Chapter 116: The Importance of Connections

"Brother Yu, it’s been almost a month since we last met."

Yang Dong stepped forward and shook hands with Yu Baijiang.

He didn’t share as deep a bond with Yu Baijiang as he did with Jiang Hu, so he couldn’t bring himself to give a bear hug like Jiang Hu would.

However, Yu Baijiang had helped him tremendously before—when his younger brother Yang Nanbei broke his leg, it was Yu Baijiang who resolved the matter.

Out of both gratitude and propriety, Yang Dong felt that when inviting Secretary Song for dinner today, Yu Baijiang had to be included.

Of course, he had discussed this with Jiang Hu beforehand and only then decided to invite Yu Baijiang.

Yang Dong’s main concern was Yu Baijiang’s loyalty, so he asked Jiang Hu about it.

Jiang Hu responded directly, "No worries. Yu Baijiang is just a minor deputy section chief; there’s no question of him taking sides."

Given such an opportunity, Yu Baijiang would surely be grateful to Yang Dong.

And so, Yang Dong invited Yu Baijiang along.

Naturally, there was also Song Yue, captain of the second criminal police squad of Kaiyang County Public Security Bureau.

However, Song Yue had not arrived yet.

“Who is this?”

After shaking hands with Yang Dong, Yu Baijiang looked at Lv Yanqing with a warm smile.

Though he didn’t know Lv Yanqing’s exact position, her attire suggested she was no ordinary person.

Yang Dong quickly smiled and introduced her to Yu Baijiang.

“This is Comrade Lv Yanqing, deputy director of the Case Review Office at our city’s Commission for Discipline Inspection.”

Yang Dong refrained from mentioning that Lv Yanqing was the head of the first special investigation team in the city’s disciplinary inspection group—for confidentiality’s sake, better not to reveal everything.

“Oh, so you’re Director Lv. My apologies for not recognizing you earlier.”

Yu Baijiang’s smile grew wider as he extended his hand to Lv Yanqing.

Lv Yanqing, as an official, even within the disciplinary commission, was adept at handling interpersonal relations—something ingrained since childhood.

“I’ve heard of your reputation in Kaiyang County, Captain Yu.”

“The anti-drug hero of 2005—truly admirable!”

Lv Yanqing’s words carried sincere respect, not mere polite flattery.

Indeed, in 2005, Yu Baijiang was an anti-drug hero, recognized by the provincial bureau.

At that time, he was part of the undercover anti-drug squad within the Narcotics Unit.

Due to family reasons, he had reluctantly transferred to the Criminal Police Unit as deputy captain.

“Come, come, everyone, have a seat and let’s chat.”

Yang Dong gestured for everyone to sit.

Once seated, Yu Baijiang turned to Yang Dong and said, “Brother Yang, that kid Song Yue is working overtime and can’t make it. He asked me to let you know.”

“There’s a lot going on in the county lately. Our criminal police are busy too. Song Yue hasn’t been home for three days and nights—I’m sure his wife’s upset, haha.”

Yu Baijiang explained this carefully to avoid any misunderstandings.

Yang Dong immediately nodded in understanding.

“I get it. You folks in public security are always busy, especially the criminal police and narcotics units—the busiest of all.”

“Huzi should know best.”

Yang Dong glanced at Jiang Hu.

Jiang Hu nodded and said, “Indeed, criminal police and narcotics officers face the greatest dangers on the front lines. At least seventy percent of police casualties nationwide each year are from these two units. They deserve respect.”

“You, traitor transferred to economic investigation, keep quiet,” Yu Baijiang joked from the side.

The two had been classmates and roommates at the Police Academy, close brothers who joked without restraint.

“By the way, Brother Yang, who are you treating today? This is quite a grand affair.”

“This Zhuangyuan Pavilion isn’t cheap—won’t come under a thousand yuan.”

Yu Baijiang looked at Yang Dong with curiosity, then gestured toward the lavishly decorated private room. This was a very high-end Chinese restaurant in Kaiyang County.

If it was a banquet, there must be an important guest—otherwise, Yang Dong wouldn’t go to such lengths.

“How so? Am I not allowed to treat just you, Brother Yu?”

Yang Dong smiled warmly at Yu Baijiang.

“Ha, well then, old Yu should be worthy of such an honor.”

Yu Baijiang laughed heartily, though he knew that was unlikely.

Yang Dong personally came to Kaiyang County to host a banquet, accompanied by Jiang Hu and with a deputy director from the city’s disciplinary commission’s case review office present.

All signs pointed to something extraordinary.

“Brother Yu, to be honest, the guest is Secretary Tan’s liaison officer, Song Sifeng.”

Jiang Hu spoke up beside Yang Dong to clear up Yu Baijiang’s doubts.

“What? Secretary Song’s chief secretary?”

Yu Baijiang looked at Yang Dong in surprise, then at Jiang Hu.

He couldn’t believe it—inviting Song Sifeng, the county party secretary’s chief secretary.

This shocked him greatly.

Even if Yang Dong had invited their county public security bureau’s deputy director, he wouldn’t be surprised.

But inviting Song Sifeng was truly unexpected.

In his impression, Song Sifeng rarely accepted invitations. As Secretary Tan’s liaison, he was known for strict principles and avoided causing trouble for his superiors.

If Yang Dong managed to get him here, it truly showed impressive connections.

Because if Song Sifeng agreed to attend, he must have reported to Secretary Tan.

Only with Secretary Tan’s approval would Song Sifeng join.

That meant Secretary Tan knew of and consented to Yang Dong’s invitation.

That was remarkable...

“I should have said earlier—I’d have dressed up properly. This way, it’s a bit...”

Yu Baijiang regretted it slightly. He had come straight from work and only changed clothes once, wearing the same plain uniform for days.

If Song Secretary got a bad impression, that would be troublesome.

Yang Dong and the others from the city were officials and didn’t worry.

But Yu Baijiang, as a county-level officer under Secretary Tan’s leadership, had to be cautious.

In all of Kaiyang County, Secretary Tan’s word was law.

Many officials might ignore the county mayor, but none dared disregard the county party secretary.

Especially since this party secretary was also a standing member of the municipal party committee and a deputy bureau-level official.

“Relax, it’s no big deal,” Yang Dong smiled, signaling Yu Baijiang not to be so nervous.

He was hosting this dinner for matters related to the city’s disciplinary commission, so Yu Baijiang’s attire didn’t matter much.

Ring ring...

At that moment, Yang Dong’s phone rang.

Yang Dong’s situation was special. Since rejoining the city disciplinary commission’s investigation team last time, he kept his private phone on hand instead of handing it in.

This was allowed by his superiors, and the tech department had installed monitoring on the phone to ensure no disruptions.

Yang Dong glanced at the caller ID and immediately raised his hand to signal silence.

Jiang Hu and Yu Baijiang lowered their voices, and the private room fell silent.

“Hello, Director Song? Yes, the second floor of Zhuangyuan Pavilion, left side, room 201.”

“Five minutes, okay, I’ll wait outside.”

After hanging up, Yang Dong stood and said to Jiang Hu, “Huzi, come with me to welcome Song Sifeng.”

“Um, Brother Yang, I’ll come down with you too.”

Yu Baijiang stood up, somewhat nervous but eager.

The county’s top secretary had arrived—how could he not personally greet him?

“Then let’s all go.”

Lv Yanqing also rose, indicating to Yang Dong that everyone should accompany him.

After all, they were hosting a guest and seeking assistance.

They couldn’t let Song Sifeng think the city disciplinary commission was incompetent or treat him poorly.

“All right, let’s go together.”

Yang Dong nodded and led the three of them downstairs.