Let them offer their loyalty!

Upon hearing Yan Chen's words, Qiu Tu didn't act like many subordinates who would hastily decline and refuse.

One must definitely accept what the boss gives!

From the psychological perspective, demanding can enhance relationships more than giving.

Thus, with a smile, he said, "Bureau Chief, having the opportunity to work for you is my fortune."

"If you really want me to make a request, I only wish to be closer to you and take on more of your worries."

Possibly because Yan Chen had never been subjected to Qiu Tu's flattery in his previous life, Yan Chen was so taken with Qiu Tu's relentless bootlicking that he laughed out loud.

He pointed his finger at Qiu Tu and nodded, "You, you, haha."

Having said that, he also quietly pondered the hidden request within Qiu Tu's flattery...

"Wanting to be closer to him" "To take on more of his worries"... this was basically a roundabout way of wanting a "promotion."

If one were to follow the normal process of promotion or the Sanctuary's assessments, an official like Qiu Tu with a common background, who had already been promoted recently, wouldn't be promoted a second time right away.

But... now it's the initial stage of Xinjie City's formation, and many promotions are being handled fairly casually. Moreover, there are a few vacant director positions in each department, so... it's not entirely impossible...

Moreover... with the Qin Family's recent troubles, although Qin Heng can't be touched, some middle-level officials associated with the Qin Family, like Qin Zhengguang, still need to be dealt with. Many positions will become vacant.

Thinking of this, Yan Chen looked at Qiu Tu with an encouraging gaze and slowly said, "I understand your thoughts."

"When the time comes, I will pay attention."

Hearing this, Qiu Tu immediately pretended to be excited and said, "Thank you, Bureau Chief!"

Afterward, Qiu Tu even took the initiative to pour tea and water for Yan Chen.

Yan Chen... was even more satisfied.

[Yan Chen's Satisfaction +4]

After pouring the water, Qiu Tu set the thermos aside, then with a troubled look said, "Bureau Chief, actually... aside from what we discussed earlier, I have another rather presumptuous request."

Yan Chen, who was in a good mood, didn't mind Qiu Tu's boldness and hummed inquisitively, "What else is there?"

Qiu Tu, looking embarrassed, said, "During this period, because of investigating the Yin Caimei case, I frequently received threats from various powers, both overt and covert."

"Today, again, four directors and the Four Major Transportation Merchants were arrested. I fear someone might take desperate measures and try to assassinate me."

"So... could I stay by your side these next couple of days, serving you tea and water, and being at your beck and call."

"This way, even if someone does want to harm me, seeing me by your side, they would probably not dare to make a move."

Saying this, and perhaps worried Yan Chen wouldn't agree, Qiu Tu quickly glanced at the clock and said, "At 6 o'clock tonight, it will be the time I agreed upon with the Security Department."

"At that time, they will take over the case and begin arresting the officials involved."

"Once tonight is over and they have successfully attracted the attention of the various powers, I should be safe."

"Then, I will leave on my own and no longer trouble you."

Hearing Qiu Tu mention the Security Department's involvement again, Yan Chen's smile slowly faded.

He didn't directly answer Qiu Tu's question but instead asked, "Are you certain they are only pursuing the officials from City Hall?"

Qiu Tu paused for a moment, then tentatively replied, "Their promise to exchange information with me was just that."

"And besides... those officials were only involved with Yin Caimei, infiltrated by her and leaked some confidential information. Strictly speaking, they aren't spies."

"So, investigating them could only lead to Yin Caimei or the Four Major Transportation Merchants at most, right?"

"Now that both the Four Major Transportation Merchants and Director Qin, Third Master Qin, are in our hands, even if they wanted to continue investigating, they probably couldn't go any further, could they...?"

Hearing Qiu Tu's series of speculative questions, Yan Chen thoughtfully nodded.

Then a smile crept back onto his face, "All right, you can stay by my side today."

"Thank you, Bureau Chief!" Hearing Yan Chen's affirmative response, Qiu Tu quickly expressed his gratitude! And inside... he quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

The last step of the plan: an alibi, was finally completed.

The rest is up to fate now...

In the following time, Qiu Tu became Yan Chen's assistant, serving tea and water, managing documents, and attending to arrivals and departures.

Although Qiu Tu stayed by Yan Chen's side merely to complete his mission, he also cherished this opportunity to learn and observe the work of the Investigation Bureau's highest-ranking official.

By Yan Chen's side, he saw many confidential documents; witnessed discussions between Yan Chen and various directors and deputy directors; and saw Yan Chen's skilled techniques in managing subordinates: rebuking, balancing, promising, and the carrot-and-stick approach, all came naturally to him...

Even though he was performing an assistant's duties for those several hours, he would still take advantage of any lulls to put himself in Yan Chen's place, considering how to handle the same situations and problems.

This learning process deepened his understanding of the entire Investigation Bureau's operations and how to manage his subordinates.

Besides what he learned, serving as Yan Chen's "temporary assistant" also allowed Qiu Tu to gain favor in front of the Investigation Bureau's various directors and deputy directors.

Being retained by Yan Chen as an assistant is a clear sign of being one of Yan Chen's confidants, part of his inner circle. This was a very obvious political signal.

So, it didn't take long before various rumors about Qiu Tu began to quietly spread within the Investigation Bureau, and more and more investigators came to know about Qiu Tu, the Deputy Staff who had recently made a dramatic rise in the Bureau....

Just like that, time passed by, second by second.

Soon, it was 6 o'clock.

Qiu Tu glanced out of the window, which was pitch black and devoid of any light.

The heavy rain that had lasted all day hadn't stopped with the coming of night; in fact, it seemed to have gotten even heavier.
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Thinking of what would happen on this rainy night, Qiu Tu couldn't help but tighten his grip slightly.

Yan Chen didn't notice Qiu Tu's unease. After finishing a document, Yan Chen put down his pen and asked expressionlessly, "It's time for dinner. Do you want to eat with me?"

Upon hearing this, Qiu Tu hurriedly took up the offer, "Thank you, Bureau Chief!"

Yan Chen: ...

Actually, Yan Chen was feeling a bit annoyed with Qiu Tu's constant presence by his side and wanted to send him away for some peace and quiet.

But since Qiu Tu had already accepted, him being one of the Three Giants of Xinjie City, it wouldn't be appropriate to take back his offer. So he only let out a subdued "Hmm," picked up the phone, and ordered two sets of four dishes and one soup for dinner.

Thanks to sharing in Yan Chen's light, Qiu Tu also got to experience a dinner fit for a Bureau Chief. Plus, having been with the Bureau Chief's mistress, after a bit of rounding up, he basically was....

When dinner was served, Qiu Tu was full of anticipation, expecting some kind of delicacy! But when each dish was revealed... it turned out, to his dismay, that all four dishes plus the soup were entirely vegetarian!

Even the soup was cucumber egg drop soup!

At that moment, his face turned as green as the soup.

He realized then that he and Yan Chen fundamentally did not get along.

As a meat lover, how could he possibly coexist with a vegetarian!

Hastily finishing their meals, they both plunged back into work: Yan Chen reviewed documents while Qiu Tu stood by, lost in thought.

But this time, they didn't work for long before the office door was knocked on urgently.

"Knock knock knock."

At the sound of the urgent knocking, Yan Chen shot a glance at Qiu Tu. Qiu Tu understood and went to open the door.

Standing at the door was Secretary Bai.

Secretary Bai had learned that Qiu Tu was serving as a temporary assistant to Yan Chen that afternoon, so he wasn't surprised, merely nodding slightly before quickly stepping into the office.

Qiu Tu closed the door behind him and followed him inside.

As he walked into the office, before he even reached Yan Chen's side, Qiu Tu heard Secretary Bai rapidly reporting the intelligence to Yan Chen, "Bureau Chief, we just received news. Half an hour ago, the Security Department mobilized various divisions and arrested a group of mid to low-level officials from City Hall."

"Departments like the Bureau of Education, Environmental and Sanitation Bureau, and Commerce and Economic Development Bureau have all been affected. Even... a Director has been arrested."

Hearing Secretary Bai's report, Yan Chen looked up at him and asked gravely, "Is there a detailed list?"

Secretary Bai was able to become Yan Chen's right-hand man, the steward of the entire Investigation Bureau, because his capabilities were extremely exceptional. So upon Yan Chen's question, he immediately took out a prepared list.

Yan Chen took the list, quickly read through it, and then showed a smile on his face.

He did not comment further but instead handed the list to Qiu Tu, who was standing by his side.

Qiu Tu received the list with both hands and looked it over as well.

The names on the list were all familiar. They were the ones confessed by Third Brother Qin, Qian Dafu, and Qi Yun, which he then provided to Qin Shuman.

The entire list contained 21 people, covering almost all the departments and bureaus of City Hall, including one Director, three Deputy Directors, and 17 Heads and Deputy Staff.

One could say... with this list out, Xinjie City was turned upside down!

Of course... the military and City Hall would most certainly become adversaries!

This outcome brought quite a few more smiles to Yan Chen's face.

[[Yan Chen Satisfaction +6]]

He spoke to Secretary Bai with a smile, "Alright, I've got it. Next, have someone keep a close eye on the Security Department's actions tonight. Report to me immediately if there are any issues."

Secretary Bai, hearing this, acknowledged and then left the office.

After Secretary Bai had gone, Yan Chen stood up and took the initiative to pat Qiu Tu on the shoulder as a gesture of encouragement.

Clearly, although the case wasn't progressing as he had envisioned, it had unexpectedly satisfied him.

Feeling Yan Chen's happiness, Qiu Tu kept a smile on his face, but in his heart, he was secretly sneering: Keep laughing... keep laughing, in a moment you won't be able to anymore...

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We continue with a 10,000-word triple release for chapter 3. Vote for the Monthly Ticket!