Chapter 50 Turning the Tables

When it came to the vote tally, Jiang Zhaoyang felt as though a massive boulder were pressing down upon his heart, leaving him heavy and entirely devoid of confidence.

He knew all too well that while this democratic recommendation was of paramount importance to him, it was simultaneously fraught with uncertainty.

No, reason told him that, practically speaking, there was simply no hope.

Casting a vote for himself was nothing more than doing what he knew to be impossible.

He pondered to himself that under no circumstances could he attend this dinner invitation.

What if he ultimately failed to secure the recommendation yet still accepted someone else's banquet?

Without a doubt, he would become the laughingstock of the entire township government and even a wider circle. That kind of embarrassment and shame was something he could not bear.

Jiang Zhaoyang offered a bitter smile, one tinged with a measure of helplessness and self-mockery.

He hastily waved his hand, his gesture carrying a hint of eagerness, as if wishing to quickly dispel the subtle atmosphere permeating the air: "I told you long ago, Bai Wei, you really shouldn't call me Director. I truly feel unworthy of hearing that title nowadays."

"My current status is, at best, that of an ordinary cadre guarding a reservoir—no, you could even say I don't even rank as an ordinary cadre; I am merely a common folk, utterly unremarkable."

Though a trace of self-deprecation laced his words, they also revealed his calm acceptance of the status quo.

However, upon hearing this, Bai Wei did not break into the amusement his modesty usually provoked; instead, she reined in her smile.

Turning serious, she spoke with an air of earnestness: "Director, I really cannot agree with what you're saying."

"Although you are indeed no longer holding that position in the Party and Government Office, weren't you the director when you were there?"

"Everyone is well aware of your abilities and contributions, and I am not going to forget them just because you've left that post."

"Besides, during this democratic recommendation process, I personally saw quite a few people putting checkmarks next to your name."

"This goes to show that your influence still lingers, and your competence has won everyone's recognition."

"Who knows, after a fierce competition, you might really become a leader once more, or even go much further!" Anticipation colored Bai Wei's words, as though she could already foresee Jiang Zhaoyang's potential future glory.

At this point, Bai Wei could not resist a jest: "By that time, if I were to invite you to dinner, I might not even be able to secure your presence."

"Those wanting to share a meal with you then will probably be standing in long queues."

Jiang Zhaoyang gave a nonchalant wave of his hand, a smile intertwining apology and helplessness hanging on his lips as he replied, "That's completely out of the question."

"As for the dinner, I sincerely thank you, Bai Wei! But I truly have some personal matters to attend to today and simply cannot spare the time."

Apology flickered in his eyes, as if he felt genuinely regretful for being unable to fulfill the appointment.

Hearing this, Bai Wei paused slightly before recovering her gentle smile.

She nodded understandingly and said, "Oh, is that so? It doesn't matter, Director."

"I'll just wait for next time."

"Speaking of which, I am extremely optimistic about the Director's chances in this recommendation selection."

"If you can successfully secure the recommendation, that truly will be a grand occasion."

"When that time comes, I will definitely treat the Director to dinner once more to properly celebrate."

A wry smile tugged at the corners of Jiang Zhaoyang's mouth upon hearing this.

Not unless the sun rose from the west!

Yet, he still responded politely: "Ah, Bai Wei, you really are giving me tremendous encouragement."

"However, as for this matter, it's really hard to say."

"If that day truly arrives, I will certainly accept your invitation."

*If that day truly arrives*—Jiang Zhaoyang thought to himself that such a day would likely never come to pass.

"Goodbye!" Jiang Zhaoyang parted ways with Bai Wei.

Recalling something he needed to address, Jiang Zhaoyang walked toward the office of Tong Liguan, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission.

He arrived before the door of Secretary Tong Liguan's office.

The door stood ajar, and through the crack, Tong Liguan could be seen with his head bowed, reviewing documents.

Without the slightest hesitation, Jiang Zhaoyang stepped across the threshold.

"Secretary Tong, I have come to make a humble confession—no, to surrender myself."

His voice sounded remarkably clear in the spacious office, every single syllable striking like a heavy hammer upon the heart.

"I am awaiting the disciplinary action descending from the heavens," he said with a mocking expression.

At these words, Tong Liguan abruptly jerked up his previously lowered head, his gaze meeting Jiang Zhaoyang's with piercing intensity.

A flash of surprise crossed his eyes.

Immediately afterward, his complexion turned exceptionally awkward in an instant, as though a sudden tempest had instantly disrupted the tranquility within his heart.

He truly had not anticipated that Jiang Zhaoyang would approach him so directly and without any prior warning.

Sunlight streamed through the half-open window, casting its glow over the slightly sparse office and gilding the unexpected visitor in a faint golden radiance.

Tong Liguan struggled to maintain his composure, his gaze closely tracking Jiang Zhaoyang's every move.

He attempted to capture a hint of the other man's true intentions from his demeanor.

Jiang Zhaoyang paid no heed to Tong Liguan's reaction.

He walked straight toward the dark wooden cabinet standing against one side of the office.

The top of the cabinet was cluttered with various office supplies alongside a few books whose covers had grown somewhat worn.

Jiang Zhaoyang's hand came to rest unerringly upon an unremarkable drawer.

With a gentle pull, the drawer glided open silently, revealing neatly arranged rows of disposable paper cups inside.

He deftly extracted one, his movements as practiced as though this were a daily ritual.

Following that, Jiang Zhaoyang shifted his gaze to the small, exquisite tea caddy sitting on Tong Liguan's desk, which held the superior Longjing tea the secretary treasured above all else.

Without any undue haste, Jiang Zhaoyang reached out, his fingertips lightly touching the lid of the tea caddy so that it sprang open with a light, almost sentient click.

He carefully pinched out a few tender green tea leaves, each seemingly imbued with the breath of spring, and gently dropped them into the paper cup in his hand.

This sequence of assertive actions was both fluid and natural.

Afterward, Jiang Zhaoyang turned and walked unhurriedly toward the water dispenser on the opposite side of the office.

Pressing the hot water button, he waited as the scalding water slowly streamed forth, filling the paper cup.

As the hot water poured in, the tea leaves tumbled and danced within the cup, releasing a soothing fragrance that instantly permeated the entire office.

Jiang Zhaoyang picked up the cup and gave it a gentle swirl to let the leaves release their aroma more fully.

Slowly raising the teacup, Jiang Zhaoyang lightly stroked the warm rim with his fingers.

Then, with an elegant tilt of the cup, he blew gently across the wisps of rising steam.

This gesture embodied not only a respect for the art of tea, but also conveyed a transcendent detachment, free from the burdens of worldly affairs.

In that moment, the very air within the office seemed to freeze.

It was shrouded in a subtle and complex atmosphere.

A faint fragrance of tea hung in the air alongside an imperceptible tension.