Chapter 49: Kneeling on the Spot

Section Chief Tan originally intended to look down from his lofty position, domineeringly and arrogantly give Su Yang a good thrashing, while also showing off in front of Li Tian.

Who gave Li Tian so many favors to him?

Putting aside everything else, he was just handed 30,000 yuan during the meal, and with that he can reap benefits and still put on a show—what's not to like?

But the moment he saw Director Liu sitting inside eating, his face turned pale instantly.

Li Tian, are you damn stupid? Or did your town mayor dig a pit for you? This isn't some low‑level clerk; this is our Director Liu!

But Li Tian didn't notice Han's change of expression; instead, with one hand in his pocket and the other pointing at Su Yang, he said, "I thought you invited some deity? Could these two be just doing odd jobs at the Finance Bureau? They wouldn't even dare to say a word when our Section Chief Han comes in."

"I've told you long ago, since you've been dispatched down, don't run back to the city to embarrass yourself; with someone like you, who would even look at you?"

"If I hadn't caught you and exposed you directly, when you go back you'd have to say you met some director in the city, took how much money, etc., and then use excuses like the money was temporarily reallocated due to other matters to cover it up."

"If that's the case, it would really let you successfully put on a show, but honestly, which director would blindly dine with someone like you?"

"Especially when it's the Finance Bureau's 'God of Wealth', Section Chief Han, why aren't you speaking?"

"It can't be that these two old things aren't even from your Finance Bureau, but some temporary workers Su Yang hired, right?"

"Looking at their demeanor, they're just temp workers, later to replace the gate guard's materials."

While he was rambling on, Section Chief Han was already trembling all over.

At that moment, Director Liu stared coldly at Section Chief Han, the chill in his gaze sending a cold shiver from Han's head to his feet.

"Liu… Liu…"

"I say, Section Chief Tan, this brat still dares to glare at you? Do you know him?"

The more he spoke, the more terrified Section Chief Tan became, and finally he slapped Li Tian across the face.

Li Tian was stunned, "Why did you hit me? Did you get the wrong person?"

Section Chief Tan fired off a few slaps, "To hell with you, you got it wrong. If you want to die, don't drag me down with you."

Then, with a "thump", he immediately knelt on the ground.

"Director Liu, I'm sorry, I didn't know you were eating here. I was duped by that dog Li Tian; he claimed the town mayor was here demanding money, and even said something about money that a certain clerk in our bureau had."

"I thought someone was abusing private authority to promise something to lower units; this ruins our bureau's conduct, destroys our system, and tarnishes your reputation."

"I only came here to give you a reprimand and some guidance, but I didn't expect…"

"Shut up, do you think I can believe this pig‑like excuse of yours?"

"In the bureau, I thought you were a reliable, honest person who could handle matters, which is why I gave you the position of Budget Section Chief."

"I didn't expect you to be such a false‑bragging, power‑abusing scoundrel. Coincidentally, our bureau has a slot for a rural‑relief pilot program; the slot was still being considered, but I've decided—you're going, and you must report tomorrow."

Section Chief Han felt as if struck by lightning upon hearing that.

Going for rural assistance means three years away.

Those three years would not only make him lose the most powerful position of Budget Section Chief.

And whether he could ever return is already doubtful.

Earlier, when the bureau mentioned this matter and needed to allocate a slot, everyone was scrambling connections, trying hard to dodge it.

Some even approached him, hoping he would step forward and speak favorably; he pounded his chest and promised.

Of course, he also received many benefits; he never imagined that this boomerang would finally turn against him.

Originally, such incidents happen to ordinary clerks, or those about to retire, people with no background.

He had never even considered, not a hint, the idea of being dispatched, because it was impossible.

But he never expected… and it was Director Liu who said it; once Liu spoke, the matter was essentially sealed.

This Director Liu is the Executive Deputy Director; the Bureau Chief will retire in two months, and now everything is decided by Deputy Director Liu.

He immediately burst into tears, "I'm sorry, Director Liu, I didn't know he was connected to you, nor that he knew you; had I known, I would never have done this."

"I beg you, give me a chance."

Director Liu said coldly, "Get out, you disgraceful thing."

Stung by that rebuke, Section Chief Han fled, rolling and crawling out.

He knew clearly in his heart that the more he pleaded, the more Director Liu would hate him. He was basically done.

Li Tian, who witnessed all this, was completely stunned.

How could this happen? How could this happen? Wasn't he dispatched? Didn't he have no friends in the city?

Such an unwelcome person, what virtue… let the Finance Bureau chief step in?

Just as he wore a bewildered expression, Ning Shu Yue suddenly said, "You're Li Jianguo's son?"

Li Tian, hearing this, instinctively bowed and said, "Yes, my father is Li Jianguo."

Encountering someone in the city who can directly state his father's name, and does so with such a high bearing, surely indicates he has certain authority or background, which is undeniable.

Ordinary people would never dare—or even say—that.

So his action was instinctive, subconscious.

"Look at people like you: when faced with someone stronger, you grovel. If you meet someone talkative, you cause trouble, drag others to oppress."

"Do you know that your Town Mayor Su, because of this disaster, is begging everywhere? Not only do you fail to help properly, you also cause trouble here, dragging others down. Li Jianguo really did have a good son."

These strings of words sounded to Li Tian like a thunderclap on a clear day, blasting his skin open.

Someone who can dine with the Finance Bureau Director is already no simple character, and from Ning Shu Yue's aura, he could sense that this young lady's background is probably deeper than he imagined.

One must admit that in this regard, he has a talent; his judgment is indeed accurate.

Ning Shu Yue continued, "Do you want to know who I am? Then let me tell you, I am from the Municipal Party Committee's Organization Department."

Li Tian quickly bowed his waist and said, "Sorry, sorry, I didn't know you are…"

"Get out, you still have no right to speak to me…"

Ning Shu Yue cut him off, letting out a scornful shout.