The Scent of Power

page views:1 Publication date:2023-03-23

Chapter 32: Liu Tieming, The Sound of Rain
Xiling Fishing Club.
This late April rain was quite heavy, mixed with a slightly cool easterly wind, making
the artificial lake in the Xiling Fishing Club pound and splash. The originally calm lake surface was rippled by the heavy rain,
creating waves that were somewhat irritating to onlookers.
Comrade Liu Tieming, Director and Party Secretary of the Hexi Provincial Sports Bureau, sat by the window in the outer hall, looking at the lake
and listening to the annoying sound of the rain. He held a white porcelain teacup, seemingly listening to
the rain with great seriousness and leisure.
"Director Liu... I'm sorry to have kept you waiting so long." Secretary Xiao Yan from the Hexi Municipal Party Committee Office came over and
politely apologized to Liu Tieming repeatedly.
"Not at all," Liu Tieming said politely, not daring to show the slightest arrogance in front of the young secretary
. "Secretary Hua... are you done with your work?"
"Yes... I just saw off the foreign guests and am having a working lunch at Tingyuxuan. Secretary Hua's schedule...
has been so packed. I'm a little sorry for the short time... Please follow me." Xiao Yan was still
all smiles.
Liu Tieming smiled and repeatedly expressed his understanding. He followed Secretary Yan from the outer hall through the second door, across a
small corridor with patterned floor tiles, and finally arrived at the Xiling Fishing Club. It was a meeting room with exquisite decorations but a somewhat tacky name
: "Tingyuxuan."
The Xiling Fishing Club was originally a small, exquisite garden complex on the south bank of Xiyue Lake. Historical research suggests
this was once the private garden of a high-ranking official who lived in seclusion in Hexi. Located near the confluence of the Xiwen River and Xiyue Lake
, it's possible the original owner enjoyed fishkeeping, hence the introduction of lake water and the creation of six large and
small circular "fishponds" within the garden, known as the "June Winding Pond." Within the Xiling District, it was considered a pleasant and elegant
recreational area. Officially, it was a "fishing club," with six repeatedly renovated artificial fishponds
stocked with various fish for guests to enjoy fishing. However, due to its environment
and historical significance, this place has been repeatedly requisitioned by the Hexi Municipal Committee as
a relatively informal venue for meeting foreign dignitaries and visitors; ordinary citizens have no opportunity to fish or relax here.
Even some wealthy private business owners who want to visit must make reservations in advance and schedule visits according to the municipal government's
timetable. Today, several important leaders of the Hexi Municipal Party Committee met here with several
officials from the International Olympic Committee to discuss Hexi's role as the host city for the next Asian Games... Of course, there are also
rumors that the main agenda of this group of International Olympic Committee officials' visit to Country C is in the capital, concerning the next
Olympic Games. This year's Olympics are in Paris, and four years later it will be co-hosted by three Southeast Asian cities... I don't know
what this has to do with Country C, and as for Hexi... it's just like the last time they inspected Country C's National Games, a side trip,
right? I don't know why Secretary Hua is so concerned. (See special note at the end of the text)
Li Ling, the vice governor of Hexi Province in charge of sports, specifically asked his secretary to call Director Liu Tieming, asking him to
"come over if he has time," saying that he could take advantage of Secretary Hua Hengcheng's brief break to report
on the work of the provincial bureau and Pingxing. Otherwise... even with Director Liu Tieming's status, it's impossible
for him to come to such a place for leisure.
This so-called "Listening to the Rain Pavilion" is a long, narrow conference room, probably best suited for about twenty people.
To project a sense of solemnity, it has been converted into a reception room
styled with the "goose-wing sofas" favored by C country bureaucrats. However, because it's a renovation of an ancient building, the entire north wall retains a row of wooden-framed windows. At this moment,
perhaps at the request of the leaders to "let some air in," the staff have already opened them one by one, holding them
up with hooks. Outside the windows, the raindrops are becoming increasingly dense, hitting the lake surface, the banana leaves, and the lotus leaves, "
drizzling," "pattering," "pitter-patter," a continuous, rhythmic sound, befitting
the name "Listening to the Rain."
As soon as Liu Tieming entered, the leaders inside were quite polite, rising to greet him. In the two seats in the center were Comrade Hua Hengcheng, Standing Committee Member of the Hexi Provincial Party Committee, Vice Governor, and Secretary of the Hexi Municipal Party Committee; and 　　Comrade Li Ling,
Standing Committee Member of the Hexi Provincial Party Committee and Vice Governor .
There were two other people on either side: one was Comrade Ni Ping, a member of the Standing Committee of the Hexi Municipal Party Committee and Secretary of the Pingxing District Party Committee;
and the other was someone Liu Tieming didn't recognize, probably some cadre from the Municipal Party Committee's Propaganda Department...
"Old Liu is here... Sit down, sit down, please... Have you eaten?"
Secretary Hua Hengcheng was in his forties, relatively young in the Hexi Provincial Party Committee, but he
looked older than his age, with a dark, thin face and graying hair. Although he was very capable, he looked
like he was in his fifties...
He was holding a thermos and slurping rice: "Excuse me... Old Liu.
We're just having a working meal, we need to rush to the airport this afternoon... Have you eaten? Would you like some? Let's eat
and chat."
"Secretary Hua, Governor Li, Comrade Ni Ping..." Liu Tieming dared not be impolite,
nodding to each of the leaders before casually finding a seat in the conference room...
...
Two days ago, when he received the call from Governor Li's secretary, Liu Tieming was initially stunned... However, he
quickly understood the implication of Governor Li's instruction to "just come and report on the work." Therefore, he
hadn't even brought his secretary, Xiao Qi, today, arriving alone with only a briefcase.
The meeting was originally scheduled for noon, but he had been waiting since 11 a.m.... It was already 1:30 p.m.
He dared not be the slightest bit negligent.
According to regulations, as the director of the provincial bureau, a department-level cadre, he was responsible for reporting the provincial bureau's work to the provincial party committee, and
simultaneously under the dual leadership of the State General Administration of Sport. Of course, for a "trivial" department like sports,
the members of the Hebei Provincial Party Committee generally wouldn't bother listening to his reports. In most cases, he
reported to Li Ling, the vice governor in charge of sports. However, Hua Hengcheng was the secretary of the Hexi Municipal Party Committee; logically, there was no
reason for the provincial bureau to report to the municipal leadership. But at the same time, Hua Hengcheng was also a member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee and the vice governor of Hexi.
Firstly, the sports work in Hexi would inevitably have many intersections with the Hexi Municipal Party Committee. From this perspective,
it would be reasonable for him to "incidentally report on his work and exchange information."
However, Liu Tieming, having been in officialdom for many years, understood this perfectly well.
Wang Ding, the Secretary of the Hexi Provincial Party Committee, was already in his second term in Hexi, wielding great power and influence.
As a sub-provincial capital city, Hexi, after its former Party Secretary Hong was transferred to Hedong Province, should logically
have been succeeded by Bao Guoqing, the Deputy Party Secretary of Hexi… However, the central government deliberately parachuted in
Hua Hengcheng, a comrade renowned for his series of reforms at the China Insurance Regulatory Commission, to take over. Due to historical and political reasons, Hexi has always been rife with
political rumors of a "province-city rivalry," involving the struggles of the princelings, tea factions, and wine factions within China.
The parachuting in of a powerful figure like Hua Hengcheng, with his deep-rooted "princeling" background, actually
carries a very subtle implications for the political landscape of Hexi.
Moreover, there are many complex issues here. Pingxing District is an administrative district under the jurisdiction of Hexi City, but since
the Provincial Party Committee established the "Xishan Tourism Comprehensive Development Administration Bureau," it has almost completely controlled all major budgets
and projects in Pingxing. And the current director, Wei Xiaoyue, is a close confidante and student of Secretary Wang Ding
. It's hard to believe that the Hexi Municipal Party Committee and the Pingxing District Party Committee have no interest in these matters…
Originally, these things had absolutely nothing to do with Liu Tieming or the Hexi sports system. To put it bluntly, although Liu
Tieming is also the director of the provincial bureau, sports is a weak system, lacking both money and power. In this truly high-level power
distribution or political maneuvering, the sports system has no say whatsoever and is completely ignored. However,
sports-related work in Hexi has been quite successful in recent years. Now, with the establishment of the Xi'an Sports Group, it
has swallowed up half of the sports real estate in Hexi City. The Pingxing Center, funded by the Wanqing Group and controlled by the provincial bureau, is also slated for renovation
…
These intricate connections and intertwined relationships… anyone who knows how to protect themselves will have to carefully consider their words and actions
. Hearing Governor Li politely ask him to "come over, report to Secretary Hua, and get things in order…
and also to cooperate with the city leaders…", Liu Tieming immediately understood the gravity of the situation. This Vice
Governor Li must have sensed something and wanted him to show his face, say a few words, take the blame, and shoulder the responsibility.
It's only natural… this kind of thing happens every day in officialdom.
"Secretary Hua, Governor Li, I know you're both busy with work, and you haven't even had lunch yet, and
you're rushing to finish. You must take care of yourselves... Please eat, please eat... I've already eaten."
"Haha... Old Liu is too kind. Well then, let's save time and get straight to the point. Ah..."
Secretary Hua took a sip of soup and waved his hand in a "please speak" gesture, but didn't say "straight to
the point, specifically 'what to say'..."
Liu Tieming was also pondering... The provincial bureau's work was incredibly complex;
what exactly should he report to this municipal party secretary?
"Okay... well... actually, Governor Li has always been very concerned about the work of our provincial and municipal sports systems.
Before this year, our provincial bureau mainly focused on four aspects. The first priority was definitely to cooperate with the Olympics,
after all, it's the most important part of our country's sports work... ah, this..."
"Sigh..." Secretary Hua chewed his rice, waved his hand, swallowed the food in his mouth, and then
said in a joking tone, "Old Liu... are you trying to play games with me?"
"No, no, no... how could I dare..." Liu Tieming could see that Secretary Hua was in a good mood, but he could only
smile awkwardly.
"Hahaha... the Olympics is a national strategy, let's not go into details here. Your provincial bureau's work
is also under Governor Li's responsibility. I am the municipal party secretary... I just want to understand the situation regarding Xi'an Sports."
Liu Tieming smiled with relief. This Secretary Hua was so decisive and straightforward, indeed the rumors were
true, very different from ordinary bureaucrats. His directness spurred Liu Tieming to abandon his evasive reporting. He
nodded and said,
"Yes… haha… Secretary Hua, you've hit the nail on the head. Xi'an Sports Group… was originally
a collectively owned company spun off from our provincial bureau; mainly responsible for event operations and sports venue operations
. Now, with the support of provincial and municipal leaders, and the cooperation of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) and local government, it has
completed privatization and share expansion. This round of restructuring is complete. Ultimately, it's a market-driven
process, and it's no longer under the jurisdiction of our provincial bureau. Hmm… I understand, Secretary Hua, you're
concerned about the capital injection. Actually, the SASAC should have already reported this to you; our bureau's understanding isn't
very comprehensive…"
"Well, you don't need to elaborate on that... Pricing and financing are the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission's business, and land use is the
Land and Resources Bureau's business. Old Liu, what we're most interested in, from your professional perspective, is this Xiti
Group a positive reform for the mass sports cause in our province, or... is it just
more of a corporate real estate investment?"
Liu Tieming's throat tightened. This question wasn't easy to answer. His mind, almost
like the scene outside the window, was filled with the sound of rain pattering on banana leaves. After weighing the pros and cons, he had made his decision: he would rather Huaheng City look down on him
and think he was a fool than express his opinion on this kind of issue.
"Ah... well... actually, this needs to be considered from all angles.
The situation regarding mass sports and our Olympic strategy is quite complex; under the new era, it also has new meanings
... Oh dear, I came in a hurry today. Regarding the recent plans of the Western Sports Association, its
next steps, and their intersection with our specific mass sports initiatives... I don't know enough details, so I
can't speak carelessly. Generally speaking, reform always has its advantages and disadvantages, but reform is always the trend. The central government
has repeatedly emphasized the need for reform, to push reform into the deep waters, and to carry it through to the end... Ah... but
when it comes to professional sports, this large-scale injection of private capital...
how much positive reform effect can it have on our country's sports? I need to learn more from various sources in the sports field."
"...This...ah...that...ah...actually, professional sports questions should
be answered by professional sports personnel. We administrative staff can't just dictate things..."
Governor Li was used to his rambling, incoherent, and self-proclaimed "non-professional sports person" act,
but Comrade Ni Ping, the Party Secretary of Pingxing District, couldn't help but show a hint of disdain. Comrade Hua Hengcheng,
however, put down his lunchbox and smiled kindly:
"I understand... You feel there's a lack of criteria for judgment, making it difficult to say, which is also a scientific management attitude
. Our government departments, when dealing with enterprises, must have both a service-oriented spirit and management principles;
neither role can be neglected or confused. Some comrades think sports work is just running and jumping, merely
a small part of citizens' cultural life. I don't see it that way. I believe sports work is definitely not just a
recreational activity. In fact, besides sports, there's no better way to connect our civic work, recreational work, health
projects, and the cultivation of national spirit, patriotism, collectivism, and self-reliance
. If our sports work could also be combined with education and the market economy, that
would be... "The most important thing..."
Liu Tieming repeatedly agreed, "Secretary Hua's words are truly heartwarming... Like Governor Li, you
are both leaders who care about our sports cause. With the support of leaders, our sports work won't become an orphan
... Hahaha..."
Comrade Hua Hengcheng smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Also... I heard... our Houwan sports training base
is doing quite well. Now that the private enterprise has taken over, the overall guiding principles cannot change. Your sports system can't
just abandon its daughters and let the water spill out..."
Liu Tieming blinked slightly, as if the rain outside the window had become a little heavier than before, so he simply
softened his tone, letting the sound of the rain further muffle his indistinct voice: "No, no.
How could that be?"
Houwan? Why did Secretary Hua suddenly bring up Houwan? Of course... in the Xi'an Sports Group's acquisition plan,
the Houwan matter was indeed a trigger. But at Hua Hengcheng's level, it was a trivial
matter. Moreover, Houwan is about to be fully managed by Xi'an Sports University, becoming
just one of many sports real estate projects under its jurisdiction. What role can the Provincial Sports Bureau play? Secretary Hua mentioned
Houwan… could it be…?
After several thoughts, he decided to “pass the buck” and also to test Secretary Hua’s deeper
meaning: “Actually, several projects at Houwan Stadium are
pilot projects for market-oriented ‘sports training’ conducted by some young comrades from our Provincial Bureau. They are very commercial and market-oriented…”
Comrade Hua Hengcheng nodded noncommittally, seemingly asking unintentionally, “In your opinion,
is this kind of ‘market-oriented sports training’ pilot project very successful? Or relatively successful? Or has some flaws?
Or… is it too radical and needs reflection? Huh?”
Outside the window, raindrops were whipped up by the wind, “pitter-pattering” against the glass panes of the wooden classical row of windows
. Secretary Ni Ping looked a little impatient, waved his hand, and signaled several waiters to close the windows.
Liu Tieming's heart was in turmoil...
This was too sudden.
He had been in government offices for a long time, serving as the head of a provincial bureau for several years, and
he considered himself well-versed in the office politics and calculations of officialdom. However, there was a clear distinction between "government offices," "officialdom
," and "office politics" and true "political struggle." At this
moment, he was almost certain that Comrade Hua Hengcheng was not truly asking about "Houwan," or even
"Xiti Group," but rather... Ishikawa Yue.
This was truly unexpected. It was extremely taboo, even arguably very unethical. Indeed,
Shi Chuanyue is the grandson of Shi Yuansu and the nephew of Shi Shuan, with a powerful and influential background. Shi Shuan's arrest has
made the situation particularly delicate… However, in official circles, gossip, whispered secrets, and unspoken understandings are one thing; in
a formal work setting, especially among leaders with a certain status, it's neither possible nor appropriate
to inquire about the affairs of this son of a mere low-level section-level cadre. Even mentioning it is inappropriate. If
you're a friend of the Shi family, you have to pretend you don't know; if you're an enemy, you have to pretend you don't know. This kind of
nepotism… you know it deep down, but bringing it up… is too beneath your dignity. Just like
Governor Li Ling, who decided not to get involved, even pretending he had no idea Shi Chuanyue existed in the provincial bureau.
But this Secretary Hua Hengcheng is truly extraordinary; not only did he inquire, albeit subtly, but
he actually asked him to "make an evaluation." This evaluation… is not easy to make.
Praise? Neutrality? Opposition? Or should I stick to my old habits... and just let it slide, indicating it's none of
my business? What kind of answer does Secretary Hua want to hear? If it's merely a critique of a subordinate's work,
then of course I should try to understand Secretary Hua's thoughts and evaluate accordingly. Flattering the leader,
making him feel comfortable... that's practically basic official ethics. But what if... Secretary Hua
has ulterior motives? What if... it really involves a case of Shi Shu'an's caliber? Or even figures like Shi Yuansu,
Secretary Ke, or Song Gong? That kind of thing... is it really fun? I'm just a
department-level cadre in a local sports system. No matter what answer I give... getting involved in that level of politics?
No! Absolutely not!
How did Chen Li die? He was just ignorant... are the big shots' factions so easy to side with? Let's not even talk
about the tea party, the princeling party, or other such rumors. Take the Hexi Provincial Party Committee for example… If the legendary
provincial-municipal rivalry truly exists… even Vice Governor Li knows to play dumb and take the blame, so why would I dare to blindly take sides?
This time, it seems that Secretary Hua's flattery… won't be so easy to get.
However… this legendary political strongman, Comrade Hua Hengcheng, actually subtly
criticized me in his questions just now… He claimed to be praising me, but he was actually implying that I was playing dumb. He asked four questions about the election…
Xiang… he couldn't afford to be evasive… and he truly had to admire this legendary political strongman;
his swift and decisive questioning, delivered so bluntly, actually made him seem open and honest—it was a difficult situation to handle…
In reality, it really only took a few seconds… Liu Tieming's mind raced through countless thoughts.
The meeting room fell silent, an awkward atmosphere settling in. He had no time to think further
… No matter what, he had to speak; he had to make a statement… even if it was a gamble, he had to take it.
"Ahem..." He coughed twice, even pretending to shiver a little from the cold, before smiling and saying,
"Yes... since Secretary Hua mentioned this, I should also report our thoughts to the Provincial Party Committee."
"Speak boldly..."
"I think... our provincial bureau's young comrades... ah... mainly Comrade Xiao Shi,
the sports training base they established at the Houwan Sports Center is successful! It deserves recognition and vigorous promotion!"
"Oh?"
"In fact, our country's current sports management approach, which revolves entirely around Olympic gold medals, definitely
needs reform!" Liu Tieming had already sorted out his thoughts, so he gritted his teeth, abandoning his usual muddle-headedness, and took out the
"speech draft" that Shi Chuanyue had once prepared with him, and began to speak eloquently to the leaders: "Even
sports work, going to the masses and promoting national fitness, is not enough. Sports work must move towards
the sports industry, towards the sports market. It must naturally integrate into
the process of building socialist modern spiritual and material civilization, subtly and silently fulfilling the national sports strategy."
"..."
"The training base in Houwan is a financed project. The investment is indeed substantial, and the risks are considerable. However,
without the courage to take on these risks, reforms will be difficult to carry out. On this point… I must even say that
I, as the department head, am getting on in years and not as energetic as those younger colleagues. Therefore
… I have fully authorized and expressed my full support… Comrade Xiao Shi has received international training in sports industry management
, has experience, and is willing to work diligently and practically at the grassroots level… I affirm his work."
Secretary Hua Hengcheng nodded in satisfaction . He nodded, but what he said was even more astonishing: "Hmm... Old Liu, you're
right! Reforms always involve some risks, right? Your attitude... is very responsible. On behalf of the city
... I also express my support for you! This Comrade Shi you mentioned... is his name Shi Chuanyue? Is he...
a relative of Shi Yuansu, Old Shi?"
Liu Tieming couldn't hide his surprise... This Secretary Hua was indeed a master. Inquiring about
Shi Chuanyue was something that should have been beneath his dignity, but he simply asked directly, displaying a calm and composed demeanor
.
"Yes...yes...this...he reported it to me himself. But Elder Shi is a high-ranking official, highly respected
, and I...have no opportunity to meet him, I don't know him." Liu Tieming, also influenced by Hua Hengcheng's imposing manner, simply
spoke frankly. After thinking for a moment, he added, "However...Xiao Shi's performance is commendable. It's his personal
effort and knowledge that are evident to everyone in our provincial bureau, not because he's someone's child or
family member."
"Good!" Hua Hengcheng laughed heartily, nodding repeatedly: "The saying goes, 'When recommending someone, one should not avoid enemies; when recommending someone, one should not avoid relatives...'"
…The sports work in Hexi should be carried out by these young people who have a heart for sports, so that they can play a greater role,
work harder, and demonstrate their abilities! Old Liu…please go back and
convey my encouragement, on behalf of the Provincial Party Committee, to Comrade Xiao Shi and all the dedicated pioneers in sports reform in your Provincial Bureau. Keep up the good work! Don't be afraid of
anything. Don't have any doubts. As long as you have the cause of sports, the masses, and the people in your hearts,
then behind you is the Municipal Party Committee, the Provincial Party Committee, the Government, and the Party.”
“On behalf of our Provincial Bureau and Comrade Xiao Shi, I thank Secretary Hua for his support and encouragement.”
Comrade Hua Hengcheng’s eyes were sharp, seemingly looking at Xiyue Lake outside the glass window…he seemed to be speaking earnestly,
yet also somewhat like talking to himself:
“Everything should be centered on the sports cause of the people, without selfishness, selfishness, or selfish thoughts. It’s easy for a while,
but not easy to maintain in the long run…whether in Houwan or somewhere else…”
Outside the window…the rain gradually subsided.
[Special Note]:
The world depicted in "Body Fragrance" is entirely fictional, a world of pure nonsense. (See
the preface of the full text of "Body Fragrance" for this point.)
In "Body Fragrance," there will be instances of events happening in "20xx" or "19xx," which
are also completely fabricated; please do not delve into them. Furthermore, "Body Fragrance" generally does not specify
the exact year the current story is set in. Not only is the history of Country C completely fabricated, but the history of the international community is also entirely fabricated
.
It can only be stated that in the third part of "Body Fragrance," it is the Olympics, and the host city for "this year's" Olympics is
Paris, France (yes, Paris has never hosted the Olympics in the modern world, nor will it do so in the future).
The Olympics, set four years after the third installment of "Body Fragrance," are planned to be a joint event between three cities: Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
, and Bangkok… (Yes, this is obviously not realistic; a two-city joint event is the limit for the Olympics.
In fact, in 2008, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore proposed a joint Olympics plan
, but it ultimately failed to materialize).

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