Let them offer their loyalty!

Hearing Tang Jiancha's words, Qiu Tu pondered.

'So, if I want to get promoted, do I need to deceive Yan Chen now?'

But...this was quite a bit earlier than the timing he had planned.

With that in mind, Qiu Tu couldn't help but consider if there were other methods.

After a moment, he raised his head, looked at Tang Jiancha, and asked, "Tang Jiancha, you mean as long as the Bureau Chief doesn't object, it'll be fine, right?"

"So, whether he is willingly non-oppositional or compelled by the situation..."

Hearing Qiu Tu's remark, a look of satisfaction appeared on Tang Jiancha's face, "Yes."

It was as if he had been reminding Qiu Tu all along.

However, after saying this, he also reminded, "But you need to understand, as a deputy division chief, if you can't get the Bureau Chief's support."

"Then you may very well be limited to working within the narrow confines of your existing authority."

"Moreover, you may face difficulties from above and be unable to command your subordinates."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Tu smiled.

He truly didn't care about this.

Setting aside the fact that his desire for a promotion was to enhance his own strength, to see how his Cataclysmic ability would change after advancing to Second Order, even if it weren't for the increase in strength, he wasn't worried about the power he would hold after his promotion.

After all, the nominal source of power comes from the upper echelons, but its essence comes from the lower ranks.

With a loyal direct line of several dozen whose loyalty exceeded 80, including a deputy staff chief, two first-level detectives, and numerous veteran investigators (second-class investigators), Qiu Tu could already bypass permissions to do many things.

Furthermore, at the Investigation Bureau's high-level meetings, he had two allies in Tang Feifei and Secretary Bai.

At the higher levels of Xinjie City's Municipal Committee, there were two bigshots who appreciated him and were extending olive branches: Dai Yukang from the Security Department and Commissioner Jiang.

With connections at all three levels – upper, middle, and lower – Qiu Tu was truly becoming well-feathered and hard to cordon off.

This was also the reason why he had just inquired whether it was possible to compel Yan Chen to "not oppose" under certain circumstances.

Thinking this way, Qiu Tu, sure of his approach, once again thanked the recently helpful Tang Jiancha, "Thank you, Tang Jiancha. I understand now."

And so, a simple case analysis meeting quickly concluded.

Although Qiu Tu provided many clues and details, there was still no direct evidence.

And given the sensitivity of Jia Shu's identity, the case would be dragged on for a few more days before reaching a result.

However, everyone present actually understood that the case was highly likely to end with this outcome.

This was not only the real truth of the case, but also... the best result of compromises from all sides.

As a result, Qiu Tu resolved his grave threat and would be promoted one level; Tang Feifei eliminated one of Yan Chen's core allies, preventing herself from becoming more passive; the Disciplinary Department cracked the case; and even... Jia Shu didn't suffer much, needing only to lie low for a year or two before he could quickly make a comeback...

Such an outcome, even if the people behind Jia Shu knew, they probably wouldn't stir up additional trouble.

Politics is, after all, the art of compromise...

After sending off the three supervisors from the Disciplinary Department, Tang Feifei closed the door to her office and analyzed to Qiu Tu, "This is probably the fallback Jia Shu had prepared for himself all along."

"He hasn't crossed that red line in the past few months, precisely to avoid being unable to recover if investigated."

Qiu Tu nodded and commented, "He's very cunning. More cunning than most…"

Hearing Qiu Tu's assessment, Tang Feifei smiled, squinted her eyes, and looked at him, "But you're also not simple, right?"

Tang Feifei, walking back to her desk with her long legs, sat down and said, "Tell me, do you have any other plans?"

"Based on my understanding of you, you're not the kind of person who really harbors justice or fairness."

At her words, Qiu Tu pretended to be surprised and said, "Feifei, I didn't expect you to have such a big misunderstanding about me?!"

After speaking, he couldn't help but ask, "So what image do I have in your heart?"

With narrowed eyes and a predatory gaze, Tang Feifei looked at Qiu Tu, "A bull, seemingly full of inexhaustible energy."

Qiu Tu: ??

That's what you call spending money for power.

Strangely, Qiu Tu felt that he had recently provoked Tang Feifei a little too much, that it was somewhat dangerous.

The scariest thing isn't putting on airs; it's realizing you're actually a bit inadequate after doing so...

'Seems like I need to get promoted soon, to boost my strength and stamina, otherwise I won't be able to withstand Tang Feifei's draining even a few times...'

With that thought, Qiu Tu swiftly changed the subject. "Tang Jiancha seems quite good to me," he said.

"Although at first his attitude toward us was somewhat indifferent, later on, whether it was his advice or support, it showed that he's a decent person."

Tang Feifei's eyes smiled into crescents—this woman, an ice queen in front of others, was remarkably expressive in front of Qiu Tu.

"He is my maternal uncle," she revealed.

Qiu Tu's face showed understanding, yet he wasn't surprised.

In this world, there is no such thing as unreasonable "hatred," nor is there unreasonable "love."

The moment Qiu Tu noticed Tang Jiancha's lukewarm attitude toward him and Tang Feifei, he felt something was off.

Latterly, after learning of his surname, Qiu Tu had a hunch. This was why he dared to make a move to test the waters.

As for the end... when Tang Jiancha suddenly prepared to lift Qiu Tu up the ranks, even giving him deep advice under the guise of casual conversation, Qiu Tu completely saw through the other party's identity.

After all, he wasn't a succubus who could make a stranger fall in love with him at first sight and treat him as if he were a junior.

Thus, there was only one explanation: Tang Jiancha was a relative of Tang Feifei, and might even be aware of the special relationship between him and Tang Feifei...

That could explain the other party's change in attitude.

"Damn it... It seems no matter what world one is in, having connections is essential."

"Fortunately... I'm also basking in the light now."

Thinking this, Qiu Tu, who had just verified his guess, got up with composure and bid farewell to Tang Feifei, "Well, Bureau Chief, I should get back to work."

"Even though Jia Shu has been captured, the case isn't settled yet."

"If I want Yan Chen not to oppose my promotion, I still need to do some other work."

Tang Feifei watched Qiu Tu with a smile, pleased that he had guessed Tang Jiancha's identity early on.

Partners could only reassure you if they were smart enough.

However, Tang Feifei was quite curious about how Qiu Tu would get Yan Chen to not oppose his promotion, so she couldn't help but ask, "Do you have a plan?"

Qiu Tu pointed at his head and confidently said, "I've thought it all through already."

After speaking, he smiled brilliantly and turned away with flair.

It had to be said, the already handsome him, clad in his black uniform and boots, enhanced by his confident speech, instantly maxed out his sex appeal.

Tang Feifei watched his retreating figure like a female leopard eyeing its prey, her eyes narrowed slightly, and her heart raced with a "thump thump"...

Wasn't this much more fun than Liu Fuping's soft and coquettish charms?

...

After leaving Tang Feifei's office, Qiu Tu strode towards the elevator.

The reporting hour must have passed. There were fewer division chiefs and staff waiting in the corridor, which meant fewer odd looks for Qiu Tu.

However, he believed it wouldn't take long for the news of Qiu Tu siding with Tang Feifei to spread throughout the Investigation Bureau.

This was exactly what Qiu Tu wanted.

The harder the pressure now, the higher the rebound later.

As Qiu Tu was analyzing the situation, Secretary Bai happened to bring a division chief into Yan Chen's office and then came out.

Seeing Qiu Tu waiting for the elevator, Secretary Bai looked his way.

Qiu Tu felt the gaze and looked up.

Their eyes met across the corridor, and even though nothing was said, there was an unspoken understanding between them.

"Ding."

The elevator arrived.

Qiu Tu took his gaze back and stepped into the elevator.

As the elevator doors closed, Qiu Tu faintly heard someone brown-nosing Secretary Bai, bad-mouthing him.

"Secretary Bai, don't be angry. That kind of thankless wolf, he'll fall sooner or later. Heh heh."

"By the way, Secretary Bai, our Public Security Office's equipment has always been lacking. We've applied to Chief Huang several times, but he just won't approve."

"Secretary Bai, look, could you see if you can... approve it."

Secretary Bai's smile was radiant, "Director Tian, you have to understand, some things aren't approved for a reason."

"Did you say something wrong and offend Chief Huang?"

He patted the director on the shoulder with an insinuating tone, "There are so many secrets in the Bureau, sometimes it's very important to keep your mouth shut. Perhaps a single sentence has offended someone."

With that, he turned and returned to his office.

Hearing Secretary Bai's words, that plump-faced director looked bewildered, "No way. I hardly ever spoke with Chief Huang. How could I have offended him..."

Muttering to himself for a moment, the director saw Secretary Bai leave and hurried after him, "Secretary Bai, Secretary Bai, let's talk more, just a bit more..."

The elevator doors slowly closed. Qiu Tu's lips turned up slightly... Old Bai was still Old Bai. Discover hidden stories at My Virtual Library Empire

Taking the elevator back down to the second floor's Public Security Bureau, Qiu Tu walked toward the investigation group's office, ready to have a word with Commissioner Jiang's "liaison," Liu Fuping.

In Xinjie City, the only ones who could make Yan Chen compromise were his fellow Three Giants, Commissioner Jiang and General Ye.

Qiu Tu had already given Commissioner Jiang such a big gift previously, and now it was time to get some "compensation" in return.

Besides, this would also help strengthen their relationship.

To quickly increase someone's favor, you should never just give unilaterally, but also ask for something from time to time.

In fact, most of the time, "asking" could deepen a relationship more than "giving."

Moreover, to thoroughly deal with Jia Shu, Qiu Tu needed Liu Fuping's help...

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3 chapters, 10,000 words, ha. I've been doing 10,000 words a day for 26 consecutive days, many authors promise monthly ticket bonuses for updates but don't update as much as me, so I beg for your Monthly Ticket! Thanks!