Chapter 830: Chief Secretary No.1's Courtship

Su Yang expressed his thanks, but in his heart he did not feel unable to bear pressure or be taken away. After all, his reputation as an official‑world assassin had already spread far, and this assassin had killed several times; if these people truly ignored the rules, disregarded the affairs of the common people, and thought of becoming officials just to make money, he would not mind doing something about it.

After finishing the sobering broth, the two chatted idly for a while, during which Bai Zhantang was more or less intentionally or unintentionally revealing that Secretary Sha's situation only covered the past year or two. He now wanted to arrange an exit early; at his rank, if he were to step down and luck was on his side, he might become a second‑in‑command of a prefecture‑level city, and if luck was bad, who could say.

In other words, he wanted Su Yang to help him beat the side drums when necessary.

Su Yang neither declined nor accepted, but he offered many humble words. At his rank he could not possibly be involved with such high‑level personnel, and as far as he knew, Bai Zhantang and Secretary Sha had been together for several years; if Secretary Sha retired normally and Bai Zhantang had caused no other problems during that period, perhaps everything could be arranged at once.

As a senior local official, when he left arranging these two, no one else would say anything. Where they would be placed depended on how much they valued him. Yet Bai Zhantang's early scheming showed his desire for the upcoming arrangement, perhaps also his worry about his future career.

After all, Bai Zhantang was already over forty, not young. If arranged well and placed directly as mayor, that would be a solid principal‑hall level position with a promising future; if placed merely as deputy secretary, going round and round, the result would be vastly different.

Finally, Bai Zhantang said, "Why don't you stay here tonight? You can enjoy everything I have. Don't burden yourself psychologically; on the surface within the system everyone appears upright, all for the people, selfless, but you know the real situation anyway."

"Work is work, life is life. During work hours be diligent—that's right. After work, relax; don't keep yourself tense. I know your younger sibling is in Jingcheng, so you're essentially living apart; don't be too hard on yourself. In your twenties you're at the peak of your combat power, don't waste it."

Su Yang laughed, "Hahaha, you're right, I actually want to, but you also know Ruo Han's personality—she calls me at irregular times every day, sometimes forces me to video‑chat on QQ. Do you think it's easy for me? If she ever senses something off, I won't have a good day. You know my situation."

Su Yang sounded plaintive, but in fact he knew that only this kind of polite refusal was the most reasonable. Otherwise, the person is Chief Secretary No. 1, who warmly invites you to push and block, and that's not a good sign.

To put it bluntly, this is them giving you face; I don't know how many people rush to flatter, arrange such a wonderful situation, and they may not look at you straight. Now that they've arranged it, it shows they treat Su Yang as one of their own, and Su Yang doing this makes people think he's ungrateful.

Hearing that, Bai Zhantang laughed, "Honestly, I'm a bit envious and jealous of you. Not getting tangled with women outside is actually right; Ruo Han is fine everywhere. If you really dared to flirt outside, I don't know, Governor Zhou would definitely make your life miserable."

Though he said so, a hint of displeasure still flashed in his eyes.

Just then, Zhou Ruohan's call came through, and Su Yang, as if seeing a savior, quickly answered, "Calling early today—checking on my post again? I tell you, I'm not out partying or doing flashy things; I'm having a meal with my director."

Zhou Ruohan, being clever, replied, "Oh, then just talk work, I won't disturb you. Call me back when you return."

Su Yang said, "Alright, alright."

After hanging up, he spread his hands and said, "Look at this, so mysterious, and they still want me to call back—sigh, I really don't have it easy."

Indeed, the slight displeasure in Bai Zhantang's eyes vanished, and he said, "You must be content; you can't have it all."

Su Yang said, "Time's about up, I won't disturb you. Tomorrow I have to deliver something to the Transport Department. When I next come to the provincial capital, give me a chance and treat me to a good meal."

Bai Zhantang laughed, "That kid is really polite, but I accept the sentiment; I'm afraid next time you'll bring local specialties."

After that both laughed heartily. Honestly, today's double‑fermented brew, even if aged, wasn't tasty; otherwise how could those two department heads get so easily drunk.

After parting, Su Yang returned to the hotel they had booked that afternoon to rest. Of course, he didn't forget to call Zhou Ruohan back to discuss today's matters.

Yet Zhao Kai and Xu Liguo, coming from the capital, saw the previously intoxicated eyes clear up instantly; the drunken Xu Liguo, who had been unconscious, could walk alone, and his steps were steady.

Xu Liguo asked, "Old Zhao, do you think Su Yang is reliable? Although Director Bai introduced him, I still feel this kid may not really help us. He certainly knows about Guo Haiyan's matter, but not that clearly. And I've always heard his relationship with Village Chief Huang is just that he took a case for them."

Zhao Kai replied, "After all it's the first meeting; it's normal for them to be reserved. After all Guo Haiyan is the Municipal Party Committee Secretary of Jinzhou; even if he knows, he can't state it directly—that's taboo."

"Moreover, regarding Su Yang's background, I always think it's not as the legend says; could it be fabricated? Otherwise why hasn't Governor Huang caused a big stir? For him it's not a big issue, but if someone uses it to write articles, it would affect his reputation."

"But why hasn't he come out to explain? Doesn't that prove there's nothing? Otherwise Governor Zhao wouldn't keep it off the table. Also Director Bai's keen interest in Su Yang, the relationship behind it is not only Governor Huang."

"So we promise Su Yang we will fulfill it without compromise. The highway project—if he can truly raise enough funds to start construction in March next year, that shows his ability is extraordinary; otherwise we can treat it as giving Director Bai a face."