Official Career Storm

Chapter 1787: Chapter 1787

Zhang Meilin put down the phone, took a pack of cigarettes from the drawer, took one out and lit it, looking a bit desolate.

Fu Ying’s transfer to Jiangzhou was indeed something Song Guanchao had consulted him about beforehand.

He said it was to consult his opinion, but he had no choice but to agree.

Zhang Meilin had no grievances; in the political arena, it’s about connections and backing.

Fu Ying and Song Guanchao are old classmates, and Song Guanchao is her backing.

As for Song Guanchao’s backing... outsiders think it’s Wu Qiangwei, but Zhang Meilin knows better than anyone that his backing extends far beyond Nanjiang Province.

That time in Beijing at the banquet, when Li He slapped him in public, it was Song Guanchao who used his connections to put pressure on Li He’s head, forcing him to apologize personally.

From that moment on, he knew that Song Guanchao was not an ordinary person.

He also knew that Wu Qiangwei’s situation in Jiangzhou seemed rather precarious, with few available personnel under her. Transferring Fu Ying there was an intentional move to train her own people.

So, no matter the perspective, he couldn’t refuse.

There was no jealousy in Zhang Meilin’s heart, just a bit of agitation when he thought of himself.

The development prospects in Dujiang City are extremely limited, with only Minister Zhou behind him.

But Minister Zhou is just an organizational minister of a prefecture-level city, with limited capabilities.

Wanting to get out of Dujiang City, the support Minister Zhou could provide was minimal—almost negligible.

As for Song Guanchao...

He didn’t think Song Guanchao would help him.

For one, Song Guanchao kept a low profile, not in actions, but he never voluntarily revealed his mysterious background.

Without exposing his background, he was just a City Government Office Director.

How could a director help him?

Secondly, he is now the head of a county-level authority and only has an eye on positions like the district party secretary of Jiangzhou, or the head of a real power department, or a vice mayor.

But for these positions of real power, he didn’t think it would be his turn.

The more Zhang Meilin thought, the more upset he became. Just then, Fu Ying called.

He adjusted his mentality, grabbed the phone, and with a smile, said, "Mayor Fu, congratulations."

Fu Ying chuckled lightly, "Secretary Zhang, you’re teasing me again."

"I truly mean it, don’t take it as a demotion from mayor to district head, but that’s the provincial capital city you’re heading to, its administrative level isn’t something our Dujiang can compare to."

Fu Ying is now at the department level; going to Jiangzhou is like stepping up to the assistant head of a bureau.

Although the designation might not sound as grand as a mayor, it’s a half-level actual promotion.

Moreover, that’s Jiangzhou City, with far more opportunities than Dujiang.

She and Song Guanchao have a student relationship, as long as Wu Qiangwei plays solidly and firmly sits in the mayor’s position of Jiangzhou City, the next step of promotion to vice mayor is almost certain once she builds enough tenure.

"Clear your schedule for tonight, I’ll call the other standing committee members, and we’ll have a meal together, a farewell for you."

...

"Director Song, Su Rong has turned herself in," Zhou Xingjian came into the office to report.

Song Guanchao acknowledged with a satisfied feeling inside.

Leader Hong was a reliable person, not playing tricks with him over a patrol officer.

"Let Secretary Han know, and we’ll have a meal together tonight."

With the park’s issues finally settled, Song Guanchao decided to celebrate a bit.

Zhou Xingjian asked, "Should we also invite those departments?"

"Invite them all," Song Guanchao said, "also invite the vice mayors."

Zhou Xingjian nodded, "Alright."

As he was about to leave, Song Guanchao suddenly asked, "By the way, how much do you know about Gaoshui County’s situation?"

"Gaoshui County? Why bring it up all of a sudden?"

"Have a smoke," Song Guanchao threw him a cigarette, he sat back down and asked, "Which aspect does Director Song want to know about?"

Song Guanchao said, "Tell me about County Magistrate Cao."

Zhou Xingjian lit the cigarette, exhaled a puff, saying, "County Magistrate Cao was promoted by Secretary Zhou."

Song Guanchao asked, "And what about Secretary Xie?"

"Secretary Xie was promoted by Mayor Fang."

"Which Mayor Fang?"

"The previous mayor of Jiangzhou City, retired many years ago," Zhou Xingjian said, "Secretary Xie is quite old too, likely to retire in the next year or two."

"What about Gao Qi? Who promoted him?"

"He’s lucky," Zhou Xingjian said, "A few years ago, three deputy mayors of Gaoshui County were consecutively ousted, and the affair implicated both the county mayor and the party secretary, so they dared not recommend new deputy mayors. They ended up following organizational procedures and picked a few directly from the organization department’s reserve list."

"Gao Qi at that time was just a deputy district head; whether by rank or connections, it shouldn’t have been his turn. But he was lucky, having a clean slate; he managed to secure one of the three deputy county mayor positions, and it was the deputy magistrate."

Zhou Xingjian took a drag of his cigarette and glanced at Song Guanchao, continuing, "However, Mayor Gao was thrust into the position, he doesn’t have any backing, nor is he adept at maneuvering. I’ve heard that his relationship with County Magistrate Cao isn’t great."

Song Guanchao asked, "How is County Magistrate Cao’s demeanor?"

Zhou Xingjian smiled wryly, "I’m not particularly familiar with the county’s situation."

Song Guanchao teasingly scolded, "Hiding things from me?"

Zhou Xingjian awkwardly laughed, "It’s not hiding; it’s just that I feel it’s not good to speak ill of someone behind their back."

"Ill speaking?" Song Guanchao said, "Looks like County Magistrate Cao’s reputation isn’t good at all."

Zhou Xingjian considered it for a few seconds and cautiously said, "His demeanor is quite assertive. Although he is a magistrate, his influence extends into the county party committee long ago. The standing committee meetings are dominated by him alone; he decides who rises, and nobody dares speak up unless he nods on any issue."

Song Guanchao said, "That’s not assertive; it’s domineering."

Zhou Xingjian didn’t respond.

Song Guanchao then said, "These two county magistrates don’t get along?"

Zhou Xingjian shook his head, "That I truly don’t know, my understanding of the county is limited."

Then he asked, "Director Song, did County Magistrate Cao offend you?"

He was rather curious about why Song Guanchao suddenly paid so much attention to Gaoshui County.

It’s that their relationship had rapidly advanced recently. Otherwise, he wouldn’t ask so directly.

Song Guanchao said, "Mayor Gao came to see me a few days ago."

Zhou Xingjian wondered, "To offer gifts?"

Song Guanchao shook his head, "To seek a position."

"Seek a position?" Zhou Xingjian’s eyes widened.

"Yes," Song Guanchao said, "He wants to transfer to the High-tech Zone."

"Ah?" Zhou Xingjian was extremely surprised, but his mind worked quickly, he soon realized why, and couldn’t help but click his tongue, "Mayor Gao and County Magistrate Cao’s relationship has already become so tense?"

He added, "In my opinion, it’s best not to meddle."

Song Guanchao looked at him, "Why so?"

Zhou Xingjian was just about to speak but felt his words might not be appropriate, and said, "Director Song, it’s just something I said, don’t take it to heart."

"Speak, I won’t take it to heart."

"Then I’ll really say it," Zhou Xingjian said, "I just feel that if you accommodate Mayor Gao, you’ll offend Secretary Zhou. After all, County Magistrate Cao is Secretary Zhou’s person. This matter, if it can be avoided, it’s best not to get involved."

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