In the dead of night, everything was calm, and Song Guanchao had a good night's sleep.

The next day, everyone slept until late morning.

After getting up, they went straight to the cafeteria for lunch.

Three to five people per table, chatting about what happened last night as they ate.

Only the officials living on the first floor knew about it.

They were all district or division-level leaders, while those in the first and second junior and middle classes, primarily at the department and bureau level, were unaware.

However, when they heard some of the interesting topics being discussed, they joined in to listen for a while and learned about it.

Upon learning about what happened last night, they were extremely shocked and kept asking for details.

When Song Guanchao walked into the cafeteria, everyone looked at him.

Just from the looks in their eyes, Song Guanchao knew the news had spread.

"What a gossip."

Song Guanchao curled his lips and didn't take it seriously.

As soon as he sat down, Jiang Yiren and Chen Yirou came over, one after the other, and sat at the same table with him.

Jiang Yiren whispered, "Is the matter resolved?"

"Yes." Song Guanchao nodded, without any intention of elaborating.

Chen Yirou said, "I just saw Wang Chu leave."

Song Guanchao replied, "If he didn't leave, who would dare stay here?"

Yan Han's actions were a major taboo.

He shouldn't have chosen to act maliciously within the party school.

Even though Wang Chu was just a sidekick, in everyone's eyes, he was involved.

If he didn't leave, everyone would worry about whether such things might happen again in the future.

Moreover, it can be foreseen that once Wang Chu went back, he would be marginalized, sitting on the sidelines, with no doubt about it.

Last night, it was Song Guanchao, for the sake of the bigger picture and to save face for Yuan Chunlin, who did not pursue the matter. If he had taken it seriously, the least Wang Chu would face was dismissal from his position.

So truly speaking, Wang Chu still owes him a favor.

Chen Yirou ate slowly, occasionally glancing at Song Guanchao.

She had actually heard of Song Guanchao's name long ago.

However, she always thought that his current fame was due to the people backing him.

Yes, she believed Song Guanchao had a strong backing.

As for personal ability, it might just be so-so.

But the events of last night corrected her prejudice against Song Guanchao.

She realized that Song Guanchao's capabilities were indeed exceptional.

At the first moment the woman broke into the room, he had her under control and calmly made countermeasures.

Pulling Wang Chu out was a masterstroke!

He pointedly indicated that Wang Chu conspired with outsiders to frame him.

In this way, the nature of the matter was determined.

He even brought those who drank with him last night into the same camp.

And frankly said, if Wang Chu could frame him, he could also frame others.

Unwittingly, he bound everyone's interests with his, forming a united front against the external threat.

Then he logically and meticulously proposed a solution, including requesting surveillance checks and proactively providing cellphone communication records.

He turned a disadvantage into an advantage.

Without solid mental resilience and ample experience, it would be tough to achieve this level.

And what surprised Chen Yirou the most was Song Guanchao's final choice to let things go.

Knowing how to pick up and let go is what true vision entails.

If he had chosen to blow the matter up last night, it could have given him temporary satisfaction, but it would also embarrass Yuan Chunlin.

That would indirectly offend this organizational minister.

Thankfully, he didn't do that.

This indicates he had a clear mind, knowing what to do and what not to do.

"District Chief Song, is anyone sitting here?"

A cheerful voice rang out. Looking up, it was Cheng Xiang.

This guy left quickly last night, and nothing affected him.

"No one."

"Then I won't be polite."

Cheng Xiang sat down and said, "I heard about what happened last night, District Chief Song is really something."

He gave a thumbs up, looking impressed.

Song Guanchao smiled and continued to eat.

Seeing he wasn't in the mood for conversation, Cheng Xiang didn't bother further.

After the meal, on the way back, Cheng Xiang found an opportunity to be alone with him and said, "I asked around about Yan Han, Old Song, do you want to hear?"

Song Guanchao had a strange look in his eyes.

This guy was really quite straightforward.

During the meal, it was still District Chief Song, now it was Old Song.

He could sense that Cheng Xiang intended to befriend him.

Among the dozen people he interacted with from last night till now, Cheng Xiang left the deepest impression on him.

This person, about the same age as him, always had a smile, yet didn't feel frivolous, rather quite steady.

The most important thing is, he was very goal-oriented, knowing what he wanted.

For instance, yesterday, he organized a group to drink tea as soon as he arrived.

Later, when Yan Han arranged for women, he was the first to stand up and leave, and the excuse he gave was reasonable, leaving others speechless.

Now it's the same.

He was now approaching Song Guanchao, intending to make connections.

Song Guanchao asked, "Why are you inquiring about Yan Han?"

Cheng Xiang sighed and said, "Last night's tea gathering was organized by me too. If I hadn't organized, there wouldn't have been the later drinking session. With this incident happening, I bear some responsibility."

Song Guanchao found this person really quite interesting, with a sharp mind.

After all, making good with someone for no reason could easily raise the other's guard.

But the reason Cheng Xiang found was impeccable.

Moreover, his tone was sincere, and while speaking, his tone and expressions made people feel he was genuine, unconsciously lowering their defenses.

This guy was practically a natural politician.

Song Guanchao did not dislike him, and with his eye for people, he thought Cheng Xiang's future achievements would not be low.

If he had a solid background, his ceiling would at least be at the provincial level.

"This is a personal grudge between Yan Han and me." Song Guanchao said, "But still, I appreciate Mr. Cheng's goodwill."

Cheng Xiang laughed and said, "No need for thanks, we're of the same age, no need for such formalities. If you don't mind, just call me Old Cheng."

"Alright." Song Guanchao smiled and patted his shoulder proactively.

In his mind, Cheng Xiang noted, this District Chief Song was really different from the rumors.

Rumors said that Lingjiang's District Chief Song was hot-tempered and would lash out at the slightest disagreement.

But based on last night's incident and the feeling he got from interacting with him, he found it was completely not the case.

This District Chief Song was a true smart person.

In terms of capability, experience in handling matters, and grasp of boundaries, with his vision, he couldn't find any faults.

He wondered who was spreading such rumors.

Luckily, he wasn't someone who followed the crowd, otherwise, believing external rumors could have easily led to being trapped.

Cheng Xiang steadied himself and said, "Yan Han's aunt is indeed the Provincial Development and Reform Commission Director, that's true."

"He has been serving as the deputy director of the Ningxian District sub-bureau for almost a year with average performance... oh, but his interpersonal skills are quite strong, and colleagues and leaders both have a good impression of him."

"If he proceeded step by step, in three years, he might have the chance to remove the 'deputy' from his title."

"But after last night's incident, his career prospects are likely done for."

Speaking to this point, Cheng Xiang deliberately lowered his voice and said, "I heard that Principal Yuan went to the Provincial Committee to see Secretary Gao this morning. Mayor Zhou from Jiangzhou City was also called to the Provincial Committee. Seems like they were criticized."

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