463: You can fool people for a while, but not forever.

Lin Zifeng left Jiang Shiyu's Office, and Jiang Shiyu immediately called his wife, Zhang Jiayi.

As soon as the call connected, Jiang Shiyu said with a smile, “Jiayi, get off work a little early this afternoon and prepare a table of home-cooked dishes.”

“Oh, are we having guests? You rarely bring guests home! Who is coming over?”

Zhang Jiayi asked with great curiosity.

“It's Secretary Zifeng from Yushu City. He came to report on his work today and then offered to visit our home. Since I know you like this young man too, I immediately agreed.”

Jiang Shiyu said cheerfully.

“So it's Zifeng! But Zifeng is now a Standing Committee Member of the Municipal Party Committee and your colleague. We used to treat him as a junior; isn't it inappropriate to treat him the same way now?”

Zhang Jiayi said with some hesitation.

“You don't need to worry about that. Although Zifeng has been promoted to Standing Committee Member, outside of work, he still regards himself as a junior.

Just now, he even said he wanted to eat your cooking! He still calls you Auntie.

Don't forget, Zifeng and Yuxi are very good friends. Based on his relationship with our Yuxi, it's normal for him to call us Uncle and Auntie privately.

Besides, based on age, he should call us Uncle and Auntie. I have always treated him like a junior, just like Yufei.”

Jiang Shiyu said very patiently.

Hearing Jiang Shiyu's explanation, Zhang Jiayi smiled and said, “That's best. I know what to do. I'll make a few of my signature dishes tonight.

With Zifeng here, we can have a lively evening and chat with him more.”

Jiang Shiyu hung up the phone, satisfied.

Lin Zifeng returned to the Office and called Chen Yuxi, telling her he would be back later, then hung up.

As soon as he hung up, a knock sounded outside the door. Lin Zifeng called out “Come in,” and Wang Zhongyu pushed the door open and entered.

“Secretary, the Secretary-General is here and is waiting outside the door.”

Hearing Wang Zhongyu's report, Lin Zifeng quickly stood up and said, “Then what are you waiting for? Quickly invite the Secretary-General in!

Zhongyu, I'm not criticizing you, but how dare you block the Secretary-General's arrival? That's a bit improper.”

“Hahaha, Secretary Lin, you can't blame Director Wang! I asked Director Wang to announce me first; some rules must still be followed.”

Before Wang Zhongyu could apologize, Zhu Yiming's laughter and voice rang out, and he walked into the Office.

Lin Zifeng stepped forward to shake hands with Zhu Yiming and said, “Secretary-General Zhu, you are truly too polite. Please sit down and talk. Zhongyu, quickly brew some tea for the Secretary-General.”

Wang Zhongyu acknowledged the order, swiftly brewed tea for Zhu Yiming, and then withdrew from the Office.

The two sat on the sofa and chatted for a few minutes before Zhu Yiming spoke again: “Secretary Lin, the reason I came over today is twofold. First, I wanted to catch up with an old classmate.

The second purpose is to remind you that a few days ago, some noise spread within the Municipal Party Committee Compound. Gossip has been brewing, claiming that regarding the jingnan high-speed railway line, you relied on your status as a Standing Committee Member to forcibly route the line through Yushu City, essentially bullying Jianyang County.

Although most sensible people know that you cannot influence the Ministry of Railways' decision on this matter.

It's unavoidable that a small number of people believe such nonsense, and this could certainly affect your reputation!”

Hearing the news shared by Zhu Yiming, Lin Zifeng already had some suspicions in his heart, but he said calmly, “Thank you for the reminder, Secretary-General.

However, some matters are such that the muddy will remain muddy, and the clear will remain clear.

Today's Standing Committee meeting was too smooth compared to previous ones, without even a single dissenting voice.”

Hearing Lin Zifeng's words, Zhu Yiming immediately understood their meaning, so he smiled and said, “Some people thought they had found a powerful backer.

But they didn't stop to consider how shameful their past actions were.

A leader can be deceived by them for a while, but not forever. Haven't they quickly fallen out of favor? They are much more obedient now and barely have any presence in the City Level.

However, while they dare not do anything openly, they will still engage in some petty, behind-the-scenes maneuvers.”

Hearing Zhu Yiming's words, Lin Zifeng knew that Qian Guorei had learned about the character and past actions of Qian Yushu and Yang Dongming, and had completely distanced himself from the two of them.

“As the Secretary-General said, some people can now only engage in petty, underhanded tricks, which can't really harm me.

But I still want to thank the Secretary-General for his kind reminder.”

Lin Zifeng said with a smile.

“There's no need for such formality between us. Being polite with me just makes us seem like outsiders, doesn't it?

All they can do is play petty tricks to annoy people, but you still need to be cautious.”

Zhu Yiming nodded and said with a smile.

The two didn't mention Qian Yushu or Yang Dongming by name, but their conversation was entirely about them, a mutual understanding.

More than half an hour later, Zhu Yiming finally took his leave. He had originally intended to invite Lin Zifeng to dinner.

But upon hearing that Lin Zifeng was going to be a guest at Jiang Shiyu's house, Zhu Yiming could only postpone the invitation until next time.

Lin Zifeng escorted Zhu Yiming all the way to the Office door, where the two shook hands and said goodbye again.

After seeing off Zhu Yiming, Wang Zhongyu and Lin Zifeng walked into the Office together.

“Secretary, I have bought the nutritional supplements you needed. Do you have any other instructions?”

“No other matters. You and Qiang Zi should go eat dinner early! I'm scheduled to arrive at the Secretary's house at half past six. There's plenty of time, so you and Qiang Zi go now. I'll read a book in the Office for a while.”

After Lin Zifeng finished speaking, he picked up the *Zizhi Tongjian* from his desk and began to read.

Wang Zhongyu quietly acknowledged the order and withdrew from the Office.

Time passed minute by minute. Lin Zifeng felt like not much time had gone by when a knock sounded outside the door again, and Wang Zhongyu walked back into the Office.

“Zhongyu, did you and Qiang Zi finish eating and return so quickly?” Lin Zifeng asked, putting down the *Zizhi Tongjian* he was holding.

“Secretary, more than an hour has passed. Besides us, only the duty personnel are left in the Municipal Party Committee Compound.

It's already six ten. It seems you were engrossed in your reading.”

Wang Zhongyu quickly replied.

Lin Zifeng looked outside. The sun was already setting. He laughed wryly, stood up, and walked toward the door.

The two arrived downstairs. Li Qiang was already waiting in the car outside the lobby. The two got into the car together, and Li Qiang drove away from the Municipal Party Committee Compound, heading toward the Municipal Party Committee Family Compound.

More than ten minutes later, Li Qiang parked the car outside the main gate of the Municipal Party Committee Family Compound.

The three got out of the car together. Wang Zhongyu and Li Qiang took the nutritional supplements and fruit from the trunk. Lin Zifeng took the items from their hands and walked toward the entrance.

The guard at the main entrance certainly recognized Lin Zifeng, this Standing Committee Member, so Lin Zifeng smoothly walked into the Municipal Party Committee Family Compound.