Zou Daxing walked into the office and anxiously shut the door.
Chen Bin asked, "Director Zou, what’s wrong? You don’t look too happy."
Taking a deep breath, Zou Daxing replied irritably.
"I just don’t understand. My abilities surpass Tan Rongxi’s, so why is it that not only does he get to sit in the Director’s chair, he’s now also the Executive Deputy County Magistrate? Is it all just because he has backing?"
Chen Bin’s face darkened slightly, his expression becoming grim.
"I find your words disappointing!"
Zou Daxing thought Chen Bin had misunderstood him and quickly tried to explain.
"County Magistrate Chen, don’t get wrong. I didn’t an anything by it, I just—"
"Enough, no need to explain. I understand your aning. Work hard—don’t you trust that a promotion path will be there for you?"
Sighing, Zou Daxing didn’t say more.
Next, he began reporting his observations over the past few days regarding Ye Hong and others.
When Chen Bin learned Yu Jiang was in-laws with Shi Lei, his spirit imdiately lifted.
Both of them were staunch supporters of Ye Hong.
If both could be pulled into his camp, it would be perfect.
"Tell specifically about Yu Jiang and Shi Lei’s situation!"
Zou Daxing explained, "Yu Jiang’s son has lifestyle issues, which Shi Lei’s daughter discovered. After the divorce, Yu Jiang’s son turned over a new leaf—they were preparing to remarry, but it seems issues have cropped up again."
Nodding, Chen Bin spoke seriously.
"Take advantage of this opportunity to help Yu Jiang’s son remarry. Once that’s done, I’ll work on getting you promoted!"
"Really?"
Zou Daxing looked visibly excited, his eyes wide.
Chen Bin nodded, "Rest assured, I’m soone whose words hold weight."
With a nod, Zou Daxing imdiately left.
Half a month later, in a private room at Dragon Mountain Hotel, Yu Jiang raised his glass excitedly while looking at Chen Bin.
"County Magistrate Chen, I must thank you and Director Zou for this. Without your help, my son wouldn’t have been able to remarry so quickly!"
Chen Bin and Zou Daxing simultaneously raised their glasses and clinked them with Yu Jiang’s.
After draining his glass, Chen Bin smiled and asked.
"We’ve done you such a huge favor—shouldn’t you show so appreciation?"
Startled, Yu Jiang looked at Zou Daxing questioningly.
"Director Zou, you said earlier that you were helping voluntarily. So now why—"
Before he could finish, Chen Bin interrupted him bluntly.
"Director Zou works for . You and I are currently in opposing factions—why do you think he’d assist you unconditionally?"
"This..."
Yu Jiang was suddenly at a loss, his hands restless.
He hadn’t expected Chen Bin to be so forthright.
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Zou Daxing spoke up.
"County Magistrate Yu, everyone has their own approach in the political arena, but I believe that when choosing one’s allegiances, it’s better to align with those who can benefit you most."
Putting down his glass, Yu Jiang remained silent.
Zou Daxing pressed on, "Ask yourself one question: Is Ye Hong truly more capable than County Magistrate Chen?"
Sighing, Yu Jiang still didn’t respond.
Zou Daxing continued his persuasion, "In my view, Ye Hong is far less capable than County Magistrate Chen. While he may be the top leader now, he’s bound to be surpassed in the future. Aligning with County Magistrate Chen while the opportunity is ripe is the wiser long-term choice!"
Initially, Yu Jiang assud Zou Daxing’s matchmaking efforts were out of goodwill.
But upon learning it was at Chen Bin’s direction, the real aning beca clear.
The earlier casual remarks weren’t jokes—Chen Bin truly had no intention of sparing any pretense.
It was evident Chen Bin was determined to take action against Ye Hong, and his resolve felt unshakable.
Adding Zou Daxing’s words into the mix, Yu Jiang understood.
In politics, focusing solely on short-term interests wasn’t an option.
Taking a deep breath, he stood and filled everyone’s glasses.
Smiling, he said, "County Magistrate Chen’s work capabilities truly earn my respect. I pride myself on being eager to learn. I hope County Magistrate Chen will guide in the future."
Seeing Yu Jiang adapt so smoothly, Chen Bin finally allowed a smile to spread across his face.
"Of course. Where guidance is needed, I will spare no effort. But I hope County Magistrate Yu will also provide ample support in future endeavors."
"Rest assured, County Magistrate Chen, I won’t let you down!"
"Good, then let’s toast to County Magistrate Yu’s pledge!"
The interaction between Chen Bin and Yu Jiang, two key county-level officials, quickly reached Ye Hong’s ears.
Fearing Chen Bin might sway his allies, Ye Hong imdiately instructed Tan Rongxi to secretly spy on Chen Bin.
Unfortunately for him, no concrete evidence surfaced.
Although Ye Hong trusted Yu Jiang wouldn’t betray him, he still felt the need to issue a warning.
After all, getting too close to an enemy was never a good idea.
A few days later, Ye Hong summoned Yu Jiang to his office.
"I heard you’ve been getting quite close to Chen Bin lately. Care to explain what’s going on?"
Yu Jiang replied calmly, "My son recently remarried, and Chen Bin ca to congratulate . Nothing else happened."
"So there was nothing beyond congratulations?"
"Nothing."
Yu Jiang frowned slightly as he looked at Ye Hong.
"If you’ve got sothing to say, just say it directly—there’s no need for all the beating around the bush."
"I’d like you to keep your distance from Chen Bin; he’s no easy character to deal with!"
"I can handle it."
With that, Yu Jiang turned decisively and left.
Watching Yu Jiang’s attitude, Ye Hong felt an ominous sense of foreboding.
He imdiately called Tan Rongxi, "Assign soone to keep an eye on Yu Jiang as well—he’s been acting strangely lately."
After hanging up, the phone rang again.
As Ye Hong answered, his wife’s voice echoed through the line.
"Honey, co quick! Our son is about to kill himself!"
The words sent Ye Hong into a panic. He hastily replied.
"Alright, I’m on my way."
Hanging up, he rushed to drive back ho.
As he opened the door, he saw Ye Pei standing in the living room, holding a kitchen knife pressed to his neck.
His bloodshot eyes bore an unsettling madness.
Frowning deeply, Ye Hong couldn’t help but shout.
"You brat, put that knife down! Have you had too many good days or what?"
Shaking his head, Ye Pei’s face was filled with desperation.
"Good days? My good days ended a long ti ago! I’m ruined, totally ruined! I can’t even touch my own wife—what’s the point of living anymore?!"
Recently, Ye Hong had been running himself into the ground trying to help Ye Pei.
He had visited nearly every top hospital nationwide, only to hear that the condition was untreatable.
Today, under the relentless questioning of Cai Lixia, Ye Pei finally broke down completely. Upon returning ho, he couldn’t take it anymore and tried to end his life.
Seeing that Ye Pei was teetering on the edge emotionally, Ye Hong resorted to lies to save his son.
"After investigating, I found out that the one responsible for what happened to you that night was Chen Bin. Instead of seeking revenge on him, you turn to suicide? What kind of coward are you? If you’ve got guts, put down the knife and go settle things with Chen Bin!"
Hearing this, Ye Pei nodded firmly.
He couldn’t die for nothing—he had to drag soone down with him.
Recalling the scene of Chen Bin tangled with Cai Lixia in the car that afternoon, Ye Pei’s voice grew colder.
"Chen Bin, just you wait. I will never forgive you!"
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