Chapter 12: The Taste of Power

Lin Hao returned to the secretary’s room, partially closing the door behind him. The moment he sat down, the turbulent emotions in his chest gradually began to subside.

“So this is the taste of power?”

The image of Zhang Nan and Jin Yuan going from arrogant and domineering to panicked and finally submitting in terror lingered relentlessly in his mind.

Who said being a secretary was a dead-end job? Even as a deputy section chief, one could wield absolute power.

Holding the position of section chief in the Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau granted some autonomy, but when faced with slander and framing, he was powerless to resist. Yet today, simply because he was the secretary to the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection Secretary, those traps collapsed without effort; the slanderers humbly confessed and told the truth.

Even if he had truly been corrupt today, those people would never dare to report him.

The allure of power lay precisely here; many inadvertently fall into the abyss.

“I must grasp it firmly,” Lin Hao murmured to himself.

The three-month probation period had to pass smoothly; he needed to be promoted to a full section chief as soon as possible. Otherwise, if the leadership compared him to other chief secretaries during outings, it would be utterly humiliating.

His superior was reluctant to pull strings for him in this regard, so he had to find a way on his own.

Then there was Xu Fei, who incited Zhang Nan to cause trouble today—Lin Hao would never let that pass. He had intended to let the matter slide, but the other party was recklessly defiant. Clenching his fist, Lin Hao resolved that this hidden danger had to be dealt with promptly.

After calming himself, he took out his phone and quickly drafted a brief message regarding Zhang Nan’s situation, sending it to Zhou Ya.

Almost immediately, the phone vibrated.

Zhou Ya replied, “Okay. Do you need any help with things on your end?”

Lin Hao responded, “Not for now. Thanks.”

He couldn’t help but feel a flicker of relief; good thing he wasn’t naked at home, or else it would have been a live broadcast.

Setting the phone down, Lin Hao began to ponder deeply.

As a newcomer with a shallow foundation, he needed to build a network of connections rapidly. He had never appreciated it before, but now he truly understood: when you are in trouble, having someone willing to speak up for you is a rare blessing.

Zhou Ya—aside from being a powerful team leader—was worth cultivating just for a single cautionary word from Sun Qian. Zhang Nan’s case was an opportunity. If Zhou Ya could really dig up something, his favor wouldn’t have been wasted.

Therefore, for the time being, he would not move against Zhang Nan. The Commission for Discipline Inspection’s warning was just a formality to keep a file—not serious, merely a scare tactic.

She had helped him before; now it was his turn to help her. A favor returned would deepen their relationship.

As for Director Ma, he remained an enigma. Lin Hao sensed that Ma was more complex than he appeared on the surface. Sun Qian, by contrast, was simpler—motivated by interests, open-minded, and easygoing.

When a knock came from the next room, Lin Hao immediately stood, clutching the organized documents as he headed to the office.

“Secretary, here are yesterday’s materials and some schedule arrangements.”

While the leader was reviewing the report, Lin Hao went to brew some hot tea. By the time the leader had glanced through the documents, the tea had cooled somewhat.

He had become quite adept at these basic skills. Deep down, he knew that the real power to decide his fate lay with the man before him. Serving the leader well was the key.

“Not bad, Xiao Lin. You’re adapting quickly,” Gu Yuejin nodded with satisfaction.

“All thanks to the Secretary’s excellent guidance,” Lin Hao bowed his head sincerely. “Last night, Director Ma thoughtfully arranged for an experienced senior comrade to advise me. I gained a lot.”

He subtly complimented Ma Bo while delicately revealing that Ma was paying close attention to him, the secretary.

If the leader wanted details, he would provide them. As long as the leader was informed directly, he would not be displeased when hearing news from others.

Gu Yuejin sipped his tea lightly, then smiled meaningfully. “Oh? Comrade Ma Bo is quite enthusiastic. You should interact with him more and learn.”

“Understood, Secretary,” Lin Hao caught the hint. The leader wanted him to engage more—was it to gather intelligence? Or was the leader harboring suspicions?

Regardless, he just needed to carry out the leader’s instructions.

“This afternoon, Comrade Zhou Ya will return to report on Wu Bo’s case progress,” Gu Yuejin paused, then continued, “You used to work at the Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau and know the grassroots situation well. Coordinate with her to clarify key points. Around 3:30, the three of us will have a small meeting.”

“Yes! I will arrange a time with Director Zhou immediately,” Lin Hao nodded promptly. Seeing Gu Yuejin return to the documents for a detailed review, he quietly left the office.

Just as he returned to his own office, his phone buzzed incessantly. A glance revealed the name Tang Simin flashing on the screen.

“Director Tang, what a surprise to get a call from you.”

“Secretary Lin~” Tang Simin’s voice was teasing, “You’re moving up in the world and don’t even keep your old colleagues in the loop. Do you not consider me one of your own?”

Lin Hao sneered inwardly: When were you ever one of my own? Besides, I didn’t even know I’d become the chief secretary back then—it’s not like I lied.

“Director Tang, I have to report to the leadership soon; time is tight,” Lin Hao cut her off, going straight to the point. “What’s the matter?”

“Oh, sorry to interrupt your work,” Tang Simin hurriedly spoke. “Director He wants to hold a farewell party for you tonight. Since you’re from the Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau, everyone’s very happy for you and wants to gather…”

“I’m sorry, Director Tang, please thank Director He and everyone for their kindness on my behalf,” Lin Hao declined decisively. “I’m currently seconded here, so a farewell party isn’t appropriate. Besides, the Commission for Discipline Inspection has work scheduled tonight—I really can’t make it.”

“That’s a pity... How about tomorrow then?” Tang Simin persisted.

“Apologies, Director Tang. The leader’s schedule may change at any moment, and I must remain on standby. I have another call coming in now, so let’s talk next time,” Lin Hao said politely as he ended the call, leaving room for future conversation.

This was how things were done in officialdom—always leaving some space.

Before he could catch his breath, his phone vibrated wildly again. Familiar numbers flashed, and unfamiliar ones surged in as well.

The message alerts never ceased, mostly congratulations and invitations.

Cross-referencing the provincial party committee’s internal contact list, these numbers corresponded to deputy section chiefs, section chiefs, deputy directors, and even a few directors and deputy department heads.

Lin Hao’s heart stirred with excitement but he calmed himself, muting the phone.

He knew these people were not after him personally, but the leader behind him.

He had yet to firmly establish himself and could not afford to lose his composure and fall prey to the traps of power.

Sometimes, flattery that kills is even more terrifying than outright elimination.

“Knock, knock, knock!”

A clear knock sounded at the door outside.