"You've changed."

Looking at Chen Fang before her, Xu Lianyun said with some emotion.

Chen Fang pulled up the zipper of his jacket and asked, "How have I changed?"

Xu Lianyun thought for a moment, then said, "How should I put it, you used to be like a Great General charging ahead, but now, you seem more like a cunning minister skilled in the art of intrigue."

Chen Fang smiled.

He said, "It's not that I've changed, but after experiencing certain things, I've grown up, and people must grow up, right?"

"Yes, people must grow up."

Watching Chen Fang walk out the office door.

Xu Lianyun didn't know whether growing up was a good thing or a bad thing for someone like Chen Fang.

Two o'clock in the afternoon.

The city government building.

The mayor's office.

Lv Yifeng had just come out of the resting room when someone knocked on the door.

"Come in."

Lv Yifeng called out, and his secretary, Yu Qing, entered, saying, "Leader, Chen Fang from Jinde County says he has something to discuss with you."

He was momentarily stunned.

He asked, "Who?"

"The Director of Jinde County Education Bureau, the same Chen Fang you nominated for deputy county head."

Yu Qing repeated.

Lv Yifeng was a bit confused, paused, then said, "Then let him come in."

A little over a minute later, Chen Fang was led into the office by Yu Qing.

By that time, Lv Yifeng had already returned to his desk and was seriously perusing documents.

"Mayor Lv, hello."

Chen Fang said respectfully.

Lv Yifeng pretended not to hear, and Yu Qing led Chen Fang to sit down on the sofa, poured him a glass of water, then tactfully left.

It wasn't long after Yu Qing left.

Lv Yifeng put down the files in his hand, looked up, feigned surprise, and asked, "You are Chen Fang?"

Chen Fang quickly stood up, bowed slightly, and said, "Mayor Lv, I apologize for the intrusion."

Lv Yifeng took off his reading glasses.

He walked over and sat opposite Chen Fang, examined him carefully, and asked, "Comrade Chen Fang, what brings you to see me?"

Chen Fang appeared somewhat uneasy.

He said, "Mayor Lv, well... I heard it was you who promoted me to deputy county head... so... I have come to express my gratitude..."

"Oh, that matter, the best way to thank me would be to do your job well once you're at your post."

Lv Yifeng waved his hand as he spoke.

Upon hearing this, Chen Fang became anxious.

He said, "Rest assured, Mayor Lv, I will shine in my post in Jinde County and strive not to let you down. I actually have something else to give to Mayor Lv."

"Oh? What is it?"

Lv Yifeng asked curiously.

Chen Fang took from his bag.

A ledger, which he respectfully pushed in front of Lv Yifeng.

"What is this?"

Lv Yifeng opened it and saw it was filled with a jumble of numbers.

Chen Fang immediately said, "I don't mean to conceal from you, Mayor Lv, that this ledger accounts for the income details of Tonight's Gather Bath Center in Jinde County. When Niu Yong was in charge, we could only manage about a hundred thousand a month, but since my people took over, we've reached three hundred thousand a month, and that's pure profit."

"And why are you giving me this ledger?"

Lv Yifeng asked again.

Chen Fang lowered his head and said, "Leader, the case number 108 has caused you a lot of trouble, and I presume you are somewhat dissatisfied with me. In retrospect, I, Chen Fang, was perhaps too presumptuous, thinking my career might be over. But I didn't expect Mayor Lv you would give me another chance despite past grievances. I am deeply grateful and have nothing with which to repay you. From now on, I will give 80% of the income from Tonight's Gather to Mayor Lv every month, as a token of my thanks for your patronage and, of course, in the hope of receiving your protection in the future."

These words.

startled Lv Yifeng for a moment.

He said sternly, "Chen Fang, is this bribery? Moreover, if I give this ledger to the Disciplinary Committee now, I could have them come in and charge you with corruption, bribery, and abuse of power. Do you believe that?"

"I believe it!"

Chen Fang nodded.

He said loudly, "I'm giving these to Mayor Lv precisely because I don't want to keep any secrets from the leader who has esteemed me so highly. With this ledger, if Mayor Lv wants to deal with me, you can do so at any time. After all, my official career was also given to me by Mayor Lv, and it would be just a word from you to take it back."

At this point.

Cunning thoughts began to emerge in Lv Yifeng's mind.

If Chen Fang had only given him the profits from tonight, he might not have believed him; after all, in his eyes, Chen Fang was a sly fox.

However, now that he had handed over the ledger tied to his own fate, it was equivalent to destroying his future prospects. Under such circumstances, Chen Fang's attitude must be "sincere."

Before case 108.

Lv Yifeng's reach had never extended into Jinde County.

After case 108, he finally found an opportunity and managed to place his own loyalist, Ding Mengxiang, there.

If it had only been Ding Mengxiang alone, he definitely would not have thought about making a move on Chen Fang. But now the situation was different. Apart from Ding Mengxiang, the very capable and opportunistic Ding Yuan had also pledged his allegiance to him, which reduced the importance of Ding Mengxiang.

Moreover, after coming back, Ye Xiao'e had told Lv Yifeng at his bedside about how Ding Mengxiang "bullied" her. Although this person was still his top choice, comparatively speaking, there was already a rift in his heart.

Although Chen Fang was young,

he also had some brains.

His future was also limitless.

Rather than suppressing him recklessly, it would be more solid to bring him under his command.

Besides, an income of three hundred thousand a month was also a considerable figure.

Who would be foolish enough to refuse money?

Lv Yifeng, after all, was an old fox.

He wouldn't easily trust someone.

He tapped the ledger with his hand and said, "To tell you the truth, nominating you as the deputy county head wasn't my idea but was proposed by Comrade Ding Mengxiang. The person you should really be thankful to should be him."

Chen Fang nodded slightly, and said with a serious face, "I know."

"You know?"

Lv Yifeng was taken aback for a moment, but he saw no sign of surprise in front of him.

Chen Fang nodded again and said, "Soon after County Head Ding arrived in Jinde County, he found Chen and said that as long as Tonight Assembly let him have a share of the profits, he could promote me to this deputy county head position. Chen is grateful in his heart but also quite fearful. After all, County Head Ding is only nominating, and the real promotion is still up to you, Mayor Lv. Moreover, I also know that County Head Ding is your man, and he would surely be pleased to give the bigger share to the leader."

"Are you not deceiving me with these words?"

Lv Yifeng asked.

Chen Fang immediately said, "Leader, I've given you the ledger today. You can also call County Head Ding to question him about this matter. If there's even a hint of a lie from Chen Fang, you can take this ledger and deal with me right now. Chen Fang guarantees there will be no second words."

These earnest words.

finally convinced Lv Yifeng.

He sighed deeply and nodded.

He said, "Alright, since you are also acting out of loyalty, I will keep this ledger for you for the time being. As for the rest, you just need to coordinate with Secretary Yu Qing. As for the other rules, I don't need to tell you, as I think you should understand them."

Upon hearing this.

Chen Fang was overjoyed.

He kept saying, "I thank Mayor Lv for the promotion. Chen Fang will definitely do his utmost and follow Mayor Lv's lead. Whatever Mayor Lv wants Chen Fang to do, I will make sure to carry out immaculately."

After some more casual conversation.

Chen Fang found an opportunity to take his leave.

After Yu Qing saw off Chen Fang and returned to the office, he closed the door and said to Lv Yifeng, "Leader, I have sent off Comrade Chen Fang."

Lv Yifeng pointed to the ledger on the table with his hand and said, "You come from an economics background. Take a look at this ledger and tell me if there's anything wrong with it."

Yu Qing picked up the ledger and looked at it carefully for a long while, frowning as he said, "There shouldn't be any problems. There are detailed records of income, expenses, and losses. It's quite a comprehensive ledger."

This answer.

relieved Lv Yifeng.

Yu Qing asked, "Leader, do you think I need to give County Head Ding a heads-up about this matter?"

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