Chapter 28: The True Purpose

"Lu Hao, I often speak with Fang Jing on the phone to praise your outstanding performance at the Poverty Alleviation Office. However, she has had a heavy teaching load lately; you really should show her more concern." Wang Shaojie interjected, his tone deliberately provocative.

Lu Hao knew the man was trying to disgust him, flaunting the fact that he kept in constant contact with Fang Jing. As for Wang Shaojie praising him to her? That would only happen if the sun rose in the west.

"I actually spoke to Fang Jing earlier today," Lu Hao replied, feigning confusion while striking back calmly. "She mentioned that her schedule is quite light lately. After grading papers, she even has time to watch TV in the office."

He had indeed spoken to her during the day. While she stuck to her usual refrain—pressuring him to use his connections to secure a promotion to deputy section chief—it was true that she hadn't been very busy.

At his words, Wang Shaojie’s expression turned awkward. In private, Fang Jing had always been cold toward him, rarely replying to his messages unless they were about Lu Hao. Wang was well aware of her feelings for Lu Hao and knew that breaking them up would be a long-term battle; it wasn't something he could achieve overnight.

As the drinking progressed, Liu Ruyan caught Li Haotian’s eye. Li took the initiative and asked, "Little Lu, I hear a new sum of 300,000 yuan has just arrived in the poverty alleviation account, is that right?"

Hearing Li bring up the poverty alleviation funds, Lu Hao’s heart tightened. He felt a bad premonition. Although he had been downing drink after drink, his tolerance had been forged during his time in the military. He knew this was a "Hongmen Banquet"—a trap—and kept his mind sharp. He replied clearly, "Township Head, a sum has indeed just been allocated. It is the special subsidy fund for the impoverished households in the township for the last quarter."

He had already guessed that Li intended to get his hands on that money, so he deliberately emphasized its intended purpose, implying that it could not be diverted.

"I know that, but you should hold off on the payments to the impoverished households for now and pay this money to Ms. Liu instead," Li Haotian finally revealed his true objective.

"Township Head, that... wouldn't be following protocol, would it?" Lu Hao frowned, his mind racing with frustration.

"What’s not following protocol about it? It’s just a temporary reallocation. You know the township’s fiscal budget is tight, and the funds from the county are primarily for poverty alleviation. But once the budget improves, we will replenish the poverty fund. You have my word on that," Li Haotian declared with feigned sincerity.

Wang Shaojie, listening from the side, was secretly delighted. Based on his understanding of Lu Hao, he was certain Lu would refuse—and perhaps even break with Li right then and there. That would be quite the spectacle.

"This money isn't being given to Ms. Liu personally; it’s for her company. She handled the waterproofing project for the township government building last year and has the contractual invoices to prove it. Transferring the payment doesn't violate any regulations; it's just a temporary diversion," Li Haotian explained again, his expression showing clear displeasure.

"Director Lu, our company's performance has been poor lately, and we are truly strapped for cash. You really have to help me out," Liu Ruyan added, batting her eyelashes at him. She had loosened her collar at some point, revealing a glimpse of her cleavage, which made her look quite alluring.

Lu Hao had to admit, Liu Ruyan was a remarkably charming woman. Unlike Lin Xiyue or Ziyi, every look and smile of hers carried a seductive, seasoned air—a result of her long-term navigation of the political circles.

Nevertheless, Lu Hao quickly pulled his gaze away and looked at Li Haotian sternly. "Township Head, this money is a special fund dedicated to ensuring the basic livelihood of impoverished households. It must be used for its intended purpose. If I transfer this money to Ms. Liu, how will those families survive?"

"Lu Hao, why are you so inflexible? You’ll encounter all sorts of issues in grassroots work. By transferring the funds to Ms. Liu according to the contract, you are following regulations and acting on the Township Head's instructions. There is no issue here. Besides, if you don't tell the households, they won't even know the money has arrived, understand? If any of them ask, just tell them the county hasn't allocated the funds yet," Wang Shaojie interjected, taking a condescending tone.

His words hit the mark for Li Haotian, who nodded in satisfaction. Wang’s move was clearly an attempt to curry favor with Li, but he knew Lu’s personality would never allow him to agree. He hoped that by pushing, he would provoke a sharper, more explosive reaction from Lu Hao.

"And if the authorities investigate, what do I say?" Lu Hao countered, immediately finding a reason to rebut Wang. He knew Wang’s devious nature, but he could not yield on this. Once he backed down, the trouble would only escalate.

"The authorities? Which authorities? The Township Head is sitting right here. If he isn't investigating you, who would dare? If the county asks, you can say the money has already been distributed. Even if the sky falls, the Township Head is here to back you up. What are you afraid of?" Wang Shaojie retorted.

Lu Hao scoffed inwardly at this theory. If an investigation truly occurred, Li Haotian’s nature was such that he would undoubtedly push Lu out to take the fall—Song Bo was a cautionary example of that.

Just then, Liu Ruyan picked up a black bag from the side table and smiled at Lu Hao. "Director Lu, I wasn't sure what you liked, so I just brought a few things as a small token of my appreciation."

Lu Hao paused and glanced at the bag. Inside were two cartons of premium cigarettes and a thick red envelope—at least two months' worth of his salary.

"Little Lu, Ms. Liu's business is the township government's business. By paying her company, you are helping the government resolve a difficulty. This is official business. It's just that Ms. Liu's payment has been overdue for over half a year, and her company is in urgent need of funds. The impoverished households can wait a little longer for their money," Li Haotian added, pressing him once more.

Lu Hao knew he could no longer play dumb. Li had been blunt. He gritted his teeth and said firmly, "Ms. Liu, I cannot accept gifts without merit. This is too valuable; I cannot take it."

As he spoke, the expressions of all three people, including Li Haotian, shifted. Lu Hao’s refusal was unmistakable.

"Lu Hao, you must have heard that the new County Party Secretary has arrived in Anxing County. Once the appointments are finalized, there will be a personnel reshuffle. If you handle this matter well, I will personally go to County Magistrate Li and guarantee your promotion to Deputy Township Head," Li Haotian said, his eyes narrowing as he played his trump card.