The next morning.
Investment Bureau Compound.
Dong Xuebin drove into the compound, went upstairs, and headed straight for his office.
It was not time for work yet, but people from quite a few departments were already whispering among themselves, discussing the clash between Director Dong and Director Lu and analyzing who had the upper hand. Everyone knew yesterday's brief confrontation had only been a test. The real showdown would likely begin in the next couple of days. In government offices, everyone paid close attention to conflicts and gossip among the leadership, since they shaped how many things would develop. Whether department heads, cadres, clerks, or office workers, they were all anxiously watching to see whether Director Dong could beat Lu Dafa, that old fox.
In the director's office, Guo Panwei was carefully wiping the windows with a cloth.
As soon as Dong Xuebin entered, he saw him and smiled. "Pan Wei, how are you adapting to the job?"
"Director Dong." Guo Panwei hurried down from the window, wiped his hands, and quickly poured him a cup of tea. Smiling ingratiatingly, he said, "I'm more or less familiar with the work procedures, but I haven't had time to get in touch with the people in the various Investment Bureau departments or the cadres in some of Yantai County's key departments. Give me another week. Within seven days, I guarantee I'll straighten out all those relationships. I definitely won't delay your work, and from now on, under your leadership..."
Dong Xuebin waved him off with an amused smile. "All right, all right. Don't give me that routine."
Guo Panwei smiled too and said nothing more.
"There's no rush to sort out those relationships. It's not something you can rush anyway. Take it slow."
"...Yes." Guo Panwei pulled out a chair for Dong