Let them offer their loyalty!

As soon as Qiu Tu walked into the courtyard, he heard a beautiful harmonica melody coming from inside the house.

The sound was clear and melodious, like a mountain stream, twirling and dancing in the air.

At times it was light and brisk, like a spring breeze, with a touch of joy that was hard to detect; at other times deep and somber, like the night, filled with thoughts and stories.

Seeing this, Qiu Tu couldn't help but stop in his tracks and listen intently.

In these troubled times, too many people have too many stories. Clearly, the woman inside was no different...

After quietly listening for two or three minutes, when the piece ended, Qiu Tu clapped as he stepped inside.

"I didn't expect Secretary Tao to have harmonica skills. It seems that nobody who works as a secretary for the Commissioner is simple."

Upon hearing Qiu Tu's praise, Tao Yaoyao inside the house smiled and responded, "It's just a little pastime of mine."

"Compared to Chief Qiu... it's nothing."

During the conversation, she turned around to look at Qiu Tu.

At the moment, Qiu Tu, who had just entered the room, happened to lay his eyes on her.

It had to be said, this woman was indeed enchanting, with bold makeup and attire.

A tight-fitted professional outfit outlined her curvaceous figure, the contours shaped by the clinging clothes as if hiding secrets and charm unknown to others, compelling one to unravel and explore.

And the upward flick of her eyeliner, along with the deep red of her lips, added a touch of danger to the mystery.

It was clear that the woman before him was no innocent, but a black widow who might take your life at any moment.

Such a temperament and appearance, to be honest, were like the brightest spotlight in chaotic times, causing everyone's gaze to converge on her involuntarily.

It greedily attracted all covetous and lustful eyes.

In such circumstances, this woman was still living well, and the fact that she was also skilled in instruments only further evidenced her extraordinary nature.

——In chaotic times, musical instruments are not something common people can come into contact with.

While constructing a model of the woman before him in his mind, Qiu Tu also complimented as he walked into the inner room, "Being proficient in a musical instrument in such times is not something trivial."

Saying this, Qiu Tu suddenly asked, "Besides, Secretary Tao, surely you're proficient in more than just one instrument, right?"

Upon hearing Qiu Tu's words, Tao Yaoyao wore a faint smile and frankly said, "Indeed, more than one. Harmonica, violin, harp, and even saxophone—I know a thing or two about each."

'Certainly not an ordinary identity.'

While continuing to sort through information in his mind, Qiu Tu praised, "Secretary Tao is truly talented."

"I hope I'll have the chance to listen to your performance someday."

Tao Yaoyao's eyes were seductive, but her tone of voice carried a prickliness.

"Sure. As long as Chief Qiu becomes the Bureau Chief, I will surely come to play for you late at night."

A statement that was dangerous yet aggressive.

It was as if mocking Qiu Tu for not being qualified, while also giving him something to look forward to, mixed with the ambiguity of a late-night serenade...

Dangerous and alluring.

Qiu Tu found it quite interesting.

He focused on Tao Yaoyao's narrow, enchanting eyes and smoothly said, "Then it's a deal."

"When I do become the Bureau Chief, I'll definitely give Secretary Tao a call."

"At that time, you mustn't reject my late-night invitation..."

Tao Yaoyao had thought her reticent retort would make Qiu Tu back off, yet unexpectedly, he dared to climb even higher.

This caused a dangerous gleam to flicker within her slightly narrowed eyes...

Qiu Tu, with his keen perception, noticed the change in Tao Yaoyao's eyes and immediately knew better than to push further; so, without waiting for her to counter, he decisively steered the conversation back on track.

He said, "Secretary Tao, this meeting is to discuss an important matter."

Caught off guard, Tao Yaoyao's mouth opened slightly but she did not continue the previous topic, "Oh? What's the matter?"

Qiu Tu gestured toward a chair, taking the lead as if reversing the host-guest roles.

Sitting down first, he continued, "These past couple of days, I believe Commissioner Jiang has seen my sincerity."

"So, now it's time for Commissioner Jiang to show his sincerity."

With a simple gesture from Qiu Tu and his move to sit down first, he swiftly reclaimed control of the conversation.

Secretary Tao glanced down at Qiu Tu, noticing she was standing while he was seated—like she was his subordinate or secretary.

She chuckled lightly, "Heh..." and, unfazed, also took a seat.

Then, she turned the tables, "What makes Chief Qiu think Commissioner Jiang needs to demonstrate his sincerity?"

This remark seemed almost like she was ready to burn bridges after crossing, but Qiu Tu, as if he hadn't heard, continued, "After what happened a couple of days ago, Jia Shu will no longer be able to serve as Head of the Political Department."

"At that time, Director Yan is likely to choose from among the two deputy directors to fill the position. And I have my eyes on one of those deputy director positions."

Pausing, Qiu Tu added, "This will require Commissioner Jiang's help."

Tao Yaoyao initially listened somewhat indifferently, but when she heard Qiu Tu wanted to be a deputy director, she was suddenly taken aback, "Deputy director?"

She recalled Qiu Tu's record and then said, "If I remember correctly, Chief Qiu, you've just been promoted recently."

"Won't it be a bit too much pressure to continue rising up now?"

Qiu Tu didn't explain; instead, he gave a mysterious smile, "Since I dare to make this request, I must be confident."

Hearing Qiu Tu's words, Tao Yaoyao's brows slightly furrowed, revealing a measure of seriousness and focus.

Her gaze fell on Qiu Tu, as if she wanted to see through the mystery he was selling...

But Qiu Tu was now an Old Fox; how could he possibly reveal his emotions?

Therefore, even after observing him for quite a while, she didn't get any valuable clues.

So, she could only subtly remind him, "Chief Qiu, you must realize that once the commissioner helps you at the Municipal Committee..."

"Then... your relationship with the commissioner would be completely exposed."

"Let's not discuss whether your promotion will be successful or not, even if it is, Director Yan will see you as a thorn in his side."

"At that time, you'll likely find it very difficult to move within the Investigation Bureau."

Hearing Tao Yaoyao's words, Qiu Tu smiled. He looked towards Tao Yaoyao's enchanting eyes, and asked in return, "Is Secretary Tao worried about me?"

Hearing Qiu Tu's words, Tao Yaoyao's expression froze.

She was just about to retort.

But Qiu Tu immediately took back his words, "However, isn't Commissioner Jiang precisely looking for someone in the Investigation Bureau who can stand up against Director Yan?"

"By stepping forward now and attracting Director Yan's attention, I allow Commissioner Jiang to lay out his plans with ease. Isn't that exactly what Commissioner Jiang desires?"

"Whether I'm slapped to death by Yan Chen or I manage to secure my footing, it's a no-lose situation for Commissioner Jiang."

"As for my own life or death, how does that relate to you, Secretary Tao, or to Commissioner Jiang?"

"To trade a dispensable piece for massive gains—Secretary Tao, do you still need to inquire further about such a sure-win gamble?"

Hearing Qiu Tu's words, Tao Yaoyao took a deep breath and reassessed Qiu Tu with her narrow eyes.

Even though Tao Yaoyao always held herself in high regard, she had to admit that Qiu Tu had a unique charm:

He always managed to grasp the essence of the matter and then employed his unique rhetoric to draw people into the scenario.

That trait always lent him an irresistible allure, making one unwittingly captivated by his words.

The problem was, even if one were to replay and analyze his logic afterward, one would find that he wasn't just playing word games; he was truly stating the facts.

—A fact that made one feel they had struck it rich.

But... how could anyone sacrifice themselves just so others could profit?

'So... what does this man rely on to believe he can survive between two giants?'

'And why does he think he can vault to higher positions and become a vice director in a short time?'

Perhaps because there were too many questions in her mind, Tao Yaoyao momentarily felt that Qiu Tu was shrouded in mystery, compelling her to unravel its secrets...

Qiu Tu, keenly aware of the shift in Tao Yaoyao's emotions, quietly curved his lips into a smile.

"Emotional Fraud Manual" 108 Ways to Enhance Affinity No. 2: Women are to be attracted, not chased.

Strength (wealth and power) coupled with mystery are indeed the most crucial charms for attracting women.

Once a woman becomes curious about you, chances are she'll soon fall into your trap...

At this moment, perhaps sensing something amiss in her demeanor, Tao Yaoyao tensed up inside and started to reflect on her behavior.

'Am I being involuntarily drawn in, or have I fallen into a trap?'

At that thought, Tao Yaoyao cast a thoughtful glance at Qiu Tu, feeling a bit uneasy.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, she felt that this couldn't go on.

'I must hit back. Otherwise, both my train of thought and the pace of the conversation will be thoroughly in his hands.'

Thinking this, Tao Yaoyao's eyes flickered, and suddenly she had an idea in mind.

In the dark jungle, there are no kings who merely endure; to deter all beasts, one must showcase their might and not be underestimated!

Therefore, she smiled and extended her hand, then said, "Chief Qiu makes a very good point."

"Then, I will agree to this matter on behalf of Commissioner Jiang."

Hearing Tao Yaoyao's words, Qiu Tu's brow furrowed, his expression immediately turning grave.

Tao Yaoyao, with her keen senses, caught that flicker of emotion, and with a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, she reminded him,

"Indeed, as the confidential secretary, I have the right to decide certain matters on behalf of the commissioner..."

------

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