"Relax, don't rush me. Think about it—I've been a clerk for years. If you climb all the way to Party Secretary, I deserve at least a vice directorship in the Propaganda Department, don't you think?"

"Nonsense, how could I ever treat you unfairly?"

As their conversation continued, the sound of chairs scraping against the floor reached Zhang Lei's ears.

He knew it was time to leave. Slowly retreating, he stood up and tiptoed down the stairs.

As he descended, the earlier dialogue echoed in his mind.

That woman's voice was unmistakable—Shen Yan, a member of Propaganda Group One.

Who would've thought they were involved in something like this?

Then he recalled Shen Yan's remark about wanting a promotion. Based on what he'd heard from Group One colleagues, County Party Secretary Yao Kangyuan was being transferred to the city district.

When that happened, County Chief Pan Changlin would likely take his place...

Zhang Lei fell into deep thought, wandering aimlessly through Sanjiang County's streets. Time slipped by unnoticed until he noticed the streetlights flickering on.

His stomach growled painfully. Spotting a small restaurant, he headed inside—only to freeze in his tracks.

The place was tiny, barely big enough to accommodate a handful of tables.

In the corner by the wall sat Chen Wenxin, her face flushed with anger as she glared daggers at the two men across from her.

The man on the left, a bald-headed, wiry fellow, sneered, "What's the big deal? Just a couple drinks with me. No need to get all worked up, missy."

The long-haired man beside him chimed in, "Exactly. Drinking with my brother here is a privilege, not a favor. Don't push your luck." He shot a sycophantic glance at the bald man.

Without a word, Chen Wenxin grabbed the glass the bald man had poured for her and hurled its contents straight into his face.

"You're dead!"

The bald man was a notorious thug in Sanjiang County, a frequent guest of the local police station. Seeing Chen Wenxin publicly humiliate him, he lashed out with a slap.

Chen Wenxin hadn't expected him to actually strike her. Frozen in shock, she barely had time to react before—

WHAM!!! thunderous kick sent the bald man crashing to the ground. Chen Wenxin recoiled in terror as she looked up to see Zhang Lei's icy gaze.

Zhang Lei didn't tolerate thugs. With another kick, he sent the man crumpling to the floor, clutching his stomach in agony.

"Ow!!"

The bald man wheezed, clutching his midsection.

"What are you staring at?! Help me!" he barked at his accomplice.

The long-haired man snapped out of it and grabbed a bottle from the table, hurling it at Zhang Lei.

But Zhang Lei ducked effortlessly, then drove a fist straight into the man's chest. sickening thud echoed through the room as the long-haired man collapsed, gasping for air, his face turning an alarming shade of purple.

Just then, several police officers burst in. Their eyes locked onto Zhang Lei mid-assault before flicking to the two groaning men on the floor—and finally settling on Chen Wenxin.

The lead officer's expression softened instantly. Approaching with deference, he asked, "Director Chen, what brings you here?"

"These two thugs tried to force me to drink with them. What does it look like?" Chen Wenxin snapped, her voice laced with fury. She couldn't fathom how this would've ended without Zhang Lei's intervention.

The officer paled. He knew Chen Wenxin's husband was the captain of the city's criminal investigation unit—this incident would be handled very seriously.

Turning to his men, he barked, "Arrest these scumbags and take them away!"

Then, addressing Chen Wenxin, he added, "Rest assured, we'll deal with this harshly."

Chen Wenxin said nothing, her cold stare piercing through him.

Awkwardly rubbing his nose, the officer mumbled, "We'll get out of your hair, Director Chen."

He hastily herded his men out, eager to escape before things got worse.

"Thank you," Chen Wenxin said after a pause, her emotions conflicted. In such a short time, Zhang Lei had saved her twice. She didn't know how to repay him.

"No need, Director Chen. I'm just glad you're safe," Zhang Lei replied with a smile. "Have you eaten? Want to grab something together?"

"I was just leaving when these jerks cornered me," she explained. "There's some work I need to handle in Propaganda. I'll head back now—but remember to come to my dormitory tonight."

With that, she stood and left.

Go to her dormitory?

Zhang Lei scratched his head, baffled.

Shrugging it off, he gestured for the waiter to clear the table and ordered a plate of fried rice.

By the time he finished, it was just past seven. Returning to his dorm, he packed a few things before heading upstairs.

Standing outside Chen Wenxin's door, he knocked and entered.

Night had fallen. She wore a snug sleepwear set that accentuated her curvaceous figure, her bare arms and legs glowing like porcelain in the soft light—a sight that made Zhang Lei's mouth water.

Pouring him a glass of water, she said, "Sit."

Then she disappeared into the bedroom.

Moments later, she emerged with an envelope. "Inside are 300 yuan—reimbursement for your hospital expenses. Take it."

Zhang Lei had expected some important matter, not a simple repayment.

If fostering a good relationship with his superior was worth it, 300 yuan was nothing. He couldn't accept this.

Quickly, he said, "Director Chen, I'm terrible with money—I always spend it recklessly. How about I hold onto this for now? If you ever need it, just ask me."

After a moment's hesitation, Chen Wenxin nodded, placing the envelope on the table. Rubbing her lower back, she asked, "Did you get hurt tonight?"

"I'm fine—they never landed a hit on me."

Shaking his head, Zhang Lei noticed her massaging her waist. "Do you have back problems, Director Chen?"

"I don't exercise much. Old injury." She smiled faintly.

"Let me take a look. I know some massage techniques—it might help."

"Hmm?" Her hands froze. "Wouldn't that be too much trouble? Never mind..."

"Ah-ah!" Zhang Lei cut her off. "No big deal. I'm actually quite good at this. Trust me."

"Alright," she relented, bracing herself against the sofa as she arched slightly.

Zhang Lei moved closer. Chen Wenxin's heart pounded as her cheeks flushed. Carefully, she tugged her sleepwear higher, revealing a stretch of snow-white skin that gleamed under the lamp's glow.

Zhang Lei's throat went dry. His hand reached out...