Running for a promotion has its own hardships; it requires skill, which tires the mind; it requires movement, which tires the body; and it requires giving gifts, which costs a lot. These are not even the worst parts; one must also endure the welcoming or disdainful gazes of others, and so on. These experiences are not pleasant.
Cheng Yancui is a strong-willed woman. She did not feel bad at all about her elaborate efforts to ingratiate herself with Jiang Yunpeng. She was doing it for her husband. Although Chen Zhi worked diligently at his job, he was still just a small sprout showing its tip, far from the goals Cheng Yancui had set for him. Chen Zhi had put in a lot of effort to run for a promotion, tirelessly working hard on his journey to achieve it. However, it had not yet borne fruit.
After learning about Jiang Yunpeng's network of connections, Cheng Yancui was incredibly excited, her heart filled with passion. Why couldn't Chen Zhi take a different path and build a bridge through this connection? With this plan in mind, it was no wonder she treated Jiang Yunpeng with such high regard.
A man in his fifties walked in, wearing a white shirt, exuding a leadership presence. He smiled at everyone and said to Jiang Yunpeng, "Yunpeng, go and toast Zhaoyi. If you want to run this path, you'll need his support."
"I understand, Dad." As Jiang Yunpeng spoke, he pointed to Gu Xixi and said, "Dad, this is Cheng Yancui's classmate. We're having a meal together."
"Alright, enjoy your meal and drinks, but don't forget the main purpose." Jiang's father nodded at Gu Xixi and then left.
"Yunpeng, isn't Zhaoyi the head of the city traffic police? Your father is really impressive. No wonder the county transportation company's business is booming. You and Chen Zhi are old classmates, so you must help him. Introduce him to the county traffic police leadership; he's been a regular officer for quite some time." After Jiang's father left, Cheng Yancui said to Jiang Yunpeng in a flattering tone.
Jiang Yunpeng smiled and said, "The county traffic police chief, Chief Zuo, and my father are very close. My father invited the city traffic police leadership to dinner today through his connection. When I have time, I'll introduce Chen Zhi to him."
"Why wait? I think... why not let Chen Zhi go with you today to pour a toast? This is a great opportunity!" Cheng Yancui smiled and suggested.
Jiang Yunpeng hesitated for a moment, but when his gaze fell on Gu Xixi, he nodded and said, "Alright, Yancui, I'll do my best to help Chen Zhi today!"
After the two left, Cheng Yancui said to Gu Xixi, "Xixi, you don't know, Chen Zhi's deputy captain is sick, and this is a rare opportunity. As long as Chief Zuo speaks up, Chen Zhi's chance will come!"
Gu Xixi smiled but did not comment.
At this moment, Cheng Jemin's pager vibrated. He took it out and saw that it was a call from Feng Changhai's office. He thought, "If Feng Changhai is calling me now, it can't be good news." He stood up and said to Gu Xixi, "I need to make a call."
He walked to the hotel's front desk and dialed the number. However, the person who answered was not Feng Changhai but a regular clerk. The man said coldly, "Cheng Jemin, come to Director Li's office after work tomorrow."
Before Cheng Jemin could respond, the call was hung up.
Hearing the dead air on the other end, Cheng Jemin felt a mix of emotions. Feng Changhai's change of attitude was truly swift. It seems the conflict with Lu Jinzhong has been reported to Li Zhonghua. If it's a fight to the death, I'll see it through to the end!
"Cheng? I was just about to look for you!" A man in a police uniform called out to Cheng Jemin with a look of surprise.
This sudden greeting made Cheng Jemin pause. When the man approached, he recognized him. He hurriedly greeted, "Director Wu, hello."
Wu Daguang stepped forward, shook Cheng Jemin's hand, and said, "Cheng, how can I thank you? If it weren't for your tip, I would still be struggling. I was going to have Old Chen call you to thank you, but I didn't expect to run into you here."
Wu Daguang genuinely appreciated Cheng Jemin. The murder case had almost driven him mad. The three-day deadline had put immense pressure on him. Despite the efforts of the special task force, they had been at a loss.
While everyone was discussing the case, Wu Daguang casually mentioned Cheng Jemin's tip. He had only said it in passing, but it turned out to be the breakthrough they needed to solve the case!
Cheng Jemin smiled and waved his hand, "Director Wu, I don't want to take credit. Solving the case was the result of your hard work and leadership. I just said it in passing, like a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse. Even without my tip, your years of experience would have led you to the solution."
Seeing Cheng Jemin's modest demeanor, Wu Daguang felt even more fondness for him. The young man's words made him feel very comfortable.
"Director Wu, no matter how busy you are, you must have a couple of drinks before you leave!" A middle-aged, fat man ran over and said flatteringly.
Wu Daguang nodded and said calmly, "Captain Zhao, I have to report to the leadership this afternoon, so I can't drink. You all enjoy yourselves!" He then patted Cheng Jemin and said, "Cheng, remember this meal. I'll call you when I've arranged it with Old Chen!"
Cheng Jemin agreed and, along with Captain Zhao, escorted Wu Daguang to the stairs. After Wu Daguang left, Captain Zhao extended his hand and said, "I'm Zhao Congbin, what's your name, brother?"
"Cheng Jemin." Cheng Jemin shook hands with Captain Zhao and was about to chat when he heard Gu Xixi call, "Jemin, are you still on the phone?"
Hearing Gu Xixi's voice, Cheng Jemin quickly smiled and said, "Captain Zhao, we'll talk later. Goodbye."
Captain Zhao nodded, watching Cheng Jemin walk back into the room with a thoughtful expression.
When Cheng Jemin returned to the room, Jiang Yunpeng and Chen Zhi walked in side by side. Both of their faces were a bit red, and Chen Zhi's thin face had a hint of a smile.
"Chen Zhi, how did it go?" Cheng Yancui asked eagerly.
"Today was really lucky. When Yunpeng and I went to toast, our deputy captain was there and said a lot of good things about me to Chief Zuo!"
Seeing Chen Zhi's radiant expression, Cheng Yancui smiled gratefully at Jiang Yunpeng, "Yunpeng, your introduction is worth a year of hard work for Chen Zhi. Thank you so much!"
Jiang Yunpeng said casually, "No need to thank me, it was just a small favor. Chen Zhi, although we ran into your captain by chance today, you still can't be complacent. After you get back, visit your captain's home more often to ensure everything goes smoothly."
"Yunpeng, you're so thoughtful," Cheng Yancui said, raising her glass with a smile. "You moving your business to Tianyuan City has broken many young women's hearts in our county."
Cheng Yancui's flattery made Jiang Yunpeng laugh, and he glanced meaningfully at Gu Xixi.
After finishing their drinks, there was a knock on the door. When Chen Zhi opened it, several men in police uniforms walked in, led by a man in his thirties, who was a bit dark but exuded a sense of authority. He smiled and said, "Brother Yunpeng, it's impolite not to return a favor. Let's have a good drink today."
Jiang Yunpeng stood up quickly and said to Gu Xixi, who was sitting next to him, "Xixi, this is Captain Luo from our county traffic police, and he's my close friend."
Seeing the man enter, Chen Zhi and Cheng Yancui stood up quickly, with Cheng Yancui looking particularly excited.
"Ha ha ha, Yunpeng, no wonder you always refused when I introduced you to girls. It turns out you already have a girlfriend. Come on, introduce her to everyone," the man said, smiling at Gu Xixi.
Jiang Yunpeng's face turned red. He had invited Captain Luo to toast, and it seemed Captain Luo had seen through his thoughts.
Just as he was about to explain their relationship, Gu Xixi loudly said, "Jemin, I'm not feeling well. Can you take me out for some fresh air?"
"Hey, sister-in-law, you can't leave just because you're shy. Captain Luo and I are old friends, and we'll be working together a lot in the future!" the dark man laughed.
Cheng Jemin was annoyed and said bluntly, "Did you drink too much cat pee and get confused?"
"What did you say, kid?" Captain Luo's face changed.
"I mean, why are you talking nonsense?"
"You... you dare to insult me! Do you think I won't take you away right now?" Captain Luo's face turned ugly, and he suddenly produced a pair of handcuffs.
Seeing the captain's anger, Chen Zhi quickly tried to defuse the situation, "Captain Luo, my friend is drunk, please don't mind..."
Before he could finish, Captain Luo interrupted, "If he's drunk, let him sober up outside. Don't be so arrogant here!"
"Brother Luo, my friend is really drunk. Please be magnanimous and give him a chance," Jiang Yunpeng said, pulling Captain Luo and nudging Cheng Jemin, "Hurry up and apologize to Captain Zhao."
Cheng Jemin smiled coldly. Just as he was about to speak, Gu Xixi said coldly, "Are you still a police officer? I think you're a rotten apple in the police force! You're ruining the whole pot with one bad seed. Is this how you abuse the power given to you by the people? Give me your badge number. When I go to work, I'll ask the provincial public security department if there's no one else in your county who can do the job. I want to see how they assigned you!"
Gu Xixi's words made the room fall silent. Captain Luo's face turned red, and he was speechless.
At this moment, there was a gentle knock on the door.
PS: We were just a little bit short of a successful counterattack! Brothers, give me your strength!