Chapter 392: Shi Xiu’s Destination Translator: Tim Editor: GlobeGlotter

“What’s up?” Ye Mo asked, looking at Shi Xiu.

Shi Xiu, seemingly remembering his family’s plight, sadly explained, “Cha Ci Town is in Xi Tong Suburb. My dad’s imprisoned in Xi Tong Town.”

Ye Mo told Wu Ze, “Let’s go to your room. I have some questions.”

Hearing Ye Mo’s request, Wu Ze respectfully led them to his second-floor room.

Hu Peng’s expression shifted repeatedly as Wu Ze and Ye Mo left, but he dared not intervene. He remained in his room, desperately trying to determine Ye Mo’s identity.

Seeing Secretary Hu’s inaction, the two policemen remained silent, departing without protest. They understood Beijing’s complexities and the potential consequences of a misstep.

Young Master Qi couldn’t even rise, let alone question Ye Mo. The considerable tension dissipated as quickly as it had arisen. The bar’s owner remained silent, recognizing that supporting either side would make him a mere pawn.

Wu Ze’s room was impressively large. Wu Ze instructed the waiters to leave.

“Young Master Mo, please take the honored seat,” Wu Ze said carefully.

After Ye Mo sat, Wu Ze looked at Shi Xiu and asked, “May I ask who this is…?”

Ye Mo introduced, “This is Shi Xiu, an old classmate and friend. Shi Xiu, sit beside me. Everyone, please have a seat.” Ye Mo’s casual seating arrangement subtly reinforced Shi Xiu’s position; such displays of support were crucial in gaining Wu Ze’s respect.

“Young Master Mo, let me introduce my colleagues: Cheng Changhui and Zhou Ping, my future colleague in Xi Tong Town.” He pointedly omitted introducing Ye Mo.

The two quickly greeted Ye Mo as “Young Master Mo.” Their years in politics had taught them to recognize the significance of Wu Ze’s deference.

After a drink, Ye Mo went straight to the point. Smiling, he asked Wu Ze, “How did you become Xi Tong Town’s mayor?”

Wu Ze, a low-ranking official, had connected with Li Qiuyang through his keen perception and analytical skills. Ye Mo’s presence was clearly prompted by Shi Xiu’s plea; his friend’s plight had brought him here.

Wu Ze readily replied, “Under Young Master Yang’s patronage, I’ve managed the environmental sector and received a promotion to Suburb Mayor. Zhou Ping, my old friend, was the vice-mayor and joined us to celebrate.” He understood Ye Mo’s inquiry concerned Xi Tong Town, and volunteered all pertinent information.

Observing Wu Ze’s subservience to Ye Mo, Zhou Ping felt even more intimidated. A mayor held significant local authority, but in Beijing, that power held little weight.

Seeing Ye Mo remain silent, Wu Ze continued, “I was with Hu Peng, Mayor Qiu’s former secretary, who's now becoming a vice-mayor in Xi Tong Suburb, overseeing commerce.”

Ye Mo hummed in response. “Then Hu Peng needn’t go.” Mayor Qiu was inconsequential to him.

“By the way,” Ye Mo said to Shi Xiu, “Shi Xiu, how about you become Xi Tong’s vice-mayor?” It seemed a good solution to him.

Shi Xiu, Zhou Ping, and the others were shocked. A vice-mayor position wasn't easily attained; it required extensive maneuvering and fulfilled stringent requirements including capability, experience, and age.

Even Wu Ze found Ye Mo’s suggestion absurd, but dared not voice his doubts. Ye Mo held considerable power, but his casual suggestion seemed reckless. Appointing anyone to such a position would disrupt the governmental system. Ye Mo, lacking political experience, underestimated the vice-mayor’s significance.

“This…” Wu Ze cautiously interjected, “Usually, this isn’t permitted.” He was unsure of Shi Xiu’s qualifications and simply stated the usual procedure.

Ye Mo waved his hand, “Shi Xiu’s already at the deputy Ke-level. With achievements in Xi Tong, he should qualify for vice-mayor, correct?”

Wu Ze considered, “If Brother Shi is already deputy Ke-level, with achievements, he could reach Ke-level, and eventually be promoted.” He prioritized cultivating a relationship with Ye Mo, so despite the pressure, he did his best to assist.

Ye Mo nodded approvingly. “Have Hu Peng leave and give his commerce vice-mayor position to Shi Xiu. Shi Xiu can then attract several major businesses to Xi Tong Town…”

Despite his desire to curry favor, Wu Ze couldn't help but think contemptuously of Ye Mo. This young man, despite his apparent high standing, lacked practical understanding. Was attracting major businesses so simple?

Ye Mo continued undeterred, “And these businesses need to be prominent. Let’s move Luo Yue Pharmaceuticals to Xi Tong Town…”

“What?!”

The stunned silence that followed spoke volumes. Luo Yue’s relocation, regardless of location, constituted a monumental political achievement.

“Young Master Mo, you— do you mean it?” Wu Ze, overcome with excitement, stood. If Shi Xiu brought Luo Yue to Xi Tong, even a vice-mayor appointment would seem appropriate. Luo Yue’s presence would significantly boost Xi Tong’s economy and tourism.

Ye Mo looked at them impassively, confirming, “Of course.”

Wu Ze excitedly stated, “If Young Master Mo brings Luo Yue to Xi Tong, even without the mayor position, I’ll support Brother Shi. I can appoint him Chief of Commerce at the Ke-level, allowing him to substitute for vice-mayor and rise further.”

Ye Mo waved his hand, “Thank you for your goodwill, but you needn’t shoulder responsibility for Shi Xiu’s vice-mayor appointment.”

Ye Mo then pulled out his phone, contemplating who to call, but after a while, sighed at his limited contacts. He knew too few government officials.

“Give me Li Qiuyang’s number. I’ll call him.” He decided to contact Li Qiuyang, considering his power to appoint Wu Ze. Afterwards, he would contact Han Zaixin, who, despite lacking low-level contacts, knew higher-ups.

“Certainly,” Wu Ze readily provided Li Qiuyang’s number, understanding his master’s respect for Ye Mo.

Shi Xiu remained shocked, still struggling to comprehend Ye Mo’s authority. A mayor's position secured by a phone call surpassed his comprehension.