The jeep moved faster than other vehicles, and the group arrived at the city government before noon. The government staff trembled inwardly at the sight of the military district's car.
These mad dogs are here again—nothing good ever happens when they show up!
Chen Tian also let out a sigh of relief as he stepped out of the car. It was hard to imagine two intimidating figures sitting side by side, yet the atmosphere between them was so sweet it was almost suffocating.
Lin Han adjusted his wife’s collar and smoothed her hair—she had been sleeping during the ride.
"Darling, I’ll wait right here for you. If anything comes up, just come out and call me."
Nan Sheng nodded and walked toward the government building. As soon as she entered, someone stopped her. "Halt! Register first, or you’re not allowed inside!"
This was a small matter Chen Tian could handle. "Comrade, hello. We’re members of the county’s revolutionary committee. A leader called yesterday and asked us to come today."
At the mention of the revolutionary committee, the woman’s face twisted in disgust. What good could possibly come from those people?
"Register here. The revolutionary committee office is on the fourth floor. Don’t wander around anywhere else."
The mess caused by Ou Yaosheng had affected even the city’s revolutionary committee members. Lately, everyone had been keeping their heads down, avoiding unnecessary conflicts.
When they reached the office, Chen Tian knocked, only to find the door locked—likely because the leaders had gone to the canteen for lunch.
"Director Nan, the door’s locked. We’ll have to wait a bit."
Nan Sheng suddenly remarked, "I remember my first day working in Sanwei Town was just like this—a closed door."
Chen Tian forced a bitter laugh. "Heh heh heh…"
Good leader, can we please not bring up the past?
They didn’t have to wait long before someone from the revolutionary committee returned—clearly, word had gotten around. The man carried himself with an air of importance, as befitted a high-ranking city official. Nan Sheng understood.
"You’re Director Nan from Sanwei Town, right? Come in."
Chen Tian sat beside Nan Sheng, nervously fidgeting, unsure where to place his hands and feet. Fortunately, the man paid him no attention, not even bothering with a greeting.
"I’m Yi Zhengben, an investigator under the city committee director. We’ve invited you here regarding the vacant position of county revolutionary committee director. After careful consideration, we believe that despite your relatively short tenure, your capabilities are outstanding.
If you’re willing to take the position, we’ll issue the transfer order immediately. While we can’t promote you to full county committee director, your salary and benefits will be on par with the role."
The city revolutionary committee had deliberated for days. Whether promoting someone from the town-level committee or transferring someone from the city, neither option would effectively suppress Cao Guoxiang.
Only Nan Sheng, with her unique status, could temporarily fill the role. With her in place, Cao Guoxiang wouldn’t dare act recklessly against the committee.
Once the city found a suitable replacement, they could easily remove her.
Before Nan Sheng could respond, Chen Tian was already ecstatic, fantasizing about whether Director Nan’s promotion would take him to the county as well.
But the next moment, his hopes were dashed.
"Thank you for your confidence in me, leader. However, my experience in the revolutionary committee is still limited, and there’s much I need to learn. I fear I’m not ready for such a responsibility."
Nan Sheng smiled, making it impossible to tell whether she was politely declining or genuinely uninterested in advancement.
Yi Zhengben didn’t even frown at her refusal. Instead, his tone grew even gentler.
"Director Nan, your achievements speak for themselves. If you have any concerns, feel free to voice them. I’ll do my best to address them."
Chen Tian was on the verge of tears. He wanted to accept on Nan Sheng’s behalf, but his leader remained unmoved.
"To be honest, leader, I wasn’t originally involved in revolutionary committee work. My methods didn’t align with Director Ou’s, so I’ve remained distant from my colleagues.
If I were to temporarily assume the county director position, there might be resistance in personnel decisions, which could disrupt unity within the committee."
Yi Zhengben immediately understood—she was negotiating for authority.
But he was familiar with Nan Sheng’s approach. Since taking office in Sanwei Town, she had only dismissed one subordinate, showing restraint.
"Don’t worry, Director Nan. As acting county director, you’ll have dismissal authority, and the city will support your decisions."
Yi Zhengben thought he was being accommodating, but Nan Sheng had another curveball.
"However, as a military dependent, commuting to the county would be inconvenient. Perhaps it’s best to forget it?"
Chen Tian’s heart felt like it was on a rollercoaster. For the first time, he thought Director Nan was being ungrateful.
Moving from township to county level was a hurdle many never overcame in their lifetime—just look at Director Cai. How could she dare refuse repeatedly?
Even Yi Zhengben found Nan Sheng irritating, but she had leverage, and they needed her to stabilize the situation.
Taking a deep breath, he conceded once more.
"As acting director, you don’t necessarily have to work in the county. Aside from mandatory meetings, you can hold sessions in Sanwei Town—whatever suits you best."
Having teased them enough, Nan Sheng finally relented. "Thank you for your understanding, leader. I’ll work hard to live up to your trust!"
After leaving the office building, Chen Tian was drenched in sweat—far more nervous than the person actually involved.
He stared at Nan Sheng as if she were an alien, baffled by why the city’s high-ranking officials were so lenient with her.
If Director Nan assigned him a task and he dared say no, he’d either be kicked out of the office or slapped.
Could Director Nan have some mysterious background?
Lin Han saw them emerge and immediately opened the car door for Nan Sheng. "How did it go? Anyone give you trouble?"
"No. Let’s talk outside."
Since they were in the city, despite the tight schedule, Nan Sheng decided to treat Chen Tian and Lin Han’s orderly, Little Hou, to a meal.
There were plenty of state-run restaurants to choose from. Little Hou was sharp—he parked near a department store.
Nan Sheng ordered four dishes and a soup, then she and Lin Han went shopping. They each bought a set of clothes, and Nan Sheng picked up some face cream for herself.
They didn’t dawdle, returning to the restaurant before the food was even fully served.
Over the meal, Nan Sheng mentioned her temporary appointment as county revolutionary committee director. "Same salary and benefits as the full director, but the title is just for show. Who knows when a leader might be parachuted in?"
Before Lin Han could respond, Little Hou and Chen Tian showered her with praise.
"Sis-in-law, you’re amazing! You’ll be officially promoted in no time!"
"Exactly, Director! With your skills, you’ll be the rightful county director within six months!"
No matter how much they flattered her, Nan Sheng just smiled. If the city committee director had truly intended to promote her, why hadn’t he met her in person?
This "temporary" role was exactly that—not a test of her abilities.
After the meal, they hurried back to the military district, arriving home just before dark.
The two children cried out eagerly, "Mom! Dad! You're finally back!"
