Chapter 343: Farewell to the Former Father-in-Law

Lu Cheng already jumped in and said, "I know you're anxious, but don't be hasty; what you just said is all wrong—what do you mean I'm not just a small merit!"

Fan Dashan disdainfully muttered, "With your last-place results, what merit could you have earned! The changes in order at Beijing Station are all thanks to our contributions."

Now that this result has appeared, Fan Dashan truly feels unwilling in his heart.

Lu Cheng doesn't mind at all, and even starts fiddling with his fingers.

"You say I haven't earned merit; that statement is completely wrong, and the merits I have earned are all great, for example this…"

"On November 8 of the year before last, didn't I crack a theft case? On January 15 last year, didn't I capture an enemy spy and even earned a Third-Class Merit? On July 2, didn't I help our bureau acquire a warship, providing funds to build a train? On December 20, didn't I help an old lady?"

"These merits, have I recorded them in my heart?"

Fan Dashan blinked, "Not recorded in your heart? Damn it, you even remember the dates!"

"Of course not; I'm always low-key!"

Lu Cheng cleared his throat, "Take the Snow Removal Machine Project, are you aware of it? If the bureau hadn't insisted on announcing it, I planned to keep it hidden forever—why?"

Fan Dashan shook his head.

"You seem to lack enlightenment! How did you learn the Lei Feng Spirit? I'm seeking happiness for the common folk, not seeking reward; as long as the people live well, that's my greatest wish."

Fan Dashan wore a disdainful expression, "Stop bragging here; it's clear you're after the Police Chief Position, unable to match our assessment scores, so you resort to twisted schemes."

Fan Dashan's anger stems from this: everyone honestly follows the work assessment, yet this guy takes an unconventional path.

"You are wrong again; I never intended to become this Police Chief. The bureau, remembering my hard work and merits, forced me into it. Do you think I wanted to…"

"It's just a minor Police Chief role, not my pursuit at all; my pursuit is to let the people enjoy a happy life."

Listening to Lu Cheng's pretentious words, Fan Dashan at this moment feels like he could kill him in his heart.

Others worked hard for a year to become Police Chief, but for Lu Cheng, it was forced upon him by the Railway Bureau.

"Then if you don't want the Police Chief Position, just give it to me."

"That's not possible!"

"Why not? You said you weren't interested in the Police Chief."

Lu Cheng stood up, tapped his chest, and gave him four words: "Because you… are Unfit for the Position."

"Hey, you!"

Lu Cheng no longer paid attention to Fan Dashan, went up to receive his Appointment Certificate.

Just as he took it, Tang Qiusheng announced the meeting's adjournment.

"Hey Director Tang, do I also have to say a few words?"

Director Tang recalled Lu Cheng's previous speeches: all empty talk, no concrete content, and when he got to the point it lasted one or two hours, making listeners drowsy.

"Ahem, you don't need to speak; later go to Captain Lei's office, there's some other matters arranged for you."

Lu Cheng felt a bit helpless; the other three team leaders each gave award speeches—a glorious moment—but when it came to him, he wasn't allowed to speak.

Nevertheless, the Police Chief position finally secured, he went home to show the Appointment Certificate to his mother; she was so happy she had to make a braised pork feast as a reward, maybe even go out to a restaurant.

After the meeting dispersed, many kept discussing; mainly, no one expected Lu Cheng to also become Police Chief.

……

Captain's office, Lu Cheng knocked and entered; Director Tang had already left, and only Lei Zhan'ge remained in the room.

"Captain Lei."

Lei Zhan'ge gestured, "Sit."

When Lu Cheng sat upright, Lei Zhan'ge looked at him and said, "How does it feel now that you've become Police Chief? Any thoughts?"

"Captain Lei, rest assured, the Police Chief role is just my starting point, not my end. I will definitely curb pride and impatience, give my all to the work at Beijing Station, and stand the final watch for the revolutionary masses."

Lei Zhan'ge listened with great satisfaction; mainly because Lu Cheng is still young, becoming Police Chief at such an age makes him one of the few in the department.

He was also afraid Lu Cheng might become arrogant because of this, but now seeing Lu Cheng's proper attitude, Lei Zhan'ge felt relieved.

"Hmm? I called you to the office mainly for two matters. The first is the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony half a month from now; there will be department leaders and local leaders, so you must be fully prepared."

Lu Cheng replied, "I know, Captain Lei; regarding the Speech Draft, I will definitely prepare it well."

Lei Zhan'ge suddenly sighed, "I'm talking about the Speech Draft. Just before Director Tang left, he instructed me that you need to represent our bureau and speak, saying something practical and avoiding useless fluff. So, think it over these days, write it, and submit it for bureau review."

Lu Cheng thought, it's just a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, why does Captain Lei take it so seriously.

Noticing Lu Cheng's expression, Lei Zhan'ge saw what he was thinking.

"This isn't a simple Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony; this time, as the Speaker, you not only represent the Beijing City Railway General Bureau, but also it's meant to give you a chance to establish yourself locally."

"Establish locally?" Lu Cheng didn't understand.

Lei Zhan'ge lit a cigarette, "Yes, that ties into the second matter I need to tell you about. Director Tang and I plan to have you take charge of the Jingha Line."

"Jingha Line?" Lu Cheng was somewhat reluctant; he preferred to go south, where after Reform and Opening Up the south would enter a rapid development phase, and being on southern routes would benefit his sister's future business.

Lei Zhan'ge exhaled a puff, "I know the north has cold weather and harsher conditions, but the north is our heavy industry zone; railway development needs better improvement, which actually gives you many more opportunities to earn merit."

Lei Zhan'ge felt that with Lu Cheng's abilities, he shouldn't remain just a minor Police Chief; he should have more opportunities to showcase his talent.

Hearing Lei Zhan'ge speak that way, Lu Cheng finally understood the well‑intentioned purpose.

Immediately, he didn't hesitate: "Alright, Captain Lei, I will follow your orders, go to the Jingha Line, and please rest assured I will definitely contribute to the northern railway construction."

Lei Zhan'ge nodded; this is the Lu Cheng he wanted to see.

After briefly finishing the discussion, Lu Cheng was about to leave the office when Lei Zhan'ge suddenly added.

"By the way, this Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony will have leaders from Ha City attending, one of whom is Comrade Lin Zhenfeng."

Lei Zhan'ge already knew about Lu Cheng's divorce; he felt only regret.

But it's a personal matter, Lei Zhan'ge didn't feel it appropriate to get involved further.

When Lei Zhan'ge mentioned that name, Lu Cheng's steps suddenly halted.

Previously he had wondered where Lin Zhenfeng was transferred after leaving the Capital City; it turned out he went to Ha City.

And this Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony will involve direct contact.

Facing his former father-in-law, Lu Cheng's mood was momentarily somewhat complicated.