The deputy director of the government office, Qin Zhihao, was also feeling uncomfortable. He had a vague sense of wariness and regret. He had just transferred Zhou Qing to logistics, and Weining had immediately made him his secretary. Losing face was a minor issue, but the key was to not offend Weining.
After much thought, Qin Zhihao still decided to give Zhou Qing a call to explain.
On Zhou Qing's end, as he saw Qin Zhihao's incoming call display, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl into a sneer.
Before this, not to mention waiting, the moment he saw the number, he would answer immediately, then he would stand even straighter, striving to speak with vigorous energy.
This time, after leaving it for a bit, Zhou Qing then answered the phone in a leisurely manner, "Director Qin, do you have any instructions?"
Qin Zhihao laughed, "Brother, what are you saying? How dare I instruct you on anything? Congratulations, you've become County Mayor Zhou's secretary without a sound. Later on, who knows, I may need to rely on your help quite a bit."
Zhou Qing immediately said, "Director Qin, you're speaking too seriously. As long as you need something, it's not just about taking care of you. Whether it's electrical repairs or trash cleanup, I'll definitely provide service right to your door."
"Brother, that's a slap in the face, a real slap, haha," Qin Zhihao said somewhat awkwardly, before continuing, "Chief Zhou, this matter is really not my fault, it was mainly Liu Min who recommended it. Considering the logistics department was indeed short-staffed, so… this error is on me. Don't worry, when I host a banquet one day, I will formally apologize to you."
Zhou Qing let out a cold laugh and said, "Director Qin, it's all in the past, don't be polite. I have something on my end, so I won't talk more."
"Alright, alright, then Chief Zhou, you go ahead with your work, I won't disturb you."
After hanging up the phone, Zhou Qing's expression also darkened. Liu Min's idea? Yeah, right.
But, to be fair, Liu Min wasn't exactly a good person either.
Ever since Zhou Weining chose him, Zhou Qing's mobile phone started to ring off the hook. Calls from heads and deputies of various county departments came through, exchanging pleasantries, calling him brother, allowing Zhou Qing to realize for the first time that he had so many good "brothers" in the county. He felt the warmth and chill of human relationships anew. Compared to three days ago, he felt surrounded by good people now.
They were either inviting him for meals or to go singing and foot bathing. Each one was warm and courteous, attentive and caring; he was well aware that all of this was the result of a change in status.
Throughout the afternoon, Zhou Qing was immersed in such excitement.
Life is full of uncertainties – the roads wind back, the willows grow bright again – none of these phrases could sufficiently describe his mood at that moment.
Just as the workday ended, Weining emerged with his briefcase.
Zhou Qing hurriedly approached him, "Leader!"
Weining stopped, nodded at Zhou Qing with a smile, and took the initiative to say, "Work's over, Xiao Qing you should also head off early. There's nothing tonight, so I'm heading home first."
Watching Weining leave, Zhou Qing also felt a sense of joy. From what he could tell, Weining seemed to be an easy person to deal with, amiable and pleasant. Probably not difficult to get along with.
Zhou Qing silently vowed to seize this rare opportunity. He would do a good job in service, hoping to secure his position, and set a small goal to start with – achieving a deputy section chief level!
After getting himself together and calming his mood, Zhou Qing slowly made his way out of the office with a composed and confident stride.
Times had changed, and so had his mindset. Before this, he was always on tenterhooks, afraid of offending anyone, afraid of not leaving a good impression in front of the leaders.
But now, everyone he saw greeted him with a smile, radiating genuine kindness.
As he was thinking, a fragrant breeze wafted by, and when Zhou Qing got a clear look at the person approaching, his expression instantly turned gloomy, "Yo, isn't this Chief Liu?"
Liu Min didn't heed Zhou Qing's sarcasm and said with a forced smile, "Chief Zhou, I don't know if you are free this evening, I would like to invite you to dinner."
"I wouldn't dare!" Zhou Qing sneered, "Chief Liu's meals are not so easily enjoyed. If it weren't for my luck, I would probably still be dealing with trash in logistics right now. If I were to accept this dinner, who knows, I might be dismissed from my public duties and shown the door."
Upon hearing this, Liu Min became anxious. As she saw people occasionally entering and exiting the doorway, she grabbed Zhou Qing's hand and walked over to the side of the flowerbed.
The iron trees in the flowerbed were thriving and tall, and together with a row of bushes stretching out, you wouldn't notice someone there unless you paid close attention.
Perhaps because it was after hours, Liu Min was wearing a yellow low-cut sleeveless dress today. It was what you call a 'big yellow robe' on the internet!
The dress had been modified according to her figure.
Her ample bosom and plump buttocks were perfectly showcased by her outfit.
Seeing that, Zhou Qing couldn't help but think of that day's scene, the image of the black lace thong still echoing in his mind.
Suddenly, with an impish notion, Zhou Qing asked, "Liu Min, you wouldn't happen to be wearing a thong today as well, would you?"