Chapter 23: Concern from Leadership

"What?" Upon Hong Haifeng's words, Qin Feng and Yang Delin both widened their eyes and exclaimed in unison.

"Young Director Qin, from now on, you are the one in charge of the Civil Affairs Office. You must not let Secretary Xu down, as he has placed his trust in you," Hong Haifeng said, turning to Qin Feng with a meaningful look.

Although his mind was still struggling to grasp the situation, Qin Feng quickly replied, "I will certainly live up to the leaders' trust."

"Good, good, good. Come, here is the key to the office next door. That will be your office from now on; I will take you there." Hong Haifeng seemed very satisfied with Qin Feng's attitude.

Qin Feng took the key and followed Hong Haifeng out.

"How old are you this year, Director Qin?" Hong Haifeng asked as they walked.

"Twenty-five."

"So young. Truly a talent. You have a boundless future ahead of you."

"You are too kind, Director Hong."

"By the way, I heard you are currently living in that abandoned student dormitory at the middle school, is that right?"

"Yes," Qin Feng nodded.

"Who arranged that? How absurd. I will make arrangements later to get you a different dormitory."

"It's alright, Director Hong. I'm on my own, so it doesn't matter where I live. I don't want to cause you any trouble."

"That won't do. You are a civil servant assigned by the county and the only college graduate we have here in Bishan. Moreover, you are now the Director of the Civil Affairs Office. What would others think of Bishan if we let you live there? Secretary Xu specifically gave instructions regarding this matter."

"Then I will trouble you, Director Hong." Qin Feng knew he could not argue further, although he did not want to leave the school because that was where the woman was.

Hong Haifeng led Qin Feng into what used to be Xiao Bo's office; this would be Qin Feng's office from now on.

Inside the office, Hong Haifeng chatted with Qin Feng for quite a while, mainly dropping hints—both subtle and overt—that his appointment as director was a sign of Xu Guoli’s high regard for him.

The "surprise" had come too quickly. One moment he was a man facing termination, and the next, he was suddenly the Director of the Civil Affairs Office. This shift was so abrupt that Qin Feng could not process it; he had no idea what had actually happened.

After seeing Hong Haifeng off, Qin Feng was filled with confusion.

Just a few days ago, Xu Guoli had been ready to use him as a scapegoat, yet now he was being promoted and entrusted with responsibility. Such a rapid change in attitude left Qin Feng feeling deeply unsettled.

The more he thought about it, the less it made sense. Qin Feng went directly to Li Dejun's office. Li Dejun was the only one who could clear up his doubts.

Beyond the fact that Li Dejun had always looked out for him, as the leader in charge of civil affairs, protocol dictated that he pay a visit to Li Dejun regardless. It was a matter of professional conduct.

At Li Dejun's office, Qin Feng learned about what had transpired during the meeting and gained valuable insights from him.

Qin Feng had yet to adjust to his new status, and neither had Yang Delin.

Yang understood perfectly well that as a man with a "blemished record," he had no chance of becoming the director. However, he could not accept that Qin Feng—a greenhorn he had always bullied—would now be sitting on top of him.

To Yang Delin, this was the ultimate humiliation, something he absolutely could not tolerate.

He had done so much dirty work for Wang Yunfei in the Civil Affairs Office over the years, and the disciplinary action he currently faced was a direct result of those very tasks.

Yet, after the incident, Wang Yunfei had not spoken a word for him, nor had he lifted a finger to help.

Being discarded after serving his purpose was one thing, but for Wang Yunfei to agree to let Qin Feng be his superior was something he would never endure.

Burning with rage, Yang Delin went straight to Wang Yunfei's office; he demanded an explanation.

Yang Delin went to see Wang Yunfei, full of grievances and anger, only to be thrown out as soon as he entered. Yang gritted his teeth, his heart swelling with fury.

He had spent years doing Wang Yunfei's dirty work, only to be kicked aside the moment he no longer had any utility.

When Qin Feng returned to the office, Lin Xiaoyan nodded at him, while Wang Xiaojun stood up and respectfully greeted him, "Good morning, Director."