he immediately knew what to say, "Leader, the civil service exam registration has already started. When we were eating yesterday, I asked him which unit he wanted to apply for, but he seemed very interested in going to the Customs."

"Customs?" Mayor Li looked at Li Yuan, "The Coast Guard or an internal position?"

"It should be the Coast Guard." Li Yuan reminded him tactfully, "Didn't Xiao Su and the others start an association? They may be involved in maritime trade in the future, so joining the Coast Guard... might be more convenient."

Li Mingsheng ate a mouthful of steamed bun and nodded slowly, "I originally wanted him to work in the Municipal Office and train him for a few years before sending him down. We're very short of people who can work in the office here."

Li Yuan paused for a moment, "Or, should I remind him?"

Li Mingsheng thought for a full minute or two before waving his hand and replying, "Forget it, the Coast Guard is fine too. It's always been impossible to penetrate the port, so it's good to have someone go there and scout the way."

Li Yuan did not respond.

"Okay, then tell him to prepare as soon as possible." Li Mingsheng said expressionlessly, "He doesn't need any special treatment on the exam. If a graduate of the Army Academy doesn't have this much ability, then there's no need to promote him."

"Understood!"

"Okay, change the afternoon schedule. I'm going to Zhan Nan to慰问 (wèi wèn - express sympathy for) the laborers. Notify the district's political affairs department and have them prepare...." Li Mingsheng put down his bowl and chopsticks, wiped his mouth lightly, and began to work.

...

Inside the Yu family's villa.

Su Tianyu was lying on the living room floor, doing push-ups.

"With your frequency and depth of push-ups, it's a pity you're not a gigolo." Yu Mingyuan said while eating bread in the dining room.

"There's no way, I'm taking the Coast Guard exam,大哥 (dà gē - big brother)!" Su Tianyu replied helplessly, "After the written test, there are also physical fitness and routine tests. I've been too decadent lately, so I have to practice in advance!"

"I'm impressed by you." Yu Mingyuan said speechlessly, "Li Yuan has given you such a clear hint to go to the Municipal Office, why didn't you take it? Are you stupid?! If you train under Li Mingsheng for a few years and then get sent down to an important department in a district for gilding, you might be able to become a deputy district-level cadre in less than five years. Isn't that faster than rising through the ranks in the Coast Guard?"

"You said everything. Didn't you guys tell me to go to the Coast Guard in the first place?"

"大哥 (dà gē - big brother), did you have Li Mingsheng as a patron back then?" Yu Mingyuan glanced back, "Don't you understand the principle of 'times change'?"

Hearing this, Su Tianyu stood up, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and replied, "Actually, I've seriously considered this matter."

"What did you consider?"

"If I go to the Municipal Office to work as a clerical worker, the promotion path will indeed be wider, but have you thought about it? How many promising young people like me who worship at Father Li's door are there?" Su Tianyu said while sitting in a chair, "There must be a lot! This involves the issue of resource allocation, do you understand?"

Yu Mingyuan blinked, "You mean, there are fewer people under Lao Li in the port?"

"That's right! The port has always been an independent kingdom. No matter which leadership team, their control over this area is very weak. If I can enter the Coast Guard, then I will be the only seedling under Lao Li, and he can give me a lot of resources." Su Tianyu lowered his voice, "Moreover, once I enter the Zhan Nan Coast Guard and cooperate with Wei Xiangzuo's ground power, then it will be a piece of cake to get some achievements."

Yu Mingyuan pondered for a long time, "That makes sense too."

"Of course, it makes sense. This is a decision I've been thinking about for a long time." Su Tianyu picked up a piece of bread and asked casually, "How are you and You Yifan doing lately?!"

"After the Regulatory Commission incident, You Yifan has also calmed down a lot. He hasn't appeared in public for a while." Yu Mingyuan replied in a low voice, "But they definitely still want to do the business they want to do. Now he's waiting for the official announcement of the new head of the Regulatory Commission."

"Oh, I see." Su Tianyu nodded slowly, "Hey,大哥 (dà gē - big brother), when you contact him again in the future, mention me slightly, saying that I want to take the Coast Guard exam, and if necessary, ask him to say a few words to help."

"I know that." Yu Mingyuan grinned back, "Now the cards in our hand are pretty good. Look, the terrorist is your大哥 (dà gē - big brother)...!"

"What are you talking about?! Watch your wording! I'm someone who's going to take the civil service exam, so don't talk nonsense...."

"Haha! The Zhan Nan Dockworkers Association, the Chi Army, the Zhan Nan Navy, the mayor's team, and Wen Zhanbo's garrison are all connected to us now." Yu Mingyuan patted Su Tianyu on the shoulder, "We've finally had our hard times come to an end. We have some trump cards to rise up."

"As long as we balance the relationship well, the Tongji Association will be a different scene in three years." Su Tianyu also replied with great enthusiasm.

"Yes, let's eat, and then go to the association later."

"Hey, when will Da Bai and the others be back?"

"I forgot to tell you, they're coming back tonight." Yu Mingyuan said in a low voice, "It seems that some distributors from the Golden Triangle are also coming. I heard that the leader is someone with connections to the top...."