The Strongest Master Venturing Urban-Chapter 389: A Display of Power

With the conclusion of the National Two Sessions, the government officials at all levels in Yanxi Province underwent corresponding adjustments.

Shi Baocong, the secretary of the County Committee in Beihuang County, officially retired, and Hao Wenjing was appointed to take his place.

The Beihuang political scene was absolutely stunned upon receiving this news.

No one expected that Gu Konglian would fail to succeed the role of secretary, and instead, someone was parachuted in.

Unable to contain his anger, Gu Konglian rushed to Dagu City immediately to meet Secretary Duan Baijian face-to-face.

Today, he was determined to get an explanation!

"Secretary Duan, didn’t you say earlier that my position was secure? How could someone else be appointed?"

Duan Baijian quickly motioned for Gu Konglian to sit down and personally got up to pour him a glass of water.

"I understand your frustration, but honestly, this matter really has nothing to do with me!"

"Then what on earth is going on?!"

"According to my plan, once Shi Baocong stepped down, you were supposed to take over. But unexpectedly, a call came from the provincial level, saying they had decided to appoint someone else. My hands were tied!"

"Is it truly the province’s decision?"

"We’ve known each other for so many years; why would I lie to you? I don’t even know Hao Wenjing at all—do you think I would have arranged for her?"

Gu Konglian sighed deeply, his face filled with sorrow.

Duan Baijian immediately tried to console him, "Old Gu, you really don’t need to worry too much. This Hao Wenjing is likely here just to polish her credentials. Once she leaves, I can arrange for you to take charge as Beihuang County’s top leader."

"Wait for her to leave? Who the hell knows if I’ll even live to see that day!"

As the words left his mouth, Gu Konglian abruptly stood up and walked out.

On his way back to the county town, the more he thought about it, the angrier he became.

Originally, he planned to hold the position of secretary for one term before retiring, raking in significant benefits. But unexpectedly, someone had snatched the position from him.

Not only was it taken away, but damn it, it was taken by a woman.

Such bad luck!

Back in his office, Gu Konglian still couldn’t calm down and took out his phone to make a call.

"Tomorrow, arrange something for me. Give that new woman a rude awakening so she realizes that Beihuang County is no place to come and polish credentials!"

The next day, at around 9:30 in the morning.

Hao Wenjing, accompanied by the minister of Dagu City’s organization department, drove to Beihuang County.

Looking out at the dilapidated scenery through the car window, she couldn’t help but wrinkle her brow.

When the car arrived at the gates of the County Committee and County Government, they found a large crowd gathered outside.

The people, upon seeing Hao Wenjing, immediately began shouting angrily.

"Pay up! Pay up! Pay up..."

Hearing the deafening slogans, the police standing at the gate simply looked on as spectators.

It was as if the situation had nothing to do with them.

Seeing the agitated crowd, Hao Wenjing didn’t dare step out of the car.

The people outside noticed this and began pounding furiously on the car doors.

Realizing she had no choice, Hao Wenjing knew she had to get out of the car or the situation would surely escalate.

As she opened the car door and stepped out, the crowd backed away slightly.

Evidently, none of them wanted to be the first to stick out.

Glancing around, Hao Wenjing declared crisply.

"I’m Hao Wenjing, the new secretary of the County Committee. If there’s anything you’d like to express, feel free to tell me. As long as it’s within my capability, I’ll resolve it promptly!"

"We want our money! The county has owed us for years and still hasn’t paid!"

"Exactly! My son’s wedding is relying on that money for the bride price!"

"My wife is in the hospital, and the bills are far beyond what I can afford. Today, the payment must be made!"

Listening to the chaotic shouting, Hao Wenjing was momentarily confused about what was going on.

She raised her hands and gestured for everyone to quiet down.

"I just took office today and I’m not familiar with the situation you’re describing. Could you give me some time to figure out what’s going on and then provide you with a satisfactory solution?"

"No way! Every time we hear excuses, this time the money must be repaid!"

"Yes, repay the money, or we won’t leave!"

Seeing the crowd growing agitated again, Hao Wenjing quickly responded.

"I understand you’re anxious, but I’ve only just taken office and genuinely don’t know the specifics yet. Give me one week, and I promise to provide you all with a satisfactory answer. Is that acceptable?"

Everyone looked at each other, eventually discussing among themselves and agreeing.

After all, given how many years had already passed, a few more days didn’t seem like a big deal.

It was only after the crowd dispersed that Hao Wenjing let out a sigh of relief.

Soon after, she opened the car door and got back in.

In the County Magistrate’s office, Gu Konglian watched the scene outside and burst into laughter.

"Little lady, this is just the appetizer. As long as you remain in Beihuang County, I’ll make sure you never find peace a single day!"

As Hao Wenjing’s car entered the courtyard, Shi Baocong was already waiting at the office building with the county’s leadership team.

"Good day, Minister, and welcome to Beihuang County."

The city’s organization minister nodded and exchanged polite words with Shi Baocong before abruptly asking, "Where is County Magistrate Gu?"

"He’s feeling unwell and didn’t come to work today."

Seemingly unwilling to dwell on the topic, Shi Baocong turned to face Hao Wenjing.

"This must be Secretary Hao, I presume?"

Hao Wenjing extended her fair, delicate hand and smiled as she replied.

"Yes, I’m Hao Wenjing."

Shi Baocong eagerly shook her hand and said with excitement.

"Secretary Hao, welcome to Beihuang County. I hope under your leadership, Beihuang will achieve poverty alleviation and prosperity."

"Thank you, I’ll do my best!"

Following that, Shi Baocong began introducing the other members of the leadership team.

"Secretary Hao, let me introduce you to the chairman of the Political Consultative Conference, Chairman Chen Bin."

Chen Bin extended his hand in surprise to shake hands with Hao Wenjing.

"Welcome, Secretary Hao, to your new post in Beihuang County."

He never expected that one day he would get to work alongside Hao Wenjing.

The latter responded with a charming smile.

"I’ve heard great things about Chairman Chen. I look forward to your guidance and contributions for Beihuang County’s development!"

"I’ll certainly do my best!"

Shi Baocong introduced the others one by one.

Once the introductions were done, the group escorted Hao Wenjing upstairs.

After the city organization minister left, Hao Wenjing was led to her office by the County Committee’s office director, Tang Heqing.

She had barely sat down when the phone started ringing.

As soon as she answered, Chen Bin’s voice came through.

"A welcome gift on your first day—how does it feel?"

Just as Hao Wenjing was about to reminisce with Chen Bin, his words made her frown.

"Are you saying the crowd earlier was orchestrated by someone?"

"Of course. Otherwise, why would they block your car out of nowhere?"

"Who could be behind this?"

"It’s quite simple—who excused themselves today? That’s your answer."

"Are you suggesting County Magistrate Gu Konglian? Why would he do something like this?"