Chapter 100 Intrigue and Deception in Officialdom

Words : 1114 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 100: Chapter 100 Intrigue and Deception in Officialdom Wu Duowen, having weathered many years in the bureaucratic world, quickly discerned the double meaning in Lin Fan’s words and hastily asked. "I know... of course I know... so please, Mayor Lin, show leniency. If you have any demands, just let me know." "Director Wu, I’m discussing the case with you, how can you turn this into personal affairs? If that were the case, wouldn’t I be abusing my authority? If this escalates, I won’t be able to get away with it." Lin Fan leaned back in the sofa, aware that their conversation might be being secretly recorded. Asking for any favors could have unthinkable consequences, so he chose his words with great care. "Mayor Lin... I truly did not mean that, and I’m not prepared to offend you in any way. It’s just that my son cannot have a criminal case hanging over him, that would ruin our whole family, so I came here especially to seek a private resolution. After all, nothing major has happened. It’s not too late to mend the fold after a sheep is lost, just state your demands and I will comply." Wu Duowen hastily waved his hands and placed his cell phone on the coffee table, trying to show that he did not have any hidden recording devices. "Captain Wu drunkenly harassed the female general manager at Tianhou Hotel and even attempted to assault her. The men he brought have given recorded statements ready for confrontation; this is certainly no small matter... But after all, we’re all within the system, I don’t want to embarrass you, Director Wu. After all, if the son is useless, there’s still the grandson. It would be unfortunate if the grandson’s future is ruined because of this." After extinguishing his cigarette butt in the ashtray, Lin Fan continued with a smile, "It’s just a simple suggestion of mine. Captain Wu has made such a serious mistake, I’m afraid he can no longer stay in the team. As for you, you’re not young anymore, there’s no need to wait until retirement age to retire. Better take him home and guide him with patience. After all, only when fathers and sons spend prolonged time together can the father effective teach his son." As soon as Lin Fan said this, Wu Duowen was momentarily stunned, realizing the significance of what was being implied. He was being asked to take early retirement, to vacate the position of director. Silence fell in the reception room. Wu Duowen had not anticipated that Lin Fan would ask him to give up the position of director right from the start. But he also knew clearly that it wasn’t Lin Fan’s own idea but the condition given by the people behind him. "So that’s it!" Finally taking a deep breath, Wu Duowen had hoped to stay as the director for two more years and wanted to bring up his son as well. But now, it seemed that he had touched someone’s cake, and this incident was either a setup or an exploitation of opportunity. Regardless, it was clear that his son would no longer have a place within the system. "Of course, these are just my suggestions. After all, a disobedient son is the father’s responsibility. Taking him home to discipline him not only spares him jail time but also keeps you out of trouble. Why not do it?" Lin Fan looked straight at Wu Duowen. He didn’t understand why Zhang Caini wanted him to do this, but as a pawn, he knew that it was Zhu Defu’s intention. It could very well be an internal power struggle within the Health Bureau or maybe an opportunity for someone else. "Alright, I also think Mayor Lin’s suggestion is a good one. I’m old and shouldn’t be managing others while neglecting my own son. So, tomorrow I will report to my superiors, apply for reassignment from frontline positions, and after winding down, I’ll be able to properly educate my disappointing son and make him resign to enjoy time with his family at home." Wu Duowen nodded. At this point, even if he didn’t want to agree, he had no choice. Just one word from Lin Fan and Wu Duowen would truly face prison, and with the records against him, it could harm his grandson as well. The loss would outweigh the gain. "Director Wu, you truly possess great wisdom. Then let it be settled this way." Lin Fan reclined on the sofa with a trace of a smile. This was the first task Zhu Defu had given him, and he considered it completed. "Mayor Lin, you’re currently riding high and moving at full speed, enjoying the prime of life. I, an older wave, no longer have the strength and am just lying on the beach bothering others’ sight. For centuries, it’s been a cycle—today’s me might be tomorrow’s you." Sighing, Wu Duowen stood up and said, "This is our first meeting, and now it seems there won’t be much opportunity to meet again. I am two years older than you and tend to be a bit long-winded in my dealings; you might as well consider it empty talk if I go on too much. But the waters of Lotus Town are not shallow. Being a provincial key project, every industry wants a piece of the action. Be careful as Mayor not to look only ahead." "Thank you for the reminder, Director Wu." Watching Wu Duowen turn to leave, Lin Fan picked up the phone and dialed Zhang Caini’s number. The call was quickly answered, "Stinky little brother, how did it go? Did that old guy agree?" "He agreed. He’ll submit the transfer application tomorrow." Lin Fan, holding the phone, wrapped his arm around Chang Wanyun, who had walked back, feeling her plump body curled up in his embrace, yet his gaze was profoundly deep. "That was well done. When you come back this weekend, Old Zhu will give you a personal welcome and there will be a small gift for you. He also told me to remind you to push forward the Chinese Herbal Medicine Cultivation promotion in Fengtai Village. If you need any support, just tell me." Zhang Caini said with a laugh, "Now, Old Zhu wants to use you to get things done. You have to be sharp, first and foremost, make sure the task is completed flawlessly, and never leave any loose ends. It’s where risk and opportunity coexist." "I understand, thank you for the guidance, Sister Cai Ni." After Lin Fan finished speaking, he hung up the phone, but the words left by Wu Duowen resonated in his mind.

Chapter 100 Intrigue and Deception in Officialdom

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