Chapter 26

Sitting on one side, Gao Zhikai drank his tea with a blank expression, but in his heart, he held Liu Baojun and Ma Yuewu in utter contempt.

He had always been highly self-regarded, and moreover, Zhang Qingming had privately revealed the situation to him. Although Zhang Qingming's transfer was inevitable, his rank would be retained, and he would only be temporarily assigned to the city bureau or the provincial department. When the right opportunity arose, he would be reassigned to a new position.

Furthermore, Zhang Qingming had mentioned that a leading official in the city bureau was preparing to recommend Gao Zhikai as the head of the Guangning County Public Security Bureau. This promise was undoubtedly more reliable than the support Liu Baojun and Ma Yuewu had from Chu Chuzhang and Qiu Dahu. After all, who knew what Chu Chuzhang and Qiu Dahu were really thinking?

Therefore, Gao Zhikai had been very low-key recently, knowing when to maintain a low profile.

However, when Liu Baojun proposed that Du Xiaohu be appointed as the head of the Fire Prevention Department, and although Ma Yuewu initially objected, he also suggested that Du Xiaohu serve as the acting head, Gao Zhikai's eyes narrowed. He couldn't stand to hear Lu Zheng's name mentioned.

As the deputy in charge of criminal investigations, he now felt as if people were pointing and whispering behind his back every time he entered or left the county bureau compound. Although he knew it might just be his imagination, the feeling of being watched made him uneasy.

He knew that as long as Lu Zheng was around, this inexplicable sense of loss would persist, making him restless and unable to sleep or eat properly.

Therefore, whenever he heard anything related to Lu Zheng, he felt uncomfortable and couldn't maintain his composure. After a moment's thought, he suddenly interrupted Ma Yuewu and said, "Comrade Yuewu, may I say a few words?"

Ma Yuewu smiled and nodded, fearing most that Gao Zhikai wouldn't confront Lu Zheng. The more they fought, the more it benefited him.

Gao Zhikai cleared his throat and said, "First, I want to ask everyone, why are we setting up the Fire Prevention Department? Isn't this in conflict with our existing fire brigade?" Without waiting for a response, he continued, "When discussing this issue, we must consider the development of Guangning's commerce and cultural entertainment. Now, we have more and more public places. In 1978, Guangning had about 40 public places, including cinemas. Now, excluding the Mingstone Mountain and Gold Coast tourist areas, there are over 100 public places in the county, including cinemas, open-air dance floors, open-air billiards, stations, docks, and markets. Moreover, individual operators often lack a strong sense of fire prevention. I believe setting up the Fire Prevention Department in the county bureau is of great significance.

"When supervising fire prevention measures in public places, units, and enterprises, it is the Fire Prevention Department. When performing rescue and firefighting tasks, it is the fire brigade. This way, we can achieve the principle of prevention first and a combination of prevention and firefighting."

Gao Zhikai took a sip of water and continued, "The fire brigade has been incorporated into the armed police force and is directly managed by the city fire brigade. However, the city fire brigade has proposed that we select a cadre from our county bureau to serve as the head of the Fire Prevention Department. This is a sign of trust and a hope to implement the principle of prevention and supervision. I believe we should select an experienced old comrade for this position, rather than promoting young cadres who lack experience, which could lead to potential risks. Our young cadres will have many opportunities in the future, but the task of fire prevention is long and arduous. I am concerned that if a young cadre lacks experience and something goes wrong, we will have to deal with the consequences."

Everyone remained silent, although many understood Gao Zhikai's thoughts, his arguments were quite reasonable.

Deputy Director and Discipline Inspection Group Leader Wei Qingxian, sitting next to Lu Zheng, glanced at Lu Zheng and saw him writing something in his notebook.

After a long silence, no one spoke. Now, apart from Gao Zhikai, no one was willing to openly offend Lu Zheng.

"Let's put it on hold," Lu Zheng suddenly said indifferently.

Unexpectedly, everyone felt a sense of relief. Perhaps it was because, at some point, Lu Zheng had become more reserved, no longer frequently criticizing others in meetings as he used to. This sudden silence made him more unpredictable.

Gao Zhikai glanced at Lu Zheng, but he felt no sense of victory.

Ma Yuewu sighed regretfully and said, "Let's all think about it. Is there anyone else suitable for the position?" In fact, this outcome was the best for him. He already had someone in mind for the position but didn't want to propose it immediately.

Just as Ma Yuewu was about to speak again, there was a gentle knock on the meeting room door. Outside stood Wei Xiangxiu, a 23- or 24-year-old female police officer, whose youthful and sensual figure, paired with her olive-green police uniform, exuded a captivating allure, like a ripe peach, inviting and alluring.

Wei Xiangxiu was there to find Liu Baojun, "Comrade Liu, you have a call from Comrade Qiu." Her voice was soft and melodious.

Liu Baojun hurriedly left the meeting.

Ma Yuewu watched Liu Baojun's back, his eyes flickering, and picked up his teacup. "Let's take a break and wait for Comrade Liu."

Wei Xiangxiu walked to the window and opened the wooden lattice windows, letting in a fresh breeze. The heavy rain outside had stopped at some point.

Many eyes in the meeting room were drawn to Wei Xiangxiu. Some gazes were intensely passionate. Her olive-green police uniform, with the belt tightly cinching her soft waist, and her ample chest, were highly alluring. The tight skirt and black low-heeled shoes accentuated her shapely legs, wrapped in sheer stockings, making her an irresistible temptation. She was a fiery beauty, a perfect embodiment of the ultimate uniform fantasy.

Previously, although some had lusted after this office beauty, no one dared to make a move, as rumors suggested she had a special relationship with Director Zhang Qingming. Now, with Director Zhang's fall, many hungry wolves were eager to pounce.

Wei Xiangxiu walked to the corner and picked up the kettle, not bending over but squatting slightly to avoid any mishap. This subtle movement, however, was even more alluring, emphasizing her fiery curves and making her seem even more submissive and gentle.

Gao Zhikai didn't look at her once, but he observed her every move.

This alluring police beauty had been the subject of many of Gao Zhikai's fantasies. Compared to her, his wife seemed utterly mundane. However, he knew his career was more important. Moreover, Wei Xiangxiu had been personally selected by Director Zhang a year ago, and there were rumors of intimate encounters between them. So, Gao Zhikai often only fantasized.

Now, with Director Zhang's departure, as Gao Zhikai admired Wei Xiangxiu's beauty again, a burning desire rose in his heart. Perhaps, he could finally have some hope?

At that moment, Wei Xiangxiu walked over to the meeting table, and as she passed Gao Zhikai, a fragrant breeze followed her.

No one expected her to stop by Lu Zheng's side and whisper something in his ear, her lips almost touching his ear, perhaps even brushing against it.

Gao Zhikai's brows furrowed. Was Wei Xiangxiu crazy?

Wei Qingxian, sitting next to Lu Zheng, heard her clearly. Wei Xiangxiu asked softly, "Comrade Lu, would you like more water?"

Lu Zheng shook his head, and Wei Xiangxiu then moved on to refill the cups of the other leaders.

Watching this, Wei Qingxian's eyes showed a glint of thought. It seemed Wei Xiangxiu had heard the news first and was trying to curry favor with Lu Zheng.

As Wei Xiangxiu refilled the cups, she reached the office director, Wang Yuguo, when Liu Baojun returned to the meeting. His expression was strange, neither happy nor angry, but soon turned into a smile. He walked to the center of the room and said, "Let's end today's meeting here. I just received a call from Comrade Qiu. According to the provincial department's proposal, the city bureau has nominated Comrade Lu Zheng as the candidate for the head of the Guangning County Public Security Bureau, pending approval by the county People's Congress Standing Committee."

The meeting room erupted in chaos. Everyone whispered and discussed the unexpected news.

The three top candidates had all been eliminated, and the final winner was Lu Zheng? What was going on?

How did this dark horse, Lu Zheng, suddenly emerge? There had been no signs at all!

Wei Qingxian smiled and nodded. It seemed Wei Xiangxiu had heard the news first and was trying to ingratiate herself with Lu Zheng.

He then extended his hand to Lu Zheng and said, "Comrade Lu, congratulations."

Lu Zheng smiled and shook his hand, saying nothing more.

Soon, other officials realized what had happened and rushed to congratulate Lu Zheng. Even Ma Yuewu, after a moment of shock, came over to shake Lu Zheng's hand and offer his congratulations.

Only Gao Zhikai remained seated, his face grim. What he was thinking, only he knew.

He sat there, rigid and motionless, like a statue.

Even those who noticed him felt a twinge of pity.

Old Gao, it was tough for him to hold on.

"Comrade Lu, Comrade Qiu wants to see you," Liu Baojun said with a smile. "Let's go, I'll accompany you."

Lu Zheng nodded slightly and stood up. The officials around him quickly made way, recognizing the power dynamic. No matter how familiar they were, when he became their superior, they naturally felt a sense of respect and awe.

For the first time in years, Gao Zhikai left the meeting early, forgetting to check his watch. He left the meeting room in a daze and drove home.

In the living room, his wife, Zhao Hongxia, had also taken an early leave from her job at the TV station, where she was part of the group that did little work but still collected a salary.

While cleaning her ears, Zhao Hongxia exclaimed, "Hey, did you know that Tong Susu has come to our station as a news anchor? She's been here for a few days. I heard her family had some trouble. Her father was a vice mayor, but now he's in trouble, so she had to come to a small station like ours."

Gao Zhikai sat on the sofa, listless, not really listening to Zhao Hongxia's chatter.

"Hey, did you hear me? I think this is a good opportunity for Zhiqiang. No wonder Tong Susu was so proud before; she was the daughter of a city leader. But now that her father is in trouble, she can't be so proud anymore. Zhiqiang is a good match for her, but if they get together, will he be implicated by her father? We need to think about this. I say, it's bad luck, and we should avoid it. Zhiqiang is just weak, always pining for her."

Zhao Hongxia continued her rambling, used to Gao Zhikai's lack of response, as if talking to herself.

Suddenly, she remembered something important and sat up straight. "Right, have you heard anything about your promotion to director? When you become director, you should deal with that Lu Zheng. He makes me feel uncomfortable just looking at him!"

"Director" and "Lu Zheng" snapped Gao Zhikai back to reality. Was he dreaming? The new director was Lu Zheng?!

"Last time I heard from Xiao Shen, what did he say? He's good at solving cases? I don't believe it. He's just a big, dumb soldier..."

"Enough!" Gao Zhikai suddenly shouted hysterically. Zhao Hongxia's impression of Lu Zheng was something he had gradually instilled, and now it sounded so grating.

"What's wrong?" Zhao Hongxia was startled, almost poking her eardrum with the ear cleaner.

Gao Zhikai entered the bedroom with a dark face and slammed the door shut.