Chapter 2: The Path to Azure Clouds 40. Taking Office as Deputy Party Secretary

A few days later, rumors began to circulate that I was about to be appointed Deputy Party Secretary. The way people in the factory looked at me changed, filled with a complex mix of envy, jealousy, and perhaps other sentiments. Some even confronted me directly, but I firmly denied having heard any such thing. Regarding my work, I stuck to my routine in the sales department, keeping a low profile and avoiding involvement in anything else.

However, a few days after that, a different rumor about me emerged: it was claimed that I was having an affair with Zhu Lishan. The gossip was incredibly detailed, suggesting that it had started back when we were in the workshop, and that was the only reason I had brought her over to be a deputy director after I became director. I was practically being painted as the next Deng Zitu. The way people looked at me shifted again, and many female employees, in particular, cast me with looks of clear disdain. The rumors spread so far that even Shu Xiaoya heard them and wanted to come to the factory to see what kind of woman Zhu Lishan really was. Fortunately, my sensible father-in-law managed to stop her.

At such a critical juncture in my promotion process, the purpose of these rumors was obvious: to smear my reputation and make the organization hesitate to promote me just as such a scandal had surfaced.

Although I understood perfectly well why these rumors were being spread, I felt powerless. If I responded, it would only draw more attention; if I ignored them, they might intensify. After careful consideration, I decided it was necessary to consult Director Shi.

After I briefed him on the situation, Director Shi said, "A clear conscience fears no gossip. What are you worried about? The organization can distinguish between truth and falsehood. Besides, rumors are a dime a dozen; the organization isn't going to launch an investigation just to dispel them. In fact, an investigation would only make things worse."

Hearing this from Director Shi put my mind at ease, but I still had concerns. "But if the rumors have a significant impact, I’m worried it might affect my score in the democratic appraisal," I said, leaving it at that.

Director Shi understood exactly what I meant. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "It seems we cannot just let this be." He paused, then added, "He who tied the bell must untie it. You have to find a way to solve this yourself; if the factory management gets involved, it might have a negative effect. Consider this a test. In Party work and political affairs, you will often encounter such conflicts, and we need the wisdom to handle complex situations."

With the conversation reaching this point, I could only tell him, "Don't worry, Director. I will find a way to handle this."

Director Shi waved his hand and said, "Good, I have faith in you."

Back from Director Shi's office, I began brainstorming, but for a while, I could not think of a solution. I kept thinking about his words, "He who tied the bell must untie it," but I couldn't find a breakthrough. I decided to set it aside and focus on my work for the time being.

When I got home from work, I was cooking while Yangyang was out playing. Just then, Shu Xiaoya returned. Seeing her, a spark of inspiration hit me. I immediately wiped my hands and sat her down to discuss my plan, but after hearing it, she adamantly refused, leaving me feeling helpless once more.

After dinner, my mind drifted back to the problem. I remained convinced that having Shu Xiaoya step in was the best approach. I called my father-in-law, and after discussing some work matters, I brought up the issue. He agreed that it was a good plan and said he would take responsibility for persuading her.

Once her father explained the stakes clearly, Shu Xiaoya finally understood the situation and agreed to help me resolve the matter.

For several days, the factory employees witnessed a new sight: during lunch breaks or on the weekends, Shu Xiaoya, Zhu Lishan, Ma Xiaosong from the sales department, and I would play badminton together at the factory court. Shu Xiaoya and Zhu Lishan would chat and laugh, appearing as close as sisters.

Within a few days, the rumors about an affair between Zhu Lishan and me vanished into thin air. I heard some female employees whispering, "Look, Director Wang's wife gets along so well with Zhu Lishan; there's no way he's having an affair. If he were, his wife would have turned the place upside down. It’s clear someone was just jealous of his promotion and made up those lies to frame him." The female employees' gazes toward me softened significantly.

The crisis had subsided. When the Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission came to the factory for the democratic appraisal, I reportedly received a high score, with many employees expressing strong approval and positive evaluations of my performance.

Not long after, the long-awaited Beijing Olympics opened. The ceremony was thrilling and breathtaking. The fact that the Chinese people could finally host the Olympics on their own soil was a cause for national celebration, greatly enhancing the national self-confidence and pride of the Chinese people.

After the opening ceremony, the whole country was focused on the Games. As news of our athletes' victories poured in, and we historically climbed to the top of the gold medal tally, the entire nation was in a festive, ecstatic mood. The factory employees were caught up in this same frenzy.

In this atmosphere, while the Olympics were still ongoing, the official appointment from the Provincial SASAC Party Committee arrived, naming me as a member of the factory's Party Committee and Deputy Secretary. Just after the Olympics concluded, under the on-site supervision of the Provincial SASAC Labor Union, the factory held a workers' congress. As the sole candidate, I was elected as the head of the factory's labor union without any suspense.