Song Guanchao wisely kept his words to a minimum.

Since the organization dispatched someone to inquire, it's basically certain that Liang Jianfeng's appointment is set in stone.

Liang Jianfeng, the deputy director who had been suppressed for a long time, finally reached a second turning point in his destiny.

"Alright, thank you, Secretary Song, for your cooperation."

Ma Jichun nodded and said, "I have other things to attend to. Come to the province another day, and I'll treat you to a meal."

The two parted ways from the café.

Song Guanchao returned to his office and promptly reported the matter to Wu Qiangwei.

Upon learning of this, Wu Qiangwei was surprised but not entirely surprised.

Lately, there have been two star figures in Lingjiang's political scene.

One is Song Guanchao.

The other is Liang Jianfeng.

The position of deputy director no longer matches the honors he carries.

A promotion is only a matter of time.

It just came much faster than expected.

So fast, in fact, that it caused Wu Qiangwei some unease.

"Secretary, what's the matter?" he asked, noticing the solemn expression on Wu Qiangwei's face.

Wu Qiangwei said, "I'm wondering if there might be any issues with Director Liang's appointment."

Song Guanchao mused, "Do you think it's Governor Qu?"

"Hmm."

"Shouldn't be, right?"

Song Guanchao said, "What would she gain from it?"

"Even with Director Liang's promotion, only a deputy director position is vacated."

"Promoting Director Liang just for a deputy director position doesn't make sense, does it?"

Wu Qiangwei remained silent.

After a long while, she said, "I'll inquire once the appointment is made."

At the moment, she can't ask.

It's against protocol for her to call the province right after the Organization Department conducts an inquiry.

Even though she agreed with what Song Guanchao said.

But the appointment seems to be happening too quickly.

Gradually, Song Guanchao also realized.

Initially, he thought Wu Qiangwei was worrying needlessly.

But upon further thought, if Liang Jianfeng is transferred, the Lingjiang Police Department will become Director Qin's sole authority.

This is quite unfavorable for Wu Qiangwei.

"Why the transfer of Director Liang?"

Song Guanchao suddenly asked, "Just for a deputy director position?"

He seemed to be questioning both Wu Qiangwei and himself: "A deputy director isn't a director, and Director Liang only gained a stable footing in the past six months. Even if Qu Xiangru secures the deputy director position, what's the point?"

"A newly appointed deputy director can't shake Director Qin's position."

Song Guanchao squinted slightly, feeling more convinced that this appointment is problematic.

"I believe this appointment isn't Qu Xiangru's doing. It seems more like Mayor Zheng and Secretary Lu's plans."

"They're not interested in the deputy director position; they aim for Director Qin's absolute power, complete control of the police department!"

Wu Qiangwei's eyes flickered as she pondered his words.

Song Guanchao continued, "If this is indeed the case, Secretary, we need to think about what exactly they intend to do."

"Why did they go to such lengths to ensure Director Qin's control over the city bureau?"

"Is it for safeguarding the old town renovation project?"

"What major problems could arise from an old town renovation project? At most, displaced residents might protest."

"A minor issue like that doesn't warrant such drastic measures, right?"

A trace of confusion appeared in Wu Qiangwei's eyes as she muttered to herself, "Yes, what exactly do they want to do?"

She suddenly felt uneasy, aware that something was about to happen but unsure what it was.

This uncertainty made her feel unsettled.

After a long pause, she shook her head and said, "I won't think about it now. You go ahead with your work."

...

City Government.

Ma Jichun met with Mayor Zheng.

Upon hearing Ma Jichun's inquiries, Mayor Zheng immediately guessed that Liang Jianfeng might be getting a promotion.

He felt strangely sour inside.

"Liang Jianfeng is a very diligent and outstanding colleague, a model of morality at the police bureau in terms of personal conduct..."

Mayor Zheng held a high opinion of Liang Jianfeng.

He had no choice but to praise him.

Liang Jianfeng's character, work ability, and integrity are evident to all.

Inquiry is just a formality.

Saying anything bad about Liang Jianfeng would only make the organization think that Liang Jianfeng might have some issues managing colleague relationships.

But the organization wouldn't think Liang Jianfeng has issues.

They'd think the person saying bad things has issues.

If you badmouth a universally recognized moral model, you're essentially admitting to having your own problems.

So, throughout Ma Jichun's visits today, everyone had high praise for Liang Jianfeng.

After Ma Jichun left, Mayor Zheng called Secretary Lu.

"Liang Jianfeng might be getting promoted."

"Yes, I know. Director Ma already came to see me."

Secretary Lu sighed, "I didn't expect Director Liang to have such fortune."

He then deliberately said, "I'm a bit worried now that Director Liang is leaving, whether Director Qin might become restless."

Mayor Zheng said, "I'll give him a few pointers later."

"Just make some appropriate remarks. You know Director Qin; if you speak too harshly, he really holds a grudge."

...

Ma Jichun found Director Qin.

Although Secretary Lu had already informed him, the day finally came with a lingering discomfort in Director Qin's heart.

The Liang Jianfeng he once suppressed tightly was now soaring high.

Whether he goes to the provincial city or the province, Liang's rank would at least match his own.

Most likely, he'll be a step or half a rank higher.

In future meetings at the province, he'll have to call him "Director Liang."

...

Near the end of work, Song Guanchao sent a message to Liang Jiajia: "What time do you get off work?"

"I don't know."

"Working overtime again?"

"Yes."

"Don't work overtime. Take a leave tonight. I want to take you out to eat something delicious."

"No, I'm busy."

"Tonight is important; I want to introduce you to my parents."

"What?"

Liang Jiajia almost thought she had been overworked all the time and her eyes were playing tricks on her.

She read it over and over again; indeed, he wants to introduce her to his parents.

She immediately called him: "Why so sudden? You didn't even prepare me; I haven't prepared anything."

"What do you need to prepare?"

"I need to buy gifts."

"I've already bought them."

"Then..."

"I'll pick you up after work."

"Alright."

After work, Song Guanchao picked up Liang Jiajia.

As soon as she got in the car, Liang Jiajia said, "Let's go home first. I need to change my clothes."

"Alright." Song Guanchao smiled and drove home.

Liang Jiajia opened the wardrobe and picked for a long time, only to realize she only had jeans and T-shirts or loose sweatpants.

Even her dresses are just a pitiable two or three in number.

And all of them are quite casual; she lacks any slightly formal attire.

"Wear this one."

Song Guanchao decided for her, taking out a short-sleeve blue dress.

Liang Jiajia puffed her cheeks but had no better choice.

Changing into the dress and wearing sneakers, Liang Jiajia was a bit dissatisfied: "Who pairs sneakers with a dress?"

She wanted to go to the mall to buy an outfit, but she feared she wouldn't have enough time, feeling more and more frustrated.

Song Guanchao suppressed his laughter as she pinched his arm: "You're still laughing."

"I won't laugh anymore."

Song Guanchao promptly shut his mouth.

Half an hour later, when the car drove into the family compound, a trace of confusion flashed in Liang Jiajia's eyes.

Until the car parked outside the small building where Liang Jianfeng lived, Liang Jiajia couldn't hold back: "Why are you here?"

Song Guanchao unbuckled the seatbelt and said, "Introducing you to my parents, of course."

"This is my home."

"Yes, introducing you to your parents."

"???"

Liang Jiajia was full of questions, suddenly realizing Song Guanchao was teasing her!

"Song Guanchao..."

"Don't shout. There's a surprise I want to share with you."

Song Guanchao quickly reassured her, taking gifts from the trunk, and said, "Let's go."

Seeing the large and small packages in his hands, Liang Jiajia's heart couldn't help but flutter.

Could he be... here to propose?

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