Chapter 827: Old Brother Su, You Must Help!

Sure enough, these two people could help so readily; on one hand it was indeed because of Bai Zhantang's face, and on the other hand it was really just a case of using resources for mutual benefit.

Su Yang's mind raced as he wondered why they were asking him about this instead of Bai Zhantang—had they not asked Bai Zhantang? Or perhaps Bai Zhantang wasn't close with them, or they felt it inconvenient to ask, after all, asking Bai Zhantang would be a double-edged sword. Asking me would not affect them either way.

Thinking this, he said, "Oh, I actually know a little about this matter, though it's just hearsay, so the news might not be accurate. I heard Secretary Guo has temporarily weathered this storm, but what will happen after the year is unknown; however, the rumor is that he might be transferred elsewhere."

Upon hearing this, Zhaikai's eyebrows lit up with joy; for him, those words were enough.

Xu Liguo, not wanting to be outdone, said, "Hey, little brother, I also have something to ask you. Since Secretary Liu Zhengyang's incident last year, our province has had a vacancy for vice provincial governor."

"Later I heard they were going to arrange it, but then the incident in Lieshan County blew up, and the higher-ups completely shelved it. This shows the higher leadership might be dissatisfied with our Ganzhou Province's work. However, if someone from the Organization Department proposes an inspection, perhaps it could be reconsidered."

"As for me, I've worked a few years in the Finance Department and have decent relations with some provincial leaders. But you know, although I can't make the final decision within the province, I have absolute recommendation power, especially with Secretary Sha—if he recommends it, the higher leadership would normally approve."

"We few sitting here today have no need to beat around the bush. Although this is our first meeting, little brother, we have a pretty clear picture of your situation. I heard you get along well with Minister Fang; if you could speak with him, we would be extremely grateful."

Su Yang rolled his eyes: "You really think too highly of me! If it were just a provincial matter, maybe I could pull some strings or beat the drum at the sidelines. But the appointment of a vice provincial governor is something even the province can't decide on its own—you're asking this little shrimp to help."

But since they've laid it all out, it's clear they've really investigated his situation, so he couldn't simply refuse.

"Since you two senior gentlemen think so highly of me, I'm naturally grateful. But I'm only a division-level official from a small county—how dare I voice an opinion on matters of the higher Organization Department? Of course, if the opportunity arises, I'll mention it, but don't get your hopes up too high."

That was Su Yang speaking sincerely. He basically knows about Guo Haiyan's situation—she will definitely retire to the second line next year, though exactly when is uncertain; even if he knows, he can't tell her that with absolute certainty.

If word got out that Guo Haiyan learned the news from him, would he still be able to stay in Lieshan County? No matter what happens later, for now Guo Haiyan is still the top leader of the Jinzhou Municipal Party Committee. As for what Xu Liguo asked about, he really dare not say.

He clearly understood that Xu Liguo meant for him to go pay a visit to Minister Fang, but the last time he did this with Secretary Sha he got a lesson, so anything like that only happens once—there can't be a second or third time.

At the same time he suddenly understood why Bai Zhantang hadn't come, having arranged these two department heads first. Apparently Bai Zhantang didn't want to offend anyone, didn't want certain information to come from his mouth, and second, he might have considered Xu Liguo's matter, wanting to use this to probe Su Yang's relationship with Fang Runan.

With that, everything could be explained. But he might have overlooked one issue: the position Xu Liguo had in mind—even Secretary Sha wouldn't dare guarantee it 100%; what was he, some nobody? It was indeed too much of a boost for him.

Xu Liguo said, "Fine, fine, as long as you keep an eye on this matter for me. Mainly, I'm getting up there in age; if I miss this chance, I might never get another. You know how it is within the system—quick steps bring quick progress, slow steps bring slow progress."

"These past few years I've been stuck in the Finance Department, so this path has narrowed for me. This is really the only opportunity, little brother—you'd better keep me in mind when the time comes. As for your situation, I know what's up; I'll give you all the movable funds from the Finance Department, but you'll still have to shift and scrape together most of it elsewhere."

He spoke so earnestly, entirely because he too wanted to serve the people. In their view, only by standing higher can one do more, but whether this is for the common folk or something else is hard to say.

Su Yang said, "Thank you, I'll do my utmost. I'll toast with tea instead of wine—thanks to the two senior gentlemen for their help. As long as work can start in March next year, I'll have answered to the elders and villagers."

Just as his words fell, Bai Zhantang's voice came from downstairs: "You're all here—why bother with tea instead of wine? Just drink! The boss originally had a meeting today, to be held a bit later, but it was canceled at the last minute, so I came straight over—did I interrupt your chat?"

As soon as Bai Zhantang arrived, Su Yang and the two others hurried to stand; the two department heads even leaned their torsos slightly forward and stuck their buttocks out a bit—a little bow.

Xu Liguo said, "Our discussion just now was good—we've settled everything on all fronts, and of course we're doing our utmost to help Su Yang resolve the issue. But as you know, the biggest problem now is money; some matters still require Su Yang to go back and forth with the higher leadership himself."

Su Yang said, "The two leaders have already helped me a great deal—I'm already deeply grateful."

Bai Zhantang said, "All right, cut the formalities—hurry up and sit. Serve the dishes, serve the drinks; everyone should drink. From now on, we won't talk work, just drink."

No sooner had his words finished than Su Yang brought over the double-groove daqu that Shi Haoyun had brought earlier: "Director Bai, I originally came here to get everyone's help with work, so I should have been the one treating you to a meal, but you arranged it here—still, this liquor must be our own Lieshan County brew."

"Don't look at the packaging—it's not great, even a bit rustic—but it's indeed grain‑fermented liquor. Director Bai, please do us the favor; today we'll drink the double‑groove daqu."