CHAPTER 789: CHAPTER 648: SECRETARY, MEETING, AND HENG LU GUANGNAN’S WARINESS

"Minister Aoyama has really returned!"

"Minister Aoyama is here, and Hokkaido will be peaceful! Minister Aoyama is here, and the bright sky is assured!"

"At the beginning of the year, when Minister Aoyama had yet to be transferred back to Tokyo, the security in Hokkaido was steadily improving. Once he left, all sorts of monsters and demons emerged to wreak havoc. We cannot be without Chief Aoyama in Hokkaido, just like the West cannot be without Jerusalem!"

"Why, Minister Aoyama is now the Chief, isn’t he? People like Chief Aoyama should be promoted to higher positions to benefit more citizens!"

The next day, as the news reported the grand arrival of Aoyama Xiu Xin in Hokkaido, the local populace was cheering with joy, exchanging the news gleefully.

The unfortunate masses were being played with like puppets in the palm.

In the morning, when Aoyama Xiu Xin arrived at the office, Haruno Takayoshi was already waiting at the door, bowing respectfully and calling "Chief", before opening the door.

As the Chief, he was now entitled to have a secretary, and he directly appointed Haruno Takayoshi, who was once the secretary of Fujimoto Takayoshi. Firstly, because Haruno Takayoshi had made significant contributions while he controlled the Hokkaido Police Headquarters, and secondly, because the person was indeed efficient.

Thirdly, and most importantly, this person had a grateful heart. He would visit his former boss, Fujimoto Takayoshi, every month, chat with him, help with some chores, or cook a meal, always showing consistent respect.

Although Fujimoto Takayoshi was pushed to an early retirement by Aoyama Xiu Xin, and he, as the secretary, quickly helped to take over the power which had a smell of betrayal, it was not something he sought on his own but was approached by Aoyama Xiu Xin.

Moreover, due to his apparent act of betrayal once in the eyes of outsiders, Aoyama Xiu Xin believed that if he were to heavily employ him, out of emotional consideration he would surely feel grateful forever, and knowing his own interests, he would never betray him again. Otherwise, betraying his master twice would render him a disloyal servant, and such a person could never see the light of day.

The office was spotless, with all files and items neatly arranged, and the coffee on the desk was still warm.

"Chief, I had the office re-arranged, let me know if there is anything unsatisfactory, and I will ask someone to change it immediately," Haruno Takayoshi said, bending over.

As the former secretary of a powerholder, Aoyama Xiu Xin’s willingness to use him already made him extremely grateful, and now entrusting him indeed as a secretary could almost move Haruno Takayoshi to tears over this trust and importance – gratitude was all he felt!

Aoyama Xiu Xin glanced around, nodded with satisfaction, and said: "Let’s keep it as is, it’s quite good."

He then walked to the back of his desk and sat down, casually asking: "How is Senior Fujimoto doing lately?"

Compared to Haruno Takayoshi, his actions against Fujimoto Takayoshi were true backstabbing. Fujimoto Takayoshi had trusted and valued him so much, yet he actively schemed against him to seize power.

"Very well, he has come to terms with it, no longer depressed, and has recently taken a fancy to fishing, always out looking for fishing spots," Haruno Takayoshi replied with a subtle smile.

"That’s good. As we age, we must relax and unwind. The responsibilities at work should indeed be handled by us younger folk." Aoyama Xiu Xin also smiled and then proceeded to give instructions, "Inform Governor Heng Lu’s secretary in advance that I hope to pay a visit to the governor later today, and I wish to receive permission."

Paying a visit without prior notice would be rude, which is why visitors often refer to themselves as coming ’unexpectedly’. Moreover, Heng Lu Guangnan is a busy person, and only with advance notice can they make time available; otherwise, he might not even be home for an impromptu visit.

"Understood!" Haruno Takayoshi quickly noted down this task in a small notebook retrieved from his chest pocket.

Although he could remember it by heart.

But what if he forgot?

Aoyama Xiu Xin continued, "Tomorrow afternoon, I will pay a visit to Mayor Miyashita, and in the evening, visit..."

The initial days are not meant to delve right into work.

Visits to the local major players in Hokkaido were needed one by one.

To show his respect for them.

Besides, his relationship with local forces was fairly good during his tenure in Hokkaido last year, hence, even from maintaining friendships, these visits were necessary.

In the afternoon, Aoyama Xiu Xin convened his first work meeting since assuming the position of Chief. Police chiefs from various regions in Hokkaido attended this meeting.

The meeting considered the current security problems in Hokkaido as serious, posing a severe threat to the safety and property of the citizens; the meeting pointed out that this situation resulted from police negligence, which should be a cause for shame; the meeting demanded a comprehensive crackdown operation across various police stations for a hundred days to improve the security environment; the meeting emphasized that police stations must strictly implement the headquarters’ directives, with negligence and lazy governance being subject to the maximum possible penalties.

Aoyama Xiu Xin presented his points eloquently, while regional chiefs and senior headquarters officials sat straight up below, listening attentively, and the clerical staff behind them were taking notes diligently.

"Meeting adjourned!" With the end of the meeting, Aoyama Xiu Xin uttered these two words, then walked out without looking back.

Creak, everyone stood up simultaneously, bowed, and loudly proclaimed in unison: "Farewell, Chief!"

The voice resounded throughout the entire meeting room.

This was the echo of power.

From this day on, local criminals in Hokkaido suddenly realized that the Hokkaido Police with Aoyama Xiu Xin and without Aoyama Xiu Xin were completely different entities – their doomsday had arrived.

As Aoyama Xiu Xin just walked out of the meeting room, Haruno Takayoshi promptly advanced to report, "Chief, Governor Heng Lu’s secretary just called back, saying that the Governor is waiting at home for your visit tonight, inviting you for dinner together."

"Please prepare a small gift for me." Since Heng Lu Guangnan was hosting a meal, he couldn’t just carry his full appreciation and visit empty-handed, a thoughtful gift was necessary.

Haruno Takayoshi responded with an "Understood!"

As someone who has been a secretary to Fujimoto Takayoshi for years.

He had numerous dealings with local bureaucrats, being thoroughly familiar with their preferences and taboos, always able to prepare suitable gifts at the right time.

Having a competent secretary is crucial in politics.

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

In the evening, after work, Xiu Xin brought Jin Yucheng and Haruno Takayoshi to visit Heng Lu Guangnan’s home.

Jin Yucheng did not get out of the car, while Haruno Takayoshi followed behind Xiu Xin with a gift box and rang the doorbell.

"Ding-dong! Ding-dong!"

The one who opened the door was the housekeeper.

"Chief Aoyama, please."

The housekeeper bent down and took out a pair of slippers, placing them in front of Xiu Xin, then stood to the side after bowing.

Xiu Xin turned around to take the gift box from Jin Yucheng and handed it over, "Just a little token of appreciation for the Governor."

"Yes!" The housekeeper skillfully reached out and accepted it.

The fact that the housekeeper could accept a gift on behalf of Heng Lu Guangnan without his direct permission showed just how much more intimate Heng Lu Guangnan’s attitude towards Xiu Xin had become since the previous year.

After all, last year he was merely the god-grandson of the Minister of Autonomy, but now he’s the god-grandson of the Prime Minister.

After changing into indoor shoes, Xiu Xin entered the house.

"Hahaha, Mr. Aoyama, you’re here, please have a seat, you truly are young and promising. It’s hard to believe that in just half a year, you’ve already been promoted to Police Director."

Heng Lu Guangnan was the only one at home. He got up to welcome him warmly, patting Xiu Xin on the shoulder just like he would with a well-liked junior colleague.

Last year, he did not receive such treatment.

Xiu Xin chuckled wryly and respectfully said, "It’s all thanks to the support of my family elders."

"Mr. Aoyama, you are too modest. I believe it is your own capability that has prompted Prime Minister Yan Chuan to recommend you without hesitation. It speaks volumes about the Prime Minister’s discernment and admirable character."

"Grandfather certainly is a person of admirable character."

After brief small talk, the two sat down on the sofa.

"Mr. Aoyama’s return to Hokkaido truly aligns with the people’s will and is what everyone expected! Even though I’ve been serving as the governor in Hokkaido for many years, I never received such treatment," Heng Lu Guangnan said, feigning jealousy.

Xiu Xin humbly responded, "It’s all due to the love and support of the people in Hokkaido, which puts a lot of pressure on me. I’m afraid of letting everyone down, so I have to work diligently and responsibly to repay everyone’s trust."

"The fact that Mr. Aoyama has this mindset already proves that the people have chosen the right person," Heng Lu Guangnan nodded and commented, then jokingly added, "With such public support, being a police officer is a bit of a waste of talent. You could run for a seat in the national parliament, or even replace me as governor."

"Governor, you’re joking. I know my own strengths; I’m just good at handling cases. If you put me in another job, it would probably lead to public outrage," Xiu Xin said, shaking his head repeatedly.

Heng Lu Guangnan laughed heartily, saying, "Mr. Aoyama, you’re being modest again. You’re still young and have plenty of opportunities to learn. There’s nothing too difficult about politics either."

"Sir, it’s time for dinner." At this moment, the housekeeper came over respectfully to inform them.

Heng Lu Guangnan stood up, "Let’s eat. Tonight, you must drink a few more glasses, Mr. Aoyama."

"Certainly, certainly," Xiu Xin replied.

Heng Lu Guangnan had also caught wind of the cabinet’s intention to take action against Aum Shinrikyo, and during dinner, he willingly brought up the topic, expressing his full support in case the police needed cooperation from the administrative departments.

Xiu Xin expressed his gratitude.

After a satisfying meal and some more conversation, Xiu Xin eventually took his leave, with the housekeeper seeing him out.

"Clunk!"

As the door closed, Heng Lu Guangnan’s body completely relaxed as he slumped back into the sofa, lighting a cigarette and watching his expression change unpredictably.

Xiu Xin’s popularity in Hokkaido deeply alarmed and apprehended him. He had been in this position for ten years and had long regarded Hokkaido as his own domain. But Xiu Xin had come to Hokkaido twice for office, gaining strong support locally, and his grandfather was the Prime Minister. If he wanted to replace him in the future, it would not be difficult.

The most crucial point was his suspicion that Xiu Xin had always had such intentions. Otherwise, why would he come to Hokkaido twice for office and not choose some other place?

After getting into the car, Xiu Xin also lit a cigarette.

He chuckled lightly and said calmly:

"That old bastard, guarding his territory."

Indeed, from the beginning, he’d planned to build Hokkaido into his stronghold, his base of support.

Even if a rebellion were to occur, he needed a group of people to support him.

And this would surely intrude upon the interests of the local bureaucracy led by Heng Lu Guangnan, an irreconcilable conflict.