Chapter 591

This is exactly what Su Yang wants! As long as there is someone in the county who fully understands the situation, his work will get twice the result with half the effort.

Translation: Su Yang wants exactly this! As long as there is someone in the county who fully grasps the situation, his work will get twice the result with half the effort.

We need to keep exclamation marks? The Chinese has "！"。 We'll keep as "!" maybe. We'll keep punctuation similar.

We'll output: 【1】 Su Yang wants exactly this! As long as there is someone in the county who fully grasps the situation, his work will get twice the result with half the effort.

get twice the result with half the effort

The two chatted for about an hour when Mao Kai and Wang Huan arrived, personally escorted upstairs by the hotel manager.

Translation: The two chatted for about an hour, then Mao Kai and Wang Huan arrived; it was the hotel manager who personally led them up.

The two

As soon as they entered, they said to Su Yang, "Junior brother, you actually found such a great place! We were still discussing on the road how to arrange tonight. Oh, there's also your friend here—I'm really sorry."

Translation: As soon as the two entered, they said to Su Yang: "Junior brother, you actually found such a great place; we were still discussing on the road how to arrange tonight. Oh, there's also your friend here, I'm really sorry."

Junior brother, you actually found such a great place. We were still discussing on the road how to arrange tonight. Oh, there's also your friend here, I'm really sorry.

We'll output: 【3】 As soon as the two entered, they said to Su Yang: "Junior brother, you actually found such a great place; we were still discussing on the road how to arrange tonight. Oh, there's also your friend here, I'm really sorry."

Su Yang said, "These two senior brothers, this is Lai, the personal chief secretary of Deputy Governor Huang. Lai, this is Wang Huan, the political commissar of Lancheng City Fire Brigade, and this person beside me is Mao Kai, the deputy director of Lancheng City Bureau of Industry and Commerce."

Translation: Su Yang said: "Two elder brothers, this is the personal chief secretary of Vice Provincial Governor Huang, Section Chief Lai. Lai brother, this is Wang Huan, the Political Commissar of Lancheng Shi Fire Brigade, and this person beside me is Mao Kai, the Deputy Chief of Lancheng Shi Bureau of Industry and Commerce."

The personal chief secretary, Section Chief Lai, Lai brother, Wang Huan—the Political Commissar of the Lancheng Shi Fire Brigade—and Mao Kai, the Deputy Chief of the Lancheng Shi Bureau of Industry and Commerce, who is standing beside me.

We'll output: 【4】 Su Yang said: "Two elder brothers, this is the personal chief secretary of Vice Provincial Governor Huang, Section Chief Lai. Lai brother, this is Wang Huan, the Political Commissar of Lancheng Shi Fire Brigade, and this person beside me is Mao Kai, the Deputy Chief of Lancheng Shi Bureau of Industry and Commerce."

Mao Kai and Wang Huan originally thought Su Yang had brought only an ordinary friend; they already felt it was worth valuing, planning to offer a few drinks during the meal. After all, being able to be Su Yang's friend carries some influence. But they never expected it to be a great Buddha; their expressions changed—just for these two, being able to eat a meal with the mayor's secretary is already an honor, let alone the secretary of the Executive Vice Governor.

Translation: Mao Kai and Wang Huan originally thought Su Yang had brought only an ordinary friend; they already felt it was worth valuing, planning to offer a few drinks during the meal. After all, being able to be Su Yang's friend carries some influence. But they never expected it to be a great Buddha; their expressions changed—just for these two, being able to eat a meal with the mayor's secretary is already an honor, let alone the secretary of the Executive Vice Governor.

Mao Kai and Wang Huan originally thought Su Yang had brought only an ordinary friend; they already felt it was worth valuing, planning to offer a few drinks during the meal. After all, being able to be Su Yang's friend carries some influence. But they never expected it to be a great Buddha; their expressions changed—just for these two, being able to eat a meal with the mayor's secretary is already an honor, let alone the secretary of the Executive Vice Governor.

The two had been standing ramrod straight, but in an instant they slumped, their cheerful smiles turning somewhat obsequious: "Hello, Section Chief Lai!" "Hello, Section Chief Lai! If we had known you were coming here, we would have arrived earlier and not kept you waiting—we're really sorry, really sorry!"

Translation: The two originally stood with straight backs, but instantly bent over, their cheerful smiles turning somewhat obsequious: "Section Chief Lai, hello!" "Section Chief Lai, hello, if we had known you were coming here, we would have arrived earlier and not kept you waiting so long; we're really sorry, really sorry!"

We need to keep the quoted speech. We'll output: 【6】 The two originally stood with straight backs, but instantly bent over, their cheerful smiles turning somewhat obsequious: "Section Chief Lai, hello!" "Section Chief Lai, hello, if we had known you were coming here, we would have arrived earlier and not kept you waiting so long; we're really sorry, really sorry!"

They kept saying this, but Lai Junchen waved his hand generously: "Enough, enough, don't be so formal. Today I'm treating everyone to dinner, and you'll all follow my lead. Sit down, don't stand on ceremony—you're Su Yang's friends, and that makes you my friends too."

Translation: The two kept saying that, but Lai Junchen generously waved his hand: "Enough, enough, don't be so polite; today I'm treating everyone to a meal, everyone listen to me. Sit down, don't be so formal; you are Su Yang's friends, so you are also my friends."

We'll output: 【7】 The two kept saying that, but Lai Junchen generously waved his hand: "Enough, enough, don't be so polite; today I'm treating everyone to a meal, everyone listen to me. Sit down, don't be so formal; you are Su Yang's friends, so you are also my friends."

Hearing this, Mao Kai and Wang Huan were so excited their hands and feet began to tremble; although it's just a polite remark, saying it also gives them face. Of course, they couldn't really treat the Executive Vice Governor's secretary as their friend—they lack the qualifications; even just being able to call themselves friends verbally is like finding green smoke rising from their ancestors' graves.

Translation: Hearing this, Mao Kai and Wang Huan were so excited their hands and feet began to tremble; although it's just a polite remark, saying it also gives them face. Of course, they couldn't really treat the Executive Vice Governor's secretary as their friend—they lack the qualifications; even just being able to call themselves friends verbally is like finding green smoke rising from their ancestors' graves.

Mao Kai and Wang Huan hearing this were so excited their hands and feet began to tremble; although it's just a polite remark, saying it also gives them face. Of course, they couldn't really treat the Executive Vice Governor's secretary as their friend—they lack the qualifications; even just being able to call themselves friends verbally is like finding green smoke rising from their ancestors' graves.

Of course, Lai Junchen couldn't possibly treat them as brother‑friends; whether he says that depends entirely on Su Yang's face.

Translation: Of course, Lai Junchen couldn't possibly treat them as brother‑friends; having this remark depends entirely on Su Yang's face.

We'll output: 【9】 Of course, Lai Junchen couldn't possibly treat them as brother‑friends; having this remark depends entirely on Su Yang's face.

Soon, eight cold dishes and eight hot dishes were served, plus four catties of 30‑year‑old Maotai; adding the two bottles Lai Junchen brought himself makes a total of six catties of alcohol. This is also how the hotel manager calculated it, based on one and a half catties per person. Normally, people within the system basically have huge capacity, especially with such good liquor—one catty won't satisfy them, one and a half catties might just draw out a few heartfelt words.

Translation: Soon, eight cold dishes and eight hot dishes were served, plus four catties of 30‑year‑old Maotai; adding the two bottles Lai Junchen brought himself makes a total of six catties of alcohol. This is also how the hotel manager calculated it, based on one and a half catties per person. Normally, people within the system basically have huge capacity, especially with such good liquor—one catty won't satisfy them, one and a half catties might just draw out a few heartfelt words.

Soon, eight cold dishes and eight hot dishes were served, plus four catties of 30‑year‑old Maotai; adding the two bottles Lai Junchen brought himself makes a total of six catties of alcohol. This is also how the hotel manager calculated it, based on one and a half catties per person. Normally, people within the system basically have huge capacity, especially with such good liquor—one catty won't satisfy them, one and a half catties might just draw out a few heartfelt words.

"Everyone here today came out of concern for me; first I'll say I have nothing going on, I don't care—I'm just a brick in the revolution, to be moved wherever needed. That's all I'll say on that; when the east is not bright, the west is—being removed is also a good thing. To thank everyone for their feelings, I'll raise a cup to this brother." Su Yang said, picking up the wine vessel and filling it, about to offer a toast to Lai Junchen.

Translation: "Everyone here today came out of concern for me; first I'll say I have nothing going on, I don't care—I'm just a brick in the revolution, to be moved wherever needed. That's all I'll say on that; when the east is not bright, the west is—being removed is also a good thing. To thank everyone for their feelings, I'll raise a cup to this brother." Su Yang said, picking up the wine vessel and filling it, about to offer a toast to Lai Junchen.

"Everyone here today came out of concern for me; first I'll say I have nothing going on, I don't care—I'm just a brick in the revolution, to be moved wherever needed. That's all I'll say on that; when the east is not bright, the west is—being removed is also a good thing. To thank everyone for their feelings, I'll raise a cup to this brother." Su Yang said, picking up the wine vessel and filling it, about to offer a toast to Lai Junchen.

Lai Junchen however said: "Brother, cut the formalities; everyone knows the rules at the Gan Zhou Bar. If we really had to follow that, we'd never finish drinking. Let's just clink glasses. Moreover, even if it's a toast, it's me toasting you, after all you've come to my turf."

Translation: Lai Junchen however said: "Brother, cut the formalities; everyone knows the rules at the Gan Zhou Bar. If we really had to follow that, we'd never finish drinking. Let's just clink glasses. Moreover, even if it's a toast, it's me toasting you, after all you've come to my turf."

Lai Junchen however said: "Brother, cut the formalities; everyone knows the rules at the Gan Zhou Bar. If we really had to follow that, we'd never finish drinking. Let's just clink glasses. Moreover, even if it's a toast, it's me toasting you, after all you've come to my turf."

He spoke up, Su Yang no longer insisted, and everyone clinked glasses first.

Translation: After he spoke, Su Yang no longer insisted, and everyone first clinked glasses.

We'll output: 【13】 After he spoke, Su Yang no longer insisted, and everyone first clinked glasses.

Mao Kai and Wang Huan tried hard to steady their emotions, but their hands still trembled slightly as they held their wine cups.

Translation: Mao Kai and Wang Huan tried hard to steady their emotions, but while holding their wine cups they were still trembling slightly.

We'll output: 【14】 Mao Kai and Wang Huan tried hard to steady their emotions, but while holding their wine cups they were still trembling slightly.

After they were seated, Lai Junchen greeted everyone to start eating; while eating, he chatted briefly with Mao Kai and Wang Huan, mainly to thank them for looking after Su Yang, thereby clearly drawing his relationship with Su Yang closer.

Translation: After sitting down, Lai Junchen greeted everyone to start eating; while eating, he briefly chatted with Mao Kai and Wang Huan, of course mainly thanking them for looking after Su Yang—this clearly shows he has drawn his relationship with Su Yang closer by one level.

We'll output: 【15】 After sitting down, Lai Junchen greeted everyone to start eating; while eating, he briefly chatted with Mao Kai and Wang Huan, of course mainly thanking them for looking after Su Yang—this clearly shows he has drawn his relationship with Su Yang closer by one level.

Of course, Mao Kai and Wang Huan didn't dare to compete for favor or be jealous; they could only toast frequently—in this setting, drinking more and speaking less is always safe.

Translation: Of course, Mao Kai and Wang Huan dare not vie for affection or get jealous; they can only toast frequently—in this setting, drinking more and speaking less is definitely correct.

We'll output: 【16】 Of course, Mao Kai and Wang Huan dare not vie for affection or get jealous; they can only toast frequently—in this setting, drinking more and speaking less is definitely correct.

After the four of them had downed three catties of alcohol, Su Yang finally opened up: "Gentlemen, since our last drinking session in Lancheng, it's indeed been a long time since we sat down together for a drink. Although we've been chatting on the phone, everyone's work has been busy, and we've never managed to get together."

Translation: After the four had consumed three catties of alcohol, Su Yang finally opened up: "Two elder brothers, since the last time we drank together in Lancheng, it's indeed been a long time since we sat down to drink. Although we've been chatting on the phone, everyone's work has been busy, and we've never managed to get together."

We'll output: 【17】 After the four had consumed three catties of alcohol, Su Yang finally opened up: "Two elder brothers, since the last time we drank together in Lancheng, it's indeed been a long time since we sat down to drink. Although we've been chatting on the phone, everyone's work has been busy, and we've never managed to get together."

"On the contrary, I was removed, which freed up my time; therefore my explanation is that I delayed everyone's staying in touch emotionally. Last time, because of the seal matter, although I was removed from the town mayor's post, the bureau chief of the Bureau of Industry and Commerce and the detachment chief of the fire brigade were also removed, so I still feel fairly balanced."

Translation: "On the contrary, I was removed, which freed up my time; therefore my explanation is that I delayed everyone's staying in touch emotionally. Last time, because of the seal matter, although I was removed from the town mayor's post, the bureau chief of the Bureau of Industry and Commerce and the detachment chief of the fire brigade were also removed, so I still feel fairly balanced."

"On the contrary, I was removed, which freed up my time; therefore my explanation is that I delayed everyone's staying in touch emotionally. Last time, because of the seal matter, although I was removed from the town mayor's post, the bureau chief of the Bureau of Industry and Commerce and the detachment chief of the fire brigade were also removed, so I still feel fairly balanced."

"Gentlemen, do you have ideas for advancement? Sitting here today, you can speak openly about anything—after all, it's just this. If I can help you two, I certainly will; if I can't help you two, you certainly won't blame me."

Translation: "Two elder brothers, do you have ideas about advancement? Sitting here today, you can speak openly about anything—after all, it's just that. If I can help you two, I definitely will; if I can't help you two, you certainly won't blame me."

We'll output: 【19】 "Two elder brothers, do you have ideas about advancement? Sitting here today, you can speak openly about anything—after all, it's just that. If I can help you two, I definitely will; if I can't help you two, you certainly won't blame me."

He said this to Wang Huan and Mao Kai, and of course also to Lai Junchen.

Translation: He said this for Wang Huan and Mao Kai to hear, and of course also for Lai Junchen to hear.

We'll output: 【20】 He said this for Wang Huan and Mao Kai to hear, and of course also for Lai Junchen to hear.

Wang Huan and Mao Kai gave an embarrassed smile; as a military background, Wang Huan is a bit more straightforward. He raised his wine cup, stood up, and said: "Within the system, who doesn't want to advance? Since Section Chief Lai is here, we normally wouldn't say these things, but you, junior brother, brought it up, so I'd like to seize the opportunity if I can. Whether it succeeds or not isn't important—I'll toast this cup first."

Translation: Wang Huan and Mao Kai laughed embarrassedly; as a military‑background person, Wang Huan is a bit more straightforward. He raised his wine cup, stood up, and said: "Within the system, who doesn't want to advance? With Section Chief Lai here today, we originally shouldn't be talking about these things, but since you, junior brother, brought it up, I still want to strive for an opportunity. As for whether it succeeds or not, that's not important—I'll first toast this cup."

We'll output: 【21】 Wang Huan and Mao Kai laughed embarrassedly; as a military‑background person, Wang Huan is a bit more straightforward. He raised his wine cup, stood up, and said: "Within the system, who doesn't want to advance? With Section Chief Lai here today, we originally shouldn't be talking about these things, but since you, junior brother, brought it up, I still want to strive for an opportunity. As for whether it succeeds or not, that's not important—I'll first toast this cup."

"You certainly should toast Lai first—he's the only true god among us." Wang Huan hadn't finished speaking when Su Yang took over.

Translation: "You certainly should toast Lai brother first—Lai brother is the only true god among us few." Before Wang Huan finished speaking, Su Yang took over.

We'll output: 【22】 "You certainly should toast Lai brother first—Lai brother is the only true god among us few." Before Wang Huan finished speaking, Su Yang took over.

As for Lai Junchen, he naturally understood—Su Yang was determined to help these two. Moreover, he also wanted to become close brothers who share liver and gall with Su Yang, and on this matter he could not be vague.

Translation: As for Lai Junchen, he naturally understood as well—Su Yang is determined to help these two. Besides, he also wants to become close brothers who share liver and gall with Su Yang; on this matter he naturally cannot be vague.

We'll output: 【23】 As for Lai Junchen, he naturally understood as well—Su Yang is determined to help these two. Besides, he also wants to become close brothers who share liver and gall with Su Yang; on this matter he naturally cannot be vague.

He had originally just wanted to do something for Su Yang, but regarding Su Yang's own affairs, basically everything had been arranged by Deputy Governor Huang and Governor Zhou; as the man others see as the Executive Vice Governor's chief secretary, he simply couldn't get involved. Wondering how he could lend a hand, this opportunity practically landed in his lap.

Translation: Originally he just wanted to do something for Su Yang, but regarding Su Yang's own affairs, basically everything had been arranged by Vice Provincial Governor Huang and Governor Zhou; as the secretary seen by others as belonging to the Executive Vice Governor, he simply couldn't get involved. Wracking his brain over how to help a bit, this opportunity practically walked right up to him.

We'll output: 【24】 Originally he just wanted to do something for Su Yang, but regarding Su Yang's own affairs, basically everything had been arranged by Vice Provincial Governor Huang and Governor Zhou; as the secretary seen by others as belonging to the Executive Vice Governor, he simply couldn't get involved. Wracking his brain over how to help a bit, this opportunity practically walked right up to him.

He said: "Wanting to advance is normal; only from a higher position can one do greater and more service. Letting outstanding cadres spin their wheels is also irresponsible toward the public. Since you and Su Yang are good friends, and since you trust Su Yang, that also gives me face."

Translation: He said: "Wanting to advance is normal; only from a higher position can one provide greater and more service. Letting outstanding cadres keep spinning in place is also irresponsible toward our common people. Since you are good friends with Su Yang, and since you trust Su Yang, that also gives me face."

We'll output: 【25】 He said: "Wanting to advance is normal; only from a higher position can one provide greater and more service. Letting outstanding cadres keep spinning in place is also irresponsible toward our common people. Since you are good friends with Su Yang, and since you trust Su Yang, that also gives me face."

"This is what I'll do: I'll greet the municipal party secretary and the provincial fire corps at an appropriate time about your two matters. Of course, I still say I can't guarantee it will happen. Recently the province also can't arbitrarily intervene in local personnel arrangements, especially since your fire side has its own independent system—it's not something the local government can just step in and directly interfere with."

Translation: "Like this: for your two matters, I will, when appropriate, give a heads‑up to the Municipal High Secretary and the Provincial Fire Corps. Of course, I still say I can't guarantee it will happen. Recently the province also can't arbitrarily intervene in local personnel arrangements, especially since your fire side has its own independent system—it's not that our local government can just stick its hand in and directly intervene."

We'll output: 【26】 "Like this: for your two matters, I will, when appropriate, give a heads‑up to the Municipal High Secretary and the Provincial Fire Corps. Of course, I still say I can't guarantee it will happen. Recently the province also can't arbitrarily intervene in local personnel arrangements, especially since your fire side has its own independent system—it's not that our local government can just stick its hand in and directly intervene."

Wang Huan and Mao Kai were left stunned on the spot. They had previously racked their brains pulling strings and using connections, even pondering what suitable gift to give Su Yang to get this matter on the agenda—but today, having dinner with Su Yang, a single word from Lai, the chief secretary, got it done, making it unimaginably easy for them.

Translation: Wang Huan and Mao Kai stood there stunned. They had previously racked their brains pulling strings and using connections, even pondering what suitable gift to give Su Yang to get this matter on the agenda—but today, coming to eat with Su Yang, the senior secretary's one sentence got it done, so easy it's unimaginable for them.

We'll output: 【27】 Wang Huan and Mao Kai stood there stunned. They had previously racked their brains pulling strings and using connections, even pondering what suitable gift to give Su Yang to get this matter on the agenda—but today, coming to eat with Su Yang, the senior secretary's one sentence got it done, so easy it's unimaginable for them.

Don't look at Lai Junchen saying it modestly, claiming his greeting might not succeed; in fact this is a sure thing—they are at most a section‑level cadre, while a word from the Executive Vice Governor's secretary is more than enough to seal the deal.

Translation: Don't look at Lai Junchen speaking relatively modestly, saying that making a call might not necessarily succeed—but in fact this is a sure thing—they at most are just a division‑level cadre, while a single sentence from the Executive Vice Governor's secretary is more than enough to seal it.

We'll output: 【28】 Don't look at Lai Junchen speaking relatively modestly, saying that making a call might not necessarily succeed—but in fact this is a sure thing—they at most are just a division‑level cadre, while a single sentence from the Executive Vice Governor's secretary is more than enough to seal it.

Although the fire brigade has its own system, if they can build a good relationship with Lai, the chief secretary, its leaders certainly won't let the chance slip—after all, their children and younger generations can't all stay in the fire brigade; most will have to go into local government work, so this is practically a heaven‑sent olive branch.

Translation: It's true the fire brigade has its own system, but if they can get on good terms with the senior secretary, their leaders naturally won't let it pass—since their children and younger generations can't all stay in the fire brigade, most will have to go into local government work; isn't this an olive branch dropped from the sky?

We'll output: 【29】 It's true the fire brigade has its own system, but if they can get on good terms with the senior secretary, their leaders naturally won't let it pass—since their children and younger generations can't all stay in the fire brigade, most will have to go into local government work; isn't this an olive branch dropped from the sky?

Seeing the two still dazed, Su Yang coughed lightly and said, "Brothers, don't just stand there dazed; you can't keep holding the wine cup like that."