The simple exchange of pleasantries significantly eased Shu Xue's pressure.

Song Guanchao didn't have an overbearing attitude that made her dislike him; on the contrary, he was quite approachable and had no airs about him.

After the waiter served the dishes and left, Song Guanchao didn't say much during the meal, so as not to affect her appetite.

It was only when she set down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth that Song Guanchao began to inquire about her personal background.

She was very straightforward, and her life trajectory was clear and uncomplicated.

Before joining the City Government's secretarial division, she was constantly at school, with sufficiently simple interpersonal relationships.

Her parents were ordinary wage earners, and while she had relatives in the system, they were only grassroots clerks.

Song Guanchao had already researched this through the records provided by Liang Jianfeng, and he was just asking as a formality at this moment.

"Mayor Wu has just arrived in the Provincial City and is selecting a secretary; do you think you can handle this position?"

Song Guanchao's impression of her was quite good, and her resume met the requirements.

However, besides her resume, her abilities must be considered.

The secretary position is too critical, especially since Wu Qiangwei has just come over, and Zhang Yan is eyeing the position fiercely.

As a secretary, it's best to have a general understanding of the various bureaus and committees' situations in the Provincial City.

Also, you need to keep your lips sealed and not speak carelessly.

Furthermore, you must possess the capabilities expected of a secretary.

For instance, managing paperwork, arranging the leader's schedule, and filtering people coming to visit the leader.

These combined requirements are not simple, especially for a newcomer who has been in the system for less than six months; it's particularly stringent.

Of course, Song Guanchao wasn't expecting her to master everything instantly.

She can learn, provided she has the ambition in this area.

"I can!" Shu Xue replied firmly, without a trace of hesitation.

Song Guanchao nodded in appreciation; regardless of whether she truly had the ability, he could at least see her determination.

As the Mayor's secretary, she would often have to accompany the Mayor in public appearances, and if she was too introverted, it wouldn't be ideal.

Initially, Song Guanchao was concerned about her average family background, having not been to many formal occasions, and being prone to nervousness when facing high-ranking officials or large gatherings.

After interacting with her, he found this young lady to be calm and composed. Although she lacked experience, she would quickly adapt if she spent time with Wu Qiangwei.

He internally decided that she was the right choice.

He called the waiter over, paid the bill, and left together with her.

Walking out of the restaurant, Song Guanchao asked, "Did you drive here?"

"By taxi."

"Where do you live? I'll give you a ride home."

Song Guanchao pressed the car key, expecting Shu Xue to refuse, but unexpectedly, she followed him directly.

Song Guanchao was quite surprised and chuckled, "I thought you would refuse."

Shu Xue smiled mischievously, "Refusing would imply that I don't trust District Chief Song, and since Mayor Wu asked you to assess me, it shows that Mayor Wu trusts you. Rejecting you would equate to distrust in Mayor Wu, leaving a negative impression on District Chief Song."

Song Guanchao laughed this young woman was interesting, her mind was quite agile.

Once in the car, after asking for the address, Song Guanchao drove her home, staying quiet throughout the journey as she also remained silent, demonstrating a good sense of discretion.

She lived with her parents, very close to the City Government, but the neighborhood was quite aged, indicating the house was purchased long ago.

He drove all the way into the neighborhood, parking below the apartment building.

"Thank you, District Chief Song."

"You're welcome."

After she left, Song Guanchao checked the time; it was after eight, still quite early.

He called Wu Qiangwei. When the call connected, he heard from the sound that she seemed to be in the car.

"Mayor, did you just get off work?"

"There was a welcome banquet tonight, it just ended." Wu Qiangwei's tone was somewhat tired.

Song Guanchao responded with an "oh" and said, "I've already decided on the secretary candidate."

"Alright, send me the name later."

"Okay."

After hanging up, Song Guanchao thought about it and then drove to a convenience store, bought a jar of honey, and headed towards the apartment complex where Wu Qiangwei was renting.

...

"Sis, how big is the apartment Song Guanchao rented for you?"

Wu Ming parked the car in the neighborhood, asking as he turned off the ignition.

"Two bedrooms and one living room."

"Two rooms, huh? Then I'll live here too."

"Find a place to live yourself."

Wu Qiangwei opened the car door and walked towards the apartment building.

Wu Ming expressed his frustration, "Are you really my sister?"

As he started his vehicle to leave, he suddenly saw a familiar man walking towards Wu Qiangwei.

"This man is..." Wu Ming stared at the other's back repeatedly, suddenly widening his eyes: "Damn, it's that scumbag!"

He immediately opened the car door and rushed over, shouting at the man's back, "Fan Jie, are you stalking my sister?"

The shout startled both the man and Wu Qiangwei, causing them to turn their heads simultaneously.

Fan Jie was about thirty years old, tall and handsome, his attire was a fitting suit, and his neatly styled hair made him appear like a successful gentleman.

Upon seeing Wu Ming, Fan Jie smiled accommodatingly, "Xiao Ming, long time no see."

"Damn, you're claiming 'Xiao Ming'?" Wu Ming furrowed his brows.

Wu Qiangwei looked at Fan Jie, momentarily lost.

Upon hearing Wu Ming's angry shout, she snapped out of her daze, saying, "You head back first."

"Sis..."

"Go back."

Wu Ming gritted his teeth and returned to his car but didn't leave.

Wu Qiangwei was about to speak when Fan Jie's gentle gaze swept across her face, his tone was sentimental and wistful, "Qiangwei, you've changed a lot."

Wu Qiangwei, wearing a stern expression, asked, "Are you looking for me?"

Fan Jie nodded slightly, saying, "I was at the lounge just now, right next door to your private room, and saw you when I went to the bathroom."

"I initially wanted to say hello but worried it'd impact your mood while eating, so...ha, sorry, I shouldn't have come over."

Apologetically smiling, Fan Jie turned to leave.

He sat in a nearby car, came down after a few seconds, and walked back over.

"Anything else?"

"This is for you."

Fan Jie handed over a glass jar filled with colorful paper cranes.

Looking at the glass jar filled with origami cranes, Wu Qiangwei's previously calm demeanor briefly wavered and was lost.

Instinctively, she reached out to take it, her thoughts pulled back to her school days by the glass jar in her hand.

"I..."

"Who are you?"

Fan Jie was about to speak when a voice interrupted impersonally.

He turned to see a young man, matching his height, with a commanding presence approaching, walking to stand beside Wu Qiangwei.

Song Guanchao glanced at the glass jar in Wu Qiangwei's hand, its glass slightly yellowed, and the paper cranes inside appeared fragile, items likely many years old.

Looking at Wu Qiangwei's expression and the man's faux sentimental and regretful gaze, even if Song Guanchao were a fool, he'd roughly guess their relationship.

He figured this guy must've been Wu Qiangwei's recent dating candidate.

Unexpectedly, their relationship had progressed so quickly that they were already exchanging gifts.

And such overly sentimental gifts at that.

But judging by Wu Qiangwei's reaction, this unique gift seemed to hit a nerve.

Damn, Wu Qiangwei had encountered a high-level player.

Despite being a Mayor, Wu Qiangwei had never been in a relationship, and when faced with shameless and persistent advances, it was easy for her to succumb.

Fan Jie looked at him, asking, "Qiangwei, who is this?"

Wu Qiangwei didn't answer; she looked at Song Guanchao, wondering why he'd come over.

Upon seeing the honey in his hand, Wu Qiangwei understood his reason for coming, her gaze becoming gentler.

She then turned and headed towards the elevator.

Song Guanchao smiled slightly at him and followed her.

Watching Song Guanchao naturally follow her, Fan Jie's smile slowly vanished from his face.

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