Official Career Storm
Chapter 576

Chapter 576: Chapter 576

Zheng Bihui felt he must have been insane.

Otherwise, how could he have uttered such words?

Secretary Lu was not insane; he spoke calmly, "Old Zheng, how much hope do you think you have of getting a position in the province? Let’s not even mention the province, what about in a major economic city? How likely is that?"

"You are the Mayor, and during your term you haven’t achieved anything notable, except for the high-speed rail project."

"One high-speed rail project isn’t enough to support your ascent. Even if you pull some strings, at best you’ll get a lateral transfer."

"Have you ever thought about whether a lateral transfer is meaningful?"

Zheng Bihui did not respond.

He knew his own situation clearly, and what Secretary Lu said was not wrong.

His current struggle was mainly to take a chance on luck.

Who knows, there might be an opportunity to rise further?

As for the position of Secretary, of course he was tempted.

But he didn’t trust Lu Zhizhong.

Secretary Lu continued, "Considering Lingjiang’s scale, even if you achieve something, it’s destined that between the two of us, only one can move up."

"If you want to move up, so do I, and in the end it just results in a battle where both parties suffer losses, and nobody moves up."

"Instead of that, it’s better if we combine our efforts. Leave the city’s achievements to me, and before I ascend, I will recommend you to the province."

"Following the normal procedure, after I leave, according to seniority, it would be your turn to take over. But don’t forget, there’s also Wu Qiangwei in the city."

Zheng Bihui’s gaze flickered as he asked, "Are you confident about moving up to the province?"

"No."

Secretary Lu admitted frankly, "But as they say, ’Man proposes, God disposes.’ Whether or not I am confident, I always have to try. Even if I don’t move up to the province, getting transferred to a major economic city as the top official is still quite plausible. But the prerequisite is that you need to cooperate with me."

Zheng Bihui took a sip of his drink, "Tell me about your plan."

Secretary Lu knew he had persuaded him.

"The plan is just what I have just outlined to you; of course, the most important step in between is Wu Qiangwei."

"She’s still young, and according to organizational procedures, her next step should be Mayor. When the time comes, we will have a good talk with her. Leave the position of Mayor to her, and Secretary to you."

"Stay out of the city government’s affairs, cooperate well, and manage Lingjiang well."

Zheng Bihui shook his head, "I don’t trust Wu Qiangwei."

Secretary Lu asked, "Are you worried about Song Guanchao?"

"Yes," Zheng Bihui replied. "That kid Song Guanchao is too cunning, I suspect Wu Qiangwei doesn’t see him just as a secretary. Many decisions aren’t actually made by Wu Qiangwei."

Wu Qiangwei had just arrived in Lingjiang at that time, and he had had contact with her, getting to know her style of work.

But many things later on were completely out of character for her.

He strongly suspected that the kid Song Guanchao was the one scheming behind the scenes.

Secretary Lu said, "Actually, I am not too confident in her either. So let’s do this, we’ll get rid of him."

"How can we do that?" Zheng Bihui asked. "He has made so many accomplishments, can you just dismiss him like that?"

"Moreover, that kid is vengeful. If you get rid of him, you must be prepared for his retaliation."

Secretary Lu gave a faint smile, "I cannot get rid of him, but Governor Qu can."

...

Song Guanchao arrived at the hospital.

As he got out of the car, he saw a familiar vehicle.

A Bentley.

He walked around to the front of the car to check the license plate; it was Liu Lanzi’s car.

Was she at the hospital?

To visit Liang Jiajia?

He returned to his car, took off his watch, and put on the one that Liu Lanzi had given him.

Upon entering the ward, he indeed saw several familiar figures.

Liu Lanzi, Ning Lin.

And Liang Jiajia’s mother.

Song Guanchao walked in and said, "Chairman Liu is here, too?"

Liu Lanzi looked at him with a somewhat playful look and smiled, "Secretary Song, thank you for last night. I wanted to thank you in person."

"Serving the people." Song Guanchao kept a straight face.

Behind him, Ning Lin covered her mouth and giggled.

"Officer Liang, I won’t disturb you any longer. After you get discharged, I will take you out to eat."

"I’ll walk Chairman Liu out."

Song Guanchao followed them out of the ward. Liu Lanzi said, "Xiao Ning, you go start the car first."

"Okay." Ning Lin knew that Chairman Liu wanted to speak privately with Song Guanchao.

After she left, Liu Lanzi suddenly asked, "Is she your little girlfriend?"

Song Guanchao appeared a bit embarrassed, but didn’t try to hide or lie, nodding and uttering a "Hmm."

Liu Lanzi didn’t show any signs of feeling let down or sad; instead, she seemed quite interested as she asked, "When did you start dating?"

"A few months ago."

"So, am I the third party?"

That left Song Guanchao at a loss for words; he simply couldn’t respond.

"When you’re done with all this, come over to my place, and I’ll properly thank you."

Leaving that sentence behind, Liu Lanzi turned and left.

Song Guanchao was completely baffled, not quite understanding the woman’s intentions.

She wasn’t angry, nor did she seem to want to make it clear there should be distance between them.

Shaking his head, he didn’t bother to think too much about it and headed towards the ward.

"Auntie," greeted Song Guanchao upon seeing Hu Xing.

The events of the previous night had nearly scared Hu Xing to death, but knowing that Song Guanchao had saved her daughter, she looked at him with increasing favor.

"Have you eaten?" asked Hu Xing.

"Not yet."

"You came to see Jiajia before eating?"

"Yep."

"Then I’ll leave you two to chat."

Liang Jiajia was leaning against the head of the bed, playing with her phone, and didn’t put it down even as Hu Xing left.

Seeking to make conversation, Song Guanchao asked, "Does it still hurt?"

"It hurts."

"Did a lot of people come to see you today?"

"Mhm."

At that moment, someone knocked on the door.

A foreigner came in, his wife at his side, their child in arms.

It was none other than the former ambassador Anderson and his family.

"Secretary Song, it’s good to see you." Anderson hadn’t expected to meet him here and, clutching his hand, became so emotional that he wouldn’t let go, endlessly expressing his gratitude.

His wife also offered her thanks.

After thanking Song Guanchao, they turned their attention to Liang Jiajia on the bed, expressing their appreciation to her as well, even bowing deeply, which made Liang Jiajia feel quite embarrassed.

Anderson’s wife was a chatty person. After sitting down and exchanging a few words with Liang Jiajia, she quickly found a topic of interest, and from there the conversation took some curious turns, even including inquiries about whether Liang Jiajia had a boyfriend.

"Being a police officer does make it a bit hard to find a boyfriend, but you’re so outstanding, many men would like you."

"I have several friends right by me today, asking to be introduced to you, all young and talented. If you’re interested, once you’re discharged, I’ll take you out to meet them over dinner."

Song Guanchao finally managed to see the family off, and when he returned, he found Liang Jiajia noticing his darkened expression.

Liang Jiajia said, "Today, several parents of children also mentioned wanting to introduce me to boyfriends."

Song Guanchao remained silent with a grim face.

Liang Jiajia suggested, "How about once I’m out of the hospital, you come with me for a blind date?"

"No."

"If you won’t, never mind, I’ll go by myself."

Song Guanchao’s face grew even darker.

Suddenly, Liang Jiajia burst into laughter, but the laugh hurt her wound, and she sharply inhaled.

Quickly, Song Guanchao pulled back the covers, gently touching the site of the wound.

"It’s okay, it doesn’t hurt anymore."

Liang Jiajia lifted her clothing a little and said, "Song Guanchao."

"What is it?"

"Will this leave a scar?"

"Yes."

"Will it be ugly?"

"No, it won’t."

"You’re lying."

"If you don’t like it, I’ll accompany you for laser surgery to get rid of the scar."

"Song Guanchao."

"Yes?"

"I was just kidding before. I don’t want to go on any blind dates."

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