Chapter 777: Leaders Show Off Their Acting Skills

The shantytown in the western suburbs looked dilapidated in the afternoon sunlight.

Especially the situation at Liu Guizhi's home, the blue plastic memorial shed rattled in the wind, and the incense and candles before the portrait had already been changed.

Everywhere exuded a bleak, desolate air.

To avoid drawing attention, Lin Dongfan had Lao Ba park the car at the alley entrance and went on foot himself. He changed into an ordinary jacket, put on a cap, and looked like an average middle-aged passerby.

Before he even reached the door, he saw two staff members in street office vests coming out of Liu Guizhi's house, shaking their heads as they walked.

"They won't budge, no matter what you say."

"It's true, that's three million yuan—enough for her and her mother to live comfortably for the rest of their lives. General Manager Zhao even pushed the money through the door, but Liu Guizhi is really stubborn, still refusing to take it."

"The unfortunate always have something hateful about them; they deserve to have no good days."

The two muttered as they walked away.

Lin Dongfan frowned and walked up to Liu Guizhi's door.

The door was ajar.

Soft sobbing came from inside.

Lin Dongfan gently knocked on the door.

"Who is it?"

Liu Guizhi seemed startled, her voice full of wariness.

"It's me, Lin Dongfan."

Lin Dongfan gently knocked twice more.

The door opened a crack, Liu Guizhi's red-rimmed eyes appeared; seeing who it was, she hurriedly pulled the door open: "Mayor Lin! How did you come… please come in quickly…"

The interior was very simple.

The furniture was old and worn, with several woven bags stacked in the corner, apparently packed luggage.

The little girl Niu Niu sat on a small stool, clutching a dirty stuffed doll, timidly eyeing the unfamiliar mayor—Lin Dongfan.

"Please, have a seat…"

Liu Guizhi hurriedly wiped the only decent chair.

Lin Dongfan did not sit.

He glanced around the house and asked cautiously: "Did anyone come by last night?"

Liu Guizhi's face instantly turned pale.

He gritted his teeth, hesitated a moment, pulled a thick envelope from under the mattress, and placed it on the table: "Zhao Tianyu came by and gave me this. He said if I change my testimony, he'll give me three million..."

"What do you think?" Lin Dongfan asked.

Liu Guizhi's voice trembled: "I didn't want it; I wouldn't take any amount of money. My husband was killed by them, and I can't betray my conscience by taking this money."

Lin Dongfan picked up the envelope, weighed it—it seemed to hold a check, very light.

"What else did Zhao Tianyu say?"

"He… he mentioned my daughter Niu Niu…" Liu Guizhi's eyes reddened again: "He said Niu Niu is cute, in first grade at the western suburbs elementary school… Mayor Lin, I'm afraid…"

"Don't be afraid." Lin Dongfan's voice steady: "I'll arrange people to watch over the kids going to and from school. I'll take responsibility for your and your daughter's safety."

He paused, then asked: "What did the street office staff say to you?"

"They just left." Liu Guizhi wiped her tears: "They said the government would properly handle it, telling me not to worry. Moreover… they hinted that demolition issues take years to resolve, not something fixed in a day or two. They urged me to consider the bigger picture and not cause trouble for the city…"

"Consider the bigger picture?"

Lin Dongfan snorted coldly, a vulgar curse popping into his mind—damn it! This bunch of bastards, when they were driving people to their deaths earlier, who ever said we needed to consider the bigger picture?

He pulled out a small notebook from his pocket, jotted down a few notes, then told Liu Guizhi: "Take this money."

Liu Guizhi froze: "Ah… this… this is dirty money, I can't take it…"

"This isn't dirty money; it's evidence." Lin Dongfan pushed the envelope toward her: "Zhao Tianyu giving you money is bribery, hush money. Keep it, and when you turn it over, it'll be solid proof."

As he spoke, Lin Dongfan glanced at Niu Niu again.

And he pulled a few hundred yuan from his wallet, stuffed it into Liu Guizhi's hand: "This is my personal gift to you—use it for now. I'll settle the compensation within three days. I keep my word."

Upon hearing this, Liu Guizhi became emotional, tears welling up, not knowing how to thank him.

Lin Dongfan added: "Over the next couple days, someone might still come to you, saying all sorts of things. Remember this: as long as you hold to your principles, even if the sky falls, I've got your back."

"Thank you, Mayor Lin."

Liu Guizhi was already moved to tears streaming down her face.

She raised a hand to wipe a tear, then forced a relieved smile: "With you backing me, I fear nothing…"

"Take care, and look after your daughter."

Lin Dongfan didn't say much more; after giving his instructions, he turned and left.

Outside the door.

Lao Ba leaned against the wall, smoking.

Seeing Lin Dongfan come out of the house, Lao Ba quickly stubbed out his cigarette and stepped forward two paces: "Boss Fan, I just saw two suspicious figures loitering at the alley entrance, like they're tailing us."

"Arrange personnel to protect Liu Guizhi and her daughter." Lin Dongfan lowered his cap brim, walking and saying: "No matter whether they want to play dirty or play by the rules, I'll see it through to the end!"

2:00 p. m.

Municipal Party Committee small meeting room.

Wang Qigang's "briefing session" started on time.

Attendees weren't just department heads; there were also the main leaders from each district and county, filling the room.

Wang Qigang sat in the main seat, wearing a gentle smile, speaking calmly and unhurriedly:

"Today we're holding a short meeting, mainly to emphasize recent work discipline. First, welcome Comrade Dongfan upon taking office. Comrade Dongfan is young and capable, with an open mind, bringing a new atmosphere to our Wuzhou."

He nodded toward Lin Dongfan, who was seated off to the side.

Lin Dongfan also smiled in response.

Wang Qigang suddenly shifted gears again: "We need new ideas, but we can't throw out the rules. Some of us comrades, enthusiasm for work is good, but we must pay attention to our methods. We can't just slap our heads and make decisions, and we certainly can't ignore the actual situation, pile on tasks and set deadlines for those below…"

Quite a few people downstairs furtively glanced at Lin Dongfan.

It was obvious that Secretary Wang was covertly criticizing Lin Dongfan. But Lin Dongfan's expression didn't change; he lowered his head and noted something in his notebook.

"Especially when it involves the people's vital interests, we must be extra cautious." Wang Qigang took a sip of tea and continued: "The demolition and relocation in the western suburbs is an old problem, and also a major headache. Why is it difficult? Because the situation there is complicated—property rights are complicated, history is complicated, and the people's demands are also complicated."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the entire room:

"To solve such problems, we need patience, we need proper methods, and we need to act according to law and regulation.

We can't resort to a one-size-fits-all approach just to chase speed, and we certainly can't arbitrarily open loopholes to please a certain leader, thereby breaking policy continuity."

These words were already quite blunt, pointed directly at Lin Dongfan.

A low murmur of discussion rose from downstairs.

"So, I emphasize three points."

Wang Qigang raised three fingers: "First, each department must fulfill its territorial responsibility and perform its duties according to law. The matters that someone is supposed to manage, that person must manage well—no passing the buck or wrangling, but also no overstepping authority.

Second, major matters must be collectively studied and submitted for approval according to procedure.

Especially when it involves sensitive issues like compensation standards and case classification, we must be prudent and able to withstand historical and legal scrutiny.

Third…

Having said this, Wang Qigang looked toward Lin Dongfan.

With a slight smile, he said: "I hope everyone here will give full support to Comrade Dongfan's work. Dongfan is new here and unfamiliar with many situations, so all departments should report more, communicate more, and cooperate more. But reporting must be factual, communication must be frank, and cooperation must follow law and regulation."

"In short……" Wang Qigang concluded: "The overall stability and development of Wuzhou must not be disrupted. Everyone should think as one and exert effort as one. Meeting adjourned."

Applause broke out.

Lin Dongfan, however, smiled without speaking, while inwardly cursing: "Damn it! On one hand you stab me in the back and undermine my position, on the other you say you'll fully support my work! You're both god and devil to me."

He was pondering how to proceed.

Wang Qigang suddenly rose, warmly patting Lin Dongfan on the shoulder: "Dongfan, don't take what was said at the meeting to heart. I'm just worried that the people below might not understand and act recklessly. Go ahead and do your work—I'll support you."

"Thank you, Secretary."

Lin Dongfan's smile was proper; he thought, "As the one who should cooperate with your performance, I will certainly do my utmost to cooperate!"

The two walked out of the meeting room side by side.

In the hallway they exchanged a few more low‑voiced words, the atmosphere harmonious.

Everyone present saw it—the Secretary was still the same Secretary, in control of everything; the newly arrived Mayor seemed also to have been slotted into the established track.

Only a few observant people noticed that, as Lin Dongfan walked out of the meeting room, the cover of his notebook bore two cool characters written in pen—"Movie Emperor"!