After breaking up with my boyfriend, I made a fortune and rose rapidly in my career.

The air in the meeting room was heavy and oppressive.

When Zhang Wenbo uttered the words "Qingyuan Experience," Ma Changsheng's last glimmer of hope vanished.

Ma Changsheng's face turned pale instantly. His lips moved, but he couldn't utter a word. The file he had prepared, listing Chen Ping's problems, sat in the middle of the table, looking particularly jarring.

The other members of the research team also changed their gaze towards Ma Changsheng. The previous politeness was gone, replaced by scrutiny and distance. In officialdom, choosing the wrong side has far more serious consequences than making a mistake, especially when one stands against the prevailing trend.

Zhang Wenbo stopped looking at Ma Changsheng and turned to Chen Pingfang, his tone softening: "Comrade Pingfang, we need to take your tax returns and that joint letter back as first-hand materials to report to the provincial leaders."

Zhang Wenbo paused for a moment, his voice not loud, but every word carried weight.

"The province is trying to revitalize local state-owned assets and solve long-standing problems. Your Qingyuan County dares to tackle tough issues and is innovative, accomplishing in just one month what many places couldn't do in three years. This isn't a violation of regulations; it's pioneering and experimental, demonstrating responsibility and action!"

"Our research team's initial opinion is that we recommend that the Provincial Development and Reform Commission use Qingyuan's experience as a typical case and circulate it throughout the province for study."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ma Changsheng shuddered and almost slipped off his chair.

It’s over.

He went to the provincial capital to ask for help, but it turned out to be a huge problem for him.

With the phrases "pioneering and piloting" and "taking responsibility," all of Chen Pingfang's previous actions were recognized by the province. If Ma Changsheng then brought up procedures, it would be seen as a sign of outdated thinking and an obstacle to reform.

At this moment, Ma Changsheng finally understood how terrifying Chen Pingfang was.

Chen Pingfang never intended to waste time trying to understand the rules. Instead, he used his solid achievements to gain the approval of his superiors and change the game.

This is a case of dimensional reduction attack.

Cold sweat broke out on Ma Changsheng's forehead. He knew in his heart that there would be no good outcome if he continued to resist.

He slowly raised his head to look at Chen Pingfang, forcing an awkward smile onto his face.

"Director Zhang has a far-sighted view, and he's absolutely right!" Ma Changsheng slapped his thigh, his voice changing. "I was indeed a bit conservative before, always worried that taking too big a step would cause trouble. Now, after listening to Director Zhang's instructions, I realize that we were lagging behind Comrade Pingfang's reform ideas!"

Ma Changsheng stood up, took the initiative to pick up the kettle and refill Chen Ping's water, adopting a very humble posture.

"Comrade Pingfang is young, promising, and has great potential; he is a blessing to Qingyuan County. On behalf of the County Party Committee, I firmly support the opinions of the provincial research team and fully support Comrade Pingfang's work!"

His change of attitude was too sudden. Several local officials from Qingyuan County in the meeting room were almost speechless with astonishment.

Chen Ping picked up his teacup, not looking at Ma Changsheng, but smiling at Zhang Wenbo: "Thank you for the provincial leaders' recognition. The work in Qingyuan County also needs the unity of the county committee and the support of Secretary Ma."

By saying this, Chen Ping was essentially accepting Ma Changsheng's overtures in front of Zhang Wenbo.

Zhang Wenbo was a sensible man. He smiled and nodded, "Unity is good. Only with unity can we get things done."

After the meeting, the research team left surrounded by people.

In the corridor, the bureau chiefs who had previously been hiding from Chen Pingfang immediately surrounded him.

"County Chief Chen, our Finance Bureau will fully cooperate with the sand and gravel company to ensure smooth cash flow!"

"County Magistrate, our Transportation Bureau has already planned and is preparing to build a new dedicated transportation line directly connecting the sand and gravel quarry to the national highway!"

Ma Changsheng was left standing to the side, ignored by everyone. Li Wei, the director of the county party committee office, followed behind him, his face pale, barely daring to breathe.

Ma Changsheng looked at Chen Pingfang, who was surrounded by the crowd, his eyes turned cold, and his fists clenched tightly in his sleeves.

But he knew it was too late to say anything now.

……

The next morning, in the county government auditorium.

Another county-wide cadre meeting was convened.

Same location, same people, but a completely different atmosphere.

On the platform, Ma Changsheng sat in the center, holding a speech in his hand, his face stiff. Chen Pingfang sat next to him, his expression calm, as if the matter had nothing to do with him.

"Comrades!" Ma Changsheng cleared his throat, his voice carrying throughout the meeting hall through the microphone, "Yesterday, the provincial joint research team concluded its research on our county and gave it high praise!"

He took a deep breath, as if using all his strength.

"The research team highly praised Comrade Ping Fang's work on sand and gravel resource integration, calling it the 'Qingyuan Experience,' which should be promoted throughout the province!"

The audience was silent for a moment, then a few scattered claps broke out.

"This shows that under the leadership of County Head Chen, our county government has embarked on the right path of development! Some comrades, including myself, previously lacked a proper understanding and had doubts about the determination and courage to reform. This is something we must deeply reflect upon!"

With every word Ma Changsheng uttered, his face burned with embarrassment.

"On behalf of the county party committee, I want to make a statement here," he suddenly raised his voice, "From today onwards, the entire county must unify its thinking, act in unison, and unconditionally support all the work of the sand and gravel company! No unit or department is allowed to shirk or delay for any reason! Anyone who opposes the development of the sand and gravel company is opposing the interests of all the people of the county, and is opposing me, Ma Changsheng!"

His words caused the officials in the audience to look at each other, many of them lowering their heads, wanting to laugh but not daring to.

Everyone could see that Secretary Ma was forced to support County Chief Chen, becoming a stepping stone for County Chief Chen's reform efforts.

As soon as the meeting ended, Ma Changsheng quickly left the venue.

Outside the auditorium, under a large tree, Wang Heng was pacing anxiously back and forth. When he saw Ma Changsheng come out, he quickly went to greet him, a glimmer of hope on his face.

"Brother-in-law, how did it go? Did the people from the provincial government...?"

"Snapped!"

A crisp slap rang out in the courtyard.

Wang Heng covered his burning face, somewhat dazed, staring at Ma Changsheng in disbelief.

Ma Changsheng's eyes were bloodshot, and his expression looked terrifying.

"Don't call me brother-in-law, I'm not your brother-in-law." Ma Changsheng pointed at Wang Heng's nose and said through gritted teeth, "Wang Heng, if you want to die, don't drag me down with you."

"From today onwards, you and your lousy sand pit have absolutely nothing to do with me! You'd better watch yourself."

After saying that, Ma Changsheng stopped looking at Wang Heng, got into the car without turning back, and drove away quickly.

Wang Heng stood there blankly, the pain on his face far less intense than the coldness in his heart.

He was abandoned.

His brother-in-law, whom he had always relied on, just abandoned him like that.

He was first filled with hope, then anger and resentment. Finally, all those feelings vanished, leaving only coldness.

He slowly turned around and walked out of the county government compound, his back view looking very lonely.

Walking to a secluded corner, Wang Heng took out his phone, found a number he hadn't contacted in a long time, and dialed it.

When the call connected, a gruff and wary voice came from the other end.

"Who?"

Wang Heng gave a strange smile, his voice hoarse.

"Hello, is this Black Shark Bro?"

"Do you still want the sand from Qingyuan?"