Chapter 105: That's Just How Reality Is

“Secretary Guan, come have a cup of tea in my office. I can’t have you rushing in and rushing out like this.”

Mayor Hou Yong took Guan Mushan’s arm and led him toward his office.

Guan Mushan didn’t refuse; he had to give the mayor some face, and besides, there were a few minor matters he wanted to discuss with him.

The other deputy mayors returned to their duties.

Several deputy secretaries followed Yin Tiejun toward the floor where the municipal government office was located.

Yang Dong trailed behind them.

As for cadres like Pei Jun, after some thought, they dared not follow; they all hung their heads and left.

“Secretary-General, we took the liberty of tidying up your office ourselves. Take a look and see if you’re satisfied.”

A few deputy secretaries stopped at the door of the secretary-general’s office alongside Yin Tiejun.

The office was bright and spotless; sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow.

It wasn’t large, barely twenty square meters.

A desk sat by the window with a computer on it.

To the east stood a wooden cabinet.

On the west side, there was just a sofa and a tea table.

A simple office, yet it belonged to the secretary-general of the municipal government.

“Thank you, comrades. I truly appreciate your kindness.”

Yin Tiejun nodded to the deputy secretaries, a faint smile playing on his lips.

As the saying goes, you don’t strike a smiling face. Regardless of the hidden agendas these deputy secretaries might harbor, at this moment, the secretary-general had to show goodwill.

After all, work must be done, and even a secretary-general needed the support of his deputies.

“Xiao Dong, come here.”

Yin Tiejun waved toward Yang Dong, who was standing in the corridor.

His call immediately drew the attention of the deputy secretaries, all of whom looked toward Yang Dong.

Yang Dong stepped into Yin Tiejun’s office.

“Comrades, you’re all familiar with this young man, aren’t you?”

Patting Yang Dong’s shoulder, Yin Tiejun smiled warmly at the deputy secretaries.

They exchanged glances and nodded.

“Of course we know him. He’s the best writer in our Comprehensive Section.”

“Yes, even I, a deputy secretary, have praised Yang Dong’s articles. His writing is quite impressive.”

“Not just you—I've heard the mayor himself has commended him highly.”

They took turns praising Yang Dong. For a secretary-general at the deputy department level to praise a clerk like this was somewhat beneath his dignity.

But Yin Tiejun’s meaning was clear.

No one there was a fool; those who reached this level were all sharp.

“He’s not as extraordinary as you make him out to be—just a young man in his twenties.”

Yin Tiejun waved his hand, modestly downplaying Yang Dong’s abilities.

Then he continued, “You all know Yang Dong has been seconded to the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission, right?”

“We know. The commission’s office faxed us the notice; we’ve all seen it.”

The deputy secretaries nodded. As leaders in the municipal government office, they naturally were well-informed.

“Comrades, Yang Dong has worked here for four years. Once his secondment ends, I plan to propose promoting him to deputy section chief. Let's discuss among ourselves and try to reach a consensus.”

“Yang Dong, you may leave now.”

Yin Tiejun gestured for Yang Dong to exit.

Without saying much, Yang Dong bowed to the secretaries, turned, and closed the door behind him.

Yin Tiejun’s plan to promote him to deputy section chief was something Yang Dong had long anticipated. Had he not had that conflict with the urban management bureau last year, he might have already been promoted.

This year’s promotion was no surprise and didn’t excite him much.

But he was grateful for the secretary-general’s recognition and support.

“Team leader, when will you be back to work? We all miss you.”

“Yes, team leader, hurry back. Without you in the Comprehensive Section, no one’s motivated.”

“Team leader, do you still remember me? I just joined last year, and you encouraged me a few times.”

“Team leader…”

As Yang Dong left Yin Tiejun’s office, the people from the Comprehensive Section swarmed around him. Regardless of past relationships, at this moment, they were all warm, their enthusiasm tinged with flattery and ingratiation.

Looking around, Yang Dong recognized most of them as the very people who had once fawned over him, stopped doing so since the secretary-general was under investigation, and now were back to currying favor again.

Yang Dong was used to this and felt no disgust.

This was not about the system but about human nature.

From a distance, Yang Dong spotted Li Chen, who didn’t approach but looked at him sincerely, smiling genuinely.

Sometimes, only the test of time reveals a person’s true character.

After more than a decade’s worth of experience in his past life, Yang Dong knew exactly who around him was trustworthy and who was not.

Li Chen was one he could trust.

He also felt a deep sense of guilt toward Li Chen, having dragged him into trouble in their previous life.

And now, this lifetime, he had not been easy on Li Chen either.

Yet Li Chen never complained or expressed grievance; he simply worked diligently.

Actually, Li Chen had joined the Municipal Government Comprehensive Section the same year as Yang Dong and was equally qualified—both had earned their positions through merit.

Yang Dong planned to recommend Li Chen to the secretary-general for promotion.

Li Chen deserved to be promoted to deputy section chief.

“Tea… team leader…”

When Yang Dong reached Lin Yaodong, Lin approached awkwardly, while Gu Chen and Zhou Hui hung their heads silently behind him, not daring to speak a word.

They had mocked and humiliated Yang Dong countless times before.

Especially Zhou Hui, who had been like a shrew—always raising herself while tearing others down, gossiping, and arrogantly self-satisfied despite her incompetence.

Yang Dong paid no attention to the three and walked on.

He still had a score to settle with Lin Yaodong.

The idea to attack his younger brother was Lin Yaodong’s, the sly strategist who deserved the punishment he was due.

Beyond his brother’s broken leg, Yang Dong planned to confront Lin Yaodong for the vile acts he had committed in their previous life.

It was only a matter of when and under what pretext.

“Team leader, is the secretary-general alright now?”

Yang Dong reached Li Chen, who came forward and asked with genuine concern.

“Don’t worry. The secretary-general has been thoroughly cleared by the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission. There won’t be any more problems.”

Yang Dong nodded, giving Li Chen the most reassuring answer.

“That’s good. That’s really good.”

Li Chen relaxed and felt reassured.

Though he had not gained much favor from Yin Tiejun, he was recruited by him and thus remained connected.

When Yin Tiejun was unlucky, Yang Dong was unlucky, and Li Chen suffered along with them.

He harbored no grand ambitions—only wanting to work steadily for the municipal government and earn money to support his father. Nothing more.

“Yang Dong, come with me to the mayor’s office.”

As Yang Dong chatted with Li Chen, Yin Tiejun appeared, face serious. He beckoned to Yang Dong without slowing his pace and headed toward Mayor Hou Yong’s office.

Seeing Yin’s hurried demeanor, Yang Dong sensed something urgent had occurred.

Without hesitation, he followed, drawing the envy and jealousy of the Comprehensive Section staff watching on.