CHAPTER 431: CHAPTER 431: MUTUALLY INCOMPATIBLE

Taking a deep breath, Chen Bin pretended to speak earnestly.

"To be honest, I don’t want you to reunite with Qiao Baichuan, but for you, remarrying him is the best choice."

Wu Kexin furrowed her brows slightly, looking perplexed.

"Why?"

"Because you and Qiao Baichuan have a child, and both of you have family responsibilities behind you. Besides, I might be reassigned someday. Sacrificing a complete family for me isn’t worth it."

After pondering for a long time, Wu Kexin tearfully asked again.

"Then, if I remarry him, will we still have a chance to be together?"

Chen Bin nodded repeatedly.

"Of course we will. As long as you’re willing, we can be together anytime, because I like you too."

With this answer, Wu Kexin nodded deeply, her emotions growing even stronger for Chen Bin.

Three days later, just as Chen Bin entered his office in the morning, Qiao Baichuan arrived.

"Chairman Chen, may I ask, have you recently been in touch with Kexin?"

"Yes, after my repeated persuasion, she finally agreed to remarry, but she needs you to show some sincerity."

"Alright, then what does she want? I can go buy it right now."

"She didn’t exactly say, but as long as you show your sincerity, that’s enough."

Nodding, Qiao Baichuan left happily.

Not long after, Chang Bucheng knocked on the door and walked in.

"The Unified Front Minister is retiring. Did you know about this?"

"Yes, Secretary Hao mentioned it."

"Who do you think will succeed him?"

"I’m not sure, but I hope it’s someone from outside the region."

Although Beihuang County currently appears harmonious, the local faction’s power is still strong.

If Hao Wenjing does something that harms their interests, they could turn hostile instantly.

To prevent Hao Wenjing from being isolated, Chen Bin hoped to weaken the local faction’s power.

Chang Bucheng, however, frowned slightly.

"I think the same way. But I heard that Wu Daibo and He Kun both want Gong Qing, the Water Resources Bureau director, to take over. But honestly, when did Wu Daibo and He Kun start collaborating?"

Chen Bin explained, "Qiao Baichuan and Wu Kexin might be remarrying."

"No wonder. But I still think Gong Qing shouldn’t take over, or the local faction will get even stronger."

"Alright, then call Secretary Duan and see what he thinks."

Chang Bucheng didn’t hesitate and called Duan Baijian right in front of Chen Bin.

However, Duan Baijian believed that it was more suitable for a local to handle unified front work.

Using too many external officials isn’t conducive to Beihuang County’s internal stability.

Moreover, the Unified Front Minister’s position isn’t that important, not worth competing over.

But in Chen Bin’s view, he had a different opinion.

After all, the Unified Front Minister is a member of the standing committee and can cast votes at critical moments.

If the position can be secured, it should be.

Since Duan Baijian didn’t want an outsider, then they had to pick someone local.

However, the candidate must have a clean background, free of ties to any family factions.

After some investigation, Chen Bin eventually set his sights on Wen Lijie, the National and Religious Affairs Bureau director.

Wen Lijie isn’t affiliated with any political family, so he’s never been heavily promoted.

He also used to be a teacher before entering politics.

Starting as an ordinary township official, he worked his way up to a leadership position, eventually rising to work at the county level—proof of his abilities.

Such a person would be perfect for Hao Wenjing to recruit.

With this in mind, Chen Bin immediately called Chang Bucheng and Lai Biancheng to discuss it together in Hao Wenjing’s office.

"Wen Lijie has no backing in Beihuang’s political scene. If we promote him, it will signal to those without family connections that working hard can still lead to advancement. This is a win-win decision."

All three thought Chen Bin’s idea was excellent and expressed unanimous support.

After Hao Wenjing spoke with Wen Lijie, rumors began spreading in the county that he was set to take over as Unified Front Minister.

Upon hearing this, Qian Shujuan and others decided to approach Hao Wenjing to discuss the matter.

Wu Daibo started by probing, "Secretary Hao, I heard you met with Wen Lijie?"

Hao Wenjing nodded, directly confirming it.

"Yes, I think he’s quite capable and should take on greater responsibilities."

"Gong Qing from the Water Resources Bureau has the experience and ability. He seems to outperform Wen Lijie in every aspect, doesn’t he?"

At this moment, Qian Shujuan also stepped forward.

"I agree with Minister Wu’s opinion. Gong Qing is known by everyone as an honest and cooperative individual, which makes him perfectly suited for unified front work."

Since becoming County Magistrate, she had always followed Hao Wenjing’s lead.

This was her first time opposing him.

Hao Wenjing wasn’t upset but calmly explained.

"Gong Qing is excellent in agriculture and water resources. Assigning him to unified front work would be a waste of talent. Wen Lijie has done fairly well in the National and Religious Affairs Bureau, making him more suitable for the Unified Front role."

Qian Shujuan didn’t hesitate and directly countered.

"While Gong Qing certainly excels in agriculture and water management, he learned all of that after joining the Water Resources Bureau. If he’s moved to unified front work, I believe he’ll excel in that as well."

Both stood firm, their gazes unwavering.

No one showed signs of concession.

In the end, this small-scale discussion ended inconclusively.

With no other choice, Hao Wenjing sought out Chen Bin to come up with a solution.

After some thinking, Chen Bin finally had an idea.

After work, Chen Bin invited Wu Daibo to dinner.

A few sips of liquor in, Chen Bin looked at the troubled Wu Daibo and asked.

"Is Minister Wu worried about Kexin’s matter?"

"Yes, the remarriage hasn’t made much progress yet, and I’m anxious."

"Don’t worry, as the saying goes, good things take time. I’ve almost convinced Qiao Baichuan. Now he just needs to ensure both sides save face, and it’ll happen."

Wu Daibo raised his glass, his face full of excitement.

"Then I’ll leave it to Chairman Chen!"

Chen Bin clinked his glass with him, smiling.

"Minister Wu, you’re too polite. We’re not outsiders—it’s only right for me to help with Kexin’s remarriage."

Nodding, Wu Daibo asked again.

"But Chairman Chen probably didn’t invite me here just for the kids’ matter, did you?"

Chen Bin smiled and nodded, "Given our relationship, I won’t beat around the bush—I hope you’ll align yourself with Secretary Hao."

Putting his glass down, Wu Daibo didn’t say a word.

Chen Bin continued, "Beihuang County is changing. Whoever dares to go against the organization won’t have good outcomes—you understand this, right?"

Wu Daibo nodded slightly, showing no disagreement with the statement.

"But Tang Heqing’s side..."

"You can persuade him, too. Have him follow the highest leader’s direction. Besides, let me share some inside info: Secretary Hao has connections at the top. She’s just in Beihuang for gilding her résumé. Following her lead won’t go wrong."

Hearing this, Wu Daibo could only nod.

"Alright then, I know what to do. But as for the children’s remarriage, please make an extra effort, Chairman Chen."

A flicker of disdain flashed in his eyes, but Chen Bin’s face remained smiling.

"Don’t worry about that—their remarriage is just around the corner!"