Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 667 is the perfect scapegoat.
Looking at He Qingsheng, who was talking eloquently, Chen Fan grinned and chuckled.

These were the words the leader had said to him before he returned to Lujiawan.

Now they've moved it back exactly as it was?

Judging from Chen Fan's expression, He Qingsheng knew what he was thinking, but as a seasoned veteran, he wouldn't be swayed by such a small matter.
Instead, he put on an air of being an experienced person and earnestly said, "Although your idea is the same as the leader's opinion, are you the one who can make the final decision? If you can't even make the final decision, what's the use of saying more?"

So don't think about anything else. These days, summarize and organize your work achievements, and when you have the meeting, bring them up and share your good work experience with everyone.

That way, Lao Tan would have a legitimate reason to push you to the top.

You yourself can also take it a step further. When you have new ideas or suggestions, you won't need to tell this person or that person. You can just write a proposal, have it approved at the council meeting, and then it can be implemented. Isn't that much more convenient?!

Chen Fan stared blankly at him, his expression slightly blank. So this is what a socialite is like?
Where is the integrity and spirit of scholars? Is this all there is?
When he came to his senses, he quickly threw away his cigarette butt and said in a serious tone, "Let's get this straight, it doesn't matter whether I make progress or not, but please don't assign me any tasks. I haven't finished my studies yet, and I haven't settled down with the thousands of members back home. I have a lot to do, and I don't have that much time to waste here."

He Qingsheng and Tan Yong were also speechless.

Apart from those who are about to retire, they have only seen leaders who cram for power, and have never seen someone who doesn't seem to care about getting involved at all.

And he's a young man, can't he have some of the drive and energy of youth?

Chen Fan said: "I can't push it any further."

If it weren't for wanting to gain prestige, he wouldn't want to be bossed around by just anyone; he wouldn't even want this job at the Writers' Association.

Well, although the previous positions as head of the health department and director here were forced upon him by others, wasn't he prepared to go to school to study? Hiding in the campus and becoming a unified entity is also a path.

There's nothing we can do. Even if Secretary Yang and the others protect him, he's just a brigade leader, not even a junior staff member. If a higher-ups really issue a transfer order, who knows what the outcome will be? As long as Chen Fan isn't willing to be a workhorse, there will definitely be conflicts.

But if he goes there, he'll just be a workhorse. He was a workhorse before he transmigrated, and if he's still a workhorse after he transmigrates, then what's the point of transmigrating?

He'd be happy about it.

Even if this matter were brought to the attention of Master Lin and the others, the three masters might not necessarily support him; they might even give him a lecture instead.

Everyone else is talking about making contributions, but you have the ability yet you keep it hidden. You don't even go when you're ordered to transfer. Do you want to be a hermit?
But with this golden body, things are different.

This shows that we are also people with legitimate professions, not confined to a corner of the production team, but shining brightly in our workplaces.

As the saying goes, "Many hands make light work," and without Chen Fan's influence, Lujiawan would never have achieved its current level of development.

If it's the other way around, with people at all levels making things difficult for you, even if you can raise a lot of chickens, you won't be able to sell many.

Therefore, he still needs to hold onto his position in the Writers' Association, and he would be happy to move up a level if possible.

However, it's best not to take on too many responsibilities, mainly because one's shoulders are too inexperienced to handle them.

He Qingsheng took a puff of his cigarette and said to him, "In terms of seniority, you wouldn't normally have a chance. But in terms of merit, it would be unreasonable not to give you a promotion."

I was originally thinking of giving you a 'promotion in name only', without adding any additional responsibilities, and removing you from the positions of director of the correspondence center and director of the European and American branch of the external relations department.

After all, this was agreed upon from the beginning.

However, there's no way around it. The correspondence center is a bit better because I can pick someone from the magazine to take over. But for this European and American branch, there really isn't a suitable person to replace you right now, so you'll still have to manage the European and American branch directly.

As for Xiao Duan, he should stay where he is and continue managing the Asia-Africa division. After a year or two, once he has achieved some success, you can hand over the position of Director of the External Relations Department to him, and you can become a mascot just like Lao Tan.

That way, no one, inside or out, will have any objections, and you can transition peacefully as you wish. What do you think?

Chen Fan's eyes lit up. "Sure, I have no objection."

Whether the level is upgraded or not is another matter, at least we can get rid of the correspondence center, which will save us a lot of trouble!

Seeing his appearance, He Qingsheng and Tan Yong couldn't help but shake their heads together.

Then He Qingsheng stood up and walked out, saying, "Xiao Xu isn't here, it's not appropriate for us to sit here, let's all go to my office."

Chen Fan followed at the back, "Is there anything wrong? If not, I need to go out for a bit. The teacher assigned homework, and we have a time limit to finish it."

There are only a few days left in this semester, and we really need to finish within a limited time.

He Qingsheng turned and glanced at him. "Did Professor Xu assign homework?"

Chen Fan nodded seriously, "Yeah, you can ask them if you don't believe me."

He Qingsheng turned back and continued walking forward. "There's no need to ask. Although you're not very reliable, you wouldn't joke about Mr. [the teacher]."

Tan Yong nodded in agreement, "Comrade Chen does have principles, otherwise I wouldn't dare to recommend him."

Chen Fan, his face dark, asked, "Who's unreliable?"

When the three big shots went out, the idlers in the corridor all made way, and it was cleared out in an instant.

Fortunately, they quickly entered the office, and someone quietly peeked out.

A few girls sneaked over to Chen Fan's office and gossiped around Bian Huifang, "Your boss is back, and he went to Lao He's office again. Lao Tan was there too. Are they plotting something big?"

Bian Huifang was engrossed in writing a housing application when she heard this. She looked up, her face full of confusion.

My boss has dumped all his work on me, what could he possibly have to do?

Chen Fan was the last to enter, and he closed the door behind him before going to make tea.

He placed three cups of tea on the coffee table, sat down, took the cigarette Tan Yong offered, lit it, and said, "Yunhu Machinery Factory has opened several production lines specializing in small household appliances. One of them is a kettle that can boil water on the spot. Paired with Southern-style Kung Fu tea sets, it's perfect for tea lovers. Would you like to buy two sets?"

He Qingsheng picked up the teacup, blew on it to cool it down, and glanced at him. "Don't ask, just bring it over directly. That's better than anything else."

Tan Yong chuckled twice, "I've never seen that thing on the counter, and I can't get a ticket either, otherwise I would have bought it long ago."

Chen Fan was somewhat surprised, "Really? Even you can't get tickets?"

Tan Yong laughed, "If we really wanted to go find someone, that wouldn't be a problem. But it's really not worth it for this little thing. Besides..."

He winked at Chen Fan, "Isn't it because you're here? Even if you hadn't brought it up today, I would have brought it up anyway."

Then he turned to look at He Qingsheng, "I saw that thing at Lao Dai's house yesterday. It's really convenient. His is a complete set, with a small water pump, a small bucket next to it, a pipe that goes into the water, and the faucet is fixed on the table."

When you need to use it, just press the power button to pump water up, fill the kettle directly with the water, and turn it off when it's almost full. It's so convenient!

"We're about to get a new house, and this will be a perfect match for it!"

He Qingsheng smiled at Chen Fan and said, "Did you hear that?" Chen Fan pursed his lips and said, "Yunhu Machinery Factory will be restructured next year and divided into three parts according to its business. Small household appliances will be set up as a separate company, and it may participate in the Canton Fair."

He smiled at the two of them, "The foreign trade company is self-contained. Although it can connect with businesses, it would be better if someone could help make the connections..."

Tan Yong immediately slapped his thigh and said, "I'll give you a contact person later, and you can have them go directly to the place."

Chen Fan clapped his hands and laughed, "Within a week, I'll have them deliver 200 sets of small appliances. Just have the finance department prepare the money."

It wasn't specified how the sets would be distributed, because the Writers' Association, including the magazine and the correspondence center, only has 161 people in total, so 200 sets would be enough no matter how they were distributed.

He Qingsheng nodded in satisfaction, "In this way, we'll have year-end bonuses."

Tan Yong also had a big smile on his face, but he exchanged a subtle glance with He Qingsheng, and they could both see the surprise in each other's eyes.

The Writers' Association is a professional association. The vast majority of its members are literature enthusiasts from all walks of life, as well as a small number of professional writers.

Aside from professional writers, other members can provide the Writers Association with many conveniences. For example, small household appliances that have become extremely popular on the market since last year can be delivered in two hundred sets with just a word from Chen Fan.

This isn't just two hundred units, but rather a collection of over a dozen Yunhu brand small home appliances, including rice cookers, kettles, tea makers, electric ovens, electric heaters, juicers, soy milk makers, blenders, and more.

They knew that Chen Fan had a certain influence over the machinery factory, but for him to dare to send out so many things without consulting them was quite outrageous, even though it required payment.

Of course, no matter how outrageous it is, they won't express any doubt.

You can't judge this kid by common sense. What if he changes his mind?
Chen Fan didn't take it seriously. Deputy Factory Director Li had told him before that if he needed anything, he should just ask. The factory would reserve 1000 sets every month to deal with all kinds of situations.

He'd never asked for any before, but now he only wants 200 sets, and it'll be next month in a few days. Surely Deputy Factory Director Li wouldn't refuse?!
Not to mention that Tan Yong also gave him a contact person at the provincial foreign trade company. Based on that alone, even without Chen Fan's influence, Deputy Factory Director Li would have delivered the goods.

Suddenly having settled the year-end bonus matter, He Qingsheng was in a great mood. He lit a cigarette, crossed his legs, and looked at Chen Fan, saying, "You don't need to be in charge of the international writing program. The headquarters has already arranged for someone to handle it. If nothing unexpected happens, the first batch of young writers will go there to learn and exchange ideas in March or April next year."

Chen Fan raised an eyebrow slightly. "So fast?"

He Qingsheng smiled and said, "After we contacted them, they were very enthusiastic and even extended invitations to Mr. Mao and Mr. Ba, hoping that they could come and give lectures to young writers from all over the world. However, they all declined on the grounds that they were too old."

Chen Fan nodded thoughtfully. If he remembered correctly, Ms. Nie Hualing had indeed invited Mr. Mao many times. Later, Mr. Mao wrote a piece of calligraphy for them, which they have treasured ever since.

(Inscription by Mr. Mao)
He Qingsheng continued, "The specific participants will be determined by the headquarters, but we will be given one or two spots. We will discuss who they will be later."

After taking a drag of his cigarette, He Qingsheng changed the subject, "The General Association's statement was made after consulting with relevant ministries. This statement has also provided guidance for the branches in all provinces across the country."

Therefore, from now on, we can also take the initiative to contact foreign parties. We only need to explain the relevant situation to headquarters and, after obtaining approval, we can carry out activities independently.

Three aspects have already been approved.

Chen Fan tossed away his cigarette butt, picked up his teacup and took a sip. Hearing this, he was taken aback and looked at him with a hint of doubt, "Three aspects? So many?"

"Is it much?"

He Qingsheng also tossed away his cigarette butt, then took out another cigarette and tossed it to him, chuckling, "It was all your idea. We didn't add a single one, so how could it be too much?"

Chen Fan caught the incoming cigarette between two fingers, looking at him with confusion, "I was the one who suggested it?"

Then his eyes darted around, and his brows furrowed tightly. "Could it be Takahashi Publishing House, my uncle's publishing house, or an exchange program for international students from Jiangnan University?"

Tan Yong chuckled from the side, "Aren't these the three? Our communication with Takahashi Publishing House has become regular; we exchange letters weekly and keep each other informed about the creative process and publication."

Regarding the international students at Jiangnan University, we have also reached cooperation agreements with the Department of Culture and the Department of Education. We previously organized a seminar for international students interested in literature to connect with local university literature majors, and the response was very positive. If all goes well, we should have results by the first half of next year.

It's the first half of next year again.

Chen Fan scratched his head, suddenly wondering why he was going to be so busy next year.

He Qingsheng flicked his cigarette ash and continued Tan Yong's words, "Finally, there's your uncle's side. Although they're all in the United States, it's different from the International Writing Program. Theirs is a closed program, and their activities are limited to the University of Iowa."

In our vision, it would be best to work with Takahashi Publishing House and use the Writers' Association as a bridge to establish a channel for literary works to go overseas. At the same time, we can fund our own efforts and ask the other party to make arrangements for exchanges with overseas writers.

We can go there, or we can invite them over.

After pausing for two seconds, He Qingsheng took a sip of water, looked at Chen Fan and said, "Old Tan and I have discussed it, and at this meeting, we will recommend you to serve as the vice chairman of the council. Naturally, you will also be elected as the vice chairman of the branch."

And your task is to conduct international exchange activities in these three areas.

Chen Fan's eyes widened immediately. "But Uncle He, I said before that I wouldn't go abroad."

Tan Yong waved his hand and said, "Whether we go abroad or not can be discussed later. The situation is clear now. It's hard to say about the US, but the spots for the Asia-Africa-Latin America exchange activities will definitely be fiercely contested by the vast majority of members."

If someone else were in charge, they wouldn't be able to save face for either side; they'd either make a mess of things or offend everyone, which isn't our intention.

As soon as he finished speaking, He Qingsheng continued, "But you're different. You're young and have made great contributions, so whether it's Old Guo from Yunhu or other veterans from other regions, they won't get angry at you."

Otherwise, it would be bullying the weak. Although the spots are precious, they are not enough to make them lose all sense of shame.

So you're the most suitable person to do this!

Chen Fan's face turned as black as charcoal. "You're making me take the blame?!"

Even if people don't get angry at him, if he fails to get the opportunity he wanted, will they blame him? Nobody can say for sure!

He Qingsheng smiled kindly and said, "How is this taking the blame? This is about being mindful of work methods."

He paused for a moment, then said, "Don't worry, I won't harm you. Don't underestimate yourself. Even if Elder Mao came in person, you wouldn't be as suitable as him for this matter."

Chen Fan glanced at him. "What, do you think I have three heads and six arms?"

Before He Qingsheng could speak, Tan Yong chuckled and said, "You may not have three heads and six arms, but you have a good teacher."

Chen Fan's eyes darted around, and he looked at him with suspicion. "What does this have to do with Professor Xu?"

Tan Yong snorted twice, "Among the members in our province, including the two of us, how many haven't attended Professor Xu's lectures? Do you think the title of 'Three Elders of Jiangda' fell from the sky? It's a golden brand that was built bit by bit with achievements, seniority, and prestige!"

He Qingsheng nodded in agreement, "That's right. As Elder Xu's last disciple and having passed the personal examination of the three elders, you are undoubtedly the direct successor of the 'Three Elders of Jiangda'."

What are we? At most, we're just nominal disciples, the kind who only audit classes. Would they dare hold a grudge against you? They must be crazy!

Chen Fan said with a dark face, "So, I'm the one most suitable to take the blame."

(End of this chapter)