Right path to power

Xia Shengwen knew, of course, who Lin Xiao was referring to as "teacher." A wave of emotions washed over him. Besides envying others' good fortune, he also reminded himself to cultivate a good relationship with someone so highly regarded by the leadership, so that they might actually be able to "help each other out" in the future!

"Xiao Pan must have gained a lot from going to Fengshan with you, right?" Xia Shengwen asked casually.

Lin Xiao nodded and said, "He's alright. He has his own ideas and insights."

Xia Shengwen nodded and smiled. Seeing Shi Jiajian's puzzled expression, he leaned closer and whispered, "Liang Pan is...?"

Upon hearing this, Shi Jiajian immediately understood its meaning and was filled with shock.

No wonder the secretary of the vice governor was so polite to a low-ranking county official; it turns out that the official and the vice governor had such a close relationship.

"Teacher? It seems that the person who called earlier was Vice Governor Liang. Vice Governor Liang used to be a university professor, so Lin Xiao must have been one of his most outstanding students, otherwise..."

By combining the known information, Shi Jiajian quickly analyzed the true situation, which inevitably made him feel excited.

One is the leader's personal secretary, and the other is the leader's most trusted and prized student—it seems we invited the right people today; the "cost-effectiveness" is truly beyond imagination.

"Here you go, Kobayashi, this third cup is for you again."

Shi Jiajian smiled happily, thinking that getting along well with these two would be beneficial to his next move.

"Alright, then I won't stand on ceremony." Lin Xiao raised his glass and smiled. "Thank you, Brother Jian and Brother Wen. You must find an opportunity to come to Fengshan so I can be your host."

"Haha, definitely, definitely."

"Maybe you'll be transferred to the provincial capital before we even go there, don't you think, Shengwen?"

Xia Shengwen nodded in agreement, thinking to himself that Director Shi did have some discernment.

After a few rounds of drinks, Shi Jiajian remembered what Xia Shengwen had asked earlier and said, "Shengwen, about that Yan Yifan you mentioned before, I looked into it. He was Deputy Director Sui's former secretary and has been transferred to the position of deputy director of the primary school department. They are indeed looking for a secretary recently. However, the final candidate hasn't been decided yet. Who told you he was going to be the secretary?"

"Oh, I see. Lin Xiao, please tell me the details."

Then, Lin Xiao continued, "Brother Jian, here's the thing. This Yan Yifan was my classmate in junior and senior high school. We've always had a very ordinary relationship. But ever since he got into the Provincial Department of Education, he's become like a different person. He's incredibly arrogant and often talks big. That's not a big deal."

The county is currently conducting a special inspection of the entire education system. One primary school was found to be illegally charging fees for tutoring, and the hygiene of its cafeteria was appalling. However, someone contacted him and called me, telling me not to get involved. He then called Director Fu of the Municipal Bureau.

He himself said in the classmates' group that he was about to become the secretary of a department leader, but from what Jian Ge said, this matter is clearly not even close to being settled, yet he dares to be so high-profile and assertive. If he really becomes the leader's secretary, you can imagine what will happen.

After saying that, Lin Xiao finally breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that the pit had been dug big enough, and might even have "cut off" his old classmate's escape route.

In fact, Lin Xiao had hesitated for a moment, but since the other party had basically lost all sense of decency, he would not be soft-hearted. Fortunately, he had more friends.

In officialdom, one must never show mercy to "enemies" who have lost their conscience. This is a lesson Lin Xiao gradually learned after experiencing the murder of Gao Dayong.

"I never expected him to be like this in private. He's always so polite and hardworking when I see him. It seems like he's just putting on a show for his superiors." Shi Jiajian looked surprised, clearly knowing about Yan Yifan.

"Isn't this a classic case of two-facedness? I can't trust someone like that to work with."

Although Xia Shengwen's words were meant to "add insult to injury," they were in fact a great truth. People who say one thing to your face and another behind your back are the most worrisome.

However, Lin Xiao still smiled and nodded slightly at Xia Shengwen.

The two were putting on this act, and if Shi Jiajian, the director of the Provincial Department of Education's office, made even the slightest smirk, Yan Yifan's dream of becoming a secretary to a department leader would be completely shattered, and his future career prospects would be ruined as a result.

Unless, Shi Jiajian is transferred at this time.

"Shengwen, you're right. This kind of two-faced person is really unacceptable. Who knows what kind of big trouble they might cause in the future?"

Shi Jiajian also expressed his agreement, and he was determined to find an opportunity to mention it to Deputy Director Sui in person. He figured that the leaders wouldn't like someone like this to be their secretary, especially since this person had been so boastful before even officially becoming a secretary.

Seeing that the food and drinks were almost ready, Shi Jiajian stood up and said with a smile, "Come on, I'll take you guys to experience the real nightlife of Fengdu."

After saying that, Shi Jiajian was about to pull the two people away, but seeing that they hesitated, he said again, "You're all young people, don't be so reserved. Don't worry, it's just singing and drinking, it's all normal, you won't make any mistakes."

"Is it really legitimate?" Xia Shengwen asked.

"That's so boring," Lin Xiao replied first.

Shi Jiajian laughed loudly, "Hahaha, I never expected this, brother... I think we'll find out what they're really like when we get there."

"Then we'll do as Brother Jian says."

The group went downstairs and arrived at a minivan in the parking lot. Shi Jiajian waved and said, "To Pure K at No. 8!"

No. 8 Pure K is a mid-to-high-end KTV. The spacious parking lot in front, filled with all kinds of cars, is enough to show how good its business is.

Led by a pretty waitress in a light blue dress, the group arrived at their reserved private room on the third floor.

"Boss, this way please."

The corridor was illuminated by colorful spotlights, and several slender, tall female waitresses in blue dresses became a beautiful sight.

The moment the door to the private room was pushed open, a woman in a white dress standing against the wall in the aisle covered her forehead and pleaded with a fat, middle-aged man beside her, "Mr. Qiu, I've really had too much to drink. Please let me rest for a while!"

The middle-aged man seemed not to hear him, and reached out to take the woman in the white dress's hand, saying, "Zhong Xue, this guest is very important. If you treat him well, our contract will be fine, and your commission will be quite substantial..."

Zhong Xue?

Having just vaguely heard a familiar voice, and now hearing a familiar name, Lin Xiao couldn't help but stop and turn around.

Sure enough, the woman in the white dress was his college classmate, Zhong Xue. Her face was flushed, and she was unsteady on her feet, indicating that she had drunk quite a bit.

Zhong Xue moved away from the middle-aged man's hand and said aggrievedly, "Mr. Qiu, I really can't drink anymore. If I drink any more, I'll definitely get drunk. You should..."

"What do you mean 'I'? If people liked drinking with me, why would I even bother with you? Besides, so what if you get drunk? We'll definitely take good care of you, so don't worry about that."

"Oh, right, I already told you before we came. Your task tonight is to keep Section Chief Shi company. This is a task the company assigned you. If you secure the contract, your bonus will double, and then I'll give you a few days off to relax."

Zhong Xue looked distressed, but still forced herself to refuse, saying, "President Qiu, I really can't, you..."

At that moment, the door to the next private room was also pushed open, and a middle-aged man with a large belly and a receding hairline walked out. He said to Zhong Xue in a lewd manner, "Xiao Xue, I've been looking for you everywhere. Come on, let's continue singing and drinking."

After saying that, he raised his hand to take Zhong Xue's arm.

Upon seeing this, Lin Xiao immediately walked over quickly and called out loudly, "Zhong Xue, you're here too!"

Just as Zhong Xue was in a dilemma, she heard a familiar voice. She immediately looked up and saw Lin Xiao. Her face lit up with surprise and delight: "Class monitor, it's you!"

Lin Xiao nodded and replied, "It's me. Long time no see. Come in and have a seat."

"Hey, who the hell are you?"