Official Career Storm
Chapter 641

Chapter 641: Chapter 641

Si Qingqing’s behavior, Song Guanchao could understand.

But understanding did not mean he agreed.

Different occasions called for different conversations.

Song Guanchao could afford to snub Zheng Bihui at a dinner party, not because he acted impulsively, but because he had the confidence and knew Zheng Bihui dared not fall out with him.

Moreover, he had made sure Wu Qiangwei left before doing so.

Had there been outsiders present, he would have kept a low profile just the same.

Song Guanchao found it hard to feel at ease with someone who couldn’t even control their own emotions.

Chu Xiao’e also frowned and then apologized, "Qingqing is still young, Secretary Zhang, please don’t take it to heart."

Zhang Xiaoxian said, "What is Secretary Chu talking about? I came specially tonight to apologize to Qingqing."

He looked towards Si Qingqing with a serious expression and a solemn tone, "Qingqing, over the past two years at the City Government Office, we have not worked well together. That’s my fault."

"This drink is to apologize to you."

He picked up his glass and downed three in a row.

Si Qingqing pouted, crossed her arms, and didn’t even look at him, putting on quite the air of superiority.

Chu Xiao’e tugged at her and whispered, "Hurry up and reciprocate the drink."

"If Secretary Zhang likes drinking, let him drink," Si Qingqing turned her head, "Besides, I don’t drink."

Seeing the dark and unpleasant look on Song Guanchao’s face, Chu Xiao’e sighed inwardly.

Her junior was very wilful, always doing whatever she wanted.

Yet, she had always thought that after a few years at the City Government Office, her personality would have changed.

Even if she felt unhappy, formal occasions demanded setting aside personal grievances.

But Si Qingqing’s behavior left her at a loss on how to explain to Song Guanchao.

It was she who had recommended Si Qingqing, and now Si Qingqing was throwing a tantrum like a child, putting her in a difficult position.

"Secretary Zhang, on behalf of Director Si, I’ll drink to you."

Song Guanchao lifted his glass and reciprocated with three drinks.

Zhang Xiaoxian kept pressing his hand, showing he didn’t need to drink, but Song Guanchao did so anyway.

Seeing Si Qingqing still wearing a disdainful expression, Zhang Xiaoxian suddenly felt quite happy.

With her temperament, even if she were promoted, she wouldn’t last long.

Although he was dealing with Song Guanchao for the first time, Zhang could tell that Song Guanchao was a smart person who knew how to act appropriately.

Such a smart individual might tolerate underhanded tricks from his opponents, but absolutely couldn’t stand a "pig teammate."

And Si Qingqing was exactly that—a pig teammate, a brainless fool.

This dinner, Zhang Xiaoxian enjoyed it thoroughly, truly enjoyed it.

Song Guanchao suppressed his dissatisfaction and chatted and laughed with Zhang Xiaoxian, going through two bottles of liquor.

Throughout the meal, Si Qingqing ignored Zhang Xiaoxian completely, toasting only to Song Guanchao and Chu Xiao’e.

Each time she toasted, Song Guanchao quickly reciprocated with Zhang Xiaoxian, covering for her share as well.

They didn’t leave the dinner until nine o’clock at night.

Standing in the parking lot, Song Guanchao watched as Zhang Xiaoxian drove away, his smiling face disappearing instantly.

Chu Xiao’e and Si Qingqing stood beside the restaurant entrance, with Chu Xiao’e giving her a severe scolding.

Si Qingqing still felt wronged, "He bullied me first. Why should I smile and welcome him?"

Chu Xiao’e sighed, wanting to reason with her but not knowing how to say it.

Song Guanchao came over and happened to hear this last remark, "Miss Si, what is your current position?"

Si Qingqing frowned, not understanding why he was asking this, but still answered, "Director of the Judicial Bureau, what about it?"

Song Guanchao asked, "Do you feel competent for this position?"

"Of course!"

"If you encountered a problem you couldn’t solve, what would you do?"

Si Qingqing realized he was testing her.

This time, she didn’t rush to answer and thought for a few seconds before replying, "Report to the leadership."

"Which leader?" asked Song Guanchao.

Si Qingqing answered, "The Judicial Bureau is under the government’s supervision, so naturally, I would report to the Vice Mayor in charge."

Song Guanchao shook his head, "When you encounter a problem, you need to tell me first. If my phone is unreachable, contact Secretary Chu. If Secretary Chu’s phone is unreachable, contact Secretary Wu. If none of them can be reached, then contact Mayor Liang Hao."

Si Qingqing understood that Song Guanchao meant they were a team.

"I understand."

"Understand?" Song Guanchao said, "Then do you know how to avoid troubles that cannot be resolved?"

Si Qingqing didn’t understand and shook her head.

Song Guanchao said, "It’s simple, do your own duties. Keep your temper in check and don’t make enemies."

"I don’t want tonight’s situation to happen again."

"Tomorrow, go to the City Government and apologize to Zhang Xiaoxian."

Si Qingqing’s eyebrows shot up in indignation, "Why should I!"

Song Guanchao spoke calmly, "You’ve just been transferred to the Judicial Bureau and you’ve already offended Secretary Zhang, tell me, what are you trying to do?"

"He bullied me first!"

"So as the Director, you want to get your revenge?"

"If you had the ability, I wouldn’t say a word, but do you?"

"Zhang Xiaoxian has been operating in Lingjiang for decades; he is not someone a minor director like you can shake."

"If you don’t even have this awareness, then I would think you are unfit to be a director and unsuitable for politics. Your instability will only affect the big picture."

His words provoked Si Qingqing, making her flush with emotion.

She clenched her handbag tightly and scoffed, "Affecting the big picture? What big picture? Whose big picture?"

Song Guanchao narrowed his eyes, "My big picture, is that clear enough?"

"You need to mature and work step by step; there will naturally be a place for you in the grand scheme of things. If you continue to act like you did today, without any sense of gravity and driven by emotion, then I repeat what I said before, you might not be suitable for politics."

After saying that, Song Guanchao called for a ride, and the car was brought around.

He opened the car door, "Secretary Chu, Director Si, please get in."

Si Qingqing stubbornly said, "No need for your courtesy, I can get back on my own!"

Song Guanchao laughed lightly, clearly disappointed.

"Qingqing!" Chu Xiao’e pulled her into the car.

Once in the car, Si Qingqing kept silent the whole journey, her lips pursed as she stared out the window.

After dropping her off at her home, Song Guanchao took Chu Xiao’e to hers.

Once home, Chu Xiao’e said, "Qingqing is still young..."

Song Guanchao cut her off, "Just say what needs to be said to her, if she is willing to change, I can give her time to do so."

Chu Xiao’e sighed helplessly and then suddenly sniffed, "You’ve had quite a bit to drink tonight; go take a shower."

Song Guanchao went into the bathroom, and not long after, Chu Xiao’e pushed the door open.

She entered, naked, and embraced him, asking, "Still angry?"

Song Guanchao stroked her hair, "If it had been someone else tonight, it would have been just another scene. But she has been with the City Government for so long, doesn’t she know Zhang Xiaoxian’s network? She knows, but still can’t control her temper."

"Zhang Xiaoxian’s dinner tonight was meant to smooth things over, worried about being seen in a bad light by Secretary Wu because of their conflict."

"Instead, she had to go and show him who’s boss right off the bat."

"If it ends up because of her that we make an enemy of Secretary Wu for no good reason, then my time as a secretary is up."

Chu Xiao’e kissed his chest, "Stop being mad, let me help you cool off."

She slithered down his body, kneeling on the floor and curving into an S shape, cradling Xiao Song before taking him into her mouth.

This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦