Chapter 406: New Life (Part 2)

After a thoroughly frustrating session of the Standing Committee, Liu Bing left the meeting hall with a sour expression. He had barely settled back into his office when his phone rang. It was Dong Li.

"Mayor Liu, congratulations. I heard the relocation of the municipal government building was approved during the Standing Committee meeting."

"General Manager Dong, your information network is truly impressive," Liu Bing said, glancing at his wristwatch. It had been less than an hour since the meeting ended. This speed confirmed one thing: besides himself, another member of the Standing Committee had a close relationship with Dong Li.

Dong Li chuckled softly on the other end. "It’s business, isn’t it? How can we make money if we aren’t well-informed? Mayor Liu, Yunling Company conducts itself with integrity. Over the past few years, we have undertaken numerous projects, all of which are high-quality. You can rest assured about that."

Liu Bing smiled. "Today, we only decided to initiate the relocation project for the office buildings of the four major leadership groups. We still need to submit the proposal to the Lingxi Provincial Government and the State Council. Whether construction can begin this year remains uncertain."

After a few more exchanges, Dong Li casually mentioned, "I’ve heard some rumors recently. The province seems inclined to appoint Zhou Changquan as the Deputy Director of the Provincial People’s Congress once he reaches the age limit."

This was the third time Liu Bing had heard such rumors. He was already seventy percent convinced. With both the provincial and municipal leadership changes scheduled for next year, this meant that the current year was the most critical period for determining whether he could become the Secretary of the Shazhou Municipal Party Committee.

He sat in his office, pondering for a while, then summoned his Secretary-General, Meng Houshi.

"Make a phone call. Hmm…" Liu Bing paused. He had originally intended to have Meng Houshi arrange a meeting with Deputy Secretary-General Jiang from the Provincial Party Committee, but he swallowed the words at the last moment. "Tell the design team from Zhejiang to hurry up and change their approach."

Once Meng Houshi left the office, Liu Bing personally called Deputy Secretary-General Jiang to arrange a meeting in Lingxi the following day. Liu Bing and Deputy Secretary-General Jiang were not originally close; they had only met twice through Meng Houshi’s introductions. They were acquaintances, but Liu Bing decided to cut out the middleman and deal directly.

Deputy Secretary-General Jiang was quite polite. After checking the schedule of Zhu Jianguo, the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, he agreed to meet Liu Bing the next noon.

With the appointment set, Liu Bing felt slightly more at ease. He stood by the window, using small scissors to trim the branches of an osmanthus bonsai on the windowsill. He had kept this bonsai for many years and had specifically instructed the staff not to move it.

Spring had arrived, and the osmanthus on the windowsill had sprouted many tender new leaves, looking quite delightful. However, the excessive new growth made it look somewhat messy. Liu Bing had wanted to prune it for a long time but never found the time. Today, after the frustrating Standing Committee meeting, he was in a poor mood. He put aside his work and stood by the window, trimming the lush osmanthus.

Just as he was concentrating on his task, his secretary, Xiao Qin, walked in with a letter. "Mayor Liu, here is a letter for your review."

Usually, Xiao Qin would not single out a specific letter for immediate attention. Liu Bing asked, "What kind of letter?"

Xiao Qin replied concisely, "A whistleblowing letter. It accuses Finance Bureau Director Kong Zhengyi of corruption and bribery."

Kong Zhengyi, the short and stout Finance Bureau Director, was a staunch ally of Zhou Changquan. Liu Bing had long wanted to replace him but had found no suitable reason. Hearing about the whistleblowing letter, he put down his scissors and returned to his desk.

The letter was detailed, outlining multiple issues regarding Kong Zhengyi. First, there was the issue of fictitious expenditures. In December 1996, Kong Zhengyi had the cashier open a credit card for him and deposit 60,000 yuan. He later used invoices totaling 50,000 yuan to offset the account, leaving the remaining 10,000 yuan unaccounted for. In May 1997, during an inspection trip to Europe, he borrowed 30,000 yuan in cash but reimbursed 60,000 yuan. Second, as the person in charge of government designated procurement at the Finance Bureau, Kong Zhengyi had accepted 70,000 yuan in cash from the owner of an auto repair shop. Third, the renovation of his new house had been reimbursed by the Finance Bureau, in addition to accepting New Year’s greetings money during the Spring Festival.

Liu Bing was largely convinced of the letter’s authenticity.

The details were so specific—times, locations, people, and amounts were all clear—that it had to be written by an insider. Moreover, this person likely held a high position within the Finance Bureau, possibly a Deputy Director.

Liu Bing read the letter carefully again. Although the accusations were common occurrences in real life, legally, embezzlement exceeding 5,000 yuan was punishable by imprisonment. In other words, if even one item listed in the letter was verified, Kong Zhengyi would be finished.

He placed the letter in his drawer and picked up his scissors to continue trimming, but his mind remained fixed on the letter: What role can this letter play?

How can I maximize its impact?

When is the right time to use it?

After trimming for a while, Liu Bing said to Xiao Qin, "Find out if other departments have received this letter."

By "other departments," he primarily meant the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection. Xiao Qin had worked with Liu Bing for over two years. He was sharp-witted and well-liked, often bringing Liu Bing unexpected information.

Additionally, although the relationship between Zhou Changquan and Liu Bing was tense, Xiao Qin maintained good relations with many colleagues in the Municipal Party Committee Office.

Hou Weidong and Xiao Qin had never been close friends, but their surface relationship was decent. When they met, they would chat about the weather or topics unrelated to Shazhou.

After the Standing Committee meeting, Hou Weidong carried Zhou Changquan’s water cup back to his office. As he walked, he thought, The current situation is remarkably similar to what happened in Yiyang back then. Zhu Yan, as the County Party Secretary, kept Ma Youcai tightly under control. Similarly, Zhou Changquan, as the Municipal Party Secretary, has tied Liu Bing’s hands and feet. It seems Liu Bing can only bow in submission, as all major decisions must pass through the Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee. Liu Bing simply cannot oppose Zhou Changquan in those meetings.

This thought brought a hidden worry to his heart. If the rumors are true, Zhou Changquan will move to the Provincial People’s Congress next year. What will I do then? If Liu Bing becomes the Municipal Party Secretary, even if I go down to serve as a County Magistrate, my days will likely not be easy.

He finally dragged himself through until 4:00 PM. Hou Weidong called Xiaojia. "I’m going to Lingxi for dinner with Secretary Zhou. Tomorrow, I’ll be attending classes at the Provincial Party School. I won’t be back tonight. I’ve already called Mom, and she’ll come over to keep you company."

Xiaojia said, "You already called Mom? There’s really no need. I’m fine on my own."

Hou Weidong interrupted, "I’m not放心 (reassured) leaving you alone at home. It’s better if Mom comes over. Be good, listen to me."

Having settled Xiaojia, Hou Weidong let out a long sigh. He placed another mobile phone from his drawer into his inner pocket. At 4:30, he followed Zhou Changquan to Lingxi.

Tonight’s banquet was for an unusual guest: Wu Ying, the wife of Provincial Party Secretary Meng Haofang. Wu Ying looked gentle and petite. She had taken off her black coat, revealing a bright red sweater underneath. Her skin was fair, and the red sweater made her look vibrant and lively.

Hou Weidong recalled the phrase "a mature woman with enduring charm."

Wu Ying was a member of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Director of the Department of Water Resources. Due to Meng Haofang’s status, her position in the Lingxi Department of Water Resources was unique. However, she knew how to keep a low profile, earning her widespread praise in the province.

In Lingxi, families of officials generally had modest demands. Keeping a low profile was, in fact, the most effective form of positive publicity.

Having served under both Zhu Yan and Zhou Changquan, Hou Weidong had frequently encountered provincial leaders, which had broadened his horizons. Therefore, when he shook hands with Deputy Director Wu Ying, his attitude was warm and polite, yet neither humble nor pushy.

Zhou Changquan and Wu Ying appeared very familiar with each other. They sat together, chatting and laughing. The conversation quickly drifted back to the 1970s.

Hou Weidong gradually caught on: Zhou Changquan and Wu Ying grew up in the same compound. Their families must have been close.

He thought to himself, No wonder Zhou Changquan is so confident. With the backing of the Provincial Party Secretary’s wife, he truly has nothing to fear in Lingxi. He also reflected, Zhou Changquan’s depth is unfathomable. I’ve been with him for so long, and he has never leaked any information about his connections.

After chatting for a while, Wu Ying took out her phone. "Brother Liu, Changquan and I are at the Jinxing Hotel. There’s no one else here. Please come over."

Hearing this, Hou Weidong felt a sudden, unexplained discomfort: Is a secretary really just the leader’s private property, not even counted as a person? However, he quickly dismissed the slight unease. This also shows that Wu Ying doesn’t treat me as an outsider.

Once he reasoned it out, he felt calm again. Enjoying the delicious food and listening to the leaders chat about family matters was not a bad experience.

When Zhou Changquan signaled him with a glance, Hou Weidong stood up默契ly (tacitly). He said to Wu Ying, "Director Wu, I will go pick up Chairman Liu."

After Hou Weidong left the room, Wu Ying said softly, "Your secretary is very sharp. You didn’t even have to give orders, and he knew exactly what to do."

Zhou Changquan replied, "Xiao Hou isn’t just sharp; he is talented. He previously served as the Director of the County Party Committee Office, the Director of the Development Zone, and the Director of the Science and Technology Commission at the county level. Now he is the Deputy Director of the Shazhou Municipal Party Committee Office. He is a pillar of talent for Shazhou’s future."

Wu Ying said, "Brother Zhou, it seems you really appreciate this young man."

Zhou Changquan said, "Let him grind with me for a few more years, and then send him to a county to serve as the top leader."

Wu Ying smiled. "I’ve spoken to Old Meng. Brother Zhou has worked in Lingxi for over thirty years and has never used backdoors. This time, we must make it happen. He originally wanted you to become the Deputy Director of the Provincial People’s Congress, a vice-provincial level cadre. But now, we may need to reconsider."

Zhou Changquan did not verbally express his gratitude. Instead, he poured a glass of red wine for Wu Ying. "You should have a small glass. Red wine should be fine." He added, "I have spent my entire life working on the front lines. Moving to the People’s Congress now feels a bit too early. My goal is to build Shazhou into the second-largest city in Lingxi within one term of office."

Hou Weidong had just reached the lobby and was looking out when he saw a familiar figure appear at the door.