Chapter 57: Lies? Truth?

"Indeed! After all, it's a fine tea—sweet with a hint of refreshing aroma, truly invigorating and leaving a lingering aftertaste."

Then, Chen Qigong cleared his throat and carefully weighed his words. "Secretary Lin, according to the relevant organizational regulations, during my one-on-one exchanges with the members of the leadership team, in order to ensure the confidentiality and depth of the conversations..."

"As the primary leader of the unit, you need to recuse yourself temporarily. I hope you can understand and support this work."

Chen Qigong knew very well that a relatively private environment makes it easier for people to open up and communicate honestly.

Hearing this, Lin Weiquan patted his forehead, as if blaming himself for his oversight. "Ah, look at my memory! I was so busy chatting with you, Minister, that I almost forgot about this crucial step."

"You are quite right. Rules are rules. Very well, I will step outside immediately and wait. I won't disturb your conversation at all."

With that, he stood up, straightened his collar, and prepared to leave.

"Secretary Lin, there's no need to rush. Take your time," Chen Qigong said, quickly adding, "There is one more thing to confirm. Are all the team members waiting in their respective offices?"

"Yes, they have been notified long ago, just waiting for you to call them one by one to officially kick off this session."

"Who is the first to be interviewed? Who follows? I'm responsible for notifying them to get ready one by one!"

Chen Qigong smiled slightly, looking completely confident. "We start with the Deputy Secretary. That is the rule and also a sign of respect."

"Conducting the recommendation talks according to the internal party ranking is both fair and just, and it will convince everyone."

"As for the notifications, you don't need to do it personally. Just leave that task to a meticulous administrative officer."

"Alright, fine! I will notify Qiu Hong myself. After all, he is the Deputy Secretary, and his position is special; he requires a bit of special attention."

"As for the others, I'll follow your instructions and have the party-government office clerk notify them."

"Very well!"

Lin Weiquan pushed the door open and went out.

Before long, Qiu Hong arrived at the door and knocked.

"Come in," Chen Qigong's voice came from within.

Qiu Hong walked in.

"Secretary Qiu, please sit down!" Chen Qigong looked up at Qiu Hong, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth, and pointed to the chair in front of him, signaling Qiu Hong to take a seat.

Qiu Hong sat down cautiously.

Seeing Qiu Hong sitting in such a rigid and formal manner, Chen Qigong couldn't help but chuckle softly.

His tone carried a hint of banter. "Comrade Qiu Hong, are we strangers? Is this our first meeting?"

"No, I have known Minister Chen for over ten years."

Hearing this, the smile on Chen Qigong's face deepened. "Then why are you still so uptight?"

"Is there any need to be so restrained in front of me? Doesn't that make us seem estranged? We ought to be frank and open with each other."

A cautious look flickered in Qiu Hong's eyes as he began, "Minister Chen, I know very well that your time is precious."

"Therefore, I hope we can cut straight to the chase without wasting any of your time, since there are other team members waiting for their recommendation talks."

"Let's get down to business as soon as possible!"

"Very well! Then I won't beat around the bush either. Please share your thoughts on the two candidates, He Di and Jiang Zhaoyang," Chen Qigong said bluntly.

"I hope you will speak without reservation and tell me everything you know."

"Rest assured, whatever is said today will remain strictly between us."

"This is also to ensure that the leadership's decisions are based on the truest and most comprehensive information, allowing for the most rational judgment."

Listening to Chen Qigong, Qiu Hong pondered for a moment before replying, "Minister Chen, before I answer you, I'd like to ask you a question first."

"What you hope to hear—is it pleasant-sounding flattery that caters to the status quo yet might distort the truth, or is it unvarnished reality, perhaps somewhat harsh to the ear, but the absolute truth?"

Chen Qigong's expression grew more focused. He gently tapped his fingers on the desk and asked seriously, "What would the flattery sound like? And what would the truth be?"

Qiu Hong's gaze deepened. "The selection criteria this time almost seem tailor-made for him."

"If I were to speak falsely, I would say that Comrade He Di possesses both political integrity and professional competence, and is virtually flawless."

"He is exceptionally talented, performing brilliantly in both work capability and interpersonal relationships."

"More importantly, whether it's work experience, work attitude, or personal charm, he is the perfect fit for the position of Deputy Town Mayor. Aside from him, there is simply no second choice."

A faint smile hung on the corners of Qiu Hong's lips—a smile concealing a subtle, hard-to-detect depth of irony, as if he were testing the waters or making a joke. "Minister Chen, such lavish praise—every word is a pearl, every sentence a melody."

"They are like a gentle spring breeze, refreshing and uplifting."

"Surely, these are things you and your superiors love to hear, aren't they?"

"Besides, if such flattering remarks get out, would the pros outweigh the cons for me, or the other way around?"

At this point, Qiu Hong added playfully, "Even if this praise spreads, would it be good or bad for me?"

Chen Qigong wore an embarrassed expression. "What I want to hear is the truth. I am responsible for taking these words back to the leadership in their original form, and I will convey them to the higher-ups without any reservation."

"As for the final decision, naturally, the leaders will make it based on the overall situation. I have no right to interfere, nor can I predict it."

"Now, please speak your mind without reservation! Tell me the truth!"

Chen Qigong took out his notebook and spread it open on the desk.

He held his pen, ready to jot down every single word.

"I will carefully record every word you say to ensure they are accurately conveyed to the leaders."

Seeing this, Qiu Hong nodded slightly.

He understood that this Minister Chen, despite holding a middle-ranking position, still adhered to principles, which was no small feat.

"Minister Chen, since you wish to hear the truth rather than empty flattery, I will speak without beating around the bush."

"I hope our conversation can be as clean and direct as a blank sheet of paper, without tedious build-ups or meaningless pleasantries."

Saying this, Qiu Hong deliberately paused.

It was as if he were psyching himself up for the words about to spill from his lips.

He was weighing whether what he was about to say was appropriate and whether it would cause unpredictable ripples in the current situation.

Yet, after a brief internal struggle, he decided to push forward and pour out his innermost thoughts.

His words dropped like a bombshell.

"That fellow He Di," Qiu Hong said, his tone laden with disdain and anger, "aside from sycophancy and sucking up to superiors, I honestly fail to see any other commendable qualities in him—unless sucking up to superiors is considered a virtue."

"Fawning on superiors while bullying subordinates, arrogant and domineering, devoid of real talent, narrow-minded..." Qiu Hong rattled off a long list of He Di's vices in one breath.

Every single word struck like a heavy hammer.

Pounding fiercely against Chen Qigong's heart.