Chapter 1806

Chapter 1806: Chapter 1806

Secretary Xie glanced at him, his thoughts swirling.

If it were just idle chat, such serious questions shouldn’t be asked.

He suspected that Song Guanchao was initiating this informal conversation on behalf of Wu Qiangwei.

As for how to respond, that required some tact.

In the time it took to smoke a cigarette, Secretary Xie pinpointed the answer that Song Guanchao sought—Gao Qi!

Firstly, the only one in the county government not at odds with Cao Xiaolou was Gao Qi.

Secondly, the teacher who reported, Yang Ling, was most likely arranged by Gao Qi.

Lastly, today’s drama of filing a complaint was also probably orchestrated by Gao Qi.

And does Wu Qiangwei not know about Gao Qi’s actions?

Secretary Xie felt that was unlikely.

He even thought that all of this was a planned strategy between Wu Qiangwei and Gao Qi.

Otherwise, Wu Qiangwei, as Mayor, wouldn’t have rashly escalated things to this level.

Initially, Secretary Xie was puzzled as to why Wu Qiangwei, as Mayor, seemed so emotional and impulsive.

Now, everything seemed explained.

Because Wu Qiangwei wanted to remove Cao Xiaolou, she aimed to support Gao Qi into power, and she wanted control over Gaoshui County.

Combined with Wu Qiangwei’s status in Jiangzhou City and rumors about her disharmonious relationship with Zhou Zheng, Secretary Xie increasingly felt his speculation was close to the truth.

Upon realizing all this, Secretary Xie chuckled, "Is Director Song asking me questions on behalf of the organization?"

Song Guanchao shook his head with a slight smile, "A private conversation."

Secretary Xie nodded, and after consideration, said, "From my personal viewpoint, I think Mayor Gao is a good choice."

Song Guanchao nodded slightly and asked, "How many votes can Secretary Xie garner in the county committee?"

Secretary Xie shook his head, "The mayor’s appointment is not for us to interfere."

"But the opinions of comrades in the county are very important, and the city must also consider everyone’s opinions."

"Including me, four votes. Disciplinary Committee, Organization Department, United Front Minister."

"What about the Deputy Secretary and Secretary General?"

In the committee, the County Party holds six votes, theoretically the county committee’s members should unite around the County Party Secretary.

Secretary Xie himself belonged to the local faction, rooted deeply in Gaoshui County for nearly twenty years, yet he could only secure four votes.

Faced with the inquiry, Secretary Xie just shook his head without elaborating.

Song Guanchao didn’t press further, though unclear of specifics, the reasons were likely few.

Either these two were Cao Xiaolou’s people, or Secretary Xie was nearing retirement, so they didn’t bother to engage.

Regardless of the situation, it proved these two were unstable factors.

Looks like an opportunity to talk with them must be found.

A cigarette finished, the two parted.

Upon leaving the county government, Liang Jianfeng said, "I’ll head to the county bureau, call me if anything comes up."

"Yes." Song Guanchao led his group to a nearby restaurant to make up for the missed lunch.

Meanwhile, Cao Xiaolou had arranged people outside the meeting room.

After the meeting, he immediately called Director Bai, "Director Bai, could you come over?"

Receiving the call, Director Bai knew he was being summoned to discuss taking the fall.

Upon arriving at the office, Cao Xiaolou personally served him tea and even offered him a cigarette.

Cao Xiaolou sat down and asked, "Old Bai, what did Director Song discuss with you?"

Director Bai sighed, "What else could it be? It’s about the education subsidies. County Magistrate Cao, I think this matter is dire, Mayor Wu even set up a special task force, it’s like pulling up a radish and bringing out the dirt."

"It hasn’t reached that point yet, calm your mind." Cao Xiaolou waved his hand, "Mayor Wu wouldn’t tear apart relations over such a minor thing with Secretary Zhou."

His seemingly casual words were actually indicating to Director Bai that Secretary Zhou was backing him.

Director Bai managed to squeeze out a thin smile, Cao Xiaolou observed him for two seconds and said, "Today’s situation did escalate quite a bit. The primary responsibility lies with the education bureau, Old Bai, you’ll likely have to bear the brunt."

Director Bai sharply raised his head, "County Magistrate Cao, what do you mean?"

"Sigh." Cao Xiaolou took a fierce drag of his cigarette, furrowing his brows tightly, struggling to make a decision, "I know it’s hard for you to accept, but there’s truly no choice. If there were any other options, I wouldn’t do this. But rest assured, at worst, you’ll be dismissed, and there’s no need to worry about compensation."

Director Bai pinched his cigarette until it was deformed, his expression becoming exceedingly grim, as Cao Xiaolou hesitated while also observing his reaction.

After a long pause, Director Bai resignedly lowered his head, asking, "What do I need to do?"

Cao Xiaolou knew he wouldn’t refuse because he had no alternatives.

"You don’t need to do anything, I’ll have Secretary Zhou explain to Mayor Wu."

Cao Xiaolou moved around the desk, came to his side, and patted his shoulder, "It’s just a public position, it’s not a big deal. When Old Man Xie retires, I’ll be the County Party Secretary. Then you open a company, and the county’s projects will be handed to you."

Director Bai managed a faint smile, "Thank you, County Magistrate Cao."

"Among us, let’s not be formal."

Cao Xiaolou chatted with him a bit longer, then let him leave.

Outside the office, Director Bai revealed a silent sneer.

If Song Guanchao hadn’t spoken to him, Cao Xiaolou’s words might indeed have persuaded him.

But through Song Guanchao’s conversation, he knew that Cao Xiaolou’s tenure as mayor was ending.

These promises, naturally, couldn’t be fulfilled.

Director Bai also felt a bit regretful; without such meddling, his life would be quite comfortable.

Yet the thought of Cao Xiaolou’s possible worse fate than his made him feel a tad balanced.

...

After eating, Song Guanchao and his group returned to the guesthouse, he knocked on Wu Qiangwei’s door in front of Zhou Xingjian and several others, without the slightest attempt to avoid suspicion.

The more secretive, the more easily suspicion arises.

The more open, the less people suspect any hidden secrets between them.

Wu Qiangwei opened the door, Song Guanchao walked in and briefly reported the situation after her departure.

Wu Qiangwei said, "Urge them to quickly gather evidence of Cao Xiaolou’s misappropriation of public funds."

"Yes, by tomorrow or the day after at the latest." After Song Guanchao finished, seeing her serious expression, he sat down, placing her hand in his palm, asking, "Are you worried that the resolution to remove County Magistrate Cao might not pass at the committee meeting?"

In his presence, Wu Qiangwei didn’t hide it, nodding slightly, "Cao Xiaolou, after all, is Secretary Zhou’s person; dismissing him would certainly cause Secretary Zhou’s dissatisfaction, and might make others think I’m intentionally retaliating against Secretary Zhou."

Though she held no intent against Zhou Zheng, outsiders also needed to believe it.

Song Guanchao smiled lightly and said, "Don’t worry, the resolution will pass unanimously in the committee meeting."

Wu Qiangwei raised her eyes, looking at him with full confusion, then her gaze sparkled as she said, "Do you have a way?"

Song Guanchao nodded, Wu Qiangwei asked, "What..."

She hadn’t finished her sentence when her lips were sealed.

With a soft moan, she was pressed down by Song Guanchao.