Chapter 483

After seven days of hard work, everyone on the Sea God Fund dividend list was arrested, and the anti‑corruption task force entered the final mop‑up stage.

The list involved as many as 106 people.

For the officialdom of Haishan, this was undoubtedly a major upheaval; in this upheaval, the leaders of most powerful departments fell.

Out of the 11 Standing Committee members, only 7 remained.

The most excited were people like Zhang Yinlan who longed for advancement; now that so many powerful posts were vacant, everyone wanted to seize the chance to move forward a step.

Around four o'clock that afternoon.

Zhang Yinlan walked into Secretary Yu's office, beaming with excitement: "Secretary Yu, I have good news."

"What good news?" Secretary Yu set aside the documents he was working on, smiled at Zhang Yinlan, and added that everyone's mood had been good these days.

Zhang Yinlan said: "Li Yongyuan, who had been hiding in his rural hometown, was just personally arrested by Director Lin; now everyone on the list has been caught."

"Li Yongyuan, a public‑security officer, used counter‑espionage tactics in the wrong places this time—truly inexcusable." Secretary Yu sighed: "Fortunately, Director Lin is one step ahead and had already laid a tight net."

"Yes."

When speaking of Director Lin, Zhang Yinlan also felt deep admiration.

Zhang Yinlan laughed: "I never imagined that the chairman of Zhengtong Capital was merely a disguise he used to throw us off, fooling all of us completely."

Regarding being "fooled completely," Secretary Yu felt the same.

But…

In his view, Zhang Yinlan's remarks were still a bit blunt; how could such a thing be tossed about casually?

Not to mention that saying it would make oneself look foolish.

The word "deceive" itself involves judging the related events; spreading it would cause misunderstanding, as if denying Lin Dongfan's series of actions.

Secretary Yu gathered his thoughts and cautiously summarized: "The former head of the Provincial Anti‑Corruption Bureau, Liang Wei, sacrificed himself in Haishan. The newly appointed Director Lin adopted an assumed name to infiltrate Haishan and carry out work, which was forced by the circumstances. After this upheaval settles, we need to hold a city‑wide cadre reflection meeting to draw profound lessons."

"Hmm."

Zhang Yinlan nodded.

This anti‑corruption upheaval did not affect their Civil Affairs Bureau, and it gave her considerable confidence.

She took the opportunity to recommend herself to Secretary Yu: "Secretary Yu, posts are severely lacking in the city; if you need my cooperation anywhere, just give the order."

In other words, I want to shift my position.

Secretary Yu smiled knowingly: "Your ability is evident to all. Don't rush; the Standing Committee seats await provincial approval."

That means the list has already been submitted.

For Zhang Yinlan, this was undoubtedly great news; she had originally hoped to be promoted to vice‑mayor, but never expected a chance to enter the Standing Committee directly.

Zhang Yinlan excitedly brewed a cup of tea for Secretary Yu: "Secretary Yu, thank you so much for this big surprise."

"Don't thank only me." Secretary Yu candidly said: "Those people were all taken away by Lin Dongfan. Last night, while chatting with him, I mentioned the severe shortage of posts in the city and was about to complain; then he recommended you to me. If he hadn't said he could handle the provincial authorities, I wouldn't dare put you directly on the Standing Committee list."

"Hmm, you two are both my benefactors."

"Didn't Director Lin tell you about this?"

"Heh, he's learning from Lei Feng—doing good deeds without leaving a name. I even called him this afternoon, and he didn't mention it at all."

"Since he didn't mention it to you, you ought to go thank him properly. If he truly intends to help you, everything will fall into place naturally. But if he's too busy with official duties and forgets, then even if I exert all my strength, I won't be able to push you into position in one step."

Secretary Yu smiled throughout, making his point briefly.

In other words, he was reminding Zhang Yinlan to take the initiative—people aren't obligated to promote you for nothing; there aren't that many living Lei Fengs around.

Zhang Yinlan understood and nodded.

She then chuckled awkwardly: "Come to think of it, I really don't know how to thank him."

"Heh, how you thank him is your business; don't ask me about this." While chatting, Secretary Yu returned to reviewing documents: "Go back and wait for the superior's approval; don't rush."

"Hmm, thank you, Secretary Yu; I'll be off then."

After leaving Secretary Yu's office, Zhang Yinlan's little heart thumped; she let out Along breath, her excitement still uncontainable, making her a bit nervous.

From a division‑level post, she would leap straight into the ranks of the Municipal Party Standing Committee.

Such a dream that breaks the norm was previously unthinkable; it all seems unreal.

But recalling how Chen Shaokang was promoted three ranks while suspended, Zhang Yinlan again believed anything was possible.

To be precise, as long as Lin Dongfan is willing to lend a hand, everything is possible!

That evening.

Zhang Yinlan dressed up carefully, treated Lin Dongfan to a Western restaurant at her own expense. They had agreed on eight, but she waited until nine before seeing the tardy Lin Dongfan arrive.

When Lin Dongfan approached.

Zhang Yinlan quickly rose to greet him: "Director Lin, you're really a busybear, coming to eat this late—aren't you hungry?"

Lin Dongfan joked: "When it comes to complaining skills, our Section Chief Zhang is the best—she complains tactfully and subtly, making even being scolded feel comforting."

"Are you disparaging me or praising me?" Zhang Yinlan laughed.

Lin Dongfan sat down opposite Zhang Yinlan, tossed his briefcase aside, and explained calmly: "I was actually hungry already—I'm not made of iron. The main delay was Li Yongyuan, who stubbornly refused to talk, so I lost some time. Being an hour late, I kept you waiting—sorry."

"Understood, busy person, what would you like to eat?" Zhang Yinlan beamed with a generous smile: "Order whatever you want; I'll treat tonight."

"You're the host; you decide."

"Then I'll decide for you; if you don't like it, we can change it later."

Zhang Yinlan called the waiter over and ordered two sirloin steaks, a pre‑meal fruit and vegetable salad, and two bottles of Bordeaux red wine.

She herself actually doesn't like Western food.

She chose this place tonight simply for the atmosphere; compared to a bustling Chinese restaurant, a Western restaurant offers more romance.

After the waiter poured the wine.

Zhang Yinlan raised her glass first and said with a smile: "I heard you intend to learn from Lei Feng, doing good deeds without leaving a name; tonight I must toast you no matter what."

"Is that so?"

Lin Dongfan didn't admit it verbally, but his actions were still quite sincere; he laughed and clinked cups with Zhang Yinlan.

Zhang Yinlan laughed and said: "You, Director Lin, just wave your hand casually and easily change my fate; don't you know that?"

"I didn't realize I was that impressive? Then tonight I'll have to drink a couple more cups." Lin Dongfan tipped his head back and drank the red wine straight down like water, and Zhang Yinlan raised her cup to keep him company.

After drinking for a while, he realized his alcohol tolerance was nowhere near Zhang Yinlan's.

In a daze, he seemed to hear Zhang Yinlan say: "I recently bought a famous painting, a master's work; are you interested in coming to my place to have a look?"