Chapter 588

Lai Junchen personally saw Su Yang out of the office and headed downstairs. Before, he merely thought Su Yang was relying on his connection with Governor Zhou, which gave him a bit of face with the leadership.

After all, they are people who often mix in this circle; uncles should give juniors some face and help them out—that's human nature, so as a secretary he naturally has to go through the motions.

What he didn't expect was that after Governor Zhao lost his political contest with Vice Governor Huang, he directly dumped the whole Messy Situation of Wild Mountain County onto Vice Governor Huang. As the top leader of the Provincial Government, he has the authority to assign such matters, and Vice Governor Huang had no choice but to take it.

Recently, the situation in Lieshan Xian has become increasingly serious. Vice Governor Huang, in order to find a suitable candidate, racked his brains, even making several trips to the Provincial Party Committee Organization Department, reviewing the resumes of outstanding young cadres over and over, but in the end he still fixed his gaze on Su Yang.

As for why he fixed his gaze on Su Yang, he could roughly guess. Although this person is indeed outstanding, bold, and decisive, the key is that he has someone behind him.

The "someone" referred to is not Vice Governor Huang, but Department Head Fang in the Organization Department, Governor Zhou of Jiangnan Province, and those elders in Jingcheng.

Only someone like that, after going there, can break through difficulties and completely turn the situation around. Because such people never worry about their own future, nor will they be timid; they won't collude with that crowd or go along with their corrupt ways. Put bluntly, Su Yang couldn't care less about what those people can offer.

When dealing with men or officials, those who hunt them usually use money and beauty. But Su Yang wants money—those in Jingcheng have courtyard houses and hold several million; going further, his fiancée's New Year money alone is still hundreds of thousands to millions.

As for women, Zhou Ruohan is a well-known beauty in Jingcheng, and according to his judgment, Deputy Department Head Fang's daughter is also eyeing Su Yang. These are all goddesses with status and position, far superior to those who only know how to moan in bed.

Moreover, leaders generally don't seek mere physical stimulation when they play with women; to a large extent they look for spiritual resonance. For example, a leader who likes Ming history favors pretty young ladies who understand "The Wanli Fifteenth Year".

Also, at a certain level, they outright despise those gaudy powders; they prefer women who are also within the system, even those with some power, because such women are more sensible and easier to control. Of course, there are also those who like little stars—that's another matter.

But Su Yang is the type who has whatever he wants; as the saying goes, tolerance brings greatness and absence of desire brings strength.

Moreover, he could see that Su Yang's move was just a stepping stone in his career; given time, his future would surely be much brighter than his own. Therefore, no matter from which angle, he also wanted to become good brothers and good friends with Su Yang.

"Lai Brother, there are still many leaders inside waiting to report work; you'd better hurry and get busy. I've been here before, after all. Besides, I have nothing urgent right now, so don't delay your work." Su Yang said.

"What are you saying? You've come all this way—can't I see you off? Last time we said we'd have a meal alone, and you didn't give me that face, brother. I just heard the leadership say they're giving you 15 days off; during that period you must give me a chance to treat you to a casual meal."

Su Yang said: "There's no reason for Lai Brother to treat me to a meal; even if we eat, it's me treating you. And then I'll ask Lai Brother to honor me with his presence. These two days I'm not planning to go back; see if you're free after work today or tomorrow and give me a call."

These words hit Lai Junchen right in the heart: "Great, great, that's settled then—we brothers must have a hearty meal. Where are you planning to go? I'll have someone send you. Oh, right, I've already called the Provincial Government Guesthouse; if you're not going back these days, you'll stay there."

Su Yang hurriedly expressed his thanks. In officialdom, this is the etiquette—seeing people off and welcoming them, which seems superficial yet carries some sincerity. Before he went downstairs, he hadn't said he would stay in the provincial capital, so Lai Junchen naturally wouldn't know his upcoming schedule and certainly wouldn't call to arrange the Provincial Government Guesthouse for him.

That's why, just after hearing him say that, he came out with this remark. Of course, he couldn't possibly quibble about this—after all, they were thinking of him. This goodwill, Su Yang would certainly accept; besides, the lodging would save him some money.

His reason for wanting to stay in the provincial capital was originally to get to know a few provincial capital–related unit leaders through Lai Junchen. This trip to Lieshan Xian is no less than charging into a dragon's pool and tiger's den; if the higher-ups lack support from relevant leaders, even if he's bold all over, he'd likely end up bruised all over.

He first went to the Provincial Government Guesthouse to register his lodging, took a shower, lay on the bed thinking about where to book dinner for the evening. At that moment, his phone rang; he pulled it out and saw it was Deputy Chief Mao Kai of the Lancheng Shi Bureau of Industry and Commerce calling.

As soon as he pressed the answer button, before he could speak, Mao Kai said: "Old brother, where are you? I heard you got axed again this time; knowing you're surely in a bad mood, I plan to drive over to keep you company for a while. I've already got the food and drinks ready and am about to set out, so I'm asking whether you're currently in the countryside or in the county."

Su Yang said: "Old brother, I'm in the provincial capital right now—you don't need to worry. Getting axed is getting axed; anyway, this isn't the first time, I'm long used to it. This is actually good—I can find a place to sleep soundly for a few days; after all, not a penny of my salary is lacking, so why not let myself live a bit more comfortably?"

Mao Kai said: "You're in the provincial capital? Fine, I'm heading there now. Tonight don't arrange a dinner—I want to specially treat you to a few drinks and a chat. Since we last parted, I've said I'd treat you to a meal, but it's just been lip service for ages with no action, and I'm embarrassed. This time I won't let you refuse, nor will I let you make any excuses—you just stay in the provincial capital; I'll definitely be there within two hours."

Su Yang had no choice but to say: "Fine, fine, if that's the case, then I'll stay in the provincial capital—I'm really going to give you a good thrashing tonight."

Actually, he also felt a bit embarrassed in his heart; the last time they ate, they had called each other quite a bit, and regardless of the reason, these few older brothers of his still cared about him. Besides, being within the system, having one more friend means one more path; don't underestimate anyone in any position—perhaps he could help you turn the tide at a critical moment.

He had just hung up when the Fire Brigade Political Commissar Wang Huan's call came in.