31: Chapter 31 Wang Haitao's Phone Call

The phone screen flickered repeatedly in the light of the private room.

The name "Political Commissar Wang Haitao" spun mechanically on the tabletop.

Zhu Wenhao rubbed his fingertips along the rim of his cup, watching the screen light up and go dark, then light up again.

It wasn't until the third call was halfway through that he pressed the answer button and turned on the speakerphone.

"Zhu Wenhao, I hope I'm not disturbing your rest?" Political Commissar Wang Haitao's voice drilled out from the receiver.

Zhu Wenhao moved the phone half an inch closer to his ear. "I'm out having a casual meal. Political Commissar Wang Haitao, calling at this hour—is there something urgent?"

"It's nothing major, really. I just have some work matters I'd like to report to Secretary Zhu."

Political Commissar Wang Haitao chuckled apologetically on the other end of the line.

"Do you think Secretary Zhu might be able to spare some time tomorrow?"

"Reporting work?" Zhu Wenhao said in a calm tone. "That should go through the proper channels. Political Commissar Wang Haitao, you can call Secretary Gao Ming's office directly to make an appointment. He is my father's dedicated secretary, and he knows the schedule best."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line.

Political Commissar Wang Haitao coughed awkwardly.

"Look at this mess—I just happen not to have Secretary Gao Ming's number handy, and I'm afraid the office line is booked too far out. This is urgent; I can't afford any delays."

This kind of excuse was a dime a dozen within the system.

A standing deputy director of the Development and Reform Commission who can't find the number for the Municipal Party Committee deputy secretary's chief secretary?

No one would believe that.

Zhu Wenhao saw through it but didn't call him out.

"I'll ask my father in a moment. I'll check his schedule."

Political Commissar Wang Haitao paused. "Zhu Wenhao, to be honest. With Director Zheng gone, the Development and Reform Commission is in complete chaos. Some things can't be fully discussed in the office. I was wondering if I could find a convenient time to pay a visit to your home?"

Going to the office is for official business.

Going to the home is for private matters—to find a backer.

Political Commissar Wang Haitao was now as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.

He had turned around and sold out Zheng Jianguo; although he had temporarily distanced himself, he had also completely cut off his retreat with Mayor Su Changming.

If he couldn't take root under the big tree that was Secretary Zhu Tianhe, once the storm over Zheng Jianguo passed, Mayor Su Changming would have plenty of ways to send him to the Archives Bureau to compile family trees.

"There's no need for that. My father hasn't been discussing private matters at home lately."

Zhu Wenhao shut down his idea immediately.

Political Commissar Wang Haitao's breathing grew noticeably heavier; he was clearly disappointed.

"However, Division Chief Zhao Desheng spoke with me today."

"The Organization Department plans to initiate the selection and vetting process for the director of the Development and Reform Commission."

"The Organization Department's intention is to see if you, Political Commissar Wang Haitao, are suitable for this responsibility."

"The Organization Department's concern... I will definitely keep it in mind!"

Political Commissar Wang Haitao's voice changed pitch; it was no longer the tentative tone from before, but was filled with the excitement of someone who had survived a disaster.

"I will absolutely not let Secretary Zhu's trust down. From now on, the Development and Reform Commission will follow Secretary Zhu's instructions without hesitation!"

"Save the declarations for later."

Zhu Wenhao interrupted his emotional outburst.

"Wait for my call regarding the work report. Your priority right now is to nail the Organization Department's assessment interview tomorrow. You need to keep a close eye on those fence-sitters within the Development and Reform Commission."

"Understood, understood."

"Also, for the democratic assessment, you need to have a clear plan in your mind. Pick a few core staff members, and make sure they don't stab you in the back at critical moments. As for Zheng Jianguo's old accounts, seal what needs to be sealed and cut ties with what needs to be cut."

Zhu Wenhao glanced at Wu Dehai, who was sitting across from him, and continued.

"I'm going to give you a number."

"This is Old Wu from Division Two, who is also a member of this vetting team. Coordinate the details with him so nothing goes wrong."

After reciting Wu Dehai's number, Zhu Wenhao didn't wait for the other party to thank him again and cut the connection.

The private room fell silent.

Wu Dehai sat opposite him, having heard every word.

In just a few sentences, Zhu Wenhao had determined the fate of a division-level official.

"Dehai, it looks like you'll have to work hard tonight."

Zhu Wenhao put down his phone.

"The materials need to be finished overnight, and the outline for tomorrow's interview needs to be redrafted. Try to avoid marginalized topics as much as possible and get straight to the point."

Wu Dehai stood up abruptly, causing the tea in his cup to slosh violently.

"Don't worry, Brother Yuntong, I'm heading back to the department now."

He understood that this was the opportunity Zhu Wenhao was giving him.

As long as Political Commissar Wang Haitao's call came through tonight, his position in Division Two would be completely secure.

"No need to rush; finish eating before you go."

Zhu Wenhao picked up his chopsticks again.

"You will lead the questioning for tomorrow's assessment. Political Commissar Wang Haitao will cooperate with you to hold up appearances. Division Chief Zhao Desheng wants a result, so we will give him a perfect reason for the recommendation."

Wu Dehai nodded vigorously.

Half an hour later, the two drove back to the Municipal Organization Department building.

At this hour, most of the office building was dark, except for a few lights still on in Division Two.

The hallway was quiet, with only the echo of leather shoes hitting the floor.

Wu Dehai opened his computer and skillfully pulled up the vetting templates from previous years.

Zhu Wenhao sat beside him, his fingertips grazing the three printed lists.

"This page."

Zhu Wenhao pointed to Political Commissar Wang Haitao's resume.

"Highlight his role in stabilizing the situation after Zheng Jianguo's incident. Add the phrase 'daring to draw the sword on major issues of principle'."

Drawing the sword meant drawing the sword against Zheng Jianguo.

Wu Dehai's hands moved extremely fast, and the sound of the keyboard rang out densely in the late-night office.

He realized that Zhu Wenhao's control over text was incredibly penetrating; those originally stiff terms, after being rearranged by him, carried an indisputable sense of authority.

"Brother Yuntong, does this paragraph look okay?" Wu Dehai turned the screen around.

Zhu Wenhao scanned it.

"Too soft."

"Change 'suggest listing as a key vetting object' to 'after preliminary assessment, it is believed that this comrade possesses the political quality and professional ability to take charge of the overall situation'."

This change turned room for discussion directly into a predetermined conclusion.

By the time all the preparatory materials were printed, it was nearly midnight.

Wu Dehai held the stack of paper, still warm from the printer, feeling a heavy weight in his hands, as if he were clutching someone's future.

"I'll talk to Old Sun tomorrow. You handle the process."

Zhu Wenhao stood up and grabbed his coat.

"Go back and get some rest; tomorrow is your first tough battle."

Wu Dehai watched Zhu Wenhao's retreating figure as he walked out of the office.

He recalled the composure Zhu Wenhao had shown an hour ago at Sanweiju Restaurant, when he was in total control while taking the call.

He had originally thought he had latched onto a powerful figure with deep connections.

But now it seemed that this man wasn't playing chess at all; he was making the rules.

This feeling made him both fearful and excited.

He knew he had finally followed the right person.

At 8:20 the next morning, in front of the Development and Reform Commission building.

Political Commissar Wang Haitao was waiting early at the bottom of the steps, his face somewhat tense.

It wasn't until he saw the white official car from the Organization Department turn into the compound that he straightened his tie and hurried up to meet it.

The car door opened.

Wu Dehai got out first, clutching a thick blue folder.

Political Commissar Wang Haitao looked at this staff member, whom he usually didn't think much of, and there was no longer any of the disdain he used to have in his eyes.

Their eyes met.

Wu Dehai nodded slightly.

Zhu Wenhao followed behind, holding only a notebook.

He glanced at Political Commissar Wang Haitao, then at the national emblem hanging above the building, and stepped inside.

At this moment, the transfer of power at the Development and Reform Commission officially began.