Chapter 33: Playing Hard to Get

Here, there are no eternal friends, only eternal interests; there is no absolute fairness, only the law of survival of the fittest. The defeated are the weak, destined to be eliminated, forgotten, and to vanish silently into the dust of history.

"Mayor Lin," Jiang Zhaoyang asked, "when should I report for duty?"

"Such a wonderful place—others are flocking to it. Since I have managed to secure this opportunity—no, since it fell right into my lap—how could I let it slip away?"

"How could I miss such a golden opportunity? If I go too late, someone else might seize the initiative!"

Lin Weiquan was suddenly stunned. What was this? Was this kid really buying the flowery nonsense he had been feeding him? Did he really think it was a good place to be? Could he really cultivate his character there? Did he actually think it was a plum assignment? It seemed that doing ideological work really required a knack for bragging! If you can make the dead talk and turn the bad into good, you won't have to worry about a lack of volunteers. Painting a big picture always feeds people unrealistic fantasies.

*Want to rest for a while and then come back? Keep dreaming!*

Of course, since you want to go, I won't let you off easily. I need to make you feel that this opportunity was hard-won. Lin Weiquan deliberately put on a troubled expression, playing a game of feigned reluctance, and said slowly, "Well, this... actually, it is just my initial personal thought."

"To truly finalize it, I have to consult with the other members of the Party Committee." He paused, then continued, "After all, my personal decision cannot represent the entire committee; otherwise, I would be accused of being arbitrary, and that wouldn't be good." Lin Weiquan sighed deliberately, as if he were truly troubled by the matter. "I see that your writing skills are quite good. Staying in the administration might be more useful. You used to work for Fu Zhengliang; I didn't have much contact with you, so I wasn't fully aware of your literary talents."

Jiang Zhaoyang decided to escalate the performance. "I originally thought this transfer was a done deal; I didn't expect so many variables." He looked anxious. "Mayor Lin, I am full of anticipation for the new position and am willing to work hard there. Please, you must help me secure this opportunity!"

Seeing this, Lin Weiquan felt secretly triumphant, believing his tactic of feigned reluctance had worked.

He kept a straight face and said, "Rest assured, I will do my best to help you secure it, but you must also be mentally prepared. After all, this is not something I can decide alone."

Jiang Zhaoyang showed a hint of sly, mocking amusement. The corner of his mouth curled into a playful smile. "So, Mayor Lin, you don't want me to leave after all? In that case, let someone else have such a good place! I think He Di is quite good—young, promising, and a talent you highly appreciate. As the saying goes, 'the pavilion close to the water gets the moonlight first.' Letting him go would surely be most appropriate. Otherwise, wouldn't it be unreasonable? How about this: let him take the benefits first? I, Jiang, have always been broad-minded; I have no objections. It's good to help others fulfill their wishes!"

Lin Weiquan felt a jolt in his heart, his face flushing and then turning pale. Only then did he realize he had been toyed with by Jiang Zhaoyang! He felt annoyed at his own over-cleverness, having fallen into the kid's trap. Lin Weiquan squeezed out a forced, awkward smile, compelled to smooth things over. "This matter was decided long ago; it won't be changed. If a leader cannot keep their word and follow through with actions, how can they have any prestige left? Will anyone believe what I say in the future? Let's do this: you go tomorrow."

At this point, Lin Weiquan changed his tone, a playful smile appearing on his face. "However, there are no vehicles at the reservoir. The town's vehicle usage is extremely tight, and I really cannot spare a car to take you there. You will have to ride your motorcycle to your new post. Although the mountain road to the reservoir is rugged and uneven, especially muddy and difficult to traverse on rainy days, your motorcycle has good performance and is durable; it should be fine on the mountain road. As long as you drive carefully and pay attention to safety, there shouldn't be a problem. But, rainy days will be troublesome. Of course, I have already considered this issue. Rest assured, I specifically checked the weather forecast. Tomorrow's weather is quite good—a sunny day! It shouldn't rain. Go quickly, the day after tomorrow is the next day; time is of the essence."

Jiang Zhaoyang curled his lip into a mocking smile and teased, "Thank you for your thoughtful consideration, Leader. Even for guarding the reservoir, you specifically chose a sunny day for me to take up the post. You are truly considerate of your subordinates; such deep care makes one almost shed tears of gratitude."

Lin Weiquan sat behind his large desk, his expression darkening slightly; he clearly heard the subtext in Jiang Zhaoyang's words. But he did not lash out, merely waving his hand gently, a cold smile appearing at the corner of his mouth that went unnoticed. Pretending not to hear the sharp remarks, he said, "If there is nothing else, you can get busy. Pack your luggage and leave tomorrow morning. Remember, don't delay."

After saying this, Lin Weiquan picked up the newspaper on his desk and began to read, ignoring Jiang Zhaoyang.

Jiang Zhaoyang turned and walked out of his office. He returned to his somewhat shabby dormitory, looked around, and a feeling of unexplained bitterness welled up in him. He began to carefully pack his luggage, bundling his clothes and daily necessities into a pack. However, when he looked at the bed that had accompanied him for countless days and nights, and the desk piled with books and documents, he couldn't help but feel troubled.

Small items could be carried with him. But this bed, this desk—such large items could not be taken on the motorcycle.

Just then, his phone rang. Jiang Zhaoyang glanced at the number on the screen; it was Xia Beili. He hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Director Jiang!" Xia Beili's voice was somewhat stiff. "Are you being transferred?"

"Yes, off to guard the reservoir," he replied indifferently.

"I have received the notification from the leadership," Xia Beili continued. "Before 9:00 AM tomorrow, you must vacate the room; the leadership has other arrangements for it. Are you... are you all prepared over there?"

Jiang Zhaoyang felt a chill. *They're kicking me out already, afraid I'll loiter here?* He gave a bitter smile and said, "I'm preparing, but some things are really hard to take with me. Leaving is, of course, no problem; I have made all preparations and am just waiting to depart. It's just that I have a small problem right now. Could I trouble you to help me apply for a vehicle? So that those large items—like the bed, the desk, and the bookcase—can be transported along with me to my new residence?"