After making arrangements with Chen Zimin, Su Yue began preparing her application materials and the IELTS exam.
Su Minghua was also not idle. Even with Secretary Chen's "amulet," he was still actively managing relationships within the department at all levels.
He was determined to secure the position in the Political Bureau.
Even before the appointment was finalized, some people had already started seeking him out for private gatherings. Over drinks, fueled by alcohol, they boldly addressed him as "Director Su."
When this news reached Chen Zimin, he merely smiled faintly, offering no reply.
However, a closer look would reveal a trace of disdain in his eyes.
"Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad."
Instead of voicing his opinion, he made a point of visiting Su Minghua every time he had official business at the department.
He always brought gifts and cheerfully greeted passing colleagues, showing no attempt to conceal anything.
But in secret, everything had already been meticulously planned. Kuaishu Ge
More than a month later, on the day the Political Bureau issued the appointments.
Su Minghua had barely slept. He woke up at four in the morning, showered, cleaned himself from head to toe, put on his neatly ironed police uniform, and examined himself in the mirror for a long time.
This was a day he had waited for many years.
He had schemed and strived relentlessly, all to climb higher and gain great power.
Ministry of Public Security.
Su Minghua waited all morning, feeling restless and anxious. It wasn't until close to lunchtime that he saw the secretary of the Political Bureau Director.
"Director Su, Director Zhou requests your presence," the secretary said respectfully.
"Mmm," he replied, maintaining a calm and collected demeanor on the surface, though his heart was ecstatic.
His steps seemed to be taking him closer to the position he craved.
A hint of smug satisfaction surfaced on his face, despite his efforts to hide it.
Upon arriving at Director Zhou's office and knocking to enter, he discovered another person present.
A colleague of the same rank, who had always been rather inconspicuous, was also participating in this Political Bureau selection.
His heart gave a jolt.
"Minghua, you're here. Have a seat," Director Zhou said with a smile, rising and gesturing towards the guest sofa.
Once they were all seated, Director Zhou had his secretary bring out two file bags, handing one to each of them.
"After the department's evaluation, these are your appointments. Please open them and take a look."
Su Minghua's hands trembled slightly, but he maintained a facade of composure as he opened the manila envelope.
The moment he saw the title, an expression of disbelief spread across his face.
He had indeed been promoted.
But it was a position in the Archives Bureau.
Compared to his current role, it held significantly less real power.
This was a classic case of a nominal promotion with a demotion in substance.
Suddenly, a surge of blood rushed to his head, and he felt a wave of dizziness.
At this moment, the inconspicuous colleague beside him spoke with some excitement, "Thank you for your trust, Director Zhou! Thank you, Organization!"
Su Minghua's vision began to darken, but before he lost consciousness, he leaned closer to get a look.
On the colleague's appointment letter was the very position he had desperately coveted.
"You're welcome. This is the department's recognition of your work capabilities. Congratulations to both of you... Old Su? Old Su!"
Director Zhou's voice gradually faded as Su Minghua closed his eyes and his body collapsed.
...
When Su Yue learned that Su Minghua had fainted, she was at the academic affairs office, getting the stamp for her academic transcript.
The tearful voice of Jiang Ling on the phone made her heart flutter with panic. She quickly finished her business at the school and headed to the hospital.
As she neared the hospital room, she saw several police officers in white police shirts.
"This must be your daughter. Hello, Yueyue. We're your father's colleagues," Director Zhou said, his eyes lighting up when he saw Su Yue, introducing himself kindly.
The officers beside him echoed his greeting.
"Hello, uncles," she replied politely, then turned to Jiang Ling, "What happened to him?"
The moment she uttered the word "him," Director Zhou's eyes held a knowing glint.
He was aware that Su Minghua was her stepfather. Su Yue's simple wording revealed the discord between them.
No wonder Director Xu had not approved Su Minghua's appointment to the Political Bureau, and no wonder the Archives Bureau had so readily welcomed Su Minghua.
He had initially thought the Chen family was displeased with Director Su's style of conduct, or perhaps disliked his daughter-in-law.
Now, it seemed, it wasn't dislike.
On the contrary, it was quite the opposite; they were so fond of her that they were taking revenge on her behalf.