Chapter 0005: Riddles of the Aristocratic Youth

Zhou Dazui no longer mentions finding someone to secretly undermine Shen Huai, but is also curious about the background of this scoundrel, saying: "What exactly is this kid's background?"

Shen Huai, with such a capricious and reckless disposition, is not only troublesome but is also a person lacking in knowledge and ability.

"Who is it?" Zhou Dazui asked

Upon closer examination of Chen Mingde's career, it can be noted that prior to leaving Yanjing for studying abroad, he had been serving in central ministries and commissions. He was later transferred to Huaihai, and before taking up a position in the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, he had served for a period at the Provincial Economic Institute.

This matter caused quite a stir at the Provincial Economic Institute, with several teachers even going on strike demanding the dismissal of Shen Huai. However, in the end, the Provincial Economic Institute only suspended him for reflection. Less than two months later, Shen Huai came to Donghua with Chen Mingde. Ge Yongqiu detailed some of the information he had gathered to his uncle.

Twenty-four. Ge Yongqiu had been secretly observing Shen Huai for quite some time; the information in the files was naturally mentioned casually. However, the files were too rudimentary, making it difficult to discern anything meaningful.

In Ge Yongqiu's snort, there is a wealth of meanings, including disdain, envy, and a tinge of bitterness

Zhou Dazui sat across from the desk, hearing the voice on the phone suddenly rise in pitch, clearly indicating that Gao Tianhe was also extremely furious upon learning of this matter

The archival materials transferred by the Organization Department only indicate that his parents divorced when he was young, and that his mother passed away when he was twelve. Subsequently, his guardians were his maternal grandparents. He attended high school in Yanqing before going abroad directly, returning to the country three years ago. He did not return to Yanqing but idled away for more than half a year in Huaihai, and later became a lecturer at the Provincial Economic Institute; it was said to be an application process, but there were indeed people working behind the scenes... He did not return to Yanqing but idled away for more than half a year in Huaihai, and later became a lecturer at the Provincial Economic Institute; it was said to be an application process, but there were indeed people working behind the scenes...

Zhou Dazui is indeed afraid of Ge Yongqiu. When Ge Yongqiu's voice becomes rough, his momentum shatters everything, as he hunches over and sits there: "What can I possibly get angry at you for? Even though my face has been beaten to this extent, in the end, it is still your face that is being embarrassed, brother-in-law. You have never been bullied like this in Donghua City. If we can't confront them openly, then I will find a few people at night, seize the opportunity, and give that beast a good beating in a bag. We can't just let this go like that." Even though my face has been beaten to this extent, in the end, it is still your face that is being embarrassed, brother-in-law. You have never been bullied like this in Donghua City. If we can't confront them openly, then I will find a few people at night, seize the opportunity, and give that beast a good beating in a bag. We can't just let this go like that.

Just like Shen Huai, although he is merely a cadre at the department level, his ability to brazenly assault Zhou Dazui in front of Ge Yongqiu ultimately stems from sharing the power and authority that rightfully belong to the Standing Committee Vice Mayor Chen Mingde

However, regardless of the circumstances, when leaders choose a secretary, they will select someone who is prudent and steady, capable of handling tasks, and someone they can trust

The elders of the Zhou family do not speak of it, but the Zhou Yu siblings are numerous, either engaged in business or in politics, all of whom hold prominent positions in Donghua City and have significant connections with the provincial government

Ge Yongqiu knew that his brother-in-law lacked intelligence, yet he was surprised that he could still grasp some insights. He thought to himself that since he worked as a mid-level manager at the municipal steel plant, he must have gained some experience.

Unlike Zhou Dazui, Zhou Yu, the deputy secretary-general of the municipal government, hails from the Zhou family, which has extensive connections in Donghua City

Gao Tianhe wanted Ge Yongqiu to directly report this matter to Chen Mingde, and naturally, Chen Mingde could not publicly shield Shen Huai.

After waiting for about four or five seconds, as Gao Tianhe on the other end of the line calmed down a bit, Ge Yongqiu then said: "What I fear is that Mayor Chen might take this opportunity to make further issues out of this matter..."

Of course, Zhou Dazui, even if he is oblivious, understands one principle: all arrogant individuals, if they have not been crushed by others, means that they still possess the capital to continue their arrogance

"It doesn't seem like he has a strong background, right? He can't possibly be the offspring of a central bigwig," Zhou Dazui pondered self-importantly, saying, "Since Chen Mingde is protecting him so much, could there be some unspoken relationship with other matters?"

Chen Mingde was airlifted to Donghua by the province; we cannot overlook his background," Ge Yongqiu said. "Shen Huai was brought to Donghua by Chen Mingde from the province. Do you think we might miss him?

After a long silence, Ge Yongqiu finally spoke again, saying into the phone: "Yes, I think so too. Shen Huai is causing trouble at the city steel mill, and it might just be Mayor Chen secretly instigating it... Alright, I understand, I understand." After repeating "I understand" twice, Ge Yongqiu hung up the phone.

Hmph

In this officialdom, beautiful women, especially those whose husbands are paralyzed in bed due to a car accident, find it very difficult to avoid gossip and scandal, but Zhou Yu is an exception

Zhou Dazui smacked his lips; even with his brother-in-law's backing at the city steel mill, he would hardly dare to act so recklessly

To say that Shen Huai's background is so formidable that Chen Mingde must endure it, it can only be the case if Shen Huai is a scion of a prominent family in the central government

How can Mayor Gao just let this matter pass without further inquiry? Even if it is for the greater good and not pursuing the issue, it is hard for Zhou Dazui to accept that this matter is simply brushed aside without any explanation: without a clear resolution, how will he face others at the city steel mill in the future?

The city government staff engaged in a brawl with the enterprise, and no mayor would remain calm upon hearing this. Zhou Dazui vaguely heard Gao Tianhe loudly instructing Ge Yongqiu on the phone: "You report this matter directly to Mayor Chen and see how he handles it"

"Shen Huai has only been transferred to Donghua for a few months, and his temperament is already quite unruly," Ge Yongqiu was reluctant to speak of his inability to manage subordinates, but thinking of Shen Huai's face, he couldn't help but frown. "He has been quite arrogant in the municipal government, to the extent that an old director from a municipal bureau came to the city to seek Chen Mingde's approval on a report. Because his shoes were muddy when he entered Chen Mingde's office, he pointed at this little beast and asked him to go outside to clean his shoes..."

Do not say that the Zhou family does not allow outsiders to be bullied; Zhou Yu's father-in-law is a former municipal party secretary. Although he has retired, his influence remains. Who would be foolish enough to target his daughter-in-law?

"Nonsense, if you continue to act recklessly and cause trouble, be careful that no one will be able to protect you." Ge Yongqiu fixed a sharp gaze on his brother-in-law, fearing that he might act without his knowledge. Suppressing his temper, he said, "This Shen Huai is not as simple as you think..."

Secretaries have traditionally been a shortcut for career advancement in the political arena. On one hand, they are close to the core of power and find it easier to attain promotions; on the other hand, as trusted confidants of leaders, they can access powers that are not typically afforded to their level

However, for the offspring of the central leaders, entering the officialdom, even if it is the same position of secretary, aside from the State Council, the Military Commission, and the National People's Congress which are somewhat difficult to access, there are still plenty of positions in the central ministries, provinces, and directly governed municipalities reserved for the offspring of the central leaders to gain experience. Why would they come to a place like Donghua, which is only at the city level and rather insignificant?

Zhou Dazui did not hear clearly what Gao Tianhe was saying on the phone

"Why can't it be done?" Zhou Dazui, still seething with anger, could not help but feel irritated upon hearing his brother-in-law speak such soft words again. He shouted in a coarse voice, "Isn't Shen Huai just a dog by Chen Mingde's side? This dog runs out and bites people indiscriminately. No matter how much Chen Mingde protects him, he should still be given a couple of whacks to provide an explanation to everyone!"

Chen Mingde is a scholarly official who emphasizes work efficiency and has strict, even harsh, requirements for his subordinates. However, it is quite perplexing that he can tolerate someone like Shen Huai to serve as his secretary.

Isn't that so? Apart from this relationship, it is truly difficult to explain why Chen Mingde insists on using this petty creature, who only knows how to stir up trouble, as his secretary

It is precisely because of these particularities that the position of secretary in the book authority is often occupied by some young individuals who have connections but lack qualifications and are in need of experience

"Who are you to ask about this? It's not something to boast about. There are only a few who know the truth, and if it gets out, it will only breed resentment." Ge Yongqiu has been in office for half his life and is more cautious than others might think; otherwise, he wouldn't have made Gao Tianhe, the mayor, his trusted confidant. He also remarked, "This little wretch usually doesn't regard me highly, and even openly and secretly harbors thoughts about Zhou Yu..."

At this point, Ge Yongqiu paused; Zhou Dazui did not expect any sound to come through the microphone, presumably it was Ge Yongqiu's words that prompted Gao Tianhe to reflect deeply.

Zhou Dazui did not expect that this beast, Shen Huai, would come to Donghua City and openly set his sights on Zhou Yu.

Damn it, he really is no good!" Zhou Dazui spat out a curse, yet he did not think to look in a mirror at himself

Ge Yongqiu continued, "Shen Huai, who is not particularly bright, spoke many strange things at the municipal steel plant today, directly pointing to the operational failures of the municipal steel plant in recent years. Given Shen Huai's limited insight, he should not be able to see such depth; it is likely that Mayor Chen is researching the issues of the municipal steel plant behind the scenes. If Mayor Chen uses the investigation into the fatal accident as a breakthrough, it could potentially involve some significant matters..." If Mayor Chen uses the investigation into the fatal accident as a breakthrough, it could potentially involve some significant matters..."

What kind of tone is that? You are getting angry at me! Ge Yongqiu scolded sharply, unable to suppress Shen Huai, and still did not believe he could not intimidate his uncle Zhou Dazui, glaring at him.

Zhou Yu? How dare that beast openly have thoughts about Zhou Yu, after all, Zhou Yu is his superior?" Zhou Dazui opened his mouth, and upon thinking of Zhou Yu's enchanting face, he couldn't help but salivate

Zhou Dazui remained silent. Previously, he had heard Ge Yongqiu mention that Chen Mingde was coming to Donghua, which could potentially threaten the position of Mayor Gao Tianhe. It was quite normal for Gao Tianhe to have someone investigate Chen Mingde's background.

How old is this kid today compared to the library's age?

Before Chen Mingde came to Donghua, he was the Deputy Director of the Provincial Planning Commission, while Shen Huai had been a lecturer at the Provincial Economic Institute for over a year. It was previously unknown that he had returned from some obscure overseas university; in short, he lacked both ability and expertise, merely passing time at the Provincial Economic Institute. Although he claimed to be teaching, it was essentially just that. Just before he came to Donghua, he had gotten a female student from the Provincial Economic Institute pregnant but did not want to take responsibility, pressuring her to have an abortion, which ultimately led her to take her own life by cutting her wrists... It was previously unknown that he had returned from some obscure overseas university; in short, he lacked both ability and expertise, merely passing time at the Provincial Economic Institute. Although he claimed to be teaching, it was essentially just that. Just before he came to Donghua, he had gotten a female student from the Provincial Economic Institute pregnant but did not want to take responsibility, pressuring her to have an abortion, which ultimately led her to take her own life by cutting her wrists...

Some individuals within the city government even secretly suggest that Shen Huai might be the illegitimate son of Chen Mingde

By comparing the archival records of Chen Mingde and Shen Huai, one can discern some peculiarities with a little attention to detail

Ge Yongqiu picked up the phone and dialed the direct line to Mayor Gao Tianhe, briefly reporting the incident that had just occurred at the city steel mill.

He knows that Chen Mingde should have a powerful backing, but he does not understand why even a dog beside Chen Mingde cannot be touched

How is it not simple

Zhou Yu began working in the municipal government at a young age and later married into the family of a former municipal party secretary, becoming a daughter-in-law. Even as a woman, she navigated the political landscape of Donghua with great success. Strong-willed and ambitious, she became the deputy secretary-general of the municipal government before even reaching the age of thirty

Ge Yongqiu swallowed hard; he knew that upon hearing this matter, Mayor Gao would surely be filled with rage and would likely not think deeply about the situation for the time being

Zhou Dazui also understands the importance of the overall situation, but the resentment in his heart is hard to dissipate. Upon hearing Gao Tianhe directly refer to his brother-in-law and disclose the incident to Chen Mingde, he looked at his brother-in-law with eager anticipation

"Let's not calculate it this way. What do you want to do?" Ge Yongqiu, feeling indignant for having to suppress his frustration, glared at his incompetent uncle and said, "Even if there are no conspiracies behind the scenes, do you really think that by bringing this matter to Chen Mingde, you can do anything to that beast?"