I Cultivate in a Government Office

Chapter 151: Chapter 102: The City’s Attitude

"And the chief of the public security station in the newly established resource town..."

Deputy Director Qi’s gaze fell upon Vice Director Gao. "The position will also need to be high-level, likely requiring the rank of ’Senior Police Commissioner’ to handle the complex situation and potential external coveters. This candidate must not only be able to command respect but also have the ability to coordinate resource extraction, local relations, and prevent certain... unnecessary troubles."

He said the word "troubles" very lightly, but everyone present understood what he meant: potential meddling from the family behind Director Zhang, as well as other powers that might be drawn by the news.

Deputy Director Qi suddenly chuckled, his smile holding a hint of amusement and scrutiny. "Xiaogao, if the city supports you in taking up the mantle in New Town, your rank could justifiably be bumped up. With your seniority and Cultivation, you just about meet the requirements. But to go from a director to a station chief... can you accept that?"

Going to New Town might seem like a demotion to a grassroots position, but in reality, it meant taking control of a rising resource town. The power and future prospects were possibly more alluring than being stuck as a deputy in the county branch after its upgrade. Plus, the promotion in rank was a tangible benefit.

Vice Director Gao fell silent.

The only sounds in the hall were the faint hum of the three-dimensional runic array and the scent of cooling tea.

After just two or three seconds, Vice Director Gao looked up. All hesitation had vanished from his eyes, replaced by a sharp, burn-the-boats resolve. "If you trust me, Director Qi, I am willing to go to New Town. I will do everything in my power to build up the public security station and ensure the safety of the mining area and the stability of the region."

He didn’t mention rank or power, only responsibility and duty. But his attitude was absolutely resolute.

Deputy Director Qi and Director Qin exchanged a glance, a flicker of ’just as expected’ in their eyes. Gao Zhen’s decisiveness and ambition did not surprise them.

"Having determination is a good thing."

Director Qin began to speak slowly, his tone turning heavy. "But, Xiaogao, have you considered what you’ll be up against, even if the city supports you and puts you in that position?"

He pointed to the Spiritual Power projection sketch maintained by Deputy Director Qi, his finger tapping the location representing the county branch. "Once the county branch is upgraded, Zhang Qiming, with his family’s backing, is guaranteed a vice director position."

"Furthermore, the Zhang family has long since established their presence in supporting industries for the Coral Ore, as well as in transportation and even skilled labor. It’s very likely he wants to go to New Town himself. His rank is already suitable, while you still need a promotion. Do you really want to compete with him? If you go to New Town, can you withstand the web the Zhang family has woven both inside and outside the town?"

"Not to mention, it’s not just the Zhang family or a few players in Qianjiao County eyeing the Coral Ore. The city and the province have their eyes on it too. As station chief, you might find yourself sitting on a volcano."

With things laid so bare, the meaning was unmistakable. The city could give Vice Director Gao an opportunity and nominal support, but the real test—the real battle—would be in the local arena, amidst those tangled networks of interest. He would need to demonstrate real control and the ability to break the deadlock.

Vice Director Gao’s expression was grave, but his gaze only grew firmer. He took a deep breath. "I understand the difficulties. I will sort through my available personnel as soon as possible."

His gaze seemed to casually sweep over Yang Wenqing, who had been sitting primly and properly beside him the entire time.

Yang Wenqing’s heart stirred when he noticed his superior’s gaze, but he maintained a calm facade, feigning the look of an attentive subordinate receiving instruction.

Deputy Director Qi gave a slight, noncommittal nod and simply said, "That’s all for today. The city is now aware of your stance. You may go back for now and make the necessary preparations."

"Yes! Thank you for your guidance, Director Qi, Teacher Qin." Vice Director Gao rose and bowed solemnly.

Yang Wenqing also stood up. He had yet to say a single word.

Director Qin personally saw the two of them to the tower’s entrance. The night air was cool, dispelling some of the tension from the hall. He smiled and said, "You should take Director Qi’s words to heart, but don’t be overly daunted by the challenge."

Standing under the eaves of the corridor, his voice more relaxed than it had been inside, he let his gaze sweep over their faces. "The city is willing to give you a chance. Especially you, Xiaogao—you have grassroots experience and proven abilities. The higher-ups would be happy to see you compete. After all, a healthy and dynamic competitive environment is far better than one family dominating everything and eventually becoming too powerful to control."

His words were subtle, but the meaning was clear: the city bureau’s leadership—or at least the director’s faction—was happy to see a power emerge within Qianjiao County that could contend with the Zhang family and create a balance.

Rumors about the city bureau’s director immediately surfaced in Yang Wenqing’s mind. ’The director isn’t a local. His Cultivation has reached the late-stage Second Realm. His foundations in the city bureau aren’t the deepest, but his methods are shrewd. He excels at maintaining a balance between various factions, using one to strike at another, thereby securing his own position of power.’

Director Qin’s hint at this moment was undoubtedly pointing to this director’s attitude.

"Thank you for your guidance, Teacher. I know what to do now," Vice Director Gao said in a low voice, his face unreadable.

Director Qin nodded. His gaze then fell upon Yang Wenqing, carrying the gentle, appraising look of a senior examining a promising junior. "Wenqing, I brought you here today so you could get a feel for things ahead of time. There are some matters you just can’t see clearly when you’re only looking from within the county."

He paused, his words seemingly pointed. "Your Fourth Refinement Cultivation is already in its late stages. Once you cross that threshold, you’ll be qualified to take another step forward."

Yang Wenqing immediately straightened up. "Yes, Director. I will certainly cultivate diligently and strive for an early breakthrough."