Official Career Storm

Chapter 1563 1563

Zhang Yan walked down the steps, a smile on her lips, glancing over at Song Guanchao and the others.

"Director Song, long time no see." Zhang Yan smiled faintly.

Song Guanchao chuckled, "How's the scenery abroad?"

"Quite beautiful, but I still prefer the scenery here at home."

Zhang Yan seemed oblivious to his sarcastic tone, "I thought I wouldn't have the chance to come back."

"Mayor Zhang, please get in the car." Tan Miao interrupted their conversation, worried Zhang Yan might provoke Song Guanchao.

This person was not known for his good temper.

Zhang Yan smiled slightly and got in the car with him.

The car drove into the city area and finally stopped at the Provincial Committee Parking Lot.

Song Guanchao, however, changed course halfway and headed back to the City Government.

In the afternoon, he received a call from Wu Qiangwei, and as he walked into the office, he asked, "What's the matter?"

Wu Qiangwei said, "The decision on Zhang Yan has been made; an early retirement."

Although he knew the treatment would be lenient, he thought there would at least be dismissal from office.

The result turned out to be an early retirement.

What kind of resolution was this?

But this also indirectly demonstrated the significant influence of Sun Jiajun's supporter.

Embezzling state assets, a case so severe could still be suppressed.

"Did she return the money?"

"Three hundred million."

"Only three hundred million?" Song Guanchao sneered, "What she has taken over the years is surely more than that, isn't it?"

Wu Qiangwei said, "How much she took doesn't matter, the case ends here."

"Alright." Song Guanchao asked, "Is there anything else? If not, I'll be heading back."

Wu Qiangwei called him back, "Busy tonight?"

"Inviting me for dinner?"

"If you're not busy, I'll treat you." Wu Qiangwei worried he wouldn't swallow this anger and wanted to take him to dinner, to soothe him.

"When the Mayor invites, I certainly have to make time."

"See you tonight."

"See you tonight."

...

News of Zhang Yan's early retirement spread through the City Committee and Municipal Government.

The most shocked was Zhou Zheng.

Like Wu Qiangwei, he received the notice in the morning.

At the time, he found it unbelievable.

Then he let out a long sigh of relief.

If Zhang Yan had been wanted, he would have been the most affected.

Now that things have been resolved this way, it is undoubtedly the best outcome.

Heads of various city-level departments found it equally incredible upon hearing the news.

Zhang Yan had returned, and moreover, retired early!

What does this indicate?

Indicates she has some powerful backers!

Committing such a serious mistake, without someone powerful supporting her, she would have been wanted, not retired early!

Ever since Zhang Yan fled the country, those associated with her were terribly frightened, lining up to invite Song Guanchao for dinners, meekly, nearly kneeling before him.

It's utterly humiliating, so damn humiliating!

Now it's fine, Zhang Yan is safe and sound.

Though she retired early, it indeed displays the power behind her.

...

Time quickly reached evening.

After work, Wu Qiangwei planned to go home first, while Song Guanchao thought about it and went home to change clothes.

Around seven o'clock, they met at the restaurant.

"What would you like to drink?" After ordering dishes, Wu Qiangwei handed the menu to him.

Song Guanchao glanced over the drinks, lingered on the wines for a few seconds, thought about it, but decided against it.

Drinking alcohol would be too purposeful.

"Anything is fine." He put the menu down.

Wu Qiangwei guessed his intention from where his gaze lingered and pointed to the red wine, "Let's have a bottle."

The waiter collected the menu and left.

Song Guanchao was somewhat surprised, "Is it okay to drink when we have work tomorrow?"

Wu Qiangwei's eyes curved, "Isn't it tiring to pretend to be a gentleman?"

Song Guanchao felt a bit guilty, chuckled, "I never said I was a gentleman."

"Haha." Wu Qiangwei flicked her hair, "Your experience is somewhat lacking."

"What?" Why suddenly bring this up?

Wu Qiangwei said, "If we wait another year, I could recommend you for the Deputy Mayor position. I think the Standing Committee would pass that."

Oh, this.

"Haste makes waste, it's too early for me to take the position now."

"Besides, I don't have the experience of governance."

Song Guanchao hadn't really considered this aspect.

Counting the time carefully, he has been promoted quite rapidly, exceptionally fast.

In two years, he rose from a driver without any rank to leap direct to his current Provincial level after three promotions in one year.

The most logical step for him next is to remain for one to two years as the Director of the Office, seamlessly transitioning from the Provincial level to the Provincial level.

Director of the Office is quite a tricky position because it manages internal affairs; rarely does someone from this position move up to Vice Mayor.

Common routes are through city-level departments or provincial departments.

So when Song Guanchao initially told Wu Qiangwei he set his sights on the role of Jiangzhou City Government Office head, she was quite surprised.

Because Song Guanchao had previously said he wanted to assume a leadership role and planned to become a County Mayor.

Yet, he ended up in Jiangzhou, taking up this position.

Wu Qiangwei knew well his choice was largely influenced by her.

"What are your future plans?" Wu Qiangwei asked.

"Mayor." Song Guanchao responded concisely.

"Have you decided on the city yet?" Wu Qiangwei didn't think he was boasting.

She believed Song Guanchao had the capability.

"Jiangzhou."

"Jiangzhou?"

"Why, you think I'm not capable?"

Wu Qiangwei shook her head, "It's not about capability, it's just unrealistic."

If he aims for Jiangzhou Mayor, she would have to vacate the position.

Song Guanchao wouldn't use special means to force her out, so it would only be upon her transfer.

But after her transfer, normally either the Deputy Mayor or another Vice Mayor would take over, or it would be an off-site appointment.

He wouldn't have a chance.

Even if Song Guanchao were Vice Mayor by then, it wouldn't be possible.

The same reason again, lack of experience.

Song Guanchao smiled without saying anything.

At this time, dishes were served, and the waiter opened the red wine.

Song Guanchao picked up the wine glass and clinked it lightly with hers.

At eight o'clock, they left the restaurant.

Wu Qiangwei's cheeks were flushed, having drunk half a bottle of wine, which greatly surprised Song Guanchao.

"Stroll or go home?"

"Let's head home." Wu Qiangwei was a bit tipsy, her steps slightly unsteady.

Twenty minutes later, they returned to the community.

As they entered the elevator, Wu Qiangwei weakened, leaning against him.

Song Guanchao instinctively supported her, his right hand slipping under her arm accidentally brushing her chest, immediately retracting to her waist.

"Drunk?"

"A little."

Wu Qiangwei steadied herself, her voice bashful.

From Song Guanchao's perspective, her ears were flushed red.

When the elevator reached their floor, Song Guanchao helped her out and paused at the doorstep.

A few days ago, the two had some delightful and unforgettable experiences right here.

Noticing his halt, Wu Qiangwei's heartbeat quickened.

"I..."

Just as she was about to speak, she felt herself being turned towards him, facing each other, eyes meeting.

Wu Qiangwei's heart raced even faster, her eyes dodging, unsure.

Song Guanchao embraced her slender waist, pulling her toward him.

Lowering his head, he kissed her.