21: Chapter 21: Xu Qianli, Don’t Push Your Luck!

21: Chapter 21: Xu Qianli, Don’t Push Your Luck!

“Zhang Cheng, listen to me,” Zhang Kuisan continued his act, pretending to be a righteous figure reprimanding his nephew Zhang Cheng.

It wasn’t that he wanted to do this, but he believed it was the most sensible way to handle things at the moment.

After all, the nature of Zhang Cheng’s offenses was so egregious that if he showed favoritism, it might leave a bad impression on the higher-ups and potentially jeopardize his chances of being promoted to County Magistrate.

Between his nephew and his official position, Zhang Kuisan easily made what he considered to be the most beneficial choice for himself.

Stepping back, no matter what, Zhang Cheng was his nephew, the one he had arranged to work in the Jiang City County Government—if there was trouble, it would surely involve him and at least give the organization the impression of poor judgment in personnel selection.

Now, by putting on a show of righteousness over familial ties, he could not only clear himself but also potentially score points and leave a good impression on the organization.

As for Zhang Cheng, first let the police take him to the station, then think of a way to handle it.

He didn’t believe that with his, Zhang Kuisan’s, connections and influence in Jiang City, he couldn’t fish out a man.

Zhang Kuisan’s plans clicked perfectly into place, but Zhang Cheng, whose intelligence wasn’t on par, couldn’t understand and thought that Zhang Kuisan really had abandoned him, which threw him into panic.

His past arrogance disappeared instantly, replaced by snot and tears as he looked at Zhang Kuisan with desperate eyes, incessantly begging him to save him.

Zhang Kuisan waved his hand, signaling Wu Kai to take the man away quickly.

Wu Kai glanced at Xu Qianli and gave a slight nod before taking Zhang Cheng away.

The news of this incident spread quickly throughout the entire County Government.

Almost everyone sensed an unusual atmosphere.

Xu Qianli, who had seemingly been knocked down to the lowest point and was about to be exiled to watch over the reservoir, had returned to the County Government so prominently and even managed to take down Zhang Kuisan’s nephew, Zhang Cheng, in such a strong manner.

And yet, with such a significant issue at hand, Zhang Kuisan let Xu Qianli take care of Zhang Cheng.

It was a bizarre situation in every respect.

Many speculated whether Xu Qianli was on the rise again, having obtained the support needed to wrestle with Zhang Kuisan from somewhere.

Secretary Xu’s office quickly became deserted, leaving only him and Zhang Kuisan.

Once the door was closed, Zhang Kuisan, with a forced smile that didn’t reach his eyes, looked over at Xu Qianli.

“Secretary Xu, you did well by rooting out the dregs within our County Government, truly an immense contribution,” Zhang Kuisan said.

“In that case, I will have someone draft a report right away, to be submitted tomorrow, applying for a commendation for you.”

“You are so young and promising, I believe your future will be bright—I expect you might reach heights that I myself wouldn’t even dare to dream of.”

Zhang Kuisan’s words seemed to be a compliment to Xu Qianli, but to Xu Qianli, they were filled with barbs.

This bastard was clearly implying that if he offended him, he could forget about climbing higher!

Since they had already torn off the façade, Xu Qianli couldn’t bother to pretend, and he knocked on the table, “Deputy County Magistrate Zhang, there’s no need to say things that seem useful but are actually completely useless.

Say what you really want to say.”

“Alright,” Zhang Kuisan replied.

“What do you want to give up what you obtained from the Big Tycoon Nightclub?”

“Xu Qianli, don’t think that just because you have something like that, you can do whatever you want.”

“You should know, having such a thing is extremely dangerous for you, and it might harm you at any moment!”

“This isn’t a threat, but a friendly reminder.”

“After all, those who know too many secrets rarely have a good end!”

Zhang Kuisan made a bare threat to Xu Qianli, demanding the release of what Xu Qianli had in his possession.

After Wei Yong was transferred from the North Road Police Station to the county station, Zhang Kuisan was the first to find Wei Yong to inquire about the situation.

Wei Yong vaguely revealed that he had something in his possession that was detrimental to Zhang Kuisan and several other leaders, which Xu Qianli had snatched away.

He refused to divulge anything more.

Zhang Kuisan, although unclear about what exactly Xu Qianli had obtained, felt a pricking discomfort at the thought of actually being caught in a vise by him.

He had to get his hands on whatever Xu Qianli held!

“What did you say, Deputy County Magistrate Zhang?

I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

Xu Qianli feigned ignorance, thinking, “The things are in my hands, I deny it, what can you do?”

“Secretary Xu, that’s not appropriate.”

“It’s just the two of us here, there’s no one else, there’s no need to hide anything.”

“Yes, I admit, I’ve been somewhat unscrupulous towards you this past month, but, after all, new kings bring their own courtiers.

I had my reasons for doing so.”

“Look, I’ve already agreed to your demands, rescinded the disciplinary decisions including those concerning you and Wu Kai, and restored your positions.

That shows sincerity.”

“If that’s still not enough, state any request you have, feel free to make it.”

Zhang Kuisan softened his tone, coaxing Xu Qianli to name his price.

Money, power, women—whatever Xu Qianli wanted, as long as he could trade for what he held, it would be worth it.

Bribery?

Xu Qianli remained coolly indifferent, “I will say it again, Deputy County Magistrate Zhang, I am not aware of what you’re talking about.”

“You!”

Twitches uncontrollably flicked at the corners of Zhang Kuisan’s mouth.

This Xu Qianli was truly incorruptible, so ungrateful when offered face!

“Secretary Xu, I already have a rough idea of what you’re holding onto.”

“Do you think that just because you have it, you can bring down Zhang Kuisan?

You’re underestimating me!”

“My assumption of the County Magistrate position is all but nailed down.

If you release that information at this critical juncture, it’s likely it will not affect me but backfire instead, leading the organization to believe you’re acting out of personal grudge and retaliation against me.”

“If you get such a mark on your evaluation file within the organization, even if you manage to continue in the bureaucratic world, you can forget about being promoted!”

“If you’re willing to hand it over, we can talk about anything.”

“That’s all I have to say, think it over carefully.”

With that said, Zhang Kuisan left Xu Qianli’s office.

Once outside, Zhang Kuisan’s face darkened in an instant, fury bursting forth, fists clenched tightly.

Curse that Xu Qianli, I underestimated you before.

But don’t think that just because you have a hold on Zhang Kuisan, you can manipulate me.

Wait and see, I’ll find a way to break this situation soon.

I will not allow myself to be threatened by Xu Qianli with the handle he has on me at this critical moment of becoming the new County Magistrate.

As for the way out, Zhang Kuisan quickly thought of someone, Liang Yueru, the beautiful owner of Jiang City’s largest hotel.

Back in his office, Zhang Kuisan closed the door and immediately made a phone call.

As the Jiang City County Interim Governor about to become the second-in-command of Jiang City, he humbled himself when calling a hotel owner, lowering his posture significantly, and explained the situation in full, asking Liang Yueru to help resolve it.

Soon, a response came through the phone.

“It’s a trivial matter, for twenty million, I’ll settle everything for you.”

Twenty million?

Zhang Kuisan felt the sting, but considering the current situation, he gritted his teeth and agreed, “Fine, I’ll do it!”