Chapter 1387: The Storm Is Coming

"Following Xiao's rules and Cao's precedents?" Yang Yang Zongfang glanced at the notice issued by the office in his hand, frowned slightly, and tossed it aside.

"He is no Cao Shen, and Director Dong is no Xiao He."

Liao Jinhui glanced at Yang Yang Zongfang and said meaningfully, "To achieve something extraordinary, there must first be an extraordinary person."

"As for our leader here—" He lifted his teacup, blew on the surface, and said, "He can certainly be called an extraordinary person."

Yang Yang Zongfang shot him a displeased glance, his eyes returning to the notice, though his mind was still on what Liao Jinhui had just told him.

Li Li Xuewu had been in Gangcheng for over a week now; apart from his daily duties, he had done nothing but read documents in the office.

According to Liao Jinhui, Li Li Xuewu had read a vast ocean of documents; although the Confidential Office dared not complain, several secretaries looked utterly dejected.

Documents from three or four years ago had long been archived, yet this leader insisted on reviewing them, even having files from five years ago retrieved.

What did Liao Jinhui say?

He said that some people in the agency were growing panicked from the new leader's document review.

Yang Yang Zongfang would not panic; if merely looking at documents could make one panic, it meant one had committed too many guilty deeds and had ghosts in their heart.

The conflict between him and Li Li Xuewu had not escalated to mutual slander; it was simply a divergence in ideology and personal work philosophy.

If Li Li Xuewu truly wanted to move against him, he would not need to personally dig through those piles of old paper to find dirt on him.

To say Liao Jinhui bore ill intentions, made a mountain out of a molehill, and created mystery was true, yet Yang Yang Zongfang had no intention of getting involved.

If Dong Wenxue were still here, and Liao Jinhui dared to be so presumptuous before him, he would have already started cursing.

What is called overestimating one's own strength?

People like Liao Jinhui are exactly that: a mantis trying to stop a chariot, Old Zhao Si.

Li Li Xuewu is the Secretary-General of the Group, one of the eleven people who can determine the Group's future direction, and this is how he evaluates him?

It seems someone is backing him up.

"Is there not a saying that goes well?"

Liao Jinhui had been observing the changes in Yang Yang Zongfang's expression but saw nothing; now, having Tasted It of the tea leaves he brought himself, he set down his cup and continued, "After extraordinary events, there comes extraordinary merit."

Raising his eyebrows at Yang Yang Zongfang, he smiled and said, "If I were to say that our leader traveled thousands of miles from Jingcheng solely for this extraordinary merit, would that be an exaggeration?"

"It's just that this extraordinary person acts differently from ordinary people."

Yang Yang Zongfang merely listened without making any reaction; he simply lifted his teacup for a slow sip, his gaze appearing unchanged.

Liao Jinhui no longer stared into Yang Yang Zongfang's eyes but spoke with considerable emotion, "One general's success is built upon ten thousand withered bones; truly, I do not know how extraordinary this extraordinary merit will be, nor how many lives it will require..."

"Ahem—" Before he could finish, Yang Yang Zongfang, unable to listen any longer, put down his teacup and said, "I need to take leave before the New Year."

"Take leave? Deputy Director Yang, you—"

Liao Jinhui nearly burst out laughing, widening his eyes as he reminded, "Deputy Director Yang Yang Shuxing is also requesting leave."

"That is truly inconvenient."

Raising his eyebrows and barely suppressing his laughter, he said, "He claims his father-in-law is critically ill and needs him to return home."

"That is indeed inconvenient," Yang Yang Zongfang said, shifting his gaze from the notice to Liao Jinhui and speaking lightly, "My father-in-law is also critically ill and requires my return to visit him."

"This—this is truly—"

Liao Jinhui froze, his face filled with absurdity.

He had heard of queuing up for leave, but never of fathers-in-law queuing up to fall ill; what could he say? That it was a coincidence that two leaders surnamed Yang both had sick fathers-in-law? He would get beaten up for saying that.

Can illnesses be coincidental?

To call it inconvenient would imply suspecting that the two leaders share the same father-in-law; how would he dare to be so ridiculous.

"Then—shall I report to the leader?"

Liao Jinhui was also at a loss; he had never expected Yang Yang Zongfang to present him with such a massive dilemma.

Really, even if one intended to embarrass the new leader, there was no need to be so obvious; why choose the exact same excuse?

Was this not blatantly showing disrespect to the new leader and applying eye medicine to him?

"Then I trouble you, Director Liao," Yang Yang Zongfang said lightly, "I am requesting leave from the 27th to the 3rd; if the leader agrees, please arrange the schedule for me."

"Good, very good, Deputy Director Yang."

Liao Jinhui had come to fan the flames, not expecting the fire to have already ignited and to end up burning himself.

What is this called? Playing with fire and getting burned, or perhaps trying to steal a chicken only to lose the rice; in any case, no good words apply.

Ever since Yang Yang Shuxing gave him the heads-up about requesting leave, he had been wondering if the leaders would collectively take leave.

If everyone really dropped the burden together, the scene would be quite a spectacle, enough to give Li Li Xuewu a hard time.

Without the support of the leadership team members, it proves he lacks the ability to unite comrades and does not possess sufficient authority.

Even the leaders above would likely doubt his work capability and his resolve to open up the situation in Liaodong.

He had to admit, Yang Yang Shuxing was proactive enough and ruthless enough to trip up Li Li Xuewu at this critical moment.

With someone leading the way, others would follow; how would those below view the new leader then—as sidelined, or placed on a high shelf?

If the new leader's orders cannot leave the office, then there will be quite a show to watch.

If Li Li Xuewu returns home in defeat while these deputy directors all take the beating, perhaps a position will open up then.

Yang Yang Shuxing is no fool; his jumping out must have other purposes and arrangements, perhaps he has already leaned on some leader within the Group and is offering a pledge of loyalty.

Liao Jinhui enjoyed watching the excitement, especially seeing these leaders voluntarily jump out to create obstacles for Li Li Xuewu.

He knew his situation was precarious; Li Li Xuewu had been here for over a week and had not once actively summoned him.

Although the several work reports he submitted had not been returned, they were all suppressed and remained unsigned.

What did this mean?

Liao Jinhui had worked in the office for over ten years, serving as Office Director for four; he had long abandoned any illusions and was already making final preparations and arrangements.

Could he not see what the new leader meant? This clearly signaled an intention to replace the Office Director.

He had never heard of an Office Director who lacked the leader's favor lasting long; his time in this position had entered a countdown, like a rabbit's tail, it would not be long.

Merely watching the spectacle and taking pleasure in others' misfortune was one thing, but if several deputy directors actually took collective leave for the New Year, the resulting chaos would be truly massive.

Given Li Li Xuewu's status, he was fully capable of uprooting them entirely and kicking them out one by one.

Although doing so would create severe repercussions for Li Li Xuewu's upcoming work, the time would come when he would have no choice but to act.

Was this not a case of injuring the enemy by a thousand while suffering eight hundred losses oneself?

"Enyuan, is the leader at home?"

After leaving Yang Yang Zongfang's office, Liao Jinhui pondered for quite some time, his brain feeling as though it were about to explode.

How was he supposed to interpret this? The hot potato had been kicked right to him; had he become the goalkeeper now?

He had intended to cause trouble and create obstacles for Li Li Xuewu, not to add fuel to his fire; what he had done had achieved the exact opposite result.

It would have been ideal if he could have shifted the target of Li Li Xuewu's first blaze onto someone else, but it now appeared that these leaders were masters at kicking the hot potato, so what was he to do?

Seeing Zhang Enyuan emerge from the leader's office, he quickened his pace and deliberately asked loudly, "Enyuan, is the leader at home?"

Zhang Enyuan glanced back at the office before replying, "Director Liao, the leader is currently reviewing documents."

Did you see that? Whoever claimed Old Zhang was an honest simpleton was wrong; that single response alone was enough for the young folks in the office to study for three years.

He neither agreed to Liao Jinhui's request to meet the leader on the leader's behalf, nor did he deceive Liao Jinhui; instead, he left the choice entirely to the other party.

Liao Jinhui could completely decide whether or not to disturb the leader's document review based on the intent and importance of his own visit.

"I have some matters to discuss with the leader; you carry on with your work."

Liao Jinhui glanced at Old Zhang, nodded, and walked toward the office.

In his heart, he had long been wary of Old Zhang; their heart-to-heart conversation that day, which seemed like a mutual laying of cards on the table, was actually Old Zhang proactively drawing a line in the sand, demonstrating his attitude and stance to him.

Even now, Liao Jinhui had to admit he had underestimated Old Zhang, never expecting this old rascal to possess such depth of thought.

He had stabilized him, declared his loyalty to the leader, and even silenced those sinister spirits in the office; truly, he was a talent.

Old Zhang also glanced at him, nodded subtly, stepped aside to yield the path, stood to one side waiting for him to pass, and only then departed in the direction of the stairwell.

Having served as secretary for just one week, Old Zhang had already grown accustomed to the current work rhythm and to the smiling faces of others.

Even if Liao Jinhui now addressed him as Director Zhang, he felt no fear; the reason was simple: his position had already been secured.

Judging by the leader's intentions, this was far from a simple case of lighting three fires; he intended to burn down the entire encampment and rectify matters from top to bottom.

Setting other matters aside for now, the tasks assigned to him recently were increasing, especially those involving field visits and investigations.

Every time the leader assigned him to conduct field visits and investigations, he was instructed to seek assistance from Han Zhan in the Security Division.

Director Han, perhaps having received prior instructions from the leader, would sometimes accompany him personally, or when unavailable, would assign security officers.

Was this an act of legitimization, surveillance, or simply a genuine desire to ensure his safety?

In Old Zhang's view, it was most likely to guarantee the authenticity of his investigation and visit records, as the leader was also assessing him.

He did not know what the leader was thinking; was it possible that there was not a single good person in the entire hierarchy of this Metallurgical Plant?

How could one speak in such a manner? Liao Jinhui would never feel he had done anything wrong; he would only blame others.

Gently knocking on the door, and hearing the leader say "Come in," Liao Jinhui entered the office.

He used to frequent this office often; when Director Dong was in a good mood, he would even pull him along to drink tea and chat.

However, in the few days since the new leader arrived, such situations had never occurred again, and he had even begun to feel somewhat unfamiliar with this office.

"Leader, I wish to report a situation to you."

Seeing that Li Li Xuewu still had not raised his head, Liao Jinhui suppressed his inner anxiety and made his report in a soft voice.

Li Li Xuewu hummed in acknowledgment; the pen in his hand did not stop moving, yet this indicated he was listening and knew who it was.

"Yesterday afternoon, before leaving work, Deputy Director Yang Yang Shuxing approached me, stating he had family matters, that his father-in-law was ill, and requested leave."

Gazing at Li Li Xuewu's profile buried amidst piles of documents, he reported softly, "Just now, Deputy Director Yang Yang Zongfang also told me he wanted to request leave, for the reason that... that..."

"Hmm?" Li Li Xuewu stopped the pen in his hand, raised his head to look at him, his gaze containing neither anger nor surprise, only a faint coldness.

"He said his father-in-law was also ill."

Liao Jinhui had already prepared himself to endure Li Li Xuewu's Lei Ting fury, gritting his teeth to persevere.

If he truly received a reprimand from Li Li Xuewu, it might actually be a blessing in disguise for him.

If the new leader vented his anger, he might tolerate him a bit more, and there was even a possibility he would continue to employ him.

After all, the image of a punching bag he had cultivated was quite successful; even if someone spoke ill of him before the leader, he felt his actual performance revealed no loopholes.

Now that both Deputy Directors Yang were abandoning their responsibilities, was it not perfect for him, as the Office Director, to come here and put on a performance for Li Li Xuewu?

Scold me, scold me; it would be best if you slammed the table with your hand; as long as I suffered reprimand and grievance, matters would be easier to handle afterward.

Unexpectedly, the violent storm he awaited did not materialize in the slightest; Li Li Xuewu's gaze merely swept over him for less than three seconds before he lowered his head to resume reading the documents.

"Write up a situation explanation and submit it."

"Yes—" Liao Jinhui's eyes were filled with bewilderment and shock, his panic utterly unconcealed.

What did this mean?

Could it be that Li Li Xuewu had approved the leave requests of both deputy directors, or did he intend to use this situation explanation as a tool?

Alas, the hot potato had rolled right back to his feet!

How was he to write this situation explanation? If he wrote the truth and something went wrong, or if Li Li Xuewu caught him out, he would please neither side and likely offend those two.

Those two Yangs were no pushovers; although they did not belong to the same clan, if they united in common hatred, how could he possibly withstand them?

But if he concealed or obscured the truth, and Li Li Xuewu refused to approve it, would he not still offend those two? Those two would likely suspect him of meddling and deliberately sabotaging matters.

Furthermore, Li Li Xuewu would then be angered by his unauthorized actions and presumptuousness, and would still deal with him.

Moreover, once this situation explanation was submitted, Li Li Xuewu's responsibility would be completely absolved, leaving him free to say whatever he wished when the time came to execute or flay someone.

Alas, truly brilliant—

Liao Jinhui now fully believed that Li Li Xuewu's ability to open up a new situation within the group was neither coincidence nor luck; he was truly ruthless.

What else could he do now but agree? He would write the truth, and when the time came, he would simply say the leader had ordered him to do so.

Since he was going down anyway, it didn't matter if this blame was one more or one less; in the end, he had borne it all.

"Make sure to note the status of the work handover."

Just as Liao Jinhui turned to leave, he heard the leader's voice come from behind the pile of documents again.

"Yes—yes—"

This time, Liao Jinhui's face truly turned pale, and he answered with a trembling voice. Seeing that the leader had no further instructions, he finally left.

This person was truly too ruthless; killing with a pen instead of a blade.

Before the end of the workday, Liao Jinhui had finished writing the materials, exactly as Li Li Xuewu had said: a situation explanation.

Under what circumstances does one need to write a situation explanation?

Is such a document only required when problems arise, or when proof is needed?

It is needed; if the leader says it is needed, then it is needed.

Li Li Xuewu's orders were issued through the office; other deputy directors with questions could communicate directly with the office.

This New Year duty roster was also prepared by the office and submitted to Li Li Xuewu for approval, so it was considered compliant.

It was just that two leaders both wanted to take leave for the New Year; how should the other leaders be arranged?

Too much would make some unhappy, too little would make others unhappy.

Liao Jinhui ran around all afternoon over this matter, very afraid that other leaders might have special arrangements.

Fortunately, Deputy Director Liu and Deputy Director Wang were both reasonable and indicated they could work the New Year shift.

He only hit a snag with Deputy Director Yin, receiving a mild reprimand, which he didn't pay much attention to.

Deputy Director Yin was already an eccentric person, somewhat picky and serious about work, and treated him the same way.

As for the last one, Chairman Dou, there was no need to consider him; the trade union side was always busiest during the New Year.

Even if no duty shift was arranged for him, he would still come to the factory to keep watch; everyone knew the old secretary cared most about the factory's work.

Just look at Xiong Xiong Bencheng, the group's trade union chairman; taking time off to recuperate year-round, he looked much younger.

Then look at Chairman Dou, Dou Dou Changfang; these past two years he has looked more exhausted than Director Dong, with his hair turning quite white.

Those who didn't know better might think the Metallurgy Plant was developing so poorly that it all fell on him to worry about.

But in reality? Director Dong simply never gave him the chance to contribute his remaining warmth; it was already difficult enough that he hadn't been made to fall "ill."

With new leadership arriving, if he still dared to jump up and down, he could just wait to be dealt with.

Some people said that Chairman Dou privately remarked that when he started working, the Secretary-General was still running around naked, playing with mud and urine.

These words had already spread; given Zhang Enyuan's current character, he was likely already reporting them to the Secretary-General.

This leader could truly endure; he just buried his head in the pile of documents, paying no heed to these criticisms and rumors.

In Liao Jinhui's view, this storm would not only bring disaster upon him; perhaps he was not even the one who would suffer the most.

The situation explanation was handed to Zhang Enyuan to report to Li Li Xuewu, while he himself waited in the office.

To say his heart wasn't uneasy would be impossible; if Li Li Xuewu were to lose his temper, he would be the first one scolded.

It was just that a director still needed to maintain some depth; whether this old Zhang could deliver the document to the leader for review at the right time was uncertain.

He truly dared not guarantee that old Zhang would listen to him or act obediently; he hadn't dared to think so before, and he dared even less now.

What if Li Li Xuewu kept the application?

Just as he could wait no longer and stood up to go out for a walk, this thought suddenly occurred to him.

If Li Li Xuewu kept the application and then instructed Zhang Enyuan to draft a new one, wouldn't he be in a terrible fix?

By then, Li Li Xuewu could perfectly well claim that he had gone to lodge a complaint, which was why such severe disciplinary action was being taken.

If a notice was truly issued requiring all leaders to be forbidden from taking leave, wouldn't he be the one to suffer disaster then?

Finished, finished; he truly hadn't thought of this.

The moment he thought of Li Li Xuewu striking from afar and using him as a cannon mount, his heart began to drum, and his face instantly turned pale.

Suddenly, a knocking sound came from the doorway; through the half-open door, he could see Zhang Enyuan standing there.

"Old Zhang?" In his tension, he froze for a moment and called out the old title; this was truly a loss of composure.

Perhaps realizing his address was incorrect, he quickly composed himself, stood up with eyes full of apology, waved his hand, and said, "Didn't I tell you? You don't need to knock to enter my office; why are you still being so polite?"

"It's a habit; I can't change it."

Being called "Old Zhang" made Zhang Enyuan feel quite uncomfortable in his heart as well, but at this moment he became even more humble and answered with a smile.

Ridiculous; what habit cannot be changed?

Liao Jinhui looked deeply at him, wanting to see dissatisfaction or resentment on his face.

There was none; Zhang Enyuan seemed not to have noticed his form of address just now, his attitude remaining as amiable as before.

In the past, he might have been fortunate that old Zhang had such a character, but now Liao Jinhui suspected every single one of Zhang Enyuan's actions.

He smiled slightly, looked at the documents in the other's hand, and asked, "Has the leader approved it?"

"Yes, the leader has already made instructions and asked me to bring them for you to see." Zhang Enyuan handed over the documents in his hand, but just as he reached out to take them, he heard Zhang Enyuan add, "The leader instructed that after you finish reading this situation explanation, it must be archived."

What did this mean?

It was very simple: Zhang Enyuan bringing the document over was just for him to look at and understand how the leader had arranged things.

As for the original copy of the situation explanation, that would certainly be personally delivered by Zhang Enyuan to the confidential records room for archiving and storage.

The leader didn't trust him? This was certain.

Then why still let him see it?

When Liao Jinhui, with some unease, opened the document to read, his brows inadvertently furrowed, and his heart gave a thump.

There was joy and sorrow; the joy was that the situation explanation hadn't been changed and was still the original he had submitted. The sorrow was Li Li Xuewu's instructions.

In powerful black ink, the instructions not only approved the family-visit annual leave for the two deputy directors, Yang Yang Shuxing and Yang Yang Zongfang, but also approved several extra days; starting the day after tomorrow, those two could begin their leave.

This was not the main point; the main point was that the work of the two had been designated by Li Li Xuewu to be handed over to the two deputy directors, Liu Yongnian and Wang Shuqiong.

Pay attention, it's a handover, not an explanation.

Under what circumstances would a handover be required?

A handover of current duties only occurs when a leading cadre encounters special circumstances rendering them unable to fulfill their responsibilities.

Everyone earned their present position with their youth and blood; let alone a father-in-law falling ill, even if one's own father died, which filial son would willingly hand over his job to return home and mourn?

In ancient times there was mourning leave; in this era, there is none.

These two merely took leave at year's end to visit their sick father-in-law, yet Li Li Xuewu stripped them of their duties.

Sweat instantly broke out on Liao Jinhui's forehead; when he finished explaining the situation and returned it to Zhang Enyuan, he suddenly felt a chilly wind whistling atop his head—that damn sweat was cold sweat.

What does this mean?

He wrote the situation report himself; whether Li Li Xuewu acted out of humanitarian concern or deliberately sought trouble, he could not extricate himself from it. Moreover, he was the one required to issue this notice.

Very well; just as unwilling as he had been to meet Li Li Xuewu earlier, so equally unwilling was he now to face those two.

Li Li Xuewu was driving him to a dead end; even driving a tiger to swallow a wolf was not played this way.

If he were played to death, everyone in the office would truly spend their days trembling with fear, and no one would dare act up again.

He did not wish to be the chicken killed to warn the monkeys, yet he had no retreat.

Why did Li Li Xuewu choose him?

Was this a trap set by Zhang Enyuan? Why would he harm him so? He had never treated Zhang Enyuan poorly.

Looking again at Zhang Enyuan, he accepted the situation report, nodded politely, then turned and left without any pretense or false courtesy.

The storm was about to break; each of you take care.

"What do you mean by that?"

Uncle Yang Yang Shuxing's eyes bulged as if he wanted to eat someone; glaring at the timid Liao Jinhui, he was about to strike.

What could Liao Jinhui do? With every step he took, he re-examined whether he had truly erred.

He had erred from the very beginning.

Li Li Xuewu was truly not someone to be trifled with; why had he stuck his neck out, insisting on provoking him?

Every time he examined himself, he felt like a marionette on strings, moving solely at Li Li Xuewu's command.

Just say it: which of these matters did he undertake of his own volition? Upon reflection, was it not all Li Li Xuewu manipulating him?

Seeing Yang Yang Shuxing about to explode in anger, Liao Jinhui resigned himself to fate, wishing he could present his face right now for the other to strike.

Whether Li Li Xuewu struck him or Yang Yang Shuxing struck him made no difference; as long as he took the beating, he would escape this sea of bitterness and successfully reach shore.

He would not need hospitalization, nor would he seek treatment; instead, he intended to wander about displaying the Ba Zhang Yin, ensuring everyone knew his grievance and his helplessness.

Most importantly, he needed Li Li Xuewu to know.

Although he was not Li Li Xuewu's dog, Li Li Xuewu was the leader of everyone in the Metallurgy Plant; striking his face was tantamount to patting Li Li Xuewu on the rear. Did you dare pat a tiger's rear?

Pity that Li Li Xuewu did not strike him, nor did the furious Yang Yang Shuxing; they merely glared at him with hatred.

Let it be; if they wished to hate, let them hate.

To this day, Liao Jinhui could not forget the look Yang Yang Zongfang gave him when he went to Yang Yang Zongfang's office to report earlier.

Yang Yang Zongfang appeared far calmer than Yang Yang Shuxing did at this moment; he even said thank you to him.

Thank my ass—

Liao Jinhui knew that even if Li Li Xuewu did not deal with him, once the two Yangs recovered their strength, they would kill him.

Yang Yang Shuxing might deal with him openly, which he could accept; but Yang Yang Zongfang had gained a notorious reputation over the past two years for being insidiously ruthless.

"Do you have nothing to say?"

Yang Yang Shuxing pressed his lips tightly together, glaring at him as he demanded, "Who told you to write it this way? Speak!"

"Deputy Director Yang, I was merely reporting the facts."

At this moment, Liao Jinhui seemed much more carefree, having accepted his fate, exhibiting a certain firmness born of having no desires.

He looked Yang Yang Shuxing straight in the eye and stated, "Every word and sentence of the situation report stands here; I have not deceived with falsehoods. If you find anything amiss, I will consult the Secretary-General again."

"It is just that the Secretary-General has already approved your fifteen-day family visitation leave; you sought what you desired and obtained it, so what is there to be unhappy about?"

Doesn't that cut to the heart, old iron!

Fire seemed ready to spew from Yang Yang Shuxing's eyes; perhaps realizing Liao Jinhui was deliberately seeking death with ulterior motives, he restrained himself.

If he truly struck, would that not fulfill Li Li Xuewu's wish?

By then, disciplining him would require no pretext, and Liao Jinhui could completely use his force to reach shore.

Damn, dream on—

Yang Yang Shuxing curled his lip, gesturing toward the door as he said, "Fine then, I suppose I must thank you, Director Liao, for your assistance; when I return from home, I will properly express my gratitude."

"Gratitude is unnecessary," Liao Jinhui said lightly. "By the time you return from home, I may have already rolled up my bedding and departed; who knows where either of us will be then."

Yang Yang Shuxing did not believe his hypocrisy; he merely stared into his eyes, the corners of his mouth twitching.

Seeing Liao Jinhui turn and exit, his figure somewhat desolate, he let out a cold laugh.

Since he had already reached this point, it was unnecessary to say he brought this upon himself; he simply had to deal with the matter at hand.

"Xiao Wu, come clean this up."

Yang Yang Shuxing walked out of the office and called out to his secretary in the adjacent large office, issuing an instruction.

Xiao Wu had long heard the commotion from this side, including the sound of a teacup shattering; now he knew it was his turn to appear.

Before he even had time to respond and emerge, Deputy Director Yang had already walked far away, apparently heading toward Deputy Director Yin's side.

Apart from Yin Yin Zhongyao, who else could Yang Yang Shuxing seek for consultation?

As soon as he entered the door, he complained angrily, "Trouble; taking this leave has damn well handed him an opportunity."

"Hmm? What happened?" Yin Yin Zhongyao, who had already packed up ready to get off work, raised his eyebrows upon seeing Yang Yang Shuxing walk in with a head full of troubles, speaking incoherently.

Yang Yang Shuxing recounted the content of Liao Jinhui's notification just received, placing particular emphasis on the work handover.

Although he did not get along very well with Yang Yang Shuxing, the two of them were now like grasshoppers tied to the same string.

Seeing him speak this way, Yin Yin Zhongyao also frowned and said, "How could this be? Is Liao Jin behind this?"

"It doesn't look like it, but we cannot rule out that possibility," Yang Yang Shuxing said discontentedly. "He can barely save himself; he must be trying to drag someone down with him, yet he dares to plot against me."

"What does that person mean by this?" Yin Yin Zhongyao asked, frowning. "Could he be intending to replace you just like that?"

This question made Yang Yang Shuxing's heart pound violently; with the year-end approaching and cadre adjustments scheduled for after the New Year, how could he afford to have an incident at this time?

If Li Li Xuewu were to replace him at this juncture, it would surely be a purge, not a courteous dismissal; he would definitely be killing the chicken to scare the monkey.

"A work handover—does this mean an investigation is about to begin?"

Yang Yang Shuxing glanced at Yin Yin Zhongyao, thinking to himself, "If I am done for, do you think you will fare any better?"

These words inevitably carried a hint of threat, which stirred anger in Yin Yin Zhongyao's heart; how could this Yang Yang Shuxing be so tactless?

Yet at this critical moment, internal strife was unacceptable, so he forcibly suppressed his impatience and said, "You are not the only one; are there not others handing over their duties alongside you?"

"Which side are you on?"

Seeing him speak this way, Yang Yang Shuxing narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "That person is deliberately looking for trouble."

Speaking thus, he spat out a mouthful of saliva hatefully and said, "I never expected to be outmaneuvered by him."

Seeing Yin Yin Zhongyao frowning and glaring at him, he felt somewhat embarrassed and voluntarily explained, "He also requested leave, and his reason was exactly the same as mine: his father-in-law is ill."

"Tell me, isn't this done on purpose?"

Yang Yang Shuxing clapped his hands and scolded, "If he wanted to clash with that person, he could have come at it directly and forcefully; why insist on dragging me into this?"

"Now look, I've become a bloody joke—"

"Things haven't reached the final step yet—"

Seeing Yang Yang Shuxing growing anxious and fiery, Yin Yin Zhongyao glanced outside the door; seeing no one around, he then spoke softly, "You must continue acting out this play, otherwise you will truly become a joke."

"Act? How am I supposed to act?" Yang Yang Shuxing asked, staring at him with bulging eyes. "Fifteen days; by the time I return, the dish will have long gone cold."

"Who told you to jump out first?"

Speaking of this, Yin Yin Zhongyao also felt a secret sense of relief; if Yang Yang Shuxing had not initially decided to request leave, it would be his turn to feel furious now.

Yet alongside this relief, he could not help but feel a sorrow akin to that of a fox mourning the death of a hare; what exactly was Li Li Xuewu trying to do?

Could it be that he truly intended to replace everyone in the Metallurgy Plant?

He could see clearly that Li Li Xuewu's move was called 'responding to all changes with immobility'; his goal was precisely to make them unable to resist jumping out voluntarily.

Rabbits hiding in their burrows cannot be hit, and digging them out actively consumes both time and effort; how could anything be as simple and easy as this?

This Li Li Xuewu had truly become like the man waiting by a tree stump for a rabbit, except these two rabbits were a bit foolish.

Yang Yang Shuxing was somewhat dissatisfied with his words, but since the misfortune had befallen himself, naturally he felt the pain; to expect empathy from others without such rudeness was impossible.

Yet it remained as before: if he had met with misfortune, could Yin Yin Zhongyao possibly expect to benefit?

The two sat in the office listening to the sound of the off-duty bell ringing, yet neither moved from their spots.

Yin Yin Zhongyao was right; he had to continue acting out this play, otherwise even Li Li Xuewu would not spare him.

How was he to decline?

He was the one who wanted to be a filial son; at this moment, he should be eagerly wanting to return home to demonstrate his filial piety—how could he claim there was no rush?

If he acted in such a manner, his credibility within the agency would completely collapse, and every dog he had offended over these years would come to bite him.

Therefore, he had to grit his teeth and endure.

Glancing again at Yin Yin Zhongyao, his mind was already considering whether the other would help him navigate a way out during these fifteen days.

If he truly fell this time, how should he drag the other down with him? Having been comrades, there was absolutely no principle in suffering alone; when the time came, they would share the disaster together.

"Leader, it is time to get off work."

After waiting fifteen minutes, Zhang Enyuan emerged from his small office and entered Li Li Xuewu's office to softly remind him.

Li Li Xuewu merely hummed in response, without even lifting his head.

Zhang Enyuan was already accustomed to this; he first simply tidied up the documents and cleaned the area, then prepared Li Li Xuewu's overcoat.

Once all this was nearly done, he approached Li Li Xuewu's side again and reminded him, "Leader, it is time to get off work."

"Good, just a moment." Only this time did Li Li Xuewu truly nod, finished writing his final comments, and put away his fountain pen.

Zhang Enyuan helped him put on his overcoat, quickly packed the briefcase, and asked Li Li Xuewu which documents he wished to take with him.

Li Li Xuewu, however, did not want a single document; he had never had the habit of working from home, and this remained the same even in Steel City.

Zhang Enyuan actually knew this, but he asked anyway, just as he knocked on the door every time he entered the office.

As Li Li Xuewu's secretary, he would always knock before entering the office, demonstrating just how cautious and observant of propriety Old Zhang was.

Once everything was properly arranged, he carried the briefcase and walked behind his leader, locking the door as they exited the office.

There were only two keys to this door: one was with him, and the other was with Director Liao; this was the rule.

If you ask why the leader himself does not have a key, let me tell you, this too is the rule.

Whenever Li Li Xuewu came to the office to work, his secretary was invariably inseparable from him; if the secretary left, it was either for official business, in which case he would hand the key to the leader or another secretary.

Otherwise, it meant either he had neglected his duty or the leader had neglected his duty; in any case, this key, like him, could not leave the leader's side.

If Li Li Xuewu worked overtime, he worked overtime; if Li Li Xuewu got off work, he got off work; if Li Li Xuewu started work, he started work.

This is why people say a secretary is the leader's shadow in work; apart from personal living hours, he is always present.

At this moment, nearly half an hour had passed since the official end of the workday, so the corridors and staircases were essentially empty.

In this era, there was no concept of working overtime; perhaps the finance department worked extra hours each month, but that was determined by the nature of their work.

Other units or offices might have staff on duty during holidays or weekends, but that was not called working overtime.

Therefore, the '996' schedule did not exist in this era, especially within government agencies, for the body is the capital of revolution.

Generally, leaders would leave work a little later, purely for the convenience of the agency staff, so that their vehicles would not affect the workers' exit traffic, and to spare everyone the inconvenience of having to greet them.

Being convenient for others is being convenient for oneself.

Those who got off work late or stayed late chatting with friends would meet him in the corridors or on the stairs, and everyone would take the initiative to greet him.

Since Dong Wenxue was a group leader, no one felt distant; everyone simply addressed him as "Leader."

This showed just how professional and considerate Zhang Enyuan was when teaching his apprentice.

He accompanied Li Li Xuewu downstairs; at the entrance, Yu Zhe had already parked the car, and the heater inside had been turned on long ago.

Regardless of how Li Li Xuewu had initially requested otherwise, Zhang Enyuan still helped him open and close the car door.

Li Li Xuewu had only reprimanded him that one time; afterward, he let him have his way. Liao Jin, who knew this, felt deeply hurt and stubbornly resentful. It was he who had actively advised Li Li Xuewu to maintain his dignity and allow his secretary to open and close the car doors for him.

And the result? Li Li Xuewu had scolded him, yet here he was tacitly accepting Zhang Enyuan's eagerness to serve.

Knowing this outcome, Liao Jin could only comfort himself with the thought that since the leader disliked him, everything he did was wrong.

He dared not hate Li Li Xuewu, so he piled all his resentment onto Zhang Enyuan, having already labeled him a villain.

If this isn't a villain triumphing, then what is?

What was Zhang Enyuan thinking? He had acted boldly, driven by a secretary's persistence.

The leader might choose not to use such services, but he could not fail to offer them; whatever other leaders' secretaries did, he too must do.

Otherwise? Otherwise, when the leader became critical of him, these tacitly accepted behaviors would everywhere become his faults.

People would also say he was arrogant and rude.

"Starting tomorrow, you don't need to go to the Confidential Office," Li Li Xuewu said after getting into the car, leaning back and closing his eyes to rest.

Feeling the car exit the main gate of the Metallurgy Plant, he then pinched the bridge of his nose and said, "Make arrangements; tomorrow we'll go inspect the Steel Rolling Plant."

"Yes, Leader." Zhang Enyuan first turned to acknowledge the order, then leaned back against his seat, looking toward the rear row to ask, "Should we notify the Steel Rolling Plant in advance and inform Director Kuang?"

"No need; he already knows."

Li Li Xuewu's voice was faint; he still hadn't opened his eyes, nor did he offer much explanation, merely instructing, "Tomorrow, return the documents I've finished reviewing."

"Understood; I'll handle it after arriving at work."

Zhang Enyuan replied, but inwardly he breathed a sigh of relief; the leader had spent far too much time reviewing documents.

Once that time exceeded the tolerance limit of those within the agency who were watching and waiting, it would inevitably spark discussion.

As Li Li Xuewu's secretary, he naturally did not want his leader to become the subject of criticism, nor did he wish to escalate conflicts.

It was just that Li Li Xuewu no longer wanted to review documents; instead, he wanted to inspect sites, and more than one at that.

"Arrange the group's enterprises in Liaodong in order; we'll visit them all with the time remaining before the New Year."

Li Li Xuewu instructed from the back, "On New Year's Eve, make arrangements for me to visit whichever project has the most staff on duty; don't forget to prepare consolation gifts for me."

"Good, I understand." Zhang Enyuan paused, then reminded him, "Regarding the agency side, will you be spending the New Year together with the staff on duty?"

"Mm, arrange it that way."

Without a second thought, Li Li Xuewu said, "After the New Year, for the visits and consolation tours, invite the other comrades who are staying home."

Only now did Zhang Enyuan finally set his mind at ease; it seemed the Secretary-General did not intend to sweep away the entire management layer of the Metallurgy Plant.

PS: I've already written over forty thousand words for the detailed outline of Volume Three; another fifty thousand words for the main structure should suffice. Some plot points still need arranging and polishing; the total word count for the detailed outline should reach around twelve to thirteen thousand. Everyone, please wait for me; from now on, I will truly write well. Don't say I'm padding anymore; if I were padding, there would be no need to create a detailed outline.