Chapter 312: The Contest (Part 1)

Yang Senlin hosted a high-level banquet on behalf of the Yiyang County Party Committee for Wang Hui and his two-person team.

In Yiyang County, Yang Senlin was a political star. He appeared daily on the Yiyang TV news program, inspecting sites, attending meetings, and delivering speeches. The locals joked, “Ten out of ten citizens might not recognize their neighborhood committee director, but one hundred percent know the key leaders of the County Party Committee.” However, once he stepped outside Yiyang’s borders, his fame plummeted like water falling three thousand feet. From a peak, he dropped into a valley. In the broader Lingxi Province, a county party secretary was merely one among many, easily overlooked.

Although the reporters from the Lingxi Daily held modest administrative ranks, the newspaper represented the voice of the province and faced the entire population. Naturally, the reporters it dispatched carried significant weight.

Therefore, Yang Senlin treated Wang Hui as an equal, and their conversation flowed smoothly.

After lunch, Yang Senlin issued a formal invitation to Wang Hui: “At three o’clock this afternoon, a briefing on Yiyang’s new urban planning will be held at the Yiyang Hotel. The Beijing Urban Design Institute will lead the presentation. The county has invited retired senior leaders from Shazhou, as well as representatives from the Municipal Party Committee Research Office, the Municipal Government Research Office, the Construction Commission, and the Shazhou Daily. On our side, all county-level leaders currently in office will attend.”

He spoke with enthusiasm: “The new planning for Yiyang is one of the county’s key projects. It is the foundational work for Yiyang’s transition from a county-level city to a medium-sized city. Director Wang, you are a senior reporter for the provincial newspaper. On behalf of the County Party Committee, I invite you to attend this meeting.”

Wang Hui replied, “I am very grateful for this opportunity, Secretary Yang. The newspaper conducts special research topics every year. This year, my assigned topic is county-level economic development. It is my honor to attend this meeting.”

Hearing Wang Hui’s ready acceptance, Yang Senlin said happily, “Rest at the small guesthouse. The symposium begins at three. The County Party Committee Office car will pick you up promptly at two-thirty. I won’t come to fetch you personally; several senior leaders from Shazhou are arriving, and I need to go to the highway to welcome them.”

Wang Hui had originally come to interview the New Management Committee. However, with Yang Senlin taking the lead, he naturally became the center of attention. Hou Weidong cooperated fully, following behind Yang Senlin. Like an old dog hiding in the dark, he kept a close watch on the unfolding situation. He pondered Yang Senlin’s unusual warmth, thinking to himself: Yang Senlin has a sharp political mind. He wants to leverage the gathering effect of the Lingxi Daily to increase his visibility and expand his influence, adding weight to his bid for full confirmation in his position.

Since Yang Senlin attached such importance to Wang Hui’s visit, the County Party Committee Office naturally did not slack off. Yang Dajin, the director of the office, personally escorted Wang Hui and his team to Building No. 2, which had the best conditions. Only after ensuring they were settled did he leave.

Once Yang Senlin departed, Hou Weidong, who had been waiting in the lobby, went to Wang Hui’s room. He asked for instructions: “Director Wang, how should we arrange the interview work for the New Management Committee?”

Wang Hui thought for a moment and said, “This symposium is high-level. It is a good opportunity to learn about and understand county-level economics. I really want to attend. In the afternoon, Duan Ying and Du Chenglong will continue with the interviews. Do you think that works?”

At two o’clock, Duan Ying and Du Chenglong arrived at the New Management Committee office building.

During her time working in Yiyang, Duan Ying’s impression of the southern suburbs had been of vast farmland. When the rapeseed flowers bloomed, the southern suburbs would be surrounded by a sea of golden flowers. Yet, in just two or three years, the southern suburbs had transformed into a massive construction site. And the frontline commander of that site was Hou Weidong. Thinking of this, Duan Ying felt a warm surge in her heart.

Standing in the New Management Committee office, she glanced up at the office building. On the third floor, several air conditioning external units were noticeably larger, clearly indicating where the New Management Committee leaders worked. On one side of the courtyard, a Mitsubishi and three Santanas were parked, along with a large bus. Duan Ying scanned the scene with a reporter’s eye and concluded: “The New Management Committee’s conditions are quite good. It ranks among the better offices in Yiyang.”

At that moment, Hou Weidong was standing behind the window, observing Duan Ying carefully. After working for several years at county, city, and provincial newspapers, her temperament had changed significantly. She was capable and dignified, no longer bearing the青涩 (greenness) of a fresh graduate. Her slightly full lips added a touch of charm and sensuality.

When Office Director Yang Liu led Duan Ying and Du Chenglong upstairs, Hou Weidong sat back at his desk, burying his head in documents. The moment Duan Ying stepped into the office, their eyes met briefly. Duan Ying’s gaze remained steady, but Hou Weidong used the handshake with Du Chenglong as an excuse to look away.

After everyone was seated, Hou Weidong offered a cigarette to Du Chenglong and smiled. “Reporter Du, you took quite a few photos last time. The terrain and landscape in many of those places have changed completely. Therefore, your photos are very precious. They are a record of the New Management Committee’s history. Our newly published brochure still needs you to provide these professional photos.”

Du Chenglong joked, “In that case, should the New Management Committee pay me royalties?”

“Of course,” Hou Weidong replied. “A while ago, an author published an article in the Shazhou Daily titled ‘Memories of the Southern Suburbs.’”

Duan Ying just smiled and listened to their casual chat. This was Hou Weidong’s office. The air carried an indescribable, pleasant scent. Looking at his sharply shaved jaw, she felt the impulse several times to reach out and gently touch it.

What a karmic debt, Duan Ying sighed inwardly. Xiaojia was the Mount Everest that stood insurmountable between her and Hou Weidong. During her time at the Lingxi Daily, under the kind care of her colleagues, she had gone on countless blind dates, but none could completely replace Hou Weidong. However, she did not want to destroy Hou Weidong’s life.

In this state of conflicting emotions, longing became a torment that could not be cut away.

Hou Weidong’s gaze swept across Duan Ying’s face as quickly as Xiao Li’s Flying Dagger. “Director Zhang, please accompany Reporter Duan and Reporter Du for the interviews. For dinner, I will treat everyone to Chongqing Jianghu cuisine.”

Having arrived at the Yiyang New Management Committee, Duan Ying had not yet had the chance to speak with Hou Weidong alone. Hearing his arrangement, she habitually bit her lip and nodded. “The guest follows the host’s convenience. I will follow Director Hou’s arrangements.”

After Zhang Xiangyu led the group downstairs, Hou Weidong stood by the window again.

He and Duan Ying had shared two nights of pleasure. It was precisely these two wild experiences that had made their relationship strange—farther than lovers, yet closer than friends. Usually, with Hou Weidong in the New Management Committee and Duan Ying in Lingxi, separated by over a hundred kilometers of highway, they默契 (tacitly) maintained radio silence, neither provoking the other.

Today, Duan Ying had come to Yiyang. To refuse a private meeting would seem too inhumane. Yet, thinking of Xiaojia, his heart hesitated.

On a physical level, and partially on a spiritual level, Hou Weidong longed for the reunion with Duan Ying. But on a moral level, he often examined his own behavior. He dared not imagine what consequences would arise if Xiaojia were to find out.

Duan Ying provided intelligence twice, contributing significantly to the New Management Committee. Therefore, it is necessary to meet this time. After several rounds of internal struggle, Hou Weidong found a barely acceptable reason for himself.

Just as Hou Weidong was engaged in this intense internal battle, Ma Youcai received a phone call from Minister Liu of the Propaganda Department. Minister Liu first discussed a few trivial matters, then lightly mentioned Yang Senlin’s reception of Wang Hui from the Lingxi Daily.

Ma Youcai keenly grasped the essence of the issue. He thought to himself: The New Management Committee’s development is largely due to Zhu Yan’s efforts. He hasn’t even left yet, and someone is already trying to steal the credit.

Minister Liu only stated facts, offering no commentary. He then mentioned another matter: “The provincial TV station reporters have agreed to come and make a documentary. They now need the promotional outline.”

Ma Youcai immediately responded, “That is handled well. I will have Sheng Kui send the outline over this afternoon.”

After hanging up, Ma Youcai recalled something Yi Zhongling had mentioned previously. He called Yi Zhongling back. “Old Yi, is the information you mentioned accurate?”

Yi Zhongling was lying down receiving a massage. He waved his hand, signaling the masseur to leave, and said, “My cousin works in the Provincial Organization Department. His information is absolutely reliable.”

“County Mayor Ma, last year Zhu Yan used the public security, procuratorate, and judicial systems to retaliate against me. If I hadn’t been truly innocent, I would certainly be in prison by now. This time, Zhu Yan has finally been ousted. County Mayor Ma, you should take the position of Party Secretary.”

Hearing Ma Youcai remain silent, Yi Zhongling encouraged him: “Even if Yang Senlin has backing, I estimate it isn’t very deep. Otherwise, he would have become the top leader long ago. As long as we tarnish his reputation, things will become easy to handle.”

Ma Youcai’s feelings toward Yi Zhongling were complex. On one hand, Yi Zhongling was bold and had wild connections, making him a capable doer. On the other hand, Yi Zhongling was too reckless; his actions often crossed the line, making him difficult to control.

Weighing the pros and cons, he decided not to provoke Yi Zhongling for the time being. He laughed it off, saying, “I was just asking casually. Yang Senlin is young and promising. He is very suitable for the position of County Party Secretary. I obey the organization’s arrangements and do not worry about this.”

Yi Zhongling said, “County Mayor Ma, I won’t speak with unnecessary politeness. Last year, Zhu Yan pressed us step by step. I still remember it vividly. I see that Yang Senlin is no pushover either. We cannot let him take the position of County Party Secretary.”

“Brother Ma, Yang Senlin is a piece of cake. I have a hundred ways to deal with him.”

Ma Youcai felt somewhat repulsed by Yi Zhongling’s naked words. “Zhongling, don’t act recklessly. I have my own measure for this matter.”

Yi Zhongling patted his chest and said, “Brother Ma, rest assured. Leave it to me.”

After Yi Zhongling escaped from the Yiyang Local Products Company, he had become a legitimate private entrepreneur. His company headquarters was set up in Lingxi. After the Southeast Asian financial crisis, the national economy was sluggish, and the cruelty of the market economy was fully manifested. His new company suffered severe losses, so he began thinking about doing business with the government to make money easily and pleasantly.

But this required a powerful figure in power. Therefore, he hoped Ma Youcai could become the County Party Secretary and grasp the real power in Yiyang.

He was a man of action. After hanging up the phone, he began drafting a Letter of Denunciation Regarding Comrade Ma Youcai’s Corrupt Lifestyle and Other Issues. In the letter, he listed five major crimes of Ma Youcai. The first was a corrupt lifestyle, maintaining relationships with six young and beautiful women and using his power to seek benefits for them. The second was creating a one-man rule, destroying democratic centralism, with several examples cited. The third was taking huge bribes in transportation construction. The fourth was illegally auctioning the state-owned Yiyang Local Products Company, causing massive loss of state assets. The fifth was failing to unite comrades, often creating conflicts among them.

When Yi Zhongling was the general manager of the Yiyang Local Products Company, he had been very close to Ma Youcai and knew his situation particularly well. The five charges he listed sounded frightening, but they were all fabricated accusations that could be easily verified.

As he stuffed a large stack of letters into different mailboxes, Yi Zhongling sneered inwardly: “Yang Senlin, just you wait and see.”