Jiang Xiaochuan sensed a different undertone in Yue Qingci’s words. He believed that the concealed narrative behind the Rong family case would deeply resonate with him, prompting him to agree to a collaborative alliance with Yue Qingci.

Originally closed, this case wouldn’t have been taken so seriously if Jiang Xiaochuan were just an ordinary deputy mayor. Unless Yue Qingci knew about Jiang Xiaochuan’s clandestine interest in the case—somehow tied to him.

Jiang Xiaochuan had to suspect that Yue Qingci possessed knowledge, but he refrained from asking or revealing anything that might expose him, unsure if Yue Qingci was testing him. “While I am intrigued by the hidden aspects, why would I agree to a collaboration over such trivial matters?”

Yue Qingci smiled, an inquisitive glint in his eyes. The topic shifted, avoiding entanglement, “People harbor desires. Curiosity can be lethal, both for a cat and for oneself. In the cutthroat world of officialdom, even if you don’t intend harm, obstructing others may bring harm. I believe Mayor Jiang understands the significance of the Rong case, so—”

What a skilled lobbyist.

He had never heard Yue Qingci speak with such maturity and finesse; each word struck home, making it challenging to refuse.

Could he resist cooperating with Yue Qingci?

No, the temptation to uncover the truth about the Rong case was too strong. He knew that the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection with Lian Cheng was also investigating. Although officially closed, there were countless unrevealed details. It seemed unrelated to Jiang Xiaochuan, yet it presented a latent danger—a ticking time bomb.

Furthermore, he recognized the need for assistance in the days ahead. Lian Cheng alone wouldn’t suffice. Hailing from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection carried weight, but if it became known that Jiang Xiaochuan had close ties with them, his remaining tenure would likely be marred by hardships.

In contrast, Yue Qingci was in a different position. The party and government weren’t distinctly separated; the nation’s top leaders held significant roles in the party, government, and military. This structure trickled down to lower-level departments, though the divisions were stark.

The Yue family wielded substantial influence, and Yue Qingci held a certain amount of power within the party committee. If Jiang Xiaochuan could capitalize on this opportunity, it would be advantageous. Simultaneously, Yue Qingci needed Jiang Xiaochuan’s support to climb the ranks, turning Jiang Xiaochuan into a stepping stone for Yue Qingci’s promotion.

Ultimately, it was a matter of mutual benefit.

He and Yue Qingci should never have entered into this relationship from the beginning.

.

After pondering for a while, Jiang Xiaochuan nodded, “You’re right. I need strong support in the times ahead, be it from the municipal government or the municipal committee.”

Though the municipal government was largely similar, Jiang Xiaochuan genuinely didn’t know many individuals within the municipal committee. Qu Zhendong, the deputy secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, had been a connection from Jiang Xiaochuan’s past, promoting him. Setting aside his questionable motives, Qu Zhendong remained one of the connections Jiang Xiaochuan had cultivated.

However, this pertained to the provincial party committee. While Qu Zhendong exerted some influence over Chengzhou, it wasn’t as direct as those within the municipal party committee. Jiang Xiaochuan only had limited knowledge of Yue Qingci’s connections in the municipal party committee, as their previous life’s collaboration had revolved around Yue Qinci.

He expressed the need for strong support, and Yue Qingci naturally grasped the implication. He just didn’t anticipate that Jiang Xiaochuan, who appeared stubborn before, would shift his stance and agree outright.

A hint of surprise briefly crossed Yue Qingci’s face, but he swiftly regained composure, saying, “Qingci understands Brother Xiaochuan’s current situation very well, so there’s no need to worry about it.”

Jiang Xiaochuan inherited a complex situation, dealing with numerous financial and economic issues. When engaging with municipal committees, the core political power in a prefecture-level city resided in the municipal party organization—the Chengzhou Municipal Party Committee.

Despite Yue Qingci’s assurance, Jiang Xiaochuan’s expression remained unyielding. He appeared calm, as if facing such matters was a routine experience.

“It’s getting late. Why don’t you go back?” Jiang Xiaochuan suggested, glancing at the darkening sky and checking his watch.

Recognizing the appropriateness of ending the discussion at this point, Yue Qingci understood that the specifics would be addressed later. Finalizing a general direction and future cooperation would be straightforward.

“Then, goodbye.”

“Goodbye, Yue Qingci.”

Yue Qingci casually took the coffee can, stood up, and left with clean, precise movements, devoid of any sloppiness.

His posture lacked the mature steadiness of the person Jiang Xiaochuan knew in the previous life, but there was a somber aura to his demeanor. Seated there, he resembled a dignified ink painting, with traces of contemplation evident amid the ink stains. The subsequent dark hues carried a certain allure.

Jiang Xiaochuan pondered for a moment, then turned his head, lowering his eyes to observe the unopened drink cans around him. He shook the mint water in his hand, took a few slow sips, and eventually discarded the unfinished water into the garbage can.

.

Yue Qingci returned to hia home, placing the empty jar on the tea seat in the flower hall.

The collaboration between Yue Qingci and Jiang Xiaochuan resumed.

Jiang Xiaochuan chose not to inform Lian Cheng about this. Despite holding his phone and contemplating making the call multiple times, each attempt was abandoned as he closed his eyes, withdrew his fingers, and eventually removed the battery.

He had an instinct that it was wiser not to disclose this matter to Lian Cheng.

He needed to be cautious about matters related to the military.

If something were to happen to Yue Qingci one day, he would take initiative.