Chapter 619: A Candid Conversation
Chapter 619: A Candid Conversation
Secretary Chen Chuan followed his secretary into the Civil Affairs Secretary's office, where Governor Zhu was waiting. Upon seeing Chen Chuan, he greeted him with a smile, "Supervisor Chen, please take a seat."
He instructed his secretary to bring out his cherished tea collection. Once they were seated, Governor Zhu remarked, "Supervisor Chen, it's been about two years, hasn't it?" He sighed, "I still remember inviting you here when I had just assumed this position. Time truly flies."
Chen Chuan replied, "Yangzhi has improved significantly compared to two years ago."
Governor Zhu smiled and said, "Speaking of which, I, as the Civil Affairs Secretary, have stumbled upon a bargain. You cleaned up the mess left by Mo Lan Corporation, allowing me to step into this role. How could I possibly do better than my predecessor under those circumstances?"
He affirmed, "It's a matter of having ambition but no opportunity to pursue it. It's like an actor without a stage; even if the stage is set up, it might not be ideal for a great performance."
Looking at Chen Chuan, Governor Zhu smiled and said, "I've reviewed the case files from back then. The demise of Mo Lan Corporation had your involvement, Supervisor Chen. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that you fired the first shot. So, while others might think your promotion was swift, I believe it's well-deserved. Da Shun needs capable young people like you."
"The most we can do is pave the way for you, ensuring the path ahead is solid and free of obstacles, allowing you to advance even faster," he added.
Chen Chuan responded, "If the path is too smooth, one might not truly understand the hardships of their predecessors."
Governor Zhu chuckled and said, "Supervisor Chen, you're right about that. As the saying goes, 'Unpolished jade, hard to become a treasure.' Come, have some tea. This is Yunge tea from my hometown. The best time to pick it is when you hear the sound of stones being knocked in the mountains. At that time, you'll see tea pickers singing mountain songs as they climb through the mist and cliffs. It's been years since I left, and I haven't seen this scene in a long while."
As he spoke, he patted the armrest and recited, "The stream hits the rocks, and the sound of Zen echoes through the evening forest. A stranger leans against the pine, listening to the melody from the clouds."
Chen Chuan picked up the teacup and took a small sip. Indeed, the tea offered by Governor Zhu was exquisite, with a clear and sweet fragrance that refreshed the palate and left a lingering aftertaste.
After taking a sip, Governor Zhu's expression turned nostalgic. "Speaking of my younger days, I was full of passion and fearlessness. I had a reckless streak, and I did many things and offended many people. My colleagues often complained about me, and my superiors rarely showed me any favor."
He suddenly chuckled, "One colleague jokingly told me that I had knocked my head quite a few times, but I had aimed in the wrong direction. I should have aimed down, not up."
"Back then, I was quite resentful, and as a result, I wasted many years. I watched as people less capable than me climbed the ladder of success. Looking back now, it's hard to describe the feeling. Many times, it's not just about standing out with your abilities; you also need someone to appreciate, support, and help you."
"There are many talented horses, but not enough good judges of talent," he added softly.
His voice trailed off, "Without someone to give you a boost, no matter how capable or talented you are, it's difficult to showcase your abilities."
Chen Chuan asked, "Do you believe those people can help me, Governor Zhu?"
Governor Zhu turned to him and said, "Supervisor Chen, I watched you leave from here. I want to share a few sincere words with you. Whether or not they can help you, I don't know. In this world, there's no such thing as selfless giving without expecting something in return. If they want to benefit you, they will undoubtedly seek greater returns from you.
If you reject them this time and they stop paying attention to you, it might be a good thing. But what's scary is if they fixate on you. Many people fail to achieve their goals, but they excel at causing trouble. So, you must be cautious."
Chen Chuan nodded and took another sip of tea before setting down the cup and standing up. "Thank you, Governor Zhu, for sharing these words with me. I understand your meaning, and I also appreciate the tea. I should take my leave now."
Governor Zhu smiled and stood up, "Supervisor Chen, take care." He then instructed his secretary, "Please see Supervisor Chen out."
Chen Chuan nodded slightly and left. Governor Zhu watched him go and returned to his desk, putting on his glasses and continuing to review the documents on his desk.
After a while, the secretary entered, "Sir, the guest has been seen off."
Governor Zhu didn't look up, merely saying, "I know."
The secretary hesitated and leaned closer, whispering, "Sir, you seem to have high hopes for Supervisor Chen, but those individuals might be from the Central City Council."
Governor Zhu finished writing his reply on the document and took off his glasses. "You see, in this world, fighters who possess martial prowess are being promoted everywhere. Such attention to fighters is unprecedented, indicating that this is the way of the future. We should naturally go with the flow.
The Central City Council? Even if someone as capable as Supervisor Chen faces temporary setbacks, it won't last forever. When the opportunity arises, they'll soar to new heights. How could they possibly be held back?"
The secretary understood, and his expression showed admiration. "Indeed, the Secretary's foresight is remarkable."
Chen Chuan left the Government Hall and had his car take him back to the residential area. Since it was afternoon, Instructor Wen was likely at the Patrol Bureau, so he didn't want to disturb him. Instead, he returned home and took the opportunity to call some acquaintances, friends, and old classmates to arrange a meeting in the coming days.
After that, he went about his daily cultivation routine, maintaining his state.
When evening came, around ten o'clock, he guessed that Instructor Wen should have returned by now. He went to the phone booth outside and made a call. When the connection was established, he said, "Instructor Wen, it's me."
After a brief pause, he continued, "Instructor, the Kenwa situation has been resolved."
Instructor Wen was a little surprised. He had anticipated that this assessment would not be challenging for Chen Chuan, but the swiftness of the action still caught him off guard. It had been less than two days, right?
Instructor Wen responded, "Supervisor Chen, I'll call Mr. Zuan right away, but he might be busy and may not be able to come immediately. I'll let you know when he arrives."
Chen Chuan thought for a moment and said, "I'll come over anyway. I don't want to make Mr. Zuan wait for me, and I have some questions I'd like to ask Instructor Wen."
Instructor Wen smiled and said, "Alright, then, Supervisor Chen, please come over."
Chen Chuan hung up the phone, changed his clothes, took some items he had found on Kenwa, and left.
In less than ten minutes, he arrived at Instructor Wen's place. After being welcomed in, Instructor Wen smiled and said, "Mr. Zuan is staying at a hotel not far from here. I've already called him, and we'll just wait for him. He'll be here eventually."
Chen Chuan nodded and sat down in the living room. "Instructor Wen, the Refinement Sect was looking for me today."
"The Refinement Sect?" Instructor Wen was slightly taken aback. After a moment of thought, he said, "It's not surprising that other sects would notice a talented and outstanding young man like you, Supervisor Chen. But for them to come all the way to Yangzhi City to find you, it must be a task assigned by the upper echelons of the Refinement Sect.
However, you can rest assured. There are agreements between sects, and as long as you join the Pure Essence Sect, they won't bother you again. Even if there are any troubles, the sect will help you resolve them."
Chen Chuan asked, "Instructor Wen, are you familiar with the Refinement Sect?"
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Instructor Wen explained, "The Refinement Sect, like our Pure Essence Sect, is a martial arts sect that has been passed down from the old era. It has a significant influence among the upper and middle classes.
In the old era, this sect would select talented individuals from among the children of high-ranking officials and nobles for cultivation and guidance. This tradition spanned several old dynasties.
They have left behind a rich heritage and deep roots. However, in the old dynasties, the imperial court, while utilizing them, was also highly vigilant towards them. Therefore, each dynasty would court them while simultaneously suppressing and weakening them.
In the new era, the Refinement Sect continues to cater to the upper echelons and the elite. They have extensive connections within the government and corporations and have formed a vast network of interests with the help of the sect.
The Refinement Sect often recruits promising individuals to replenish their ranks and make them their own.
Their attempt to recruit you is likely to make you their peripheral vassal and a pawn in their game.
Because, up until now, what determines a member's status within the Refinement Sect is not their strength but their background and status. Only those with high enough status can receive more favor and guidance, and a tiny minority are accepted through marriage alliances.
But don't underestimate their martial prowess. They are willing to invest resources in truly talented individuals, and many of the sect's fighters are highly skilled."
Chen Chuan pondered for a moment and said, "From what you're saying, Instructor Wen, it seems like this sect has relied on power since ancient times?" If that's the case, it's a very traditional practice for martial arts sects.
Instructor Wen replied, "That's what they show on the surface, but it's likely just their superficial goal. They probably have deeper aspirations, but that's beyond my knowledge."
Chen Chuan asked again, "Is there any conflict between the Refinement Sect and the Pure Essence Sect?"
Instructor Wen smiled and said, "As long as there's no collusion with opposing forces or influence from their power, sects can cooperate.
The Great Collision is imminent, and while friction between sects has always existed due to ideological differences, making conflicts unavoidable, it's a mutual understanding from top to bottom that major internal strife is not permitted.
Chen Chuan understood, and he proceeded to ask more questions about various sects. Instructor Wen patiently answered each one, giving Chen Chuan a preliminary understanding of the current situation.
Although Mr. Zuan was late, neither of them seemed to be in a hurry. They chatted and drank tea until about two or three in the morning when clear footsteps could be heard outside the courtyard.
Instructor Wen smiled and said, "Mr. Zuan is here."
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(End of Chapter)
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