8:30 AM the next day.

An Audi led the way, followed by a Coaster, heading straight into the City Committee's parking lot.

Qu Xiangru, Wu Qiangwei, and Chu Xiao'e went forward to greet as soon as the cars stopped.

Their secretaries followed closely behind.

"Secretary Gao, Governor Hou."

"Secretary Qu."

The two provincial officials shook hands with the three one by one.

After they went upstairs, they headed straight to Qu Xiangru's office.

Song Guanchao made tea for the leaders and then waited outside.

Jiang Yiren kept glancing at Song Guanchao, but with Secretary Xu present, she dared not be too obvious.

When Secretary Xu went to the restroom, Jiang Yiren said, "Congratulations on your promotion."

"Thank you."

"During the New Year, did your family pressure you about matchmaking?"

"Hmm?" What kind of question is that?

"No, my family doesn't pressure me."

Jiang Yiren clenched her small hands and looked down at her toes, "During the New Year, my elders kept asking me."

"Mm."

Song Guanchao was distracted, his thoughts entirely on the office.

Jiang Yiren puffed out her cheeks and said, "Hey, what I said last time, would you consider it?"

"What did you say?"

"We could try."

Song Guanchao looked her up and down.

The city committee's heating was sufficient. She wore a neatly pressed women's suit, a white shirt tucked into her pants, her abdomen flat, her figure slender and flexible, with a youthful beauty.

"I told you, no love affair talk, but we can sleep together."

"Can you be serious!" Jiang Yiren was very unhappy.

She knew Song Guanchao said it deliberately, trying to make her back off.

But she refused!

This New Year, Qu Xiangru's family arranged a matchmaking partner, although later she heard the matchmaking didn't succeed.

But it did make her anxious.

She worried her family might arrange a marriage for her too.

She had a free spirit, disliked being arranged.

Coincidentally, Song Guanchao had entered her heart. She wanted to try with Song Guanchao.

No matter if they can be together in the future, at least for now, she didn't reject Song Guanchao.

They say women pursue men, just a thin film. But for her, why was it so difficult?

She couldn't understand what about her made Song Guanchao dislike her.

"Do you dislike me?" Jiang Yiren wanted to know clearly.

"No."

"Then why won't you date me?"

Song Guanchao sighed, "Lady, love is about fate, and feelings."

"You don't feel for me?"

"I do." Song Guanchao honestly said, "But it's limited to interest in your body, understand?"

"Then what kind of girl do you like?"

"A mature one."

"Am I childish?" Jiang Yiren felt hurt, "I don't throw tantrums or cause trouble."

Song Guanchao shook his head, "It's not that, can't explain well. Besides, so many men chase you, why focus on me?"

He was puzzled, was his charm really that strong?

Every woman would throw herself at him?

"Who's focusing on you? I just have a good impression of you."

"Then sorry, I don't have that feeling for you."

"We could try..."

Before finishing, the office door opened, and she immediately shut up.

Wu Qiangwei and Chu Xiao'e came out, Secretary Gao and the others were still inside.

Inside the office.

Governor Hou said, "The candidate for the next Governor has been decided by Secretary Gao and me."

Qu Xiangru's expression turned serious immediately, looking at the two, waiting for their answer.

Governor Hou said, "During the New Year, Secretary Gao and I went to Yanjing, and chatted with comrades from the Central Organization Department. The Governor candidate will be decided by Secretary Gao."

Qu Xiangru's heart clenched, feeling increasingly uneasy.

She took over Lingjiang to accumulate political achievements before Governor Hou stepped down so the Central Organization Department would list her as a candidate for Governor.

But now, the Central Organization Department's attention wasn't needed.

The decision was delegated to the province, Secretary Gao could decide directly.

As long as Secretary Gao was willing to recommend her, she would be the next Governor.

In her expectation and tension, Governor Hou poured cold water: "You're still young, lacking some experience."

Qu Xiangru felt her heart sinking, an unspeakable disappointment.

She maintained a smile, "Secretary Gao decides; I firmly support Secretary Gao."

Governor Hou smiled and said, "Xiao Qu, I know you're upset. After all, you're the Executive Deputy Governor, naturally expected to take over when I retire. But as I've said, you're still young, not suitable."

Qu Xiangru couldn't help asking, "Is it Secretary Wu Qiangwei?"

Governor Hou shook his head, "She's even younger than you, impossible in terms of age and experience. Don't overthink."

Qu Xiangru's heart lightened slightly.

Secretary Gao said, "The candidate, for now, I won't tell you. Governor Hou isn't retiring right away; it'll take some time."

"This time coming, mainly, is to chat with you."

Secretary Gao asked, "What's your current relationship with the Jiang Family?"

Qu Xiangru couldn't grasp their intentions and didn't know how to answer, so she replied diplomatically, "The Jiang Family treats me well."

"Treats you well?" Governor Hou's smile was unclear: "The Jiang Family is close to certain comrades. These comrades like to form their circles. Many times, the province's work can't proceed due to these circles."

Qu Xiangru understood his meaning now, it was a call for her to take a stand.

Whether to stand with the Jiang Family or align with Secretary Gao.

The Jiang Family, a local family in Nanjiang Province, had many ties with leaders after years of operations.

Qu Xiangru didn't expect help from the Jiang Family; this New Year, her rift with them widened.

For the Jiang Family, having a family member as Executive Deputy Governor was positive.

But an Executive Deputy Governor, if uncontrollable, might be a hazard.

The Jiang Family already found Qu Xiangru uncontrollable, and couldn't provide future political help.

She was already outwardly harmonious but inwardly estranged from the Jiang Family.

Their visit to Lingjiang appeared as research, but actually aimed at her.

They wanted a definitive answer, asking her to choose a side.

Qu Xiangru said, "My surname is Qu, not Jiang."

Both nodded with satisfaction.

Governor Hou asked, "What's with Jiang Yiren?"

Qu Xiangru said, "The Jiang Family no longer provides me resources, so I have to find ways myself."

The two understood.

She wanted to play the role of controlling the emperor in order to command the feudal lords.

She arranged Jiang Yiren around her, tempting her to make mistakes, achieving some balance with the Jiang Family.

Governor Hou nodded, "The Fengmen Building project, find a way to get it from the City Government, and assign it to Secretary Wu."

Qu Xiangru was stunned, then emotions churned inside, wanting to ask why.

Why help her pave the way!

She suppressed the tumultuous emotions, remained calm and nodded, "Okay."

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