Chapter 1038: Make Arrangements in Advance

Sun Chengjun slammed the table and stood up: "It's downright shameless! Why is this program so one‑sided? I don't believe that all those interviewed said that; if not, why single out these interview clips for broadcast?"

"Isn't this obvious targeting? Nowadays officials find it too hard to do something practical for the Common People! No wonder so many people, besides coveting power, money, and women, do nothing and muddle through their days."

"In fact, those who try to do good deeds aren't necessarily rewarded; on the contrary, the idle, the sycophants who flatter superiors and bully subordinates, the ones who grovel for higher‑ups everywhere, are the ones who can dance gracefully and enjoy smooth official careers."

"As for the Common People, they're just a fart in their minds; they don't even care about the people's lives, only about lining their pockets and climbing the ranks for their own pleasure, damn it!"

Su Yang waved his hand and said: "What are you doing? You're already a Public Security Bureau Director, yet you're so indignant? If Secretary Gao sees this, it would be absolutely politically immature."

"By the way, has your matter already been put on the agenda? If you want to get married early, just do it early. I don't have much time left in our county; once these successive incidents arise, I have nowhere to avoid them."

"I think, at most by tomorrow morning, people from the Discipline Inspection Commission will come knocking; one about my bank‑card balance, the other about these incidents in our county, each case can be pinned on me."

"Moreover, once this interview program airs, it's basically announcing to everyone that I have a problem. Still, I'm upright and not afraid of a slanted shadow; at worst they'll hold a three‑session review."

"On top of that, with the collapse of the officialdom in Lieshan Xian this time, I'll most likely be dismissed, so I can't stay in our county any longer. Once I'm gone, those who support you may not be the same as now, and may no longer back you as before."

"Some people you know only by face, not by heart, and you have no idea what they're thinking—just like this time's Hou Junlai and Zhou Yanru. But there are a few reliable people."

"One is the Department Head of the Organization Department, Comrade Chen Bo; although she is a female comrade, her boldness, vision and scope far surpass others, and she definitely has backing behind her."

"With so many officials getting into trouble this time, the County Magistrate position will definitely become vacant; if she uses it properly, she could step straight into the County Magistrate role."

"Even if she doesn't reach the County Magistrate position, she could become Deputy Secretary; then you should report to her frequently, which will be beneficial to you."

"Also, with her, don't keep your relationship with Secretary Gao hidden; sometimes people need to show both a mortal face and a Buddha face. Given my personal ties and Secretary Gao's position, I believe she will support you in the future."

"Then there's Jiao Qiang. Although he made a few minor mistakes in the past, he's fundamentally reliable, and even though he's a Vice County Magistrate, to be frank, in terms of real power he's still inferior to you, the Public Security Bureau Director."

"Of course, this time see if we can report to the leaders; given that your work has been fairly good, could you take on the role of Vice County Magistrate while also serving as Public Security Bureau Director? This year, across the nation, Vice County Magistrates are beginning to double as Public Security Bureau Directors, and you'll need Secretary Gao's help to make it happen."

Sun Chengjun said: "Alright, alright, I get it, but this isn't fair to you! If you're dismissed again, where will you go? Have you decided your destination? I'm sure you won't just sit idle after being dismissed; an outstanding official like you isn't allowed to be left idle by the organization."

Su Yang laughed: "Since when did you also learn to flatter like everyone else? If I'm dismissed this time, it would be the third consecutive dismissal, and with my 'officialdom killer' notoriety, even if I could still serve the people afterward, it would hardly be a good place for me."

"Now you probably understand that the organization sometimes has to consider balance, and according to others, I'm too sharp‑edged; I have no idea how many people are watching me from the shadows, so giving me a stumbling block is expected."

Sun Chengjun said: "So, where are you heading? I'll follow you later, go with you, and protect you! When I went to Lancheng last week, Secretary Gao said you have ability, boldness, and a heart for serving the people, but the more someone like you stands out, the more they become a target."

"Because your brilliance is too exposed, you need someone beside you to support you. If others stay by your side, honestly, I'm still uneasy; besides, we're back‑to‑back brothers!"

Su Yang said: "I understand your thoughts, but in practice we can't do that. Where I go, you follow; how will others see us? Moreover, the organization won't allow it. Strive first for a Division‑level rank and solidify the work of the Public Security Bureau."

"In the past six months I've mostly been restraining my spirit; on many issues I no longer blaze with sharpness. Wherever I go, I act low‑key and won't cause trouble."

"You also have an important mission: hurry and marry Miss Ning. A boyfriend‑girlfriend relationship and a marital relationship are two different concepts."

"Even the best boyfriend‑girlfriend bond, even if both pledge themselves to each other or have privately promised lifelong commitment, is only between you and her in your eyes or hers in yours. If you marry, you become Secretary Gao's son‑in‑law, and Secretary Gao will consider you."

The two of them were speaking when a knock sounded at the door.

"Someone coming to see you at this moment? Could it be people from the Discipline Inspection Commission? They shouldn't have arrived so quickly!" Sun Chengjun said as he stepped forward and opened the door.

Yet when he saw the visitor, his expression changed slightly, then he turned back to look at Su Yang, indicating whether to let them in; if not, he would send them away on the spot.

Su Yang chuckled: "Former County Magistrate, what wind blew you to my place? Very well, I also want to chat with you, to know what kind of personal charisma you possess that makes Secretary Hou and Secretary Zhou revere you, and makes the whole county's officials worship you like a deity."

"I think it's not just a matter of benefits; perhaps there's personal charisma involved." He then looked at Sun Chengjun, "Bureau Chief Sun, why don't you go back first?"

Former County Magistrate smiled calmly and said: "Bureau Chief Sun need not avoid it; I'm already the target of a thousand accusations and ten thousand spittings. Coming to County Magistrate Su's place is to chat with County Magistrate Su, and also to tell you, County Magistrate Su, you have won."

"But this is not the final outcome; I believe my judgment—at most it's just a double loss."

"You're using your future to fight against the so‑called hidden‑interest groups; you may have beaten us, but you've lost your official career."

"Whether it's the media of Xiangjiang or the two authoritative media outlets and interview programs of Jingcheng, their reports that can make a county a big deal contain something I'm sure you understand better than I do."

"The reason you can push everything aside wherever you go, and let your so‑called voice of justice be heard—something ordinary officials can't achieve—is because you have backing behind you."

"This incident is probably far more than it appears on the surface; perhaps there are things I can't see, but you will certainly see them, because soon a result will emerge."

"In our system, you're just a rookie; the one who can truly stand on the stage is your old father‑in‑law. Ha, compared with a Provincial‑level member of the Young and Strong Faction, what does your future really amount to?"

After finishing, he turned to Bureau Chief Sun and said: "You're good, very good—loyal, brave, with thunderous tactics; whether it's wisdom or daring, you're no worse than ordinary people."

"Even betting your fate, you dared to go after the governor's son, dared to draw a gun against your own leader. If it weren't for this incident, if it weren't for cementing County Magistrate Su's 'officialdom killer' reputation, if it weren't for… your path being damaged, you, the protector, would have walked farther with County Magistrate Su. A pity."

After speaking, he sighed, then continued: "I've said everything I can in front of you, so please step aside a bit; I have a few words to say to County Magistrate Su alone."

Sun Chengjun looked at Su Yang again, and Su Yang gave a slight nod: "You're too cautious, kid. If it were a two‑meter‑tall strong man, being cautious would be right, but this is just an old man—you're still worried he'll strike me?"