Chapter 22: Director of the Civil Affairs Office

"I am not questioning the investigation by the Discipline Inspection Commission; I simply feel that after such an incident, we should be exceptionally cautious in how we handle the affairs of the Civil Affairs Office. We must prioritize politics—it is better to be safe than sorry."

"Furthermore, rescinding the disciplinary action against Qin Feng is a blow to the organization's credibility. I disagree!" Wang Yunfei insisted, gritting his teeth.

He had given Li Ji his word. He had worked so hard to get Qin Feng fired; if he let Qin Feng return now, he didn't even want to imagine how Li Ji would berate him. More importantly, his reputation in Bishan would be completely ruined.

"If we follow Township Head Wang's logic, then every single staff member in the Civil Affairs Office has serious problems. That includes me. I am in charge of civil affairs, and since I didn't discover the issues beforehand, I must be complicit as well."

"And since Township Head Wang is responsible for the overall work of the government, then surely, he is no better off." Others were afraid to speak, but Li Dejun, with his fiery temper, could not hold back and lashed out directly at Wang Yunfei.

"Li Dejun, what do you mean by that?" Wang Yunfei slammed the table in anger and pointed at Li Dejun.

"I don't mean anything. I'm just following your logic, Township Head. According to your reasoning, it's not just you and me who have problems—everyone sitting here is implicated. We might as well all go to the Discipline Inspection Commission and turn ourselves in." Li Dejun showed no fear of Wang Yunfei.

"Alright, alright, stop the bickering. If the leadership team isn't united, how can we have any effectiveness? It's no wonder we've encountered such serious problems this time." Seeing that the moment was right, Xu Guoli stepped in to speak.

"I agree with the opinions of Director Hong and Township Head Li. The Discipline Inspection Commission has conducted a thorough investigation, and the issues have been clarified. This is sufficient proof that Comrade Qin Feng is innocent and is a trustworthy comrade."

"It also proves that the disciplinary action we previously took against Comrade Qin Feng was wrong. Since it was wrong, we must correct it immediately. Furthermore, the procedural handling of that previous decision was flawed and should be voided."

"On the contrary, based on the findings of the review, Comrade Qin Feng's work was solid and highly effective. This could be considered the only bright spot in the Civil Affairs Office's performance."

"Comrade Qin Feng is not only blameless but has, in fact, contributed. Such a comrade is exactly who we need to step forward and shoulder the burden during the Civil Affairs Office's time of crisis. My proposal is to have Comrade Qin Feng preside over the Civil Affairs Office, succeeding Xiao Bo as director," Xu Guoli stated.

"What..."

Everyone's eyes widened at Xu Guoli's announcement.

"Secretary Xu, are you joking? How many days has he even been working? He might not even know what the Civil Affairs Office's responsibilities are. Making him the director—isn't this a farce?" Wang Yunfei was furious.

If Qin Feng were to become the director of the Civil Affairs Office, Li Ji would certainly come for Wang Yunfei's head. Wang Yunfei could absolutely not accept this.

"While it is true that Qin Feng lacks long-term work experience on the civil affairs front, given the current circumstances, who in all of Bishan has more experience than him? Everyone with more experience than him is already behind bars. Who else is more suitable?" Xu Guoli's attitude was firm.

"You are talking nonsense! Letting a greenhorn who has only worked for a few days take charge of the Civil Affairs Office is pure folly. It is extremely irresponsible," Wang Yunfei shouted, slamming his hand on the table.

"I also strongly disagree. If something goes wrong, who will take responsibility?" Chang Yong immediately echoed the sentiment.

"In that case, should someone also be held responsible for the massive problems caused by Xiao Bo and Yang Delin?" Xu Guoli asked, staring coldly at Chang Yong.

With that single question, Chang Yong and Wang Yunfei fell silent. Both Xiao Bo and Yang Delin had been their protégés.

"Since there are differing opinions, we shall put it to a vote. All those in favor, raise your hands," Xu Guoli said with a cold snort.

The vote went through without a hitch. Xu Guoli, Hong Haifeng, Hu Jiayun, and Li Dejun all voted in favor. Finally, Xu Guoli gave the final approval.

...

While the meeting was underway, Qin Feng was frazzled. The seven-person Civil Affairs Office had been reduced to only three people, yet the workload remained the same. How could they not be overwhelmed?

Since Secretary Hu had asked him to temporarily manage the office, he did his best to handle the responsibilities.

Just as Qin Feng, Lin Xiaoyan, and Wang Xiaojun were busy working, a man walked into the office, looking dejected and defeated. It was Yang Delin, who had just been removed from his post.

Although Yang Delin was only a deputy director without an official administrative rank, with this disciplinary removal on his record, it was unlikely he would ever have a chance for promotion; he would likely remain a low-level clerk for the rest of his life.

Yang Delin walked into the office, looked at Qin Feng, who was busy with daily tasks, and felt a surge of resentment. He glared and snapped, "Why haven't you cleared out yet?"

Qin Feng looked up at him: "Does that have anything to do with you? Is it any of your business?"

"You..." Yang Delin was so choked by Qin Feng's retort that his face turned purple. He used to be the deputy director, but now he was nothing, so he naturally had no authority to ask.

"Don't get cocky, you bastard. Even if I'm down, I'm still here. What about you? Do you think just by hanging around you can avoid being fired?"

"Let me tell you, even if I'm not the deputy director, I'm still the one calling the shots here! I'll still find a way to finish you off!"

After saying this, Yang Delin walked to his desk and sat down, his chair creaking loudly.

The more he looked at Qin Feng, the more he despised him. He blamed Qin Feng for all the trouble he was in, even though he knew deep down that Qin Feng had nothing to do with it.

Qin Feng couldn't be bothered to pay attention to Yang Delin and continued to bury himself in his work.

Just then, Hong Haifeng walked into the office.

"Director Qin, busy, I see!" Hong Haifeng said with a smile as he walked over to Qin Feng.

Qin Feng was stunned. Although this wasn't his first time seeing Hong Haifeng, it was the first time they had interacted. Previously, he had only seen this "leader" from afar and hadn't even earned the right to greet him.

Qin Feng quickly stood up. Realizing he was the only one in the office with the surname Qin, he asked, confused, "Director Hong, are you calling me?"

"Yes, is there anyone else here with the surname Qin?"

Hong Haifeng turned to the others in the office and said, "I am here to announce two things. First, the dismissal of Comrade Qin Feng is hereby rescinded. Second, Comrade Qin Feng is appointed as the Director of the Civil Affairs Office."