The Ambitions to Conquer the Official Career
Chapter 281: Became an Idler

Chapter 281: Chapter 281: Became an Idler

Soon, life at the Party School began.

It was not until Ji Yang truly entered the intensive training lifestyle that he realized he had been somewhat naïve. The various regulations in the Party School appeared to be just for show; after all, everyone there held leadership roles and they all had their own work to manage. Thus, taking leave if there was something pressing was quite an easy matter.

So, although it seemed like everyone lived there, in reality, many would take leave to attend to their own affairs.

Of course, no one could take leave during the class hours. Nearly everyone attended the classes diligently, but once classes were over, people quickly dispersed.

At the self-service cafeteria, Ji Yang was having his meal when Qiu Fang also came over with her tray.

"Ji, not going out today?"

"Qiu, you didn’t go out?"

"As a deputy mayor ranked towards the end, my main responsibility is in attracting investments, which has been quite challenging lately. I’ve heard about the impressive investment attraction in Qingyuan Village; I wanted to learn from your experience."

Ji Yang laughed, "I’m not that impressive. You must have heard; the main attraction is our village’s rice wine, which has drawn a lot of people. After they arrive, it leads to investment, so it’s not so much my capability, but rather something that naturally attracts people."

Speaking of which, I’m quite curious about that rice wine. I heard that at first, a ten-pound jar was selling for millions, which I didn’t believe. But now, you can’t even get it for one million. Do you still have any stock left?"

Lately, many people had been asking Ji Yang about the rice wine, all wanting to secure some for themselves.

At first, Ji Yang did share some, but as the demand grew, he eventually had to state that even he couldn’t get any more.

"Qiu, I should help you, but unfortunately, all the stock I had saved before has been taken by others. Even I can’t get any more. You might not know, but the state has taken over the production in Wushu Village. Outsiders simply can’t get access. Even if the brewing recipe was released, and everyone knew how to brew it, the problem is the absence of the original ingredients."

Qiu Fang sounded somewhat disappointed, "So using ingredients from other places won’t produce the same result?"

"You couldn’t produce the same result indeed. The key ingredient, the rice, must come from that specific area. The same goes for several medicinal herbs; they must be grown there to be effective. If somewhere else could do it, that place wouldn’t be as lively; people are drawn by the unique local ingredients."

"Now many people want to get their hands on that rice wine. I thought you might be able to secure some."

"I used to brew it myself and did save some, but the demand is too high. It’s difficult to decide whom to give it to, and I can’t just give it to nobody. Now I’ve run out of wine and have managed to offend people!"

Ji Yang still had some left, but he no longer wanted to give it away, not even to a beautiful woman like her.

Qiu Fang said, "I know about Qingyuan Village, it’s very lively now with a lot of capital flowing in."

"Indeed, everyone is optimistic about the place, so to be honest, my success in attracting investments isn’t really because I’m skilled; it’s mostly due to the rice wine."

"We’re going out for dinner tonight. A few people from the class will join. I’ll contact you then."

"Isn’t it forbidden to go outside?"

Qiu Fang laughed, "You really are honest. It’s impossible to stay inside for a whole year. Actually, our head teacher isn’t that strict. As long as you do well in your academics, it’s fine. Our main purpose here is to network and providing we produce a thesis by graduation, we’ll pass. If you’re really too busy, you can have your secretary help with the thesis."

Now Ji Yang finally understood; while there were rules, many things weren’t so strict.

"Alright, I’ll listen to the group leader."

Qiu Fang smiled, "That’s settled then. I’ll contact you later."

After discussing a bit more about work, the two parted ways.

Back in his dorm, Ji Yang sat there contemplating. He realized that he had indeed been too honest and that he should integrate with the others to avoid being isolated.

Thinking of his classmates’ situations, Ji Yang nodded to himself. Hardly anyone stayed at the Party School after class; they all vanished one by one.

At that moment, Chu Shuyuan called.

They hadn’t spoken for several days. Chu Shuyuan laughed, "How is it? Getting used to the Party School life?"

Ji Yang told her everything about his experience so far.

Chu Shuyuan found it amusing. "You really are honest. As long as you stick to some basic rules at the Party School, it’s fine. You’re all leaders; they can’t expect you not to manage your own work. After all, officialdom is competitive, and who knows what could happen if you’re away from your post for too long. So don’t worry too much. If there’s something else you need to handle, just take care of it. No one will blame you."

"Right now, I actually don’t have much to take care of. My situation is different from the others."

Chu Shuyuan replied, "True, you are different from the others, which means you’re freer. So for now, just focus on expanding your network."