Official Career Storm

But can you blame him?

You really can't.

If you really get to the bottom of it, dividing right from wrong, he would be in trouble.

Without Jiang Yuan's approval, these departments wouldn't have dared to bypass the audit.

Song Guanchao watched with great interest from the side.

Especially when he saw Qu Xiangru exuding the demeanor of a Deputy Governor, he couldn't help but imagine the scene of pressing her beneath him.

It seemed that she had sensed Song Guanchao's gaze, and with a sidelong glance, Qu Xiangru immediately guessed what was on his mind.

"Secretary Qu is right. These two departments really lack independence and failed to uphold their principles."

Jiang Yuan eventually compromised.

Qu Xiangru gave a soft hum, stood up, and said, "Secretary Song has the latest updates, report directly to me."

"Meeting adjourned."

Once everyone left, only Jiang Yuan and Zheng Bihui remained in the conference room.

"Mayor Zheng, you've done a good job!"

Jiang Yuan's face was extremely unsightly.

Because of him, Jiang Yuan lost four departments this time!

Zheng Bihui, however, was very calm: "Mayor Jiang, talking about this now is meaningless."

"No one wanted this to happen."

"Mayor Jiang should just pray that Secretary Song manages to recover the money as soon as possible."

After throwing down these words, Zheng Bihui left the conference room.

He didn't go downstairs but headed straight to the sixth floor, arriving outside Qu Xiangru's office.

"Mayor Zheng."

Jiang Yiren quickly stood up.

"I'm here to see Secretary Qu."

Mayor Zheng smiled kindly, knocked on the door, and then pushed it open to enter.

Qu Xiangru was a bit surprised. Clearly, she didn't expect Zheng Bihui to come see her privately.

She truly couldn't figure out why Zheng Bihui would make private contact with her.

Jiang Yiren followed him in, poured him some tea, and then left.

"What brings Mayor Zheng to see me?"

"Sigh."

Zheng Bihui let out a sigh, "What Secretary Qu just said in the conference room deeply resonated with me."

"This incident not only exposed my work attitude but also revealed problems within some departments of our City Government."

"For example, as Secretary Qu mentioned, the directors of those departments have no stance of their own. Just because Mayor Jiang spoke, they dared not disobey. Even if it was against the rules, they went ahead with it."

"In their eyes, there are no principles. The words of a leader are bigger than the heavens."

Qu Xiangru's smile was playful. She knew what Zheng Bihui was here for.

This guy came to show loyalty.

"Regardless of whether Secretary Song can recover the money or not, my term as Mayor is at an end."

"It's also fine, being a Mayor has been stifling, retreating to a secondary position, and entering retirement is pretty good."

He said with a self-mocking smile.

Qu Xiangru feigned surprise: "Why is Mayor Zheng saying such things?"

Zheng Bihui smiled bitterly and said, "Secretary Qu just came to Lingjiang and may not know. My role as Mayor is only for appearances. The true head of the City Government is Mayor Jiang."

Of course, Qu Xiangru knew, but at this moment, she still pretended to hear it for the first time.

"After this incident concludes, I'll submit my resignation to the province. Oh, by the way."

As if recalling something, Zheng Bihui said, "Does Secretary Qu have a candidate for Mayor? If you do, tell me, and I'll recommend them to the province before I leave."

He said this with sincere words and a sincere attitude.

Qu Xiangru smiled and said, "Mayor Zheng, don't take it so seriously. Even wise people make mistakes, and we're all ordinary humans. Who hasn't made a mistake? We can't deny everything because of a single mistake."

"Moreover, if Secretary Song can resolve this matter, it won't reach the province."

Zheng Bihui said solemnly, "Secretary Qu, personally, I think this matter can't be hidden!"

"Oh?" Qu Xiangru asked, "What do you mean?"

Zheng Bihui said, "This matter can't be concealed! Du Lingchun has already been detained by the Disciplinary Committee. If a branch bank manager suddenly disappears, the bank will soon find out."

"If the bank communicates this to the province, the province will definitely blame Secretary Qu."

"Therefore, I believe it can't be concealed! Not only can it not be hidden, but we must actively confess to the province!"

"This matter was my doing, and I will go to the province to admit the mistake to Secretary Gao!"

Qu Xiangru feigned contemplation: "I better go."

"No!" Zheng Bihui shook his head: "Secretary Qu cannot go!"

"If you go, what will Mayor Jiang think?"

"This dirty job can only be done by me. I am the most suitable choice."

"Besides, my term as Mayor is also at an end. Offending Mayor Jiang before retiring doesn't matter anymore."

Qu Xiangru smiled and said: "Mayor Zheng, don't think so negatively. As long as the money can be recovered, Secretary Gao won't escalate the issue."

"Perhaps." Zheng Bihui's smile was desolate, yet he felt relieved internally.

He said these words just like Qu Xiangru thought, to show loyalty.

Because he was fully aware that Jiang Yuan's influence was waning.

This time, four core departments were taken over by Qu Xiangru.

Additionally, Qu Xiangru and Wu Qiangwei had somehow formed an alliance.

The City Committee was united, and several departments of the City Government were also under their control.

In such a situation, he simply couldn't continue aligning with Jiang Yuan.

Showing goodwill to Qu Xiangru was mainly in hopes that she could say some good words in the province to lessen his penalty.

He even thought that perhaps Qu Xiangru might allow him to continue for a while longer as Mayor.

But he also understood that just saying nice words wasn't enough.

He must show sincerity and present a token of allegiance!

This token of allegiance is him facing the province about this matter.

Once this goes to the province, both he and Jiang Yuan will face punishment.

This would further undermine Jiang Yuan's prestige.

At the same time, it demonstrated his stance. If needed, he could relinquish the Mayor's position at any time upon Qu Xiangru's request.

Fortunately, Qu Xiangru did not refuse.

He knew that he temporarily earned Qu Xiangru's trust.

"Secretary Qu, should I make a trip to the province this afternoon?" he inquired.

"Mayor Zheng, take care on the way."

After Zheng Bihui left, Jiang Yiren came in to clear the tea cups.

Qu Xiangru said, "Go and invite Secretary Wu over."

"Okay."

Wu Qiangwei soon came, and Qu Xiangru said, "Mayor Zheng just came to see me."

She recounted their conversation to Wu Qiangwei.

Wu Qiangwei was somewhat surprised, as she really hadn't expected Zheng Bihui to pledge allegiance one day.

But on further thought, it wasn't surprising he made this choice.

If he wanted to remain Mayor, he only had the option of aligning with Qu Xiangru.

Beneath Zheng Bihui's explosive temperament lay a quite nuanced mind.

Qu Xiangru said, "Mayor Zheng will go to the province this afternoon. Afterwards, we also need to make a trip."

Wu Qiangwei found it a bit odd. As the leading official, it was natural for Qu Xiangru to go to the province for such a major issue.

But being the third in command, there was no need for her to go at all.

Seemingly noticing her confusion, Qu Xiangru said, "To discuss with Secretary Gao on how to handle Mayor Zheng. Whether to let him stay or replace him with you."