Chapter 19: Zhang Jun's Abuse of Power

After leaving Ma Hongqi’s office, Jiang Changxing’s face was flushed with excitement and joy. He grasped Zhang Jun’s hand, repeatedly expressing his thanks and insisting on treating Zhang Jun to a meal.

Zhang Jun had a thought and, with a subtle shift of his mind, agreed to Jiang Changxing’s request.

He returned the envelope he had just received to Jiang Changxing, unopened, saying, “Director Jiang, I cannot accept this money. If you don’t want to harm me, please take it back.”

Jiang Changxing declined, saying, “Secretary Zhang, this money isn’t for you; it’s compensation for Comrade Liu Yuda.”

Zhang Jun replied firmly, “That’s between you and him. It has nothing to do with me.”

Reluctantly, Jiang Changxing took the money back and said, “Secretary Zhang, you are truly righteous! Thank you. We’ll meet tonight—I’ll come pick you up.”

Zhang Jun thought for a moment and said, “There’s no need to pick me up. I don’t know when I’ll be free. We’ll keep in touch.”

At that moment, someone else approached, so Jiang Changxing excused himself and left.

Just as Zhang Jun settled down to rest, Zhou Wenbin walked in.

Zhou Wenbin’s face was unforgettable to Zhang Jun.

Although his wife had never been compromised by Zhou Wenbin, this man had designs on Liu Yujie and had even taken action!

For that alone, Zhang Jun harbored no goodwill toward him.

Zhou Wenbin approached with a sly smile, chuckling softly, “Hello, Secretary Zhang.”

Zhang Jun sat calmly, coolly asking, “What brings you here? You didn’t have an appointment today.”

Zhou Wenbin glanced around furtively like a thief, then said, “Secretary Zhang, I came to see you. Are you free today? I’d like to treat you to a meal.”

“No,” Zhang Jun answered stiffly, giving him no respect.

Zhou Wenbin wasn’t offended; his smile grew even more sincere and radiant, like a blooming autumn chrysanthemum.

“Secretary Zhang, just a small token of goodwill,” he said, producing a large bag and placing it before Zhang Jun. “Please accept this from me.”

“No rewards for no merit! Whatever you’re giving, take it back,” Zhang Jun said with an unyielding expression.

With others who brought gifts, he might show some courtesy, but not with this scoundrel.

Looking at that large bundle, if it were cash, it would be at least a hundred thousand yuan!

This guy was really wealthy and generous! Even a lowly secretary was worth spending big money to bribe—clearly, what he sought was important!

Zhang Jun would never dare accept such money.

“If you don’t take it away, I’ll call the police!” Zhang Jun sneered coldly.

Zhou Wenbin wanted to speak but held his tongue when he heard this. “Secretary Zhang, your refusal to accept gifts shows you’re a good comrade. I sincerely want to be friends with you.”

“Friends? You’re not even worthy of having friends. Get lost, or I’ll hit you!” Zhang Jun’s eyes gleamed with a fierce hunger.

Zhou Wenbin was shocked, recalling the beating he endured that day, and said nervously, “Sorry, Secretary Zhang, I’m leaving now.”

He timidly grabbed the bag and fled hastily.

Clenching his teeth, Zhang Jun thought, “Let you enjoy a few days of pride—just wait and see how I deal with you!”

At noon, Zhang Jun returned home to find Liu Yujie had come back early and prepared the meal.

He had never seen such a virtuous woman and couldn’t help but feel deeply impressed.

Power truly was a wonderful thing.

No wonder they said power was the best medicine—it could cure all the social ailments of men and settle most troubles.

“Zhang Jun, my mother called and said the Third Hospital compensated my brother with ten thousand yuan.”

“I know.”

“If I’d known they’d compensate, I would have had Yuda stay in our hospital for a few months and squeezed them for fifty or sixty thousand!”

“You’re ruthless.”

“They’re only doing it because of your face. Does your reputation only count for ten thousand yuan? They hit someone—they should compensate.”

Zhang Jun frowned slightly but said nothing.

This kind of extortion was common.

But Zhang Jun could never be so ruthless.

That was why he lacked the cold-bloodedness necessary for promotion.

“I won’t be home for dinner tonight. Something came up,” Zhang Jun said. “You don’t need to make my meal.”

Liu Yujie replied with endless tenderness, “Alright. When you’re out socializing, drink less—it’s bad for your health. And we’re still trying to conceive! A child born from drunkenness might have congenital defects.”

Used to her previous haughty attitude, Zhang Jun felt goosebumps seeing her so humble and gentle now.

Nothing special happened that afternoon.

An inspection team from the ministry launched a surprise visit to the Provincial People’s Hospital. The warning caused the other units to prepare in advance.

The team’s current strategy was to use the Provincial People’s Hospital as a breakthrough point to quickly extract a result.

The inspection was handled by the team, with Ma Hongqi assisting.

Ma Hongqi’s afternoon meetings were tense because those who missed yesterday’s chance would come today.

Those seeking an audience would coordinate with Zhang Jun beforehand to set a time.

Zhang Jun glanced at the schedule and noticed the comrade scheduled for 4 p.m. had not called.

He pondered briefly and sent a message to Liu Zhengjie: “4 p.m., come see the boss.”

After sending, he deleted the message.

Liu Zhengjie replied, “Received, thank you.”

At 3:50 p.m., after the meeting ended, Ma Hongqi went to the restroom.

Liu Zhengjie arrived punctually.

Zhang Jun signaled him to wait and not to speak carelessly.

Liu Zhengjie was smart and nodded.

Because of his low rank, he wasn’t entitled to meet Ma Hongqi. If he acted too familiar with Zhang Jun and Ma Hongqi noticed, it could cause misunderstandings.

When Ma Hongqi returned, Zhang Jun entered the office and poured a fresh cup of tea for the boss. “Boss, the 4 p.m. appointment is with Liu Zhengjie from the Broadcast and Television Bureau.”

“Good.” Ma Hongqi checked his watch. “He’s waiting outside? Let him in.”

Zhang Jun turned and invited Liu Zhengjie in, reminding him, “You have ten minutes. Get straight to the point; avoid wasting time.”

Liu Zhengjie took a deep breath, gratefully shook Zhang Jun’s hand, and entered the office.

Zhang Jun did not know what was discussed inside. The bridge was laid; whether it could be crossed depended on Liu Zhengjie’s ability.

“Knock, knock!”

“Hello.”

“Please come in.”

Zhang Jun looked up to see a middle-aged man wearing glasses standing at the door.

“Are you the newly appointed Secretary Zhang?” the man asked. “I’m Fang Jianwen from the Department of Education. I had an appointment to see Vice Governor Ma at 4 p.m.”

Hearing his tone, Zhang Jun realized this man lacked political savvy and asked, “Why didn’t you call ahead?”

Fang Jianwen hesitated, then replied, “This is my first time meeting Vice Governor Ma. I didn’t know I needed to call. I thought the prior appointment was enough. I’m Deputy Director of the Department of Education, and Vice Governor Ma requested this meeting. I’m not late either!”

Zhang Jun said calmly, “Deputy Director Fang, please wait. Vice Governor Ma is still with visitors. After the current audience, I will notify you.”

Fang Jianwen didn’t understand the protocols and sat obediently to wait nearby.