I feel right at home in the world of the courtyard house.

Small courtyard.

Li Jing'an stood in the room, looking at Deputy Director Wang who was bowing and smiling obsequiously, and then glanced at the piles of things at the other's feet and on the table, his brows furrowing slightly.

"Old Wang," he said, his tone turning somber and tinged with helplessness, "there's no need for us to make our relationship so vulgar."

Deputy Director Wang stiffened, but his smile remained unchanged, still very respectful: "Comrade Li, look at what you're saying. This is my first time visiting you, so I can't come empty-handed, can I? How thick-skinned would I have to be! I just bought some things on the way here, nothing expensive, just a small token of my appreciation."

Li Jing'an walked over, looked down and flipped through the things on the table, his brows furrowing even more.

"You don't need to buy so much." He picked up a bottle of Moutai, then put it down, picked up a pack of Zhonghua cigarettes, and sighed softly. "Look at this, Moutai, Zhonghua, chocolate, whiskey... What are you doing? Sit down, don't stand."

While uttering words of reproach, Li Jing'an already wore a friendly smile and gestured for the other person to sit down.

It wasn't that he was ignorant of social etiquette, nor was he deliberately looking through other people's gifts; he was just too afraid of being bothered by those local specialties that had been delivered before.

This Director Wang seems much more reliable. These chocolates and whiskeys are special supplies for high-ranking officials; ordinary people have never even seen them.

Deputy Director Wang dared not truly relax; he sat cautiously on the edge of the chair, half his buttocks dangling in the air, his posture extremely humble.

"Comrade Li, I'm here today mainly to tell you about your sister's transfer." He quickly got down to business, "The transfer report from the gear factory arrived yesterday, and I've already read the official documents. Now we're just waiting for the non-staple food company to send over their report on the labor shortage. As soon as it's in my hands, I'll approve it immediately without wasting a single day."

Li Jing'an nodded, turned around, took a pinch of tea leaves from the drawer, put them into the enamel mug, and poured in hot water.

The tea leaves slowly unfurled in the hot water, releasing a delicate aroma.

"Okay, I understand." He picked up his water glass and handed it to Deputy Director Wang. "I'll contact the department store right away and have them submit the application as soon as possible. Thank you so much for your help this time, Lao Wang."

Deputy Director Wang practically jumped up from his chair, respectfully accepting the water glass with both hands, repeatedly saying, "No trouble at all, no trouble at all! It's not trouble at all, Comrade Li, you're too kind!"

He took a sip of water and quickly added, "If you have any relatives, friends, or colleagues who want to change factories or choose a job in the future, just let me know. I can't help with other major matters, but within the scope of the Labor Bureau, I can still put in a good word to arrange a stable job."

Upon hearing this, Li Jing'an's eyes lit up slightly, and he instantly perked up.

Looking at the humble and considerate Deputy Director Wang in front of him, he immediately understood.

This isn't just a simple notification or gift-giving visit; this is clearly a thoughtful, ambitious, and willing comrade who wants to get closer to you.

His smile became more genuine, and his tone more friendly: "Okay, Lao Wang, I'll remember that. If anything comes up in the future, I won't hold back."

Upon hearing this, Deputy Director Wang felt much more relaxed, straightened his back slightly, and knew that his trip had not been in vain, the gift had not been given for nothing, and the words had not been spoken for nothing.

He held the enamel mug, leaned forward slightly, and lowered his voice, which carried a hint of cautious expectation: "Comrade Li, there's something else... I don't know if it's convenient. It's just that if there's an opportunity in the future, I would appreciate it if you could mention my name to Leader Wei. You don't need to say anything special, just let him know that I'm here, willing to work, and obedient. I would be extremely grateful."

After he finished speaking, he looked up at Li Jing'an, his eyes full of expectation.

Li Jing'an picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and his smile remained unchanged.

"No problem, Director Wang." He put down his teacup, his tone very cheerful. "Although we've only met twice, I have a very good impression of you. You're a good cadre who gets things done. Don't worry, I'll definitely mention you to my dad when I have the chance."

He spoke sincerely, and Deputy Director Wang nodded repeatedly, his smile almost overflowing.

But Li Jing'an was thinking something else entirely—they'd only just begun, the matter wasn't even settled yet, and while the gifts were plentiful, they were really just a small token of their greeting. Was this all the sincerity they were offering to pass a message to Leader Wei?

If you really invest a lot of money and get things done thoroughly, so that I can't find a reason to back out, then that's what it means to be good at handling things.

The two exchanged pleasantries for a while longer.

Seeing that the tea was almost gone, Deputy Director Wang got up to say goodbye.

"Comrade Li, I'll head back now, so as not to disturb your rest any longer." He stood up, but then, as if remembering something, pointed to the pile of things, "Keep these things for yourself, they're just some inexpensive trinkets, please don't be shy about using them."

Li Jing'an saw him to the door and patted his arm: "Old Wang, take care. Come visit often."

"Certainly, certainly, please wait, please wait." Deputy Director Wang backed out the door, and only after he walked out of the building did the smile on his face slowly disappear, replaced by a satisfied and content expression.

Li Jing'an closed the door, glanced back at the pile of things, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

These days, it's rare to find someone like Deputy Director Wang who understands the rules, knows when to advance and retreat, is willing to get things done, and is also good at speaking.

This is a key person in a crucial position. He'll be very useful in the future.