Officialdom: The beautiful leader took me to the top

Hu Shengli's office was noticeably more luxurious, a stark contrast to the mottled walls and peeling paint on the tables and chairs in the police station's public area.

The floor here is solid wood, polished so smooth you can see your reflection, and the walls are covered with light gray wallpaper.

A large money tree with glossy leaves sits in the corner, and even the floor-standing air conditioner next to it is the latest model.

The desk is made of large ebony wood, and the surface is spotless.

In addition to a genuine leather desk calendar and a gold-stamped notebook, there is also a computer with an ultra-thin screen, and even a set of valuable purple clay teaware next to it.

Against the wall is a row of custom-made bookshelves, which not only contain various books, but also display trophies and certificates of all sizes, all issued by the mine.

The most eye-catching thing is the boss's chair behind the office desk, which looks very expensive.

It was a world apart from Li Dong's ordinary office chair that made a clattering sound when it was "pledged".

Not to mention Li Dong's office, even Director Wang Qinghai's office is incomparable to this place.

Although it's exaggerated, no one can find fault with it.

Wang Qinghai is a police officer, and even the renovation of his office has to be paid from the office allowance.

He was employed by a state-owned enterprise, and all he needed was a permit from the mine.

Although Guodong Mining has not performed well in recent years, Hanergy Group is a large and well-established enterprise.

That's why, even though they lived under the same roof, they each had their own livelihoods.

As the deputy director of the police station stationed at the mine, Hu Shengli was nominally assisting the director in handling daily affairs, but in reality, he also held considerable power.

And this most important right is the power over finances!

The mine's funds would be allocated to him first, and then he would distribute them to the police station for use.

He could secretly interfere in everything from the procurement of office supplies to staff salaries for the police station.

From large items like air conditioning equipment to small things like phone bills and gas expenses, everything that needs to be reimbursed has to go through his hands.

To put it bluntly, the head of the security team is in charge of the front lines, while he, as the deputy director, is in charge of the back-office operations.

For example, at today's welcome dinner, no one reimbursed the expenses unless he agreed to it.

Only when he spoke up would Wang Qinghai agree.

Otherwise, the police station would have to pay out of its own pocket.

With the meager operating budget of the police station, it's a problem to even support a few police officers, let alone carry out these activities.

So in reality, he's more like the "head of the family" than Wang Qinghai!

This is why Director Wang Qinghai can't stand up straight.

People have to bow their heads under the roof.

He who takes a bribe is bound to be obligated to serve it; he who eats a meal is bound to be obligated to pay it.

Without the office funding provided by the mine, the food at the police station would have to be downgraded several levels.

Now it's different; the mine subsidies are the same as what the mine workers eat.

While the selection may not be extensive, at least there's plenty of meat and fruit, and it's all free!

At this moment, Hu Shengli sat in his boss's chair, a cigarette between his fingers, slowly exhaling smoke rings.

His gaze swept over Liu Min with undisguised, slightly aggressive intensity. "Where's Li Dong?"

Liu Min explained, "I bumped into Team Leader Li when I went upstairs just now. He said he was going down to familiarize himself with the environment."

"I asked him if he needed someone to accompany him, and he said no."

Hu Shengli chuckled and leaned forward. "He's quite composed. On his first day at work, he actually had the mind to wander around outside!"

"So, has he made any demands on you?"

Liu Min shook her head, almost unable to meet his gaze. "No, he just asked me to help replace the computer in the office."

Hu Shengli flicked his cigarette ash. "That's good."

"Listen to me carefully. From today onwards, keep an eye on Li Dong's every move."

“He had to tell me everything about who he met, what he did, and even who he talked to on the phone every day.”

"From now on, all the reporting procedures of the security team, from small things like phone bills and gas bills to various expenses, must be submitted to me for review first."

Liu Min tentatively said, "Director Hu, this might not be in accordance with the rules."

"Some of the accounts are the police station's public accounts..."

Hu Shengli slammed his hand on the table, stood up, and walked to Liu Min's side. A strong smell of smoke and alcohol wafted over him. "Rules?"

"I can't control the rules of the police station, but as long as the police station sign is still up in the mine, the rules I set are the rules!"

"What, have you forgotten who you are?"

"Don't think that just because Li Dong is here, you'll have any hope."

"He's a policeman, a secure job."

“You’re a temporary worker. Your contract is only valid for one year, and you need the mine’s approval to renew it.”

"Even if Li Dong wanted to help you, he couldn't."

"Could it be that he can actually get you a police officer position?"

"Remember this, your livelihood is in my hands!"

"As long as you perform well, I can help you get a permanent position in a state-owned enterprise in two years."

"But if you dare to betray your own people..."

As he spoke, Hu Shengli suddenly grabbed Liu Min's chin and forced her to raise her head.

Liu Min stiffened, trying to dodge, but Hu Shengli pressed down on her shoulder with his other hand, the force so strong that her expression changed slightly, and her eyes welled up with tears. "Director..."

Hu Shengli lowered his voice and reminded him, "Let me tell you, Li Dong is just here to gain experience. Don't get any ideas about anything else."

"Moreover, he is a top student who graduated from Tianzhou Police Academy and has received a first-class merit award personally commended by the provincial department."

"As long as things don't go wrong in the future, their future is limitless, and they are definitely not comparable to a good-for-nothing like Wang Qinghai."

"Therefore, Li Dong won't be able to stay in the police station for long at all. At most, he'll have to be transferred back to the bureau within a year or two."

"If you dare to side with him at a time like this, he'll just pack up and leave without a trace."

"And what about you? What will you do?"

Liu Min bit her lip and nodded, "Director, I understand..."

Hu Shengli gently rubbed his fingers against Liu Min's face, his eyes filled with greed. "Good to know."

"You've been with me for so long, when have I ever mistreated you?"

"Wasn't it me who got your brother a job at Hanergy Group last time?"

"As long as you listen to me, keep a close eye on Li Dong, and report everything to me, you'll be well rewarded in the future!"

"With me as your powerful backer, your brother's job at Hanergy Group will become increasingly stable!"

"Without my help, he'd be packing his bags and getting out of here tomorrow!"

A flicker of humiliation and disgust flashed in Liu Min's eyes, but she could only force herself to nod. "Thank you, Director Liu... I understand!"

Hu Shengli released her hand with satisfaction and patted her arm. "Good that you understand. But how do you plan to thank me?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Min instinctively shuddered, as if she had a premonition of some humiliating experience.

Hu Shengli, however, seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself, and said in a low voice, "It's Li Dong's welcome banquet tonight. After the meeting, meet me at the usual place."

Liu Min wanted to say something more, but when she looked up and met Hu Shengli's eyes, she could only manage one word, "Okay..."