Qin Mu actually refused the invitation from the city's Public Security Bureau Chief?
Zhao Yanan's eyes widened in surprise.
In terms of rank, Chief Li might not be high up in the municipal party committee and government; after all, he wasn't even a member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee.
But in terms of real power and the resources he could mobilize, Chief Li was definitely among the top.
The entire city's public security force alone was enough to make many people want to get close to Chief Li and cultivate a good relationship.
However, she had more or less guessed what was going on. The fact that there hadn't been any news about Kang De and Chang Yun for so long was most likely due to the Kang family's intervention. No matter how powerful Li Xianyao was, sometimes he had to compromise.
This meal was probably meant to shut Qin Mu up!
If Qin Mu went, he might gain a favor from Li Xianyao, but in a sense, he would also lose the initiative.
Therefore, it was normal for him not to accept the invitation.
"Okay, I'll pass on the message."
Zhao Yanan readily agreed, saying, "Let's go back and have hot pot!"
"Great!"
Qin Mu nodded, and the two went upstairs together. Passing Xu Lu's floor, Zhao Yanan immediately said, "Is Sister Xu there? Should we… invite her to join us?"
"I have no objection, but… you should ask her opinion first!"
Qin Mu hesitated for a moment before speaking directly.
Because he helped Xu Lu change a lightbulb last time, which led to a misunderstanding with Chen Shuo, Qin Mu was now a little worried about inviting Xu Lu to dinner.
What if the misunderstanding worsened?
"What's going on?"
Zhao Yanan immediately sensed something was off in Qin Mu's tone and asked, puzzled.
"It's like this…"
Qin Mu didn't hide anything and briefly explained Chen Shuo's misunderstanding.
"Holy crap... he can't even do that?"
Zhao Yanan was shocked. "That man is so petty! You just helped Sister Xu change a lightbulb, and he gets jealous?"
"Besides, Sister Xu went to so much trouble to get him transferred. She's such an upright person; it's really embarrassing for her to ask you for help, and that man doesn't even appreciate it?"
"What's with the high-and-mighty act!"
Zhao Yanan had a fiery temper, and these words immediately ignited her anger, and she couldn't help but criticize Chen Shuo.
"You can't say that. There are many factors behind Chen Shuo's behavior."
Qin Mu waved his hand slightly and said, "Anyway, he's a pitiful person!"
"I don't care! Sister Xu is such a good person, and he actually doubts her. That kind of man is so petty!"
Zhao Yanan immediately said, "I'll go invite Sister Xu over for dinner right now. It's not worth it for a man like that!"
After saying that, she went straight to Xu Lu's dormitory door and knocked.
"Yanan, did you come to see the county magistrate?"
Xu Lu saw Zhao Yanan as soon as she opened the door and quickly asked.
"Yes, come on, come on, let's go eat hot pot together."
Zhao Yanan grabbed Xu Lu's hand and started to walk upstairs.
"Hey...sister...I think I'll pass. You and the county magistrate are so happy together, wouldn't I be a third wheel?"
Xu Lu was indeed in a bad mood today, and said this.
Besides, they're a couple, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to interfere.
"It's alright, the more the merrier."
Zhao Yanan insisted, "Besides, Qin Mu just told me about what happened between you two. Sister, it's not worth getting angry and upset over a man like that. We should live happily!"
"You're the executive deputy county head now, your career is bright. Don't let a bad man affect your mood!"
"Besides, we're being perfectly aboveboard. Eating together in the dormitory isn't illegal or against regulations, and no one can say anything about us!"
These words did indeed sway Xu Lu.
Yes!
For a stingy guy like Chen Shuo, should she keep getting angry and upset?
It's not worth it!
She and County Head Qin are colleagues, and Yanan is his girlfriend. The three of them eating together in the dormitory—who can gossip?
One should live openly and honestly!
Be brave enough to be yourself!
Don't be too afraid of gossip!
"Sister, you're right, let's go."
Xu Lu nodded firmly and said, "Let's have a meal openly and honestly!"
After saying that, the two went upstairs together and into the room.
The hot pot was already set up, and Qin Mu had washed all the vegetables.
"Comrade Xu Lu, you're in for a treat tonight."
Qin Mu smiled slightly. He was happy that Xu Lu had come; at least it meant she was open and honest, just like him.
Not afraid of what others said!
To be able to do that, at the very least, one must possess a strong heart!
A person with a strong heart is bound to achieve great things.
Such a person, as his subordinate, would naturally be able to help him.
"Of course! The county magistrate washed the vegetables himself, and Ya Nan bought the ingredients. I'm just here to eat, so of course I'm lucky!"
Xu Lu smiled generously and said, "County Magistrate Qin, don't worry, I'll definitely eat more. If there's any hard work to be done in the future, feel free to assign it to me; I'm ready to take the plunge!"
"If you ask me, you two shouldn't address each other by titles or 'comrade' in private. Can't you just call each other brother and sister?"
Zhao Ya Nan felt a little uncomfortable hearing her constantly being called "comrade" and "county magistrate," and couldn't help but say.
"Age-wise, I'm actually a bit older than the county magistrate."
Xu Lu smiled awkwardly and couldn't help but remind him. She couldn't very well have the county magistrate call her "sister," could she?
That would be so embarrassing!
"Then he can call you 'Sister Xu,' just like me, that's fine."
Zhao Ya Nan said nonchalantly, "That's called respecting the facts. You're the oldest, that's a fact, and we should all be realistic!"
Well…
She's even bringing out the big principles!
"Okay, okay, I'll call her Sister Xu!"
Qin Mu smiled helplessly and said, "From now on, I'll call Comrade Xu Lu 'Sister Xu' in private. You can call me Xiao Qin or Qin Mu, it's fine!"
Huh?
He really will?
Me, call you Xiao Qin?
Xu Lu's face turned red!
Before, when she was with those leaders, she always addressed them by their titles, and County Chief Qin was also her superior. Asking her to call him Xiao Qin?
That's a bit disrespectful!
"Sister Xu, hurry up and call her that! We have to take advantage of this opportunity!"
Zhao Yanan even urged from the side.
Typical case of someone who loves a good show!
"Let's eat first, eat. The food is all cooked, let's eat, let's eat."
Xu Lu smiled awkwardly, giving a vague answer.
Just kidding!
If the leader just said it casually, wouldn't it be tactless of her to take it seriously?
However, the joke actually brought the three of them closer, making the atmosphere of the meal even warmer and more fun.
Finally, Xu Lu even took a group photo and posted it on her WeChat Moments.
No particular purpose; she simply wanted to annoy Chen Shuo!
Whether she actually succeeded in annoying him was another matter.
Nothing happened that night!
The next afternoon, the Huaining County investment promotion delegation, personally led by Qin Mu, officially set off for the provincial capital to begin the first round of investment promotion work for the year.
"County Chief Qin, you are representing all our colleagues in Huaining County this time. We hope to see you return victorious. My comrades and I will be in the county awaiting your good news."
Before his departure, County Party Secretary Liang Guan solemnly instructed Qin Mu.