The next morning.

Mayor Jiang and Secretary Wang arrived at the City Committee.

Wu Qiangwei said, "The police found project documents at Secretary Zheng's home."

Secretary Wang felt bitterness in his mouth, as the recent incidents in Lingjiang had been too numerous.

The company's relocation had just happened a few days ago, and now the acting City Secretary was arrested.

As the Disciplinary Committee's secretary, he seriously felt a sense of despair.

Mayor Jiang asked, "How does Secretary Wu plan to handle it?"

Wu Qiangwei said, "Technically, since the documents were found at Secretary Zheng's home, it can be directly determined."

"But Secretary Zheng believes he was framed, so the case needs further investigation."

"Then let the police investigate first. As for Secretary Zheng, I'll contact Captain Shi later and have him released."

"Whether to report it to the province, I'll discuss it with Secretary Zheng when he returns."

Mayor Jiang nodded, "Alright, if there are any issues, Secretary Wu, feel free to contact me."

...

At ten in the morning, Zheng Bihui left the police department.

He sat in the car with a grim expression, heading to the City Committee.

For now, only Wu Qiangwei and a few others knew about the incident, and it hadn't caused a major stir.

Upon reaching the City Committee, just as he sat down, his office door was knocked.

"Come in."

It wasn't Secretary Sun who opened the door, but Song Guanchao.

He stood by the door, smiling, "Secretary Zheng, Secretary Wu requests your presence."

Seeing him, Zheng Bihui felt his previously subdued anger surge again.

But he held it back.

"I understand."

However, Song Guanchao showed no sign of leaving and continued to smile, "Secretary Zheng, Secretary Wu requests you to come now. Secretary Wu is busy with official duties, so it's best not to waste her valuable time."

Zheng Bihui struggled to suppress his anger, unsure if Song Guanchao was deliberately provoking him.

But regardless, now was not the time to get angry.

He stood up, forcing a smile, "Secretary Song is right, Secretary Wu is busy, her time cannot be delayed, Secretary Song, please lead the way."

Song Guanchao smiled and stood in place, secretly thinking this old dog could really keep his cool.

Upon reaching the office, Song Guanchao made a cup of tea, maintaining basic decorum.

The two talked in the office for about half an hour before Zheng Bihui left.

After he left, Song Guanchao immediately entered to refill her tea.

Wu Qiangwei, aware of his curiosity regarding their conversation, said, "If the province wants him to be the City Secretary, I suggest he makes his stance clear to the province and first serve as Mayor."

Song Guanchao paused, "Serve as Mayor?"

One should know, this is an excellent opportunity.

One could completely use the project documents to force him to willingly give up being City Secretary and continue as Mayor.

Yet, Wu Qiangwei did not do so.

Wu Qiangwei nodded, "I plan to serve as Mayor."

"But the timing isn't quite right yet."

"Let Zheng Bihui hold both positions for now, and once the power over industrial and commercial taxes is secured, I'll go to the city government."

Song Guanchao frowned but said nothing.

In his view, the best position for Wu Qiangwei would be as City Secretary.

If she can achieve it in one step, why bother with a stint at the city government?

Just for the administrative experience?

He didn't quite understand these details at this level and the importance of it.

But since Wu Qiangwei had made her decision, Song Guanchao naturally couldn't say anything.

Although the two had a good relationship and could talk about anything,

regarding such matters, once Wu Qiangwei decided, regardless of the reason, he wasn't in a position to say more.

Their fundamental relationship was still that of superior and secretary.

He could sense that Wu Qiangwei had affections for him, though they had never crossed that line.

But whether there were affections or not, the hierarchical relationship existed, and he absolutely couldn't cross that line.

Wu Qiangwei herself had a very strong and decisive character.

If Song Guanchao were to speak, Wu Qiangwei might not say anything outwardly, but she would surely be dissatisfied internally.

Moreover, Song Guanchao himself wasn't well-versed in these aspects.

After leaving the office, Zeng Li saw him frowning and asked, "Did Sister Weiwei scold you again?"

Song Guanchao shook his head and suddenly asked, "Is administrative experience at the city government very important?"

"Ah?" She was taken aback and said, "With such an unclear mention, how should I answer? You need to give me more context."

Song Guanchao then explained the situation to her.

Zeng Li asked, "Do you think Sister Weiwei should directly become City Secretary?"

He nodded.

Zeng Li said, "Good thing you didn't speak out of turn earlier."

Song Guanchao said, "I would certainly not speak carelessly about things I don't understand."

Zeng Li said, "Sister Weiwei's choice is correct and most suited for her development."

"If she directly becomes City Secretary, then the next step would likely be Deputy Governor, and one who oversees issues related to people's livelihood."

"Because she lacks leadership experience at the city government."

"If she first serves as Mayor, then as City Secretary, her next step might directly be Executive Deputy Governor or a Provincial Committee's dedicated Deputy Secretary."

"Of course, it's also possible she could become the Director of the National Development and Reform Commission."

"Now you understand the importance of administrative experience at the city government, right?"

Song Guanchao suddenly understood, realizing her position.

No wonder Wu Qiangwei was so conflicted and hesitant in facing this choice.

Becoming Mayor and then moving to the province largely means grasping real power directly.

This stint as Mayor is an inevitable step for her career path.

...

Zheng Bihui returned to his office and smoked a few cigarettes to suppress his anger.

He had only been City Secretary for a day before being sent to the authorities.

Across the entire country, it's likely only him in such a situation.

Luckily, Wu Qiangwei didn't blow things out of proportion, otherwise, it would have been embarrassing.

He was actually aware of what Wu Qiangwei discussed with him.

It was nothing more than the foundation being too shallow to go to the city government for the time being.

"Wanting me to buy you more time, such nice thinking."

He grabbed his phone and dialed Jiang Yuan's number.

"Mayor Jiang, at the city government? Haha, there's something I'd like to discuss with you, no need to come, I'll find you."

He went to the city government, sat down, and said, "Secretary Wu just had a chat with me."

Jiang Yuan smiled, "What did you discuss?"

Zheng Bihui replied, "Secretary Wu's intention is for me to temporarily hold both City Secretary and Mayor positions, and in a few months, recommend her as Mayor to the province."

Jiang Yuan squinted his eyes slightly.

Smart people don't need to spell things out.

"I understand." Jiang Yuan smiled, "Thank you, Secretary Zheng, for making the trip."

"Haha, it's no trouble, just thought I'd stop by."

Zheng Bihui stood up, using the armrest for support, "I'll head back now, Mayor Jiang, contact me if you need anything."

"I'll see Secretary Zheng off."

After sending Zheng Bihui off, Jiang Yuan took out a cigarette, lit it, and frowned.

It's confirmed that Wu Qiangwei wants to be Mayor.

Delaying Zheng Bihui for a few months is just to completely seize control of commercial and tax affairs, ensuring she, as the new Mayor, has some degree of influence.

Wu Qiangwei's actions have already touched his bottom line.

This is something he absolutely cannot tolerate!

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