Chapter 949: Loyal Hearts and Righteous Courage, Guarding Su Yang

In the evening, Sun Chengjun was summoned to the study.

This time Su Yang wasn't even present; it was just Old Zhou and Sun Chengjun having a private conversation.

Sun Chengjun was still extremely nervous upon seeing Old Zhou; when Old Zhou had served as Executive Vice Governor of Ganzhou Sheng, Sun was only a lowly squad leader and could never have dealt with such a high-ranking official.

Later, Old Zhou directly became the Governor of Jiangnan Province, his rank soaring straight upward; a grassroots public security officer like him would almost never have a chance to meet Old Zhou in his lifetime without Su Yang's connection. Don't think that advancement within the System looks easy; in reality it is far from that.

Old Zhou smiled and said, "Don't be nervous; I'm not your superior, nor am I here to discuss work matters. Moreover, you're an excellent people's police officer, and you should at least retain your basic character."

Only then did Sun Chengjun sit down trembling, but his mind was still a blank; he couldn't utter a single word.

Old Zhou personally poured a cup of tea and handed it to Sun Chengjun: "I invited you here this time just to chat, mainly to thank you for looking after Su Yang."

"From the first Lancheng official‑sector collapse case, you helped Su Yang at the crucial moment. If you hadn't pre‑copied that hotel video and handed it to the relevant department, I doubt the Lancheng collapse case would have ever achieved its final victory."

"The truth might be forever concealed, because if Su Yang were ever found guilty by the Discipline Inspection Commission, there would be no way to conduct an emergency rescue for Comrade Liu Zhengyang, and the subsequent events would never occur."

"The second time Comrade Su Yang was taken by the so‑called Joint Investigation Team, it was you who, when his life was in danger, once again led a team to find him and dared to draw a gun at the critical moment."

"That essentially blocked your future and destiny. I'm not in charge of the police, but I know that if a police officer rashly draws a gun on his own superior, it not only ruins his career but may also land him in prison. Of course, it was precisely because of that incident that he was saved at the life‑or‑death moment."

"Later, you actually followed Su Yang from Huatian Town to the present Lieshan Xian, countless times clearing the front lines for him and solving his troubles. Especially in this recent operation in Lieshan Xian, Su Yang was almost shot with a black gun by them, but you suppressed and deterred them head‑on. So as Su Yang's father‑in‑law, I must thank you."

"Su Yang's personality makes him prone to being overly serious about many issues; being overly serious easily offends people, and being offended invites retaliation. He's only just reached a deputy‑county level post yet has already faced three ordeals. If he later ascends to higher positions, the dangers will only increase, so your support along the way is indispensable. I hereby express my gratitude."

Even if Sun Chengjun's mind was still fuzzy, he should have realized at this moment. He immediately stood up, snapped a salute and said, "Chief, this is what I ought to do. Privately, I've been childhood friends with Su Yang; publicly, Su Yang is one of our local main leaders, and as a police officer I should protect our local leaders well."

"Only by protecting the leaders so they can devote themselves wholly to work can we secure welfare for the Common People."

Zhou Weiguo nodded: "What you say is correct, but in reality many people shout slogans loudly, yet when they truly face difficulties they retreat at the first moment. Especially when life‑or‑death hangs in the balance, avoidance is the instinctive choice; charging forward requires absolute courage and boldness. You are one of the outstanding police officers who possess that courage and boldness."

"So moving forward, I think, barring any mishaps, your responsibilities will grow larger and the burden heavier. I hope you continue to serve the Cultivation Organization and the leadership as you always have."

"Also, please convey my regards to Comrade Gao Huan. He's done quite well these past years, but his work record limits him, so he needs two more years of experience in his current post; otherwise this year he could be promoted to a vice‑provincial level."

Sun Chengjun's heart pounded; hearing that, he wondered if Gao Huan's future advancement now hinged entirely on his performance. Of course, Comrade Gao also has to be competent himself. Moreover, he understood Old Zhou's meaning between the lines, which boiled down to a single sentence: protect Su Yang.

He said firmly, "Chief, rest assured, I will fulfill my duties diligently and will never let the leadership suffer any mishap. If danger arises, I will stand at the forefront; if necessary, I will be the first to charge, fighting to the end against those criminals, those vicious, desperate, all‑or‑nothing corrupt elements."

Zhou Weiguo felt very gratified; he too had gone through much, but his special status meant he had never faced life‑threatening situations.

However, he understood the treachery of human hearts even better than Su Yang, and knew that someone like Su Yang, who carries thorns, will only encounter more danger in the future, not less. Therefore, exceptionally outstanding talent is needed to guard him.

If it were before, he wouldn't have summoned Sun Chengjun for a private talk, but because of this wedding, the leadership's attention exceeded his expectations. Though it largely shows respect to the two old masters and affirms him, it undeniably also reflects anticipation and favor toward Su Yang.

One should know that Party and state leaders generally do not pay attention to someone of Su Yang's rank; even occasional mentions are ignored. Yet Su Yang, by offering economic suggestions when he met the leadership last year, already caught their attention.

This time he put forward a heavyweight proposal concerning medical insurance, which is a huge benefit for ordinary grassroots people and a matter the top state leadership has long cared about and wishes to resolve. Hence even the top leaders began to focus on Su Yang.

Essentially this is a good thing, something to be grateful for. Yet he also knows that a tree that stands out in the forest inevitably draws wind to break it. Although the matter remains confidential for now, he believes it won't be long before other great families in Jinzhou also learn of it.

Originally Su Yang had already entered the reserve echelon, with stringent requirements across the board. This time, with the leadership's extra attention, countless people will try to use any means to crush Su Yang's political future.

Therefore, he had to take the initiative to make some preparations, which is why this private talk occurred. Moreover, this is only the beginning; he has further plans, because a single Sun Chengjun protecting Su Yang is insufficient—he needs more people.

After leaving the study, Sun Chengjun felt dizzy all over. To be honest, he certainly understood Old Zhou's purpose in the talk; in fact, even if Old Zhou hadn't summoned him, he would have acted the same way.

Moreover, given Old Zhou's rank and the foundations of the Zhou Family and Qiao Family, even a slight leak would produce countless individuals whose business ability surpasses his, whose professional quality is tougher, and whose status is relatively higher. Yet the reason he was chosen hinges more on his relationship with Su Yang.

He had just stepped out, not yet having a chance to tell Su Yang what had been discussed, when Old Zhou appeared. He said to Su Yang, "Let's go, the two of us will see the old master. Oh, bring Zhou Tong along as well; this time also involves him."

Su Yang immediately understood what it was about, but he hadn't expected Old Zhou, who previously refused to get involved in such matters, to now act on the old master's wishes and proactively bring it up with him.