In name only: I will break the chess game in Handong!

"Secretary Chen, thank you for your recognition of Yike's family. We will definitely visit in a few days to express our gratitude!"

Lu Zheng'an was truly grateful to Chen Luo, who not only helped his daughter leave the job that offended people but also saved face for the Lu family. This was a great favor.

"Commander Lu, there's no need for you to come and express your gratitude."

I recommended Comrade Lu Yike as the director of the Inspection Office because of his firm Party principles and strong work ability.

I think this is also why Commander Lu recommends talented individuals without regard to personal relationships.

Lu Zheng'an was stunned by those few words; the nature of the matter was completely different just by changing the wording.

Lu Zheng'an muttered to himself, but being a man of principle, he replied, "Secretary Chen is right. Our Party members and cadres should be selected based on merit."

Please rest assured, Secretary Chen, I will instruct Yike to cooperate well with your work.

"Okay, Commander Lu, let's stop here for now. I still have some work to take care of."

Goodbye, Secretary Chen!

After hanging up the phone, Chen Luo slowly leaned back on the sofa, his eyes slightly closed, his fingertips tapping lightly on the table, his expression appearing very calm.

Meanwhile, at the Lu family's residence.

When Lu Zheng'an told his lover, Judge Wu, about the results, Judge Wu was also very happy and hurriedly sat down next to Lu Yike.

"That's good news! Although you won't be promoted to bureau chief this time, Secretary Chen said the position of director of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission's Supervision Office is very suitable for you. It's no less important than being the director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Yike slowly raised her head and finally reacted to her mother's seemingly unfaithful tone and expression.

"Mom? Really?"

"Oh, you silly girl, how could this be fake? Your dad personally called Secretary Chen and said that you have firm party principles, strong work ability, and are very suitable to preside over the work of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission's Supervision Office."

What's wrong? You don't seem too happy. Are you reluctant to leave the Anti-Corruption Bureau, or are you waiting for Chen Hai?

Seeing that her own mother had directly exposed the truth, Lu Yike stopped pretending and confronted her mother, sitting up straight and looking directly at her, saying, "Mom, you know I like Chen Hai, so why did you still introduce me to blind dates? Do you really look down on Chen Hai that much?"

Upon hearing this, Judge Wu's smile faded, and he said seriously, "That's fine too. I don't look down on Chen Hai."

But Chen Hai has been married before, and you are still young. If Chen Hai didn't have a son, your father and I wouldn't have stopped you.

But Chen Hai already has a son. If you stay with him, there will be a lot of trouble in the future. Being a stepmother is not easy!

Furthermore, you and Chen Hai both work within the political and legal system. You're a strong-willed person. So, do you think our family's political resources should go to you or Chen Hai?

Lu Yike was left speechless by Judge Wu's questioning.

"Sigh, it's alright. A family like ours is destined not to let you choose freely. Your father chose me, which is why he argued with your grandfather and came to Handong from the capital."

When people are young, they always think that love can overcome all difficulties, but when they get old, they realize that love is simply a matter of the other person's character. If the character is good, the relationship will last; if the character is bad, the feelings will fade away in a year or two.

Lu Yike remained silent.

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"There's another reason why we disagree with you and Chen Hai. Don't be fooled by how warm and welcoming Chen Hai's father and his wife are to you now. If you really go with Chen Hai, you'll see how stubborn they are. Didn't Chen Hai's ex-wife leave him because she couldn't stand their constant criticism?"

Knowing it's a pit of fire, would I let you jump in?

"I understand, Mom..."

Lu Yike's feelings were complicated at this moment. She was happy about her upcoming promotion, but also shocked by her mother's words.

"Well, think it over carefully. You can only prioritize one over the other, love or career. Once you've thought it through, you won't be so conflicted."

Judge Wu left, leaving Lu Yike alone in the living room in silence for a long time.

............................................................

As it was almost time to leave work, Chen Luo called Director Ma from the Supervision Office to his office. Ma Shan was fifty-nine years old and had about a year left before his official retirement.

"Secretary Chen!"

Standing opposite Chen Luo, Ma Shan felt immense pressure looking at the calm-looking Chen Luo.

Chen Luo didn't speak, but placed the documents in his hand on the table before saying, "Comrade Ma Shan, please sit down."

After receiving permission, Ma Shan carefully sat down.

"Comrade Ma Shan must be fifty-nine by now, right?"

As Chen Luo asked the question, Ma Shan quickly responded.

"Yes, Secretary Chen, he's fifty-nine."

"Recently, some cadres in our political and legal system are nearing retirement age. They all share a common characteristic: feeling that they are about to retire, they often choose to perfunctorily complete the tasks assigned by their superiors. Comrade Ma Shan, what do you think?"

Ma Shan's forehead was already sweating, and his lips were deathly pale.

What does he think? Chen Luo's words were clearly directed at him.

"Secretary Chen, could it be that this kind of cadre is working at a moderate pace because of old age and declining physical capabilities?"

"Moderate? Hmm, that's a good word. You're just using 'moderate' as a perfunctory response. Comrade Ma Shan, it seems you're getting old and starting to choose 'moderate' answers and 'moderate' work."

"Secretary Chen! I..."

Chen Luo raised his hand, signaling Ma Shan to be quiet.

"Comrade Ma Shan, we should just do our job as usual. If our Party members and cadres are not physically fit, they should learn to step down and let younger people take charge, rather than choosing to work only moderately. What do you think?"

Now that things have been said, how could Ma Shan not understand?

However, it's fine to back down now. It's been decades of political and legal work, and Ma Shan knows all too well the importance of diplomacy before resorting to force.

"Yes, yes, Secretary Chen, what you said is very insightful! By the way, Secretary Chen, since you called me here, I'd like to take this opportunity to make a request."

"Okay, go ahead."

"Secretary Chen, my work performance has declined significantly recently, and I lack the energy. I request the organization to approve my early retirement by one year so that a new comrade can take over the work and keep the cause of serving the people vibrant!"

"It's great that Comrade Ma Shan has this kind of understanding. I agree to your early retirement."

When Director Ma left Chen Luo's office, his legs were still trembling slightly. Was he wronged? Actually, no. If Ma Shan had been working diligently, Chen Luo would not have chosen to replace him.

"Oh well... an early and stable retirement is better than dragging it out until something goes wrong, sigh!"

After letting out a heavy sigh, Ma Shan disappeared down the corridor.

Chen Luo remained calm in his office. Replacing a director of the inspection office was nothing to cause him any emotional reaction.

Sure enough, Ma Shan submitted his early retirement application the next morning.

With only three days left before the Standing Committee meeting, Chen Luo and the Lu family were not in a hurry, but Chen Yanshi and his son were as anxious as ants on a hot pan, running around frantically.