Chapter 136: Straightforward

  "Shao Jie, things have become a bit complicated. The reporter has left Huaiyang City and didn't contact the municipal party committee or government from start to finish. From this situation, it seems that they won't have any connection with Shalong County either. It appears our analysis is accurate. Now, you must find Bai Changlin. Tomorrow is a rest day, and Bai Changlin likes fishing. You can go to that place to look for him. During his rest time, he usually goes fishing. It's up to your skills now. I believe you will definitely do well."

  Before Xu Shaojie got off the car, Ding Yuan gave him a note with an address on it. Xu Shaojie never expected that something seemingly simple would become so complicated and be used as a tool by some people. This time, when he returned to the provincial city with Secretary Ding, Xu Shaojie had originally thought of taking a good rest. Now, it seemed like another bubble burst. In his briefcase, there were 20,000 yuan in cash, all borrowed from others for financial purposes. In today's society, if you want to reason with people empty-handed, then be prepared to return empty-handed and face embarrassment.

  Xu Shaojie was not very good at giving gifts, but Xu Shaojie knew that he definitely couldn't just shove money at people, no one would want his money, and that would be asking for trouble. Xu Shaojie was also aware of his own disadvantage, which was that he didn't know how to fish. Xu Shaojie vaguely remembered when he was younger, there were many fish ponds near the county town, a few friends invited him, they made their own simple fishing rods, just bamboo sticks with some thread wrapped around the front and a hook made from a big needle, then they dug up earthworms in the fields, put them on the hook, and started fishing by the pond, of course secretly, because there were people taking care of the ponds.

  Nowadays, people's fishing is no longer the same as before. Everyone regards fishing as a elegant hobby, which can exercise one's mind and experience the fun in it. Xu Shaojie also tried once under his friends' encouragement, but unfortunately he couldn't calm down and eventually didn't learn it. However, he did understand some knowledge, such as when catching a big fish, you can't pull the line hastily, you need to be patient and wait until the big fish is exhausted before pulling it out, otherwise the line might break and the fish will run away.

  After returning home, Xu Shaojie thought hard about how to get close to Bai Changlin. From Ding Yuan's description, Bai Changlin was a typical intellectual, and people like him generally thought they had seen through all the things in the world, with some being aloof and proud. Xu Shaojie reflected that he used to have a bit of an intellectual temperament, but after several years of work, this temperament had been ground away, because the officialdom did not need intellectuals.

  The phone rang and after a while, Xu Shaojie finally reacted and picked up the phone. It was Tang Wanrou's call.

  "Honey, what's wrong with you? Why didn't you answer your phone for half a day?"

  "Xiao Rou, I just got home and haven't had a chance to contact you yet."

  "Hmm, you're back and didn't even call, what are you planning to do tonight?"

  Xu Shaojie had a headache, Ding Yuan secretary arranged things, but he hadn't thought of a way to do it. If he went shopping with Tang Wanrou, the time would pass, and tomorrow... what should he do? However, it's been a long time since he saw Tang Wanrou, Xu Shaojie also missed her.

  "Xiao Rou, have you eaten?"

  "No, wait for you to invite me to dinner."

  While eating, Tang Wanru saw Xu Shaojie occasionally deep in thought, feeling a bit strange, and couldn't help but speak up.

  "Honey, what's wrong? Is there something on your mind?"

  Xu Shaojie looked at Tang Wanrou with a smile, he never liked to talk about work-related things at home, besides, Xu Shaojie didn't believe that Tang Wanrou could have any good ideas.

  "Husband, if you don't say anything, I won't eat dinner."

  Xu Shaojie saw Tang Wanrou pouting, and under duress, he had to say that he wanted to visit the head of Xinhua News Agency's station in Xishan Province, Bai Changlin. Now he didn't know what to do, but he knew that Bai Changlin loved fishing, which he had never seen before. As Xu Shaojie spoke, he found Tang Wanrou smiling, and he was a bit puzzled - did Tang Wanrou have a way out?

  "Silly old man, what's the point of thinking so much? Just go to the store and buy a good fishing rod, accompany Bai Changlin fishing, and find a topic naturally."

  Xu Shaojie suddenly felt enlightened, and with Tang Wanrou's reminder, Xu Shaojie thought of a good idea. Sending money wouldn't work, sending gifts would be too sudden, but sending fishing gear should be okay. Bai Changlin is an avid fisherman, so he must know the quality of fishing gear. As for finding a topic to talk about, it wasn't difficult for Xu Shaojie at all. It seems that sometimes women simplify problems, making them easier to solve.

  "Xiao Rou is really clever, alright, let's hurry up and eat, then you can accompany me to buy fishing gear."

  In a high-end sports store, Xu Shaojie took a liking to a fishing rod that was dark red in color. When he held it in his hand, it felt very flexible and the other equipment that came with it looked like it was of high quality. When Tang Wanrou asked about the price, she found out that buying the entire set would cost 15,000 yuan. Xu Shaojie was stunned and couldn't say a word. Tang Wanrou, being experienced in such matters, haggled with the owner over the price. The owner had already taken notice of them when they came in and knew which customers were serious buyers and which ones were just joking around.

  The transaction price became 11,000 yuan. Of course, an invoice had to be issued, and the payment was made under the name of sports equipment for reimbursement purposes. The boss asked Xu Shaojie if he should issue the invoice according to the actual amount, but before Xu could respond, Tang Wanrou said that they would just issue it for whatever amount it was, and Xu smiled in support of her.

  Xu Shaojie carefully held these things, the things were not heavy, wrapped in good quality canvas, the only thing was to hold the fishing rod, Tang Wanjun understood that these things were not used by Xu Shaojie, otherwise, Xu Shaojie would not spend so much money, in short, these things were prepared for Bai Changlin.

  "Xiao Rou, shall we go find Bai Zhang together tomorrow afternoon?"

  Tang Wanrou hastily nodded, of course this is a good thing. Xu Shaojie finding Bai Changlin must be about something, and bringing himself along made everything clear. Moreover, the two going to visit Bai Changlin together also showed respect.

  At 10 o'clock, Xu Shaojie and Tang Wanyu got out of the taxi and saw a beautiful scene. The blue lake was set against the blue sky, with fishermen scattered around the lake in twos and threes. A gentle breeze blew, creating ripples on the lake's surface, making it a great place for spiritual growth and self-cultivation.

  "Honey, I see Bai Zhan has grown up."

  Xu Shaojie had just paid the management fee, 20 yuan per person, regardless of whether they were fishing or watching. If you want to take away the fish caught, it will be weighed at a price of 10 yuan per kilogram and can be taken home. This is much higher than the market price. Xu Shaojie clicked his tongue, this kind of fishing spot is really not for ordinary people to enjoy.

  Following Tang Wanrou's pointing direction, Xu Shaojie saw a middle-aged man wearing a white shirt with a vest on top, dark blue pants and white boots, very eye-catching. Not far behind Bai Changlin, there was a small tent. Xu Shaojie nodded secretly, it seems that Bai Changlin really loves fishing.

  What's strange is that there aren't many other anglers around Bai Changlin.

  "Honey, what are you going to say?"

  "Xiao Rou, didn't you tell me yesterday that as long as I follow you, everything will be fine, just watch me?"

  Tang Wanrou pulled Xu Shaojie's arm, and the two slowly walked towards Bai Changlin's direction. As they got closer, Xu Shaojie didn't say a word either, and stopped standing three meters away from Bai Changlin. Tang Wanrou quickly took out a cushion and sat down on the ground, while Xu Shaojie looked disappointed that Tang Wanrou had sat down but he himself did not sit.

  Bai Changlin had long noticed Xu Shaojie, and after receiving Ding Yuan's phone call, Bai Changlin considered it for a moment. Over the years, Bai Changlin has been very mindful of the complexities of officialdom, and he knows that it is rare to exert the power of internal reference. It's not that Bai Changlin is afraid of internal reference, but rather that negative things are more common. In any case, there is always a losing side and a gaining side. Many times, reporters think they are seeking justice for the people, but in fact, they ultimately fall into the trap set by some people. When reporters finally realize this, it's too late to regret. The beneficiaries won't thank you, and the victims will hate you to the bone. Reporters can't please both sides. Moreover, some capable officials may re-emerge after being attacked or retaliated against, and there are many examples of reporters who have suffered such consequences.

  "Hey kid, come here, why aren't you fishing?"

  "Stationmaster Bai, I'm not here to fish, I don't know how to fish. I came to watch you fish. This is my fiancée Tang Wanjou, who works at the Xilin City Public Security Bureau. My name is Xu Shaojie, and I work in the Huaiyang Municipal Committee Office."

  An hour had passed, and Bai Changlin couldn't help but speak up. The two young men and women beside him hadn't said a word, watching him fish. It wasn't easy to catch a fish in no time. Xu Shaojie's fishing rod, however, caught Bai Changlin's attention. As an expert, he could tell at a glance that this was a high-quality fishing rod.

  "Haha, Director Xu, Officer Tang, hello."

  Bai Changlin was no longer reserved and stood up, walking over.

  "Director Xue, you work alongside Secretary Ding, hearing you say this, are you trying to lure me into a trap?"

  "Station Master Wang, I wouldn't dare, this is what you said, today I came specifically to visit you."

  "Very direct, go ahead, what's up?"

  "There were two reporters from our station who went to Shalun County to investigate the forest fire in Chenjiawan, and I came for this matter. I'm young and speak very directly, if there's anything that offends you, please forgive me."

  "Director Xu, I like your personality, so I'll be straightforward. Although I'm the station head, I shouldn't use my authority to interfere with press freedom. How to report is up to the journalists, as long as their investigation has a basis, I will support them. You're following Secretary Ding Yuan, so you should understand this principle."

  Xu Shaojie had long since made up his mind that when speaking with someone who has a literary temperament, what is needed are reasons, and only with sufficient reason to persuade him can one have the opportunity to continue speaking; otherwise, everything is in vain.

  "Station Master, I agree with what you said, but I also have to say some actual situations. If a reporter's investigation is entirely for the truth or to seek justice for the people, I support it, conditionally. No one doesn't make mistakes, and because of one report, many leaders lose a lot, isn't that unfair? As for the power of personal connections and relationships, you understand better than me, no need to say more."

  Bai Changlin took an interest and it seemed this young man had a bit of a wild streak.

  "Director Xue, you should know that fair reporting is our professional ethics as journalists. Are you doubting us by saying this? You'd better have evidence."

  "I never arbitrarily suspect anyone, what I said are some existing social phenomena, you're also clear about it. The ten fingers have different lengths, every industry has successful people and failures, this is undeniable, after all we live in a real society not in a vacuum, necessary courtesy is inevitable, as long as the degree is controlled well, I don't think there's any problem."

  "Director Xú, how old are you?"

  "Boss, I'm going to be 25 years old soon."

  "Oh, I thought you were 52 years old."

  "White Station Master, haven't you heard? Heroes have always emerged in their youth."

  Bai Changlin looked at Xu Shaojie, and was somewhat speechless. Don't think that Xu Shaojie is arrogant, but when he said these words, he appeared very calm. The relationship between Bai Changlin and Ding Yuan was still good, they were close friends. In fact, as long as Ding Yuan came forward to say something about it, Bai Changlin would have smoothed things over. Regarding the fire at Shanlong County's Chenjiawan Forest Farm, Bai Changlin had already taken note of it. The report seemed a bit off, and it had become a case of officials protecting each other, with the implication pointing towards Chen Mubao's father, Chen Dengxiang. Of course, Bai Changlin wouldn't directly report it to his superiors. He had already thought it through - in the report, he would emphasize how the county government made its best effort to put out the fire, preserve the trees, and minimize losses. From this angle, he would say that the party committee and government were in command, and as for handling the problem, he would bring it up last and be vague about it. The higher-ups wouldn't pay much attention to such things. Bai Changlin was somewhat skeptical of Xu Shaojie, whom Ding Yuan had recommended, thinking that Ding Yuan was exaggerating. But after meeting Xu Shaojie today, Bai Changlin changed his mind - a young man under 25 who could see through so many social phenomena was truly impressive.

  Next, Bai Changlin and Xu Shaojie chatted for a while without mentioning anything else. Bai Changlin shared some fishing knowledge with Xu Shaojie, who listened patiently. At noon, Xu Shaojie treated them to lunch, which was prepared with dishes but at a higher price. When Xu Shaojie bid farewell, he left empty-handed, leaving the fishing rod and all equipment next to Bai Changlin, who didn't say anything.