38: Chapter 38 Lu Wan'er Arrives

Zhang Huaijing's expression tightened: "So soon?"

"Yes. He already had quite a few complaints and reports from the public against him. When he was Deputy Township Head, he relied on his relationship with the County Magistrate to snatch up many projects, offending quite a few people," Secretary Ji Xuewen said. "When we caught him last night, he was fooling around with his mistress. The Discipline Inspection Commission personnel immediately searched their love nest and found over 500,000 in cash, along with 200,000 worth of tobacco, alcohol, luxury watches, and other valuables. He really is a parasite!"

"Has he confessed?"

"From last night until noon today, for 12 hours, the investigators have interrogated him without a break," Secretary Ji Xuewen said. "He has a tough mouth, resisting the investigation and refusing to admit anything. I suspect he's waiting for someone to bail him out. This man is very cunning. He admitted that the 'lust, caution' incident on Friday was orchestrated by him alone, claiming he was merely following my intentions by arranging the call girl. He says the Public Security Bureau's anti-vice operation was purely accidental."

"He's taking the blame upon himself to show the County Magistrate his loyalty, to put their minds at ease so they will rescue him," Zhang Huaijing mused.

Secretary Ji Xuewen nodded: "Yes. Two members of the County Party Committee have already approached me, but I ignored them. County Magistrate Du Huaishui came to see me just before getting off work this morning, hoping to let Deputy Director Ouyang Yang off the hook."

"They are actually being this blatant?"

"Yes, they don't care about rules or discipline at all."

Zhang Huaijing said: "Hold your ground and keep interrogating him. After a while, when Deputy Director Ouyang Yang sees that the investigators' attitude hasn't changed and that no one is coming to save him, his psychological defenses will gradually collapse. Then he'll spill everything like beans pouring out of a bamboo tube."

"Understood, Secretary. I will emphasize this to the Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary again."

After speaking a few more words, Secretary Ji Xuewen said: "Secretary, I would also like to report on the arrangements for the veteran comrade Cui Yuejin. There are mainly a few points: First, as a combat veteran, he will be given a monthly living allowance of 100 yuan; Second, since Cui Yuejin was injured in battle and has been assessed as a disabled veteran, he will receive a monthly disability pension starting from January next year, totaling about 7,500 yuan a year; Third, a living subsidy for veteran party members will be issued at a standard of 960 yuan per year; Fourth, medical expenses for the recurrence of old injuries will be fully covered by the county, and he will also receive special care for other illnesses; Fifth, since Cui Liming was working overtime until past three in the morning and was killed by a car on his way home, he has been re-designated as having died in the line of duty. A one-time pension of 68,000 yuan will be issued, based on 40 months of his basic salary."

Zhang Huaijing nodded after listening, simply saying: "That is acceptable. You have done well. We must treat veteran party members and retired soldiers who are dedicated to the public good with kindness."

He couldn't help but think to himself that Secretary Ji Xuewen actually had some foresight; his old father had finally received fairness and preferential treatment. Of course, if Cui Liming hadn't possessed the body of the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, these things would have been unlikely to happen. The County Party Secretary wasn't being kind to Cui Yuejin; he was just trying to curry favor with Zhang Huaijing.

No sooner had Secretary Ji Xuewen left than someone else knocked on the door and entered. A wave of fragrance rushed into his nostrils, accompanied by a bright and pleasant laugh. Needless to say, it was Minister Wang Ximeng, the woman you "hear before you see."

She burst in with great energy, while behind her followed a slightly shy and beautiful young woman: Lu Waner.

"Secretary Huaijing, your place is truly busy. I waited all morning and couldn't get in line, but now that there's finally no one here, I've come to report on work," Minister Wang Ximeng said loudly while laughing.

She was still the same petite woman with a large bust, wearing a tasteful and bright suit, with short hair cut to her ears and a pair of large, obsidian-like eyes that were sparkling and very lively.

"Minister Wang Ximeng, your laugh and temperament really do have the air of Wang Xifeng; every time, one hears your laughter before seeing you." Zhang Huaijing was always happy to see her. Wherever she went, things became lively, and it was easy to feel cheerful. This was a unique charm of hers.

Minister Wang Ximeng laughed heartily again. Her laugh was somewhat infectious and very distinctive; you knew it was her the moment you heard it. After laughing for a while, she said: "Secretary, you shouldn't say that, but I really am a 'Second Grandmother Lian.' My husband's surname is Lian, and he is the second born, hahaha..."

Zhang Huaijing also laughed out loud.

Beside them, Lu Waner felt less restrained in this relaxed atmosphere. Lowering her head slightly, she cast glances at the handsome and refined Zhang Huaijing. The little deer in her heart had run out at some unknown moment, stumbling about as if it had lost its way.

"Oh my, I'm always so happy when I see you, Secretary. I get so happy I almost forget the real business. Secretary, let me introduce a newcomer to you: Lu Waner."

Minister Wang Ximeng pulled Lu Waner forward. "She's been transferred to my department, the Second Section of the Organization Department. She's starting work first while the paperwork is still being processed. I brought her today to meet the leader. If it weren't for the Secretary's discerning eye for talent, we would have missed this hidden gem. Quickly, thank the Secretary."

Lu Waner didn't speak, her small face blushing first. She said with dignity and gentleness: "Thank you, Secretary Zhang! Please guide me."

"This girl just arrived, so she's still a bit reserved. Secretary Zhang is not only handsome but also has a good temper, and he's humorous and charming. You should learn more from the Secretary in the future, and you'll progress quickly."

"Yes, I will. Thank you, Secretary. Thank you, Minister." Lu Waner said, her small face flushed, bowing to Zhang Huaijing one moment and thanking Minister Wang Ximeng the next.

"Don't be so formal. Why are you still standing? Please, sit down."

"We won't take up any more of the Secretary's time. We're off. Goodbye." After saying this, Minister Wang Ximeng giggled at him and left with Lu Waner.

For a long while, the fragrance left by the women still lingered in the room.

Zhang Huaijing's mind echoed with Lu Waner's slender figure and shy appearance, and his heart was deeply moved.

As for Minister Wang Ximeng, that woman was truly exceptionally clever. Zhang Huaijing had thought he had concealed his intentions perfectly, yet she had still guessed his thoughts and cleanly and efficiently transferred Lu Waner up.

The next step was to resolve the issues of Lu Waner's father becoming a permanent teacher from his substitute teaching position, as well as buying a house and arranging accommodation in Haizhou City.

She was a traditional and devoted girl who was deeply in love with Cui Liming and still remained a virgin. It probably wouldn't be that easy to make her fall in love with the stranger that was Zhang Huaijing.

Do his best and let nature take its course; at the very least, he had to ensure she lived a good life. Zhang Huaijing set this as his most basic principle.

At the afternoon discussion meeting, Mayor Niu Panlong did not attend. Executive Vice Mayor Zuo Youfa attended, along with deputy heads of departments such as urban planning and construction, as well as several County Party Secretaries and heads of peripheral departments.

Crucially, Secretary Man Chaojian followed Zhang Huaijing's advice and invited three experts and scholars in urban planning, bridge construction, and city branding from his alma mater, as well as some entrepreneur representatives (delegates, committee members). Shen Meizhu also attended.

Reporter Ye Xiaoni from the municipal television station appeared again. She stood behind the attendees and playfully winked at Zhang Huaijing.

Zhang Huaijing smiled and mouthed the words, "You little rascal."

Reporter Ye Xiaoni understood, stuck out her tongue, and laughed happily.