The Tempting Road to Becoming an Official

The two of them were chirping and chattering away in the conference room.

Those waiting outside were becoming increasingly desperate.

Wang Qin's praise lasted only about a minute.

Yet, Chen Fang had been in the conference room for over an hour now.

Several leaders gathered in He Duo's office, especially Mei Shikang, who couldn't settle down and paced back and forth.

"Director Mei, should I go to the conference room door and eavesdrop on what they're talking about?"

Office Director Tian Xingpo asked.

"Don't you dare. If Secretary Xu sees you, she'll flay you alive,"

Mei Shikang scolded, and Tian Xingpo dared not move rashly anymore.

Just when everyone had their own ghosts to guard.

A cadre pushed open the door and announced to everyone, "Secretary Xu has already left."

"What? Left? Did she say anything?"

Mei Shikang asked anxiously.

The cadre scratched his head and said, "She didn't say anything. Deputy Director Chen sent her to the door, but I saw Secretary Xu seemed very happy, smiling all the while. Before leaving, she even whispered something to Deputy Director Chen."

"Whispering? Are you sure you're not mistaken?"

Tian Xingpo asked, his tone cooling.

The cadre shook his head and replied, "I'm sure I saw it right."

This news complicated the feelings of everyone present.

They all came to one conclusion.

Chen Fang's relationship with Xu Lianyun was not insignificant.

With such backing, it was no wonder Chen Fang dared to take action against Tang Weiping the moment he arrived; it suddenly didn't seem so surprising.

"Hmph! Chen Fang, no matter what support you have, as long as you provoke Zhang Cheng, even if Heaven's Emperor himself comes, you're done for,"

Such an event.

Made everyone regard Chen Fang with a new level of respect.

But only Mei Shikang, his hostility toward Chen Fang was growing more and more intense.

Initially, Tang Weiping's issue was merely a verbal commendation for Chen Fang and Wang Qin.

But by the next day.

The county Disciplinary Committee issued a document to publicly commend those who made outstanding contributions in the Tang Weiping case.

Besides these two, it also included the case handler Luo Lan.

Receiving this news, Gao Jianzhao was somewhat baffled.

Though the case wasn't minor and involved a significant amount of money, it wasn't enough to merit public commendation from the Disciplinary Committee.

Just as he thought about making a call to inquire about the situation.

The phone on the desk rang out of the blue.

"Is this Minister Gao?"

The voice on the phone asked.

Gao Jianzhao replied, "Speaking."

"Minister Gao, Deputy Director Chen Fang of the Safety Supervision Bureau said he had arranged a meeting with you, is that correct?"

"Who?"

"Chen Fang, Deputy Director Chen Fang of the Safety Supervision Bureau,"

The voice repeated.

Did Chen Fang really seek him out?

Gao Meng had been taken away by Chen Fang several days ago, and Hong Qian had not been able to find out anything, leaving Gao Jianzhao anxious and on tenterhooks recently.

He had thought Chen Fang would seek him out soon.

But it unexpectedly dragged on for nearly a week.

"Yes, I did arrange to meet him. Have him come up,"

After hanging up, Gao Jianzhao still felt turmoil inside.

For many years, he had always portrayed the facade of a harmonious family, even receiving the title of "Outstanding Family" from the Municipal Women's Federation last year. But if the fact that he ordered his own nephew to rape his wife came to light, his personal image collapsing would be the least of his worries. He could potentially face criminal charges.

There was another aspect.

These past few days.

Mo Zifei's attitude toward him had taken a complete 180-degree turn.

Clearly, she had learned something.

His marriage to Mo Zifei was just a play, and if Mo Zifei were to let this information leak, it would likewise be a disaster for him.

"Thump thump thump."

The door was knocked.

"Come in!"

As Gao Jianzhao uttered these two words, his heart uncontrollably began to beat violently.

"Minister Gao, I hope I'm not disturbing you?"

Chen Fang asked with a nod and a bow.

"Ah, Comrade Chen, come in, take a seat, right inside."

Gao Jianzhao personally got up, pulling Chen Fang over to the sofa.

He then busied himself at the tea table.

Chen Fang wasn't in a hurry, and when Gao Jianzhao handed him a cup of tea, he said, "Minister Gao, I came today because I have a favor to ask of you."

"Ah, Chen, didn't we agree last time? In private, just call me brother."

"Heh heh." Chen Fang gave an embarrassed smile.

"Chen, tell me, what's the matter?"

"The anti-corruption bureau of the Prosecutor's Office has a deputy director named Luo Lan; she also made a merit in the Tang Weiping case. I'm hoping to have her transferred to the Disciplinary Committee to work."

"Disciplinary Committee? Chen, I'm afraid I can't help you with this. Although I handle the organizational transfers, it still requires Secretary Xu's approval."

Gao Jianzhao said with some difficulty.

Chen Fang waved his hand, saying, "Brother, I've already informed Secretary Xu; she's agreed. It's just the organizational aspect..."

Informed?

And she has already agreed?

How has Chen Fang become involved with Xu Lianyun?

Upon thinking this, Gao Jianzhao drew in a cold breath.

It seemed Chen Fang's background wasn't as simple as he thought.

If he really wanted to take action against him, it wouldn't be so easy.

He paused, then said, "Alright, since Secretary Xu has no objections, it's within my duties. Don't worry, Chen, I'll take care of it for you, but..."

Seeing Gao Jianzhao's hesitant expression.

Chen Fang caught the implication.

He said, "Oh, brother, I heard from your sister-in-law that your nephew has gone missing for a while now, hasn't he? Isn't it a coincidence? I just happened to run into him on the street. Your nephew said he wanted to stay at my place for a few days— I assume you wouldn't mind?"

"No objections, definitely no objections, Chen, rest assured, I'll handle the matter you mentioned right away."

Masters match wits with just a few moves.

Gao Meng was now in Chen Fang's hands, and he wasn't planning on letting him go.

This was clearly a means of gaining leverage on Gao Jianzhao.

Though Gao Jianzhao was fully aware, he was helpless to do anything.

After leaving the county committee courtyard.

Chen Fang received a call from Wen Mei.

She asked him to go to the county library.

Saying she had something to discuss with him.

Since taking office at the Safety Supervision Bureau, Chen Fang indeed hadn't seen Wen Mei again. Thinking it could be progress with Liang Abao's case, he didn't delay and quickly headed over.

Huffing with breathlessness, Chen Fang found Wen Mei, but he froze.

Today, Wen Mei was wearing a white dress, her hair in a ponytail, a pair of non-prescription glasses resting on her nose, holding a book in her hand, sitting in a corner by the window.

She seemed like a completely different person from her usual self.

To be aware, Wen Mei's face was inherently pure-looking.

Now, with a student attire, she appeared even more untainted by worldly concerns.

In the busy library, students passing by cast envious and admiring glances.

Noticing Chen Fang, Wen Mei hurriedly waved him over. After Chen Fang sat down beside her, he asked, "Is there some new development with Liang Abao?"

"Forget Liang Abao for now, give me your hand."

Wen Mei instructed.

What the hell?

Chen Fang stretched out his hand.

Wen Mei grabbed his wrist forcefully and then, with his hand, delved straight under the skirt of her dress.