Chapter 1312: Ding Zhen

In Ding Zhen's view, Gao Qidong is the key person for executing his plan.

Gao Qidong invited Ding Zhen to meet at his villa in the evening.

Just as he entered the door, a large dog lunged fiercely at Ding Zhen, the leash around its neck pulled taut by the immense force.

The entire dog stood up on its hind legs, barking incessantly.

Ding Zhen was so startled by this display that he retreated a few steps.

Gao Qidong scolded the large dog a few times.

The large dog retreated sullenly to its kennel, its gaze fixed intently on Ding Zhen, which made Ding Zhen feel extremely uncomfortable.

Walking into the dining room, Gao Qidong gestured for Ding Zhen to take a seat and said with a smile, "You came at just the right time today; you're in for a treat."

Ding Zhen smiled, "Is that so? I wonder what delicious food Mayor Gao is treating me to?"

Gao Qidong smiled with feigned mystery: "You'll know in a moment."

A short while later, the dishes were served one after another.

Finally, a casserole was brought out; when the lid was lifted, the broth was bubbling and rolling, and a rich aroma wafted toward them.

Gao Qidong picked up his chopsticks and said to Ding Zhen with a smile: "Try it!"

Ding Zhen raised his chopsticks, picked up a piece of meat, and put it into his mouth, initially thinking it was mutton.

Only after it entered his mouth did he realize something was wrong; it was actually dog meat, and he was momentarily stunned.

Generally, people who keep dogs do not eat dog meat, yet Gao Qidong was treating him to a dog meat casserole.

A chill surged up from the soles of his feet.

Gao Qidong had been observing Ding Zhen's expression and asked, "How is the taste? The chef who prepared the dog meat is an expert I specifically invited from a restaurant in Xu Cheng."

Ding Zhen put down his chopsticks, "The taste is quite good. Mayor Gao, I know you love keeping dogs; to be honest, this surprises me a bit."

Gao Qidong smiled faintly, "Does keeping dogs mean one can't eat dog meat? I do indeed like keeping dogs, but some dogs don't listen, so there's no need to waste food."

I was in a good mood yesterday and took it out for a walk; it saw a female dog and charged toward it recklessly. No matter how much I shouted, it wouldn't stop.

As a result, it even bit the owner of that female dog.

A dog that doesn't listen and causes trouble for its owner—what use is there in me keeping it?"

Ding Zhen realized then that this dog was that mastiff with Tibetan Mastiff blood!

No wonder he hadn't seen it today!

From this detail, it was evident that Gao Qidong was extremely cold-blooded to the core.

"Mayor Gao, what you say makes a lot of sense." After Ding Zhen finished speaking, he picked up another piece of dog meat and ate it, thinking to himself that, setting aside emotions, the texture was indeed quite good.

After three rounds of drinks, Gao Qidong and Ding Zhen began chatting about the recent situation in Yechuan County.

Ding Zhen complained, "I am in a very awkward position right now. Many cadres in Yechuan County pay lip service to me while secretly only listening to Tang Ye and Shi Guangrong. In the eyes of outsiders, I am just a puppet who has been sidelined."

Gao Qidong smiled, "I know you well; you are certainly not reconciled to this situation. If you have any plans, feel free to speak them out; I can help you deliberate."

Ding Zhen put down his chopsticks and said softly, "Shi Guangrong is a local cadre. After Han Zhengyi left Yechuan, everyone has been very close to him. Without Shi Guangrong, this troublemaker, the others are just scattered soldiers and won't amount to anything!"

Gao Qidong understood; Ding Zhen knew Tang Ye was not easy to deal with, so he wanted to break the deadlock starting with Shi Guangrong.

"Dealing with Shi Guangrong is no small feat. You need a meticulous plan."

Ding Zhen said, "Gao Zhangyong has passed away, and the position of County CPPCC Chairman is vacant."

Gao Qidong understood Ding Zhen's meaning, "You want to have Shi Guangrong become the CPPCC Chairman? Although the Deputy County Party Secretary is at the Deputy Division Level and the CPPCC Chairman is at the Division Level, the actual power is worlds apart. I'm afraid Shi Guangrong won't agree!"

Ding Zhen smiled, "That is why I need Mayor Gao's help."

Gao Qidong remained calm, "How can I help?"

Ding Zhen lowered his voice and said, "I heard that after Shi Guangrong's son retired from the military, he started working at the City Urban Investment Company."

Gao Qidong nodded slightly, "Starting with his son might be a good entry point."

Gao Qidong dialed the phone number of Yang Bo, the General Manager of the City Urban Investment Company.

"Old Yang, this is Gao Qidong."

"Mayor Gao, do you have any instructions?"

"Come to my office tomorrow morning."

"Understood!"

Seeing that Gao Qidong was willing to help, Ding Zhen was overjoyed and took the initiative to raise his glass: "Mayor Gao, I toast you."

Gao Qidong smiled, "We are all our own people, why be so formal!"

Gao Qidong had been harboring resentment over the remarks Tang Ye made during his interview with the *China Industrial and Commercial News*.

Although there were indeed many problems in the negotiation agreement for Jinhua Century City, it was not for a Division-level Official like him to criticize.

This matter tore off the fig leaf, to the point that Gao Qidong was named and criticized by Jiang Jing during a government meeting.

Ding Zhen keenly grasped this point and found the reason for Gao Qidong to help him.

Only by mastering the discourse power of the County Party Committee Standing Committee could Ding Zhen suppress Tang Ye.

The next morning, Gao Qidong met with Yang Bo, the General Manager of the Urban Construction Investment Company, in his office.

Yang Bo cherished this opportunity and had spent the whole night preparing his report materials.

After Yang Bo finished his report, Gao Qidong nodded and said, "In the next few years, Xiyang's finances will focus on the infrastructure sector. The burden on your shoulders is not light; you must be mentally prepared."

Yang Bo nodded, "Understood, thank you for the reminder, Mayor Gao. I will certainly keep it in mind."

Gao Qidong changed the subject: "There is something I need you to arrange. I heard that the son of Yechuan County Deputy Party Secretary Shi Guangrong works at your Urban Construction Investment Company."

Yang Bo nodded, "That is indeed the case! Does Mayor Gao have any specific requirements?"

Gao Qidong smiled, "Someone came to me, wanting to increase the burden on Secretary Shi's son."

Yang Bo was slightly startled, and immediately understood that this was the true purpose of Gao Qidong meeting with him.

"Mayor Gao, to be honest with you. Shi Jun doesn't have much ability. If the burden is too heavy, I'm afraid he won't be able to carry it."

Gao Qidong smiled faintly and waved his hand, "It is precisely because I want to assign him tasks beyond his ability; I need him to make mistakes."

Yang Bo caught on after a moment: "I understand what you mean."

Yang Bo walked out of the Executive Vice Mayor's office and sighed to himself.

He hadn't expected to be drawn into the whirlpool of high-level political maneuvering.

He wanted to keep himself out of trouble.

However, when one is in the world of men, one is not always the master of one's own actions.

He could not ignore the request of the Executive Vice Mayor...

Returning to his company office, Yang Bo immediately had the Secretary notify Shi Jun to come see him.

A moment later, there was a knock at the door.

Yang Bo called out, "Please come in."

"General Manager Yang, you were looking for me?"

Yang Bo wore a smile and pointed to the sofa: "Sit."

After Shi Jun sat down, Yang Bo said in a friendly tone, "How long have you been at the Urban Construction Investment Company?"

Shi Jun said, "It has already been three years."

Yang Bo nodded slightly, "I have actually been keeping an eye on you. You are very motivated, and it is time to add to your burden. You have been working in the Project Management Department; next, I will recommend you for the position of Deputy Minister."

Shi Jun felt a surge of joy in his heart, feigned composure, and said gratefully, "General Manager Yang, please rest assured, I will definitely do a good job."

Seeing Shi Jun's grateful appearance, Yang Bo felt he was quite pathetic!

Sometimes, what looks like a promotion and being entrusted with important tasks is actually not that simple...