Nightmare Apostle

Chapter 1644: Chapter 957: Looking for Someone

"Not at all, Director Zhao, I’m trembling with fear just from you visiting me." Yang Xiao extended his hands to grip Vice Commissioner Zhao’s hand, transitioning flawlessly from initial fear to flattery within a mere two or three seconds.

Vice Commissioner Zhao surveyed the office, smiling slowly as he said, "I heard Captain Yang’s office in Rongcheng faced the sunrise, so I arranged for the logistics department to clean up this room for you, mimicking the layout of your original one. I wonder if you like it."

Yang Xiao’s face instantly lit up with understanding and excitement as he said, "I was just thinking why this place feels so much like home. It turns out it’s all thanks to Director Zhao’s generous care. Tell me...how can I ever thank you properly!"

"We are all family, there’s no need for formalities. Captain Yang, you are young and capable, and also Director Nalan’s favored aide. To be honest, 5 years ago when I passed through Rongcheng visiting Director Nalan, we hit it off immediately. I wonder if Director Nalan remains as eminent as ever." Vice Commissioner Zhao said with a smile.

"Thank you, Director Zhao, for your concern. Director Nalan is doing well. To be honest, before coming here, he specifically told me that you are a senior and, if I see you, I should visit you actively, saying you are a steady person and that I should consult you more when faced with issues."

This remark was indeed unscrupulous. Director Nalan had indeed mentioned this Vice Commissioner Zhao to Yang Xiao, but he advised Yang Xiao to be cautious of him, stating that Hong Anguo is a sly fox – an old master of manipulation.

But whether a sly fox or a master manipulator, or even Wu Qingcang, the lone wolf, Yang Xiao would inevitably have to deal with them in the future, making use of them if necessary, aligning with them if required, treating them as brothers when needed.

The workplace rule is, there is no wrong leader, only inappropriate subordinates.

Bearing humiliation, flexibility, wisdom disguised as foolishness – under the tutelage of a kind sister, Yang Xiao had grown accustomed.

"Captain Yang, as far as I know, the Provincial Office doesn’t have any dinner arrangements tonight. After all, everyone has been busy lately, and it’s understandable there might be oversights. If you’re free, I’d like to host a welcome dinner for you tonight."

"It’s not a formal occasion, don’t feel restricted, just the two of us. Tonight, there are no hierarchical barriers, think of it as me reciprocating Director Nalan’s hospitality in Rongcheng." Vice Commissioner Zhao spoke warmly and sincerely.

With such words spoken, Yang Xiao had no reason to refuse. Vice Commissioner Zhao repeatedly mentioned his friendship with Nalan Shuo, clearly showing he had conducted a background check and knew well about his father-son-like relationship with Nalan Shuo. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

Naturally, Yang Xiao gratefully accepted, almost sending Vice Commissioner Zhao off with tears.

Frankly speaking, any person would appreciate such deferential treatment from a Provincial Bureau vice commissioner and feel grateful.

At the dinner that night, Vice Commissioner Zhao and Yang Xiao - two clever old foxes, though one older and one younger, revelled in each other’s company. Vice Commissioner Zhao talked about Yang Xiao’s numerous achievements, continually praising him as a rare talent, while Yang Xiao launched consistent flattery toward Vice Commissioner Zhao, deepening their relationship almost to the point of brotherhood.

"Little Yang, when you and I interact from now on, don’t stand on ceremony. We may hold superior and subordinate titles, but in reality, we’re brothers dining from the same pot. Titles like director are for outsiders to hear. From now on, privately I’d call you Younger Brother Yang, and you call me Brother Zhao, is that okay?" Vice Commissioner Zhao raised his glass, his speech tinged with drunkenness.

"Director Zhao, you’re treating me as a brother, that’s no problem, but since you’re also brothers with my Director Nalan, addressing each other as brothers would disrupt the hierarchy, you are my elder!" Yang Xiao, eyes watering with emotion.

"Hahaha, no need to feel constrained, I may be brothers with Director Nalan, but if Director Nalan’s not around, our relationship stands alone. Younger Brother Yang, I’m truly delighted you joined the Provincial Office. The martial arts world is turbulent, true confidants are hard to find, we still have to rely on each other, my brother." Vice Commissioner Zhao said with deeper meaning as he sighed.

"Whenever Brother Zhao needs a hand, if it’s doable, I’ll do it. If not, I’ll find a way to get it done for you!" Yang Xiao rose, lifted his glass, and chugged his drink.

"You’re refreshing, Younger Brother Yang, and Brother... Brother will drink too!" Vice Commissioner Zhao chugged his drink too, neither appearing to back down.

Later, under the influence of alcohol, the two exchanged heartfelt conversations again.

The more complicated the network of relationships, the more you need simple tactics to break through. After that night, Yang Xiao and Vice Commissioner Zhao’s relationship underwent a qualitative trasform.

Though both held their own little schemes in mind; the truthfulness of the words exchanged over drinks was known only to them.

In the end, it was Vice Commissioner Zhao’s driver who drove a drunken Yang Xiao home.

Before getting out of the car, Vice Commissioner Zhao sat shoulder to shoulder with Yang Xiao in the back seat, exuding a rather harmonious atmosphere.

But just as Yang Xiao disappeared from view upon getting out of the car, the previously drunken Vice Commissioner Zhao took a deep breath, exhaled the alcohol, and steadily regained his composure - the drunken demeanor vanished in an instant, as he sneered coldly, "Indeed a product of Nalan Shuo’s teaching, they’re cut from the same cloth!"

"Director, can this person not be trusted?" the driver asked softly from the front.

"There’s certainly no trust in him. I didn’t plan on winning him over; as long as he doesn’t team up with Wu Qingcang to work against us, it’s fine." Vice Commissioner Zhao glanced out the window.

"Understood, Director. Tomorrow I’ll have the word spread that he’s under Wu Qingcang’s wing, but tonight he dined with you, just the two of you alone. Wu Qingcang will certainly suspect him." The driver, clearly one of Vice Commissioner Zhao’s confidants, adeptly gauging his motives.