Chapter 18

The golden number 15!

The gray numbers represent demotion, the red numbers represent resignation, and the golden numbers represent promotion. Now, the official ranking can display days, which means Xu Yan is only 15 days away from a promotion!

Given Xu Yan's current position, he will become the chief of the Black Mountain Town police station in 15 days!

How is that possible?

The Black Mountain Town police station is Yang Hu's territory, with Yang Song overseeing it. How can Xu Yan smoothly become the chief? Not to mention there's also Deputy Chief Zhang Weiguo in the way. Could it be that Xu Yan's father helped with the transfer?

These thoughts instantly flooded Su Mu's mind, but unfortunately, the official ranking only displays the promotion numbers and doesn't show much else. If it could display the reasons for promotion, that would be truly remarkable.

"Tell me, what's wrong with you today? You seem distracted. Are you suffering from heatstroke? Do you want me to get you some Huoxiang Zhengqi Water to drink?" Xu Yan said with a smile.

"Only you would get heatstroke. With my physique, how could I get heatstroke? Let's go, didn't you want to visit the antique street? Today, I'll show you what a real appraiser is like!" Su Mu laughed.

Since he couldn't figure out the reason, Su Mu decided not to think about it. After all, this is good news for Xu Yan. If he can take charge of the Black Mountain Town police station, it will benefit Su Mu as well.

At any time, any superior, if they cannot fully control the law enforcement agency, will inevitably face significant challenges! People like Liang Changgui are exceptions, as his authority is enough to keep the police station in line. If it were another town, and the police station didn't follow the party secretary's orders, the party secretary would have sleepless nights.

The antique street was as bustling as ever. As Su Mu walked through it, he thought about Zhao Sihai, the head of the Comprehensive Public Security Department, wondering if he had been dealt with.

"Old Su, look at that stone Buddha over there. It seems to have some history, doesn't it?"

"Are you kidding? Bamboo carvings are being sold, and this thing could be an antique?"

"Inkstone, tsk tsk, I don't need an inkstone. My handwriting is so bad, it's embarrassing. Old Su, your handwriting is good. Why don't you come and take a look?"

...

Xu Yan didn't seem to be here to hunt for antiques but rather to act as a tour guide, constantly talking. If their relationship hadn't become so close, Su Mu would have found it unbearable. It was hard to imagine such a tough guy could be so chatty and nagging, which was quite amusing.

Compared to the last time when Su Mu had little money, this time he was quite wealthy. The three antiques Ye Xi sold had a remainder of 800,000 yuan, which was transferred to his account. And Ye Xi said there would be more money coming in steadily. This meant Su Mu didn't have to worry about anything and could freely hunt for treasures.

After two hours, Su Mu used up all five of his appraisal opportunities from the official ranking and found five nice antiques.

Now, when Su Mu chose antiques, he followed a specific strategy: the more expensive an item, the more he wanted it. On top of finding bargains, this meant Su Mu couldn't help but become wealthy.

"That's really a pity, there's nothing I like here." Xu Yan shook his head.

"Is there something you like? Are you looking for an ancient dagger?" Su Mu laughed.

"Hey, how did you know?" Xu Yan was surprised. "I don't think I ever told you that I like cold weapons, did I?"

"You never told me, but do I need to? You're a former soldier. What else would you like besides combat and cold weapons? You're already tired of guns. Do I need to guess?" Su Mu, of course, couldn't say that he knew from the official ranking when they first met.

"Hehe, no wonder you're a talented town chief, you know everything. Yes, I do like cold weapons, preferably something like a military bayonet. Unfortunately, all the antiques on this street are fakes, none of them are real." Xu Yan shook his head helplessly.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it. I'll definitely find you a dagger that can cut through hair and snow." Su Mu smiled and promised.

Due to time constraints, the two didn't continue hunting for antiques on the antique street. They rode the police station's motorcycle back to Black Mountain Town.

Ding ling ling!

Just as they returned to town and before they could say goodbye, Su Mu's phone rang. When he answered, Yang Song's voice came through.

"Is this Town Chief Su? Please come to my office, I need to discuss something with you."

"I'll be right there!" Su Mu said.

"What? The big town chief is looking for you?" Xu Yan frowned.

"Yes!" Su Mu replied.

"It's definitely not good news. Be careful, don't let him trick you. I always feel he's not that kind-hearted to give you 300,000 yuan to manage." Xu Yan said solemnly.

"I know what to do. Whoever tries to touch this money, I'll make sure they regret it!" Su Mu said and turned to walk towards the town government office, quickly appearing in the town chief's office.

Unlike the usual indifference, Yang Song almost immediately smiled and offered a pack of cigarettes as soon as Su Mu entered the room.

"I know you're a heavy smoker. Come, there's no taboo here, smoke away." Yang Song smiled.

When something unusual happens, there must be a reason!

While Su Mu was on guard, his hands were not idle. He quickly walked forward, smiled, and took out a Hongtashan cigarette, lighting it with satisfaction.

"Being able to smoke the town chief's cigarettes is not a privilege everyone enjoys."

"You little rascal, don't be slick with me." Yang Song was in an unusually good mood, even walking out from behind his desk to sit on the tea set next to Su Mu.

"Su Mu, you've been in Black Mountain Town for a while now. Since you started overseeing education, science, culture, and health, you've achieved significant results. The town government has seen all your efforts, and these are solid achievements that no one can erase."

Something's not right, it's really not right.

Although Su Mu didn't know why Yang Song was willing to speak to him so humbly, these few words made him instinctively sense a plot.

"Town Chief Yang, everything I've done has been under your leadership. Without you and the town government, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish anything. So, whatever I've done, it's all thanks to your leadership." Su Mu smiled.

"You're a good young comrade, always saying nice things!" Yang Song smiled and puffed on his cigarette. "Su Mu, you know the education situation in Black Mountain Town is the worst in Xingtang County. I didn't have much hope for the task assigned by the county education bureau. But you managed to bring in such a large sum of money, great! Now, Black Mountain Town can truly do something good for the children and the town's education."

"As long as the children can go to school, any effort I make is worth it!" Su Mu said.

"Yes, this task was originally under your supervision, and I was confident in entrusting it to you. But..." Yang Song paused, a look of difficulty on his face.

Here it comes, it's definitely here, waiting for me, huh? Hmph, I'll see what tricks you, this smiling tiger, can pull.

"Town Chief Yang, just say it. I will firmly follow the organization's arrangements!" Su Mu declared.

"Of course, Su Mu, you graduated from Jiangnan University, a highly educated person and an excellent party member. The situation is this: The Qinglin City government is hosting a seminar on how township officials can better communicate with villagers and lead them to prosperity. After the town government's leadership discussed and reported to the county party committee, the organization has decided to send you to this seminar, which will last for 20 days!" Yang Song smiled.

"20 days? When does it start?" Su Mu asked calmly.

"It starts the day after tomorrow. You need to report to the Qinglin City government tomorrow!" Yang Song said, taking an envelope from the table. "All the information is in here. You can take it with you when you go."

How ruthless!

Yang Song, these past few days, you've been so quiet, it turns out you were planning this. What is this? Just as the renovation of the Dalishu Primary School is about to start, you make me leave to attend a seminar. When did economic development become my responsibility? You never treated me this well before, now you want me to attend, what is this?

This is not how you steal credit!

Your appearance, Yang Song, is too ugly!

The more he thought about it, the worse Su Mu's mood became, and his face turned sour. Just as he was about to explode, a sentence from Yang Song cooled his temper.

"Town Chief Su, Secretary Liang knows about this and has approved it. Take the materials and go see him; he has something to discuss with you."

What? Liang Changgui knows too? That means there's no way to change this, and the funds I brought in will fall into Yang Song's hands.

"Town Chief Yang, if I go to the seminar, who will be responsible for the renovation of the Dalishu Primary School?" Su Mu asked, his face showing displeasure.

This expression seemed normal to Yang Song. If Su Mu could remain completely calm and not show any anger at such an arrangement, given his age, that would be truly strange.

"Don't worry, I will personally oversee this. I will ensure there are no problems with the construction team and the design plan." Yang Song smiled.

"Alright, I hope Town Chief Yang completes this as soon as possible. If you have no other instructions, I'll go see Secretary Liang." Su Mu stood up.

"Go ahead!" Yang Song smiled and watched Su Mu leave. As soon as the door closed, his smile grew even wider. He sat back at his desk, stubbed out his cigarette, and dialed a phone number.

"Xie Shao? This is Yang Song. When do you have time to come to Black Mountain Town to discuss the renovation of the primary school?"

In the town party secretary's office.

"What? Still have a knot in your heart? Can't untie it?" Liang Changgui was a heavy smoker, needing three packs a day, but with his salary, he couldn't afford good cigarettes. So, he smoked cheap cigarettes, making the office smoky and stuffy.

"Old Secretary, this is clearly a way to steal my credit. What does an economic seminar have to do with me? I'm not in charge of that. Hasn't Mayor Ma always been in charge of the economy in Black Mountain Town?" Su Mu was genuinely upset, and he couldn't hide it here.

There was no way around it; Liang Changgui and Su Mu had a good relationship, and if you were to be precise, Su Mu was on Liang Changgui's side!

"Su Mu, I knew you would have concerns, but it's completely unnecessary. Yes, I initially wanted to refuse sending you to the seminar, but then I thought about your background in economics. Attending this seminar could be beneficial. You know, based on your experience, you wouldn't have had the chance to attend.

Those qualified to attend are the mayors of various towns and the heads of county agencies. If you go, I can speak up for you when you return, and maybe get Yang Song to give you some responsibility in the economy. This way, you won't be stuck in education, science, culture, and health, where you can't fully utilize your talents." Liang Changgui explained.

"Old Secretary, I know you're doing this for me, but I'm still not happy! Besides, I'm not comfortable handing over such a large sum of money to Yang Song. What if..."

"There's no 'what if'!" Liang Changgui said loudly. "If Yang Song dares to touch this money, I'll take him to task, even if it costs me my life! Go with peace of mind; I'll keep an eye on things here."

With these words, Su Mu knew there was no way to change the situation. Despite his efforts, he couldn't defy the organization's decision. Besides, if Yang Song was genuinely committed to the task, it didn't matter whether Su Mu was the one implementing it or not.

Realizing this, Su Mu nodded. "Old Secretary, I will follow the organization's arrangements! After I transfer all the materials to Mayor Yang, I'll head to Qinglin City tomorrow!"

"That's the right attitude!" Liang Changgui laughed.

When the news of Su Mu being removed from the renovation project spread, no one in Black Mountain Town was surprised. You were just a powerless deputy mayor. Even if you could bring in money, what could you do? Saying you're removed is just a matter of a word. In Black Mountain Town, you, Su Mu, have no say.

"Old Xu, take care of the task I entrusted to you. If anything happens, Lin Chen will contact you. Remember, if there's any issue, notify me immediately." Su Mu said seriously.

"Go with peace of mind; I'll keep an eye on things here." Xu Yan said loudly.

"Alright!"

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