Chapter 31 Chapter Thirty-One

After lunch, Long Wen hurried back.After work in the afternoon, Zhu Huaijing hung up on Zhang Tianqi's phone: "Secretary Zhang? I'm Huaijing, and I'll report something to you." "What report? You are the leader of the city, do you have any important instructions?" Zhang Tianqi joked lightly. Zhu Huaijing said: "It's like this. Comrade Long Wen, the former director of the National Taxation Bureau of Wu County, I know him very well. This comrade is very capable in his work. Not long ago, he was assigned to the county finance committee as the deputy director. I think this comrade is young and vigorous. It’s time to do work, and he should be burdened. Can you suggest to the county party committee that he should be the director of the county finance bureau?”

Zhang Tianqi said: "Yes, yes, I also understand this comrade. Well, I can talk to Comrade Jiang Wei about this matter. But in the end, I have to respect the opinions of their county party committee." Zhu Huaijing said: "That's natural. Secretary Zhang, I'm just talking casually. I'm sorry to cause you trouble." "Where. Is there anything else?" Zhang Tianqi asked. "It's okay, it's okay. Thank you." Zhu Huaijing made a pun, but acted calmly.It was not safe to talk on the phone, the two played a charade as if nothing had happened, and shared what they wanted to say and the information they wanted to report.

Putting down the phone, Zhu Huaijing took out the mysterious notebook, opened it, and saw that Long Wen was quite caring after all, and recorded the time, place, and what the two parties said every time they paid.Just destroy it, Zhu Huaijing thought.He looked around and saw that it was inconvenient to burn it in the office, so he wanted to squat in the toilet, tear it up little by little, and flush it away with water.He tore out the toilet paper, went to the toilet, chose the innermost squat position and squatted down, closing the door.He took out the notebook and looked at each item carefully, and saw that each time there were more than 100,000 yuan and 580,000 yuan. Most of them were sent to Zhang Tianqi's home by Long Wen, and several times they were sent to his office.Zhang Tianqi asked Long Wen to pay attention to the method every time, so as not to spoil the good things.Long Wen always promises that nothing will go wrong.After Zhu Huaijing read all the records, he didn't want to destroy the book.Why did you ruin it?No third person in the world would think that such a thing was left in his hands.Why not keep it?Who knows what's going on in the world?Maybe this thing will come in handy someday, and it's not necessarily true!Zhu Huaijing felt an inexplicable excitement.Once excited, it is really convenient.Today, he always felt that he had accomplished a great event and had a great sense of accomplishment, so he relaxed his whole body and cleaned it up happily.When you're done, go back to the office and lock the book in the safe.

In the evening, Zhu Huaijing really wanted to see Yuqin.I haven't seen her for several days, and my heart is sometimes blocked.A few months ago, when Yuqin took over the position of general manager, the city was struggling with the construction of a clean government, business was sluggish, and the turnover was decreasing day by day.Some people began to say sarcastic remarks: women are women, and they can't do big things.Yuqin is a strong one, trying her best to find a way, and she must do business well.She wakes up early and works late all day long, and looks exhausted every day.People also lost a lot of weight.The two originally insisted on going to play tennis every morning, but now they don't.Occasionally get together, each other can not enjoy themselves.Zhu Huaijing looked anxious for Yuqin, but there was nothing he could do to help.Not bad, the limelight of building a clean government soon passed, and the business of Longxing Hotel gradually boomed.But it was strange that the two of them couldn't find their original feeling when they became intimate.Every time, before Zhu Huaijing left, he was very excited, thinking about the two of them, his head was full of image thinking, wishing to see Yuqin right away.But almost never once made the two of them feel fully.He was very excited this afternoon, but when he thought about Zhang Tianqi, the more he thought about it, the more frightened he became.He was worried that his emotions would affect Yuqin, so he stayed at home.This night, Zhu Huaijing didn't close his eyes all night.Fallen leaves are rustling outside the window, autumn is getting deeper and deeper.During the day, he didn't think about it so much, he only focused on helping Zhang Tianqi.Now I feel that I am trying so hard to persuade Long Wen that I am just showing off my eloquence and wisdom.In the middle of the night, people's thinking is exaggerated and easily depressed.Imagining what might happen after the case was handed over to the judiciary, Zhu Huaijing became frightened.He was looking forward to the dawn, and maybe he would feel better when he saw the sun.

The next day happened to be Saturday.Zhu Huaijing got up late, his head was swollen and painful.After breakfast, I don't know what to do.He was thinking of Yuqin, but he didn't want to go to her.My mood was too bad, and I went to live a bad life for the two of them.Besides, Yuqin is also busy.But staying at home like this makes her panic and makes Xiangmei suspicious.Zhu Huaijing found an excuse and went out alone. A man walked on the street with a solemn expression and no purpose.Occasionally, when I see an acquaintance, I immediately put on a smiling face and say hello.Walking and walking, we arrived outside the CPPCC compound.I haven't seen Zeng Li for a long time, so I just want to go in and have a look.

The courtyard of the Political Consultative Conference is already full of autumn leaves, and it is another day off, so it is quite deserted.Zhu Huaijing went straight to Jingdu Minsheng Newspaper on the third floor of the CPPCC office building.He originally thought that Zeng Li must be hiding in his room reading a book again, but he saw him staying in the office, writing something at his desk.Seeing Zhu Huaijing, Zeng Li hurriedly got up to clear him from his seat. "Are you busy writing big articles on your day off?" Zhu Huaijing asked.Zeng Li shook his head and said, "What's the big deal? It's just a few thoughts. I'm sorry, the boiled water was yesterday's. I can't afford tea leaves. Just drink a cup of self-boiled water." Zeng Li poured out a glass of boiled water and handed it to him Zhu Huaijing.The two were not very formal, so Zhu Huaijing took the manuscript in front of Zeng Li and saw that Zeng Li was writing an essay titled "Who Should Repent".He had only read a few lines before Zeng Li sighed, took a newspaper, and said, "Huai Jing, I read this article last night, and I was so moved that I couldn't sleep at night. In 1962, Hu Three farmers in the county wrote this article called "Remembrance of the Current Situation". The article is less than 10,000 words, but the theoretical courage and patriotism it shows are really touching. They declared that they were not announcing good news, but worrying , and put forward practical countermeasures against the economic difficulties at that time. Later, the household contract responsibility system implemented by our country, the abolition of the dual-track price system, and liberalization of the market, etc., were all explained in the article, and even proposed the early stage of socialism. Concept. They sent this article to the commune party committee, county party committee, prefectural party committee, provincial party committee and the central government at that time with strong patriotic hearts. However, such an article was designated as a poisonous weed by the authorities. Contemporary Chinese In the history of thought, this is also called a brilliant document, and that is also called a brilliant document. I say that this "Remembrance of the Current Situation" is truly a glorious document in the history of Chinese thought. History should remember the names of these three peasants , They are Yang Weiming, Jia Shengcai, and Zhao Zhenli. The three were persecuted, and Yang Weiming was tortured to death. This reminds me that when Ma Yinchu was rehabilitated, a national leader read about Ma Yinchu I couldn’t help but feel a lot of emotion, and said with tears in my eyes that the Communist Party should swear that it would stop persecuting intellectuals.”

Zhu Huaijing took the newspaper and read the article "Remembrance of the Current Situation" which moved Zeng Li greatly.Zeng Li still only talked about himself: "These three farmers, Yang Weiming only studied in a private school for three years, Jia Shengcai is illiterate, and Zhao Zhenli is educated in elementary school. But their theoretical knowledge should surpass some so-called theories at that time and now. The real theories are always simple, not the accumulation of mysterious and mysterious concepts, let alone the expansion of some kind of personal will. I even think that there are no real theorists in the Chinese ideological and economic circles. So many popular scholars are either memorialists, who only know how to look at their superiors, and throw out whatever theories they see are needed; or they are commentators, who listen to the imperial decree with sharp ears, and then quote the scriptures to theorize the imperial decree; Either the Yahui faction, relying on knowing a few foreign languages, picked up some leftover soup and cold soup from foreign theoretical tables, boiled it in one pot, and then served it hot. Facing these three peasants, history should repent, and reality should ashamed."

While listening to Zeng Li expressing emotion, Zhu Huaijing read the article written by three farmers more than 30 years ago, and he was really touched.But he just smiled lightly and said, "It's not bad that the three farmers were not executed immediately." Zeng Li was shocked and said: "You still say such things? After reading this article, you are indifferent? It can be seen that you have been in the officialdom for a long time, and you have become insensitive." Zhu Huaijing said: "I'm not being insensitive, I'm analyzing this matter objectively. Politics obeys needs, not reason. I read such a story in a book. There was a Western country that was also very authoritarian at the time, but it deviated a bit. A very thoughtful writer who wrote a large number of unorthodox books and angered the authorities. The authorities sent an official to negotiate with the author because the official was a very good friend of the author when he was a child. The official First of all, he was outspoken, accusing his old friend of how rebellious, ridiculous, disturbing the public opinion, and endangering the country, and advised the writer not to spread these fallacies. The writer angrily stated how his thoughts conformed to public opinion, followed history, and Said that he would be immortal because of these writings, and it is the reactionary government that is moving against the trend of history that will be left behind forever! The official smiled coldly and said, man, are you the only smarter person in the world? Who doesn’t know you Everything you say makes sense? But reality doesn’t need your theory. If you don’t listen to dissuasion, we can make you immortal in history, but you have to disappear from reality immediately.”

When the great nephew heard this, he was stunned, as if lost, and sighed for a long time: "Yes, a philosopher said that human rationality has two sources, but social development has only one riverbed." Zhu Huaijing was planning to go out to relax, so he stopped by to see Zeng Li, but he didn't expect to hear such a heavy topic from him when we met, it was really boring.Zeng Li is indeed secretly admired, but not liked.Zhu Huaijing picked up Zeng Li's essay again and read it.Zeng Li started from the experience of the three farmers in the past, and used the topic to make use of it, and the writing style is very sharp.The article is not finished. "Zeng Li," Zhu Huaijing put down the manuscript and laughed, "Your article is really a bit like Lu Xun." Zeng Li smiled lightly, and said modestly: "Where, how dare you compare with Mr. Lu Xun?" Zhu Huaijing laughed even more, " Do you think I am praising you? Indeed, the education we have received since we were young is to learn from Mr. Lu Xun. It was only later that I gradually realized that it is okay to say this, but it cannot be taken seriously. Did Mr. Lu Xun really learn it? Don’t be stupid .I..." Before Zhu Huaijing finished speaking, the phone rang.As soon as he picked it up, it was Fang Mingyuan who called: "Hey, Huai Jing, Mayor Pi is going to play tennis, and he asked you to go too." Zhu Huai Jing hurriedly stood up and asked, "Where are you playing? Where are you now?" Fang Mingyuan replied: "Let's go to Nantian Gymnasium. I'm downstairs at Mayor Pi's house, and Mayor Pi will come down right away. Where are you?" Zhu Huaijing said, "Leave me alone, I'll do it myself." Turning off the phone, Zhu Huaijing Ready to leave, he smiled and said to Zeng Li: "Brother, let me tell you, don't worry about so many things. Are you willing to wrong yourself, write some articles for the occasion, earn some manuscript fees outside your salary, and live a better life for yourself. I don't want to Wronging yourself, just hide at home and write according to your own temper, don't rush to publish it, hide it as a famous mountain, and pass it on to future generations. I know you care about national affairs, but just like you can't really learn from Lu Xun, when It can't be true. Who really wants you to care about national affairs? We are all small people, so let's live in peace and contentment. Remember my words, you can't go wrong."

Zhu Huaijing left the angry Zeng Li in the office, went downstairs alone, quickly walked out of the compound, hailed a taxi, and went straight to Nantian Gymnasium.No wonder, Zhu Huaijing was no longer tired, and his mood was much better.When he entered the tennis court, he made a bet with himself in his heart that if Chen Yan was not present today, he would be a son of a bitch. Piglet's Tianma Entertainment City was completed and opened.Both Zhu Huaijing and Fang Mingyuan were invited to the opening ceremony.But Mayor Pi warned the two not to go, so as not to have any words for no reason.They had to explain it to Piglet.Piglet complained to the old man, and then said a paragraph to invite the two of you.But Deputy Mayor Sima went there at the invitation of Piglet and cut the ribbon for the entertainment city himself.He is the leader of the city government in charge of finance and trade, so it seems reasonable to attend the opening ceremony.This has saved Piglet enough face.Zhu Huaijing only found out later that Deputy Mayor Sima had gone to cut the ribbon for the Entertainment City, and found the article in the middle to be intriguing.Because he knew that Mayor Pi and Deputy Mayor Sima were at odds in private.According to the common people, if the two of you have disagreements, or if there is something wrong with your family, I will not look in your direction.However, things in the officialdom are often incomprehensible according to ordinary people's thinking.Then forget about it.The business of Tianma Entertainment City has been booming since the opening day.There are high-end restaurants, bowling alleys, swimming pools, dance halls, KTV private rooms, tea houses, saunas, etc., and all kinds of services are available.

Xiang Jifu's tax embezzlement case was handled seamlessly.One night three months after the incident, Zhu Huaijing was playing bowling in Tianma Entertainment City when he received a call from Long Wen, saying that Xiang Jifu had been executed.At this time, Long Wen was already the director of Wu County Finance Bureau.According to Zhu Huaijing's instructions, Long Wen did not call him before the case was closed.Zhu Huaijing hadn't been feeling very well in the past three months, he and Yuqin had always had a bad time, it seemed that all the sweetness had gone with the wind and could never be brought back.The two were reluctant to break up, and they were both trying to make each other happy.They are all very mature people, how can we break up when we break up?But all efforts are in vain.Both of them seem to be maintaining their relationship rationally, not wanting to appear too childish.This is similar to the couple who do not want to divorce rashly due to family values.It may be an ominous sign that the relationship between lovers has reached this point.Fang Mingyuan asked Zhu Huaijing to play tennis with Mayor Pi every few days, which would give him a few hours of happiness.Chen Yan is present every time, watching her leaping lightly on the court, her charming figure changes rapidly, which is soul-stirring.But Zhu Huaijing's joy at this time was not entirely due to Chen Yan.He is the kind of person who, even if he is unhappy about something big, as long as he is with the leader, everything will disappear for a while.In fact, what makes him unhappy is the relationship with Yuqin, but what worries him is Xiang Jifu's case.He hoped to receive a call from Long Wen as soon as possible, but he was afraid of receiving his call.I even regretted my meddling in my own business.Long Wen was also very cautious. After overcoming the difficulties of the investigation, he still didn't dare to call Zhu Huaijing.He had to wait until Xiang Jifu fell under the gunshots before he called that night.The two of them didn't talk about it specifically on the phone, but chatted with old friends, and occasionally talked about the latest news in Wu County, casually talking about Xiang Jifu being executed for some crime. Now that Zhu Huaijing finally knew that the matter was over, he could have relieved himself, but his heart became inexplicably sad.Lei Fuchen, Fang Mingyuan, Yuqin, Song Daqing, and Huang Dahong were also bowling together tonight, all invited by Pijie.Everyone had a great time, but only Zhu Huaijing and Yuqin forced themselves to be happy.Yuqin's unhappiness is also because of the business of Longxing Hotel.Long Xing's business got better after being cold for a while, but as soon as Tianma Entertainment City opened, her catering, bowling, song and dance hall and KTV private room business stopped again.Nowadays, the upstarts in Jingdu regard it as a fashion to go to Tianma to play, and there is a lot of traffic in front of the gate all night.Every evening, there are clouds of beautiful girls in the parking lot in front of the door.They wear heavy makeup, look frequently, and call at any time.These girls are migratory birds in Jingdu, and they will fly to any nightclub where the climate is suitable for food.In such a huge Jingdu, only Tianma can provide the best climate for these migratory birds.You can imagine Yuqin's mood while sitting in the bowling alley of her business rival. After three rounds of bowling, Piglet invited everyone to sing again.Zhu Huaijing wondered where he was in the mood to sing today?Just say forget it, and play another day.But the other gentlemen were still having fun and wanted to play again, so as not to let Zhu Huaijing go.Yuqin gave Zhu Huaijing a wink, which meant that she wanted to leave first.Zhu Huaijing nodded secretly and let her go first.So Yuqin thanked Piglet and left first.Piglet led the others to the KTV private room.A young man rushed over, like a department manager.Piglet explained a few words, and the young man went.Piglet laughed and said: "Singing without a lady to accompany, the atmosphere is not right. Everyone invites a lady." Everyone politely said no need to invite, let's play by themselves.Zhu Huaijing declined the most earnestly, saying: "President Pi, we are just good friends, just play around casually, what kind of lady are you looking for?" Piglet laughed and said, "What are you afraid of? Yuqin is not here." Listen. At these words, Zhu Huaijing blushed.They looked at Zhu Huaijing and smiled.Knowing that he had made a slip of the tongue, Piglet smoothed things over and said, "Yuqin said she had to leave beforehand, so I wouldn't force her to stay. If there is a lady, we won't be able to enjoy ourselves." They were talking and laughing, and the manager led five A young lady came in, standing in front of the crowd one by one, standing upright, twisting and shaking.Piglet's view: "You can choose whatever you want." Everyone was polite at first, saying that the boss should choose first, and concealed Piglet's surname in the words.But Piglet waved his hands humbly, saying that the guests come first.A few people began to pick people.Zhu Huaijing was still a little embarrassed, he didn't move for a long time, they were already pregnant.Piglet then asked Zhu Huaijing: "Boss Zhang, do you think you don't like it? Call me again if you don't like it." Fang Mingyuan patted the face of the young lady in his arms with one hand, pointed at Zhu Huaijing with the other and said with a smile: "Boss Zhang! , I have a model in my mind, and I have a high vision." Speaking and asking Piglet, he had already picked one, and there was only one left, standing there a little embarrassed.Zhu Huaijing felt that it was not good to embarrass the young lady, so he waved to the young lady.The lady smiled and came over.Zhu Huaijing secretly laughed at himself as a fool, knowing that he couldn't avoid it, why didn't he start picking it earlier?In the end, I picked up some others and picked the rest.This lady has a good face and figure, but she is just a little fat, so she was compared by several gentlemen in the flower selection.The lady sat down, put her hand in Zhu Huaijing's palm, and asked softly: "Do you sing, sir?" Zhu Huaijing didn't sing well, so he didn't want to yell outside, so he said: "Miss, sing, I just appreciate it. "This young lady's hand is very soft, like satin, very comfortable to hold.At this moment, Fang Mingyuan was already singing "Heart Rain" with his young lady.Fang Mingyuan changed the lyrics impromptu, and sang it so funny that everyone laughed.Miss Zhu Huaijing chose the song "I Really Miss You" and said that she would dedicate this song to her friend and all the friends present.Everyone pointed at Zhu Huaijing and joked.This lady's song is really good, she deserves to be in the arena.The young lady sang and sang, her hands became tighter and tighter, which moved Zhu Huaijing.The lady finished singing and won applause from all over the house.Below is Lei Fuchen and Miss singing "Kangding Love Song".Huang Dahong and Song Da took the young lady out to dance early in the morning.Seeing that Zhu Huaijing didn't want to sing, the lady invited him out to dance.The two went downstairs, and it happened that a slow four started.As soon as the young lady put her hand on Zhu Huaijing's shoulder, she bent her head slightly, looked up at him, and smiled slightly.Zhu Huaijing also looked at her and smiled, but couldn't find a proper word.The lady said softly: "Mr. is still a little cautious, let's relax." Zhu Huaijing said: "No, I'm very happy." The lady said: "It's good to make Mr. happy. We are afraid that we can't make the guests happy. "While speaking, the young lady moved her body closer, and her tall chest rubbed against his chest.After the song came to an end, Zhu Huaijing didn't want to go up to sing anymore, so he just danced here.The two casually found an empty booth and sat down.The lady leaned her head half in Zhu Huaijing's arms and said, "It can be seen that Mr. is a very self-respecting person." Zhu Huaijing didn't know what the lady was referring to, and asked, "Why do you know that?" The lady said, "You respect me very much." " Zhu Huaijing asked on this topic: "Then what kind of man do you want to meet?" The lady raised her head, looked at him with a smile, then snuggled into his arms, and said, "I hope to meet a man like you " Zhu Huaijing hugged the young lady and said, "Thank you, young lady, for looking after me." At this moment, the lights dimmed suddenly, and soft music played lyrically.The young lady dragged Zhu Huaijing onto the dance floor, threw herself into his arms, and hugged him tightly.Zhu Huaijing felt the squeeze of the woman's breasts, and his mind went blank.The female singer sang "You Take Me Away Tonight" mournfully: ... such a night i don't want to be alone Moonlight is like water breeze like water Nights like this are the loneliest ... The dance music is very long, and the female singer's song is over, but the song is still going on.The two of them didn't talk just now, but now the singing stopped, the young lady leaned into his ear and said, "Take me away tonight." Stand up hard.The young lady hugged him even tighter, her lower body clinging to him, twisting gently.Zhu Huaijing pretended to be confused, thinking that Miss Dao was talking about the lyrics, only that the song was nice, and didn't answer her.The lady said again: "Sir, I know you are very distinguished guests, we have to take good care of you." Zhu Huaijing asked: "How do you say that?" Be as happy as you are happy." Zhu Huaijing's chest jumped wildly, but he pretended to be calm, "Thank you miss, I am very happy." After the song was over, the two returned to the booth.With the experience just now, the young lady didn't have any scruples anymore, she simply hung his neck and put a leg over him.Zhu Huaijing had no place to put his hand, so he had to take it down naturally and put it on the young lady's lap.The lady bit his ear and said, "Touch my legs, my legs are delicious." How dare Zhu Huaijing be so presumptuous?How bad would it be if an acquaintance met?Then he joked: "Miss is full of taste, not only your jade legs?" The lady put her legs down, leaned her head on Zhu Huaijing's shoulder, and said with a smile: "Mr. is very good at flattering women, but he is too cautious. Sir, According to our rules, we should not inquire about the name of the guest. I see that Mr. is a gentleman, if you trust me, can you leave a phone call?" Zhu Huaijing was troubled, so he prevaricated: "If there is fate, we will meet again in the future May I ask the lady's name?" The lady smiled and said, "Sir, you are so smart. You don't show your true face, but you come to ask my name. In fact, in the social arena, how can there be truth? I see a lot of people on the scene. You can tell the difference between good and bad. As for a man, just talk to him a few words, and you will know more or less." Zhu Huaijing felt that the lady's words were interesting, so he asked: "In your opinion, am I a good person or a good person?" A bad guy?" The lady said, "Do you want me to tell the truth or lie?" Zhu Huaijing laughed and said, "Of course I want to hear the truth." The lady giggled and said, "Well, you want to be a villain and want to be a villain again." If you can’t do it, you can be regarded as a good person.” Zhu Huaijing patted the young lady’s hand and said, “Thank you, young lady, for being considerate. The lady whispered in his ear, "Sir, call me Li Jing, the eighteenth son Li, be quiet."Just call me by my name.It's too boring to call Miss. " The two sat and talked for a while, and then went to dance, floating around on the dance floor clinging to each other.Li Jing is always talking about love, it seems that the man she is dancing with is not a coincidence, but her long-time lover.Zhu Huaijing had long been distracted, but he confessed in his heart that he must stick to the bottom line.Li Jing murmured, "I really want to spend the night with you." Zhu Huaijing was already moved, but he didn't want to take the risk.But let it go, she wanted to test the depth of this woman, and asked: "How can I spend the night? It's not safe anywhere." Li Jing said: "There is a place here. I can go with you. You can also if you want Come with me." Zhu Huaijing said: "I like you very much, but it's not convenient tonight. Tell me how to find you, and I'll call you in a few days." Li Jing then said: "Okay, I'll call you later You turn the phone." Zhu Huaijing seemed to be genuine when he saw Li Jing.Afraid that she would be too disappointed, he made some apologies.After dancing the song, Zhu Huaijing said to go up and have a look. Back to the private room, only to see Lei Fuchen and the young lady singing, clinging to each other.Li Jing took the handbag, took out a business card, and gave it to Zhu Huaijing.Zhu Huaijing took a look, and saw that the front of the business card only had the name and telephone, mobile phone, and pager numbers, and a sentence printed on the back: When you miss this night, please call me.Zhu Huaijing thought to herself that this woman made such a thing very romantic!At this time, Lei Fuchen finished singing and greeted Zhu Huaijing.Zhu Huaijing asked the two of them to take care of themselves, and then talked to Li Jing.He wanted to wait for Piglet to come back, say hello to him, and went back first.If I stay any longer, I'm afraid I won't be able to hold on.But Piglet didn't come back for a long time.Zhu Huaijing's cell phone rang. Looking at the number, it was Yuqin calling.He quickly picked it up and said he would be right back.Li Jing joked: "Your supervisor called you?" Zhu Huaijing smiled apologetically and said, "I'm sorry, I'll be leaving first, there will be a later date." Lei Fuchen stood up and asked why he didn't play for a while?The two said a few polite words, shook hands and said goodbye.Li Jing accompanied Zhu Huaijing down the stairs, straight to the door, and said affectionately, "I'll wait for you to call me." Zhu Huaijing drove the car for a while, made a small circle, turned back, and drove into the Longxing Hotel.He hung up Piglet's cell phone in the car and thanked him.Of course Piglet thought he was too reserved to have fun.Zhu Huaijing didn't want to appear too old-fashioned, so he only said that something happened at home. Yuqin was still awake, sitting in the living room waiting for him. "Is it cloudy or foggy?" Yuqin pouted her mouth and pretended to be angry.Zhu Huaijing patted her face and said, "I'm still in the fog and I'm coming back? I've already gone to the immortal." Yuqin took off Zhu Huaijing's clothes and turned on the water for him to take a bath.Lying in the bath, Zhu Huaijing couldn't help but think of Li Jing.That woman is very sensual and very charming, she must have a special flavor.Such a charming woman was picked out by those few dear friends, which shows that their eyesight is not good enough.I'm afraid it's not enough to choose a woman just by looking at it. You have to look, smell and ask like Chinese medicine.Zhu Huaijing wiped his body with his eyes closed, and gradually became emotional, feeling resentful in his heart.For the first time in his life, he experienced what it was like to chew on Tumen.This taste is really unpleasant.When Yuqin came in with her pajamas, Zhu Huaijing opened her hands towards her.Yuqin glanced at the stiff thing under him, pursed her lips and smiled.Zhu Huaijing said, "You bad guy, what are you laughing at? You're suffocating me!" Still smiling, Yuqin took off her clothes slowly. This time the two had a good time.After the work was done, Yuqin was like a peach blossom, and Zhu Huaijing carried her to the bedroom.The two hugged each other and lay quietly for a while, Yuqin sighed inadvertently.Zhu Huaijing asked, "What's the matter with you?" Yuqin said, "It's nothing. It's ridiculous that you have to socialize with him like an old friend when you are obviously a business rival." Zhu Huaijing said, "You have a strong sense of professionalism, I know. But there is no need to be serious about everything. What is a career? Let me tell you, I am becoming more and more confused about this issue. In the past, what we understood as a career was to fight for life for what. Now? In fact, it is too practical, just four words: get promoted and get rich. I was in the officialdom, and I usually feel empty when it comes to career. People judge your career success by how old an official you are. But I It is true that being a high-ranking official is not regarded as a career. What about you? You do it in the business field, and it is said that your career is to make a fortune. But your company is owned by the state, and it has nothing to do with your own fortune. Besides, if you make money, you are a career , then why do we need to go around such a big detour to talk about the business? Now that your business has been taken away by Piglet, there is no way to do it, and it’s not because you are incompetent. You just need to do your best.” Yu Qin sighed: "That being said, it's a breath of life. Lei Fuchen is the general manager, and the business here is booming. When it's my turn, the business is slow. Where should I put my face? The most troublesome thing is that if the business is not good, The employees will panic, can I survive here?" Zhu Huaijing laughed and said, "Speaking of which, even if this is the case, Pijie is still in fair competition with you. It is impossible to do business without competition." Yuqin was upset and said : "You mean we don't compete well? How do you know it's fair competition? Don't you know that we haven't been fair competition from the beginning? We were the first to intend to acquire this land, but he levied it at a price lower than ours. Land. Where is the fairness in the middle? Let’s say now, the most beautiful escort girls in the entire city of Jing are all rushing to Tianma. You can’t guess the name of the middle? Which restaurant or hotel is so bold? Where's the fair competition?" Yuqin's tone was questioning, which made people feel uncomfortable, and Zhu Huaijing's mood also turned bad: "What's the matter with you? Whatever I say, you always refute me to the point where I'm bruised." Let it go. I have no other purpose, I just want to make you happy. It is not easy for us to stay together for a while, why do we always have to talk about unhappy things? In the final analysis, some things cannot be changed by you and me. The trend of the times, who can do anything?" Yuqin fell silent, not sure if she was wronged or persuaded.Zhu Huaijing didn't bother to pay attention to her, and lay there looking at the ceiling.Recently, the two of them have always talked non-congenially, and got angry when they talked.Zhu Huaijing even felt that he was getting more and more vulgar, always arguing with Yuqin over one or two irrelevant words.Sometimes in order to persuade Yuqin, some of the words he said may not represent his original intention, but just follow her words and use popular sayings in society to forgive her.Sometimes when he argues with her, it's just for the sake of arguing, and no matter what the reason is, as long as it can be used as a cannonball, it will pop out of his mouth.Every time, it was Yuqin who was silent first, and then it was Yuqin who broke the silence and comforted him.Zhu Huaijing would blame himself in his heart, and secretly vowed not to get angry with her again in the future. But today, Yuqin turned her back and didn't speak for a long time.Zhu Huaijing couldn't bear it anymore, and pulled Yuqin.Yuqin rolled over limp all over, but her eyes were closed.She was thinner, and her eye sockets were sunken.Zhu Huaijing's heart ached, he put his arms around Yuqin, and said, "Okay, let's stop arguing about these empty words. It's not good to be in a hurry about your business, so let's find a way." Yuqin didn't seem to be angry anymore, Sighing, she arched herself into Zhu Huaijing's arms, and fell asleep holding him. Zhu Huaijing also felt very tired and was about to fall asleep in a daze.But suddenly remembered the call from Long Wen, couldn't help being startled, and woke up.Feeling in my heart for a while, I thought this is the only way to go, don't worry about it so much, go to sleep.But I couldn't fall asleep.He thought that under the same night tonight, Xiang Jifu had become a zombie and disappeared forever from this world; Falling asleep, Zhu Huaijing heard from the phone that he was secretly glad that he passed the test; where is Zhang Tianqi?What is he doing now? Not long after Zhu Huaijing went to the office early in the morning, he received a sad news.Bu Zhifei, the eldest son of Bu Weizhi, called and said that Mr. Bu passed away last night.Zhu Huaijing was shocked when he heard the news.Bu Zhifei asked him to tell Li Mingxi.Zhu Huaijing agreed and said some comforting words.After answering the phone, Zhu Huaijing sat at the desk, not knowing what to do for a long time.Mr. Bu is so healthy, how can he just leave? Li Mingxi received a call from Zhu Huaijing, and was speechless for a long time.After a while, he said, "Is it true?" It was a funny question at first, but Zhu Huaijing couldn't laugh this time, and said, "Who is joking with you? How about this, you write an elegiac couplet, and leave the two of us alone." I will buy some gifts according to Jingdu rules. I will pick you up after work at noon." At ten o'clock, Secretary-General Liu called and asked Zhu Huaijing to go.Zhu Huaijing hurriedly put down what he was doing and went to Secretary General Liu's office.Secretary-General Liu got up and shook hands with him very warmly.Zhu Huaijing didn't know what Secretary-General Liu had to say, so he asked with a smile, "Secretary-General, what important instructions do you have?" Then he said: "There is no instruction today, I just talk to you. Huai Jing, your work is good, your quality is very good in all aspects, and you are very satisfied with the organization. Mayor Pi and I often talk about you, Pi The mayor agrees with me. The office ultimately depends on you young people." Zhu Huaijing didn't know what Secretary-General Liu was going to say today, and he really wanted to hear him ask questions right away, so as not to repeat the situation again.But Secretary-General Liu talked for a long time, all he said was his evaluation of Zhu Huaijing, and he was full of praise.Zhu Huaijing couldn't always listen to these words in silence, it seemed too immodest.But Secretary-General Liu spoke eloquently and eloquently, and it was difficult for anyone to get in his mouth.Zhu Huaijing knew that Secretary-General Liu did not smoke, but he handed him cigarettes.他便趁柳秘书长摇手说不抽不抽的空儿，谦虚了几句：“感谢柳秘书长的教育和栽培。我做的每一件工作，都是因为有领导支持，有领导撑腰。说句心里话，在您手下工作，是一件很愉快的事。累是累了些，但累得心情舒畅。有您这样的领导；是我们干部的福气。” 柳秘书长摆摆手，笑道：“哪里啊，是你自己工作出色。我这人没别的本事，只是知道理解人，关心人，肯用人。干部成熟了，就要重用，就要提拔。” 朱怀镜听出些味儿来了，却不敢相信事情会有这么快。便想，也许柳秘书长是想同他谈谈别人的提拔吧，便说：“是啊，柳秘书长在用干部上是很有口碑的。同志们都说您识才、惜才、爱才、重才。干部的成长在于培养啊。” 柳秘书长有了刚才这番烘云托月，这会儿就把文章结穴了，说：“怀镜，按说，你任正处级实职时间不长，应缓一步。但厅党组认为。像你这样有潜力的干部，不妨破格。我们考虑，给你压点担子，提你任个副厅级研究员。我已把党组的初步意见向皮市长汇报了，皮市长表示同意。” 朱怀镜胸口怦怦地跳了起来。运气这么好，这的确出乎他的意料。他知道自己的脸红了，却也不怎么窘。，心想自己在柳秘书长面前，脸要红就红一回吧，反倒显得敦厚质朴。就像小孩在大人面前幼稚就幼稚一点吧，倒可爱些。柳秘长说清楚组织意图，就端起了茶杯，注视着朱怀镜。这个时候，柳秘书长把对话空隙主动留出来了。朱怀镜这就得马上表态了，便红着脸，语气却还平和，说：“感谢柳秘书长。我自知努力不够，还有很多不足，却让领导这么器重，真有些诚惶诚恐。” 柳秘书长说：“我这是先同你透个风，不算正式找你谈话。我们厅里用干部，这些年一直坚持走民主路线，先由干部推荐。这个你是知道的。” 这个程序朱怀镜当然知道。从科级干部中提处级干郡，就先在相应处室全体干部中投票进行民意测验；从处级干部中提厅级干部，民意测验就在各处负责人中间进行。看上去够民主的，其实中间文章不少，大家心里都清楚。科级干部提处级，民意测验纯粹是走过场，领导不想提你，你哪怕有百分百的支持率都枉然了。可从处级干部中提厅级，投票情况一般还是会认真对待。毕竟处级干部没有科级干部那么好对付。但不论提哪级干部，有关领导都会很方法地透些风出去，甚至做些说服工作，让大家心里有个数，服从组织意图。朱怀镜对投票没有多大把握。他任正处级时间短了，这么快就提拔他，别人肯定有看法。朱怀镜说了许多，感谢的话之后，又说：“柳秘书长，您领导了解我，但各处的负责人不一定都了解我。您是知道的，我这个人平时只是埋头工作，不太注意和外处室的同志联络。所以还得请柳秘书长做些工作才是，不然我估计我的票数肯定不会大多。” 柳秘书长点头说：“我会找同志们个别扯扯的。我说，你上了，你认为处里谁出任处长合适些？” 朱怀镜没想到柳秘书长会问这个问题。他琢磨着柳秘书长的表情，想猜出他的意图，却实在猜不出，便谨慎地说：“要是从内部产生的话，我个人意见，邓才刚同志比较合适。这个同志工作能力不错，事业心也还不错……”朱怀镜见柳秘书长眉头皱起来了，就换了口风，“这个同志要说不足，就是统筹协调能力可能差了些。布置他一项工作，他可以很出色地完成，但要他出个什么新点子，或者通盘考虑处里工作，就有些顾不上了。” 柳秘书长含蓄地一笑，说：“怀镜，你小看他了，邓才刚的本事大得很哩！而且人品也好，一身正气。嫉恶如仇。” 朱怀镜听了这话，几乎产生错觉，以为柳秘书长真的很赏识邓才刚。但他马上从柳秘书长嘴角的笑容里看出了一丝讥讽，便后悔自己为邓才刚说话了。柳秘书长已不再关心这个话题，同他说起别的事了。 从柳秘书长那里回来，朱怀镜心情仍没能平静。邓才刚过来，向朱怀镜汇报《财政论坛》一书的发行情况。朱怀镜组织的领导干部财源建设理论与实践研究征文活动搞得很像回事。大部分论文都在《荆都日报》上发表了，还组织评委评了奖，上上下下的领导同志皆大欢喜。过后又将论文结集出版，书名是请示皮市长定下的，并由皮市长题写了“财政论坛”四字。再加上皮市长亲自作了序，这书的发行自然方便了。这些具体工作都是邓才刚抓的，现在发行工作已结束。一算账，包括发行收入、财政拨的活动经费、企业赞助，赚的不算很多，但年终发奖金是不愁了。朱怀镜和颜悦色，直道老邓辛苦了。内心却很同情这位可怜人。朱怀镜一直不明白，领导为什么对邓才刚如此不欣赏。在他看来；不管论德论才，邓才刚都是应该重用的好干部，却硬是把他放在副处长的位置上压着。也许他的时运还没到吧。朱怀镜想想自己前几年，不也是这般要死不活的吗？ 中午，朱怀镜去机关食堂买了份盒饭，匆匆吃了，开车出来，去商场买了一床水鸟被用作祭礼。然后赶去美术学院接李明溪。爬上楼去，见李明溪的房门敞开着，很是意外。一进门，不及看见李明溪，先见地上摊着一副挽联： 惯看丹青知黑白 永入苍茫无炎凉 ——朱怀镜李明溪敬挽 朱怀镜微微点头，暗自佩服李明溪。上联单看字面，已很贴切了，更妙的是“知黑白”三字一语双关，道出卜老的人格风范。下联写卜老仙归却不显凄婉，也正合卜老的放达散淡。，朱怀镜看罢挽联，抬头搜寻一圈，才发现李明溪蹲在一个角落的书柜边，正望着他，怯生生的像见了陌生人。屋子里依然是乱七八糟，似乎还散发着某种怪味。“明溪你没事吧？”朱怀镜问。 李明溪也不答腔，磨磨蹭蹭站了起来，问：“就走？”也没等朱怀镜答话，他便小心地叠起了挽联，出门了。朱怀镜替他关上门，跟在后面下楼。上了汽车，李明溪自言自语：“人这一辈子……”朱怀镜想听他是不是有什么高论，却听不到下文了。此时此刻，李明溪的脑子里说不定满是些关于生命的哲思妙悟，而且必定怪诞而深刻。他没有说出来，朱怀镜只是侧过脸，望望他那陷进眼眶子里的略显浑浊的眼珠子，似乎就闻到一股哲学味。 离卜老的家门口还有几道铺面，远远的就听到哀婉的唢呐声了。办佛事道场吹唢呐，实在是先人们很智慧的发明。佛事道场的唢呐本不讲究成曲成调，只是套着锣鼓木鱼，悠悠扬扬地伴上一两声，便天生的凄切，催人泪下。朱怀镜感觉鼻腔里酸酸的一阵发痒，不禁唏嘘起来。 孝男孝女们见朱怀镜和李明溪二人前来吊唁，齐刷刷跪下，大声悲号，哭声震天。哭声让唢呐声一和，更是悲怆了。朱怀镜眼帘涩涩的，很快就湿润了。他忙上前拉起孝男孝女们，请他们节哀。一位五十岁上下的男人被拉起来之后，就同朱李二位握手，表示感谢。朱怀镜便猜想这男子必是卜知非了。他俩从未正面打过交道。李明溪送上挽联，朱怀镜送上祭礼。看热闹的邻居凑上来看看挽联，并不明白联上的意思，都说这字写得漂亮。那位果然是卜知非，他看了挽联，便知来的是父亲生前要好的两位忘年之交，便自我介绍了，再次感谢。请两位到一旁坐下喝茶。 灵堂是在雅致堂前面临街搭起的一个棚子。荆都寻常人家老了人，都是这样在自家门前搭个棚子做灵堂，这似乎也成一种风俗了。雅致堂自然是歇业了。灵堂正面大书”当大事”三字，两旁挽联写的是： 仙翁御风西去 荆水无语东流 卜知非见朱怀镜和李明溪在看上面挽联，忙说：“这是我自己凑的两句，不好。两位先生送的挽联才合父亲平生志行，我马上叫人把先生送的挽联换上。”朱怀镜见李明溪不做声，就说：“换倒不必，挂在旁边就是了。”卜知非硬是客气，叫人过来，将原来的挽联取下来挂在一边，把李明溪写的挽联挂在灵堂正面。朱李二位陪卜知非说说话，无非是些安慰话。孝女们在一旁哭号，是荆都传统的哭丧调儿，说尽了卜老平日里的好处。那位年纪稍长的妇人，想必是卜知非的夫人，哭得最里手，居然句句押韵：“……老爹爹啊（是）老爹爹，您（是）十五六岁（是）出家门啊，一个包袱（是）一个人，学徒您（是）去了北京城。辛辛苦苦（是）一个月啊，光洋啊（是）两块半，牙齿缝缝您（是）省饭菜。好不容易您（是）学了艺啊，老少一家您（是）不容易，年年月月您（是）不歇气。到老您（是）还要受一难啊，斗您批您（是）台上站，说你想（是）把天来变。男男女女（是）都不孝啊，劳您（是）还把艺来教，好让子孙（是）莫把饭来要。大放有心（是）您老走啊，家业自有（是）人来守，守着烂铺（是）月月有啊……”听着这哭号，卜知非也不避着客人，眼睛一红，硬咽起来，说：“我这老婆，嫁到我家快四十年了，糟糠之妻，知道父亲创业艰难。”朱怀镜也很受感动，叹息几声。荆都妇人哭丧，朱怀镜头一次听见，觉得很有风味。句中“是”是语气词，相当于民歌里的“哪个”或“哟”。更有意思的是在荆都土话中居然残存着古代语法，卜知非夫人哭的“大放有心”的“有”还是上古时候的语中助词。李明溪始终不怎么说话，总是望着卜老的遗像。朱怀镜见卜知非一家都把他和李明溪看作贵宾了，就觉得老是坐在这里不方便，给人家添麻烦，便问：“老卜，你有什么要我们帮忙的，只管说就是。”这本是要告辞时说的客气话，不曾想卜知非真有事要帮忙。他很无奈地摇摇头，说：“朱先生……啊啊朱处长，有件事看您能不能帮个忙。我今天上午去了殡仪馆，尽是麻烦。我们不在他们那里设灵堂，只是佛事道场完了之后送去火化，他们却硬是要我们租灵堂。其实也无所谓租不租，就是要我交钱。我想实在淡不下来，就出个小灵堂的租金算了。可他们不让，硬要我租大灵堂。我记得我母亲去世那年，那会儿管得紧，不准在自己家里设灵堂，一律要在殡仪馆办丧事。我们因为亲戚朋友多，想租个大灵堂，他们觉得我们好笑，说是大灵堂要相当级别的领导才能用。现在倒好，也不讲领导不领导了，只要能捞钱，他们巴不得把整个殡仪馆都租出去。光是这租金还好说，还有更不讲理的。我母亲也葬在殡仪馆的公墓里，我们想把父亲同母亲合葬，这是老人家的心愿。我们想自己请人施工，他们说这也不行，得交两万多块钱， 由他们负责施工。其实我们自己施工，花一两千块钱就行了。另外还得在他们那里租花圈、买小白花。全按殡仪馆说的办，包括老人化妆费、火化费等，得花五六万。这还不包括墓地征用费，因为这是合葬，不用新征地。若重新征地，不花八万十万下不来。这些都是他们明文规定要收的，不包括给工作人员打点。不打点不行，关系弄僵了，他们不马上给你火化，说得排队。有意跟你拖时间，那就还得收遗体停放租金，每天又是多少多少。朱处长，在荆都，一般老百姓莫说活，死都死不起了。说实在的，花几万块钱我们也不是花不起，只是这事想着气不顺。实在谈不好，我只好违背父亲意愿，把他拖到乡下，花钱买块风水宝地，土葬了。反正土葬是老人们求之不得的事。 " 朱怀镜很是气愤。他一时想不出什么办法给卜知非帮忙。他还未开言，卜知非又说：“那些人态度才叫恶劣，简直就是阎王爷派来的人。他们说，你这钱硬是要交的，这是钉子钉了的。我就想了缓兵之计，回来想想办法。临走他们说你就是让皮德求来说情也是没用的，他到时候也得送到这里来。你说这话难不难听？” 朱怀镜哼了声，说：“这些人，真是无赖！老卜你别急。我想想办法。”这时，有人过来请朱怀镜和李明溪去吃饭。原来按荆都风俗，家有丧事，便开流水席。来吊唁的，送上祭礼，登记了，就去吃顿饭。卜家的流水席开在自家后院里。朱怀镜说吃过饭了，谢谢了。却想着李明溪一定还没有吃中饭，就说：“明溪，你没吃的吧？你去吃吧，我在这里同老卜说说话，等你。”李明溪也不客气，随人进去了。卜知非望着李明溪的背影说：“这位李先生我父亲也经常讲起，是个才子。”朱怀镜笑笑，说是的是的。他猛然想起殡仪馆那片也是宋达清他们局里的管区，说不定他有办法，就试着挂了电话，细说了情况。宋达清说：“殡仪馆我还真的从来没有打过交道。那一片属我们月塘派出所管，我联系一下，让他们马上去办一下。”朱怀镜说：“那就先谢谢你了。我等你电话啊。” “真是没想到，卜老身体那么健朗，”朱怀镜叹道，“怎么说走就走了呢？” 卜知非掩泪道：“你不知道啊，父亲一辈子吃尽苦头，可他性子随和，乐观开朗，从来不跟自己过不去。想不到最后还是抱恨而去。” 朱怀镜不明就里，问：“卜老还有什么大愿未了？” 卜知非说：“你不知道，我老父亲早年接过人家一幅古画来修补，后来就一直没见那人来取。时间一晃就四十多年了，父亲一直替人家保存着那幅画。那是清代石涛的一幅画，叫《高山冷月图》。据父亲说，这是石涛的一幅佚画，很珍贵。老人家说这是人家的东西，绝不可以据为己有。父亲只把这画给我看过，全家上下再没有别人知道家里有这东西。不曾想，一个礼拜前，这幅画突然不见了。父亲当天就卧床不起了。只有我一个人知道有这画，这画就丢得奇怪了。父亲在床上病恹恹地什么东西都不肯吃，睡了七天，就闭眼去了。父亲也没别的话同我说，只在临终前对我说了一句话：人生在世，知是易，知非难啊！想我父亲给我起了这么个名字，自有他对人生的看法。可惜我天生愚鲁，慧心不够，很让父亲失望。” 听说卜老因失画而终，朱怀镜脑子里一震，脸不由得红了。似乎是他偷了人家的东西。卜知非说再没有别的人知道这东西，他就不好说他见过这画了。幸好李明溪不在场，要不然他肯定会说见过那画，那倒无端地惹出官司了。这事就有些玄妙了。朱怀镜问：“家里还丢过别的东西吗？”卜知非摇头说：“别的东西没丢。家里没放现金，家具器物没有人要的。如今连贼都不同以前了，偷就得偷现金。” 两人正说着话，朱怀镜电话响了，原来是宋达清打来的，说事情摆平了，让卜家去个人，下午到月塘派出所找周所长，周所长陪他一道去殡仪馆办手续，保证没问题了。朱怀镜没想到事情这么快就搞定了，真佩服宋达清办事的能耐，说了感谢。卜知非听说事情真的办妥了，自是高兴，脸上有了笑容。可毕竟这不是笑的时候，马上就平静了脸，说着很恳切的感谢话。朱怀镜事后知道，月塘派出所周所长接到宋达清的电话，不敢怠慢，马上开着车亲自去殡仪馆交涉。殡仪馆起初也是强硬，周所长就说好办，马上要看殡仪馆临时用工的暂住证。殡仪馆的脏活累活尽是雇的农民工做，共有好几十，哪里办过暂住证？周所长也不恼，笑着请他们下午马上去派出所办暂住证。同时每个没办暂住证的临时工罚款五千块。月塘那一带人都知道，碰上周所长办事，不怕他瞪眼，就怕他发笑。周所长这一笑，殡仪馆领导马上出面了，连说对不起。事情就好说了，他们答应只收卜老家的火化费，而且随到随烧。这是后来朱怀镜同宋达清吃饭，在酒桌上偶尔说起这事的。听罢办事经过，朱怀镜直摇头，说这真是黑吃黑啊。宋达清笑着纠正，说是红吃黑。在场的人就凑热闹，说要说红都是红，殡仪馆和公安都是政府管的。 李明溪揩着嘴巴出来了，朱怀镜就说时间不早了，下午还要上班，告辞了。卜知非起身再次同二位握手，谢谢谢谢，拱手不迭。 在车上，朱怀镜问李明溪：“你知道卜老是怎么死的吗？” 李明溪像是听不懂这话，张嘴鼓眼的，反问：“死了就是死了，还怎么死的？” 朱怀镜白他一眼，说：“卜老藏的那幅石涛《高山冷月图》丢了，不吃不喝，睡了几天就去了。” “画？”李明溪没头没脑地说了一个字，不做声了。 送走李明溪，朱怀镜仍回办公室。总想着卜老临终说的知是易，知非难，不胜感叹。朱怀镜想自己身在官场，多是让你知是，而用不着你知非。久而久之，大凡官场中人，平生就只知道聆听指示，点头称是了。卜老一生，虽是平头百姓，却最懂天地间的大道理。 快下班的时候，卜知非来电话，说殡仪馆的事联系好了，非常感谢。朱怀镜自是客气，说不必言谢。这时他还不知道月塘派出所是怎么办好事情的，只是暗自感慨，心想难怪很多领导同志都喜欢同公安人员交朋友。放下电话，他正提着公文包要走，方明远进了他的办公室，开玩笑说：“怎么？急着回去帮老婆做饭？” 朱怀镜便放下公文包，说：“哪里哪里。有什么指示？ 请坐请坐。” 方明远说：“这几天皮市长很忙，我随他东奔西走，想见你都没时间。没事，只想同你扯扯白话。” 朱怀镜便递烟，心想方明远一定是知道他要提拔的消息了。果然方明远神秘一笑，说：“朱兄，你又有好事了，祝贺你啊！” 朱怀镜摇头笑道：“谢谢方兄弟。我朱某能有今天，都是仰仗兄弟你提携啊。” 方明远摆手道：“哪里啊，你要谢就得谢皮市长。皮市长对你可是非常器重啊。我听他同柳秘书长多次说到你提拔的事。当时不太明朗，我不方便同你讲。” 朱怀镜听得出，方明远明着是为皮市长卖人情，其实也是在为自己表功。他指着方明远笑道：“原来方兄对我也留一手啊！” “哪敢？”方明远话锋一转，“今后朱兄就是我的领导了，得你多多栽培我才是啊。” 听了这话，朱怀镜明白方明远心里不太熨帖，只是不太好说。兄弟两人，如今朱怀镜要升了，他自己虽是皮市长秘书，却仍是副处级。也许说不上嫉妒，但心里至少有些酸溜溜的吧。朱怀镜自己清楚，他的时来运转，的确是因为皮市长的看重，而这一切都同方明远有很大关系。他不便明着安慰方明远，这样倒像看出他心理不平衡似的，就说：“我两兄弟就别说客气话了。我知道你的后劲比我足，你才是可为大用的材料。我呢？勉强混个厅级，没大出息的。” 方明远却叹了声，说：“唉，官场凶险，这官当也好，不当也好。跟你说个绝密，财政厅的班子，这回只怕要一窝端了。” “为什么？我倒是一点风都没听见。” 方明远说：“财政厅的投资公司，出了大事。投资公司的经理昨天已被收审了，据说所有厅领导都会牵进去。” “经济问题？”朱怀镜问。 方明远说：“还能有什么问题？现在的事，不是经济问题还能有什么问题？只要出了经济问题，什么生活作风问题，以权谋私问题，渎职问题等等才会连着出来。经济问题没出来，一切问题都掩盖着，身边有女人那是人家有本事。” 朱怀镜也不怎么吃惊，如今听谁出了事都似乎是件很正常的事。只是财政厅的蓝厅长资格很老，在市里领导面前很有面子，真扳得他动？便说：“我同蓝厅长工作联系多，知道他关系很硬。他同司马市长在一起，简直是兄弟一般，他同皮市长也不错。” 方明远笑道：“他同皮市长只是工作关系，同司马倒是私交不错。” 朱怀镜听出些弦外之音来，却不便点破。最近常听到有人议论皮市长同司马副市长私下不和，看来这案子一定有更深层的背景了。他斟酌了一下措辞，旁敲侧击：“皮市长对这案子态度如何？” 方明远说：“皮市长态度坚决，说要一查到底。” 朱怀镜暗自揣度，皮市长说的一查到底的底，大概就是司马副市长了。两人因了这个话题感叹了一阵子，各自回家了。本来就没什么事，方明远是专门来扯谈的。但朱怀镜走在路上，总感觉有些不是滋味，倒不是为财政厅的案子，而是猜测着方明远的心思。