Official Career Storm

Chapter 1571 1571

Han Lan received a call from Sun Jiajun, who confirmed his secretary, Ma Hongyuan from the Second Department of Secretaries.

Soon, a young man knocked on the office door.

"Hello, Mayor Sun, I'm Ma Hongyuan from the Second Department of Secretaries."

Ma Hongyuan was twenty-seven, with a decent appearance and image.

Sun Jiajun smiled and said, "Go organize the information of all departments in the City Government for me."

"Okay." Ma Hongyuan never dreamed that one day he could become the secretary to the Mayor.

Although it's just to the Deputy Mayor.

But he is still the second-in-command of the City Government.

And he heard that Mayor Sun had rendered great services and was exceptionally promoted.

This means Mayor Sun was promoted solely based on his abilities.

Unlike those who rose through connections.

All morning, Sun Jiajun was reading documents, accelerating his understanding of Jiangzhou City.

Near noon, the secretary suddenly knocked on the door: "Mayor Sun, Mayor Wu invites you for lunch."

"Oh, alright."

On the first day in office, whether out of politeness or the occasion, this meal was inevitable.

The restaurant was set near the City Government, with moderate standards.

Besides Wu Qiangwei, Secretary-General Han Lan, Song Guanchao, and several department heads also attended.

"We need to work in the afternoon, so let's not drink," said Wu Qiangwei.

Through Song Guanchao's introduction, Sun Jiajun got a general understanding of each department.

Of course, he had already learned about some departments yesterday, and in-depth.

For example, Shi Qin from the Secretarial Department.

The two pretended to meet for the first time, showing no signs of familiarity.

At the end of the workday, Ma Hongyuan knocked again: "Mayor Sun, Secretary Zhou asks if you have time tonight; he wants to invite you to dinner."

"I understand."

Sun Jiajun immediately called back Zhou Zheng, arranged a place, and went over straight after work.

At the dinner table, besides Zhou Zheng, there were Deputy Secretary Lv Jie, Disciplinary Committee Secretary Bao Qi, Organization Minister Wang Jinming, Secretary-General Guo Han, and Propaganda Minister Liu Peihua.

"Mayor Sun, welcome to Jiangzhou."

Zhou Zheng raised his glass to express welcome.

The other committee members also raised their glasses with smiles.

Sun Jiajun was taken aback by their kindness; it was only his first day, and he'd already met Jiangzhou City's committee leaders.

He quickly stood up, holding his wine glass.

Zhou Zheng gestured with his hand: "Mayor Sun, sit, no need to be so formal. We're all on the same side."

Listening carefully to the undertone, is Zhou Zheng trying to win me over?

Moreover, at tonight's dinner, besides the leaders of the Military District and Wu Qiangwei, all the City's committee members were present.

The Military District is not under the control of the City Committee and Government; it's normal for them not to attend.

But Wu Qiangwei is the Mayor, the second in command of the entire Jiangzhou.

Zhou Zheng invited others but not her, which is unusual.

This indicates that Zhou Zheng deliberately excluded Wu Qiangwei.

Does he have a poor relationship with Wu Qiangwei?

Sun Jiajun gained a more detailed understanding of Jiangzhou's dynamics.

After several rounds of drinks, Sun Jiajun gradually lost his initial restraint and opened up.

Yet, in conversation, he remained polite and respectful to the committee members present.

After a few rounds, everyone became more familiar.

With a cigarette in his left hand and a drink in his right, after dinner, Zhou Zheng suggested calling it a night, and everyone dispersed.

They left the restaurant, and while waiting for cars, Disciplinary Committee Secretary Bao Qi came over, took out a cigarette, handed it to him, and lit it for him.

Bao Qi said, "Mayor Sun, be careful at the City Government from now on."

Sun Jiajun humbly said, "Please advise, Secretary Bao."

Bao Qi waved his hand, "No need for advice."

He looked around and said in a low voice, "You know Mayor Zhang's situation better than I do, right?"

Sun Jiajun's heart stirred: "I only know Mayor Zhang made some mistakes, but I don't really understand the specifics."

This wasn't deceiving Bao Qi, as Mr. Lin had handled the matter from start to finish, with the credit attributed to him.

But in reality, he had nothing to do with it.

Bao Qi lowered his voice: "Mayor Zhang and Mayor Wu have a grudge. Mayor Wu has a classmate named Luo Sanming, who does business in Lingjiang. When Mayor Wu was still the Deputy Secretary of the Lingjiang Municipal Committee, he had Luo Sanming arrested."

Sun Jiajun was curious: "And then?"

"Then?" Bao Qi chuckled, "Luo Sanming was both a classmate and first love of Mayor Zhang, and he was her representative on the surface. But Luo Sanming dealt in shady businesses, linked to several influential figures."

"So after he was arrested, those powerful figures worried he'd spill something."

Here, Bao Qi made a throat-cutting gesture: "On the way from Lingjiang to Jiangzhou, Luo Sanming died."

Sun Jiajun was shocked, and Bao Qi said: "Originally, this matter would have passed, and Mayor Zhang would have continued her mayoral duties without interference."

"But who'd have thought, Mayor Wu was transferred to the Provincial City to become Mayor."

"Two people with a past conflict, now placed in a hierarchical relationship, something is bound to happen."

Sun Jiajun asked: "So, did Mayor Zhang flee a thousand miles because Mayor Wu wanted to act against her?"

Bao Qi said: "I'm not sure about the details. But, Mayor Zhang wouldn't have fled without reason; she must have sensed danger."

He patted Sun Jiajun's shoulder: "You, take care."

Sun Jiajun felt a chill down his spine; Bao Qi's words made him uneasy.

"I have no animosity with Mayor Wu, she wouldn't take action against me, right?"

"No animosity?" Bao Qi couldn't help but smile: "Think carefully, think it through."

Sun Jiajun pressed his temples; he drank too much at night, his mind a bit foggy and sluggish.

Bao Qi said: "Because of your involvement, Mayor Zhang went from being an international fugitive suspect to a retired deputy mayor. How do you think Mayor Wu perceives you?"

"It's not the thief you fear, but the thief's thoughts."

"For Mayor Wu, the conflict with Mayor Zhang is irreconcilable. If Mayor Zhang stayed abroad forever, never coming back, it wouldn't matter; she's abroad and cannot return. No worry of retaliation."

"But because of you, Mayor Zhang came back and retired safely."

"If you were Mayor Wu, what would you think?"

"I…" Sun Jiajun seemed to understand his meaning.

In his heart, he cursed.

On my first day in office, did I offend Wu Qiangwei?

No, from the moment Zhang Yan returned to the country, he'd already offended Wu Qiangwei.

Sun Jiajun felt a chill down his spine, suddenly realizing that Mr. Lin might not be able to protect him.

Bao Qi kept observing him; seeing his stiff expression, he continued: "You shouldn't worry excessively about Mayor Wu; you just arrived, and even if she dislikes you, she won't act so quickly. But you need to be cautious of Director Song."

"Director Song?" Sun Jiajun was puzzled for two seconds and asked: "Song Guanchao?"

Bao Qi nodded: "Director Song often doesn't play by the rules. Mayor Sun, be cautious yourself."