In name only: I will break the chess game in Handong!

"By the way, Yike, when are you going back to Jingzhou?"

Before Lu Yike could continue to ponder, Chen Hai's question came again.

"I'll probably return to Jingzhou to report to Secretary Chen in person after I finish dealing with Lincheng's case this week."

Upon receiving the exact time, Chen Hai's smile broadened.

"Okay, I'll treat you to dinner when you get back!"

Lu Yike wanted to refuse, but she just couldn't bring herself to say it.

Reluctantly, I acquiesced.

Lu Yike also wanted to know if the Director Chen in her memory had changed after experiencing such a big setback.

Office of the Director of the Jingzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau.

Although it was after get off work hours, Zhao Donglai stayed at the bureau to handle the work. Overtime is common in the public security organs.

Seeing the online discussions and praise for Lu Yike these past few days, Zhao Donglai felt a tickle in his heart, and quickly remembered that Chen Hai had mentioned introducing Lu Yike to him.

"We can't wait any longer!"

Zhao Donglai made a decision. Like Chen Hai, he had been married before, but unlike Chen Hai, Zhao Donglai had no children to rely on after his divorce. In addition, he was also a deputy director-level official and not bad-looking, so he felt that he still had a chance.

If he really gets involved with Lu Yike, Zhao Donglai could become the vice mayor and deputy secretary of the municipal political and legal committee tomorrow.

After all, Lu Yike's father is the top official of a provincial military region.

Thinking of this, Zhao Donglai directly called Chen Hai, hoping that Chen Hai could act as a go-between.

Once the call connected, Zhao Donglai stated his purpose directly.

"Hey, Chen Hai!"

"Oh, it's Donglai. What's up?"

Chen Hai's tone didn't betray any sadness, after all, all he was thinking about now was catching up with Lu Yike so he could make a comeback.

"Hey, we're buddies, right? If this guy gets into trouble, would you help him out?"

Chen Hai was a little confused. He had already been dismissed from his post, so who else could he help?

"Yes, that's right, it's my buddy, Donglai, just say the word!"

"Alright! I won't keep you in suspense any longer. Didn't you say before that you and Comrade Lu Yike had a good relationship, and even offered to play matchmaker for me? Now that I've really fallen for Comrade Lu Yike, tell me if you can help me with this!"

Chen Hai was dumbfounded upon hearing this.

"are you serious?"

"What else?"

After a moment of silence, Chen Hai had a sudden inspiration.

"Donglai, I've taken this to heart. As you know, our Director Lu is currently conducting investigations at the grassroots level and probably won't be back in Jingzhou for some time. So, I'll let you know when Director Lu returns to Jingzhou!"

Zhao Donglai's laughter never stopped.

"Alright, alright, Chen Hai, I'm entrusting my marriage to you!"

"no problem!"

After exchanging a few more casual words, Chen Hai hung up the phone and gave a cold laugh.

"Buddy? Hou Liangping and I said the same thing before, and we were supposed to be best buddies, but he still stabbed me in the back, didn't he? Everyone looks out for themselves!"

Friday arrived in the blink of an eye.

Lu Yike also traveled from Lincheng to Jingzhou. She first went to the Political and Legal Affairs Commission to report to Chen Luo before going to meet Chen Hai as scheduled.

As for Chen Luo, he had just finished listening to Lu Yike's work report and was about to go home when his phone rang.

I picked it up and saw it was a call from Old Xu!

Stand up and answer the phone

"Hello, Mr. Xu!"

"Tsk tsk tsk, why are you being so polite with me?"

I received your report from Handong. It's great that you have zero tolerance for illegal and criminal activities at the grassroots level. The publicity is also very effective. Even Minister Wang from the Ministry of Public Security praised you for being capable.

"So, isn't the work of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission quite interesting?"

Chen Luo smiled and nodded.

"Old Xu, it's interesting as it is, but I feel too idle. Once tasks are assigned, I can only sit there doing nothing. It's not very satisfying!"

"Hey, you're ungrateful. I was just thinking you've been too busy in Suzhou these past few years, so I let you take a break. But you think it's too easy for you? Should I give you more responsibilities?"

"Huh? Mr. Xu, you're not joking, are you?"

Chen Luo was somewhat taken aback. He had only been joking, but it seemed he had gone a bit too far.

"Are you kidding me? Do you think I'm kidding?"

The Party Secretary of your city, Lüzhou, Handong, is about to be transferred. I heard that the newly appointed mayor is not cooperating with the Party Secretary's work and is causing a mess.

This angered the patriarch of the Hu family. Coupled with the complex situation in Handong, the Hu family wanted to transfer him back to a ministry.

Vice President Hu told me about this privately.

If you want more responsibility, you can take on the additional role of Party Secretary of Lüzhou City. Lüzhou's economy is no weaker than Jingzhou's, which will give you a perfect opportunity to showcase your abilities.

"This relationship is truly complicated, but Mr. Xu, I would be willing if given the opportunity!"

"Hahaha, you're getting a good deal and still acting innocent. Previous secretaries of the Luzhou Municipal Party Committee all made it into the Standing Committee. I'll ask Vice President Hu privately and get some information."

As for whether it will work out, I can't guarantee it.

"Oh! Thank you, Mr. Xu. I will definitely come to see you in person when I have the chance to visit Beijing!"

"Alright, alright, I'll hang up now."

Goodbye, Mr. Xu!

After hanging up the phone, Chen Luo felt his heart pounding. The joy of being promoted was a rare and precious feeling.

"I didn't expect the Party Secretary of Luzhou City to have this background, but it's normal. A 44-year-old Party Secretary would probably have no chance at all without some support."

This Yi Xuexi guy is quite interesting; he even managed to anger the municipal party secretary!

Chen Luo chuckled as he spoke. Yi Xuexi was just like that; he was indeed very principled, but he was really not cut out for developing the economy. No wonder he was transferred to Jingzhou as the secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission in the original drama.

Slowly exhaling a breath of stale air, Chen Luo gradually suppressed his joy. Even if this matter succeeded, it would probably be after the New Year, which would still be two or three months away. He should focus on doing a good job with the Political and Legal Affairs Commission first.

Bag in hand, off work, home!

Meanwhile, Lu Yi saw Chen Hai at a restaurant in Jingzhou City, which was a huge surprise to him.

Chen Hai used to dress simply, even somewhat unkempt, and Lu Yike was used to his attire. However, the Chen Hai in front of her now was simply too extravagant.

His beard was shaved, his clothes were changed, and he was wearing a smart little suit with a bright smile, which made Lu Yike feel awkward.

"Yes, come on, sit down. The food at this restaurant is really good. You've been working at the grassroots level for a while now, and you look thinner. You need to eat well."

Chen Hai's tone was also different from usual.

Lu Yike has indeed lost weight, after all, she often stays up late. But at the same time, her alertness has increased a lot. Chen Hai's deliberate actions all point to his abnormal behavior.

"Chen Hai, are you... alright?"

I've heard about what happened to you. Just stay away from Hou Liangping from now on.

As soon as Lu Yike said this, Chen Hai's forced smile crumbled.

Some words, even if spoken with the intention of concern, can be perceived as sarcasm when they come from someone you care about.

That's exactly how Chen Hai felt.