Chapter 153 Car Accident

se friends. Now that he was successful, it stirred many memories.Subconsciously, Su Licheng had reached a level of prominence where others viewed him as an important resource."The rear base is secure,...Chapter 153: Car Accident

The situation in the year 2003 was relatively complex but smoother compared to previous years, with one of the most significant events being the convening of the Sixteenth National Congress of the Party in January. As early as the year 2000, various factions had already laid out strategic plans for the leadership transition at the turn of the millennium. A large number of capable officials from different factions were assigned to various positions across the country, ranging from provincial and ministerial-level leaders down to deputy-level positions in counties and cities. Everyone was making preparations for the Sixteenth Congress.

Three years later, the time for rotation had finally arrived. At both central and local levels, a large number of officials reached their age limit and stepped down from their current leadership roles. Many middle-aged and young officials around 45 years old were stepping into important leadership positions, representing different factions in provincial and ministerial-level posts.

In this situation, for the candidates who would be assuming provincial and ministerial level positions, the most crucial and emphasized aspect was their experience at the local provincial level.

During Wang Bo's tenure as the Secretary of Xiahai City, his career path rapidly improved from its initial low point, earning him respect within his faction. With Wang Bo's accomplishments, Grandpa Wang from Beijing's Wang family was pleased. At that time, Wang Bo had already earned the qualifications to be transferred to Beijing and take up a deputy-ministerial position under a national ministry.

On this topic, while playing chess at Miaoxiang Mountain Park in Beijing, Grandpa Wang clearly pointed out: "From the provincial government compound to the Rongcheng municipal government compound, you served as an official for eight years, and then later became the Secretary of Xiahai City. Altogether, it's about a decade of experience at the department level, right You have both grassroots and administrative experience. Now, moving up to deputy-ministerial positions isn't difficult, or even being recalled to Beijing to be a minister for me old man can make many envy my good fortune. When you reach near-retirement age, you'll likely become a minister of a national ministry as a full member, but that will probably be your peak; there won’t be any more steps up from there, and you won't hold the position of a provincial governor, let alone move up further on this basis. According to established conventions, if you want to take another step forward, working in specific departments isn't enough—without experience as a provincial official, you'll find yourself at a disadvantage when working in regional positions. The urgent matter is not coming to Beijing to be a deputy minister but moving further into the province. If the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee assigns you to a lagging western region, no matter how harsh the conditions, don't hesitate; set off immediately. Don't always focus on developed coastal areas where the foundation and conditions are good and results are easy to achieve. The urgent matter isn’t coming to Beijing but going to the province."

Thus, with Grandpa Wang's advice, Wang Bo took up the position of Secretary of Rongcheng City. Any sharp-eyed person could see that Wang Bo had officially become a leading political figure in the Wang faction, recognized by Grandpa Wang and beginning to have the qualifications to consolidate factional voices.

As expected, three years later, the Sixteenth National Congress was held smoothly, with Grandpa Wang stepping down from his position as Vice Premier. He adopted an attitude of not interfering in political matters. All officials within the Wang faction faced a new landscape regarding how and where they would proceed.

The layout Grandpa Wang had made three years ago came true; accompanying the convening of the Sixteenth Congress, there was a large-scale reshuffle of local provincial party and government leaders. Various regions and provinces were making preparations for their transitions, one after another, with significant efforts involved. In the southwest region, one of the most eye-catching pieces of news was that the former Secretary of Rongcheng City, Wang Bo, might be appointed as a top leader in the Provincial Party Committee after the new year.

In this context, it could be reasonably explained why Su Licheng, who already had a foundation at Great Pine Construction Company, moved to Huangcheng to become a vice mayor. It's not uncommon for businessmen to enter politics; typical examples include Ai Baodun from Baoshen Steel Group becoming the Vice Mayor of Shanghai and Zhu Yinfeng, former President of China First Auto Works, serving as Deputy Governor of Jilin Province. Another example is Niao Wei, former General Manager of Dongfeng Motor Corporation, who became Secretary of Wuhan Municipal Committee and then Deputy Minister of Industry and Information Technology. There are countless such examples, including the former Chairman of CNOOC becoming the Secretary of Hainan Provincial Party Committee, which is a necessary adaptation to the development of the new era.

On the expressway where Su Licheng was heading from Rongcheng to Huangcheng for his appointment, however, an extremely unusual chain-reaction car accident occurred involving several vehicles.

The cause was that a convoy consisting of Porsche, Mercedes-AMG, and BMW M3 cars overtook Su Licheng's convoy sent by the provincial organizational department. After one of the Mercedes slowed down after overtaking, it caused the following vehicle to brake urgently, resulting in a chain-reaction rear-end collision. Fortunately, Su Licheng’s convoy wasn’t traveling very fast, and they braked in time without causing any casualties. In the three official cars composing the convoy, Su Licheng was seated in the last car, not involved in the first three cars' consecutive collisions.

Su Can only heard about this news from Zeng Ke after returning to Rongcheng.

"When your father got out of the car, the sports car in front and the government vehicle had already crashed into each other. The people from those cars were taken away by the police, but the rest of their convoy had long fled. Later on, it was informed to Rongjiao Team Two as well as Hongcheng Traffic Police that the convoy had been intercepted at the entrance of Rong-Hong Expressway, and they found out that one of the cars belonged to Xu Dong, the son of Vice-Mayor Xu Changcheng of Hongcheng City. The car involved in the accident was owned by Zhang Ji's son, who is also an entrepreneur; he has currently been detained for preliminary questioning and accountability proceedings. I haven't seen any reports about this incident in the newspapers either. Over these few days, our home received numerous calls from people with connections, and I estimate that your father must have gotten even more phone calls." Zeng Ke explained to Su Cen upon his return to Rongcheng City. "I was originally planning to go right away, but your dad said he would wait until you got back before coming over."

Hearing this, Su Cen thought that it seemed like there were quite a few local power players in Hongcheng these days; if they were in the provincial capital of Rongcheng City, such situations wouldn’t happen as much. People holding high positions in bigger cities would know better than to act rashly or show off their power. For example, among Wang Weiwei's circle of friends in Rongcheng, even though there were many arrogant individuals, none of them would openly flaunt their authority and arrogance; they all kept a low profile. Some were even quite mild-mannered and well-educated. However, in the case of a prefecture-level city like Hongcheng, such problems seemed to be more prominent, with relatively more people who lack self-restraint.

Hongcheng City was not an unknown place; later on, it made some noise and news headlines, but that's for another story. Su Cen wasn’t sure if everything would change due to his rebirth, such as this car accident which didn't happen in the previous life. Fortunately, there were no casualties, which alone made him break out in a cold sweat.

When Tang Wu returned home in Rongcheng City, she received messages and calls from her former classmates at No. 27 High School as soon as she got back. During summer vacation, perhaps everyone wouldn’t be able to gather together, but during winter break with the Spring Festival holiday, it would be bustling. Class reunions were one wave after another.

In their first year of college, many people weren't accustomed to the new environment and atmosphere. They preferred to stay at home during holidays rather than get together for gatherings often.

However, by their second year in university, they had adapted well and expanded their social networks; they knew what college was all about. Various nostalgia-fueled social activities emerged, making the second-year holiday one of the most frequent times for class reunions when everyone could gather together easily. By the third and fourth years, many former high school classmates wouldn't return during vacations once university breaks came around. Some would start working right after graduation, while others might still get together if their group had a strong sense of unity from high school; those without such cohesion would likely disperse. It wasn’t until decades later when everyone has settled down and started families that these activities like high school reunions could be revived. By then, the world they knew back then wouldn't seem so recent anymore.

Upon Tang Wu’s return to Rongcheng City, former classmates from her previous high school began reaching out to her one after another. Those who were previously closer friends with Tang Wu would call and invite her to class reunions. Although Tang Wu generally gave an impression of being distant and aloof, those who knew her well understood that she was actually warm-hearted inside.

Back when Tang Wu was the vice-class monitor in Class 14 at No. 27 High School, there were many times during sports meets where she cheered on the track athletes for their class, shouting alongside girls beside her with a flushed face due to excitement. This even left the experienced and well-traveled vice-class monitor stunned once. Later on, when this story came out, many people who weren't known then but later had successful careers felt that they should go back in time to see what Tang Wu was like at that moment.

If there were still any reservations or inhibitions about high school, by the second year of university, everyone would be ready to let loose. Most classes from No. 27 High School knew each other well and had formed social ties, so many gatherings among active groups became interconnected. Therefore, not just one side tried to invite Tang Wu through her acquaintances to participate in this girl who was frequently discussed back at No. 27 High School.

Tang Wu was delayed due to matters with the Chinese version of Facebook in Shanghai. As she had yet to return to Rongcheng, the original plan for a class reunion in Class 14 of her former school had been postponed until she arrived; the reason given was that "how could there be a class reunion without the monitor"

"Apart from Tang Wu, I heard many people called you. Isn't your seventh-grade class planning to hold a class reunion Last time Jiang Mingjun and Wu Shirui from your class, along with someone named Guo Xiaozhong... several of them visited Wang Wujun (the assistant counselor) last semester..."

"They heard about you at Nanjing University..." Wang Weiwei had been in Beijing for the Spring Festival period but was well-informed. After going to China Youth Institute in Beijing, he kept close contact with his high school classmates; this was one of Wang Weiwei's strengths — lacking airs and graces, acting almost like an intelligence hub where everyone could connect with him. Whenever former classmates visited Beijing, he treated them warmly as a host would, earning him quite a reputation for hospitality and social skills. In Su Cen’s view, Wang Weiwei already had a lot of charisma. "Speaking of which, many people are talking about you back then among your high school friends; some were at Nanjing University themselves, others heard things in Shanghai... You must be quite capable to cause waves there given how big the place is... Indeed, it fits your personality..."

Su Cen wasn't sure what impression he made on people at Nanjing University or those who only knew him through hearsay, so all he could do was jokingly say, "Am I now somewhat famous

The results made Wang Weiwei sneer, "Another daydream Forget the past at Summer Sea No. 1 High School; even in your time at Second Seventh Middle School, you were notorious. Just taking Tang Wu away and spreading rumors of a relationship between you and Lin Luoran in Shanghai have already stirred up enough resentment among people to challenge you fiercely. Stories about you are spread by former classmates in the dark corners of schools across the country...

"What on earth..." Su Chen was taken aback when he heard this.

Pausing, Wang Weiwei continued, "But speaking from your current career trajectory and achievements, it wouldn't be hard for you to become well-known nationwide. If you were to step into the spotlight... I'm worried that you might not even have a peaceful winter vacation anymore, as famous domestic media outlets would likely come knocking frequently to interview you."

"I've already said this before... I'm not that ostentatious," Su Chen said. "Moreover, much of what I do is kept very secret, and I worry that if others figure out the patterns, they might precede me..."

“You can’t live a day without putting on airs.” Wang Weiwei naturally took this half-joking remark as Su Chen showing off.

The two of them laughed again. Su Chen asked about Lin Zhoudance's situation in Hunan, and Wang Weiwei was momentarily stunned before calmly saying, "He’s doing well. I have some things to take care of here; if nothing else comes up, I'll hang up now."

In the Four Seas Comfort Home community where Tang Wu lived in Rongcheng, Mu Xuan and Tang Zongyang unexpectedly postponed their evening engagements and stayed at home. Although they occasionally met in Shanghai, when their daughter returned home, both of them instinctively isolated themselves from the outside world’s social obligations.

Tang Zongyang was particularly vexed recently. Several power brokers were hosting exclusive wine parties, birthday banquets for their children, and a top real estate magnate in Southwest China invited distinguished guests to an opening ceremony at his luxury development—each event repeatedly urging Tang Zongyang to bring along Tang Wu, with implications of mutual acquaintance and even covetousness towards the Tang family’s daughter. On Mu Xuan's side, there were also attempts by government officials who felt they were a match for their household status to open doors for their sons.

With the influence of Grandpa Mu behind them, the delicate and refined Tang Wu gradually came into the sights of families that considered themselves worthy. Many families viewed locally renowned socialites as unreliable, whereas the Tang family's low-key yet firm stance was seen as genuinely substantial and grounded—worthy enough to seek opportunities even at great personal expense.

Even some documents with slight benefits could attract a rush from all sides; how much more so when it came to such matters. Mu Xuan turned off his phone in the evening, leaving only an internal line, unwilling to see or hear about anything that might lead others to take advantage of him during this time. He was worried that families would vie for the chance to give Tang Wu red envelopes over the New Year holiday, and he feared she'd end up with tens or even hundreds of thousands in cash gifts—this wasn't impossible; someone had hinted at giving her a MINI Cooper sports car on her 18th birthday.

During these days since Tang Wu's return home, except for classmates gatherings, Tang Zongyang and Mu Xuan stayed at home with her watching TV. In truth, it was rare to see such a warm family scene now.

Tang Zongyang had mentioned more than once renting out this judicial bureau apartment building; after all, the housing built by the bureau was part of unit welfare housing, and Rongcheng's Housing Bureau issued regulations in 2002 stating that such homes couldn't be sold within five years. If they rented it out, they could buy a villa in Duoma Mountain, Shuangliu County; Father had already picked a plot—the China Aviation Cloud Ridge Golf Villa. To his shame, this was introduced by one of his business partners in Shanghai who had bought an apartment with six bedrooms and four bathrooms, along with a 800-square-meter entrance garden and courtyard garden for seven million yuan.

However, Mu Xuan vetoed the idea, saying that a family had never lived in such a big house for their entire life. He also mentioned that living in an independent house wasn't comfortable and didn't have the atmosphere of everyone gathering on the couch to watch TV. When watching TV, they would all be far apart due to the spaciousness of the place, making it hard for anyone to get used to. Tang's father thought about this and abandoned the idea.

On that day, Tang Wu did not receive any calls related to her class reunion; she stayed at home and suddenly said, "Mom, in a while, I plan to travel to Phoenix City with some friends."

Mu Xuan, who was curled up on the sofa reading through documents, raised his head, glanced at Tang Wu, and nodded calmly without any emotional fluctuation. After thinking for a moment, he put down the documents and said, "Oh, Su Cai's father has just been transferred there... to serve as the vice mayor, right"

When Su Cai and his mother, Chen Ke, were already on their way to Phoenix City via expressway, in Chengdu, classmates connected with him for the class reunion.

The Mercedes-Benz involved in the accident earlier, owned by Zhang Changping, son of Director Zhang, was punished despite various attempts to smooth things over. He received a six-month detention sentence due to causing an accident through reckless driving. However, among the group including Xu Dong, the son of Vice Mayor Xu Changcheng, there were several traditional high-ranking officials' children, none of whom faced any repercussions.

Theoretically speaking, such a case where someone led a group in speeding and indirectly caused an accident shouldn't have been left without consequences. Even though it was unfortunate that the son of the Bureau Chief of Land Resources Administration took the blame for being the culprit, Xu Dong's group should at least face severe traffic penalties.

However, Vice Mayor Xu Changcheng handled this matter, and although he publicly reprimanded his son in Phoenix City, no substantial administrative punishment was imposed. Instead, he merely called to offer condolences, a non-committal approach that highlighted Xu Changcheng's political acumen. By distancing himself and his son from the case, he avoided any stains on their reputations while maintaining appearances.

Su Cai realized that Xu Changcheng was definitely not an ordinary figure because when Su Licheng took office, the document issued by the Provincial Organization Department of the Communist Party of Western Sichuan regarding his appointment as a member of the Standing Committee and Vice Mayor of Phoenix City explicitly stated: "Ranked third in the municipal government after Mayor Yang Wanyi and Deputy Mayor Zhou Shaofeng." This statement, though seemingly insignificant, actually represented the opinion of high-ranking officials like Wang Bo. Many people spent their entire lives waiting for such recognition.

This indicated that Su Licheng's position was suddenly elevated to third in the municipal government hierarchy, implying an even higher rank within the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee, pushing Xu Changcheng down from his previous sixth-ranked position.

Such a statement indicated a promising future. Should Mayor Yang or Deputy Mayor Zhou leave their posts, as the first-ranking vice mayor, Su Licheng would likely step into the role of mayor. If fortunate enough, he might even leap to the top spot as Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee. Even if transferred elsewhere, his status would remain high.

Many vice mayors spent their lives waiting for such an opportunity. Some were willing to endure patiently like a wife waiting to become a mother-in-law. Upon Su Licheng's arrival at Phoenix City and pushing Xu Changcheng down the ranks so quickly, it was clear he must be harboring resentment.

The subsequent story will be fully developed with approximately twenty thousand more words, providing you with satisfactory conclusions. Previously, I promised to conclude last month; that was overly ambitious on my part. Now focusing intently, I aim to give a fulfilling ending to the Great Nirvana. Two chapters will be updated tomorrow.ey-minded and even neglected his studies to focus on business during university.Su Cun's phone call crossed hundreds of kilometers via radio waves, beginning to contact the key players under his comma...