"Don't be like that." Tang Yumeng hurriedly helped Song Ming up from his deep bow and said, "Haven't all the past matters been settled? Why bring them up?"

"Vice Secretary Song, as I always say, when you have had enough fun outside, just come back." Lin Chuan said with a smile.

The broadcast announced the boarding notice.

Song Ming hurriedly went through the security checkpoint with his wife, boarding the plane under the guidance of the staff.

A group watched the distant backs of Song Ming supporting Mrs. Song, and sighed with various emotions.

Tang Yumeng's tears were flowing uncontrollably.

"Sis, why are you crying?" Lin Chuan asked curiously.

"If in this lifetime I could have a man as reliable as Song Ming, I would have no regrets even in death." Tang Yumeng choked a bit and said, "Look at him, he never abandons his wife. Though he has erred in political awareness, he's always been very prudent in his personal life. Unlike some officials, who, given a little power, exploit it for personal gain and indulge recklessly."

"Indeed." Lin Chuan nodded, saying, "I really admire him for that."

"You should really learn from him." Tang Yumeng glared at Lin Chuan.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Lin Chuan nodded, saying, "I should definitely learn from him, to be as unwavering and never abandon my commitments."

"Humph." Tang Yumeng gave a soft snort, then gently nestled into Lin Chuan's embrace.

Embracing Tang Yumeng, Lin Chuan felt the heavy weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He knew the burden wasn't light. Carrying both love and career, neither could be neglected. The balance mustn't tilt in either direction.

At the airport.

More than a dozen of Song Ming's subordinates felt quite uneasy. Now that Song Ming was gone, they no longer had anyone to back them up. Gazing at Tang Yumeng, they didn't know what to do. Previously, they had defied her and deliberately made things difficult for her. Yet now, they had to rely on her for a livelihood. It felt like torture. Particularly at this moment, they wanted to leave but weren't sure whether to greet Tang Yumeng before doing so.

"Everyone." Tang Yumeng suddenly turned to look at them.

"Ah!" Those fellows were startled and hurriedly said, "Secretary Tang... do you have any orders?"

"It's nothing much." Tang Yumeng showed a gentle smile and said, "From now on in the City Committee, we're all colleagues. Rest assured, I won't make things difficult for you. My principle is to promote the capable and eliminate the incapable."

"Yes, yes!" The crowd nodded repeatedly. They had no doubt about their own capabilities.

"Alright, go back early." Tang Yumeng glanced at a few people and said, "When you return, work hard. Strive to boost Jiangbei City's economy."

"Yes!" The group responded respectfully.

Now, Tang Yumeng is the top leader of the Jiangbei City Committee; no one can threaten her position anymore. If they want to keep their secure jobs, they must follow Tang Yumeng solemnly. At least, that's how it stands for now.

Watching these people leave anxiously, Lin Chuan couldn't help but laugh.

"These folks used to be arrogant, like nobody's business, but now they're timid like little chicks." Lin Chuan commented irritably.

"Ah, in the officialdom, every step is precarious." Tang Yumeng sighed and said, "Many people rise from such situations; not everyone has a smooth journey. But having encountered me, they found the right person."

"That's right." Lin Chuan, holding Tang Yumeng, said proudly, "It's fortunate for them that they met you, Sis. If it were someone else, who knows how they would have been dealt with. Driving them away is minor; destroying them is major."

"Let's go too." Tang Yumeng held onto Lin Chuan's hand.

After leaving the airport, Tang Yumeng's mood was not very high, which puzzled Lin Chuan. Previously, when Song Ming opposed her, her low spirits were understandable. But now that Song Ming was gone, why was she still downcast? She now had all the authority in her hands and could do whatever she wanted.

"Sis, why aren't you happy?" Lin Chuan asked.

"Yes!" Tang Yumeng nodded, asking, "I don't know why; with Song Ming gone, I am not happy."

"Strange," Lin Chuan remarked, curious.

"I feel strange too." Tang Yumeng sighed and said, "Maybe Song Ming's situation has affected me. I actually recognize Song Ming very much. But he is indeed a highly capable, talented leader. With him, Jiangbei City's economy and urban development had no issues at all, because he knows Jiangbei City inside and out."

"I believe you can do it in the future." Lin Chuan looked at Tang Yumeng seriously.

"I hope so." Tang Yumeng smiled wryly, saying, "With Song Ming leaving, my heart feels even less certain."

"Sis, you never rely on anyone." Lin Chuan smiled.

"Actually, I've always relied on Song Ming, you just didn't know." Tang Yumeng showed a helpless smile and said, "Whenever I encounter something major, I actively consult and discuss with Song Ming. Although he's not a good person, he knows how to separate right from wrong in dealing with matters."

"But now, Song Ming is already gone." Lin Chuan shrugged.

"Yes!" Tang Yumeng nodded, then said, "With him gone, I suddenly lost my focal point."

"It's alright. I believe you can certainly overcome the difficulty." Lin Chuan smiled, "Moreover, I believe you will become a good Secretary in the hearts of Jiangbei City's citizens."

"Hmm." Tang Yumeng nodded. She suddenly turned to look at Lin Chuan, who was driving, and asked, "Lin Chuan, will you leave me?"

"Of course not." Lin Chuan shook his head.

"But you're about to leave." Tang Yumeng looked dejected and said, "You mentioned that you want to go abroad to develop your career."

"No." Lin Chuan hastily said, "I've already decided, I'll leave after the new year."

"Really?" Tang Yumeng felt suddenly elated at these words.

All along, Lin Chuan has been Tang Yumeng's inner pillar. When Lin Chuan first stated he was leaving, Tang Yumeng had been reluctant. Now, having decided not to leave for a while, she was extremely happy, excitedly hugging Lin Chuan's arm and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Lin Chuan felt very satisfied with his decision.

Returning to the City Committee.

Tang Yumeng had barely arrived at the City Committee before announcing a committee meeting. With Song Ming gone this time, Tang Yumeng intended to centralize power. If she wanted to smoothly carry out her work, she needed to consolidate all rights in her hands and then research other issues.

In the meeting room, everyone sat upright and formal, with Lin Chuan accompanying Tang Yumeng to the meeting.

After all, being Song Ming's old subordinates, now that Song Ming was gone, they were worried about Tang Yumeng making things difficult for them. If she did, they would be worse off than dead. They were equally concerned about being transferred away from the City Committee, which would be a major loss if they were sent to another county to oversee work.

The meeting room was filled with various emotions.

Tang Yumeng sat in the most central seat, while Lin Chuan took the vacant vice secretary's seat. In the past, Song Ming's group of subordinates would have immediately jumped up to reprimand Lin Chuan, but now, they were like mud figurines crossing a river, and no one had the mood to care about him.

Lin Chuan settled into the seat nonchalantly. Tang Yumeng cleared her throat softly and said, "Comrades, although Vice Secretary Song has temporarily left the City Committee, we must not let go of our work here. We must strongly focus on political work on one hand, and economic construction on the other. From today on, we will make new adjustments to our internal work..."

Swoosh...

There was an uproar at the scene, and Tang Yumeng's subordinates appeared excited. They always belonged to those sitting on the bench in terms of work opportunities. Meanwhile, Song Ming's associates opened wide their pores in fright, each person exchanging glances. Their fears were finally coming true. Though unwilling to see it, history was always kind to the victors. Having lost, they had to concede. Their emotions were very gloomy. Some even trembled physically. They mentally prepared themselves for the reality.

"Old Chen." Tang Yumeng suddenly spoke up.

"Secre... Secretary Tang." Chen Guoguang was Song Ming's loyal old subordinate, and hearing his name called first, his internal fear surged. But he also understood that he was in charge of the entire financial work in Jiangbei City, which was the economic lifeline. Therefore, Chen Guoguang knew he would be the first on the chopping block. He awkwardly said, "I... at my age, it's indeed time to retire."

Chen Guoguang intended to provide an excuse for himself and a step to exit gracefully.

Unexpectedly, Tang Yumeng suddenly refused: "No, I don't intend to let you leave."

"Ah?!" Chen Guoguang was surprised and awkwardly said, "Secretary Tang, then what do you mean?"

"The financial work should still be handled by you." Tang Yumeng looked at Chen Guoguang seriously and said, "From now on, I won't interfere with financial work unless it involves substantial amounts. You can come to me for approval, but for other matters, you don't need my approval."

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