Chapter 38: Using the Pretext to Make a Point

After Li Xiuyuan finished his dinner meeting, he prepared to head home. On the way, he received a call from his uncle-in-law, Song Limin, informing him that Luo Tao had arrived at their house and asking Li to come over.

Although he had been drinking and felt slightly tipsy, the call sobered him up instantly. He quickly hailed a taxi to his aunt’s place. However, upon arriving, he found the scene different from what he had imagined. Luo Tao had not gone inside to sit down; instead, he was standing by the roadside, smoking with Song Limin.

"Uncle Luo, Uncle," Li greeted them.

Luo Tao looked at Li with a hint of apology in his eyes and spoke slowly: "Xiuyuan, I went to see my brother today regarding the matter you entrusted to me. I am truly sorry, but he has been very busy with work lately and didn't have time to come out for dinner."

As soon as these words left Luo Tao's mouth, the cigarette in Song Limin’s hand dropped to the ground. He could not understand how things had changed so drastically overnight. Everything had been discussed well the previous evening, and Luo Tao had readily agreed, yet now he was backing out of even a simple meal.

Li Xiuyuan’s heart sank. He had planned everything carefully, and it should have been a near certainty. The fact that an issue had arisen meant not only that the matter hadn't been resolved, but more importantly, that there were complications and underlying circumstances he was unaware of.

"Brother Tao, how could this be..." Song Limin asked, stumbling over his words.

"I’m sorry, I did my best. My brother said he would subtly look out for Xiuyuan and make Qu Hui think twice before acting..." Luo Tao repeated his brother's words faithfully.

Li’s expression softened slightly. Although seeking Luo Tao’s help hadn't solved all his problems at once, it had at least bought him more time. Sometimes, a little extra time meant more opportunities.

"Xiuyuan, I’ve let you down this time. I feel quite embarrassed that the matter wasn't settled. I brought two bottles of liquor and two cartons of cigarettes as a gesture of apology..." Luo Tao said, heading toward his trunk to retrieve the items. He felt guilty, having enjoyed a free meal at the Jinxin Hotel the night before only for things to turn out this way.

Li Xiuyuan immediately stepped forward to stop him. "Uncle Luo, if you still consider me your junior, please don't mention such things. Otherwise, you’ll leave me with no place to hide my shame."

That was out of the question. Even if they hadn't promised to help him indirectly, the mere act of inviting someone to dinner didn't mean they owed him anything if the favor wasn't granted. In this line of work, insisting on a return would only cause offense.

"Xiuyuan, you..."

"Uncle Luo, I know you did your best. And since Director Luo has promised to look out for me and give me more time, that is already more than enough. I should be the one thanking you," Li said, looking at Luo Tao with sincerity.

Song Limin stood to the side, dazed. He couldn't wrap his head around the sequence of events—the news Luo Tao brought, followed by the exchange between the two men. His mind felt numb. If he were in Li’s shoes, he certainly wouldn't have been able to handle it with such grace. If the matter had been resolved, it would have been expected; but when things failed and the other party tried to return the gifts, to refuse them and even offer thanks was beyond him.

"Very well. I recognize you as a nephew, Xiuyuan. Let’s talk over there." Luo Tao pulled Li aside. He had originally intended to keep quiet about the involvement of Director Pang and Qu Hui, as his brother hadn't authorized him to speak, and he feared it might affect his brother. But Li’s character—showing no resentment despite the failure and instead expressing gratitude—moved him, and he decided to reveal the truth.

Li listened with a heavy heart. He had not expected Pang Zhifeng to be involved, nor that Qu Hui’s aggressive behavior had the tacit approval of such a high-ranking official.

After Luo Tao drove away, Song Limin stood by the door, looking at Li with hesitation. "Xiuyuan, about this matter..."

"Uncle, things are fine as they are. Don't worry about it, and don't tell my aunt, so she doesn't fret," Li cautioned.

Song Limin nodded. Li walked home, reflecting that the news Luo Tao brought was neither good nor bad. While it hadn't completely eliminated the threat posed by Qu Hui, it had at least bought him time. And for now, that was enough. As long as he had time, he had a chance.

The following day at work, Qu Hui stopped by the office to implicitly criticize Li and his two colleagues for leaving early the previous afternoon.

"The work in the County Government Office is voluminous, complex, and crucial. Leaders are busy, and tasks can arise at any time. If you want to leave the moment the clock strikes five, you should go to the labor union or the retired cadres bureau to retire. Don't stay in the government office. Whoever wants to leave, submit a request, and I will approve it."

Qu Hui didn't name anyone, but everyone knew who he was targeting. Wang Zhitao’s face flushed red, but Li Boyang and Li Xiuyuan remained calm. Qu Hui’s point was technically valid—the government office was not a nine-to-five job; overtime was expected. However, they weren't people who habitually left early; they had only left early once, and Qu Hui was using it as a pretext to make a scene.

After his lecture, Qu Hui began delegating tasks. He assigned work to everyone in the office except for Li Xiuyuan. It was clear he intended to freeze him out. In an office, power and responsibility are correlated; if you are given no work, you have no authority, and more importantly, you learn nothing.

Just then, Luo Yi stood at the door and knocked. "Section Chief Qu."

Qu Hui turned around, and upon seeing Luo Yi, his stern expression transformed into a smile. "Director Luo, what are your instructions?"

"I’m planning to visit the local streets this morning to check some files and records. I need someone to accompany me, as there will be an inspection team from the city next week," Luo Yi said.