12: Chapter 12 Warm Hospitality

The person on the other end of the phone let out a cold snort, their tone filled with a hint of disdain:

"What kind of waves can a mere secretary stir up? He is nothing more than a pawn in Qin Ruoxi's hands.

You just need to keep a close eye on them, especially on their interactions. See if there is any inappropriate behavior. As long as we catch a trace of evidence, we can make an issue out of it."

Director Yan Jinghui understood immediately, a sinister smile curling the corners of his mouth:

"I understand, Leader. Rest assured, I will keep a close watch on them."

The person on the other end paused, their tone carrying a hint of warning:

"Remember, be cautious in your actions and do not alert the enemy. Qin Ruoxi is not an ordinary person; her background is far more complex than you imagine.

You only need to do what you are supposed to do. Leave the rest to me."

Director Yan Jinghui quickly replied:

"Yes, Leader. I will certainly keep your instructions in mind."

After hanging up the phone, Director Yan Jinghui let out a long sigh, but the unease in his heart did not dissipate.

He walked to the window and looked out at the bustling street, a glimmer of gloom flashing in his eyes:

"Xiao Bei, do you think you can reach the top just by latching onto Qin Ruoxi? Hmph, I'd like to see how long you can remain smug!"

Meanwhile, after completing the formalities, Xiao Bei headed toward the office of the First Comprehensive Section of the Municipal Government Office.

The people in the First Comprehensive Section of the Municipal Government Office were all dedicated to serving the mayor, and as the mayor's chief secretary, Xiao Bei naturally took on the role of acting section chief.

This way, once he was promoted in the future, he could naturally become the official section chief.

Xiao Bei pushed open the door to the First Comprehensive Section of the Municipal Government Office, and a busy scene greeted him.

Inside the office, several staff members were buried in paperwork, the sounds of keyboard clacking and paper flipping intermingling.

He stood at the doorway and gave a light cough, breaking the silence of the office.

"Ahem... everyone, sorry to interrupt."

Xiao Bei said with a smile.

The people in the office raised their heads one after another, their gazes all turning toward him in unison.

A young female staff member sitting closest to the door was the first to react; she stood up, a warm smile on her face:

"Oh my, Section Chief Xiao! You've arrived!"

Clearly, the news of Xiao Bei's promotion had spread like the wind throughout the entire Municipal Government Office.

Xiao Bei nodded, walked into the office, and introduced himself:

"Hello everyone, I am Xiao Bei. I am officially taking office today, and I ask for your support in the future."

"Oh, Section Chief Xiao, you are too polite!"

A slightly chubby middle-aged man stood up from his seat and walked over with a smile, "I am the Deputy Section Chief of the First Comprehensive Section, Deputy Division Chief Ma Hongqiu. You can just call me Old Ma. From now on, we are one family; if you need anything, just let me know!"

Xiao Bei smiled and shook his hand:

"Deputy Division Chief Ma, you are too polite. I just arrived, and there are many things I am not familiar with yet; I will need to learn from you."

"Not at all, not at all. Section Chief Xiao is young and promising, and with Mayor Qin personally selecting you, our section is truly honored!"

Deputy Division Chief Ma Hongqiu smiled until his eyes narrowed into slits, his tone filled with a hint of flattery.

At this moment, a young man wearing black-rimmed glasses stood up from his seat, pushed up his glasses, and said with a hint of reserve in his tone:

"Section Chief Xiao, hello. My name is Zhang Jiaming. If there are any errands that need running in the future, just give me the order."

Xiao Bei nodded and swept his gaze over the others in the office.

A female staff member wearing a professional suit with a capable air stood up and said with a smile:

"Section Chief Xiao, I am a staff member of the First Comprehensive Section, Jiang Wenxin. For any work-related matters in the future, you can come to me at any time."

"Jiang Wenxin?"

Xiao Bei was slightly taken aback, then smiled, "I have heard of you. You are the top writer of the Municipal Government Office, with first-class writing skills. I will have to rely on you to help vet many materials in the future."

Jiang Wenxin's pretty face flushed slightly, and she said embarrassedly:

"Hee hee, Section Chief Xiao, you flatter me. I will do my best to support your work."

"Section Chief Xiao, don't just spend all your time praising Jiang Wenxin!"

A tall female staff member with short hair stood up from her seat.

She puffed out her ample chest and said, "My name is Ruan Lu, the 'logistics manager' of our section. If you have any needs in your personal life in the future, just come to me!"

Xiao Bei smiled and nodded:

"Sister Lu, I will remember that. I'll definitely be troubling you in the future."

"Section Chief Xiao, please don't be so polite!"

Ruan Lu laughed heartily, "Our section is famous for its unity. Now that you're here, it'll be even livelier!"

Laughter suddenly rang out in the office, and the atmosphere relaxed considerably.

Xiao Bei felt everyone's enthusiasm, and his heart also relaxed a great deal.

He walked to his desk, looked around, and said with a smile:

"Everyone, I've just arrived and am not familiar with many things yet. Let's work hard together to do a good job. If there is anything I don't handle well, please feel free to bring it up, and we can improve together."

"Section Chief Xiao, you are too modest!"

Deputy Division Chief Ma Hongqiu said with a smile, "You were personally selected by Mayor Qin; your ability is definitely beyond question. With you leading our section, we will surely reach new heights in the future!"

"That's right, Section Chief Xiao. Rest assured, we will definitely fully support your work!"

Zhang Jiaming also chimed in, his tone carrying a hint of excitement.

Xiao Bei nodded, secretly letting out a sigh of relief in his heart.

He knew that although he had been promoted to secretary by Qin Ruoxi, whether he could stand firm in this position still depended on his own ability and the support of his colleagues.

In the workplace, especially in the officialdom, everyone only likes to add flowers to the embroidery; as for providing help in times of need, that varies from person to person.

Now that Xiao Bei had just gained power, everyone would surely come to curry favor with him.

Seeing that everyone had finished introducing themselves, Deputy Division Chief Ma Hongqiu clapped his hands and said loudly:

"Alright, everyone, don't just keep talking. Section Chief Xiao has just arrived, so we must celebrate properly! Tonight, I am treating everyone to dinner to welcome Section Chief Xiao!"

"Great!"

A burst of cheers suddenly rang out in the office.

Jiang Wenxin said to Xiao Bei with a smile:

"Section Chief Xiao, please don't decline! It's rare for Deputy Division Chief Ma to be this generous, we have to make sure to fleece him!"

Xiao Bei smiled and nodded, saying:

"Then thank you for your kindness, Brother Ma. I will definitely be there on time tonight."

Deputy Division Chief Ma Hongqiu laughed heartily and patted Xiao Bei on the shoulder:

"Section Chief Xiao, you are too polite! From now on, we are one family, don't stand on ceremony!"

The office was suddenly filled with laughter and joy. Everyone gathered around Xiao Bei, chatting back and forth, the atmosphere very harmonious.

After work, the group crowded around Xiao Bei, chatting and laughing all the way as they walked toward a high-end hotel near the Municipal Government.

The night grew darker, and the neon lights on both sides of the street flickered, reflecting on everyone's faces, appearing exceptionally lively.

"Section Chief Xiao, the food at this hotel is one of the best in our city, especially their signature braised pork belly; it's rich but not greasy, and it melts in your mouth. You must try it later!"