Chapter 1878

Chapter 1878: Chapter 1878

Chen Xiangdong listened to the Vice District Chief’s words, slightly lost in thought.

This Vice District Chief was the person he had offended.

The rural survey scheduled for tomorrow was also something arranged last minute by him.

Yet, he suddenly called, speaking in a tone of flattery that was never heard before.

Lost in such thoughts, Chen Xiangdong suddenly recalled what Song Guanchao had said to him over the phone.

Did he find someone to help?

He’s just a Director in the Jiangzhou Municipal Government. The Vice District Chief wouldn’t do him a favor—it must have been someone else that got involved.

At least some leader from the province must have stepped in.

It seems Director Song has quite an extraordinary background.

In just a brief moment, Chen Xiangdong understood the key to the situation and deduced the connections behind Song Guanchao.

"District Chief Yang, am I not required to go for the survey tomorrow?" Chen Xiangdong asked.

"No, no, you go ahead with your work," District Chief Yang responded quickly and then inquisitively asked, "Xiao Chen, when did you get to know the provincial leaders? I never heard you mention it."

Indeed, it was someone from the provincial leadership who got involved.

"District Chief Yang, you’ve misunderstood. I don’t know any provincial leaders."

Chen Xiangdong didn’t take the opportunity to boast about connections that weren’t his, as it would be exposed sooner or later.

Moreover, he had already made a decision to accept Song Guanchao’s invitation and transfer his organizational ties to Jiangzhou.

Initially, he didn’t believe that Song Guanchao had such capabilities.

Now, he did.

Chen Xiangdong interrupted District Chief Yang, who was keen to explore further, placed the phone on the desk, and after contemplating with a calm expression, he suddenly laughed.

Disheartened in officialdom, he was already prepared to resign and planned to return to his old profession.

Now, with such a change unfolding, he felt that Jiangzhou might be his place of fortune.

Should the leaders there be similar in nature to District Chief Yang, resigning would not be too late.

Gold will always shine. People with abilities might be buried, but relocating from a place that suppresses one’s talents allows for a fresh start.

The only reason Chen Xiangdong endured until now was for his parents.

But in recent years, his parents noticed his unhappiness, talked to him a few times, and supported his decision to leave Fuyang and start anew.

With the psychological pressure gone, nothing else could hold him back.

...

The next day, Chen Xiangdong took the train at eight thirty.

Fuyang is about four hundred kilometers from Jiangzhou, arriving at ten o’clock.

As he left the station, he suddenly paused.

Not far away was a young man holding a sign with "Chen Xiangdong" written on it.

Is this person here to pick me up?

Chen Xiangdong approached with a backpack: "Hello, I’m Chen Xiangdong."

The young man put down the sign and quickly extended his hand: "Hello, Director Chen. I’m Xiao Zhang from the City Government’s Secretarial Section. Director Song arranged for me to pick you up."

"Thank you." Chen Xiangdong was surprised, not expecting Song Guanchao to value him so much, specially arranging someone to pick him up.

In all these years, he had never received such treatment.

While driving to the city, Chen Xiangdong intentionally inquired about Song Guanchao’s situation.

Though they were both civil servants under the City Government, he surely wouldn’t speak ill of Song Guanchao, yet his insights would reveal what kind of person the other is.

Xiao Zhang’s description was brief; Song Guanchao is very capable, acts decisively, and even the Vice Mayor doesn’t dare to cross him.

From Xiao Zhang’s tone and expressions, Chen Xiangdong sensed a touch of admiration for Song Guanchao.

This Director Song seems to have a strong personal charm.

"Director Chen, we’ve arrived."

Xiao Zhang parked the car, led him into the guesthouse, helped him complete the check-in procedures, and said, "Director Chen, if you need anything, just call me. During your stay in Jiangzhou, I’ll be responsible for all your living arrangements."

"Thank you." Chen Xiangdong was secretly amazed; as just a subdirector of the street office, he couldn’t comprehend the level of hospitality he was receiving.

Even if Song Guanchao needed his help, it didn’t warrant such treatment.

Entering the room, Chen Xiangdong set down his backpack, pondered for a moment, and called Chen Yirou.

He needed to ask an old classmate about Song Guanchao’s situation.

"Xiang Dong, have you arrived in Jiangzhou?" Chen Yirou asked.

Chen Xiangdong was startled again; had Song Guanchao informed her of his arrival?

It appeared her relationship with Song Guanchao was also quite good.

"Yes, just arrived at the guesthouse. Xiao Rou, what kind of person is this Director Song?" Their private friendship was pure and devoid of romantic involvement.

Thus, there was no unnecessary formality or beating around the bush.

"Hmm? Why the sudden interest?"

"Director Song wants to invite me to work in Jiangzhou."

"He said that?" Chen Yirou was quite surprised, followed by delight: "And what do you think?"

Chen Xiangdong made no secret: "I’m considering it, that’s why I’m asking you about him."

Chen Yirou said, "He has impeccable character and impressive capability. Despite being the Director, in the Jiangzhou City Government, aside from Mayor Wu, no one can really overpower him."

Chen Xiangdong gasped in surprise: "What about the Deputy Mayor?"

Chen Yirou said, "The Deputy Mayor hasn’t been here long, and for some reason, he’s been opposing Mayor Wu. As of now, the City Government is dominated by Mayor Wu. Apart from the Deputy Mayor and a Mayor named Chang Youcai, the other vice mayors are all aligned with Mayor Wu."

Being just a subdirector of the street office, Chen Xiangdong had never been involved at the mayoral level but understood that wherever people gathered, conflicts were inevitable.

The higher the power, the fiercer the competition.

The core area of city governance decisions, the City Government, couldn’t possibly be harmonious; disputes were normal.

And having a mayor like Song Guanchao as a backing, who held absolute leadership power, was a boon for him.

At least he wouldn’t need to worry about being targeted after joining.

"Your parents are okay with this?" Chen Yirou asked.

"Not much of an issue," Chen Xiangdong replied with a smile. "I was initially planning to resign soon. But now, with a new path ahead, I’ve decided to try the new location."

"Then you must treat me to a meal!"

"Sure, after I finish the survey with Director Song, I’ll treat you to dinner."

"Remember, no backing out."

"When have I ever backed out?" Chen Xiangdong replied with a helpless smile.

After chatting for a while longer, Chen Xiangdong ended the call, preparing to call Song Guanchao.

Unexpectedly, Song Guanchao called him first.

"Director Chen, have you arrived at the guesthouse?"

"Yes, I’m here."

"Take a rest then; I’ll arrange for a place for lunch. Xiao Zhang will bring you over. After lunch, we’ll head to Jiangyun Group."

"Alright."

Song Guanchao ended the call without any small talk.

This straightforward way of communication made Chen Xiangdong feel as if he had stepped out of the system, reminding him of those academic exchanges with university classmates.

"Song Guanchao... is indeed an intriguing person."

Chen Xiangdong smiled, feeling quite positive about Song Guanchao so far, finding their interactions to be very much aligned.