"Casual chit-chat?" Tang Yumeng was momentarily taken aback and said, "Deputy Secretary Song, we don't have that much free time, plus, it's the end of the year, everyone's work is very busy."

"I know!" Song Ming nodded, saying, "That's why I'm gathering everyone now, to talk about some things."

"Alright, then we are all ears." Tang Yumeng nodded.

Song Ming smiled, his expression kind and gentle. He stood up and began to speak, "Comrades, do you remember your thoughts on the first day of your political career? Do you remember your original intentions? Take myself as an example. I began my career in politics in 1987, initially working as an accountant in C County, Jiangbei City. At that time, the economy of Jiangbei City was poor, people's living standards were terrible, and I swore to myself that I must strive to improve the living standards of the villages in C County. After five years of hard work and struggle, I became the head of C County, working hard to improve the living conditions there. Due to my outstanding performance, I was later transferred to the city's Financial Bureau... "

Song Ming warmly recalled his glorious life.

In fact, many people didn't know much about Song Ming's past. Hearing him speak, they immediately gained clear insight. Many people admired Song Ming. After all, for someone to start from scratch and fight their way up to this point through hard work is indeed remarkable. Moreover, Song Ming has indeed done a lot for Jiangbei City throughout his life. It's because of his outstanding achievements that his political career has been so smooth.

Clatter...

As Song Ming recounted his experiences, Tang Yumeng took the lead in applauding.

After the applause subsided, Tang Yumeng said, "Indeed, Deputy Secretary Song is a good official, one who works for the people, governs for the people. From the changes in Jiangbei City over the years, we can see and understand that he truly is a capable secretary who improves people's livelihoods and promotes economic growth."

"Actually..." Song Ming interjected suddenly, "I've said so much, not to praise or commend myself."

Upon hearing this, the crowd was puzzled, not understanding what Song Ming was going to say today, nor knowing what his theme was. Everyone was very curious. They sat upright, eagerly watching Song Ming.

"So... Deputy Secretary Song, what do you want to tell us today?" Tang Yumeng asked, "Are you trying to tell us that officials must work for the people and advocate for them?"

"What I want to say today is that everyone has their own original intention before doing anything." Song Ming seriously looked at the crowd and continued, "Everyone has their own kindness. At the beginning of human life, we are fundamentally good. However, we stray further and further, deviating more and more on our life's path. I admit, in my decades in politics, ..."

Wow!

Immediately, there was an uproar at the scene. Everyone displayed a look of shock.

"Deputy Secretary Song, what are you saying?" An aide beside him urgently tugged at his clothes.

Tang Yumeng, as intelligent as she was, couldn't grasp what Song Ming was trying to convey, her face full of confusion.

"Deputy Secretary Song, please get to the point." Tang Yumeng sensed something significant was about to happen.

"My point is, I hope everyone doesn't forget their original intentions in politics, don't forget the kindness they had when they started their political careers." Song Ming looked at everyone seriously and gravely said, "I hope you take me as a warning, don't end up almost losing everything at the end, like I almost did."

Everyone was in a daze, completely unsure of what Song Ming was talking about.

"Deputy Secretary Song, what is this?" The crowd looked at him puzzled.

"Alright, it's time for me to announce what I wanted to say today." Song Ming glanced at everyone and said, "I've decided to retire early. From now on, all the work of the City Committee will fall on Secretary Tang."

Wow!

Instantly, there was an uproar at the scene, and everyone was stunned.

"Secretary Song, what is this...?"

"Secretary Song, you absolutely can't leave, if you leave, how will the work continue?"

Song Ming's loyal subordinates panicked, as their pillar of support was leaving, how could they continue in the City Committee? It was evident that they couldn't, and having previously opposed Tang Yumeng with every possible means, now with Tang Yumeng in sole power, they feared she would make life difficult for them. A group of people were at a loss as to what to do.

"Deputy Secretary Song, what do you mean by this?" Tang Yumeng frowned and asked, "Leaving suddenly halfway through, what do you take the work of the Party and state for?"

"Secretary Tang, I no longer have a heart for politics." Song Ming looked at Tang Yumeng and said, "Look at me now, my wife is critically ill in bed, my son has also passed away, my hair turned gray overnight. I've thought a lot these past few days before making this decision. Who can predict the affairs of life? Life spans merely a few decades, and I've dedicated these decades to the Party and country. In the days to come, I want to live for myself. My wife has always wanted me to take her on an overseas tour, and I've postponed it repeatedly. I'm afraid if I delay any longer, she might leave me forever..."

At this point, everyone could clearly see the tears in Song Ming's eyes. A gray-haired man, suddenly awakening. The person he loved most in this life was his wife. Even though he has served in politics for so many years, he's never kept any mistresses, nor has he ever set foot in Qinghua Pool. He had no lust for women. He loved only his wife.

Men like this are rare in this world.

In truth, Song Ming was not inherently bad, he made considerable contributions to Jiangbei City. It was just that he inadvertently went astray on the path of governance, becoming a tragic figure who, despite holding immense power, nearly lost his reputation.

Tang Yumeng's heart suddenly softened, she said, "Deputy Secretary Song, the Provincial Committee's Organization Department will not allow you to leave."

"Secretary Tang." Song Ming sensed Tang Yumeng's goodwill and said with a bitter smile, "My mind is made up, the remaining days I just want to spend with myself and my wife. The doctor said my wife's heart is gravely affected by our son's death, and her mental affliction is serious. I must take her out to relax her mind, to divert her attention. To seek the original intention I once lost."

Suddenly, tears streamed down Tang Yumeng's nose.

She lowered her head and quietly wiped her tears.

"Comrades, you must not forget the original kindness at the beginning of life—the innate kindness, sincerity, innocence, enterprising spirit, tolerance, and philanthropy." Song Ming looked seriously at everyone and said, "Do not forget our original intention, we should learn to be grateful, learn to act without regard for gain and loss..."

These were Song Ming's reflections from last night, at the very moment when Lin Chuan pulled the trigger, Song Ming's mind no longer lingered on money, material goods, and other external possessions. He resolved to control the rest of his life, no longer concerned with official affairs or worldly matters. He only wished to leave Jiangbei City with his wife and travel the world.

"Alright." Tang Yumeng suddenly stood up and said, "Comrades, let's give Deputy Secretary Song the most enthusiastic applause, thanking him for the outstanding contributions he has made to Jiangbei City over the years."

Clatter...

Instantly, the room erupted with enthusiastic applause, its intensity stirring a passionate excitement.

The applause lasted for a whole minute.

After the venue calmed down, Song Ming looked earnestly at Tang Yumeng and said, "Secretary Tang, I have an impertinent request, I hope you can agree."

"Go ahead!" Tang Yumeng nodded.

Song Ming glanced at his subordinates and said, "They are all my longtime comrades, my former subordinates. Their capabilities at work are of course beyond doubt. I don't wish for them to become pawns in a political struggle. So, I hope after I leave, Secretary Tang will treat them equally, allowing them to utilize their abilities in their positions, rather than relocating them immediately after I leave."

"Don't worry." Tang Yumeng said seriously, "I, Tang Yumeng, always employ based on ability. Those with ability will rise, those without will leave."

"Good." Song Ming nodded, "With this promise of yours, I am completely satisfied."

"Deputy Secretary Song, are you really leaving?" Tang Yumeng suddenly felt reluctant, actually, Song Ming was a highly capable person, with him around, her workload pressure could be alleviated. That is, as long as the two didn't engage in intrigue against each other.

"Yes!" Song Ming nodded, "I indeed should live for myself for some years, I do not know how many years I have left."

"Alright then, before you leave, do you have anything to say to the comrades in the City Committee?" Tang Yumeng asked.

"Let me leave everyone with eight words. These eight words are my insights from recent days." Song Ming smiled and said, "Never forget why you started, and you can accomplish your mission."

Simple words, yet they convey so much meaning.

Tang Yumeng was also deeply moved by these eight words. Simple words, yet they encompass rich life philosophy and experience.

These eight words convey a certain elegance in dealing with life: to become a warm person after sedimentation. To have one's own interests, principles, beliefs; not to be eager for quick success, not to be ostentatious or frivolous, to remain composed in the face of success and failure, and to be calm and unperturbed, with a heart as peaceful as water.

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