464: Visiting Mr. and Mrs. Jiang Shiyu

Lin Zifeng's arrival was warmly welcomed by Jiang Shiyu and his wife.

The couple took the items from Lin Zifeng's hands and set them aside. Zhang Jiayi smiled and said, "Zifeng, it's enough that you came. Why did you bring so many gifts? Aren't you being too polite?"

"Your Aunt is right, this isn't like you! I remember you established rules for social etiquette.

When exchanging gifts, the monetary value is strictly controlled to be within two hundred yuan.

The value of these gifts must be more than one thousand yuan, right? Secretary Zifeng, shouldn't you give me an explanation?"

Jiang Shiyu said with a smile.

"Old Jiang, Zifeng rarely comes over. You shouldn't overanalyze this! I believe Zifeng certainly has his reasons for doing this."

Before Lin Zifeng could explain, Zhang Jiayi spoke first, afraid that Lin Zifeng might feel awkward.

Lin Zifeng smiled and said, "Aunt Zhang truly understands me!

Secretary, I am visiting today not in my capacity as a Member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Party Secretary of Yushu City.

I am visiting you and Aunt Zhang as Yufei's good friend. Right now, I don't see you as the Municipal Party Secretary of Chunhua City, but as an elder, just like Aunt Zhang.

I know Yuxi has been away from home for over half a year, and I am visiting you on behalf of my good friend Yufei.

That is why I did not abide by the two hundred yuan rule that I established today.

Also, I want to report to you and Aunt that besides my work these past few years, I have also been trading stocks, earning an extra hundred to two hundred thousand every year. I am no longer the poorest County Head I once was.

I have accumulated a small amount of savings, so these gifts mean nothing to me."

Hearing Lin Zifeng's explanation, Jiang Shiyu burst into laughter, pointing at Lin Zifeng and saying, "You're still young and quick-witted! Trading stocks is legal income, and it can be accounted for.

However, you must maintain control! Many people have suffered great losses and gone bankrupt in the stock market, but I trust you have the sense to manage it."

"Please rest assured, Secretary, I only dabble a little. If I'm not greedy, I won't let myself get trapped."

Lin Zifeng said with a smile.

"Zifeng, that's very thoughtful of you. You are much more sensible than our Yufei. You and Uncle Jiang sit down and have some tea. Dinner will be ready soon; only one soup is left to come out of the pot."

After saying this, Zhang Jiayi walked toward the kitchen.

Lin Zifeng acknowledged her and sat down on the sofa with Jiang Shiyu.

More than ten minutes later, Lin Zifeng sat down at the dining table with Jiang Shiyu and his wife.

Seeing Jiang Shiyu bring over a bottle of liquor, Lin Zifeng quickly took the bottle from Jiang Shiyu's hand, poured a glass for Jiang Shiyu first, and then asked, "Aunt, would you like to drink a little?"

Zhang Jiayi nodded and said, "Zifeng, pour me a glass too! I'm happy today, so I want to have a drink."

Hearing Zhang Jiayi say this, Lin Zifeng filled Zhang Jiayi's glass before filling his own.

Just like that, the three of them began eating, drinking, and chatting.

Lin Zifeng and Jiang Shiyu finished one glass of liquor, while Zhang Jiayi drank slowly and only finished half a glass.

Seeing Lin Zifeng refill both glasses, Jiang Shiyu spoke, "Zifeng, there are no outsiders here. I want to chat casually with you about a few things."

Hearing what Jiang Shiyu said, Lin Zifeng put down the liquor bottle and replied, "Uncle Jiang, please speak freely. I guarantee that our conversation will not be spread outside."

"It's not that serious; just a casual chat."

Seeing Lin Zifeng nod with a smile, Jiang Shiyu spoke again, "Your path over these years has been remarkably smooth.

You have also led Yushu City to leave all other districts and counties in Huanan Province far behind, achieving magnificent results.

If Yushu City continues to develop according to the current situation, it will undoubtedly achieve brilliant success, and you will gain more political achievements.

What you and I can see and predict, many other officials are also aware of.

Many Cadres from other cities and some section-level and deputy department level Cadres from the Provincial Party Committee are eyeing your position with envy!

Just in the past six months, several Provincial Leaders have communicated with me privately, hoping to transfer you—this expert in economics and all-around Cadre—to another Prefecture-level City to take up a post, making you responsible for economic work and driving local economic development.

Most of the positions offered were Executive Vice Mayor, which would be a lateral transfer for you, so I tactfully refused them all.

With Governor Yuanhua's deterrence, these people only dare to operate behind the scenes and dare not aggressively push forward in the open."

Hearing the news from Jiang Shiyu, Lin Zifeng was slightly stunned, and he couldn't help but think: It seems that saying is true—the tallest tree catches the most wind! There are many envious people who want to reap the rewards!

It looks like I need to be more low-key in the future. But if someone truly lacks sense and tries to seize the fruits of my labor, I am not a pushover to be manipulated, and I will make them pay the price.

While Lin Zifeng's thoughts raced, Zhang Jiayi couldn't help but speak up on his behalf.

"Hmph, the situation in Yushu City is obvious to everyone; it was achieved step by step by Zifeng leading the Cadres and masses of Yushu City.

Now that success has been achieved, they want to take the credit. That is truly shameless.

Old Jiang, as the top leader of Chunhua City, you cannot let these opportunists succeed! Don't let these people ruin the excellent situation in Yushu City. I don't believe such schemers can lead Yushu City properly going forward."

Hearing what Zhang Jiayi said, Lin Zifeng and Jiang Shiyu exchanged smiles. Lin Zifeng spoke, "Aunt, which person on the political path doesn't want to gain political achievements and thus walk the path of promotion?

Such things are very common in officialdom. I also cannot work in Yushu City forever!"

After answering Zhang Jiayi, Lin Zifeng spoke again, "But I still hope to continue serving in Yushu City for the next two or three years.

Only after leading the Cadres and masses of Yushu City to push its development to the next level can I leave with peace of mind.

Otherwise, I will have a huge regret."

Hearing Lin Zifeng's wish, Jiang Shiyu nodded and said, "Zifeng is right, he cannot work in Yushu City forever.

If he did, how would Zifeng advance in the future?

However, the immediate future is not a good time for Zifeng to leave Yushu City."

After saying this, Jiang Shiyu looked at Lin Zifeng again and said, "Zifeng, the last time I went to a meeting at the Provincial Level, I also discussed your future appointment with Governor Yuanhua.

Governor Yuanhua and I share the same opinion: we can only give you a maximum of three years, meaning you must be transferred out of Yushu City within three years."

"Three years is already enough. Thank you for your mediation and protection. I will certainly not let you or the Municipal Party Committee down."

Lin Zifeng said with determined eyes.

Jiang Shiyu nodded and said, "Governor Yuanhua and I have another plan. I'll tell you about it, but don't spread it around."

Seeing Lin Zifeng nod seriously, he continued, "During the personnel adjustment next year, the Mayor of Yuquan City will retire to the second line.

Governor Yuanhua and I intend to let Secretary Guoliang take up a post in Yuquan City.

We will strive to have you succeed as the deputy secretary of the municipal party committee of Chunhua City, concurrently serving as the Municipal Party Secretary of Yushu City.

This way, when you are eventually transferred out of Yushu City, you will be qualified for promotion to the departmental level, and becoming the Mayor of a Prefecture-level City will be a natural progression."