On the second day after the Qingming Festival, Chen Xing took a flight back to Beijing early in the morning. This time, he had business and personal matters to attend to. Chen Xing would stay in Beijing for three days. It didn't seem like much time, but the schedule was very relaxed. Although it was business, it wasn't anything too important. After working for a long time, Chen Xing also wanted to relax himself. He wanted to go back to Beijing to reunite with his wife.
At the beginning of April, it was still a bit cold in Beijing. After Chen Xing got off the plane, he put on a coat. The person who came to pick him up was Deng Ming, the director of the Beijing Office of Nanzhou City. This time, Chen Xing didn't specifically inform the Zhang family. Apart from his wife, Zhang Yi, who was the closest to him in the Zhang family, didn't know that he was coming back, so he wouldn't come to pick him up. As for his wife, today was a large-scale charity event held by her foundation. The CCTV had to report on the scene, so his wife had to attend in person.
Chen Xing sighed in his heart. Although his wife rarely showed her face in public, she had been quietly contributing to society as much as she could. She tried her best to help the poor at the bottom of the social ladder. Although the Zhang family had too many privileges, Zhang Ningning was using her own way to give back to society.
Mayor Chen. Deng Ming saw Chen Xing coming out from the exit and hurried to greet him.
Yes, to 301 Hospital. Chen Xing nodded at Deng Ming. Deng Ming had been the director of the Beijing Municipal Office for many years. He had been in this position since he was the former mayor. Chen Xing had thoughts of changing the heads of many departments in the city, but he had never considered changing the director of the Beijing Municipal Office. The position of the director of the Beijing Municipal Office was not something anyone could do. Deng Ming had been in Beijing for many years, so there was no doubt that he was the most suitable candidate for the position.
Hearing Chen Xing's words, Deng Ming immediately nodded. He had been in Beijing for a long time, so he was almost one of the first people to know that Mr. Zhang had been hospitalized. As soon as Chen Xing arrived in Beijing, Chen Xing went to 301 Hospital. Deng Ming naturally knew what Chen Xing was going to do, but he didn't know how Mr. Zhang was doing now. Deng Ming thought to himself. The hospital was tightly sealed from the outside world. Even a person like him, who had some dealings with all kinds of people, couldn't find out Mr. Zhang's specific situation now. In Beijing, there were all kinds of rumors every day. Some people said that Mr. Zhang was critically ill today, and some people said that Mr. Zhang would be critically ill the next day. Deng Ming was too lazy to listen to them. If he really wanted to know the details, he could ask the mayor in front of him.
However, Deng Ming didn't dare to talk nonsense in front of Chen Xing. He ordered the driver to drive quickly. Even if Mr. Zhang died, it had nothing to do with him. Moreover, since he was hospitalized at the end of February, there had been rumors every day that Mr. Zhang was critically ill. However, more than a month had passed, and no news had come out. Deng Ming was now numb to this kind of news. He knew that Mr. Zhang's situation might not be very good, but as long as he was alive, he was a deterrent. Moreover, there were so many medical experts around Mr. Zhang. Maybe Mr. Zhang's life could be saved for a few years.
The car drove on the highway. After entering the city, it slowed down. There was no need to say more about the traffic situation in Beijing.
In the car, Deng Ming used the time to report to Chen Xing about the work of the Beijing Office. Two days ago, they had cooperated with the city to get a subsidy from the State Forestry Administration for returning farmland to forests.
Chen Xing listened to Deng Ming's report and nodded from time to time. The role of the Beijing Office was irreplaceable. If its existence was meaningless, it wouldn't have been created. As the saying goes, there is a reason for its existence. It wasn't easy for the central government to abolish the Beijing Office. It wasn't necessarily right to adopt a one-size-fits-all policy.
Director Deng, during this period of time, go and find out more about the subway project. Collect more information and make more connections, just in case. Chen Xing listened attentively to Deng Ming's report for a while before opening his mouth.
Subway project? Deng Ming was shocked. Then, he looked at Chen Xing in surprise. Mayor, our city is going to take the subway?
At the moment, this is just a personal idea. Chen Xing waved his hand, denying that this was the intention of the city. He had never communicated with Ge Jian-ming about this.
Nanzhou is the provincial capital, and its economy is quite developed among the coastal cities. I think it is completely qualified to take the subway project. Deng Ming said excitedly. Although this was just Chen Xing's personal idea, Chen Xing was the mayor. If he wanted to promote this, it was not impossible. From Chen Xing's tone, he had already asked him to explore the way in Beijing. His intention was self-evident.
Whether we are qualified or not is not up to us. It has to be approved by the National Development and Reform Commission. Chen Xing smiled. This was just a preliminary idea. Even if the city officially submitted the project for approval, it was still a matter of whether it could be approved by the National Development and Reform Commission. For this kind of project, it was normal for it to be approved after one or two years.
As long as the city approved the project, the Beijing Office will also do its best. When the time comes, everyone will be very motivated. Deng Ming smiled.
Chen Xing smiled. It was still too early to talk about the project. He still had to communicate with Ge Jian-ming about this. The two of them had to reach an agreement before discussing it with the Standing Committee. However, he thought that Ge Jian-ming would not object. If Nanzhou could build a subway, it would undoubtedly be a huge improvement to the hardware strength of Nanzhou.
At this time, thinking of Ge Jian-ming, Chen Xing's mouth slightly curved up. How would Ge Jian-ming feel now? Xing Hua County's Party Secretary Ye Kaiyun was taken away by the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection. Even if Ge Jian-ming was indifferent, he should not be in a good mood.
Deng Ming saw that Chen Xing did not speak, so he also shut his mouth. His mind was still thinking about the subway project that Chen Xing had mentioned. Deng Ming glanced at Chen Xing quietly. Deng Ming thought that as the mayor, Chen Xing's connections in the capital were deeper than others. If the subway project was really approved, Chen Xing would have an advantage over others.
When the car arrived at 301 Hospital, Chen Xing stopped the car at the entrance.
Director Deng, you go first. Chen Xing did not intend to bring Deng Ming in.
Oh. Deng Ming nodded in disappointment. He was wondering if he could benefit from Chen Xing and go in to have a look. He did not expect that he would not have the chance to go in. He looked at the time. It was almost 12 o 'clock. Deng Ming could not help but ask, "Mayor Chen, do you want me to prepare lunch for you?
No, I can just eat in the hospital cafeteria. " Chen Xing shook his head.
After sending Deng Ming away, Chen Xing entered the hospital alone. To enter the independent two-story villa, he still had to go through the check of the armed police. Chen Xing often came to the hospital to visit the old master when he attended the two meetings last month. The armed police on duty actually recognized him. They meticulously checked Chen Xing's temporary pass before letting him in.
It was already lunchtime. Chen Xing thought that there would be no one outside the ward. He did not expect that Zhang Yi would come today. Chen Xing was about to go in when he bumped into Zhang Yi. The two stared at each other and spoke almost at the same time.
Second brother, you came today?
Chen Xing, where did you come from?
Of course, I came from the Southern State. Could it be that I came from underground? Chen Xing smiled.
Why didn't you tell me you were coming? Zhang Yi smiled. You really know how to pick a time, rushing over at noon.
I had no choice. I rushed to the hospital after I got off the plane. It was already noon when I got here. Chen Xing said helplessly. He glanced inside and asked in a low voice. How is the old master now?
Sigh, what can he do? He's still the same. He doesn't spend much time awake. Zhang Yi sighed.
Chen Xing was silent. This was an expected result.
Second brother, are you going to eat? After a short silence, Chen Xing asked Zhang Yi.
Yes, it's already noon. What else can I do if I don't eat? Zhang Yi nodded. You haven't had lunch yet, right? I'll wait for you to visit the old master.
Okay. Chen Xing nodded. Oh right, who's in the ward now?
Other than Brother Xiao and two other staff members, it's Eldest Aunt. Zhang Yi said. Usually, there wasn't a need for too many people. It would be noisy if there were too many people.
Oh. Chen Xing nodded and said, I'll go up and take a look.
Chen Xing quickly went upstairs. The old master's ward was a suite with a large space inside and outside. In the living room outside, the old master's personal secretary, Xiao Yuan, was sitting on the sofa looking at some documents. Chen Xing glanced at them and saw that they were internal reference documents. When Xiao Yuan saw him come in, he was surprised and stood up.
Secretary Xiao. Chen Xing took the initiative to greet Xiao Yuan. He didn't speak loudly, for fear of disturbing the old master inside.
Xiao Yuan also nodded slightly at Chen Xing. When he got closer, he asked in a low voice, Chen Xing, when did you come to the capital?
I just arrived. Chen Xing smiled.
Xiao Yuan nodded slightly. He knew that Chen Xing was here to visit the old master, so he didn't ask any more questions. It wasn't convenient to talk in the living room, where the old master was resting.
Chen Xing sized up Xiao Yuan and sighed in his heart. Xiao Yuan had been with the old master for many years. Now that the old master's health had deteriorated to such a state, Xiao Yuan's whereabouts had to be decided. When the old master was still healthy, he had once mentioned that he wanted Xiao Yuan to be demoted to the prefectural city where his hometown was located as the deputy mayor. He would serve as a transitional position before being promoted to the official position, which could be considered as Xiao Yuan's glorious return to his hometown. However, the old master suddenly fell ill, and the other members of the Zhang family were so anxious that they probably forgot about Xiao Yuan's matter for a while. However, Xiao Yuan was someone close to the old master after all. Even if the old master had forgotten to entrust the task to him in the end, the Zhang family would definitely make arrangements for his whereabouts.
Chen Xing stayed in the ward for a while. There was only Eldest Aunt Zhang Xiaoru in the room. Since the old master was hospitalized, Zhang Xiaoru stayed in the hospital every day. She had retired for many years and had nothing to do at home. When the old master was hospitalized, she came to the hospital every day. Chen Xing saw with his own eyes that Zhang Xiaoru had lost a lot of weight in the past month. She came to the capital to attend the two sessions last month. Compared to what he saw today, Zhang Xiaoru had lost a lot of weight.
The old master was lying on the bed with his eyes closed. It seemed that he was still in a coma. Chen Xing could only talk to Eldest Aunt Zhang Xiaoru. Looking at the slightly haggard Zhang Xiaoru, Chen Xing said with concern, "Eldest Aunt, you have to take care of yourself. Don't tire yourself out.
You just sit here every day. What's there to be tired of? No matter how tired you are, you're not as tired as the construction workers. " Zhang Xiaoru shook her head and smiled.
"You can't compare. The key is that you haven't had much rest. Mental fatigue is more harmful than physical fatigue." Chen Xing said.
"Don't worry. My old bones are still strong." Zhang Xiaoru chuckled softly. The two of them talked in a very low voice. From time to time, they turned back to look at the old master on the bed.
Chen Xing was silent for a while. Zhang Xiaoru was also in her sixties. However, perhaps it was because she took good care of herself, she didn't look like a real sixty-year-old person. It was just that in the past month, her spirit had become much worse. Chen Xing was a little worried about the old lady. However, he also knew that it was useless to persuade her. Everyone was worried about the old master's health. Everyone felt bad.
Chen Xing, in the future, the world will belong to you young people. You have to work hard. The Zhang family still needs to be supported by your generation in the future. Zhang Xiaoru looked at Chen Xing, her eyes full of expectation.
"Aunt, we will." Chen Xing nodded and answered. Looking at Zhang Xiaoru's elder's expectant eyes, Chen Xing was a little confused. He didn't know who he was answering on behalf of. No one could tell what would happen to the Zhang family in the future. He was not very confident about the future of the Zhang family. No matter what, the Zhang family was bound to go downhill. Old Master Zhang represented the Zhang family's most glorious time. A family couldn't stand at the top of power forever. No one could avoid the decline of prosperity.
Chen Xing and Zhang Xiaoru were talking in a low voice. No one knew whether their voices disturbed the old master's sleep. The old master opened his eyes slowly. His eyes were dim. When he saw Chen Xing, he moved his head slightly. Seeing this, Chen Xing hurriedly sat closer and asked with concern. "Grandpa, how are you feeling?"
"I'm fine." Old Man Zhang spoke very slowly, and his voice was clearly lacking in energy.
Looking at the old master's appearance, Chen Xing felt a little sad. He remembered that at this time last year, the old master was still healthy. Although he was also an old man, his voice was still full of energy and his spirit was hale and hearty. So much had changed in a year. The old man's body seemed so vulnerable in the face of the attack of illness.
"Chen Xing, why are you here? Shouldn't you be in Nanzhou?" Old Master Zhang asked. He looked dispirited, but his mind was clear. Although he was in a coma most of the time, when he woke up, he was not in a muddled state as others imagined.
"Grandpa, I happened to come to the capital today. I have something to do. Replied Chen Xing.
"Oh." Old Master Zhang responded, and his eyes were about to close again.
"Dad, do you feel any better today?" Seeing that her father was about to close his eyes again, Zhang Xiaoru asked impatiently. From last night until now, this was the first time her father had woken up. Zhang Xiaoru knew that the result would be the same, but she could not help but ask. How she hoped to hear the words "much better" from her father.
Good, very good. A smile appeared on Old Master Zhang's face.
When Chen Xing and Zhang Xiaoru saw this, there was no happiness on their faces. There was only bitterness. Looking at the old master's expression, anyone could tell that the old master was just comforting them.
Perhaps because of Zhang Xiaoru's question, Old Master Zhang opened his eyes a little. "Where's Xiao Xiao? Is he outside?"
"Yes, I'll call him in." When Chen Xing heard this, he immediately stood up and went outside to call Xiao Yuan.
"Secretary Xiao, the old master is calling for you." Chen Xing stood at the door and said to Xiao Yuan.
Xiao Yuan was shocked and immediately walked inside. Since the old master was hospitalized, this was the first time he had been called.
Walking into the ward, when Xiao Yuan saw the old master's appearance, he could not help but feel sad, even though he had been accompanying him in the hospital every day. A great man of a generation could not defeat time and would eventually come to an end.
Chief. Xiao Yuan stood respectfully in front of the bed.
"Xiao Xiao, take a seat." Old Master Zhang smiled at Xiao Yuan. Xiao Yuan had been his personal secretary for many years, and Old Master Zhang had always treated Xiao Yuan as a junior. When he woke up today, he suddenly remembered that he hadn't made arrangements for Xiao Yuan's whereabouts. Old Master Zhang wanted to settle this matter first. He was afraid that he would forget about it the next time he woke up, and he didn't know how much time he had left.
Xiao Yuan sat in front of the bed cautiously, not knowing why the old master had called him in.
"Xiao Xiao, I told you before that you should return to Yunbian City to be the Executive Deputy Mayor. If you have any ideas, when I wake up today, you can tell me. I have arranged everything for you." Old Master Zhang looked at Xiao Yuan and smiled.
"Chief, I will follow your arrangements." Xiao Yuan's eyes stung and tears almost fell down. He hadn't expected that Old Master Zhang would still specifically remember about him after being sick for so long. To him, the arrangement that Old Master Zhang had given him was already very good, and Xiao Yuan had no reason to object. Even if this arrangement wasn't to his liking, Xiao Yuan wouldn't say it out loud. He was already sufficiently grateful to Old Master Zhang.
"There are only the few of us here. Just treat it as a family chat. Don't make it so serious." Old Master Zhang laughed. He did not like a sad atmosphere. He had lived for so long, and he had no regrets. He did not want to see the younger generation so sad.
Chen Xing, Zhang Xiaoru, and the rest all forced a smile. Old Master Zhang had already gotten over it and was open-minded, but they could not achieve the same state of mind as him.
"Xiaoru, help me remember Xiao Yuan's matter. I am afraid that I will forget about it the next time I wake up. If I forget, remember to help me mention it to Dingping and Guohua. You must make arrangements for Xiao Xiao." Old Master Zhang turned back to look at his daughter, and reminded her carefully, "Ask them to be more concerned about Xiao Xiao's future, and treat him as one of our own."
"Dad, don't worry. I will." Zhang Xiaoru nodded her head forcefully. Her eyes were already red. Her father seemed to be making arrangements for his funeral, and it made her feel very heavy. At this moment, Zhang Xiaoru had forgotten to notice that her father was talking a lot more than the previous few times he woke up.
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