Before the car drove in, Chen Fang was feeling somewhat "excited".

However, as the vehicle slowly entered through the gate, his emotions became exceptionally calm.

There was none of the expected extreme hostility upon seeing an old enemy.

The door of the Coaster opened.

A young man was the first to step inside.

He looked to be in his thirties.

Judging by his attire, he was undoubtedly the secretary.

Jiang Chuo's former secretary was named Zhang Bangqi. Chen Fang knew him, but it was clearly not this person.

Then, under the expectant gaze of the crowd.

Jiang Chuo slowly got out of the car.

They hadn't seen each other for years.

Jiang Chuo didn't appear to have aged.

If anything, he looked more energetic.

Clearly, being in high spirits can indeed make one appear younger.

Dressed in a bureaucratic jacket, with a slight smile on his face, he portrayed a friendly demeanor.

"Governor Jiang, welcome to Xiaxiang City for your inspection."

City Secretary Peng Guoliang was the first to greet him.

Jiang Chuo shook his hand courteously.

Next.

Mayor Zhou Nongxin rushed over as well.

"Hello, Governor Jiang."

In front of Peng Guoliang, Jiang Chuo merely nodded.

But facing Zhou Nongxin.

His attitude was completely different.

He shook Zhou's hand, patted it, and said, "Comrade Nongxin, why do you look much more haggard since we last met?"

The signal sent here was distinctly different.

"Last time we met" indicated they had interacted before.

"Much more haggard" showed concern for his health.

Such a small detail informed everyone present that Zhou Nongxin's relationship with him was not ordinary.

"Thank you, Governor Jiang, for your concern. Recently, there has indeed been a lot going on in the city."

"You must take care to rest; health is the capital of the revolution."

"Understood, Governor Jiang."

This brief exchange.

Made Zhou Nongxin quite proud.

Even his eyebrows raised.

As if telling everyone, I'm backed by someone now.

"Governor Jiang, I'm Xiong Min."

Political Consultative Conference Chairman Xiong Min also came over.

Of course, he received the same treatment as Peng Guoliang, just a handshake without further conversation.

"Comrade Nongxin, take me to meet everyone."

Jiang Chuo waved his hand, speaking to Zhou Nongxin.

In this situation, the introducer should undoubtedly have been the City Secretary, the head.

Yet Jiang Chuo ignored this, directly asking Zhou Nongxin to lead the way, essentially giving Peng Guoliang a metaphorical slap.

Under Zhou Nongxin's lead.

Jiang Chuo shook hands with the key leaders of the four main bodies.

While everyone was immersed in a harmonious atmosphere.

Suddenly.

Jiang Chuo looked toward Chen Fang standing among the crowd.

The moment their eyes met.

The memories of their past interactions began to resurface.

"Oh, isn't this Comrade Chen Fang..."

Jiang Chuo feigned a surprised expression.

Zhou Nongxin quickly said, "Governor Jiang, you recognize Comrade Chen Fang; he's currently the Vice Mayor of our Xiaxiang City."

"Recognize? Of course! Not only do I recognize him, but back in the day, Comrade Chen Fang was also my student for a while, isn't that right, Comrade Chen Fang?"

Jiang Chuo said with a smile.

During that time, Chen Fang was studying at the Party School.

And Jiang Chuo was the principal of the Party School then.

"Indeed, but unfortunately, the principal's signature on my diploma wasn't Governor Jiang's. Otherwise, I would truly be honored to be Governor Jiang's student."

One would have thought Chen Fang would be left speechless.

Unexpectedly, he not only responded but also touched upon an old sore spot for Jiang Chuo in one sentence.

A hint of displeasure flashed across Jiang Chuo's face.

However, it quickly disappeared.

"Governor Jiang, shall we proceed to the conference room?"

Zhou Nongxin asked.

Jiang Chuo waved his hand and said, "Seeing an old colleague is truly moving. Comrade Nongxin, lead everyone to the conference room to prepare, I'd like to chat with Comrade Chen Fang."

"Oh, very well, everyone to the conference room, Chen Fang stay behind!"

After Zhou Nongxin's shout.

Everyone began to leave the building entrance.

Of course.

Under such circumstances, doubts lingered in everyone's minds.

After all, this was a research trip from the Governor.

Not meeting with everyone first but pulling the Vice Mayor aside wasn't normal practice.

Xu Lianyun was somewhat worried.

However, in this setting, she could do nothing.

Once the crowd dispersed.

Without a word, Jiang Chuo turned and got back into the Coaster.

The young man who had been the first off the vehicle and stood beside Jiang Chuo now approached Chen Fang.

"Hello, Mayor Chen, my name is Hou Liangping."

The young man extended his hand to Chen Fang.

Hou Liangping?

Hearing the name, Chen Fang's heart skipped a beat.

He had never seen this face.

But this name, though not resounding, was one he had heard several times.

Hou Liangping was a member of the Hou Family.

However, not a direct descendant but the youngest son of Hou Jidao's brother, Hou Jitang.

Why had Chen Fang heard of Hou Liangping?

Because Chen Fang had carefully researched the Hou Family's information, it showed that among the family's third generation, most had minimal achievements and seemingly little political acumen, except Hou Liangping, who showed a political talent.

At 29, he was already at the equivalent of a bureau-level position.

He's 32 this year, about the same age as Chen Fang.

He suddenly became Jiang Chuo's secretary.

Presumably, one reason was to leverage Jiang Chuo to complete the leap from bureau-level to department-level.

And then establish roots in Jiangdong Province.

Secondly, by Jiang Chuo's side, he was likely in an advisory or oversight role.

What does it signify to place a promising third-generation Hou Family key player beside Jiang Chuo?

It indicates the Hou Family's emphasis on Jiang Chuo and Jiangdong Province.

"Hello, I've heard your name before."

Chen Fang said faintly.

Hou Liangping smiled politely and said, "Mayor Chen's name is well-known to me as well. Please, the leader is waiting for you in the car."

At this point.

There was no turning back.

Chen Fang took a deep breath.

Boarded the Coaster.

Then.

The door outside was closed.

Jiang Chuo sat at a small square table in the middle.

He poured a cup of tea from a thermos, savoring it leisurely.

"We meet again, have a seat."

Jiang Chuo gestured to the seat opposite.

Chen Fang, without fear.

Sat down boldly.

"Sorry, there's only one cup, so I won't pour you any tea."

"The leader's tea is all premium; I'm not accustomed to it."

Chen Fang responded.

Jiang Chuo smirked with disdain.

He said, "Alright, let's cut to the chase, no need for small talk. The current situation doesn't need much explaining; with your intelligence, you should be able to figure out what happened with Liu Zhenping and what consequences it might cause, right?"

"Indeed, this kind of issue is precisely what Governor Jiang excels at. I would find it hard not to figure it out."

Chen Fang said with a cold snort.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.