Chen Bin cleared his throat and explained.
"To be honest, with your capabilities, Godfather, merely being a County Magistrate is an underutilization of talent. Without aiming too high, you’re fully capable of being a top leader in the city."
Hearing this, Huang Ming’s mood instantly shifted from anger to joy.
It must be said, Chen Bin sure knows how to sweet-talk!
"I have always treated Chu Jing like my own daughter, and since you’re her boyfriend, that makes you my son. Let me make this clear: as long as I am in Qingshi County, no matter what you do, I’ll back you up!"
"Thank you, Godfather."
Just as Chen Bin finished speaking, Xie Chujing quickly chimed in with a smile.
"Thank you so much, Godfather!"
In her eyes, Chen Bin was already her man.
Anything that could expand his future opportunities was undoubtedly a good thing.
Seeing the two play along so harmoniously, Huang Ming chuckled and said.
"You’re both getting older; since you get along so well, why not find some time to get married? I wouldn’t mind holding a grandchild!"
Xie Chujing blushed and instinctively turned to look at Chen Bin.
Chen Bin nodded repeatedly.
"Don’t worry, Godfather, I won’t let you down."
The conversation between Huang Ming and Chen Bin flowed with mutual flattery for the remainder of the gathering.
It wasn’t until the meal was nearly over that Huang Ming brought it up with a smile.
"Chen Bin, actually, the reason I called you here today is that I need a small favor."
Hearing this, Chen Bin knew.
The moment was here, and he immediately responded.
"Godfather, just say the word. As long as it’s something I can handle, I’ll do my best!"
"Mayor Wu values me highly and has hinted at promoting me, but he seems to have run into some recent trouble, and it’s related to Xu Ruoxuan. Can you help out?"
"Mayor Wu hasn’t given the details yet. He wants to talk to you in person. Would you be willing?"
"No problem! But Mayor Wu is a high-ranking official; I will do my best, but if I can’t manage..."
"That’s fine. If it doesn’t work, it won’t be your fault!"
Listening to the dialogue, Xie Shan and Xie Chujing exchanged a look, both clearly satisfied.
In Xie Shan’s eyes, Huang Ming was his pillar of support, while Wu Liang was Huang Ming’s.
With Chen Bin assisting Wu Liang, it also indirectly helped him.
As for Xie Chujing, her thinking was far simpler.
Chen Bin was her man. The stronger he became, the happier she would be.
After dinner, Chen Bin initially planned to take Xie Chujing home but was intercepted by Huang Ming.
"I just got in touch with Mayor Wu; he happens to be free right now. Why don’t we go and see him?"
Chen Bin had been planning to return to the dorm to consult with Wang Jun about this matter.
He didn’t expect Huang Ming to act so swiftly.
Just as he was trying to find a way to politely decline, Xie Chujing spoke softly.
"Brother Bin, a man should prioritize his career. My dad will take me home, so don’t worry about me."
Sighing, Chen Bin glanced at Huang Ming.
"Fine, where are we meeting Mayor Wu?"
"You’ll find out in a bit."
With that, Huang Ming flagged down a taxi.
After giving an address, the car sped off.
Before long, they arrived at the entrance of a mid-range hotel.
When they knocked on room 301, Wu Liang opened the door from inside.
Once they were seated, the three began chatting.
Much like Huang Ming, Wu Liang showered Chen Bin in glowing praise.
Naturally, Chen Bin didn’t believe such hollow pleasantries.
But he knew better than to show disdain; he reciprocated with an endless stream of admiration for Wu Liang.
After another session of mutual flattery, Wu Liang gave Huang Ming a knowing glance.
Though clearly reluctant, Huang Ming rose with a smile and said to Chen Bin.
"You two chat; I’m heading downstairs to buy cigarettes."
Once the door closed, Wu Liang finally began to speak slowly.
"Do you know why you’re here? Did County Magistrate Huang tell you?"
"He mentioned you had a bit of trouble, something relating to Xu Ruoxuan, but not the specifics."
"Actually, it’s not a small matter. I’d like to use Xu Ruoxuan to connect me with her husband, Feng Lei. Do you think you can help?"
Nodding, Chen Bin promptly patted his chest.
"You’re such an important figure. I thought it was a major issue. Don’t worry, I can handle it!"
"Can you arrange for us to meet? The sooner, the better."
"Why don’t you leave me your number? I’ll need to discuss it with Director Xu and confirm the details before I get back to you with an answer."
"Alright, let’s proceed as you suggest!"
They exchanged numbers, chatted for a bit more, and then left the room together.
Huang Ming was pacing the hallway. When he saw them, he immediately came over to send Wu Liang off downstairs.
After Wu Liang drove off, Huang Ming eagerly asked Chen Bin what they had talked about in the room.
Chen Bin had no intention of concealing anything and told him everything honestly.
Huang Ming nodded but said little else.
After parting ways, Chen Bin took a taxi back to the County Committee and County Government’s dormitory.
He knocked on Xu Ruoxuan’s door and went inside.
Then, he recounted everything that had happened during the meeting with Wu Liang.
Nodding, Xu Ruoxuan asked.
"How are you planning to handle it?"
"I want my brother-in-law to assist me in performing a couple of acts. I’ll handle everything else myself."
"I can help you, but don’t let this affect my family. My father-in-law will soon have a vocational transfer, and nothing can go wrong right now."
"Don’t worry. Since I agreed to this, I’ve already thought through every contingency."
Chen Bin then shared his plan with Xu Ruoxuan.
Since she needed to convey this to others, she didn’t keep him there.
Chen Bin, having already exhausted himself dealing with Xie Chujing, didn’t intend to stay either.
He bid Xu Ruoxuan farewell and returned to his dormitory.
After freshening up and preparing for bed, he received a text from Xu Ruoxuan.
She informed him that Feng Lei had agreed and could meet with Wu Liang the next evening.
Chen Bin didn’t contact Wu Liang immediately but waited until noon the next day to call him.
He informed Wu Liang that Feng Lei had agreed to meet.
That evening, after meeting with Feng Lei at the County Committee and County Government, they headed to the hotel Wu Liang had booked.
When they entered, Feng Lei took the initiative to greet Wu Liang.
"Mayor Wu, nice to meet you!"
"Director Feng, I didn’t expect us to meet again so soon!"
Wu Liang enthusiastically shook Feng Lei’s hand.
After the three took their seats, Chen Bin remained quiet, focusing on eating.
When the timing felt right, he excused himself and left the room.
As soon as the door shut, Wu Liang spoke first.
"I hear that Director Feng will soon return to frontline work. Congratulations are in order."
Smiling, Feng Lei replied, "It’s mainly because of the organization’s trust."
"Indeed. Without those troublesome incidents back then, you’d probably already be holding a provincial-level position."
Nodding, Feng Lei didn’t respond.
In fact, he wholeheartedly agreed with this statement.
If it weren’t for that incident, he wouldn’t have ended up with Xu Ruoxuan in the first place.
Wu Liang continued, "I’ve long admired Director Feng but never had the opportunity. Could you help introduce me to him sometime?"