The Strongest Master Venturing Urban-Chapter 21: Let Me Tease You a Bit

As soon as the call connected, Zhao Xinmei’s hoarse voice came through.

"Xiao Bin, where are you right now?"

Hearing the weakness in her tone, Chen Bin felt like his heart was being pierced with a knife.

He quickly replied, "Just finished eating, I’m back at the dorm. What’s wrong?"

"Your godfather has been encountering some difficulties with his promotion recently. If possible, see if you can help him out."

Chen Bin never expected that Zhao Xinmei would call him about such a matter.

He frowned deeply, looking visibly troubled.

"Mom, I’ve only been working here for a few days. I don’t have much influence, and someone of godfather’s rank is way beyond my reach."

"I know that, but he’s isolated with no one to turn to. The only person who can remotely lend a hand is you."

"Alright, I got it."

In Chen Bin’s view, he couldn’t do much to help Wang Jun.

But he had to make a good impression on Zhao Xinmei.

If he let this chance slip, he feared his relationship with his godmother would grow increasingly distant in the future.

Just as he was about to hang up the phone, Zhao Xinmei’s voice came through again.

"Xiao Bin, come home for dinner this weekend. Nothing tastes as good as home-cooked food."

These words immediately filled Chen Bin with excitement.

However, just as he was about to respond, the call was already disconnected.

He let out a faint sigh. He understood that his godmother was still upset with him.

Returning to the dorm, he saw Qian Lang lying on the bed playing on his phone.

Thinking about how Qian Lang knew quite a few secrets about the County Government, Chen Bin approached and sat by the bed.

Feigning casualness, he asked.

"Brother Qian, what do you think of Secretary Wang?"

Putting down his phone, Qian Lang couldn’t help but cast a glance at Chen Bin.

"Why do you ask? Could it be that you know him?"

"Not at all. I was just curious because he looks so grim every day, as if everyone’s in debt to him."

Qian Lang, who was bored anyway, decided to share his thoughts since Chen Bin asked.

"I heard he was once a key protégé of some bigshot, but unfortunately, he always tried to rush things and ended up offending people. That’s why he hasn’t been promoted for years. He’s definitely worried about the upcoming personnel adjustments."

"So that’s how it is!"

Nodding slightly, Chen Bin let out a faint sigh in his heart.

Given the current situation, Wang Jun’s prospects indeed seemed bleak.

Helping him wouldn’t be easy.

After a few more casual exchanges, the two headed toward the office building.

The afternoon flew by, and evening soon arrived.

Seeing Zheng Yifeng preparing to leave, Chen Bin quickly blocked his path.

"Mr. Zheng, do you have time tonight? I’d like to treat you to dinner."

"Well..."

Seeing that Zheng was about to refuse, Chen Bin quickly added.

"Even Zhuge Liang was invited three times to step out of his retreat—surely you won’t let me down?"

Zheng Yifeng, usually averse to forming cliques or attending social gatherings, wasn’t particularly keen.

However, finding Chen Bin to be a decent person, he finally nodded.

"Alright, let me call home first to say I won’t be back for dinner tonight."

Once that was sorted, the two headed to a restaurant together.

During dinner, Zheng Yifeng shared quite a lot of tips on writing articles.

Chen Bin soaked it all up, frequently praising him.

It wasn’t mere flattery—Zheng Yifeng’s literary insight was genuinely impressive.

Even had his work been sent to the provincial level, it would shine brightly.

Being confined to this small county really was a waste of talent!

As the conversation progressed, the two talked about writing and literature, shifted to national affairs, and finally touched upon Qingshi County’s political scene.

Chen Bin began the inquiry.

"Many people are talking about promotions lately. Do you think County Magistrate Sun has a strong chance?"

Zheng Yifeng, cautious by nature, rarely discussed politics.

He would often avoid conversations when others ventured into such topics.

After all, being married with children, he had little ambition left.

Maintaining his current lifestyle was already contentment enough.

However, buoyed by his pleasant chat with Chen Bin and under the influence of some alcohol, he couldn’t help but respond.

"By all accounts, County Magistrate Sun has a strong chance, but the political arena is ruthless. Until the formal appointment is announced, no one can predict the final outcome."

With that, Zheng Yifeng downed his glass of beer in one gulp.

He recalled how he almost became deputy director of the County Committee office once, even holding a celebration at home.

But then Xu Ruoxuan suddenly emerged and snatched the position he’d worked hard for years to attain.

It taught Zheng Yifeng a valuable lesson: until something’s set in stone, there’s always uncertainty.

Nodding thoughtfully, Chen Bin pressed onward.

"What typically determines leadership appointments?"

"It usually depends on a combination of factors: achievements, seniority, public support—these are all key elements for consideration."

"I see. Then why don’t people discuss Secretary Wang as much?"

"Vice Secretary Wang? His backing isn’t strong enough. Dreaming of taking the top county seat is probably unrealistic for him."

Nodding again, Chen Bin continued probing.

"So, according to you, County Magistrate Sun virtually has no competition now—it wouldn’t be hard for him to become the County Committee secretary."

Shaking his head, Zheng Yifeng didn’t fully agree.

"Not necessarily. If the higher-ups intend to appoint him as County Committee secretary, the organizational department would conduct assessments and consult Secretary Li. If Secretary Li gives a negative opinion, it might affect the decision."

"Between County Magistrate Sun and Vice Secretary Wang, who do you think has stronger connections?"

Shaking his head again, a wry smile appeared on Zheng Yifeng’s face.

"I think neither of them has strong backing. Otherwise, they’d already be serving in the city, like Secretary Li."

After hearing all this, Chen Bin began to piece things together.

It seemed there might still be some chance to help Wang Jun get promoted.

Though the odds were slim, it might be worth a try.

After dinner, Chen Bin bid farewell to Zheng Yifeng and returned to the dormitory alone.

Just as he was finishing his nightly routine and lying in bed preparing to sleep, Qian Lang suddenly spoke cryptically.

"Brother, don’t sleep yet. I’ll take you to see something amazing."

"Something amazing?"

Chen Bin was momentarily puzzled, glancing at the pitch-black sky outside.

"It’s so late. What amazing thing could there possibly be to see?"

With a sly grin, Qian Lang’s expression turned lewd.

"County Magistrate Sun will be up to something in his office soon. Do you want to go see?"

This revelation shocked Chen Bin, causing him to sit up straight in alarm.

He sternly replied, "Don’t talk nonsense about this! If word gets out, it could cause huge trouble!"

Waving a hand dismissively, Qian Lang appeared utterly unconcerned.

"We’re brothers, not outsiders. Are you coming or not?"

Seeing him pulling at his arm, Chen Bin was even more startled.

"What the—are you serious?"

"Of course! Do you think I’d waste time messing with you late at night?"

The thought of seeing live drama instantly energized Chen Bin.

He couldn’t resist asking, "Was this what you wanted to tell me last time we dined together?"

"Yeah, and as far as I know, only we two in the entire County Committee and County Government are aware of this. As for who’s seen it firsthand—they’re just me."

"You’ve already seen it? Who’s the woman?"

"You’ll find out soon enough. Let me keep the suspense for now..."