Yang Kangji didn't quite understand the meaning behind his words.

"Mayor Zheng, what do you mean?"

"You, ah, you've been abandoned by Mayor Jiang."

"... "

Yang Kangji's mouth twitched, "Haha, Mayor Zheng sure knows how to joke."

"Joke? Sigh, Director Yang still can't see it clearly?"

"The exchange of interests between you and me cannot be broken."

"You know my relationship with Mayor Jiang. You're Mayor Jiang's man, yet you privately contact me. If you were Mayor Jiang, what would you think?"

Yang Kangji's thoughts couldn't help but extend.

This kind of thing isn't hard to think about; he just hadn't thought in that direction.

With this reminder, Yang Kangji suddenly thought of some bad consequences.

"If Mayor Jiang is still willing to use you, when you meet him today, he wouldn't talk to you so calmly, but rather scold you."

"But now he doesn't even bother to scold you. Director Yang, do you think you will still be trusted again?"

Yang Kangji felt a bit panicked inside, unable to calm his mind.

Zheng Bihui continued, "Your position might not last long. Director Huang might curb your powers soon."

"Mayor Zheng..."

"Director Yang, don't panic."

Zheng Bihui interrupted, "This matter, I'm just speculating, but the possibility is fairly high."

"You shouldn't regret anything either; what's happened can't be changed."

"Instead of regretting, why not think about how to remedy the situation?"

Yang Kangji asked, "How to remedy it?"

"How about this, wait for my call, I'll arrange for a leader to see if they're willing to meet you."

"If this leader is willing to lend a hand, you might just find a blessing in disguise."

Blessing in disguise?

Which leader is Zheng Bihui planning to introduce him to?

In Lingjiang City, not many can rival Mayor Jiang.

Could it be Minister Zhou?

Zheng Bihui didn't specify who, so he could only wait.

After hanging up the phone, Zheng Bihui chuckled.

This situation was blown up by Song Guanchao, but for him, it was a good thing.

Yang Kangji was abandoned by Jiang Yuan, but his position as deputy director wasn't something that could be removed overnight.

Since Jiang Yuan doesn't want him, Zheng Bihui didn't mind accepting him fully!

An entrenched deputy director is practically a gift from heaven.

He found Qu Xiangru's number and dialed.

…

Yang Kangji sat in his office smoking heavily.

His thoughts were complex, sometimes regretting agreeing to Zheng Bihui in a moment of confusion.

Sometimes curious about which leader Zheng Bihui would introduce him to.

Suddenly he remembered Song Guanchao's issue hadn't been resolved.

He hurriedly called in the head of the Planning and Promotion Office, "Approve the document City Construction Bureau sent last week promptly."

"Oh, okay."

"Wait," Yang Kangji called out, "After approving, personally deliver it to them."

"Alright, Director Yang."

After handling this matter, he continued to call Song Guanchao, but still no answer.

Near the end of work, he suddenly recalled Director Huang and Song Guanchao had arranged to have dinner tonight outside Jiang Yuan's office.

He promptly found Director Huang, "Director Huang, are you having dinner with Secretary Song tonight?"

"Mm, is there a problem?"

"Do you mind taking me along, so I can apologize to Secretary Song?"

"Okay, we'll go together then."

Director Huang understood Mayor Jiang's approach toward Yang Kangji.

But on the surface, it couldn't be too obvious yet.

Being too obvious might provoke his rebellious feelings.

If it turns ugly, it would be difficult for him as the top leader to handle and would make Mayor Jiang disappointed in him for not managing such minor issues well.

Mayor Jiang would lose faith in him.

Besides, he never thought about removing Yang Kangji immediately; it wasn't realistic.

Since there's no rush, it can be done slowly.

…

Song Guanchao received a few calls; Director He called to say the National Development and Reform Commission document had been approved and personally delivered.

President Lu also called about the same matter, though he didn't mention it explicitly, the gratitude was clear between the lines.

He knew it was definitely Song Guanchao who coordinated the handling.

Lastly, Liu Lanzi called, saying the document had been issued, then asked if he had any plans for the evening.

"Tonight, I'm having dinner with Director Huang from the National Development and Reform Commission."

"After dinner?" Liu Lanzi said wistfully, "I'm going to Dujiang City tomorrow, and after that, to the provincial level, running around for a week."

Song Guanchao understood her meaning, wanting to have one last hurrah before leaving.

Counting the time, it had indeed been a while since they last met.

"I'll find you after dinner."

"Okay."

Liu Lanzi then hung up satisfied.

Returning to the office, just after sitting down, Zeng Li said, "Li He is so annoying."

"Li He? What's up with him?"

"He wants to invite you to dinner."

Song Guanchao thought for a few seconds, suddenly realizing Li He's timing was rather clever.

"Tomorrow then."

"Huh?" Zeng Li asked, "You're really going to have dinner with him?"

Song Guanchao smiled, "He came all this way; it's impolite not to have a meal."

The conflict had long been addressed, and Jiang Wangshan was known to handle matters well.

Being on his turf, if he extends no hospitality, it's too unfriendly.

After all, you shouldn't shun a smiling face.

"Then tomorrow night?"

"Mm, you pick the place."

"Alright."

Zeng Li happily began searching for a venue.

After work, Song Guanchao arrived at the restaurant set by Director Huang.

Director Huang and Yang Kangji were already there.

"Secretary Song," Director Huang gave him plenty of respect, personally coming over to shake hands.

Yang Kangji followed closely behind, "Secretary Song."

Song Guanchao directly ignored his outstretched hand, as if he didn't exist, sitting with Director Huang and pulling out a cigarette to offer.

Director Huang noticed, his smile unaffected.

As they sat at the table, the waiter came over with wine to pour, but Song Guanchao waved him away, "Leave."

The waiter left, and Song Guanchao grabbed the wine, poured a glass, stood, and toasted, "Director Huang, I toast to you."

"Secretary Song, you're too kind, sit, sit, we don't stand on ceremony here."

Though saying this, he was still quite appreciative.

Yang Kangji hesitated, unsure whether to toast Song Guanchao.

From meeting until now, Song Guanchao outright ignored him, which felt like a huge insult.

He felt unbalanced inside.

After all, he was still the deputy director, of the National Development and Reform Commission.

Though Song Guanchao was quite influential, he couldn't let go of this pride and ultimately didn't toast.

Director Huang internally sighed; Yang Kangji, having been deputy director too long, was somewhat overbearing.

Granted the opportunity to attend tonight's dinner, if he had been more courteous, lowered his stance a bit, and drank while apologizing, no matter how unsatisfied Song Guanchao was, he'd extend some courtesy.

Instead, he kept posturing.

This is something even deities can't save.

"Director Huang, the relocation residents will need land allocation later, can you expedite the document approval then?"

"Secretary Song, don't worry, this definitely won't be stalled. The organization has ordered repeatedly that regardless of approval status, results must be given within three days. Absolutely no deliberate delays."

"Then I'm relieved."

Yang Kangji knew this was intentionally targeting him.

He couldn't suppress it, snorting heavily, almost as if he feared Song Guanchao wouldn't hear.

Song Guanchao looked at him for the first time, "Why snort, Director Yang? You have a complaint against me?"

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