Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 88 The Social Butterfly of the Workplace

Wu Zhiyuan smiled calmly: "Xiao Kun, you know the nature of the work in the Municipal Party Committee Office. We're busy as spinning tops every day. Where would we find the time and energy to think about personal matters?"

Qin Xiaokun chuckled: "Zhiyuan, work is work, and life is life!"

Even if you're busy, you still need to take care of your personal life! Aren't your expectations too high?

Talk to your old classmate about what kind of girls they like. Maybe I can introduce you to someone.

Qin Xiaokun's gaze fell on Liu Na: "Nana, do you have any pretty girlfriends you could keep an eye out for Zhiyuan?"

Hearing Qin Xiaokun's half-serious, half-joking matchmaking, Liu Na covered her mouth and chuckled, her eyes sparkling, and said coquettishly, "President Qin, please stop joking with me!"

A young talent like Section Chief Wu must have high standards; my girlfriends probably wouldn't even meet his expectations.

Zhao Zhao picked up the conversation: "My wife is a teacher. There are many young and beautiful female teachers at the school. They are of high quality, have many holidays, and can take care of the family in the future."

Next time, I'll have my wife organize a gathering to introduce some outstanding individuals to Section Chief Wu. What do you think, Section Chief Wu?

Wu Zhiyuan politely declined, saying, "I appreciate your kindness. However, I'm currently too busy with work to think about these things. Let's talk about it again when things are more organized."

Qin Xiaokun didn't press the matter, laughed it off, and changed the subject: "Alright, alright, Zhiyuan is a man destined for great things. It's good to establish a career before starting a family."

The dishes served included everything that flies in the sky, runs in the mountains, and swims in the water.

Qin Xiaokun brought over a case of six bottles of Moutai liquor and said, "Tonight we're going to drink until we drop. If we can't finish it, Zhiyuan and Runcai can take it back to drink."

This is where Qin Xiaokun's brilliance and worldliness lie.

Sending expensive wine directly, even to classmates, would likely be rejected. But saying, "I brought too much wine and can't finish it. Could you guys help me finish it?" sounds much more natural, just like the anecdote he told about the priest's prayer.

Wu Zhiyuan knew perfectly well that this was Qin Xiaokun's tactic, so he politely declined, saying, "Xiaokun, I appreciate your kind offer. How about this, you can keep the wine here for now, and we can drink it at the next gathering."

Qin Xiaokun didn't want to force the issue, so he smiled sheepishly and said, "Okay, you can drink it next time if you can't finish it!"

After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,

Qin Xiaokun said, seemingly casually, "Zhiyuan, Runcai, to be honest, I came to Longcheng this time because I want to settle down and do something."

Longcheng is developing rapidly and has many opportunities, especially in new city construction and old city renovation, which present a huge market.

I've done many similar projects in other places, so I have experience and a team.

I was new here, unfamiliar with the place and its people, and didn't understand many of the rules.

In the future, I will need my two old classmates to take care of me and give me guidance in Longcheng.

If you have any policy information or suitable project opportunities, please let me know in advance. I would be extremely grateful.

Wu Zhiyuan was well-prepared and answered flawlessly: "Xiao Kun, Longcheng welcomes all law-abiding and capable enterprises."

As long as your company has complete qualifications, a good reputation, and participates in market competition in accordance with the law, the opportunity is fair to everyone.

As an old classmate, it's perfectly acceptable for me to provide publicly available policy advice or introduce you to relevant departments, provided it complies with policies and doesn't violate regulations.

However, the specific project information and bidding process are subject to strict procedures and regulations, ensuring transparency. We hope you understand this.

Qin Xiaokun was somewhat disappointed, but Wu Zhiyuan hadn't completely ruled out anything, which was already a good start. He quickly raised his glass: "I understand! With Zhiyuan saying that, I'm relieved! Come, let me toast you, thank you, old classmate!"

Zhao Zhao also frequently reported Wu Zhiyuan, attempting to get closer to him.

Liu Na was a glamorous socialite.

She picked up her wine glass, walked to Wu Zhiyuan's side, skillfully filled his glass, looked directly at him, and said in a coquettish voice, "Section Chief Wu, my heart is pounding, my hands are trembling, I'm pouring a drink for the leader, if he doesn't drink it he'll think I'm ugly!"

Then, she drank the wine in her glass in one gulp.

Wu Zhiyuan also drank the wine in his glass.

But Liu Na wasn't finished. She filled both of their glasses and continued to urge them to drink: "Section Chief Wu, the sky is cloudless and the ground is dry. That last drink doesn't count."

All eyes turned to them.

Helpless, Wu Zhiyuan had no choice but to drink the wine in his cup.

However, Liu Na showed no sign of leaving and continued to urge him to drink: "My heart is trembling, my hands are shaking, I'll offer this toast to the leader. If the leader drinks it, I'll be happy; if the leader doesn't drink it, I won't leave. I said I won't leave, and I won't leave!"

As she spoke, she made exaggerated gestures as if she wanted to stay put, which made everyone burst into laughter.

Wu Zhiyuan quickly waved his hand: "Alright, alright, Secretary Liu, the thought is enough. Just drink in moderation."

Qin Xiaokun chimed in from the side, "Zhiyuan, a beautiful woman is offering you a drink, how can you bear to refuse?"

Zhao Zhao chimed in, "Things shouldn't happen more than three times. Let's finish this cup."

Wu Zhiyuan knew that he wouldn't get through this ordeal if he didn't drink the wine, so he had no choice but to drink it all in one gulp.

Liu Na's smile grew even sweeter: "Thank you, Section Chief Wu! You're the leader, I'm below you, you say how many times, and I'll do it!"

Let me raise another glass to you, wishing you continued success and advancement!

Liu Na kept going on and on, which annoyed Wu Zhiyuan, but he didn't show it. He gently covered the mouth of the cup with his hand and explained, "Secretary Liu, I have received your kind intentions and blessings. Thank you for your kindness."

However, I still need to prepare Secretary Xu's speech tonight. It's a very important matter, and I must keep a clear head.

If I drink too much and neglect important matters, I can't bear the blame if Secretary Xu finds out.

Therefore, I offer this cup of tea instead of wine, and this is a humble offering to everyone present.

Thank you, Xiao Kun, for your warm hospitality. Our friendship is as strong as a cup of tea.

I propose we share a drink to celebrate our friendship!

Qin Xiaokun seized the opportunity: "Zhiyuan is right, let's all raise a glass! Thank you, Zhiyuan, for giving me face. I wish you success in your work and a promotion, and we old classmates will benefit from it!"

As the dinner was drawing to a close, Liu Yan's phone rang. She saw that it was Zhu Datong calling.

She answered the phone: "Datong, what's up?"

Zhu Datong said, "It's nothing, I just missed you. Why is it so noisy?"

Liu Yan quickly replied, "I'm eating at a restaurant. I ran into Zhiyuan on the way. He was going to a restaurant with some friends and invited me along."

Zhu Datong asked incredulously, "With Zhiyuan?"

"What? You don't believe me? Let Zhiyuan say a few words to you."

Liu Yan handed the phone to Wu Zhiyuan.

Although the relationship between Liu Yan and Zhao Zhao was ambiguous, Wu Zhiyuan still covered for Liu Yan when she asked for help, and then took the phone: "Datong, checking up on your wife tonight?"

Zhu Datong chuckled awkwardly, "No, no, I just wanted to chat with her for a bit."

Wu Zhiyuan said cryptically, "Your sister-in-law is so beautiful, can you really leave her alone in the city?"

Zhu Datong seized the opportunity to say, "Zhiyuan, you are the chief secretary of the municipal party committee. Can you think of a way to let me go back to the city?"

"I don't want to stay in this godforsaken place, Qinglongshan Forest Farm, for even a second longer!"

Not wanting to give a clear answer in front of everyone, Wu Zhiyuan vaguely said, "Let's talk about it later."

"Okay, okay. Zhiyuan, could you please take Liu Yan home? I feel much safer with Liu Yan by your side."

After dinner, Zhao Zhao offered to drive her home, but Liu Yan declined.

Wu Zhiyuan took a taxi to send Liu Yan home.

When they arrived at the entrance of Liu Yan's residential compound, Liu Yan suddenly said, "Zhiyuan, can I come to my place for a bit? I want to talk to you about something."