Chapter 123: He Is Zhang Heng

"Zhou Ming, you and Secretary Zhang can talk first. I'll wait for you in the car," Lin Muqing said.

Her maturity, honed by her time as a CEO in Hong Kong, made her quickly grasp that Secretary Zhang had important matters to discuss with Zhou Ming, but didn't want to do so in her presence. Thus, she graciously excused herself.

Secretary Zhang thanked Lin Muqing gratefully. After she left, Zhou Ming said, "Alright, now you can tell me what you need."

Although Lin Muqing had already left, Secretary Zhang still smiled awkwardly before speaking. "Consultant Zhou, as you know, Mayor Qiao has been suspended, and I've heard that the organization will take disciplinary action due to his poor performance at the Peninsula Hotel. Regardless, he can no longer serve as the Executive Vice Mayor."

Secretary Zhang paused here, carefully observing Zhou Ming. Seeing that Zhou Ming did not respond, he continued, "Consultant Zhou, given your influence, I was wondering if you could help me."

"Help you?" Zhou Ming asked, not immediately understanding. He then recalled that his own workplace, Factory 760, was similar to a bureaucratic setting. This gave him a key insight.

In bureaucratic environments, connections are crucial. Everyone has a label indicating their affiliations and background. As Qiao Weijiang's secretary, Secretary Zhang's label was closely tied to Qiao Weijiang.

In the past, Qiao Weijiang was a prominent figure in South Jiang, and Zhang's life was comfortable, even receiving a departmental-level treatment. However, now that Qiao Weijiang was in trouble, Zhang had no way out. Without Qiao Weijiang, no one would hire him.

Bureaucratic positions are often precarious. When someone falls from power, their associates are often left in the lurch. Zhang, being Qiao Weijiang's secretary, faced a similar predicament. He knew that Zhou Ming had caused Qiao Weijiang's downfall and decided to seek his help, thinking that Zhou Ming might be able to offer a solution.

Zhou Ming smiled and said, "I understand what you're getting at, Secretary Zhang. Your idea is somewhat clever, but it's limited in scope. Do you understand what I'm saying? If Qiao Weijiang was indeed brought down by me, then seeking my help now would be pointless. I'm someone deeply entrenched in the bureaucracy or from an influential family, well-versed in the rules. Do you think I would help you at this time?"

Secretary Zhang was taken aback by Zhou Ming's directness. As someone familiar with the bureaucracy, he understood that Zhou Ming was speaking plainly and felt disappointed.

Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he looked up with a glimmer of hope. "Consultant Zhou, so, if what you're saying is true, does that mean Qiao Weijiang's issue is unrelated to you?"

Zhou Ming chuckled, "Secretary Zhang, your cleverness is evident. To answer your question, yes, I am quite annoyed with Mayor Qiao, but I didn't cause his downfall this time."

Secretary Zhang immediately said, "Then, Consultant Zhou, you must have a solution, right?"

Zhou Ming found this amusing and responded, "Why do you think I would have a solution or that I would help you?"

Secretary Zhang shook his head. "I don't know why, but I just feel that you would have a way to help me. You seem like someone who knows right from wrong, so you must help me."

"You're quite the smooth talker for a secretary," Zhou Ming said with a smile. "Indeed, I do have a suggestion."

Secretary Zhang immediately bowed deeply. "Please, Consultant Zhou, enlighten me!"

Seeing Zhang's demeanor, Zhou Ming raised an eyebrow but did not comment further. Instead, he said, "Secretary Zhang, you are still serving as the Office Director for our inspection team. Even though Mayor Qiao has been suspended, your position remains. This role is important for our inspection team. At least, our inspection report and other documents will go through you."

Zhang seemed to understand and tentatively asked, "Consultant Zhou, are you suggesting that I use this work opportunity as a breakthrough to make up for the current situation?"

Zhou Ming shook his head. "Make up for what? You are simply a victim of the situation. You haven't done anything wrong. Besides, you are already an official, right?"

"Yes, I'm currently the Director of the Comprehensive Division of the Municipal Government Office," Zhang replied.

"That's right," Zhou Ming said with a shrug. "You are already an official and haven't committed any errors. Why not try to take charge and prove yourself?"

Zhang considered this and replied, "Consultant Zhou, you may not fully understand our bureaucratic environment…"

"Actually, it's you who don't understand the current situation!" Zhou Ming interrupted, "If it were another time, I wouldn't discuss this with you, but now is different. South Jiang is tasked with building the securities market, a major historical mission that even central leaders are watching closely."

Zhou Ming continued, "I understand that with Mayor Qiao's fall, your position will change. But as one of the leaders of our inspection team, if you understand securities, why not shift to this field? If you perform well in this area, it could turn into an opportunity for promotion."

Secretary Zhang's eyes lit up with realization. "I hadn't thought of that! There are few people in the country who understand securities, and even fewer who work in government. If I excel in this area, it could indeed be an opportunity for reemployment!"

With newfound hope, Zhang looked at Zhou Ming with admiration and said, "Consultant Zhou, you are truly remarkable. You are the most extraordinary person I have ever met!"

Zhang bowed deeply once more. "Thank you, Consultant Zhou. I will study the documents from the Stock Exchange and enrich my knowledge."

Zhou Ming patted his shoulder and said, "Don't rush off just yet. I've been calling you Secretary Zhang and Mayor Qiao has been calling you Xiao Zhang. I don't even know your full name."

Though unsure why Zhou Ming asked, Zhang replied honestly, "My name is Zhang Heng."

Zhou Ming nodded and said, "Zhang Heng, do your best. If you really excel in securities research, I'll recommend you to Mayor Chen."

"Thank you, Consultant Zhou!" Zhang Heng bowed again and said, "I know my position is low, but if you need anything from me in the future, I will definitely assist you!"

With that, Zhang Heng returned to the hotel. Zhou Ming sighed and said to himself, "I didn't expect him to be Zhang Heng. No wonder he's so quick-witted and adaptable. I never thought I'd be guiding such a person. Ha-ha!"

Returning to the car, Zhou Ming told Lin Muqing, "Sister Muqing, I didn't expect him to be Zhang Heng!"

Lin Muqing looked puzzled. "Zhang Heng? Is that the secretary's name?"

Zhou Ming nodded. "Yes, that's right. Whether you believe it or not, this little secretary will be quite something in the future!"

Lin Muqing was surprised, but since Zhou Ming was happy, she was pleased as well. "If he is indeed someone with potential, then it looks like you've found a promising candidate. Are you going to help him?"

Zhou Ming glanced at her and said, "If he really is Zhang Heng, then he won't need much help from me. He will find his own way. I just need to offer some guidance at the right time."

Lin Muqing smiled and said, "What do you mean by 'if he really is Zhang Heng'? Can he become someone else?"

Zhou Ming couldn't explain further. Although Zhang Heng was indeed that Zhang Heng, and he would become a significant figure in the future, it was uncertain how the change in events would affect his trajectory. Thus, Zhou Ming could only say, "He won't become someone else, but I'm worried about whether he can overcome this hurdle."

"Even if he can't overcome it, that's his own ability. You haven't made any mistakes in judging people so far. If he's truly a potential candidate, he should be able to succeed," Lin Muqing said confidently.

Zhou Ming laughed. "Sister Muqing, you have even more confidence in me than I do!"