32: Chapter 32 It's time to get a new secretary.

Hu Zhengren's face was dark, his head lowered, and he didn't say a word. Even though he had ten million curses in his heart, he had to endure it for now.

Because coming here to investigate was Director Tu Jianping's instruction.

Once Director Tu Jianping finished his performance, he asked Secretary Ji Xuewen for instructions on how to handle the situation.

Secretary Ji Xuewen's expression was very ugly, because everyone could see that he had shamelessly pushed the responsibility onto his subordinate.

Secretary Ji Xuewen gave his instructions in a stern voice: "First, this matter is strictly forbidden from being leaked. You must speak with everyone who knows about this again. If even a hint of news gets out, I will hold you responsible! Second, arrest Ah Shun immediately and investigate the full story. Next Monday, you will come with me to the Municipal Party Committee to report to Secretary Zhang; Third, the Public Security Bureau will launch a major reorganization of its staff!"

"Yes, I will resolutely implement the instructions and requirements of Secretary Zhang and Secretary Ji Xuewen!" Director Tu Jianping saluted the two leaders. "I will go handle it myself immediately!"

A few minutes later, Director Tu Jianping left the room and entered his official car. Once the car was on the road, he dialed Du Zitong's number:

"Young Master Du, you know by now, right? It's messed up. Zhang Huaijing is no pushover, and the key is that he didn't touch those two women. He has the moral high ground."

"Damn, I underestimated him! Xiao Yun and Xiao Yu are the best of the best, and he actually... damn, I let my guard down."

Du Zitong's plan was that regardless of whether it was a "lust, caution" trap or if he had solicited them himself, a dignified Deputy Secretary with two girls... if you want to make it serious, it's suspected of group promiscuity, and you wouldn't be able to hold your head up anywhere. If it were sensationalized in the media, he wouldn't be able to survive in Haizhou.

Director Tu Jianping snorted and said: "However, it can be considered a warning shot. Tell your dad that I tried my f*cking best, and don't come to me for this kind of thing again. Also, tell Ah Shun to be proactive tomorrow and spend a few days inside; otherwise, there's no way to close this case."

"No way, you're a dignified Director of the Public Security Bureau, and you can't even protect my lackey?"

"He'll be released after a few days. Ah Shun will insist that he was trying to do a good deed that went wrong, with the intention of providing good reception services for the leader. Who knew he would run into the county's anti-vice operation and then just happen to be reported by someone?" Director Tu Jianping advised.

"That won't do either."

"Do you want to blow this up?" Director Tu Jianping said displeasedly. "Young Master Du, Zhang Huaijing is the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, the third-in-command. Do you think this is a game? I could see that Secretary Ji Xuewen was also very unhappy tonight."

"Secretary Ji Xuewen? Give me a break, he's just a coward."

"No matter how cowardly he is, he is still the County Party Secretary! No matter how powerful your father is, he is only the Deputy County Party Secretary. In some situations, the head of the Party Committee has an absolute advantage. Do you understand?" Director Tu Jianping lectured.

"You guys are really too soft." Du Zitong's tone softened a bit. "Fine, fine, fine, I'll send Ah Shun to you tomorrow so you can take the credit and go ask for a reward from Zhang Huaijing."

"What kind of talk is that? This is called 'he who cannot endure small misfortunes can never accomplish great things'." Director Tu Jianping sighed. "Young Master Du, from now on, just focus on your business and don't cause any more trouble. How many times have I had to clean up your f*cking mess? This time I'm telling you to let it rest to avoid dragging out the case of Cui Liming, understand?"

"I understand, I understand."

After hanging up, Director Tu Jianping let out a heavy breath, lit a cigarette, and took a few deep drags.

At nine o'clock the next morning, Secretary Ji Xuewen accompanied Zhang Huaijing, Minister Meng Zhaodi, and Minister Wang Ximeng for breakfast.

Once Deputy Director Ouyang Yang finished making arrangements, he tactfully made himself scarce.

Last night, Secretary Ji Xuewen stayed at the hotel and called Deputy Director Ouyang Yang into his room for questioning and a scolding, but he gained nothing because Deputy Director Ouyang Yang had superb acting skills and kept playing dumb.

He couldn't explain how the three ladies managed to get the master key card or how they entered the rooms of Zhang Huaijing and Secretary Jiang Tao.

At this moment, Zhang Huaijing appeared calm and composed, and Secretary Ji Xuewen couldn't help but admire Secretary Zhang's composure and demeanor.

Minister Meng Zhaodi and Minister Wang Ximeng had slept well, chatting and laughing, looking very happy.

While they were eating, Minister Wang Ximeng suddenly asked: "Did something happen on the third floor last night? I was half-asleep and heard people talking, going back and forth, for a long time."

"It's a hotel, after all, with people coming and going. Next time you come, I'll find a quiet place for everyone," Secretary Ji Xuewen said with a chuckle.

"Secretary Ji Xuewen, is there a quiet place in Wanghai County?" Zhang Huaijing asked with a smile.

Secretary Ji Xuewen's expression stiffened, but he immediately said firmly: "Yes, of course there is; even if there isn't one now, there will be soon."

"Good, I'll wait and see!" Zhang Huaijing patted his arm lightly. "Ji Xuewen, I have high hopes for you, keep it up!"

"Thank you, Secretary, thank you!" Secretary Ji Xuewen understood the subtext in his words.

Despite this incident, he was still encouraging and tolerant; what else was there to say? A scholar dies for his confidant; he must investigate this clearly, handle it strictly, and give Secretary Zhang an explanation!

On the way back to Haizhou City, Secretary Jiang Tao, who was sitting in the passenger seat, kept turning around wanting to say something, but seeing Zhang Huaijing leaning back in his seat, eyes closed and resting, he had to swallow his words.

Arriving downstairs at the Haizhou Hotel, Secretary Jiang Tao was preparing to accompany him upstairs, but Zhang Huaijing waved his hand to stop him and suddenly asked: "Was it good last night?"

Secretary Jiang Tao was stunned and mumbled: "Secretary, I'm sorry, I... I was wrong, I was really wrong."

"I asked Secretary Ji Xuewen to try his best to eliminate the impact and keep it a secret for you, but you also know, what secrets are there in officialdom? Especially regarding affairs between men and women, public opinion is a terrifying thing, so... how long have you been working in the Municipal Party Committee office?"

Secretary Jiang Tao was a smart man and realized immediately that Secretary Zhang wanted him to voluntarily submit his resignation. But he didn't understand what the follow-up question meant, so he said: "I was previously in the district office, and only transferred up at the beginning of last year."

"How many years have you been a staff member?"

"Three years."

Zhang Huaijing nodded and said: "I will suggest to Secretary-General Fang that you be promoted by one level."

"Thank you, Secretary, but I still want to follow you..."

Zhang Huaijing smiled and said earnestly: "You are still young, and you have a long road ahead. In the future, learn from this lesson, keep yourself clean, and also learn to protect yourself. You must not have the intention to harm others, but you must have the heart to guard against them."

After saying this, he patted him on the shoulder and walked into the lobby.

Secretary Jiang Tao stood at the entrance, dumbstruck.

Was he just swept out the door like that? Yet he couldn't hate Zhang Huaijing at all; instead, he felt that he was broad-minded and had a gentle temper. Thus, he felt even more remorseful. Why, when he met the beautiful Beibei last night, did he only think with his lower body? If he had followed Secretary Zhang for a few years, he would certainly have gone beyond the section level; promotion to the deputy division level would have been a given.

At seven o'clock in the evening, Zhang Huaijing returned to the provincial capital, Yuezhou.

At a century-old Cantonese restaurant, he had dinner with his ex-wife, Wang Shuting.

She was dressed in black, her hair tied in a bun, looking crisp and capable, yet mysterious and charming.

Zhang Huaijing couldn't help but exclaim: "Shuting, after the divorce, I found that you have become more and more beautiful and sexy."

"I think you are too. The more I look at you, the more I like you. It's like the feeling of falling in love with you at first sight back then has returned." Wang Shuting gazed at him quietly, gentle as water.

She picked up a piece of duck and put it in his bowl: "You've come back from that remote, desolate place having lost weight, and you must be starving, right? Come, eat some meat to build yourself back up."

Zhang Huaijing looked at her and smiled: "I am indeed starving."

Her face flushed slightly; the kind of conversation only a husband and wife would understand had returned.