Official Career Storm

"Mayor Wu, you've just taken office today, and I'm already giving you trouble, sorry about that."

Liang Jianfeng said this as soon as he sat down.

Wu Qiangwei had worked with him for nearly a year in Lingjiang and knew him fairly well.

He hadn't been assimilated by the corruption of political circles, which was rare.

Hearing this, she knew Liang Jianfeng hadn't come to reminisce or form connections but truly had a matter to discuss.

"No need to apologize, go on."

"There's an undercover in the Police Department."

"Undercover?"

Upon hearing Liang Jianfeng's words, Wu Qiangwei's expression immediately turned serious.

Liang Jianfeng proceeded to narrate the ins and outs of the case.

Learning that Song Guanchao was shot at last night, Wu Qiangwei's heart tightened, her hand involuntarily clenched into a fist.

After he finished speaking, Wu Qiangwei took a deep breath and started to understand the details carefully.

Soon, she noticed some aspects of the case and asked about a crucial point: "Can we confirm that Chen Peng is the undercover agent?"

"We cannot confirm."

Liang Jianfeng said, "District Chief Song and I both suspect that last night was a setup by the undercover agent, and Chen Peng was pushed out as the scapegoat."

Wu Qiangwei asked, "What do you plan to do next?"

Liang Jianfeng said, "Chen Peng's wife and children are missing, we're currently investigating. For the undercover case, I plan to report it to the Provincial Committee; this matter cannot be concealed. How to investigate it specifically will depend on instructions from the Provincial Committee."

As the capital city, Jiangzhou City indeed has higher administrative status, with more authority in various aspects than ordinary Prefecture-level Cities.

But due to it being the capital city, it's very close to the Provincial Committee and the Provincial Government, so many matters must be reported to the Provincial Committee.

For instance, the undercover case, Liang Jianfeng cannot act on his own.

Wu Qiangwei said, "I'll contact the Provincial Government shortly."

"That would be a bother, Mayor Wu."

"No need to say that."

Wu Qiangwei shook her head and said, "This isn't necessarily a bad thing; at least it's an opportunity for you to firmly control the powers of the city bureau."

Liang Jianfeng smiled and said, "That's secondary, but it's indeed an opportunity."

He stood up and said, "I'll head back now, Mayor Wu, call me if you need anything."

Upon leaving the office, he noticed Yao Guangsong still outside.

He smiled and nodded at Yao Guangsong, who then went inside.

"Mayor Wu."

"Director Yao, have a seat."

Yao Guangsong just sat down, then said, "Mayor Wu, first of all, welcome to your position; I'm quite familiar with the office here, if you need anything, feel free to instruct. Oh, by the way, do you need the Secretariat to recommend a secretary? If necessary, I'll take care of it right away."

Seeing his proactive and enthusiastic approach, a smile appeared on Wu Qiangwei's face: "Then I'll trouble Director Yao, for the secretary position, select some newcomers."

"Alright, I'll take care of it."

He said and was about to stand up when Wu Qiangwei suddenly asked: "Is Mayor Zhang in the City Government?"

"She is. Do you want to see her, Mayor Wu?"

"No need," Wu Qiangwei said, "From now on, departmental reports should be sent to me first."

"Okay."

"Director Yao, you may go busy yourself."

Gently closing the door, Yao Guangsong thought to himself, the rumors that Wu Qiangwei and Zhang Yan have conflicts are true indeed.

Generally speaking, when a mayor takes office, the main leaders of the City Government should meet individually.

Yet Wu Qiangwei specifically requested not to meet Zhang Yan.

Even future work reports are to be sent to her first.

It's almost explicit that she wants to sideline Zhang Yan.

"Director Yao, is Mayor Wu busy?"

A middle-aged woman came up and asked.

Yao Guangsong's thoughts were interrupted, he looked up, and quickly replied, "Secretary Han, Mayor Wu is indeed here."

This woman is the Secretary General of the City Government, Han Lan.

Han Lan replied with an "oh" and went over to knock on the door.

"Please come in."

Han Lan opened the door, walked over and said, "Hello, Mayor Wu, I am Secretary General Han Lan."

"Hello, Secretary Han, please have a seat."

Han Lan didn't rush to sit down; she placed a document down before sitting.

"This is a rundown of some situations in the City Government, Mayor Wu may look at it when you have time."

Wu Qiangwei was a bit surprised, during their first meeting, Secretary Han left her with a very pragmatic impression.

"Thank you, Secretary Han."

"It's my job." Han Lan said, "The City Government has arranged a welcoming dinner tonight, tentatively at seven o'clock at the guesthouse. If Mayor Wu has other engagements, I'll reschedule."

"I'll let you know this afternoon."

"Okay, then I'll return to my work."

Han Lan didn't linger long; after completing her task, she left directly.

Her efficient style left a deep impression on Wu Qiangwei.

Wu Qiangwei picked up the document, the clear and distinct black-and-white text in rows and columns was pleasing and logical.

Soon, she gained a basic understanding of the key departmental leaders within the City Government.

Putting down the document, Wu Qiangwei picked up her phone and dialed Song Guanchao's number.

Just after dialing, she hung up again.

At this time, Song Guanchao seemed to still be in training.

So, she sent a WeChat message instead.

"Call back when the training is over."

Soon after, Yao Guangsong delivered a list of potential secretaries.

Their ages were mostly around 23, just graduated and entered the City Government.

To be able to join the City Government at such a young age, there are usually two scenarios.

First, they have family connections, directly arranged into the City Government.

Second, they got in on their own merit through exams.

The first scenario is more common, while the second is very rare.

After all, official positions like these are scarce.

She selected a few names and was about to call Liang Jianfeng to help investigate these candidates' backgrounds, but after thinking for a bit, decided not to make the call.

...

In the Deputy Mayor's office, Zhang Yan listened to her secretary's report, her face turning gloomy.

It seems Yao Guangsong proactively went to see Wu Qiangwei.

This lackey used to follow her orders, eager to please and serve her well.

Once seeing her lose influence, he immediately went to curry favor with Wu Qiangwei.

"Mayor, are you going to meet Mayor Wu?" Secretary Wei Wen asked.

Zhang Yan closed her eyes slightly, paused, then asked, "What do you think?"

Wei Wen said, "I think it's better to meet her. As per convention, Mayor Wu's first day in office, you as the second-in-command at the City Government should meet her. Otherwise, it'll look bad for you."

Zhang Yan knew she was right, but she just didn't want to go.

Yet she understood this wasn't the time to act on impulse.

She stood up and headed outside, Wei Wen hurriedly opened the office door and followed behind.

"Knock, knock."

"Please enter."

Zhang Yan opened the door, forcing a thin smile onto her somber face.

"Mayor Wu."

"Oh, it's Mayor Zhang."

Wu Qiangwei raised her eyelids lightly, then continued to look at the file in her hand.

This attitude made Zhang Yan inwardly furious.

She came over to make amends, but was met with this kind of treatment.

Zhang Yan walked over, not knowing whether to sit or stand.

After some minutes, Wu Qiangwei finally closed the file, as if just noticing her: "Sorry, got engrossed in reading, Mayor Zhang, have a seat."

As Zhang Yan sat down, Wu Qiangwei's phone suddenly rang.

It was Song Guanchao calling.

She checked the time, it was half-past ten, indicating today's morning training had ended.

"Mayor Wu, you've taken office?" As soon as the call connected, Song Guanchao's leisurely voice echoed in her ear, seemingly accompanied by his playful smile.

"Yes." Wu Qiangwei said, "Book a restaurant for lunch, and send me the address once you have it."

After hanging up the phone, she looked at Zhang Yan: "Is there something you need, Mayor Zhang?"

The fire inside Zhang Yan almost burst out.

Being so belittled, even intentionally ignored, only to be asked something like this in the end.

Doesn't Wu Qiangwei know why I'm here?

Yet even being treated like this, Zhang Yan could only continue to endure.

"Mayor Wu just took office, I'm here to greet you, and in the future, I will fully cooperate with your work."

Wu Qiangwei said, "I heard there's a captain in the Security Division who was found to be drunk driving and hiding drugs, and later it was revealed to be a setup by a junior officer from the City Government. Mayor Zhang, do you know about this?"

Zhang Yan's expression froze: "Such a big issue, I certainly know."

Wu Qiangwei said, "I heard this junior officer was under your supervision? I'd hope there won't be such mistakes again."

"Certainly not."

"Alright, you may leave, and please close the door on your way out."

With a belly full of ire, Zhang Yan's smile vanished, replaced by intense anger as she left the office.

Around noon, Wu Qiangwei picked up the list of secretary candidates and headed to the restaurant Song Guanchao had reserved.