Chapter 28: A Touch of Cleverness

"Xiuyuan, you... are you saying that you passed the entrance exam for the County Government Office? Working at the County Government Office, a permanent, civil service position?" It took a long moment for Song Limin to process this, and he stared at Li Xiuyuan with a mixture of shock and uncertainty.

"That's right. As a civil servant, I've been assigned to the County Government Office. That’s why I was thinking about getting to know Director Luo," Li Xiuyuan replied.

"Oh my, you child! This is such wonderful news, why didn't you say anything? Your father is the same—he didn't even tell us so the whole family could celebrate..." Aunt Li Simin was the most excited, her face beaming with joy.

"Aunt, I was the one who asked them not to say anything. I just started, and I wanted to wait until things were stable before finding the right time to share the news," Li Xiuyuan explained with a smile.

"That makes sense..." His aunt nodded repeatedly, agreeing with his reasoning while feeling genuinely happy for her nephew's success in becoming a civil servant at the County Government Office.

On the other side, his uncle, Song Limin, thought it over carefully. After a long pause, he mused, "Xiuyuan, if that’s the case, then this really might be possible. To be honest, uncle says he knows all these people, but that’s just knowing them. We might say hello when we meet, but when something actually comes up, it’s useless because we aren't in the same circles. You can't just force your way in. Some people might seem friendly on the surface, but what they really think of you—whether they actually respect you—is a completely different matter."

Li Xiuyuan nodded. He hadn't expected his uncle to have such a clear perspective. What is a "connection"? It’s when you help me today, and I can help you tomorrow; it’s an exchange of resources. That is a connection.

For example, if you are a bureau chief and I am a division chief, I handle things for you, and you sign off on my projects—that is a connection. If you are a doctor and I am a teacher, you help me when I’m sick, and I look after your child at school—that is also a connection. Even if you are a food delivery driver and I am a security guard, that too can be a connection.

But if you are a fruit vendor trying to befriend a Director of the Government Office—even if both live in the same county, they are living in two different worlds. That is reality. There is a saying that holds a lot of truth: the gap between people is sometimes greater than the gap between a person and a dog.

"I understand, Uncle. I’ve just started, and I’m completely in the dark at the County Government Office. That’s why I wanted to see if I could use our connection to meet Director Luo and ask him to look out for me," Li Xiuyuan said, looking at his uncle.

What is the first step in climbing the ladder? It’s having a thick enough skin to seize every opportunity. A less experienced young person might not even have that awareness. What does it matter that you know Director Luo's younger brother? It's such a distant connection that he wouldn't care at all.

But sometimes, if you don't take the initiative to be thick-skinned and seize these opportunities, how will you ever know what can be achieved through human effort? In his previous life, Li Xiuyuan didn't understand this. When he first started, he was a bit too proud. Ten years passed, and while his peers were being promoted, he remained stagnant. He used to laugh at others for sucking up to leaders and playing office politics, but in the end, those very things became the foundation of their success.

So now, even without the threat from Qu Hui, Li Xiuyuan would still be doing everything in his power to climb the ladder.

"That's a good mindset. And since you're now working at the County Government Office, there's a real opportunity here. How about this: I’ll clear my schedule tomorrow morning and go see Luo Tao. I’ll invite him out for a chat, then find a way to get him to introduce you to his brother, the Director. What do you think?" Song Limin asked.

Knowing that Li Xiuyuan was now working at the County Government Office, he no longer saw him as just a junior; he suddenly felt that his nephew had matured significantly.

Li Xiuyuan smiled and nodded, "Thank you, Uncle. I appreciate the trouble."

"Look at you, being formal again. You’ve passed the exam for the County Government Office—you’re the pride of our family! There’s no need for such talk. As long as I can help, just ask," Song Limin said cheerfully.

Aunt Li Simin nodded as well. "That’s right, Xiuyuan. We’re happy that your uncle can help you. We’re family, so don’t be a stranger."

"Haha, alright Aunt, I won't be. If I were going to be formal, I wouldn't have come over."

After finishing his meal, Li Xiuyuan prepared to head home. Before leaving, he took a thousand yuan from his pocket and tried to hand it to his uncle.

"Uncle, you can't go to your friend's house empty-handed; you'll need to buy something. Please, take this."

"Oh, you child, what are you talking about? Keep it..."

"Uncle, I’m already grateful for your help. I couldn't possibly let you spend your own money to help me."

Song Limin’s expression turned stern. "Xiuyuan, if you still respect me as your uncle, don't say things like that. If I took money to help my own nephew, how would that look? Don't worry about these things. Listen to me: I can afford this small amount. We’re family, don't be so distant, or I’ll be offended."

"Uncle, it's not like that, I..."

"Alright, go on, get going. And take this wine back for your father to enjoy."

After a bit of back-and-forth, Li Xiuyuan finally conceded. He didn't manage to give the money, but he did leave the wine for his uncle.

After Li Xiuyuan left, Song Limin didn't hurry to rest, but instead began talking with his wife, Li Simin.

"I really didn't expect it. Xiuyuan has really come into his own."

"I know, I didn't expect it either. To think he could pass the exam for the County Government Office... he won't need anyone to worry about him anymore. He’s the only young man left in our Li family..." Li Simin said with a smile, genuinely happy for him.

But Song Limin shook his head. "Passing the exam is a good thing, but it doesn't automatically mean he’ll be successful. I say he’s got potential because of the person he is. Think about it: such a huge achievement, and he kept it quiet until now. What does that show? He has depth. And today, when he found out I knew the director's brother, he came over immediately. What does that show? He’s good at networking, he’s thick-skinned, and he’s decisive. Someone like that is born for the system. Just watch—your nephew is no ordinary person. He’s going to go far."

Li Simin rolled her eyes at her husband. "Listen to you, as if Xiuyuan has so many schemes. 'Depth'..." She didn't think it sounded like a compliment.

Song Limin shook his head again. "Heh, your nephew has more wit than you do, and he thinks further ahead. And that’s not a bad thing. Without a bit of cunning, you can't go far in the political world."

Li Simin's eyes darted as she looked at her husband. "So, is that why you wouldn't take his money?"

Her husband was usually kind to her, but he was rarely this generous. Paying out of his own pocket to help his wife's nephew was a first.

Song Limin’s face darkened, and he muttered, "She’s suddenly so clever now. All that wit is being used on me."