14: Chapter 14 Persuading the Peak

After Sun Ning rambled on for a while, he let out a sigh of relief.

He had finally managed to bring up the whole matter naturally.

Gao Feng couldn't help but look moved upon hearing this.

He couldn't help but ask: "Isn't that going too far? Would his methods really be so underhanded?"

Gao Feng didn't mention any names, but his meaning was clear.

How could the dignified Deputy Secretary of the Zhongzhou Municipal Committee, a high-ranking local official at the deputy- hall level, stoop to such methods?

It was impossible for him to use such methods.

Did Deputy Secretary Zhao Weicai not care about his own stature and dignity?

"Senior Brother, don't forget, you were invited by the Provincial Party Committee to develop the economy, and the strategy to strengthen the provincial capital is in full swing."

"The Zhongdong New Area has just taken shape, and you will be needed to lead Zhongzhou's continued development."

"Besides, Eldest Senior Brother will also find an opportunity to call Governor Yu."

"It's practically a done deal that you will be the mayor; it's impossible that Deputy Secretary Zhao hasn't heard any rumors."

"He's reached the age limit; if he doesn't move up this time, he won't have another chance. Might he choose to make one last desperate gamble?"

"Even if Deputy Secretary Zhao himself has no such intentions, what about his brothers and nephews?"

"Perhaps his brothers or nephews might even imitate the Chenqiaoyi incident and stage a 'crowning with the yellow robe' scenario."

"Would Deputy Secretary Zhao accept it gladly, or would he accept it gladly?"

Sun Ning didn't need to continue; Deputy Secretary Zhao Weicai would certainly accept it gladly.

If Gao Feng were reported and exposed, Deputy Secretary Zhao Weicai would only think he deserved it.

Deputy Secretary Zhao Weicai would consider becoming mayor as recognition from the Organization Department.

It would be perfectly legitimate!

Besides, for Deputy Secretary Zhao Weicai to reach his current position, he must have had support from leaders behind him.

Once Gao Feng lost his chance, the leaders who appreciated Deputy Secretary Zhao Weicai would just need to make a casual suggestion.

Deputy Secretary Zhao Weicai had sufficient seniority, so becoming mayor would be a natural progression.

"So that's why you thought of transferring Wei Minhang over, just in case?"

The point had been made so clearly; if Gao Feng still didn't understand, Sun Ning would have to doubt his political wisdom and vigilance.

He would even decisively call his Eldest Senior Brother to stop him from supporting Gao Feng.

"Senior Brother, here is what I'm thinking: a local police officer would certainly be alert to any disturbances in his jurisdiction."

"With him gathering information, we might be able to preempt some underhanded moves."

"Then, have Wei Minhang secretly install some surveillance cameras in your living room, just in case."

"You and your wife will have to endure it for a few months, and once the dust settles, you can just remove them."

"However, before installing the cameras, you need to bring your elderly parents over to live with you for a while."

"That way, you'll have an explanation."

"You also need to spread the word that while the elderly are staying, you won't be receiving guests."

Truth be told, installing surveillance cameras in a Deputy Mayor's home did seem a bit unorthodox.

Who are you trying to guard against with these cameras?

But if the elderly were visiting, it would be different.

A son worrying about his parents' safety at home is, by any standard, an act of filial piety.

It's just that installing surveillance at home might be a first in Zhongzhou's official circles, so it would inevitably attract some gossip.

But compared to one's political future, these minor flaws are inconsequential.

If Zhao Bo didn't arrange for a thief to plant things in your home, no one would even know you had surveillance cameras installed, right?

"Sun Ning, your thinking is so comprehensive; Senior Brother is impressed. No wonder our teacher likes you so much."

"Your future achievements will be far greater than mine."

"As for Wei Minhang..."

Gao Feng had agreed.

Actually, Sun Ning's strategy wasn't necessarily the safest, but it guarded against petty people, not gentlemen.

Since they were resorting to petty tactics, Gao Feng wouldn't be returning evil with kindness.

And this kind of task was really suited for someone like Wei Minhang.

He was discreet and unassuming.

Furthermore, grassroots police officers often deal with all sorts of people, so they are bound to get some information in advance.

It was just that Gao Feng didn't know him, hence the hesitation.

"Wei Minhang and I were classmates in middle and high school. Like me, he comes from a rural background; his father is a clinic doctor in Guancheng."

"He has been a police officer at a Police Station under the Guancheng District for three years since graduation."

Sun Ning's words revealed two pieces of information.

In summary: Wei Minhang is very reliable, and he has no powerful backing.

As for whether you use him or not, that's up to you.

I have said all I can say.

Anyway, for your sake, I have done everything I should and shouldn't have.

Gao Feng was not the type to be indecisive.

He readily agreed: "Then I will have to trouble Wei Minhang in the future."

"Tomorrow, I'll have my driver take your sister-in-law back to pick up the old folks."

Gao Feng's home was in the north, not far from Heyang, so driving was more convenient than taking the train.

Seeing things develop in the direction he had anticipated, a sense of achievement rose within Sun Ning.

Unknowingly, he had saved the political life of a good official.

Such a person serving as mayor was far better than being led by those who just occupy seats and eat without working.

Perhaps Zhongzhou's development would be faster and better.

After finishing the serious business, Gao Feng inquired about Sun Ning's life.

Seeing that it was about time, Sun Ning took his leave.

Before Sun Ning left, Gao Feng mentioned that the Municipal Organization Department had entrusted the County Organization Department to announce his appointment.

Of course, for the appointment of a Township Head, the County Organization Department only needed to send someone.

The reason Gao Feng mentioned the Municipal Organization Department was because he was entrusted by others.

After all, a Sun Ning, as a chief staff member, didn't warrant accompaniment by someone from the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee.

Sun Ning said his goodbyes and left; Gao Feng had intended to see him downstairs, but Sun Ning stopped him.

For an Executive Deputy Mayor to see off a young man, especially in the government residential compound, would be too conspicuous.

Sun Ning didn't want to become the talk of the town just yet.

And he certainly couldn't attract the prying eyes of certain people.

What he needed to do now was to do a good job in Mishui Township and lay a solid foundation.

His goal was to build Mishui Township into something that surpassed Huikuo Town.

Just as Sun Ning stepped out of the residential compound gate, Wei Minhang, who had been in the corner, walked up to him.

As expected of someone who is smooth and tactful; because Sun Ning hadn't told him to leave, he had stood there for a full hour.

Setting aside their friendship, this guy was also a thoughtful person.

It seemed that three years of working as a grassroots police officer had polished his emotional intelligence.

"Let's go, back to the hotel first."

"Don't leave today; let's go to work directly from here tomorrow. I've really been missing the spicy soup and scallion pancakes."

"Those carb-filled foods are always so satisfying."

Back at the hotel, Sun Ning went to the front desk to book another room and ordered a few bottles of beer and some snacks.

Wei Minhang tried to pay, but Sun Ning dismissed him by saying, "You're just a staff member, do you earn more than a chief staff member like me?"

Sun Ning opened a bottle of Jinxing beer and handed it to Wei Minhang, muttering, "Long time no see."

Sun Ning's voice was barely audible, and Wei Minhang didn't hear it.

To put it plainly, these were all Sun Ning's internal thoughts, perhaps a sense of anticipation for things familiar from his past life.

The two clinked their bottles and gulped down a mouthful.

"Brother Xiong, send Mayor Gao a text message tomorrow. Just leave your name and phone number, and for the rest, just follow the Mayor's arrangements."

"This is a good opportunity; you must seize it."

"In two or three months, I can't guarantee the position of Police Station Chief, but a Deputy Chief position will be easy."

Actually, Sun Ning had understated it.

The purpose was that he didn't want Wei Minhang to have overly high expectations.

But he also had to give him a direction to work towards.