Jiang Xiaochuan got out of the car, his heart and face darkened.

He left quickly, and there were not many people in the garden square in front of the Municipal Party Committee building. He stood next to the flower bed, holding the phone. “Rong Shaobai, tell me, is there any way to help me solve Xue Yan’s problem?”

Rong Shaobai was silent, and after a long time, he chuckled. “Yes.”

Jiang Xiaochuan originally thought that Rong Shaobai would shirk it after being silent for so long, but he didn’t expect him to answer so simply. However, he was not mentally prepared and was speechless for a moment.

“Do you think I will shirk or refuse? You are wrong. I also like to go into the play. Although the relationship with Mayor Jiang is just a matter of interest, this Rong feels that Mayor Jiang has always been a master of acting, so I am looking forward to what will happen this time. And, more importantly, this Rong hates Qingtuan family.”

This was the reason why Rong Shaobai called. He was also a person who put interests first and anything that didn’t benefit him would never be done.

But—hadn’t President Rong already been cleared from underworld matter?

“You have already been cleared; wouldn’t it be troublesome to interfere in these things again?” Jiang Xiaochuan finally asked this question. Rong Shaobai’s determination to clear his name had been so great before. It was because of him, Jiang Xiaochuan could do some cleaning too and he was really worried about Rong Shaobai. If Rong Shaobai stepped on that road again…

Rong Shaobai heard what he meant but was not worried at all. He said leisurely, “I will handle it; you don’t have to worry. It’s just Xue Yan had to suffer a little. If the underworld in Chengzhou were that simple, they wouldn’t have been able to survive for so many years.”

This could be regarded as an introduction for Xue Yan, and it could also be regarded as advice to Jiang Xiaochuan.

Chengzhou’s underworld had been running rampant for many years. How could it remain stable without a protective umbrella over its head?

Jiang Xiaochuan looked at the time. “Thank you, President Rong, for this matter. Please worry no more. This Jiang has something important to do here. I’ll hang up now. I’ll thank President Rong for his help another day.”

“Goodbye, Mayor Jiang.”

“Goodbye.”

This heavy phone call was finally hung up.

Jiang Xiaochuan found that Rong Shaobai was speaking with an aura that was so sharp that people couldn’t look directly at him. It wasn’t that Rong Shaobai was speaking with thorns, but there was an edge hidden in his words and even his whole person.

As a person, if people couldn’t show their sharpness, no one would take them seriously. Rong Shaobai was a smart man. He probably saw that he needed to show his edge now, right?

.

After hanging up the phone, Jiang Xiaochuan gathered his thoughts and walked into the Municipal Party Committee. The elevator went straight to the ninth floor, the Municipal Party Committee Secretary’s office.

Black leather sofas, a design similar to several floors of living rooms inside and outside, atmospheric glass windows, and large desks. People in the secretariat were busy. Sun He, the secretary-general of the municipal party committee in charge of petition work, was busy sorting letters and files outside. Seeing Jiang Xiaochuan coming, he just said hello in the middle of his busy life: “Mayor Jiang, Secretary Li is inside.”

The people of the municipal party committee were really busy.

Jiang Xiaochuan walked into the secretary’s office, where Li Dakai was writing something. As soon as he saw him coming in, he immediately asked him to sit across from him, and then handed him a teacup.

“You came very early. The rumor that Mayor Jiang values time is indeed true.”

Li Dakai calmly extended an olive branch, but Jiang Xiaochuan had to be cautious not to wield a big stick.

“Secretary Li, it’s nothing,” Jiang Xiaochuan replied.

“Ah, you’re always so humble. Have you encountered any difficulties at work recently? Chengzhou being the provincial capital and a city with numerous affairs, I’m particularly concerned that you might be overwhelmed. For significant events, the municipal government must report to the municipal party committee. If you’re uncertain about anything, we must discuss it together. Communication is the key,” Li Dakai said, diving straight into the topic without much preamble. Jiang Xiaochuan was initially taken aback by the bluntness, but upon careful consideration of Li Dakai’s words, he found it amusing.

Li Dakai seemed to want to monopolize the conversation.

While current Chinese advocacy emphasized leveraging the leadership and exemplary role of party organizations in government agencies and units at all levels, the opinions of government departments also needed respect. The two must be coordinated to effectively drive economic development.

However, Li Dakai’s words were laden with implications that Jiang Xiaochuan should consult him on everything and heed the municipal party committee secretary’s directives. Wasn’t this a desire for absolute control?

Jiang Xiaochuan maintained a modest demeanor, stating, “Secretary, you hold me in high regard, and so does the organization. I will unquestionably abide by the organization’s decisions and heed your advice. There may be many things I don’t yet grasp, but please don’t hesitate to educate me.”

It was empty words, but it elevated Li Dakai’s status significantly.

Li Dakai beamed and continued, “You flatter me. Secretary Qu speaks highly of you, recognizing your effectiveness. After discussing with the provincial party committee, I recommended you, and the higher-ups agreed. Only you, as acting mayor, could handle the task. We have faith in your abilities, evident from your previous political achievements. Yesterday, I met Ms. Qiu Yu, President of Lisson Group Headquarters, and she also lauded your capabilities. However, what concerns us most isn’t poor political performance but making waves. I heard that when both the Huaxin Group and the Rong Group vied for the Yangjiang Bridge project, you opted for the Rong Group…”

Here it went again.

“Secretary Li, Rong Group is a locally developed company with strong overall momentum. Although Huaxin wields power, the Rong Group’s bid document was superior. Considering the need to support emerging enterprises, I made a comprehensive decision to award the project to the Rong family.” Jiang Xiaochuan defended his decision regarding the Yanjiang Bridge project with a clear conscience. He was forthright and unafraid of being criticized. Even if Rong Shaobai had insider connections, Jiang Xiaochuan didn’t believe he acted unjustly.

But Li Dakai’s gaze shifted. He offered a half-hearted smile and said, “The matter has been settled, I merely inquired to discern if there were differing perspectives. After all, Ms. Qiu Yu seemed inclined towards the Huaxin Group and critical of the Rong family. Lisson Group appears keen on collaborating with Huaxin and somewhat hesitant towards the Rong family…”

So, that was the issue.

No wonder Rong Shaobai seemed displeased during the groundbreaking ceremony. He must have felt sidelined. It was a complication. With Lisson Group’s prominence in Chengzhou, numerous considerations must be weighed.

Tough queries.

After a lengthy discussion with Li Dakai, covering various aspects of city affairs, Jiang Xiaochuan left the municipal party committee once his teacup had been emptied.

As he stepped out and settled into the car, Rong Shaobai called.

Xue Yan was okay but had sustained minor injuries. He was currently in the Rong Club’s medical room.