Chapter 25: Remediation!

Bai Wei walked into the main office of the Party and Government Office. It was spacious and bright, furnished with several desks. Three people were currently busy working inside.

"Two of you, come here!" Bai Wei stood at the doorway and called out.

"What is it?" The three people inside looked up in surprise, staring at Bai Wei.

"Move a desk for Director Jiang," Bai Wei stated her purpose directly.

"Move a desk for Director Jiang? Didn't he go to guard the reservoir? Why would he need a desk?" The two staff members, Zhang Mingwei and Li Yi, asked in unison. They were clearly taken aback by Bai Wei's words.

Bai Wei’s expression hardened. She shot them a glare. "Did you hear that from someone? Or is it just hearsay?"

"We... we heard it from Mayor Lin. How could that be fake?" Zhang Mingwei’s voice wavered, masking his anxiety. His eyes darted around, glancing at Bai Wei as if seeking confirmation.

A look of disdain curled the corners of Bai Wei’s mouth. She gave a soft snort. "I just came from Mayor Lin’s office. I heard every word he said clearly. This is how he instructed me. Could that be fake too? Why don’t you go verify it yourself? See if I’m lying," she added with a hint of provocation.

Zhang Mingwei’s face changed color instantly.

"Hurry up and move the desk back. Stop dawdling."

Li Yi’s attitude shifted instantly. "I’ll go! Director Jiang has always been so caring toward me. Whether it's guidance in my work or concern for my personal life, I am deeply grateful. Having the chance to do something for him, even if it’s just moving a desk, is something I’ve been longing for and would do with joy!"

Seeing this, Zhang Mingwei panicked. He thought to himself, *How can I let this happen? How can I let someone else take the credit for serving Director Jiang?* Struck as if by a bolt of lightning, he sprang from his chair. His voice was filled with excitement: "Director Jiang is the beacon of my career and the person I admire most in my life. Moving a desk for him is the highest honor for me. This task is most suitable for me!" He feared Li Yi would beat him to it.

"Don't argue, there's work for both of you. Go!"

Xia Beili was completely stunned. She never expected the situation to reverse so suddenly. It seemed this Jiang Zhaoyang had backing from above! Even the iron-willed Mayor Lin Wei-quan didn't dare move him easily!

Xia Beili recalled the icy attitude she had just shown Jiang Zhaoyang and felt a surge of regret. Her behavior might have already offended him. This was bad. She had to make amends immediately!

Quickly adjusting her mindset, she put on a professional smile and stood up. "Although I am a woman and perhaps not as physically strong as my male colleagues, how could I lag behind when it comes to serving Director Jiang? I’ll go too!"

The group scrambled to follow Bai Wei toward the storage room.

***

Jiang Zhaoyang arrived at his former office. He Di was sitting at the desk, toying with a pencil. When he saw Jiang Zhaoyang walk in, his facial muscles twitched involuntarily, then settled into a mocking sneer. The smile held a mix of contempt and confusion.

His words were sharp, each syllable like a needle, aimed at stinging Jiang Zhaoyang. "What? You’re back again? Is this office some kind of feng shui treasure trove? You can’t bear to leave it?"

Jiang Zhaoyang ignored the provocation. "I am back. And as for this place, it does hold some unique memories."

He Di’s expression changed abruptly, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. His voice rose a notch. "What, are you still harboring thoughts of a 'regime change'? Still want to go back to the past? Why don't you take a piss and look at your own reflection? Who do you think you are?" His tone was brimming with disdain. "Look at your current state, and you still want to return to your glorious days? Keep dreaming! Want to act like the 'Return-to-Home League'? Do you have the skills of Hu Hansan?"

Jiang Zhaoyang curled his lips in contempt, his eyes filled with mockery for He Di. "Hu Hansan? Hmph, who would want to be such a notorious character? However, I do want to handle official business in my own office for a few days."

He Di was stunned; he clearly hadn't expected such a calm response from Jiang Zhaoyang. He sneered, "You’re a reservoir guard now, what business are you handling here? Get yourself to the deep mountains and old forests—no, go to the wilderness and guard your reservoir!"

He finished with a sinister smile, his eyes flashing with malice. "Though, that wilderness is full of wild beasts. They are mysterious and elusive. Perhaps you’ll have the luck to taste some rare game that one rarely sees in the world. Those are delicacies you’ll never find in the market."

"Tasting legendary game? That sounds tempting," Jiang Zhaoyang replied casually.

"Of course, provided that," He Di elongated his tone with a hint of mockery, "you have the skill and the luck. Don't end up not being filled by the game, but instead becoming the beasts' dinner, ending up in their bellies. That would truly fulfill the old saying, 'Men die for wealth, birds die for food,' only this time it’s for your appetite. Being devoured by beasts would be truly miserable!"

"So, am I worried?"

"Worried about what?"

"I’m worried that those beasts will be overjoyed when they see you. After all, in their eyes, you’re a delicious piece of human 'char siu'—the kind that delivers itself into the trap." He Di shook his head while speaking, a mocking smile on his face. "And with your half-baked skills," He Di curled his lip in disdain, "you probably wouldn't even be enough to scratch their itches, let alone deal with those fierce predators. As a former colleague, seeing you go on such an adventure, how could I not worry about your safety?" He Di let out a gloating laugh.

Just then, Bai Wei directed the three colleagues to move Jiang Zhaoyang’s desk and chair back in. This action was like throwing a giant rock into a calm lake, instantly stirring up waves.

He Di was so angry he could have exploded. "What are you doing?"

Bai Wei sneered, as if she had expected He Di’s reaction. "What am I doing? Don't you have eyes? Obviously, I’m moving the desk and chairs." Her tone was full of provocation and disdain.

"What desk and chairs?" He Di was furious, nearly jumping up.

"The office desk and chairs!" Bai Wei pointed to the slightly worn set, its edges frayed, and deliberately raised her voice. "With such a large object right in front of you, can't you see it?"