Huang Yu hurriedly stood up and said when she noticed everyone looking over, "It's nothing, I was fortunate to have Ji's support." While saying this, she glanced at Ji Yang again, thinking to herself that this chicken was not small at all.
That thought had even led her to feel a certain need.
She even felt like she was about to collapse at the thought of that intense situation.
Clamping her legs together, Huang Yu dashed to the bathroom like a shot.
At that moment, no one thought much of it; they were all uncomfortably holding it in. During the discussion of personnel matters, they didn't want to step away, afraid that new issues would arise the moment they left. Now that the meeting was over, naturally, the first order of business was to take care of personal matters.
Ji Yang was naturally in the same boat and upon entering the restroom, noticed a line forming.
Standing there, he also found it somewhat amusing; everyone was trying their best to shield themselves with their bodies.
After sitting in the office for so long, everyone probably had a bit of a kidney deficiency!
The entire reception work was managed by Jiang Chaowen, and everyone headed to the designated small restaurant to dine.
Ji Yang didn't know how it happened, but Huang Yu ended up sitting next to him.
Huang Yu made idle chat with Ji Yang.
Ji Yang stole a glance at Chu Shuyuan, who didn't have any particular expression on her face.
Since everyone had something on their minds, there wasn't much interaction.
Now, from a different perspective as the head of the party and government office, Ji Yang sent everyone back to the guesthouse to settle in.
The township did have a rather nice guesthouse. Called a guesthouse, it was actually quite luxurious, and previous leaders would often stay there from time to time.
Previous leaders had selected quite a few beautiful girls from the township to serve as waitresses, which had become a trademark of the place.
Although these girls didn't earn much, many people were still eager to work there.
There were even private whispers about a few pretty girls whose families underwent drastic changes, with once-poor families now building up small western-style houses.
The leaders were currently staying here temporarily, and in a few days, they would arrange the cleaned-up houses for them to move into.
After each leader had entered their room, Ji Yang hesitated for a moment before making his way to Chu Shuyuan's place.
Just as he knocked, it was as if Chu Shuyuan had been waiting inside, and the door opened.
As soon as Ji Yang entered, the door closed behind him.
Then, Ji Yang found Chu Shuyuan's gaze fixed intently on his face.
At a loss for what to say, Chu Shuyuan spoke, "We might as well be open with each other now, take a seat."
The woman was taking the lead!
Ji Yang didn't know why, but he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Do you know why I promoted you?"
"You have no one here."
The two naturally didn't bring up what had happened again.
Shaking her head, Chu Shuyuan said, "You're wrong. As long as you have power, many people want to get close. I'm not short of hands, but of loyal ones."
"How do you know I'm loyal?"
"Ever since I knew I was coming here, I've had a look at the list of cadres, and when I saw you, I knew you were the boy from that night." Saying this, she gave Ji Yang a once-over, particularly pausing at a certain key area.
At that moment, Chu Shuyuan found herself feeling a certain way, with a warmth brewing beneath her abdomen.
As for Ji Yang, she hadn't yet decided what her stance was. She clearly understood that what happened that day wasn't Ji Yang's fault, and moreover, it was only after that incident that she realized the vast differences between men.
Seeing her demeanor, Ji Yang instantly thought that this woman didn't seem like a good person.
Looking at the handsome Ji Yang, Chu Shuyuan's mood was greatly lifted.
"Your parents are ordinary workers, and you got into the civil service through tough exams, you don't have any powerful backers, and even your coming to work in this township was the result of your good buddy setting you up, surprised?"
Chu Shuyuan felt she could make good use of this handsome man, boosting her own power, and there are some things she could talk to him about.
Ji Yang was genuinely surprised. He was originally going to be a civil servant in the county, but he quickly got assigned to the township, while his buddy stayed in the county.
Seeing Ji Yang's reaction, Chu Shuyuan chuckled and said, "Your buddy has three sisters, one of whom is a lover to a certain leader. These are things you couldn't have found out on your own, but I managed to uncover them quite easily. Didn't expect that, did you?"
Ji Yang's emotions quickly settled down, and he simply looked at her indifferently.
Chu Shuyuan spoke approvingly, "It seems that you've honed some resilience in the countryside, that's good. I'm even more reassured now. The reason you haven't been promoted since arriving is due to your old classmate working against you in the shadows. And you haven't been able to align very well with anyone here, which is precisely what I value more. Of course, as long as you loyally serve me, I will protect you too and even as I rise, opportunities for your advancement will come."
Chu Shuyuan had made her decision; she naturally needed to clarify some principles. She was worried this handsome man might not see the situation clearly.
After many events transpired around her, Chu Shuyuan no longer harbored any thoughts of love. In her view, relationships were more about mutual benefits. Therefore, to ensure Ji Yang was loyal and worked for her, she had to spell things out clearly for him to recognize the advantages of siding with her.
As for the possibility of something happening between them, Chu Shuyuan believed that expecting fidelity from someone because of relations was utterly nonsensical—she didn't believe in such things.
"You're the boss. Whatever task you give me, I will do it. Besides, you promoted me. Naturally, I'm now on your side," Ji Yang also regained his composure by now. Understanding that she didn't intend to 'deal' with him in any way, Ji Yang felt relaxed, which allowed him to be even more rational.
"I've seen too many things," Chu Shuyuan said. "I prefer to lay things out so you understand that what lies between us is a partnership. I don't lack for underlings; I need someone who truly supports my work."
"Rest assured, I will listen to you," Ji Yang had realized as well. It seemed this woman wasn't going to pursue the matter of that night, but rather wanted to use him—a prospect Ji Yang was quite content with.
Chu Shuyuan smiled and continued, "This township is complicated, and Lu Shijie is not a simple man. Even though he seems to have suffered a setback today, he cannot be underestimated. They all think I promoted you on a whim and there will surely be those trying to win you over. If you do get approached, you can side with them, but just keep me informed in private."
Indeed, this was not a simple woman—she had various schemes!
Ji Yang felt he needed to re-evaluate this woman.
"Okay, you can go now. There will be many eyes on you from now on."
Ji Yang had many matters to attend to himself. He nodded, opened the door, and walked out.
The conversation was clear, and Chu Shuyuan didn't press Ji Yang to do anything, preferring to let him consider things himself. This approach left him quite satisfied.
As he left Chu Shuyuan's room and the cold wind blew, Ji Yang reviewed the entire situation. This woman didn't mention their past incident but rather shared her thoughts with him in a heart-to-heart manner, making it easier for him to align with her.
A complicated woman!
Ji Yang realized this woman didn't care much about the matters of men and women, sparking numerous speculations in his mind. Perhaps her rise wasn't so straightforward, and she had made various sacrifices.
But then again, none of that mattered now. Having become the Director of the Party and Government Office, it was as if the path of his career had opened up. Once the way upward was clear, as long as he played his cards right, more contacts would increase the likelihood of promotion.
Chu Shuyuan needed him now, and he needed her just as much. So, one way or another, he had to align himself with Chu Shuyuan, as they shared common interests.
Remembering the 'good brother' Chu Shuyuan mentioned, Ji's expression subtly changed.
Qian Yongping was a university classmate and had always gotten along with him quite well. He had three beautiful sisters, and until now, Ji had never been wary of him. Surprisingly, he had been backstabbed this time.
They had always had a good relationship, and Ji had gotten along well with his three sisters when visiting their home or when they came to the city to see their brother.
Ji didn't doubt what Chu Shuyuan had said; there was no reason for her to lie about such a matter.
But what was Qian Yongping's endgame?
At that moment, Ji couldn't quite understand.
Right, there was the time when someone from above was selecting a person to be the deputy county mayor's secretary. He was already being considered, or something like that, when ultimately Qian Yongping became the deputy county mayor's secretary.
Thinking about it, Ji's expression shifted slightly. Last time, Qian Yongping even mentioned he was trying to arrange a position for Ji in the county office.
A double-faced deed indeed!
Having been in the bureaucratic world for two years, Ji saw things clearly. A loud voice didn't always get things done—often it was the more reserved who prevailed.
Contemplating these issues, Ji entered the office.
To his complete surprise, none of the office staff had left; they were all chatting inside.
Upon his entrance, everyone's gaze at Ji shifted.
Indeed, there are no secrets in government; the news had spread, but most likely, they just wanted to confirm it.
Seeing Wu Guoping, the usual chatterbox, Ji couldn't help but feel a pang of pity—the man truly had no one to speak up for him.