Chapter 176: This Information is Crucial!

Tang Ye was filled with joy.

He dialed Du Xi's number at the first opportunity.

"I just received the personnel notice; I have to report to the Personnel and Organization Section of the Municipal Government Office tomorrow to serve as the Secretary of the Second Section."

Over the past few days, Du Xi had often chatted with Tang Ye and knew clearly that he had been worrying about his job.

Secretary of the Second Section—it didn't sound very imposing, but it was absolutely a department with great potential.

Only after reaching the Deputy Division Level does one truly step into the officialdom and become eligible for transfers across the country.

And yet, this step from Section Chief to Deputy Division Level is a chasm that many civil servants struggle to cross their entire lives.

A Town Mayor wanting to be promoted to the Deputy Division Level might have no hope for their entire life.

But now that Tang Ye had reached the Second Section, this step was no longer that difficult.

Being close to the leadership means having access to more information, higher status, and faster promotions.

As long as no principled issues arise, going from Section Chief to Deputy Division Level is a matter of course.

No wonder Du Xi had been beating around the bush asking her father about the arrangements for Tang Ye.

Although Du Chengfeng hadn't said it explicitly, he had signaled to Du Xi not to worry.

Now hearing this good news, Du Xi also became happy, saying in a light tone, "I knew it, you would definitely make it! Secretary of the Second Section? Does that mean I should call you Chief Secretary Tang from now on?"

Tang Ye laughed in spite of himself, "Since we've hit such a great piece of news, we must celebrate. I'll treat you to dinner tonight!"

Du Xi hesitated slightly, "Liu Fang had originally made plans with me, but it's fine, I'll just cancel."

Tang Ye laughed heartily: "Don't cancel, bring her along. I'll call Sun Hai too; the more the merrier."

Upon hearing this, Du Xi actually preferred being alone with Tang Ye.

But fearing that Liu Fang would say she prioritized romance over friendship, she replied, "Well... alright then!"

Tang Ye was so sharp that he immediately sensed something was wrong, "What? Are Sun Hai and Liu Fang fighting again?"

Du Xi sighed, "Yes, Liu Fang took Sun Hai to meet her parents, but her parents weren't very satisfied."

Tang Ye frowned and said bluntly, "Sun Hai is just stubborn sometimes; if there's really no hope, he shouldn't be too persistent."

Du Xi wasn't very optimistic about their relationship either, analyzing, "Liu Fang is truly sincere about Sun Hai, otherwise she wouldn't have taken him to meet her parents. But Liu Fang has always been filial, and her parents' opinions have a significant impact on her."

In the evening, the friends gathered.

When Sun Hai and Liu Fang first met, the atmosphere was slightly awkward and strained.

But after a while, the two began bickering back and forth, and after a few rounds, they had actually made up as if nothing had happened.

Tang Ye watched from the sidelines, secretly laughing to himself; these two were clearly a pair of bickering lovers.

Although they had constant conflicts in their daily lives, it was precisely because of this that a unique bond had formed between them; it was not easy for them to truly break up.

Liu Fang raised her glass, smiling broadly at Tang Ye: "Congratulations, Chief Secretary Tang! When you soar to great heights in the future, don't you dare forget us."

Tang Ye clinked glasses with her, took a sip of red wine, and laughed in self-deprecation.

"I'm just an ordinary civil servant, earning only three or four thousand yuan a month. Monkey is different; he's a second-generation rich kid and has now built his own career. Liu Fang, you should hold on tight to him."

Sun Hai felt a bit embarrassed and scratched his head, saying: "Tang Seng, you're making fun of me again. The only thing my parents approve of about me right now is that I'm dating Liu Fang.

Especially my dad; he was particularly surprised, as he always thought I was a slacker and a good-for-nothing spendthrift, and he was baffled as to why Police Officer Liu would take a liking to me."

Liu Fang reached out and tapped Sun Hai on the forehead, feigning anger: "Sun Hai, we've already broken up, you know!"

Sun Hai hurriedly grabbed Liu Fang's wrist and said with a serious face: "I don't agree!"

Tang Ye and Du Xi exchanged a look and helplessly rolled their eyes.

The two were truly too mushy, but seeing them so sweet, they also felt full of relief.

After dinner, Tang Ye thoughtfully sent Du Xi back to Yunhu Courtyard.

He had intended to leave quietly, but was called back by Xiao Qin.

Just as Tang Ye sat down on the sofa, the doorbell rang crisply.

Xiao Qin got up to open the door, only to see Du Xiaofeng standing outside with a guest.

She couldn't help but frown slightly, her tone carrying displeasure: "Old Du isn't home; why don't you come back later?"

Du Xiaofeng was all smiles, fawningly saying: "Sister-in-law, this is President Cai Weilin of Meijing Group, who came specifically to talk business with my brother. President Cai is a renowned big boss with immense strength."

Once Xiao Qin heard he was an investor, she couldn't directly turn him away, so she helplessly welcomed Du Xiaofeng and Cai Weilin into the house.

The moment Du Xiaofeng saw Tang Ye, the expression on her face changed abruptly.

Hindered by Cai Weilin's presence, she held back and didn't make a scene on the spot.

"Boss Cai, this is my daughter Du Xi, and my daughter's boyfriend, Tang Ye." Xiao Qin introduced Tang Ye to everyone with poise.

Tang Ye shook hands with Cai Weilin, took his business card, and stared at it for a moment, studying it.

Taking advantage of the gap while Xiao Qin went to make tea, Du Xiaofeng hurried over and asked in a low voice: "Why hasn't Xi Xi broken up with Tang Ye yet?"

Xiao Qin didn't think much of it and retorted: "They have a great relationship, why should they break up?"

Du Xiaofeng stomped her feet in anxiety and said angrily: "Tang Ye was under 'internal disciplinary investigation' before; he basically has no hope for the rest of his life. Xi Xi performed meritorious service last year, and her promotion is a sure thing. Dating Tang Ye—isn't this self-destructing her future and dragging herself down?"

Xiao Qin gave Du Xiaofeng a sharp look and countered: "Tang Ye was just undergoing an investigation by the Discipline Inspection Commission. The fact that they didn't find any issues only proves he is clean and trustworthy. Besides, he just received a new appointment and has been promoted to Secretary of the Second Section of the Municipal Government."

Du Xiaofeng stared at Xiao Qin in disbelief.

At this moment, she realized she had completely misjudged the situation.

"Secretary of the Second Section—what kind of position is that?"

"The secretary to the Executive Vice Mayor." Xiao Qin explained, feeling a bit proud.

Du Xiaofeng felt a chill run down her back, and cold sweat instantly soaked her clothes.

No wonder Xiao Qin spoke so highly of Tang Ye; it turned out her own judgment was poor.

At this moment.

Du Chengfeng returned home.

Seeing a guest in the house, he was slightly taken aback.

His gaze then fell upon Tang Ye, a smile appeared in his eyes, and he said cordially, "Little Tang, you're here!"

Tang Ye hurriedly stood up and said respectfully, "Secretary, hello!"

Just as Du Chengfeng was planning to chat with Tang Ye about work, Du Xiaofeng walked over quickly, leaned into Du Chengfeng's ear, and whispered a few words.

After hearing this, Du Chengfeng frowned deeply and went straight upstairs.

Afterwards, Du Xiaofeng led President Cai upstairs as well.

Ten-odd minutes later, Cai Weilin walked out of the study with a light step.

Du Chengfeng walked him all the way to the door.

Returning to the study, Du Chengfeng, in front of Du Xiaofeng, was just about to pick up the phone to give instructions to the Secretary.

At this moment, the door was lightly knocked upon.

Du Chengfeng responded with a "Please come in."

Tang Ye pushed the door open and entered, saying softly, "Secretary Du, there is a matter I feel I must report to you."

He paused, his gaze glancing intentionally or unintentionally toward Du Xiaofeng.

Du Chengfeng was slightly stunned, then immediately instructed Du Xiaofeng, "Tang Ye and I have some things to discuss; you go out for a moment."

After Du Xiaofeng left the room, Tang Ye's expression was grave as he whispered, "Secretary, Cai Weilin is the boss of Meijing Group. He came to see you, presumably for the Old City Renovation Project, right?"

Du Chengfeng's brows were tightly locked, and he nodded, "That's right! There is an Old City Renovation Project in Tianling County currently out for tender."

Tang Ye took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "Meijing Group has a project that involves issues of organized crime and corruption. This afternoon, Mayor Jiang and I just went to conduct an undercover field investigation, and barring any surprises, we will be conducting a thorough investigation into Meijing Group next."

A look of astonishment appeared in Du Chengfeng's eyes, his brows knitting together, "The information you provided is very critical."