Colorful years

In fact, Zhang Cong's feelings about this conversation with He Qi'an were mixed. In his memories of his past life, every detail of this conversation was like a clear and profound mark etched into his heart.

At that time, He Qi'an used a task as bait, and the requirements attached to this task were simply unreasonable.

When Minister He made this request, a subtle, enigmatic meaning lurked beneath his seemingly amiable face. Zhang Cong, with his straightforward nature, refused without hesitation.

His gaze was firm, and his tone resolute, as if he were expressing his stance and attitude to He Qi'an.

It was precisely because of this decisive refusal that Zhang Cong was blacklisted by He Qi'an. In He Qi'an's eyes, Zhang Cong became an unruly and ignorant subordinate, no longer worthy of his attention and employment.

From then on, Zhang Cong's career seemed to fall into darkness; his efforts and talent were ignored, and his contributions were forgotten.

Later, Section Chief Qin was transferred from the Publicity Department due to disciplinary action, and the department's work fell into a delicate state. Although Zhang Cong became the person actually in charge of the department's work, his position as section chief was never officially confirmed.

This left Zhang Cong feeling incredibly confused and helpless. He couldn't understand why his efforts weren't being recognized or rewarded as they deserved.

So this time, when Zhang Cong faced He Qi'an's conversation again, he secretly made plans in his mind.

He wanted to see if Minister He would assign him the same task. If so, perhaps he could pretend to agree first, and then do a half-hearted job to get by.

As long as he could stabilize the situation for the time being, that was enough for him. After all, he knew he couldn't afford to offend He Qi'an again, or his situation might become even more difficult.

However, when He Qi'an uttered those words that he was already familiar with in his previous life, Zhang Cong's heart still couldn't help but tremble.

He originally thought he could feign agreement, but when he actually faced the moment, he realized that his principles and bottom line were so firm that he was unable to make any compromises or concessions.

“Xiao Zhang, you must stand firm at this crucial moment,” He Qi’an said meaningfully. “The organization has discovered that your section chief, Qin Ren’an, had problems during the Cultural Revolution and is conducting an in-depth investigation. I hope you will pay attention to his words and actions and report to me at any time. If you do a good job, he will be gone, and the section chief position will be yours!”

He Qi'an's words exuded an unquestionable sense of authority. When he said, "The section chief is yours," he deliberately slowed down his speech and emphasized his tone. His eyes were fixed on Zhang Cong, as if he wanted to imprint every word deeply into Zhang Cong's mind, thus creating a strong temptation for him.

However, Zhang Cong remained unmoved. He looked at He Qi'an quietly, his eyes revealing a firmness and unyielding spirit.

He knew that behind He Qi'an's words lay an immoral act.

He couldn't do something against his conscience just for the sake of a section chief position.

As the saying goes, "It's easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature." Although this life seems like a repetition across time, the core genetic makeup remains unchanged.

Therefore, Zhang Cong still maintains his clear sense of right and wrong and his hatred of evil; his essential character remains unchanged.

He has his own sense of right and wrong and moral standards, and he will not abandon his principles for the sake of temporary gains.

When Zhang Cong heard Minister He speak in such a tone, an overwhelming sense of revulsion welled up within him. His face darkened, and his eyes revealed a deep disgust.

He felt that He Qi'an's behavior was so despicable and shameless that he could not tolerate such a person saying such things in front of him.

He immediately declined, saying, "I will do my best to complete any normal business work without hesitation. However, I am truly unable to do things like spying on and monitoring other people's words and actions and their privacy. Thank you for your kindness and appreciation, Minister."

Zhang Cong's words were full of determination and confidence.

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable power.

"Xiao Zhang, don't rush to answer. You can go back and think about it carefully. You know, this matter concerns your future!"

Seeing this, Minister He spoke again in a meaningful tone. His eyes revealed dissatisfaction and disappointment; he hadn't expected Zhang Cong to refuse his request so vehemently.

"Minister He, if there's nothing else, I'll head back to my office now." Zhang Cong's tone was calm yet firm. He didn't want to dwell on the matter any longer; he felt he had made himself perfectly clear.

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Cong hurriedly left as if avoiding a terrible plague.

After Zhang Cong left, He Qi'an sat there with a gloomy face. He hadn't expected Zhang Cong to refuse his request so firmly, which surprised and angered him.

He felt that Zhang Cong was an ungrateful person, and he decided to teach Zhang Cong a lesson so that he would know what the consequences would be for disobeying his orders.

Back in his office, Zhang Cong remained deeply troubled. He knew his refusal might cause him some trouble, but he didn't regret it.

He felt he had made the right choice; he couldn't do something against his conscience for a position. He decided to continue working hard and prove his ability and worth through his actions.

In the days that followed, Zhang Cong continued to diligently complete his work. He was not affected by He Qi'an's situation, and he maintained his enthusiasm and focus.

He believes that as long as he perseveres, he will one day receive the recognition and rewards he deserves.

In mid-July 1985, the organization assigned four young college graduates at once. Their arrival injected fresh blood into the organization and quietly changed Zhang Cong's life.