Chapter 1812

Chapter 1812: Chapter 1812

The dismissal of Cao Xiaolou, as Song Guanchao said, passed unanimously.

Zhou Zheng had long noticed Song Guanchao; in the last park pollution incident, Song played a significant role, but he always felt that Wu Qiangwei was orchestrating everything behind the scenes, with Song merely being a pawn.

However, Song Guanchao’s performance at today’s meeting made him have a slight apprehension about this young man.

He was accustomed to dealing with people like Wang Jinming, instinctively thinking that everyone in the official arena understood the rules.

Even though Wu Qiangwei had been transferred to Jiangzhou for some time and they had interacted multiple times, she worked somewhat rigidly, yet still within the established bureaucratic framework.

But Song Guanchao was different; this kid was like an Amazonian piranha that broke into a fish pond, seemingly reckless in his actions, flouting regulations everywhere, making it hard for others to keep up with his pace.

A deputy cadre hesitated and caused the standing committee members to be at a loss and struggle to cope.

He couldn’t help but question whether the real mastermind behind the park pollution incident was indeed Wu Qiangwei, or was it him?

Soon there were only Zhou Zheng and a few others left in the conference room.

He smoked silently while Guo Han commented, "Director Song completely lacks decorum."

"To threaten with resignation is indeed bold." Lv Jie voiced discontent, yet was inwardly quite pleased.

Bao Qi said nothing; he felt a bit apprehensive inside.

He hadn’t expected Wu Qiangwei to have such a tough stance, nor did he expect Song Guanchao to use this tactic.

Fortunately, Secretary Zhou compromised; if he had let his emotions take over at the moment, creating an unmanageable situation, he would have suffered along.

After all, Yang Ling’s complaint letter had been placed on his desk at the time.

If the province were to investigate thoroughly, he wouldn’t be able to get through.

He really couldn’t understand why Wu Qiangwei insisted on opposing Zhou Zheng.

Wouldn’t it be better to coexist peacefully?

Why insist on confronting Zhou Zheng?

Looking at Zhou Zheng, his previously unwavering confidence began to waver.

Wu Qiangwei, so assertive, yet so young, was brought directly to Jiangzhou by Secretary Gao.

She had also handled several important matters during this period.

Her ability and background were both extraordinary.

In contrast, Zhou Zheng seemed to have nothing substantial to showcase.

Recalling how Tan Miao had shown goodwill towards Wu Qiangwei early on, he couldn’t help feeling a sense of urgency.

Perhaps, he should also turn towards Wu Qiangwei?

Bao Qi’s mind was tangled with confusion, causing him a great headache.

...

"Mayor Wu, would you like to have lunch together?"

Wang Jinming extended his invitation in the parking lot.

Unlike Bao Qi, he was decisive and not hesitant.

A park pollution incident, and Gaoshui County.

It was clear that Wu Qiangwei was a trailblazer.

Such a person only has two outcomes: either marching forward triumphantly or being sniped midway, never satisfied with the status quo.

Indeed, greater ability brings greater risk.

But from what he understood about Wu Qiangwei, she currently poses no risk.

Her bold moves to change Jiangzhou’s condition were all declaring to outsiders one thing — she intends to replace Zhou Zheng.

The process wouldn’t be easy, with many difficulties along the way, yet Wang Jinming believed it was worth betting on.

Thus, he shifted from his previous covert support to openly putting forth his stance.

His swift change of stance surprised Wu Qiangwei.

Although unclear why he suddenly changed attitudes, it was ultimately a good thing.

Lunch was at a nearby casual restaurant.

After brief pleasantries, Wang Jinming asked, "Have you considered anyone for the new county mayor, Mayor Wu?"

Wu Qiangwei was unsure of his intent, responding without personal emotion, "Let the Deputy County Magistrate take over."

Wang Jinming responded with an acknowledgment, "Mayor Gao, right?"

Wu Qiangwei was inwardly surprised that Wang Jinming knew Gaoshui County so well; whether this was impromptu research or him being diligent in his role as organization minister, she couldn’t tell.

Wang Jinming cast a glance at Song Guanchao and said, "Director Song has thoroughly offended Secretary Zhou this time, and it’s feared that future work might be difficult to carry out."

Song Guanchao, like Wu Qiangwei, didn’t understand why Wang Jinming brought this up.

It wasn’t like idle chat should touch on uncomfortable topics.

Being a member of the standing committee, one wouldn’t be foolish enough not to know how to converse.

If it wasn’t intentional to poke a sore spot, then there must be a hidden agenda.

"As a director, my work scope is only within the City Government, and throughout the year, there’s scarcely any chance to interact with the City Committee," Song Guanchao remarked nonchalantly.

Wang Jinming suddenly sighed, "If that’s how Director Song thinks, I am quite disappointed."

Song Guanchao calmly looked at him, awaiting further explanation.

"Since you’ve already offended so many people, why not make things even more decisive?"

Seeing Wang Jinming’s words had an underlying message, Song Guanchao responded, "I am just dull; Minister Wang might as well speak clearer."

Wang Jinming chuckled, "If you’re considered dull, then there’d be no smart individuals in Jiangzhou."

"Yet you’re right about one thing, your authority only lies within the City Government; stepping outside the building, who would regard you seriously? Unless Mayor Wu firmly establishes her position."

"But given the current situation in the City Government, everyone knows. With a disruptive Mayor Sun, and several vice mayors aren’t entirely supportive of Mayor Wu. The heads of the various committees are also self-serving."

"Since you decided to overturn the table, you must smash even the floor tiles — handle it thoroughly. Some matters require vigorous action; hesitating gives others time to react, prepare, and then it becomes difficult to act."

Wang Jinming picked up the teapot, poured tea, and moistened his throat.

No longer surprised by Wang Jinming’s suggestions, Song Guanchao was more curious about why he proposed them.

Being so bold and clear in his stance, wasn’t he afraid Zhou Zheng would find out?

"I’ve done some checking around Mayor Sun." Wang Jinming said, "Zhang Yan’s return was guaranteed by the Lin Family as intermediaries. Mayor Sun was fortunate to get chosen and promoted by the Lin Family."

"But I heard the Lin Family almost mishandled the park pollution issue, causing Lin He to lose his influence."

"Moreover, since Mayor Sun came to Jiangzhou, his performance has been unsatisfactory, coupled with the park issue, the Lin Family likely won’t continue to support him."

Wu Qiangwei had been frowning the entire time, "What exactly is Minister Wang trying to say?"

Wang Jinming’s intentions were clear, and he knew that the two understood his meaning.

But he was also aware they still didn’t trust him.

This wasn’t surprising, given his swift change of attitude without any groundwork, which made anyone suspicious, thinking there might be a trap.

Since he decided to align with Wu Qiangwei, he needed to demonstrate sincerity, thus he directly said, "There should be only one voice in the City Government, and that voice must be yours. If Mayor Sun isn’t cooperative, find a way to make him compliant."

Song Guanchao asked, "Minister Wang’s intention is to eliminate Mayor Sun?"

"...." Wang Jinming twitched his eyebrows and eyes, "Director Song, you might be a bit too extreme."

Internally, Song Guanchao was rolling his eyes.

After all the roundabout speaking, what he interprets is that Mayor Sun should be eliminated.

Now, after summarizing the intent, he’s called extreme.

"As mentioned, I am dull." Song Guanchao spread his hands.

Wang Jinming was momentarily speechless, doubting whether Song Guanchao was indeed dull or if his language was too vague, leading to misunderstanding.

"Mayor Sun has only been here for a few months, and you want to eliminate him; how would the province see this?"

"My suggestion is if he’s not cooperative, find a way to make him cooperate."

"There’s more than one way to make him cooperative besides eliminating him." Wang Jinming explained.