Chapter 103: Escorting Secretary-General Yin Back to City Hall

"Secretary-General, you have finally come out. My heart can finally be at ease."

"Secretary-General, why has your hair turned so white? Was the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection not following regulations during their investigation? Should we seek justice for you?"

"Secretary-General, I knew from the very beginning that you would be fine. As expected, you are truly a man of integrity and honesty."

As Yin Tiejun pushed open the hospital room door and stepped out, over a dozen officials rushed forward all at once. Each of them bowed and scraped, offering their congratulations in a bewildering variety of ways. Some expressed concern for his health, some claimed they had predicted his innocence all along, and others clamored to seek justice on his behalf.

The warmth and coldness of human relationships and the true face of the bureaucracy were on full display in these eight words.

Yang Dong stood behind Yin Tiejun, observing the smile on each person's face. Every smile was different: some were fawning, some awkward, some apologetic, and others were hypocritical and forced.

"Secretary-General, I was incompetent and let you suffer."

In contrast to these officials who were merely spouting empty, superficial words, Pei Jun bowed his head with a face full of genuine apology. As the chief of the First Secretariat Division of the Municipal Government, he was clearly a cut above the rest. He knew that what Yin Tiejun wanted to hear right now was not sycophantic congratulations, but a sincere apology. After all, these loyalists had been unable to lift a finger to help while Yin Tiejun was in trouble. Any leader in his position would likely harbor deep resentment. By apologizing honestly, Pei Jun could score points and minimize Yin Tiejun's dissatisfaction. It had to be said, he was a very clever man. Of course, he wouldn't have reached his position or become Yin Tiejun's top protégé if he weren't.

However, the current situation demanded a change.

"It’s fine, Old Pei. I understand." Yin Tiejun nodded faintly, signaling to Pei Jun without saying anything more.

Seeing that Yin Tiejun didn't seem to react much to his apology—lacking the warmth he had expected—Pei Jun turned to the others. "Don't you all have work to do? Why are you running to the hospital so early in the morning?"

Yin Tiejun looked at the dozen or so officials, frowning and asking in a deep voice. This question made all of them tremble with fear.

"Secretary-General, it’s only seven o'clock. Work hasn't started yet."

"Secretary-General, please rest assured, we certainly won't let it affect our work. It’s just that everyone heard you were returning to the municipal government and wanted to see you off."

"That’s right, Secretary-General, this is the least we can do."

They explained desperately, terrified of angering Yin Tiejun. Changing sides was impossible; they were already deeply branded as his men. Even if they wanted to defect, the alternative faction—led by Tian Guanghan, who was poised to replace Yin Tiejun—had already been dismantled by the Commission for Discipline Inspection. Tian had been placed under "shuanggui" investigation and, barring any surprises, his career was finished. Thus, they had no choice but to follow Yin Tiejun firmly.

"Xiao Dong, have you had breakfast?" Yin Tiejun ignored the group's explanations and turned to look at Yang Dong.

*Xiao Dong?* Such an intimate term? And he was concerned about whether he had eaten?

The dozen officials were shocked to their cores. They all stared at Yang Dong, this young man. Pei Jun was even more stunned. As the chief of the First Secretariat Division, he dealt with the General Affairs Division often. Although Yang Dong worked diligently and had been supported by Secretary-General Yin in the past, he was by no means considered a core protégé. Why was their relationship so close now? What was going on? Without understanding this, he, as Yin Tiejun’s top man, began to feel anxious.

"Secretary-General, Yang Dong is in the General Affairs Division, right?" Pei Jun decided to probe Yin Tiejun's attitude, which would also reveal Yang Dong's standing in the Secretary-General's heart.

"What are you trying to say?" Yin Tiejun looked at Pei Jun, his brow furrowing. Pei Jun knew who Yang Dong was; why ask such a redundant question?

Pei Jun continued with a smile, "Secretary-General, we have a vacancy in the First Secretariat Division. Should we transfer Comrade Yang Dong over?"

"Pei Jun, you want to move Yang Dong from General Affairs to the First Secretariat? Is something wrong with your head?" Yin Tiejun’s face went cold, and he lashed out. He knew exactly what Pei Jun was up to—a deliberate probe. *Fine,* Yin Tiejun thought, *I will make it clear and explicit so you stop testing me again and again.*

"The fact that I was able to clear my name and return from the Commission for Discipline Inspection unscathed is all thanks to Comrade Yang Dong here. Yet you suggest moving him to your division? What is this? Do you think I am the type of person who repays kindness with ingratitude?"

Pei Jun’s face changed instantly, panic setting in. His political savvy was usually deep, but he couldn't help but lose his composure after such a blunt rebuke. Not just him, but the dozen other officials in the hallway had their expressions shift as well. The looks they cast toward Yang Dong were now complex—perhaps filled with disbelief, hostility, or envy. But regardless, Yin Tiejun’s words had made his stance clear: Yang Dong was his most important protégé, and everyone better keep their eyes peeled.

"So, Little Yang is that capable? He actually helped the Secretary-General clear his name?" Pei Jun, true to his role, managed to stabilize himself quickly. He turned to Yang Dong with a smile and reached out his hand. "Little Yang, I must thank you on behalf of Secretary-General Yin."

*Do you need to speak for him?* Yang Dong was annoyed by Pei Jun's tone and manner, but he didn't bicker. Such meaningless actions would only lower his standing in front of Yin Tiejun.

"Chief Pei, I only did what a member of the Commission for Discipline Inspection is supposed to do. You don't need to be so polite." Yang Dong shook his hand and let go.

"Xiao Dong, what is the protocol at the Commission for Discipline Inspection?" Yin Tiejun asked, looking at Yang Dong again.

*The Commission again? Why does the Secretary-General keep mentioning them?* Pei Jun was truly confused. Wasn't Yang Dong in the General Affairs Division? Why was Yin Tiejun asking him about the Commission? Not everyone in the municipal office knew that Yang Dong had been seconded there.

"Secretary-General, Secretary Guan said he would come to the municipal government himself to clear your name and restore your reputation," Yang Dong replied seriously.

"Then you can accompany me back to the municipal government. Since you are the head of the special investigation team from the Commission, it is only fitting that you escort me back." Yin Tiejun’s reasoning was simple: he knew Yang Dong must have had a miserable, stifling time at the municipal office while he was under investigation. Now that he was back, he wanted to see who would dare give Yang Dong a hard time or target him—especially Lin Yaodong. He would never forget the insults Lin Yaodong had hurled at him while he was detained in Room 107 of the hotel. *This Lin Yaodong has been far too arrogant…* Yin Tiejun was a leader, but he was also human, and he held grudges.

Yang Dong felt a warmth in his heart; he knew Uncle Yin wanted to stand up for him. It was true that that period had been the darkest moment of his career, with the painful memories of his previous life still vivid. But in this life, everything had changed.

"Comrade Yin Tiejun is correct."

"Yang Dong, have your Tenth Special Investigation Team escort Comrade Yin Tiejun back to the municipal government."

Just then, Wei Chonghu’s voice echoed down the hall. Yang Dong and the others turned to look. Wei Chonghu, in a crisp white shirt and black trousers, walked over, accompanied by Lu Yike, the two Hous, and Jiang Hu.