Chapter 1816

Chapter 1816: Chapter 1816

Shi He’s drinking capacity is average, while Cao Xiaolou is quite different. His drinking capacity is one of the best in the entire Gaoshui County officialdom.

In no time, a bottle of liquor was consumed, and when Cao Xiaolou opened the second bottle, Shi He repeatedly said, "County Magistrate Cao, let’s stop for tonight, I really can’t continue."

Cao Xiaolou couldn’t be bothered with him, twisted open the cap and tossed it aside, filled a cup, sipped and asked, "When is the meeting?"

Shi He, a bit muddled from drinking, didn’t immediately comprehend the question and asked blankly, "What?"

"Standing Committee meeting." Cao Xiaolou said, "I stepped down, so someone has to fill my position. When does Secretary Xie plan to hold a meeting to decide this matter?"

Shi He responded sluggishly, "Next Monday."

Cao Xiaolou asked, "Is it Gao Qi?"

"Yes... Ah, no, I’m not sure." Shi He quickly shook his head.

Cao Xiaolou chuckled, "Hold your vote. I won’t let you cast it, you mustn’t cast it."

Shi He was dumbfounded, finally understanding why he was sought out tonight.

He was a bit angry; this was putting him in a difficult position.

Gao Qi as the mayor was set in stone; everyone agreed. If he opposed, how could he continue in Gaoshui County in the future?

But thinking about Cao Xiaolou holding his leverage, he didn’t dare to be direct, and awkwardly said, "Whether I agree or oppose won’t affect the big picture."

"Cut the damn nonsense." Cao Xiaolou rudely cursed, "If you don’t listen, then stop being Secretary, come down and sit on the cold bench with me."

Shi He opened his mouth, and finally took a deep breath, forcing a smile, "County Magistrate Cao, you should also consider my position. Although you’ve stepped down, you’re forever my old leader. If you have matters in the future and come to me, how could I not help? But with this matter, I truly can’t offend Gao Qi."

He paused and added, "Behind Gao Qi, is Mayor Wu!"

Cao Xiaolou’s eyelid twitched; this was a very interesting statement.

Behind Gao Qi is Mayor Wu, and behind himself is Secretary Zhou.

Yet this time, Secretary Zhou couldn’t protect him.

This meant, in his eyes, backing Secretary Zhou was inferior to backing Mayor Wu’s Gao Qi.

Cao Xiaolou didn’t scold him this time, fearing to push him too hard.

"Don’t worry, I won’t let you be in a tough spot. Before Monday, I’ll contact you. In the meantime, if anyone asks your opinion, just say you haven’t thought it through yet."

Shi He drank some tea, trying to clear his mind, carefully thinking about the meaning of his words.

After considering, ensuring it wouldn’t negatively affect him, he nodded in agreement.

The following day, Cao Xiaolou called Secretary Luo, arranging to meet in a teahouse.

Secretary Luo wasn’t like Shi He, who acted without thinking; with him, one couldn’t directly threaten.

Not everyone responds to threats.

Cao Xiaolou outlined his request simply. Although he didn’t mention his brother’s extracurricular matters, Secretary Luo understood that if he didn’t cooperate, this issue would surely surface.

Besides, Cao Xiaolou’s request was for him to reserve his stance before the Standing Committee meeting.

He could guess Cao Xiaolou’s objective but was too lazy to get involved. Assured it wouldn’t greatly affect him, he agreed.

Separating from Cao Xiaolou, Secretary Luo returned to the county committee, smoked two cigarettes in the office, then approached Secretary Xie.

Without concealment, he laid out Cao Xiaolou’s request.

He acted decisively, with a clear mind, knowing this matter couldn’t be hidden, nor could he compromise.

Someone like Cao Xiaolou won’t abide by the rules; a single secret could be used repeatedly.

That’s why he sought Secretary Xie’s help.

Secretary Xie furrowed his brows, not quite understanding Cao Xiaolou’s maneuver.

Already dismissed, why not settle down a bit?

He could see that Cao Xiaolou’s intent in asking Secretary Luo to reserve his vote was to use it as leverage to negotiate with Gao Qi.

What exactly would be negotiated, he didn’t know, but it surely wasn’t a good affair.

Without hesitation, he immediately called Gao Qi, "Mayor Gao, come over."

"Now?" Gao Qi seemed preoccupied.

"Yes, now."

"Alright, I’m coming over right away."

While waiting, Secretary Luo chuckled helplessly, "Cao Xiaolou, truly adept at finding people’s weaknesses. I don’t know where he got my brother’s contact information, setting up such a channel."

This statement was to clarify to Secretary Xie that all errors were his brother’s doing, unrelated to him.

Secretary Xie couldn’t discern truth from falsehood and said ambiguously, "Since Director Song talked to you, it shouldn’t be a major issue. You’re busy with work, but you should also make time to chat with family."

"Secretary Xie’s guidance is correct." Secretary Luo displayed humility.

After learning that Secretary Xie was about to retire, Secretary Luo hadn’t interacted much with him. Hence, seeking his help now made Secretary Luo somewhat uneasy.

Secretary Xie was indifferent to his previous attitude, not holding it against him.

After all, with retirement imminent, avoiding conflict was ideal.

Thus, for decisions affecting the county committee, he would proactively consult with Secretary Luo, reaching a satisfactory result for both parties, then have Secretary Luo handle it. This also provided Secretary Luo with more opportunities to show abilities.

After roughly twenty minutes, Gao Qi arrived.

"Secretary Xie, Secretary Luo." Seeing Secretary Luo, Gao Qi understood this was a significant matter.

"Did Cao Xiaolou contact you?" Secretary Xie asked.

Gao Qi paused, various thoughts fleetingly passed through his mind in two seconds, and finally nodded, "He had issues to discuss with me. Just then, Secretary Xie called, so I came over first."

Upon speaking, he realized Secretary Xie’s call was likely related to Cao Xiaolou seeking him out.

Secretary Xie didn’t keep them guessing, briefed them on the situation.

After listening, Gao Qi pondered, "I understand."

Secretary Luo, who hadn’t spoken, said, "Cao Xiaolou probably contacted Secretary Shi as well."

Since Cao Xiaolou intended to use Standing Committee votes to negotiate with Gao Qi, he wouldn’t solely approach him.

Secretary Xie said, "Don’t worry about Shi He; knowing this matter is enough. When Cao Xiaolou finds you, regardless of what’s discussed, go along, don’t clash with him. Discuss it with me afterward."

"Alright." Gao Qi forced a grateful smile, internally calm without a ripple.

Despite Secretary Xie proactively informing him of this matter, ostensibly aiding him, in officialdom, there’s no gratuitous assistance.

Had he not been about to assume the mayorship, or hitched a ride on Mayor Wu’s rapid ascent, Secretary Xie wouldn’t have given him a second glance.

But as long as he’s aware of this, there’s no need to dwell on it.

In officialdom or ordinary interpersonal relations, it’s the same.

If you’re of no use, no one would take the time to engage or help you.

The essence of human interaction is mutual exploitation and exchange of benefits.

This isn’t about personal ethics or morality; it’s reality.

Gao Qi not only refrains from resentment due to their two-faced nature but feels glad.

Because possessing value to be utilized is gratifying.

In officialdom, it’s a cause for joy.

Leaving the county committee, Gao Qi called Cao Xiaolou, arranged a location, and went over.

It was a billiard room, with a distinct tea room on the second floor.

The tea room had only Cao Xiaolou inside; upon Gao Qi’s entry, Cao Xiaolou maintained his authoritative presence, without any attitude shift despite his removal.

"Sit." Cao Xiaolou casually invited.

Gao Qi sat down, prompting him to slowly adjust from his slumped posture to sit up straight, poured him a cup of tea, and casually asked, "Do you want to be the mayor?"