I Cultivate in a Government Office

Chapter 147: Chapter 101: Competition, To the City?

"I understand! I’ll take your advice to heart, Brother Wenqing!" Yang Wenqi was overjoyed and repeatedly gave his assurance.

Yang Wenqing didn’t delay. He took out paper and a pen from his Storage Bag and, in front of Yang Lin and his son, wrote a letter of recommendation. He handed it to Yang Wenqi, saying, "Take this recommendation letter and find Vice Director Sun’s secretary. Don’t go directly to Vice Director Sun, and don’t give it directly to your supervisor. Understand?"

"I understand!"

Yang Wenqi was sharp; he understood immediately.

Afterward, they chatted for a bit more about everyday matters, and Yang Wenqing asked about how things were in the village before seeing them out.

After seeing off the profusely thankful Yang Lin and a much calmer Yang Wenqi, Yang Wenqing stood alone before the hall. The afterglow of the setting sun painted the courtyard a warm gold, reflecting the smile on his face.

’Yang Wenqi is a promising youth. He has ambition and ability, but he needs the right guidance. He needs to understand what it takes to truly establish oneself in a vast and ancient system like the Civil Affairs Bureau.’

’This first move has been made. How far he goes in the future will depend on his own efforts and fortune.’

After Yang Wenqi left, Aunt Zhou brought him a letter. It was from his father. Looking at his father’s handwriting, which he had clearly tried hard to make neat, a smile touched his lips.

The letter first mentioned matters regarding the manor, and then that his younger brother and sister would be coming to the county in three days. His brother was now sixteen and would be eligible for the county examination in another year; he was coming this year to study. His sister was coming for the same reason—she was going to study rune technology.

Yang Wenqing asked Aunt Zhou to find Yang Tie to pick them up and bring them straight back. He also reminded her to prepare the two upstairs rooms in advance.

After Aunt Zhou left, Yang Wenqing went to the Quiet Chamber in the rear courtyard to continue his daily meditative cultivation. The next day, at dawn, he punctually practiced the Sword Control Technique and his new Dharma Seal.

At eight o’clock, Yang Wenqing arrived at the precinct office as usual. Just as he finished handling a few routine documents, the deputy team leader’s badge at his waist vibrated gently. Vice Director Gao’s somewhat deep voice came through: "Wenqing, come up for a moment."

Yang Wenqing’s heart skipped a beat. He put down his pen, straightened his collar, and strode quickly toward the top floor.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door to Vice Director Gao’s office, he was met with the faint smell of cigar smoke. Vice Director Gao wasn’t sitting behind his desk as usual. Instead, he was standing before the floor-to-ceiling window with his back to the door, watching the busy communications engineering vehicles in the precinct plaza outside.

"Vice Director Gao."

Yang Wenqing closed the door and stood respectfully to one side.

Vice Director Gao turned around. His face was expressionless, but deep in his eyes, there was an imperceptible trace of fatigue and irritation. He walked over to his desk, sat down, and gestured for Yang Wenqing to sit as well.

"Last night’s director’s meeting was unpleasant."

Vice Director Gao got straight to the point, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the smooth desktop. "It’s about the New Town to the south. Zhang Qiming won’t give an inch. He won’t even give up a single patrol captain position!"

He sneered. "I think he wants to promote Wu Qianjun. How long has it been since you’ve seen him?"

Yang Wenqing quickly replied, "A month. He’s been on a routine inspection tour of the towns below this past month. When he returned a few days ago, he was diverted to handle a case."

Vice Director Gao looked up at Yang Wenqing. "He has likely already advanced to the Sixth Refinement. By the time the New Town is completed next year, he’ll be perfectly positioned to pass the law enforcement specialist’s assessment."

A glint flashed in Yang Wenqing’s eyes. ’He hadn’t expected to have to compete with this man again.’

"You..."

Vice Director Gao clearly wanted to ask about Yang Wenqing’s cultivation, but the words died on his lips, and he shook his head. He probably didn’t want Yang Wenqing to take any risks, because in his eyes, someone with Yang Wenqing’s talent could have a much better future.

"What’s more troublesome is Deputy Director Zhou."

Vice Director Gao’s brow furrowed as he changed the subject. "In the past, on key personnel matters like this, while he might not have fully sided with us, he would at least lean my way or propose a compromise. But last night, he didn’t say a word the entire time, and when it came to the vote, he abstained."

"Abstained?" Yang Wenqing’s gaze sharpened.

’In that kind of situation, abstaining was a powerful signal in itself. It meant Deputy Director Zhou was unwilling to pick a side, or perhaps, that he was waiting for something.’

"Yes, abstained." Vice Director Gao took a drag from his cigar, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke. "The matter has reached a complete stalemate. Right now, neither I nor Zhang Qiming can persuade the other, and Deputy Director Zhou isn’t helping either side."

’Yang Wenqing carefully studied his superior. In the past, the man had always been gentle and refined, never even calling his peers by their full names in private conversation. But today, he had torn off that facade. It was clear their conflict had reached an irreconcilable point.’

Vice Director Gao tapped the desk again and said quickly, "The construction of the New Town won’t wait. The advance patrol team must have our people on it. Dragging this out is bad for both of us. Besides, I have a feeling there’s something behind Deputy Director Zhou’s change in attitude this time."

"You mean to say..." Yang Wenqing asked tentatively.

"Deputy Director Zhou’s sudden neutrality is illogical." Vice Director Gao stubbed out his cigar. "I want to sound him out myself, but if I ask him directly, he might not tell me the truth."

He paused, his tone softening. "Here’s the plan, Wenqing. In a little while, go to Deputy Director Zhou’s office. Tell him I’ve acquired two bottles of fine wine and would like to invite him to the Liuyun Music Garden tonight to relax and listen to some music, as a thank you for his support of the Major Case Team over the years. Be humble, as if a junior is inviting a senior."

’Yang Wenqing understood immediately. He was being sent to test the waters, to probe Deputy Director Zhou’s true attitude and bottom line.’

"Yes, Vice Director Gao," Yang Wenqing agreed.

"Good. Go on, see what he says." Vice Director Gao waved his hand and turned his gaze back to the window, his figure looking somewhat heavy from behind.

Yang Wenqing left the office. After taking a deep breath to calm himself, he turned and walked toward the Deputy Director’s office on the other side of the same floor. After the secretary announced his arrival, he entered.

Deputy Director Zhou was at his desk, reviewing documents. He wore a crisp white uniform, his hair combed meticulously. Hearing the sound, he looked up. Seeing it was Yang Wenqing, his face broke into its usual smile.

"Ah, Wenqing. Is something the matter?" He put down his pen and leaned back slightly in his chair.

"Deputy Director Zhou, sorry to disturb you."

Yang Wenqing’s attitude was respectful. "It’s like this. Vice Director Gao just came by two bottles of aged wine. Knowing you have a taste for it, he was thinking of inviting you to the Liuyun Music Garden this evening, if you’re free."

Deputy Director Zhou’s smile didn’t waver. He pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, "Wenqing, please thank Vice Director Gao for me for his kind intentions."

Then his tone shifted, a hint of apology on his face. "However, I have some family matters to deal with recently, and the city bureau just sent down a few urgent documents that need careful review. I really can’t get away. Let’s wait a while. When I have time, I’ll be the host and treat Vice Director Gao and you."

A polite refusal.

The reason was plausible and his tone was polite, but the rejection was clean and decisive.

Yang Wenqing wasn’t too surprised. He showed a timely hint of regret on his face but remained respectful. "You’re too kind, Deputy Director Zhou. Your business is more important. I won’t disturb you any further, then. We’ll get together when you have time."

"Alright. Go on back to your work."

Deputy Director Zhou nodded and picked up his pen again.

Yang Wenqing turned and had just reached the door, his hand already on the doorknob, when Deputy Director Zhou’s voice came from behind, sounding as if he were just making a casual remark:

"Wenqing, go back and tell Vice Director Gao that the New Town is making quite a stir. I’ve heard that people from the Provincial Hall are even paying attention. Our Qianjiao County is a small pond. There’s not much point in fighting over some things just within the county. Sometimes, it’s better to set your sights a little higher, to take a bigger step. The city, or even the province, might have a clearer perspective."

Yang Wenqing froze. He held his pose, about to open the door, as if digesting the words. Then, he turned to face Deputy Director Zhou, an expression of gratitude and enlightenment on his face. He bowed slightly and said:

"Thank you for your guidance, Deputy Director Zhou."

Deputy Director Zhou just waved his hand, his gaze already back on his documents, as if his last words had been nothing more than idle chatter.

Yang Wenqing gently closed the door. After exiting the secretary’s area, he stood in the hallway, replaying Deputy Director Zhou’s words in his mind. The message was packed with information. He didn’t dare to delay and immediately returned to Vice Director Gao’s office to report what Deputy Director Zhou had said, word for word.

After listening, Vice Director Gao was silent for a long time. The fatigue and irritation on his face were gradually replaced by a sharp, thoughtful expression. He stood up and paced a few steps around the office.

Then he activated the internal Communication Array on his badge. "Come to my office at once. Also, contact Director Qin’s office at the city bureau for me. I’d like to request a meeting to report on Qianjiao County’s recent public security work and the preparations for the New Town to the south tonight."

After giving his orders, Vice Director Gao said to Yang Wenqing, "Wenqing, don’t go home after work today. You’re coming with me to the city."

"Yes, sir!" Yang Wenqing replied solemnly.