After returning to the office for a while, the Director White, called Lawrence over and asked him to inform everyone that a representative from the higher-level organization department was coming and that they should remain at the office.
Around 10 o'clock, Jessica Lee, the deputy secretary of the Party Committee; Liam Brown, chief of the Organization Cadre Section; and Sarah Hope, the organizer, arrived. They were warmly welcomed by the staff. After a brief discussion with Director White, they called a meeting. During the meeting, it was announced that, due to the long-term illness of Mr. Oliver Stone, the organization had accepted his resignation.
It was decided that Mr. Stone would retire, and Ms. White was appointed as the new director of the Administrative and Business Department of the XX Bureau, effective immediately. After the announcement, everyone applauded warmly for the old director's contributions, the new director's promotion, and the organization's decision. Director White gave a brief inaugural speech, delivered with her characteristic sophistication and composure.
At noon, Director White hosted the leaders for lunch in the department, and naturally, everyone attended. During the meal, Director White, perhaps intentionally, introduced Alex to Sarah, possibly hoping to make a match.
Secretary Jessica, understanding the situation, praised Alex in front of Sarah, noting that he was an excellent league cadre in school and had performed exceptionally well in the unit. Alex realized that his file had provided this information to Secretary Jessica.
The official proceedings were filled with formalities. Secretary Jessica and Alex were from the same hometown in Northeast, and Alex had been introduced to the government by her.
Despite being in her 50s, Secretary Jessica took good care of herself and looked about 47 or 48. She was plump and charming, a strong female leader. Alex had visited her home before reporting, and she had expressed great admiration for Director White. Today, when the director mentioned Alex, Secretary Jessica naturally spoke highly of him.
Sarah Hope, being well-informed and experienced, listened respectfully and smiled but did not respond. Lawrence and Frederick also joined in, making the atmosphere very pleasant.
Chief Liam, seated next to Jane, chatted enthusiastically with her. It turned out they were college classmates, and everyone understood them well. Secretary Jessica took Director White's hand, smiled at everyone, and said, "Young people naturally have their own advantages. I enjoy being with you young people. It keeps my mentality fresh."
She then said to Director White, "Asha, you should cherish your golden years. You are the only one in our bureau whom I envy. I am old, but you are different. You must do your job well and adjust your life accordingly. It's a crime to waste your youth."
Everyone laughed. Director White felt a bit embarrassed and said, "Secretary Jessica, you are also my idol and role model. I have much to learn from you. You still look very young. If you weren't a bit heavier, you would look the same as when I first met you, full of energy and vitality."
"Listen to me, everyone. She is exposing my shortcomings. I am most afraid of people saying I am fat. You cheeky girl just went ahead and started to make fun of me. Haha."
"Ha, I'm not exposing any shortcomings. I'm just saying you're a bit heavier, which makes you even more charming. Isn't that right, Chief Liam?"
"Secretary Jessica will always be young in my heart," Chief Liam replied.
When Chief Liam responded to Director White's question, he added a little flattery to his tone.
Sarah couldn't help but say, "Our Chief Liam only knows how to flatter the secretary. Aunt Jessica must punish him."
"Our Sarah is right. The laws of nature cannot be defied. So everyone should cherish the present. Time is fleeting. Once you spill water, you can't get it back. When you get old, you can't do anything."
Alex could tell that Secretary Jessica had deeper feelings in her words and sensed that Director White understood.
Director White raised her glass to toast the secretary and then gathered everyone to eat. Sarah, who was the same age as Alex and a classmate of Chief Liam's sister-in-law, privately referred to Secretary Jessica as her godmother.
Their relationship was naturally special. Sarah was the kind of person who looked prettier at first glance than upon closer inspection. Alex observed the female officers present: Director White was beautiful no matter how one looked at her, Jane became more attractive the more one appreciated her, and Sarah was striking at first glance. Secretary Jessica shared the same noble temperament as Director White.
It was a blessing to be in the company of such people. Lawrence and the others must have felt the same way. They drank happily. Secretary Jessica could drink more than Director White. The more she drank, the more refreshed she became, and her face glowed red. She mentioned that today was an exception and that she didn't usually drink like this in official settings.
Afterward, everyone left and returned to their work.