PDLP Chapter 99 Leave the door open
Chapter 99 Leave the door open
David checked the door again to make sure it was closed before feeling a little more at ease. He sat down next to Minister Xiao, his hands on his thighs, looking somewhat restrained and embarrassed.
"Have you heard about what's going on here?"
"Yes, including the matter of you being framed and arrested in Xiapu." Xiao Zhikai let out a heavy sigh: "Such a big thing, why didn't you call me?"
Dawei pushed the teacup forward, letting him have a sip of tea to calm himself down, and then offered him a cigarette, planning to explain after Xiao Zhikai had taken a couple of puffs.
Don't underestimate the time it takes to smoke a cigarette or drink a cup of tea.
The problem with conflicts between people is that they are too hasty.
Especially when the other person is in a bad mood, if they calm down for a moment, communication will be much smoother.
Dawei has worked in the county government office for many years, dealing with all sorts of people every day. He has mastered these ways of dealing with people very skillfully.
"Minister Xiao, I apologize in advance for making you worry."
Seeing Dawei's sincere attitude, Xiao Zhikai's dissatisfaction vanished. Dawei was a promising talent, and his future achievements would definitely surpass theirs. Xiao Zhikai had to respect him.
"Minister Xu entrusted you to me, so I have a responsibility."
You're something else, you got arrested and taken to the police station without even telling your brother.
That Wu Maocai under your command is the same; when his leader is wronged and arrested, he keeps quiet and doesn't even bother to report to me.
I'll have to give this Xiao Wu a good talking-to later.
Dawei was grateful. These words were not in line with Xiao Zhikai's status. He would only speak like that as a friend. Since Xiao Zhikai was honest, he would say whatever he wanted.
"It was I who stopped him from reporting it."
Brother, don't blame him.
My situation is different from others.
I'm someone who crawled out of the mud; I've suffered a lot of grievances and am used to being bullied.
I'm still a little unaccustomed to this sudden display of concern from others.
If you treat me even a little kindly, I would want to repay you tenfold, otherwise I wouldn't feel at ease.
I have accomplished nothing, failed to bring honor to you and Minister Xu, and am now embroiled in trouble. I dare not ask for your help—for fear of offending you.
I'll bear what I can bear myself.
If things become unbearable, I'll contact you again.
In fact, Dawei had already made plans in his mind, knowing that Xiao Zhikai would definitely find out once these things came out.
Xiao Zhikai is a member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee. The investigation team investigating Lin Wangyou's case will definitely report any progress to the Municipal Party Committee, and Xiao Zhikai will also get wind of it.
Since he'll find out sooner or later, why bother reporting it or asking for help again?
Those who want to help will naturally help.
It's pointless to beg someone who doesn't want to help.
By not taking the initiative to speak up and letting Xiao Zhikai discover it, Xiao Zhikai will actually think more highly of you, feeling that you are capable and won't always bother your superiors.
Xiao Zhikai's gaze softened, and he reached out to pat Dawei's hand: "I'm sorry to have troubled you."
"fine."
"Is that kid Zheng Zhiguo up to you again? I heard that the case of the false accusation was handled very hastily?"
"I'm afraid someone put pressure on him. I've already talked to him once, and he said he would change."
Zheng Zhiguo was Xiao Zhikai's man. On Dawei's first day in office, Xiao Zhikai called Zheng Zhiguo over for a talk and told him to cooperate well with Dawei.
So last time, Zheng Zhiguo was outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, playing tricks and letting things slide, hastily concluding Xie Liting's case. Dawei didn't punish Zheng Zhiguo excessively, but only gave him a private warning and criticism.
Xiao Zhikai said angrily, "Then let's replace him. I'll handle it."
"Minister Xiao, why don't we give him another chance?"
"He's in this state!"
"I know you're angry, and I'm even angrier, but it's not easy for us to train a bureau chief, and besides... he's someone you mentored, don't you think?"
"..." Xiao Zhikai looked at Dawei with complicated eyes, never expecting that Dawei would have such a broad perspective.
Actually, what Dawei was thinking was that if someone else were to come up now, they might not be as useful as Zheng Zhiguo.
Moreover, Zheng Zhiguo was very familiar with the situation in Yuanshan County, and he was a man with quite a few flaws.
People with problems are easier to control.
Make the most of people's strengths, not their weaknesses.
It's like a bull; sometimes it's disobedient, but it's very strong.
If Zheng Zhiguo can change his ways, he can help Dawei quickly get things going. If someone else comes in, it might not be so smooth; at least there will be a period of adjustment.
"When he was County Chief Qiao, he wavered once."
This time when I came up, he swayed again.
It's okay once or twice, but not a third time.
We'll give him one last chance.
You should give him a nudge.
If it happens again, then deal with him severely, without mercy.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhikai slowly nodded: "Then let's do it your way."
That night, I stayed at a guesthouse.
You bring Wu Maocai along, and I'll invite Zheng Zhiguo; let's have a meal together.
I also invited the comrades from the county's organization department.
You and Zhou Xiangzhang haven't officially talked yet, have you?
I called him along too.
David chuckled awkwardly: "We haven't talked about it yet."
I was supposed to go to his office on the first day, but...
I still didn't muster the courage.
Xiao Zhikai glanced at his watch: "Go to his office later. I'll go and pave the way for you first."
He got up after saying that.
Dawei stood up and looked at Xiao Zhikai gratefully, saying, "Brother, you've gone to so much trouble."
"It's what should be done."
Xiao Zhikai went out.
Shao Zhen'an, the head of the county's organization department, and Xiao Lili, the deputy head, were already waiting outside the corridor.
Shao Zhenan smiled and shook Xiao Zhikai's hand: "Minister Xiao, why didn't you call ahead so I could have picked you up?"
"No need, I have something to do. You guys wait for me at the county organization department." Xiao Zhikai didn't give him a friendly look and went straight to the county committee building.
Shao Zhenan watched Xiao Zhikai's retreating figure, shook his head helplessly, and went back to his office with his hands behind his back.
Deputy Minister Xiao Lili glanced at Dawei's office, and seeing Dawei turn around and go back into his office, she immediately followed him in and closed the office door behind her.
Just as Dawei was about to sit down, he said, "Director Xiao, it's broad daylight, please leave the door open. You're a woman, this isn't appropriate."
"Oh, I'll just stay for a little while."
Xiao Lili spread her arms, took quick small steps, her high heels clicking, her tight skirt making it difficult for her to move her legs, and she arrived at Dawei's table looking somewhat comical.
As soon as Dawei sat down, she leaned over, rested her elbows on Dawei's desk, her white shirt collar open and facing Dawei, a mischievous smile on her face.
"What brings Minister Xiao here?"
"How would I know anything about what the leaders are doing?"
Xiao Lili pouted and glared at him: "You two are so close."
Later, could you put in a good word for me with him?
Look at that guy, Lao Shao, he's got the makings of an old man, he should have retired a long time ago.
We're on the same side. If you push me up, you won't lose out.
David looked seriously at that beautiful face and the white patch below her neck.
"What do you mean we're all one of us now?"
It's best to avoid saying things like that. People who don't know better might think we're having an affair.
Also, Director Xiao, can't you at least maintain a professional demeanor at work?
Can't you just stand still?
Someone will see it in a moment.