Yu Xueli was at work, and she left Mingyang's children at the Qian Family's place for Daya and Xiao Ya to play with. With so many kids around, Aunt Qian was over the moon, insisting on bringing out all the tasty treats from home.

She knew that Shen Meng was busy and didn't keep her for long.

Xiao Zhang had been working at the brick kiln for many days. When Shen Meng arrived at the office, he dumped all his work logs that he had accumulated over the period onto Shen Meng's desk.

She hadn't even gotten through two pages of the report when she spent half an hour sifting through Xiao Zhang's logs. However, the suggestions he made were practical, so she picked out a few for him to implement.

Xiao Zhang was ecstatic. After all these years, someone finally appreciated his talents. He felt that Shen Meng was his benefactor.

"Secretary General, don't worry. I'll strictly oversee the areas you highlighted, ensuring the brick kiln's manager keeps everything in check. You won't have to worry at all."

"Hehe, that's good. Xiao Zhang, you've done really well. I appreciate your hard work in my absence. The first time I met you, I knew you were talented. Indeed, I was not mistaken."

Hearing Shen Meng's praise made Xiao Zhang brim with joy, but he tried his best to contain his excitement.

A few days ago, Mr. Li from the Head Flower Factory came looking for Secretary Shen and had a chat with him, advising that working under Shen Meng meant he had to think and work hard, speak less and do more. He emphasized that following Secretary Shen would be a learning opportunity and shared many of Secretary Shen's valuable words of wisdom. Xiao Zhang realized he still had much to grow.

"But Xiao Zhang, next time you submit something, don't go into such detail. If it's something you can decide on, just go ahead and arrange it. If you're unsure, then bring it to me. You're doing great, but if I have to read through this thick logbook, I'd have to stay up all night, and I don't have the time to do that. Be flexible in your work. I'm not Feng Si; I won't micromanage you. If you think something is right, just do it. As long as it's for the good of our work and benefits the people, you have my support."

"Thank you, Secretary Shen. I will continue to learn and definitely won't let you down."

He understood. Secretary Shen was delegating him authority, seemingly ready to cultivate his potential. A surge of enthusiasm washed over him, and he couldn't wait to work intensely to showcase his talents.

The brick kiln at Lu's Mansion was nearly complete. By the time Shen Meng and Xiao Zhang arrived, they were getting ready to fire the first batch of bricks. Everyone knew Shen Meng was visiting that day, and after so much preparation, they were eager to show her the final products.

The Soviet Directors from several communes were there too. Early in the morning, Shen Meng held a meeting with them. The brick kiln project was significant, and everyone was collaborating to ensure the collective members could turn a better profit and live increasingly prosperous lives. But they were wary of potential troublemakers.

Feng Si now held a position at the county level; he had taken a job overseeing security. The militia from the communes patrolled day and night around the brick kiln, not daring to slacken their duties.

Fortunately, everything went smoothly. When the first batch of bricks came out, many eyes welled with tears. The villagers of Lu's Mansion, especially the elders, were so moved upon seeing Shen Meng that they knelt down and wept.

In the past, Lu's Mansion was notoriously poor in the region, and no one wanted to marry into the village. Their village had more bachelors than anywhere else in Ning County. But now things were different. Nearly every man from Lu's Mansion had a role at the brick kiln; those with skills became supervisors, while others busied themselves with bricklaying and excavating. Virtually everyone had a job.

Lu's Mansion had finally stood up for itself, no longer subjected to any disdain. The young men were thrilled; suitors from neighboring villages had already started proposing marriage to their village's men, heralding the arrival of better days. All of this was thanks to Secretary Shen!

Shen Meng raised her hand, and Xiao Zhang hurriedly helped the kneeling elderly person to stand up.

"Stand up, elder, what are you doing? Secretary Shen has come today to inspect our brick kiln. The red bricks have been successfully fired, we should all be happy. Secretary Shen has been so busy for such a long time; she can finally have a peaceful sleep. You really mustn't thank us like this; wouldn't it embarrass Secretary Shen?"

Feng Si, hearing his words, couldn't help but glance at him askance, thinking that this kid, who had only been with Shen Meng for a few days, had already become quite slick at talking.

That statement implied several layers of meaning, seemingly suggesting Shen Meng had been diligently working day and night for the brick kiln, but Feng Si was aware that Shen Meng had been in the Provincial City with Lu Zhenping just a few days ago!

However, he knew this in his heart and would not say it out loud. Shen Meng was a favorite, and who would want to offend her now, especially since his current position was promoted by her? Everyone knew he was one of Shen Meng's faction.

"Feng Si, come here for a moment."

"Alright!"

Feng Si's heart skipped a beat, and as he walked over, his heart pounded, thinking that he really shouldn't have silently criticized Shen Meng. Could she have noticed?

"Mr. Feng, you've worked really hard during this time. On behalf of our brick kiln, I want to express my sincere thanks to you!"

"Why the politeness, Secretary Shen? Isn't this what I should be doing? Whether it's my current position or privately, if you ever need Mr. Feng's help, just let me know."

Shen Meng smiled, that cunning fox. Just now, he was eyeing Xiao Zhang obliquely, probably harboring some bad intentions!

"Mr. Feng, I will be relying on you for many things during my tenure in the next few years. In the future, let's work hand in hand and strive to do some real good for the elders and folks of Ning County."

"Yes, yes, that's right. I will definitely follow the arrangements."

In the public eye, Shen Meng only wanted to engage Feng Si in conversation, which caused envy among the other Soviet Directors who had been in their positions for a while, looking over at the two of them repeatedly.

They were all Directors of the Soviet's Revolutionary Committee, yet Feng Si was the youngest and had risen the fastest. Seeing how much he was favored by Shen Meng, they all began to calculate privately.

Taking advantage of the bustle and the crowd, the group gradually gathered around the two of them.

"Mr. Feng, do your job well. The Provincial City pays great attention to the development of Ning County. The older leaders there are also watching. I've received some hints; if our people do a good job, in the future, hehehe, the vacant positions in the Provincial City...cough cough, just do a good job."

Shen Meng's seemingly nonchalant words had Feng Si completely enchanted, his eyes shining like stars. He had some initial complaints, feeling that he, compared to Xiao Zhang, had a closer relationship with Shen Meng and Lu Zhenping, and questioned why Xiao Zhang was favored. But now he realized that he was meant for bigger tasks!

Not just him, but the other Soviet Directors of the Revolutionary Committee also perked up, enthusiastically considering that Shen Meng said "our people here," not specifying Feng Si alone—maybe they could be included too!