Since Fan Quanwei was in charge of cultural and educational work, Jiang Xiaochuan concluded that he should attend.

However, the intention behind dragging Jiang Xiaochuan to this event remained unclear.

“Is Chengzhou University short of funds?” This was his immediate reaction.

Wei Lai was a bit stunned, then shook his head, saying, “I really don’t know about that.”

Jiang Xiaochuan didn’t blame Wei Lai, remarking, “It’s normal that you don’t know.”

Nevertheless, this unexpected addition to his schedule for tomorrow seemed like a bit of a time-wasting endeavor.

He had to attend the National People’s Congress tomorrow. Since he had taken over the economic work from Zhou Qian and Qian Qiming, they still required a voting meeting. It was akin to finalized meeting. Just like the appointment to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee couldn’t be finalized until the National People’s Congress convened, Jiang Xiaochuan’s position also needed certification from the National People’s Congress.

All relevant documents state that the National People’s Congress was the highest authority, and the provincial and municipal People’s Congresses were the highest authority in each province and city. So, everything had to be decided by them.

Talking about it this way, Jiang Xiaochuan’s schedule tomorrow would be both fast and slow.

In a hurry, he walked into the office to drink some water. When he turned on the TV, he found himself on it. This scene hadn’t happened for a long time.

.

Wei Lai finished his work outside, stretched, and went out to distribute documents. Upon his return, he noticed the empty ashtray, causing a frown. Some things could no longer be concealed from Jiang Xiaochuan.

After hesitating for a while, he finally knocked on Jiang Xiaochuan’s office door. A not-so-warm “Please come in” came from inside, in Jiang Xiaochuan’s usual tone.

While entering, he saw Jiang Xiaochuan in the rest room watching TV. The announcer on the TV was using the official voice to announce the news of the world-renowned Lisson Group’s investment in Chengzhou. On the screen, Jiang Xiaochuan was shaking hands with Qiao Sen, both of their faces expressing happiness.

To outsiders, it indeed appeared as a smooth cooperation, but only the true insiders knew the secrets behind it.

“Mayor Jiang, I have something to tell you.”

Was he finally ready to confess? Jiang Xiaochuan thought lightly, shifting his gaze from the TV screen to Wei Lai’s young face. “What’s wrong?”

“As your confidential secretary, I should have informed you of these things long ago, but for some reasons, I suppressed this information—someone once inquired about your information from me…” He suddenly couldn’t continue his words. Wei Lai faced Jiang Xiaochuan’s suddenly sharp eyes, as if he was pinned to the ground.

Jiang Xiaochuan looked up again, “But you didn’t say it, did you?”

Surprised, Wei Lai was stunned once again.

Jiang Xiaochuan laughed, “How did you, such a diligent person, become my confidential secretary? I really doubt that you were pushed out by those people to come to my place.” This was indeed what Jiang Xiaochuan said, and Wei Lai was indeed the least popular among the group.

“I guess there must be more than one person asking you for information about me, and they must not be small roles. One of them must be Deputy Mayor Lin Shanyi.” The ashtray outside Jiang Xiaochuan’s door had never been touched because he himself didn’t smoke, and neither did Wei Lai. Where did he get so many cigarette butts thrown into the ashtray?

To be able to stay at the door of Jiang Xiaochuan’s office for so long, someone must be talking to this person, or when there was no one inside or outside—coming here to smoke when no one was around was just looking for trouble. As for someone talking to here, this person could not be anyone else except Wei Lai, the new secretary.

Therefore, Jiang Xiaochuan had been prepared for Wei Lai’s sudden confession.

Wei Lai revealed that several deputy mayors, including Lin Shanyi and Fan Quanwei, had been frequent visitors. There was a subtle hint of guilt in Wei Lai’s expression, noticed keenly by Jiang Xiaochuan.

Jiang Xiaochuan smiled, “You know from books that people are divided into good and evil: good is good, and evil is evil. Everyone should have their own attributes, as clear as a chess game. But when you stand in this place, those methods of discrimination have nothing to do with you. Only when you truly touch human nature can you hear this. You will find that people are not only good and bad. Many people are too complicated, cannot be described by two opposing colors at all.”

Jiang Xiaochuan felt that he should give Wei Lai a chance, and indeed, he did so.

“You go out to be busy, don’t do it next time. As I said again, let me take care of those who can’t you stop, just try your best.”

As soon as Wei Lai left, Jiang Xiaochuan noticed the screen of his mobile phone beside the sofa lighting up. The caller was an unfamiliar number; it should be Lian Cheng.

“Qian Qiming was captured on the other side of the Dian River and will return to the capital of Shu soon.”