The underground restaurant.
More than half the tables were occupied, with many officers and public officials dining. Jiang Ye and Shao Wan’s arrival did not attract much attention. The first time Jiang Ye entered the restaurant, the entire place had erupted with people saluting. Jiang Ye had corrected them several times, and finally, people learned to sit and eat quietly, as if they hadn't seen their superior.
Jiang Ye disliked being the center of attention, even with an entourage. If every mealtime was so troublesome, he wouldn't be able to eat. Although they were superiors and subordinates, everyone should do their own job. He wished things weren't like those in ancient times with emperors; that was his ideal state.
"Come on, take whatever you want to eat. It's my treat." Jiang Ye grabbed a tray and went to the serving area.
The dishes tonight were normal. Eighty to ninety kinds of cold dishes, hot dishes, staples, and drinks, all at cost price. A bowl of coarse grain porridge only cost two yuan.
Jiang Ye ate a wide variety, taking the smallest portion of everything: vegetables, meat, eggs, fruits, nuts, plus a large piece of fluffy, leavened scallion oil pancake.
Shao Wan, on the other hand, was a true carnivore. Lamb chops, steak, chicken breast, braised pork, with an apple and a roujiamo as embellishments.
"Eating too much meat is bad for your health. Eat more vegetables and coarse grains in the future," Jiang Ye advised. "How is your health now?"
Shao Wan felt that Jiang Ye was a bit different from usual today. He couldn't tell if the question "How is your health now?" was casual or had a deeper meaning, so he gave a slippery answer:
"It's been a long time since my last physical. I've been busy lately and haven't had a check-up."
Jiang Ye said nothing, paid the bill, and went to a corner seat by the window. Shao Wan followed with his tray and sat opposite him.
Diners at the adjacent tables were startled and immediately picked up their plates and moved to tables further away. Soon, a no-man's-land formed around the two of them.
"You've been the head of the police force on Jiang Ye Star for several years now." Jiang Ye drank his vegetable soup. "Having traveled across this planet these past few years, you must have a lot of understanding of Jiang Ye Star."
"It has been several years." Shao Wan cautiously did not continue the conversation.
"I've removed Cen Yemeng from his position as Planet Governor. The news will be released tonight," Jiang Ye said. "We will hold an internal election for Planet Governor soon. Senior officers from the military and police, representatives of the people from major cities, city lords, representatives from Feng Zhi Shuang's side, and my think tank will all attend the meeting to vote. Regarding candidates, I want to nominate you. How confident do you feel about being elected?"
Shao Wan was stunned. The steak he had picked up with his chopsticks clattered back onto his plate.
Planet Governor?
He thought being the head of the police force was the peak. Now, he was being considered for a promotion?
"If you nominate me, regardless of my personal qualifications, the win rate will be extremely high," Shao Wan replied. "But am I too junior for this position?"
"Junior? You jest," Jiang Ye said. "You don't need to decline. The position of Planet Governor is both substantive and nominal, and it won't be for too long."
"This news is too sudden," Shao Wan's forehead broke out in a sweat. "I never imagined I would face such immense responsibility. Why did you choose me?"
"Jiang Ye Star is growing larger, and everything needs to become more formalized. Cen Yemeng's position as Planet Governor was a temporary measure. What is needed now is a true Planet Governor," Jiang Ye said, his eyes burning. "This person must possess the following qualities: First, a thorough understanding of all strata of Jiang Ye Star's society. Second, to have resided and served on Jiang Ye Star for a long time, with an emotional attachment to the planet. Third, to have prestige within the entire political system of Jiang Ye Star, commanding respect. Fourth, to have impeccable character and moral integrity. Fifth, to be in good health, with the energy and stamina to perform the job."
Shao Wan listened quietly, frowning slightly in thought.
"I believe you meet these requirements," Jiang Ye said, counting on his fingers. "You have served as the highest-ranking police officer for so many years. You are fully aware of the crime rates in every region of Jiang Ye Star, the common forms of crime in various industries, and the social problems that lead to crime. In the reports you submit every month, I can see your insights and reflections."
"Thank you for your recognition," Shao Wan said. "It is merely a humble opinion."
"You are acquainted with high-level individuals and often visit the grassroots. You have experienced everything from the debauchery of high society to the hardships of the lower classes. The various industries on Jiang Ye Star form a spiderweb, and you are the large spider at the center, feeling vibrations from different directions with just a few legs. You also have experience serving on other planets, allowing you to compare the strengths and weaknesses of different planetary social structures," Jiang Ye continued. "We are talking privately, so let's not engage in ancient rituals of deferral. Tell me clearly, are you willing to try being Planet Governor for a few years? If yes, I will put you on the candidate list. If no, I will find someone else."
Shao Wan's attitude immediately became decisive. "Yes, as long as you trust me, I am confident I can do it well."
"Let's try the election first," Jiang Ye nodded with satisfaction. "Show your true capabilities, bring out all the knowledge you have, and utilize all the skills you've accumulated over the years."
"What do I need to prepare?" Shao Wan asked.
"Prepare your future plan," Jiang Ye said. "If you are elected Planet Governor, what will be your first tasks, and what problems will you solve?"
"Understood," Shao Wan nodded. "I will write one and bring it to you for review."
"For this plan, I'll give you a hint," Jiang Ye said. "Be bolder."
"Bolder?" Shao Wan frowned in confusion.
"Don't be afraid to offend people," Jiang Ye said. "My first task for you is to clear out the dregs from all levels of Jiang Ye Star. Ju Lanlan's situation was a wake-up call for me. These past few days, lying in bed, I kept thinking that there might be many more Ju Lanlans on Jiang Ye Star. When I open my eyes, it feels like a pile of sharp blades and swords are hanging over my head. Many people entered our Jiang Ye Star system with pure hearts, but after prolonged peace, some people, like water dripping on stone, have become loose and started to darken, like smooth stones soaked in river water for too long, growing black and green moss."
Shao Wan fell into thought.
He was also aware of the situation Jiang Ye described. In his position, he knew a lot of information, even more detailed than Jiang Ye.
"If you want to do this, I actually have someone to recommend to you," Shao Wan said. "This person is an old acquaintance from another planet. He is very capable, hates evil, and has decisive methods."
"Oh?" Jiang Ye raised an eyebrow. "Of course, you can. If his character and abilities are up to par, after you become Planet Governor, you can arrange a relevant job for him. What is this person's current position on which planet?"
"This person... currently has no position. I saw him once a few years ago on the streets of Han Qing Star, working as a box man. I don't know if he's still alive," Shao Wan said.
"Box man?" Jiang Ye was bewildered.