Chapter 33: Seeking a Way Out

Liu Dajin.

Seeing him, He Shinian felt a flicker of surprise. During his year working at the Land Bureau, He Shinian had been targeted by Liu Dajin more times than he could count. Being belittled, undermined, and scolded without reason had been part of his daily routine. Throughout that past year, He Shinian had harbored nothing but resentment toward the man.

But times had changed.

He Shinian had undergone a transformation, rising to become the secretary to the County Party Committee Secretary. This was something Liu Dajin could never have imagined, not even in his wildest dreams. If time could be reversed, Liu Dajin would never have dared to make things difficult for He Shinian.

Since Liu Dajin had taken the initiative to show up, it was clear he wanted something. And without needing to guess, He Shinian knew exactly what it was: it surely had to do with the land transfer project in Nanping Town.

"Shinian, you're back! Director Liu said he was your former colleague at the Land Bureau and had something to discuss with you. He was waiting outside, so I let him in," Qiao Yina said.

When Liu Dajin saw He Shinian return, he hurriedly stood up. His attitude had undergone a 180-degree turn; he bowed slightly and forced a smile. "Hello, Secretary He."

He Shinian gave a curt "hm," changed his shoes without paying him much mind, and walked over, asking directly, "I wonder what brings Director Liu to my home in person?"

Liu Dajin smiled and said, "Oh, nothing much. I happened to be passing by and thought I’d stop in to see you. After all, ever since your glorious promotion to secretary for the County Party Committee Secretary, I haven’t had a chance to offer my congratulations."

Happening to pass by?

Only a fool would believe that.

They say a wolf is a wolf, and once it tastes power, it becomes arrogant. There was a time when He Shinian had truly loathed, even hated, Liu Dajin. But things were different now; he was the secretary to the County Party Committee Secretary. Standing at a different vantage point, one views problems from a different perspective. If He Shinian wanted to crush Liu Dajin now, he could do it with a single step. He could even make it impossible for him to ever recover.

But what would be the point of that?

He Shinian had no desire to crush him, but that did not mean he would accept him either.

"Director Liu, there's no need for such formalities, but I appreciate you coming to see me. Please, continue with your water; I’m going to change into some clothes to go for a run. I’m used to it—if I don't run for a day, my whole body feels miserable."

With that, He Shinian stood up, ready to leave.

Liu Dajin panicked and scrambled to his feet. "Secretary He, there is actually a matter I need to beg for your help with."

"Oh?" He Shinian stopped in his tracks. "Director Liu, you hold me in too high regard. I am just a lowly secretary, my words carry little weight. How could I possibly help you?"

"Secretary He, as long as you are willing, I know you can," Liu Dajin said fawningly.

"Director Liu, you were once my superior. Since it’s come to this, just speak plainly. What is it exactly?"

Hearing the word "superior," Liu Dajin’s face flushed slightly. But he quickly regained his composure and said, "I hope Secretary He can help me arrange a meeting with Secretary Wu."

He Shinian was startled. He knew Liu Dajin’s visit was related to the land transfer, but he hadn't expected him to ask to meet Wu Yunqiu directly.

Yesterday’s Standing Committee meeting had not only removed Qian Dazhi from his post but also placed him under double-regulation. Subsequently, Wu Yunqiu had proposed an investigation into the personnel and procedures involved in the land transfer. Liu Dajin was prominently on that list. With a guilty conscience and terrified by the news of the investigation, he had come to He Shinian to try and gain some leverage.

Liu Dajin was only a low-ranking cadre. If he weren't specifically summoned by Wu Yunqiu, he would have to go through normal channels—namely, arrangements by Ou Huasheng in the County Party Committee Office. But if he went that route, there was no telling how long he would have to wait to see Wu Yunqiu.

Aside from those two methods, there was only one other way to reach the County Party Committee Secretary: through her secretary, He Shinian—the "single-plank bridge" that Shi Dahai had once spoken of.

"Director Liu, considering our positions and hierarchy, that doesn't seem to comply with regulations, does it?"

Liu Dajin replied, "I know it doesn't follow protocol; that’s exactly why I’ve come to you for help!"

He Shinian’s brow tightened. "Then tell me, what is the matter you wish to discuss with Secretary Wu? If you don't say, I can't help you."

Liu Dajin’s mouth twitched. He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Regarding the land transfer in Nanping Town, I was blinded by greed and made a mistake. I want to personally confess my sins to Secretary Wu."

He Shinian understood immediately. Liu Dajin was trying to get ahead of the consequences for his actions. But would taking the initiative work? If he guessed correctly, there was definitely power-for-money trading involved in the land transfer, and Liu Dajin had certainly taken a cut—and likely a substantial one at that.

Wu Yunqiu held great power, but she would not soften her heart just because Liu Dajin asked for an audience. On the contrary, she was the one who despised such behavior the most.

"Confess your sins? Director Liu, if you admit you've made a mistake, I think you should be looking for the investigation team, not Secretary Wu."

At the mention of the "investigation team," Liu Dajin’s expression shifted. How could he dare to go to the investigation team on his own? Seeing that He Shinian had no intention of helping him, Liu Dajin grew desperate.

"I was just blinded by profit for a moment, I... as long as Secretary Wu can let me off this once, I swear I will never dare to do it again."

It seemed that in this affair, Liu Dajin had indeed taken benefits from Jinchang Agriculture. It was just a question of how much.

"Secretary Wu is very angry about this matter. What good would it do to see her?"

"As long as you are willing to arrange the meeting, I, Liu Dajin, will be eternally grateful and never forget your kindness. As for whether it works or not, that is my concern."

This matter was not compliant with protocol. Furthermore, it would be a mercy if He Shinian didn't kick Liu Dajin while he was down. Help him? Impossible.

"Director Liu, as you know, I haven't been Secretary Wu's secretary for long. I cannot help you with this request. Please, seek someone more capable."

With that, He Shinian paid no more attention to Liu Dajin and went inside to change his clothes. To his surprise, when he came back out, Liu Dajin was still there.

"Director Liu, I'm going for a run. Coming?" He Shinian said, his voice cold and displeased.

"Secretary He, please, help me. My mother is old and chronically ill, and my children are still young. If... if I am sent away, they will be ruined."

"Even if you haven't been Secretary Wu's secretary for long, everyone knows she trusts you deeply. As long as you are willing to help, I, Liu Dajin, will remember your kindness for the rest of my life."

As he spoke, Liu Dajin suddenly flopped onto his knees.

Seeing this, He Shinian hurriedly stepped forward to pull him up. "Director Liu, what are you doing? Get up at once!"

But Liu Dajin remained on the floor, clinging on like sticky candy; no matter how hard He Shinian pulled, he refused to move.

"Secretary He, it was my blindness in the past. I shouldn't have targeted you, I shouldn't have made things difficult for you. It was all my fault. I’ll kowtow to you—please, be the bigger man and forgive my petty behavior."

"You must help me this time, or I am completely finished."

With that, he began knocking his head against the cold tile floor.

He Shinian was enraged. Summoning the stern resolve of a soldier, he shouted with a cold, piercing gaze:

"Liu Dajin, get up!"