Official Career Storm-Chapter 1477

Lin Chengze, using a tone of forced helplessness, explained the purpose of his visit.

The art of language was perfectly embodied in Lin Chengze here.

Though seeking help from others, Xu Chengcheng didn't show a superior attitude, yet his words and demeanor made people extremely uncomfortable, as if not agreeing meant disrespecting him.

Lin Chengze served as Mayor and City Secretary of Jiangzhou City and had networking even after retirement, extending to the province as well.

However, facing Wu Qiangwei, this young junior, he was very humble both in demeanor and tone.

When he finally made his request, he did so in a probing manner, making refusal almost guilt-inducing.

Wu Qiangwei was no naive girl, committed to her role, handling matters without personal interest or viewpoint, tackling issues from a third-party perspective.

"Secretary Lin, how much do you know about this case?"

"I have a basic understanding," Lin Chengze sighed, "Nine state-owned enterprises, involved funds exceeding three billion."

"If you were Secretary Lin, how would you handle it?"

Wu Qiangwei tossed the question to him, wanting to see the old secretary's approach to solving it.

Lin Chengze pondered seriously, "Continuing to pursue responsibility for what's already happened has little significance."

"If it were me, I'd first investigate whether the personnel involved in the sale of these enterprises have suffered losses. If so, I'd compensate them."

Wu Qiangwei asked, "And the country's loss?"

Lin Chengze was slightly startled, instinctively wanted to laugh, but seeing Wu Qiangwei's serious expression, he held back.

The country's loss...

Honestly, this kind of ambiguous matter, it's one thing to make an issue out of it, but who would really care about such things.

Yet Wu Qiangwei was evidently genuinely considering this.

Lin Chengze chose his words carefully, "Stability is above everything."

"Like I said earlier, going overboard with past events, it has no point."

"A case involving three billion, Mayor Wu should be clear on how much turmoil it may cause."

Wu Qiangwei didn't argue with him on this point, "Secretary Lin, what do you think I should do?"

"I'm just a retired old man, it's politically inconvenient for me to offer opinions."

Lin Chengze shook his head with a wry smile, this young lady really is tricky, always throwing things back to him.

Wu Qiangwei said, "Alright, let me share my thoughts."

"I agree with most of what Secretary Lin said, deep digging is pointless. But such a huge case requires someone to take responsibility. Now the case is causing quite a stir, many are watching, if it concludes carelessly, it will impact me."

"Here's the idea, have Guo Tong confess what's necessary and return the embezzled assets. As long as he cooperates, I will speak with justice authorities to consider his cooperation during sentencing."

"Secretary Lin, what do you think?"

Lin Chengze sighed inwardly, realizing that after saying so much, his words had little effect.

"Mr. Xu's intention is for Guo Tong to take a mere formality. The bribery evidence is not sufficient, Mayor Wu, show leniency where possible."

Wu Qiangwei remained silent, sipping tea gently.

Lin Chengze knew this was her way of seeing him off.

He hesitated for a few seconds, deciding to say a bit more.

"Does Mayor Wu know Xu Chengcheng?"

"No."

"Actually, Xu Chengcheng is quite a good kid, his father..."

"Secretary Lin, I have a meeting to attend later, let's stop here for today."

Wu Qiangwei interrupted him.

Lin Chengze was slightly taken aback, nodded, "Alright, then I won't disturb Secretary Wu anymore."

Lin Chengze returned to his car, didn't contact Xu Chengcheng immediately.

He returned home, took a shower, and lay on the couch smoking, carefully replaying the conversation with Wu Qiangwei in his mind.

In the end, he wanted to tell her about Xu Chengcheng's identity, but Wu Qiangwei refused.

She didn't want to know.

This act indicated that there was no room for maneuver in this matter.

The condition she proposed was the final solution, and the largest concession she could make.

Yet this concession equaled no concession at all.

This meant that even though he, the former secretary, appeared, it had little impact.

Lin Chengze picked up his phone, called Xu Chengcheng, and briefly explained the situation.

Xu Chengcheng sneered, "Even Uncle Lin stepped in, and she is unwilling to give face? Did Uncle Lin tell her my identity?"

"She didn't give me a chance to speak."

"Heh, I understand, this time, thank you, Uncle Lin."

Though upset inside, Xu Chengcheng maintained politeness before Lin Chengze.

Xu Chengcheng clutched his phone, anger rising in his chest.

After calming down, Xu Chengcheng recalled what Lin Chengze had said.

Wu Qiangwei didn't give him the chance to speak.

She didn't want to know his identity, fearing it might affect her judgment.

Ultimately, she still felt wary of him.

It's good that she's wary!

Fear means she is not resolute.

Then add more pressure, amplify her fear inside.

...

Near the end of the workday, Song Guanchao received a call from Wu Qiangwei, inviting him to dinner.

Song Guanchao thought for a while, confirming he was free in the evening, so he accepted.

Unexpectedly, right after hanging up, Jiang Yiren walked in.

"Director Song, are you busy tonight?" She wore a well-tailored lady's suit, under which the white shirt was tightly stretched by her chest.

Her slender figure and good posture made her a pleasing sight standing there.

"Hmm, I have a meeting."

"Oh~" Jiang Yiren pouted slightly, looking a bit disappointed.

She glanced around the office, asking, "Is Director Wu not here?"

"She went back to the Disciplinary Committee."

Song Guanchao asked, "Are you getting accustomed to the work?"

Jiang Yiren nodded, "Everyone is nice, quite accommodating to me."

Song Guanchao smiled and glanced at her, "Let me guess, the ones accommodating are all men, right?"

Jiang Yiren understood his implication, unsure how to respond.

Looking attractive does often lead to special accommodations, providing advantages in both life and work.

This, Jiang Yiren didn't deny.

"Have you met Director Shi?"

"Yes."

"Keep an eye on her."

"What's wrong with her?"

"She tried to seduce me before and later installed surveillance in my office."

"Ah?" Jiang Yiren was stunned.

The office politics in the Provincial City were this intense?

Even installing surveillance!

"You should also keep an eye on those men who accommodate you."

"In what way should I be careful?"

"In every way," Song Guanchao said seriously, "They know you are associated with me, might try to trap you. They might even drug you."

Jiang Yiren found it hard to believe, "No way?"

"There's nothing impossible," Song Guanchao said, "They don't dare challenge me, but you, as a woman, are seen as non-threatening to them. Also, don't overestimate human nature."

"Additionally, you're now the deputy head of the department, embrace the authority of leadership, don't lower yourself too much. These people are wolves, the softer you are, the more they think you're easy to bully."

Understanding somewhat, Jiang Yiren nodded, "They said there's a gathering tomorrow, should I go?"

"Tomorrow noon or evening?"

"Evening."

"Is Director Shi going too?"

"She's going too."

Jiang Yiren initially didn't think much of it, but his reminder made her feel that the upcoming gathering was fraught with uncertainties.

Song Guanchao pondered and said, "Remind me tomorrow night."