Chapter 46: The Situation Is Different

His expression darkened instantly, his brows furrowed so tightly it seemed as if one could squeeze water from them. As the host of the meeting, he fully understood the implications of the current chaos. Though inwardly filled with countless grievances and helplessness, he knew that directly halting the disruption was not the best course of action. After all, a heavy-handed approach would only worsen the situation. In his heart, he cursed He Di bitterly—this young man was more of a hindrance than a help.

Chen Qigong noticed the unrest brewing below. At the same time, he keenly observed Lin Weiquan’s unnatural demeanor. Slightly turning his head, his sharp gaze swept over Lin Weiquan. A faint trace of displeasure barely concealed flickered across Chen Qigong’s face. “Secretary Lin, we gathered everyone here today to conduct a fair and just vote, not to bicker over who came first or who sits where. Simply taking seats in order of arrival is sufficient. Why fuss over such formalities? Is it really necessary?”

Chen Qigong’s words struck Lin Weiquan like a heavy hammer. He was well aware that this was not just a direct criticism of the current disorder, but also an implicit challenge to his leadership. Taking a deep breath, Lin Weiquan strove to calm his emotions. He knew that he must step forward now and act decisively to salvage the situation; otherwise, the entire voting process would be doomed.

Speaking into the microphone, Lin Weiquan said, “Everyone, please stop the commotion. The leadership of the County Party Organization Department is present, so let’s maintain some decorum. Today’s meeting is important. Please find any nearby vacant seat to sit in. Seating is arranged only by front and back; no seat is fixed. Everyone, please be seated.” Gradually, those behind began to take their seats.

Organizational committee member Dong Xian approached Jiang Zhaoyang and said, “Jiang Zhaoyang, please take the seat behind the front-row leaders.” Jiang Zhaoyang looked up in surprise. “Why?”

He did not understand why Dong Xian suddenly made this arrangement. Glancing around, he saw that other colleagues had already found their places, and only he was singled out for special seating. Curiosity and confusion welled up in his heart.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Dong Xian replied with a smile that seemed to conceal mystery and significance.

Without further explanation, Dong Xian gently patted Jiang Zhaoyang’s shoulder and gestured for him to comply. Reluctantly, Jiang Zhaoyang rose and moved to an empty seat in the second row, right next to He Di. He glanced sideways at He Di before settling into his seat. He Di, engrossed in his phone, seemed unaware of Jiang Zhaoyang’s arrival.

At that moment, He Di finally looked up. Surprise flickered in his eyes, quickly replaced by dissatisfaction and anger. He shot Jiang Zhaoyang a glare, a cold smile curling at the corner of his lips as if to say something, but he held back, appearing both helpless and frustrated. He knew that any conflict here would only make him seem immature and unsteady, detrimental to his impending promotion. So he forced down his anger, pretending not to care.

Still, He Di thought to himself: As long as I get through this recommendation meeting smoothly, the ladder to promotion will be right before my eyes. Once I step onto that position and become a leader, Jiang Zhaoyang, just wait and see! Then power and status will be in my hands. I have plenty of ways and means to deal with you, to make your life unbearable. Hmph! Your worst days are yet to come!

As everyone gradually took their seats, order slowly returned to the room, leaving only the occasional murmur of whispered conversations. Lin Weiquan’s gaze swept across the assembly. Clearing his throat, he began, “Alright, comrades, everyone is here. It is gratifying to see such enthusiastic participation in today’s meeting.”

“Now, I will formally outline the meeting’s theme: the democratic recommendation process for deputy officials in our town. This is not merely a procedural formality but an important opportunity for each cadre to express opinions and partake in decision-making.”

“Traditionally, only mid-level and above cadres were invited to participate in democratic recommendations to ensure efficient and centralized decision-making. However, this time things are different.” Pausing deliberately, Lin Weiquan seemed to gauge the crowd’s reaction. Sure enough, curious expressions appeared.

“This year, in response to explicit instructions from the County Party Organization Department and with full approval from our town’s Party committee after careful consideration, we have decided to broaden the democratic scope in this recommendation process.”

His tone carried solemnity and anticipation. “In other words, participants now include all cadres from government agencies and public institutions, as well as village party secretaries.”

“The purpose is to diversify our voices and make our decisions more grounded in the people’s needs, more scientific and reasonable.”

Whispers spread among the audience, clearly taken aback by the change. Lin Weiquan nodded with satisfaction and continued, “Next, we will invite Deputy Minister Chen Qigong of the County Party Organization Department to provide a detailed explanation of the recommendation process.”

“Deputy Minister Chen not only possesses extensive work experience and unique insights into cadre selection and appointment, but he is also a key supporter of our town’s development.”

“I believe that through his presentation, everyone will gain a deeper understanding of today’s democratic recommendation.”

“Now, let us welcome Deputy Minister Chen Qigong with warm applause!”

As Lin Weiquan’s steady, commanding words fell, the air in the conference room seemed gently stirred. Applause followed, sporadic and sparse. Though expected, it lacked the fervor and passion it should have carried—like a withered leaf drifting quietly on an autumn afternoon, stirring little ripple.

Clearly, most attendees felt no genuine enthusiasm for this democratic recommendation meeting, perhaps due to its frequent recurrence or a foregone conclusion about the outcome.

Yet amid this subdued atmosphere, the conduct of Lin Weiquan, Dong Xian, and He Di stood apart. Lin Weiquan’s applause was measured and respectful, revealing a sense of appropriate restraint, silently lending support to Chen Qigong. Dong Xian, as the town Party committee’s organizational member, clapped out of habit and strict adherence to procedure. He Di, however, clapped with barely concealed excitement and anticipation, tirelessly pounding his hands together.