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墨書 Inktalez
Li Hao had an excellent memory; he could remember faces as if he had seen them only moments ago. Just now, as he brushed past her, he felt certain that he had met her before, yet he couldn't quite place where.
When he got home after work that evening, his two roommates were sitting on the sofa in the living room, watching television.
"Xiaoxiao, come over and watch some TV," Li Hui waved to Lin Xiao.
Li Hui was a local from Yurou County, working at the government printing office for over a decade. In the government, people came and went like waves of wheat being harvested—one batch after another. Li Hui had a good personality and was adept at navigating social situations, which allowed her to stay employed through several rounds of institutional reforms. There were rumors that she had gotten close to a certain leader to secure her position.
She usually lived in the old town area but also owned a house in the city. Her child attended a private boarding school in the city, and she rented this place for convenience during late nights at work, staying here only four or five nights a month. It was primarily for comfort during her midday breaks.
Shang Wenjuan came out of the kitchen with a glass of water and handed it to Lin Xiao, who had just sat down. "Today Wang Kaiming was in a foul mood; it spread throughout the entire building. You should avoid provoking him for now. Just bear with it."
Shang Wenjuan and Lin Xiao had worked together for a year; however, Lin Xiao was a selected student from a prestigious university under the Provincial Committee, while Shang Wenjuan had entered through provincial examinations.
"I understand; patience is key," Lin Xiao replied with a smile as she accepted the glass of water from Shang Wenjuan, jokingly adding, "It’s like having a knife over my head; I can’t afford to invite trouble."
"Lin Xiao, you know you're the person I admire most? Your incredible ability to bounce back!" Shang Wenjuan praised her with a thumbs-up.
If it had been her who was publicly scolded like that, she would have cried without hesitation; it would have been an emotional outpouring. But Lin Xiao handled it all so lightly.
Lin Xiao chuckled and said, "When you’re under someone’s roof, you have to lower your head. I wish I could stand up for myself, but my capabilities don’t allow it."
Shang Wenjuan wanted to speak up for Lin Xiao but was intentionally interrupted by Li Hui.
Although Li Hui was just an office worker and didn’t handle core tasks, she had developed keen insight from interacting with many people. She sensed that Lin Xiao was exceptional; her knowledge, resilience, and interpersonal skills surpassed what one would expect from someone her age.
Thinking back to when she first arrived at the Yurou County government office over a year ago, she remembered how pretending to be calm couldn’t hide her nervousness. After serving as Zhao Chenghua's secretary for a year, Lin Xiao's demeanor had become increasingly composed and dignified. With her background as a Provincial Committee Selection student backing her up, her future should be bright.
However, having faced such challenges right at the start of her career—and given her striking looks—Li Hui worried that decent male leaders might hesitate around her for fear of gossip while less scrupulous ones could complicate both her career and personal life.
With these thoughts in mind, Li Hui offered some consolation: "Xiaoxiao, Luo Renren isn’t bad; he has his own struggles too. Today he tried to protect you, but it won’t help; it will only make Wang Kai angrier. He followed Old Wang's lead when he got upset; that’s just how it is."
Li Hui recalled hearing the yelling from the fifth floor; it must have been tough on such a young girl.
"Sister Hui, thank you," Lin Xiao sincerely expressed her gratitude. "I understand everything you’re saying. I can handle Hua Jie just fine; as for Wang Kaiming's words, they go in one ear and out the other—thinking about them is just exhausting."
Li Hui didn't know how to continue the conversation. She had witnessed just how difficult this past year had been for Lin Xiao.
Zhao Chenghua, the Executive Deputy County Head, was known to be the most challenging figure in the County Government. She had been sent from the province for training, had political ambitions, connections, and was capable in her work. With a strict and high standard, she wouldn't hesitate to criticize anyone who failed to meet her expectations.
In her year at Yurou County, Zhao Chenghua had changed three secretaries, an unprecedented occurrence for someone at her level. Lin Xiao was the fourth and had lasted the longest, serving for a whole year until Zhao's departure.
At that time, Lin Xiao had just transferred from Gulou District. Shortly after joining the government office, she was assigned to be Zhao Chenghua's personal secretary, which marked the beginning of her life filled with overtime, revising documents, and drafting proposals.
Typically, an Executive Deputy County Head would have two secretaries. The deputy secretary in the County Government office was often referred to as the "big secretary," responsible for writing major documents and organizing schedules. The personal secretary was there to assist with implementing tasks assigned by the big secretary and carrying out verbal instructions from the leader while also writing minor reports.
Hua Jie was expected not to return after her training. Li Hui glanced towards Shang Wenjuan's room and whispered, "Is it settled?"
Lin Xiao had suspected as much. Where had she gone? Rumors suggested she had moved on to become a Director at either the Science and Technology Department or the National Development and Reform Commission.
Lin Xiao felt torn between relief and sadness; the person who had tormented her was leaving. It was a struggle to adapt to Hua Jie's style, but she had finally managed it.
Seeing Lin Xiao's despondent expression, Li Hui patted her shoulder gently and offered some comfort.
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