87: Chapter 87 The Word "Official" Has Two Mouths

Deputy Secretary Gao Lin's argument still had quite a bit of traction.

Some bigwigs also believed that Gao Feng lacked experience in governing a region.

They felt that while Gao Feng might have outstanding abilities in a specific field, he would inevitably find it difficult to coordinate the work of the entire Zhongzhou Municipal Government.

This was the disadvantage of not having been tempered at the grassroots level, especially lacking experience as a County Party Committee Secretary.

If he had the credentials of being a County Party Committee Secretary, Deputy Secretary Gao Lin wouldn't have been able to exploit this loophole at all.

Of course, the official has two mouths; if you can't find one argument, there's always another.

But a resume that isn't sufficiently detailed is indeed a major flaw.

If too many members of the Standing Committee opposed Gao Feng becoming mayor, Yao Chongliang would also have to consider the political implications and might change his mind.

But the situation was different now; Gao Feng had been investigated by the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection due to false accusations.

Now, there was no evidence to support the claims.

These events would not only increase the leaders' goodwill but also leave them with a tinge of guilt.

In this way, Gao Feng's advantage would be much greater.

Hearing Governor Yu Shaobo's words, Yao Chongliang nodded imperceptibly and shifted his gaze back to Deputy Secretary Gao Lin.

"How do you see this, Deputy Secretary Gao Lin?"

"I support the decision of the Provincial Party Committee."

Today's statement was different from before; today, it was formally raised at the Party Secretary's office meeting.

It was a very serious matter.

It was not like the previous times when the Organization Department or Yao Chongliang had sought opinions in private.

At this point, Deputy Secretary Gao Lin could no longer hold onto his previous opinion.

Now, the other side's blade was already at Deputy Secretary Zhao Weicai's throat.

No matter how much he supported Deputy Secretary Zhao Weicai, it would be of no use.

It would be better for him to take the initiative to curry favor and support Gao Feng; this way, he could also save face with the leaders.

However, Deputy Secretary Gao Lin's attempt to curry favor wasn't thorough enough; he was only offering half-support, half-abstention.

He was only supporting the decision of the Provincial Party Committee, not Gao Feng as a person.

Perhaps deep down, Deputy Secretary Gao Lin was still somewhat unwilling.

Hearing Deputy Secretary Gao Lin's answer, Yao Chongliang nodded noncommittally.

"Secretary Shen Congwen, you have just dealt with Gao Feng, tell us your thoughts."

This was Yao Chongliang's unique style.

Every time he encountered a major event, he would always call on people one by one to ask for their opinions.

Sometimes, if opinions differed, he would tirelessly explain them one by one!

But everyone in Heyang Province knew just how strong this old man's control over Heyang was.

Furthermore, the higher-ups affirmed Yao Chongliang's work in Heyang over these past few years.

They believed that he actively united comrades, promoted the spirit of democracy, and had made tremendous contributions to Heyang's economy.

Just like that, Yao Chongliang sought everyone's opinions one by one.

Until the Secretary-General of the Provincial Party Committee also agreed with Gao Feng serving as the Mayor of Zhongzhou, Yao Chongliang said: "Since that's the case, let's move up the Standing Committee meeting!"

At this point, the farce of framing Gao Feng could finally be considered to have come to an end.

Meanwhile, Sun Ning, who was still unaware of the situation, was "sparring" with Zhao Xue.

There really wasn't much to do in Zhongzhou, and he couldn't leave the city for the time being.

He could only wander around the Jinshui River near his home, the South Campus of Zhongzhou University, and a few surrounding parks.

When he had nothing to do, he would "spar" with Zhao Xue and exchange "techniques" with each other.

To Sun Ning's surprise, Zhao Xue was finally not so shy and took the initiative to let Sun Ning "ride the horse."

With Zhao Xue's figure, she was born to be a "horse," allowing Sun Ning to witness a different kind of charm.

In the afternoon, Zhao Xue received a phone call.

"Xiao Ningzi, your Senior Brother Gao has been high-profiledly sent back to the Zhongzhou Municipal Government by Secretary Shen Congwen; it seems the mayoral seat is destined for him."

"Satisfied now, you little official-addict? The only thing that can make you give up work is your big backer who saved you."

Zhao Xue was very dissatisfied with this aspect of Sun Ning.

Every time she suggested coming to Mishui Township to find him, Sun Ning was always busy.

Sometimes they would just briefly reunite for two days in Zhongzhou on the weekends.

Now that Sun Ning had forced himself to take a few days off for the sake of Gao Feng's high position, how could Zhao Xue not be envious and jealous, and how could she not tease him a bit?

"I wonder which little puppy I've been keeping company with these past few days?"

Sun Ning couldn't help but retort a couple of sentences.

"You're the dog..."

The two of them were frolicking and laughing.

At this moment, Zhao Xue's phone rang again.

She took it out, looked at it, and immediately became serious, signaling to Sun Ning that it was an important call.

"Auntie Zhang..."

After Zhao Xue hung up the phone, she looked at Sun Ning, who was waiting expectantly.

Rolling her eyes, she said: "Official-addict!"

"It was Director Zhang Min from the Heyang Propaganda Department, my father's classmate from the Party School. She has visited my home a few times and has a good relationship with my mother."

"She told me that the Party Secretary's office meeting has decided on the Mayor of Zhongzhou, and it's that Senior Brother of yours!"

"It's basically set in stone now; we just have to wait for the Standing Committee to pass it!"

Sun Ning finally understood; it was "spouse diplomacy"!

Given the Zhao family's status in the media system, it was very necessary to maintain a good relationship with President Zhao Donglai.

Not asking for promotion or wealth, but when there was major news in the province, one would still need to ask President Zhao for a favor.

Did he really think the Daily Newspaper Office was that easy to get into?

And Sun Ning was truly touched.

These two phone calls were not just simple phone calls.

That was the result of Zhao Xue's efforts during this period.

During this time, for the sake of Sun Ning, Zhao Xue had probably reconnected with who knows how many people in Heyang.

These two calls were likely from the closest or highest-ranking people.

It was obvious that Zhao Xue had silently made a lot of efforts for Sun Ning's official career.

He silently pulled Zhao Xue closer, savoring this faint touch of emotion.

Sun Ning looked at the time and felt it was still early.

He estimated that Gao Feng should be at the Party Secretary's and Mayor's office reporting his work right now.

He sent a text message to Gao Feng to meet for dinner in the evening, and happily took Zhao Xue out.

The person who most wanted to welcome Gao Feng back was his wife, Huang Mei.

Although before being taken away, Gao Feng had told Huang Mei that he was fine and that everything had been arranged properly.

Including Sun Ning, who had also visited to comfort her, saying that she should just treat it as if his Senior Brother was on vacation at a hotel for a few days.

But as long as one is taken away by the Discipline Inspection Commission for investigation, it's inevitable to be a bit worried.

In this day and age, who doesn't attend dinners, who doesn't accept a few cartons of cigarettes or a few bottles of wine? These were all just interpersonal courtesies.

But when they all accumulate together, it's hard to say.

At this time, there were no regulations like in later generations.

Regarding these minor details of interpersonal courtesies, the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection wouldn't hold onto them relentlessly.

The two of them came out of Century Lianhua and headed straight to the Municipal Government residential compound.

Originally, Sun Ning had just been to Gao Feng's house and hadn't planned to bring any gifts.

But Zhao Xue wouldn't have it; it was her first time accompanying Sun Ning to visit important people.

No matter what, Zhao Xue insisted on buying some gifts to bring along.

Sun Ning couldn't win the argument, so he accompanied Zhao Xue to Century Lianhua to buy gifts.

This was the first time Sun Ning had visited someone carrying large and small bags of gifts.

At this moment, he just wanted to sigh and say, women are truly troublesome.

The old man opened the door.

Seeing Sun Ning carrying bags of things, the old man's anger flared up.

"You brat, spending money again, and buying such expensive things! With that meager salary of yours, don't you know you should be saving up for marriage?"

"I've long asked your Auntie Huang Mei to introduce a girlfriend to you, but you just won't meet her!"