Since the relationship has broken down, it's better to cut ties completely.
For someone like Wen Yang, the only way to deal with him is to hit where it hurts, make him afraid, and seize his weaknesses to subdue him.
Ignoring Wen Yang's defeated and panicked expression, Xia Xiang spoke coldly, piercing directly into his heart:
"And one more thing, stop targeting Xiao Jia.
As long as we all follow the rules, there will be no trouble between us. Otherwise..."
After leaving Wen Yang's office, Xia Xiang took a few deep breaths, still feeling that he had been a bit impulsive earlier and had almost argued with Wen Yang.
There's no point in losing one's temper with someone like him.
It seems Xia Xiang needs to pay more attention and restrain his personality in the future.
The most effective moves are not about shouting but about strategic maneuvering behind the scenes.
If he hadn't secretly learned about Wen Yang's book compilation, formed a strong bond with Feng Xuguang, and earned Li Dingshan's full trust, Wen Yang's attempts to deal with a fresh college graduate could indeed have caused him significant trouble.
When he got upstairs, he found Li Dingshan and Jia He both there.
As soon as they saw Xia Xiang, they couldn't help but laugh.
Li Dingshan refrained from teasing Xia Xiang, but Jia He exaggeratedly put an arm around Xia Xiang's shoulder and said:
"Impressive, buddy, you've managed to rile Wen Yang up so much, making him completely lose it.
I didn't expect you could handle him.
Li always said he's known Wen Yang for so long that he hesitated to confront him. But you managed to make him submit.
Well, Li really does have an eye for people. He was spot-on about you."
Looking at Li Dingshan smoking calmly, a subtle, meaningful smile on his face, Xia Xiang couldn't help but feel a pang of unease.
He reminded himself not to be fooled by Li Dingshan's seemingly soft demeanor.
After all, as the provincial head of a state-level newspaper, Li Dingshan had spent years navigating between provincial and municipal leaders.
He might not be an official in title, but his role resembled one.
Remaining in charge of the press office for five or six years was no small feat.
Since Xia Xiang intended to align his future with Li Dingshan, maintaining the necessary humility and respect was essential.
No matter how capable or visionary he might be, everything must revolve around Li Dingshan and prioritize his interests.
Otherwise, if he were rejected by Li Dingshan before fully developing his own abilities, it would be a massive joke.
All his hard work would be in vain.
It couldn't be said that Li Dingshan deliberately used him to deal with Wen Yang, but it was undoubtedly a test—a test of his adaptability and competence.
As for whether Li Dingshan had other intentions, Xia Xiang couldn't be sure.
However, it made him more cautious, recognizing that while they shared common interests, as a subordinate, he must always remember who held the real power.
Xia Xiang gave Jia He a playful shove and said with a smile:
"Don't mock me.
If it weren't for Li's sharp insight and control over everything, how would I dare to confront Wen Yang?
Besides, small matters like this are for us to handle.
If Li had to step in for every little thing, what would be the point of having us as subordinates?"
Jia He burst into hearty laughter:
"Just for that, I'll treat you to dinner tonight."
Li Dingshan leaned back in satisfaction, clearly pleased with Xia Xiang's words, which put him at ease.
He looked at Xia Xiang with growing appreciation.
He signaled Jia He to close the office door, sat on the sofa, and gestured for Xia Xiang and Jia He to sit across from him.
In an equal and serious manner, he said:
"Xia Xiang, Jia He, things are more or less settled.
If nothing unexpected happens, within two months, I will take up the post of county party secretary in Baxian, Zhangcheng City.
A secretary's position allows for bringing a few people along.
I only trust the two of you.
Jia He will continue as my driver, and Xia Xiang, you will work by my side as a secretary for daily matters.
Xia Xiang, you're a college graduate.
Although Jia He doesn't have academic credentials, you both won't be at a loss following me.
Within half a year, we'll work on securing a cadre position for Jia He.
As for Xia Xiang, the minimum goal is to help you leap to a deputy section-level role."
This was the first promise Li Dingshan had made.
His tone was firm, exuding an undeniable aura.
Xia Xiang nodded and was the first to express his stance:
"Thank you, Li, for your trust.
I will do my utmost to handle trivial matters and leave the major decisions to you."
Jia He, more accustomed to informality, wasn't used to Li Dingshan's sudden authoritative demeanor.
However, he still responded seriously:
"I've been with you for years, Li.
The road ahead is long—just watch my actions."
Li Dingshan stood up, picked up a watering can to tend to his begonias, and smiled:
"It's a pity I've been nurturing these begonias for two years.
Once I leave, no one will take care of them as attentively."
He turned to Xia Xiang and said:
"Xia Xiang, do you think Wen Yang will take over the company?"
"He should," Xia Xiang replied.
He knew the final blow he delivered must have left Wen Yang terrified.
To avoid exposure of his illegal actions, taking over the company was his best option; he had no other choice.
"It's not just 'should'; he definitely will," Li Dingshan put down the watering can, took a towel to wipe his hands, and lit a cigarette.
"He made a fortune compiling a book, and I don't blame him.
He hasn't gained any benefits from me, so his resentment is understandable.
I'll let it go.
But since he dared to misuse the company's name and claim to represent the newspaper for private gains, he must take responsibility.
Handing the company over to him and letting him deal with its troubles isn't much of a punishment.
Compared to jail, this is already very lenient…"