43: Chapter 43 Job Finalized
The conversation in the private room came to an abrupt halt, and everyone's eyes focused on the doorway.
When Deputy Division Chief Xie Xiaofeng saw Division Chief Hu Weihang standing behind Li Dakang, his slightly tipsy state instantly vanished. He jumped to his feet, his face full of shock: "Division Chief, why are you here?"
"Division Chief?"
This sudden turn of events left Deputy Director Lai Chengwei and the others dumbfounded.
Division Chief Hu Weihang smiled slightly: "Oh, it's Old Xie. What a coincidence. My nephew said a friend of his was hosting a dinner here and insisted on dragging me along to mooch a meal."
He turned to Li Dakang: "What, do you two know each other?"
Division Chief Hu Weihang hadn't expected that the Deputy Division Chief from the Provincial Department of Personnel whom Li Dakang mentioned would actually be Deputy Division Chief Xie Xiaofeng from his own division.
Deputy Division Chief Xie Xiaofeng hurriedly explained: "Today, Deputy Director Lai Chengwei of the Nanfu District Finance Bureau and his in-law are treating me to dinner. I didn't expect them to know your nephew. It really is quite a coincidence."
He turned to Deputy Director Lai Chengwei: "Director Lai, let me introduce you. This is Division Chief Hu from our division. As for this gentleman..."
He looked at Li Dakang with confusion.
"Hello, Deputy Division Chief Xie. My name is Li Dakang. I am a relative of Uncle Hu's family, and I currently work in Xinying City," Li Dakang introduced himself proactively.
"Hello, Little Li." Deputy Division Chief Xie Xiaofeng's attitude was noticeably more respectful.
"Uncle Hu, this is Director Du Cheng from our Township Credit Union. He has given me a lot of support in my work," Li Dakang said, pulling Director Du Cheng over to introduce him.
Division Chief Hu Weihang nodded kindly: "Director Du, is it? Li Dakang is working at the grassroots level, and it's thanks to your support."
"Division Chief Hu, you are too kind."
Director Du Cheng's voice trembled with excitement: "Township Head Li's ability is obvious to all, and the cadres and masses in our township all see it."
At this moment, Director Du Cheng was both surprised and delighted. He never imagined that the "friend" Li Dakang mentioned would be a Division Chief from the Provincial Department of Personnel!
If he had known, why go to such great lengths to invite Deputy Division Chief Xie Xiaofeng?
But on second thought, being able to get to know two leaders from the Provincial Department of Personnel at the same time made this dinner worth it.
In the end, he had underestimated Li Dakang's background.
Deputy Division Chief Xie Xiaofeng hurriedly stood up, his face full of respectful smiles: "Division Chief, please, this way."
As he spoke, he quickly yielded the main seat, his movements so fast they even stirred up a breeze.
At this moment, his heart was a complex mix of emotions, and he grumbled to himself: Since he has this connection with Division Chief Hu, why go through such a big detour to find me?
What made Deputy Division Chief Xie Xiaofeng feel even more like he was sitting on pins and needles was that the briefcase containing the "local specialties" felt as heavy as a thousand catties.
Returning it would be awkward, but not returning it made him afraid of being discovered by his superiors.
This dilemma caused beads of sweat to seep from his forehead.
Deputy Division Chief Xie Xiaofeng secretly glanced at Division Chief Hu Weihang, feeling even more apprehensive. This man was not only his immediate superior, but it was rumored that his father-in-law had significant connections in the capital, and even Division Chief Hu Weihang's brother-in-law, Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua, had relied on these connections to become mayor.
Thinking of this, Deputy Division Chief Xie Xiaofeng's back was already soaked. He forced a smile and carefully observed Division Chief Hu Weihang's expression, fearing his small actions might be noticed.
That bulging briefcase sat right by his feet, making him feel as if he were on needles and pins, and he even unconsciously held his breath.
...
After three rounds of drinks, the topic naturally turned to Du Meiyan's job.
"Old Xie."
Division Chief Hu Weihang took a sip of wine and said nonchalantly: "I heard Director Du's daughter is graduating this year?"
Deputy Division Chief Xie Xiaofeng immediately understood: "Yes, Division Chief. Student Du is excellent in both character and learning, and it just so happens our division has a quota..."
Division Chief Hu Weihang waved his hand: "You handle this as you see fit."
He turned to Director Du Cheng: "Director Du, rest assured, Old Xie is always reliable in his work."
Director Du Cheng nodded repeatedly with excitement, his eyes even becoming a bit moist.
He secretly glanced at his daughter and found Du Meiyan looking at him with admiring eyes, while Lai Yifan looked incredulous.
Deputy Director Lai Chengwei's heart was in turmoil. He had originally thought Director Du Cheng was just a director of a Township Credit Union in a small county. He hadn't expected him to have such connections. It seemed that this marriage was actually him marrying above his station.
At this moment, Du Meiyan apologetically said she wanted to go to the restroom, and Lai Yifan followed her out.
In the hallway, Lai Yifan couldn't help but complain: "Xiao Yan, since your dad knows Division Chief Hu, why didn't he say anything? It caused us to go to such great lengths to find Deputy Division Chief Xie."
Du Meiyan took his hand, looking apologetic: "Brother Fan, I only found out today too. My dad never told me."
"Forget it, regardless, your job matter should be fine now."
"Mm-hmm, wait for me here for a moment." After Du Meiyan finished speaking, she turned and walked toward the restroom.
Inside the private room, glasses were clinking, everyone was chatting and laughing, and the atmosphere was in full swing.
Suddenly, a burst of noisy commotion came from outside the door, breaking the harmony of the private room.
Vice Principal Xu Hui frowned slightly. Just as she set down her red wine glass and was about to stand up, a young waiter in uniform hurriedly pushed the door open and entered, beads of sweat hanging on his forehead.
"My apologies, distinguished guests."
The waiter bowed nervously, then said: "A guest from your private room has had a conflict with other guests. Could you please go out and take a look?"
Li Dakang was stunned upon hearing this, then raised his hand to signal everyone to remain calm, and calmly stood up to walk toward the door.
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