Official Career Storm

Chapter 1551 1551

On the way back to the City Government, he received a call from Wu Qiangwei as expected.

"Come up for a moment."

"I'm outside, I'll be there shortly."

A quarter of an hour later, Song Guanchao arrived at the office.

After Shu Xue left the office, Wu Qiangwei said, "The case involving Zhang Yan has been transferred."

Song Guanchao showed the right amount of surprise: "Transferred to whom?"

"A Vice Mayor from Xuzhou volunteered to take on the case."

"Xuzhou?" Song Guanchao asked, "Is he trying to seek fortune through danger, aiming for the Deputy Mayor position through this case?"

Wu Qiangwei nodded lightly, clearly understanding the other party's intentions.

Song Guanchao asked, "Who is behind this Vice Mayor?"

"His background is quite ordinary," Wu Qiangwei said, feeling somewhat puzzled and uncertain.

Probably thinking it was strange that someone with such an ordinary background would make such a bold move.

To Song Guanchao, it felt quite normal.

If he had a background, he wouldn't need to be so bold.

It's precisely because he lacks a background that he dares to take a risk.

Song Guanchao admired people like him.

If the person truly solves the case, it would prove his capability, making him deserving of the Deputy Mayor position without objections from anyone.

But for Wu Qiangwei, this was not a good thing.

The reason for taking down Zhang Yan was precisely for the Deputy Mayor position.

Now, others have set their sights on it.

If the other party really secures it, they would've done a lot of work for nothing, almost like gifting the position to someone else.

"Is the canteen case over?" Wu Qiangwei asked, disinterested.

"Yes."

"Go ahead and keep busy."

Song Guanchao originally wanted to chat with her, but seeing her in a bad mood, he decided not to disturb her.

This operation against Zhang Yan was both a success and a failure.

It's like the phases of the moon; nothing is perfect.

Overall, the gains were slightly larger.

Zhang Yan's flight exposed her faction members.

In the short term, these people would be obedient to Wu Qiangwei.

Even if the Vice Mayor from Xuzhou were to transfer in, he wouldn't shake Wu Qiangwei's position.

"Knock-knock."

Just as Song Guanchao sat down, there was a knock at the door.

Seeing Chen Yirou enter, Song Guanchao smiled and got up to pour her a cup of tea.

"You seem really busy lately." Chen Yirou commented, accepting the tea.

"Yeah, I'm crazy busy."

Song Guanchao leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples.

Although Chen Yirou is from the provincial investment commission, her office is set in the City Government, so she could easily find out what's happening locally.

She had been following recent events and knew what Song Guanchao had been facing.

"Next month, Pinghai City will have a charity gala," Chen Yirou said.

"A charity gala? Why tell me about that?"

Chen Yirou said, "The charity gala is quite large, co-hosted by Pinghai City's City Committee and Municipal Government with local entrepreneurs. I've heard from friends that they've invited many top stars from across borders."

Song Guanchao was increasingly puzzled, "And then?"

He wasn't interested in the charity gala.

Chen Yirou was speechless: "Charity galas usually have investment promotion attributes; the stars are just the backdrop. The goal is to bring external attention; the entrepreneurs participating are the main focus."

Song Guanchao suddenly understood, but then hesitated: "Would it be inappropriate for us to attend a charity gala hosted by someone else?"

"Why would it be inappropriate?" Chen Yirou said, "Besides, do you really have to go under the banner of investment promotion? Can't you attend under the guise of participating in a charity gala?"

"The gala will have an auction segment; you can apply for some funds from the Finance Bureau to symbolically purchase something. Who would find fault with you?"

"You're right." A secretary like Song Guanchao was new to these events, but he found her explanation reasonable.

"Oh, by the way," Song Guanchao remembered something, "What about the company you were going to introduce to me?"

Chen Yirou frowned: "That company encountered some issues. I'll let you know once there's news."

"Alright." Song Guanchao glanced at the time, "Let's go, I'll treat you to lunch."

"No need, I have a lunch date."

Chen Yirou stood up, tidying her hair, declining his invitation.

Song Guanchao curiously asked, "A date?"

Chen Yirou rolled her eyes, "Can't you hope for something good for me? I'm not desperate to find a date."

"Got it, it's a free-love situation." Song Guanchao laughed, "Congrats, congrats, remember to invite me for sweets if you seal the deal."

"We'll talk when it happens, I'm off."

After she left, Song Guanchao went to the canteen to fetch two meals, then headed to Wu Qiangwei's office to discuss the charity gala with her to seek her advice.

"You can attend," Wu Qiangwei said, "You should look into it carefully, and then attend under the City Government's name."

Song Guanchao was unfamiliar with such events, but she was not.

No need to request funds from the Finance Bureau. Just attend under the City Government's name, and you won't face rejection.

Even if everyone knows you're there for investment promotion, no one will directly point it out.

If local companies are swayed, it only indicates the local business climate is lacking; they should reflect on themselves rather than blame the party promoting investment.

After lunch, as Song Guanchao tidied up the meal boxes and prepared to leave, Wu Qiangwei suddenly said, "Thank you for that day."

Song Guanchao paused, knowing she referred to the incident with Fan Jie, "Wu Ming and Uncle Hong spotted it in time; I was just there as backup."

Wu Qiangwei lightly pursed her lips, her eyes somewhat helpless and speechless.

From her eyes, Song Guanchao read some information, realizing he had indeed arrived late that day; it was not him who saved the day. However, the concern and anger he showed toward her had touched her heart.

The right response should have been, "I won't let such things happen again," rather than modestly attributing credit to others, missing the romantic cue.

He felt a headache, unsure if he could still salvage the situation now.

This was clearly a prime opportunity to advance their relationship.

"Actually, you could invite me to dinner," Song Guanchao suggested.

Wu Qiangwei's lips curled into a faint smile, but she maintained a formal demeanor, "What would you like to eat?"

Eat you!

Suppressing the impulse to blurt it out, Song Guanchao chose the right response, "What's important is not what to eat, but with whom."

Wu Qiangwei's heart began to race, her face spreading a blush, "Pick a place and let me know."

She grabbed a file, trying to hide her flustered gaze.

Seeing the file in her hand, Song Guanchao said, "The file's upside down."

Wu Qiangwei quickly flipped the file over, only for Song Guanchao to say, "Just kidding."

Wu Qiangwei paused, her face turning even redder, her embarrassed eyes glaring at him in shame and annoyance, "Get out!"