Official Career Storm
Chapter 659

Chapter 659: Chapter 659

The report meeting concluded successfully amid prolonged enthusiastic applause.

The Provincial Committee’s office booked a hotel nearby.

After all, it was a gathering of officials. Although it had a commendation nature, it was inappropriate to be too extravagant and wasteful, causing a negative impact.

In the large banquet hall, more than thirty round tables were set up, and the standard for each table was strictly controlled to be under 1,000 yuan.

Media reporters, provincial leaders, and leaders from various cities and counties were seated at different tables.

It seemed like a harmonious atmosphere, but in reality, hierarchy and status were already distinguished by the seating arrangement.

The tables weren’t far apart, yet this short distance might be an insurmountable chasm a lifetime cannot cross.

Song Guanchao was the undisputed protagonist today.

It wasn’t his first time attending such a banquet. After taking his seat, he immediately picked up a small flask and went over to the Provincial Committee leaders’ table to toast.

He noticed that Wu Qiangwei was also at this table, along with a few unfamiliar faces.

Besides, he had seen photos of the other standing committee members from the province.

"Hello, Secretary Gao, I toast to you."

Facing the No.1 leader of the province, Song Guanchao appeared calm, showing respect without a hint of humility.

The higher the status of the leader, the more amiable they were, making one feel like being bathed in the spring breeze, showing no trace of majesty.

Leaders who have sat in the No.1 position in the Provincial Committee have long restrained their aura. Some even look no different from old farmers.

But Song Guanchao knew very well that this amiability was for outsiders.

Only those close or directly subordinate to No.1 know how terrifying the leader can be when putting on a stern face.

This is the typical difference between playing the good cop and the bad cop.

Those executing the leader’s commands play the bad cop, while the leader behind the scenes plays the good cop.

University students in ivory towers and grassroots citizens may find high-ranking leaders kind and approachable, for this very reason.

But if Song Guanchao, already somewhat known in official circles, also thought the Secretary Gao before him was kind and approachable, then he’s truly lost his mind.

Secretary Gao stood up with the wine glass without any airs: "Not only is Secretary Song highly capable, but he’s also quite a handsome young man. There are probably quite a few girls at the City Committee chasing you, right?"

The leaders at the table all laughed, the atmosphere relaxed and joyful.

Song Guanchao grinned: "Whether male or female in our City Committee, we only have our eyes on work; romance is only outside of work."

"Hahaha, well said." Secretary Gao drank it all in one go.

Song Guanchao then moved to the No.2 leader, Governor Hou, at his side: "Governor Hou, I toast to you."

Governor Hou wore glasses, looking gentle and refined. He didn’t seem like a governor, more like a university professor.

He didn’t say much pleasantry, just encouraged a few words, drank his wine, and sat back down.

After making a round of toasts, Song Guanchao found that a few standing committee members hadn’t come.

However, most of the main leaders were present.

This time, he also managed to make an appearance before the provincial leaders.

Others at nearby tables were somewhat envious.

Toasting is also particular.

It’s not about anyone just bringing their wine and going over.

Sí, the leader won’t embarrass you in front of so many people. On the contrary, they’ll say some nice words like to Song Guanchao, ask about your work, and finally give you some encouragement.

But you have to have self-awareness.

Song Guanchao could take the initiative to toast because his achievements are almost too long to list.

If he didn’t go to toast, it would be the real problem.

As for others, if they sent their meager achievements to toast, it would purely be like a clown.

"Governor Qu, I toast to you."

Coming in front of Qu Xiangru, Song Guanchao smiled and lifted his glass.

Qu Xiangru stood up leisurely and said, "With Secretary Song’s capability, being in Lingjiang is underutilizing your talents. Have you considered developing in the province?"

On the surface, Song Guanchao’s smile remained unchanged, but inside, he had already metaphorically pinned him down and assaulted him fiercely.

Dammit, asking such questions in front of a group of provincial leaders.

Did he deliberately target me?

Song Guanchao modestly said, "I haven’t even been in the City Committee for half a year, and my experience isn’t enough, and my seniority is too low. My capability is quite average, it’s mainly because Secretary Wu leads well."

Qu Xiangru smiled a little, said nothing further, took a sip of wine, and sat down.

After finishing his toasts, Song Guanchao went back to his seat.

As soon as he sat down, someone came to toast him.

"Brother Song, let’s have a drink." Jin Rong, with a familiar expression, approached.

After he left, others came as well.

Those who didn’t chat with him before all took this opportunity to come over and befriend him.

"Secretary Song." Jiang Yiren stood gracefully by the side, her dark eyes playful.

"Hello."

"Secretary Song, can you fly a plane?"

"I know a little."

"Do you also know how to use a sniper rifle?"

"Hmm, I learned a bit before."

"That’s amazing!"

At some point, Jiang Yiren sat next to him, with a fangirl-like expression, asking all sorts of questions.

For any man, having a beauty looking at him with such admiration and esteem is irresistible.

A somewhat tipsy Song Guanchao found himself a bit flattered by her praises.

"Secretary Song, I toast to you!" Jiang Yiren, after drinking an unknown number of glasses of wine, reluctantly left.

As soon as she departed, Zhang Meilin teased with a mischievous face: "That Secretary Jiang seems quite interested in you."

At these words, Liang Jiajia, Zhou Qian, and Fu Ying all shot murderous glares his way.

Oblivious, Zhang Meilin still used a tone that all men would understand: "Secretary Jiang is so tall, an average person wouldn’t be able to handle her, but you should have no problem."

Facing the murderous glances of the three women, Song Guanchao broke into a cold sweat and quickly said: "No, no, I’m not interested in women."

Seeing Zhang Meilin wanted to say more, Song Guanchao hurriedly changed the subject.

Damn, if it went on, he was worried he’d be sliced by their eyes.

After finishing the meal, Song Guanchao sobered up.

Leaving the hotel, a group of people came over to bid him farewell.

All unfamiliar faces, yet Song Guanchao had to maintain civility, almost talking himself hoarse.

"Secretary Song, are you going back to Lingjiang today?" Jiang Yiren jogged over, directly asking a somewhat sensitive question.

Song Guanchao felt embarrassed.

With so many people around, how could you just ask something like that?

Everyone present was shrewd; who couldn’t interpret the underlying meaning?

She almost blatantly invited him.

Some women, hearing Jiang Yiren’s words, felt a bit regretful.

They remained somewhat reserved, but Jiang Yiren stood out as so bold among them.

If only they had been more proactive.

What was that saying again?

The pursuit of a man by a woman is like a layer of veil.

If they were a bit more proactive, a bit bolder, maybe something could come out of it.

Even if it was just a brief romance, it might come in handy in the future.

Moreover, Song Guanchao had both looks and figure. Even if it were purely a fleeting physical connection, they wouldn’t mind.

Looking at the young girl, Song Guanchao couldn’t bring himself to be angry.

Others might misunderstand, but he saw clearly; the young girl’s eyes were free from any impurities, just a normal inquiry.

There was no filth or suggestive hints in her mind.

"I came over with the leaders, so I have to heed their arrangements."

Song Guanchao’s impeccable answer extinguished the thoughts of nearby women eager to try.

"Oh, that’s a pity. I wanted to invite you to dinner and hear about your flying experiences."

Jiang Yiren wore a regretful expression but quickly perked up with a smile: "Secretary Song, I’ll leave first then. Next time when I come to Lingjiang, I’ll look for you for a meal."

"Sure."

After she left and seeing another girl wanting to approach, he quickly picked up his phone pretending to take a call and turned towards the hotel.

People weren’t dumb; realizing he was tired of the pleasantries, they sensibly didn’t hold him back.

He had just walked a few steps into the hotel when a figure blocked his way.

"Governor Qu..."

Standing there with a dignified yet enticing presence, Qu Xiangru’s gaze exuded a sultry allure.

She glanced at the retreating figure of Jiang Yiren outside: "Do you like her? If you do, I can set you two up. Have her dress up this evening and send her to your room."

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