Old Ways Gone, New Paths Known

Zhu Xian held Chen Chuan's hand and said with a smile, "Director Chen, when my colleagues and I heard you were coming back, we were all delighted. As soon as they found out, every one of them wanted to come welcome you."

Chen Chuan said, "I only came back for the New Year to visit my family. I hadn't intended to trouble my colleagues. I appreciate the thought."

"Not at all, not at all. Director Chen, you're one of us Yangzhi people. Now that you've returned, the people of your hometown have been eagerly awaiting you. As local Affairs Officers, we listen to the voices of the people. Naturally, we had to come and receive you properly. If we didn't, the people of Yangzhi wouldn't stand for it, and the colleagues present would say that I, Zhu, don't know how to behave, wouldn't they?"

As Zhu Xian spoke, he glanced to either side behind him. The gathered Affairs Officers from the Department of Civil Affairs all gave a round of agreeable laughter.

Zhu Xian was very good at judging the proper measure. He knew that as a Fighter, Chen Chuan was not a true bureaucrat like them. He had reached his current position entirely through his own strength. Too much of the official routine would only irritate him. So after a few polite remarks, once he had made his simple and direct point and observed the necessary official courtesies, he said no more.

At that moment, Guan Yuming stepped forward. He had watched Chen Chuan grow up, but now he was considered Chen Chuan's subordinate. His feelings could not possibly be uncomplicated, yet he did not put on the slightest air of an elder. He stepped forward with a solemn expression and saluted, saying in a full, resonant voice, "Director