Chapter 782

Lu Zhi Xin had just returned to the Lieshan Grand Hotel, was about to take a shower to get rid of the alcohol on his body, when the phone in his pocket rang.

Seeing that it was Su Yang's number, the trace of alcohol on him instantly vanished completely.

"Su Yang, have you finished the matter? The county isn't in a hurry; tell me when you'll come, when I'll return. Rest assured, with me here there will definitely be no trouble."

Even though his heart was as frantic as ants on a hot pan, he still forced himself to suppress his emotions. Otherwise it would be a loss of face, since at his position he ought to show no outward joy or anger. Yet this step was of great importance to him; with only himself in the room, his features had already become distorted, and now all that remained was to hold his breath and wait for Su Yang's reply.

Su Yang naturally knew what Department Head Lu was thinking, but he was not at all in a hurry.

"Department Head Lu, that really was too much trouble for you. Actually I'm already back; I met the leader this afternoon and came straight back. However I didn't stay long after returning, so I didn't go directly to the welcome banquet venue. I hope you can understand."

Lu Zhi Xin was so anxious he felt like he could climb the walls; he had no room for such politeness, yet he was embarrassed to ask directly, so he forced down the impulse in his heart and asked him:

"So you mean you've met the leader? As expected, it has to be you, Su Yang. Others who want to see the Provincial Party Committee leader must at least make an appointment half a month in advance; even then they might not get a meeting, because if the leader's schedule changes at the last minute, everything has to be re‑arranged. How is the leader's mood today? Did you get to chat with him for a few more words?"

He almost said, "What about my matter? Did the leader nod, or have any comments?" but he was afraid that if he said that, he would hear an answer he didn't want to hear.

For example, "We'll discuss this later," or "I don't know this person well; let the Organization Department investigate first."

Su Yang naturally understood Lu Zhi Xin's mindset at that moment; if this future Organization Department Head were to keep waiting, it would probably not be a good thing. After all, everyone is a respectable person; only by thinking more of others can others think of oneself.

"Department Head Lu, I must congratulate you. The leader is in a good mood today; I found an opportunity to bring up your matter to the leader, and the leader highly praised your past efforts, abilities, and external reputation."

Lu Zhi Xin, upon hearing that, was overjoyed: "Su Yang, my brother, I'll say no more; I'll keep this friendship in my heart. Rest assured, I'll definitely give you a satisfactory return."

Of course, we are Within the System, and you know some things. Although this matter has been a trouble for you to handle, we still prioritize secrecy. To be honest, there are too many people eyeing this position; it's not just me.

After the Provincial Party Committee Organization Department issues the official notice, I will definitely treat you to a meal; I'll invite a few long‑time old friends as well. You must not refuse me. That's all for now. I also know your social circle surpasses mine, so I'm telling you in advance.

Su Yang said: "Department Head Lu, you really don't need to thank me at all. It's your solid credentials and professional ability that are there; with or without me, the Provincial Party Committee would still appoint you as this Organization Department Head. Your words are truly overly polite, but if I could have a meal with Department Head Lu, that would be as rare as smoke rising from an ancestral tomb. Just let me know, and I'll be there early."

"Su Yang, my brother, how about we go out this time and have a proper drink? Honestly, this step is the most critical one in my official career; if I get promoted, everything afterward will be easy, but if I don't, I may never have another chance in this life. You've helped me so much; offering you empty promises would be inappropriate."

Su Yang also knew that this was a dream‑come‑true opportunity for Lu Zhi Xin, and he couldn't deny him a chance to vent. Even for himself, if he were suddenly promoted to County Magistrate this time, he would have to find someone on the spot to go out and have a secret celebration, otherwise he'd go crazy.

Of course, if he were made a standing Vice County Magistrate or something, it wouldn't stir any ripple in his heart, because to him that would be completely ordinary.

Indeed, in reality this time he is most likely just staying in place. The Municipal Party Committee Organization Department Head's invitation—let alone for him as Vice County Magistrate—would attract not only him but also secretaries and County Magistrates from various counties in a swarm. Moreover, the two going out for drinks can greatly strengthen their mutual bond.

Later, Su Yang and Lu Zhi Xin arranged a barbecue.

Su Yang had barely arrived when he saw Lu Zhi Xin and Chen Bo come together. He felt that the two seemed to have some business; otherwise, Chen Bo must be an absolute confidant of Lu Zhi Xin, because it would be impossible to bring Chen Bo along for drinks at this time otherwise.

From a distance, Chen Bo saw Su Yang and called out: "County Magistrate Su, hello. I originally thought you wouldn't make it back tonight; otherwise, the welcome banquet this evening would have definitely invited you. Without you, the banquet feels like something is missing. I have to say, the comrades on site all hold you in high regard; among the current officials of Lieshan, your voice is the loudest, which shows how much weight you carry in the comrades' hearts."

Chen Bo, as soon as he came up, showered Su Yang with lavish compliments; having had a bit of wine, his face was slightly flushed, looking quite charming, and even the women passing by couldn't help but stop to glance a couple more times.

"Where, where, Department Head Chen, you're really flattering me. Whether I'm in Lieshan County or not makes no difference; in fact, it might even be better without me. My presence is a huge burden to the comrades."

"Alright, you two stop talking about county matters; besides, this isn't the time to discuss work. We should eat and drink. If anyone brings up work here, I'll get angry."

Su Yang thought that was right; at this moment, he should wildly congratulate Department Head Lu. They keep talking about their own affairs here—what's the point?

"Congratulations, old leader; this time you truly made a solid step forward. I'm afraid that once the official notice is out, too many people will line up to congratulate you, and I won't get a turn, so taking advantage of today's occasion, I'm congratulating you first."

Su Yang felt a surge of emotion; just now the two of them were on the phone saying not to spread this matter and to wait until the Organization Department's official notice before speaking.

But only a few minutes later, Lu Zhi Xin relayed the news to Chen Bo. If there were no business between them, who would believe it? Yet they are all adults, knowing what should be said and what shouldn't.

Su Yang couldn't help but utter a few more formalities; although Lu Zhi Xin kept waving his hand saying "No need, no need," his smile was as radiant as a chrysanthemum.

As the beer‑filled barbecue drew to a close, Chen Bo said: "County Magistrate Su, we have so many vacant posts in our county; can we finalize the selections within the next couple of days? If you already have a plan, let's hold an early meeting; otherwise, with so many vacancies, work can't get underway. What do you think?"