In the name of supernatural powers

Chapter 105 Appointing Officials
Lu Zhao nodded after a moment's thought and said, "I am willing to accept the organization's arrangements. I have a question for Chief Ding."

Ding Shoujin asked, "What is it?"

Lu Zhao then recounted what Zhao De had told him: that he had been promoted to border station chief through exceptional means, thus gaining experience as a border administrative official, and was subsequently appointed as a senior official.

They skipped the hard requirement of serving as an assistant for two years to gain seniority.

“This operation is indeed possible and within the rules.” Ding Shoujin changed the subject: “But why should Zhao De help you, since you’re not helping him collude with others to give a false testimony?”

"Moreover, Zhao De is currently in dire straits himself, and he will probably be suspended from his post soon, with little chance of reinstatement. Xiao Yan has mentioned this to you, hasn't she?"

Lu Zhao nodded in response, and Lin Zhiyan asked, "Aunt Ding, how exactly should Zhao De be dealt with?"

"It's highly likely he'll be going to guard the pond."

Ding Shoujin replied, "No matter how he tried to defend himself before, Zhao De cannot escape punishment in the face of the facts Lu Zhao uncovered. Unless someone recants their testimony, but the main witnesses who are tainted are all dead."

She looked at Lu Zhao with interest and asked, "Are you interested in making a deal? Help Zhao De out and gain the favor of a city official. Zhao De is a capable person, and he is very likely to break through to the fourth rank in the future."

Currently, the only one who can save Zhao De is Lu Zhao.

Since he was the one who investigated the case, if he wanted to overturn the current evidence, he needed Lu Zhao's cooperation.

Sometimes the officialdom is just that strange; a junior officer can determine the political career of a city executive.

Lu Zhao shook his head and said, "I have no doubts about the evidence I have collected."

"That's good, it avoids unnecessary complications."

Ding Shoujin didn't force him, after all, he was Lin Zhiyan's man, so he was practically one of his own.

Lin Zhiyan asked from the side, "Aunt Ding, I did a little research, and that deputy mayor is a second-level superhuman. What is he after at this time, kicking Zhao De?"

Federal officials are required to be at the third rank of extraordinary, but depending on the position, there may be hard and soft requirements.

It is unreasonable to expect someone holding a research position or a nominal post to be a Level 3 Extraordinary.

Of course, these are all nicer excuses; the real issue involves buying power and securing a safe exit. Some officials have been in a certain position for over a decade, and before retirement, they desperately try to get promoted.

The deputy wanted to be promoted, the clerk wanted to become an official, the city official wanted to become a prefectural official, and the prefectural official wanted to squeeze into the provincial government.

Even Zhuge Liang, before retiring, might have wanted to sit in the Hall of Martial Virtue.

This problem objectively exists, which leads to the practice of making a last-minute breakthrough that is "not allowed by the rules, but permissible in principle."

The city's enforcement is a rigid requirement, and there is no room for flexibility.

Ding Shoujin replied, "Temporary appointments do not require the third rank, and the deputy mayor of the city is only one step away from the third rank."

Lin Zhiyan scoffed, "He's already sixty years old, and his vital energy is starting to decline. He probably won't be able to break through in his lifetime."

“The supply of positions for officers and deputy officers is different. I guess he wanted to try his luck with the city’s resources, and if he failed, he would retire.”

Ding Shoujin specifically stated, "Those who retire from temporary positions can apply for the benefits of that position. Even if the application is unsuccessful, they will still have a municipal executive title after retirement."

She paused, then said in a low voice with a smile, "After retirement, those old men's circles are also divided according to their positions. Those in deputy positions are considered inferior."

Lu Zhao and Lin Zhiyan suddenly realized what was going on, and their doubts were cleared up.

This move is truly a strategy that allows for both offense and defense.

Just like the method Zhao De gave Lu Zhao, both methods applied the rules to the extreme.

Lin Zhiyan complained, "These people are so shrewd at calculating their own finances, it's like they're ghosts."

“This is what you need to learn,” Ding Shoujin said with a smile. “One day you will all reach a point where relationships can’t solve problems. When it’s time to exploit the loopholes in the rules, don’t feel embarrassed. It’s not like I’m asking you to commit crimes.”

The previous sentence was addressed to Lin Zhiyan. She had been pampered since childhood, but as long as she climbed the ranks in officialdom, there were always problems that connections couldn't solve.

The next sentence was directed at Lu Zhao, saying that the young man was too upright. This wasn't a flaw, but sometimes one had to be flexible.

However, judging from his question about the process of adding layers to his resume, Lu Zhao probably didn't need her to worry about it. In reality, this young man, though seemingly reckless, still had a backup plan.

After the dinner, with just a few words, Lu Zhao's promotion and position for the next two years were already decided.

Unlike others, he doesn't need to wait for a vacancy; as long as he meets the standards, someone will arrange a promotion for him.

Compared to two months ago, Lu Zhao felt as if it were a lifetime ago, and everything seemed unreal.

Before leaving, Ding Shoujin took two steps, then suddenly turned back.

His gaze focused on Lu Zhao, and his expression suddenly became solemn as he said, "Comrade Lu Zhao, you have suffered many injustices. On behalf of the Federation, I apologize to you."

Ding Shoujin originally came because of Lin Zhiyan, but after their initial contact, Lu Zhao made a very good impression on her.

Although his life development is not high, he has already honed his mental strength to a level stronger than most second-tier extraordinary individuals, and he will surely achieve great things in the future.

His abilities had already been proven to the entire Nankaido region some time ago, and over time, this has spread to the entire Federation. It's difficult to discern whether someone is talented simply by observing them; only when they take concrete actions can their abilities be confirmed.

He fought against the federal city authorities with the rank of lieutenant and ultimately achieved a narrow victory.

Someone needs to apologize for the injustice suffered by such an idealistic and capable comrade.

Whether it is needed or not, and whether it has ever happened, are two different things.

A dragon swimming in shallow waters can receive great kindness even with small favors.

Ding Shoujin raised his hand in salute.

"But please remember that the Federation is also yours. Don't be pessimistic because of the problems of a few people. This road is full of beautiful scenery, but also full of difficulties and obstacles. How you choose to walk it is up to you."

Before Lu Zhao could return the salute, Ding Shoujin had already vanished from the spot.

A gust of wind blew by, and the figures under the neon lights had long since disappeared.

Lu Zhao was slightly taken aback.

He didn't expect the other party to apologize to him, even though it was clearly unnecessary.

"Aunt Ding's supernatural power is teleportation, which allows her to perform large-scale spatial shifts. Her rank is that of a powerful supernatural power, only half a step away from the Five Ghosts Teleportation, one of the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends. Once she breaks through, she will become a Martial Marquis."

Lin Zhiyan answered from the side, then stroked his chin and guessed, "It's obvious that Aunt Ding likes you quite a bit. She wouldn't talk so much to just anyone."

Lu Zhao raised his head slightly and said, "Commander Ding clearly distinguishes between comrades and enemies."

"Stop being so conceited." Lin Zhiyan also raised his head, but had a different opinion: "If it weren't for me, Aunt Ding wouldn't even give you a second glance."

The two exchanged a smile, not seeking further credit, but simply exchanging a few lighthearted jokes like friends.

In just two months, they had grown much closer and could now be considered friends.

That night, Lu Xiaotong stayed at a state-run hotel, and Lu Zhao felt at ease knowing that Lin Zhiyan was looking after her.

Moreover, the room itself was prepared for Lu Zhao, who, as the deputy leader of the task force, also had accommodation provided.
-
July 11th, no rain during the rainy season.

This is an unprecedented situation, and Lu Zhao has inquired with the meteorological bureau but has yet to receive a response.

The only advantage was that it gave the border station time to prepare, as the rainy season came too early and many tasks were not completed.

Lu Xiaotong wanted to go back to Lujia Village for a visit, but Lu Zhao didn't have time to let her stay with Lin Zhiyan for a few more days.

July 12th, sunny.

When Chen Hongtao's term of office expired, the transfer order was immediately sent to the border station.

(End of this chapter)