In the name of supernatural powers

Chapter 179 Conversation
In the study room.

Liu Hanwen sat down in the chair and scrutinized Lu Zhao for a long time.

Lu Zhao stood ramrod straight, without uttering a word, like a large spear.

It looks like it, very much like it.

Liu Hanwen was somewhat dazed, his memory flashing back to fifty years ago, as if he were seeing an old friend.

Lin Zhiyan's grandfather was also very handsome and charming back then, and was pursued by countless women.

From Lin Zhiyan's complaints, Liu Hanwen learned about Lu Zhao's peculiar habit of not eating beef, and that his strict self-discipline and stubbornness were just like Lin Zhiyan's father.

He asked, "I've looked at your information. You're an outstanding graduate of the Imperial Capital in 38. Logically speaking, you could start as a deputy clerk anywhere. Why did you choose to return to the Western Circuit of the South China Sea?"

Lu Zhao answered without hesitation: "Reporting to the Chief, I am a local trainee, and it is my duty to go back to build my hometown."

The orphanage was a special selection and training system during a special period, and Lu Zhao was selected because of the sacrifice of more than a dozen people in his family.

"You don't have to go back. You should know the power of the Chen family, right?"

Liu Hanwen stared into Lu Zhao's eyes, trying to detect a hint of wavering.

Lu Zhao conducted the background check twice, and he also watched it three times.

The first time was when he defied public opinion and sued Zhao De. At the time, Liu Hanwen was surprised that such a principled official could be found in such a small place.

The second time was because Lin Zhiyan investigated all of Lu Zhao's interpersonal relationships.

What puzzled Liu Hanwen the most was why Lu Zhao wanted to return to his hometown.

Schools are ivory towers, but they are not absolutely isolated from the outside world.

Given the way that young lady from the Chen family behaved, even Liu Hanwen had heard about it. It was impossible for her to hide her family like Lin Zhiyan did.

To this end, Liu Hanwen even had someone inquire with the graduates of that year, and without exception, they all knew Chen Qian's identity and that she had a father who was a military commander.

But Lu Zhao still went back. Was it really just because of the selection of trainees?
Lu Zhao nodded and said, "I know, but it is my duty to go back and build up my hometown."

A hint of admiration appeared in Liu Hanwen's eyes as he asked, "Do you regret wasting four years?"

“I don’t feel like I’ve wasted my time. At least these four years have saved my fellow villagers from the harassment of water monsters.”

Lu Zhao paused for a moment, then said, "To say I regret it wouldn't be accurate. I can only say that I didn't conduct a thorough investigation and rashly accepted the job offer. This allowed the villain to get away with it and I ended up being stuck at the border post."

Even without Chen Qian, Lu Zhao would still return to his hometown. The only difference would be that he wouldn't be held back from promotion.

He never felt that patrolling the mountains was a humiliation; he just didn't want to live a life of mediocrity.

"No wonder you were forced to patrol the mountains for four years because of your behavior."

Liu Hanwen's words seemed sarcastic, but a smile appeared on his face as he said, "In today's federal government, the more law-abiding a person is, the harder it is for them to get promoted."

"Even in the military, following the rules will only make you a soldier; if you want to become a general, you have to know how to use the rules."

"When you work in Cangwu in the future, you must know that nothing is a crime unless expressly stated in the law. A qualified official should be proficient in and flexibly apply the rules to efficiently solve problems and promote work."

This is teaching me.

Lu Zhao understood immediately and nodded, saying, "Thank you for your instruction, Chief Instructor."

These masters had already taught him, but who could blame them when they were the chief? Lu Zhao wasn't lacking in emotional intelligence; he wouldn't do something as foolish as arguing with his superior.

Besides, nominally, this is his father-in-law.

"Is your relationship with Xiao Yan real, or just an act?"

Liu Hanwen suddenly changed the subject, a sharp glint in his eyes. He said, "I am now an orphan with no children. My old comrade entrusted Xiao Yan to me back then, and I cannot let her suffer any injustice."

"I can tell that Xiaoyan has a good impression of you, and you are a good match. How about we hold a formal wedding for you two next year or the year after?"

Lu Zhao is the most suitable person he can find so far, who can inherit the Dragon-Taming and Tiger-Subduing technique, and will not make Xiao Yan dislike him.

Liu Hanwen initially thought it was a stroke of good luck, but now that they've met in person, he feels it might not be that simple.

This kid is one of my kind.

This is a judgment based on intuition.

Lu Zhao answered truthfully, "We were just acting; we didn't have any real relationship."

Liu Hanwen said, “You can act for a lifetime, and I will give you everything you want. Aren’t you going to the special counter-terrorism unit in Cangwu this year? I can transfer you to a safer department with more resources, or I can put you directly into the secretariat.”

Lu Zhao shook his head and replied firmly, "I'm sorry, but before I was Lin Zhiyan's husband, I was a federal official and a soldier. If the country needs me to go to the special operations force, I will not refuse, even if it means going through fire and water."

"..."

Liu Hanwen suddenly understood the women who had been with him back then.

People like them are indeed a bit cold-blooded.

Can't you tell a couple of lies? Or pretend for a little while?

Do you know the casualties of the Confederate Special Countermeasures Forces?

"A fixed 10% annually, and staying for a full year counts as a third-class merit."

"Since you know that, you still want to go?"

"It is obligatory."

Liu Hanwen frowned slightly; he disliked anyone defying him.

Logically speaking, Lu Zhao should have stayed in his safe position, cultivated a relationship with Lin Zhiyan, and waited for a promotion.

Even if he retires, there will be others who will promote him.

With the Lin family's political influence, as long as Lu Zhao has enough talent, he will definitely become a Martial Marquis in the end. Once he becomes a Martial Marquis and inherits the Dragon-Subduing and Tiger-Taming Technique, his achievements will definitely surpass his own.

He actually refused such a generous offer.

'This kid is stubborn and too sharp-tongued; he needs to be tempered.'

Liu Hanwen's brows relaxed, and he made up his mind, saying, "Since you've put it that way, then I have a task to give you."

Are you aware of the recent new economic reforms?

Lu Zhao repeated the document at a slightly faster pace, his mental supernatural ability allowing him to repeat it word for word.

The new economic reforms mainly consist of two aspects. One is the relocation of industry to other regions, moving unnecessary industries to other areas and restoring the environment of Namhaedong Province. The other aspect is the reform of the existing supply system, closing down various official shops that rely on the rationing system and removing most prohibited items from the list.

Liu Hanwen said, "You've done your homework very well. Which of these two do you think is easier?"

After a moment's thought, Lu Zhao replied, "Neither is easy. The rationing system involves all the wealthy and powerful, and will inevitably encounter enormous resistance. The relocation of industries will lead to mass layoffs, and many riots will inevitably break out."

Liu Hanwen asked, "If you were to do this, which step do you think would be the best to take first?"

"Both in parallel."

How to achieve parallel processing?

"Decouple goods that can support a market economy from the supply system, while ensuring that the corresponding production capacity does not decrease after industries relocate inland. Goods will not appear out of thin air on the shelves; at the very least, production must be able to continue."

How do you determine which items should be removed from the prohibited list?

“Look at the black market. Goods that ordinary people can afford on the black market should be deregulated.”

In this question-and-answer session, Liu Hanwen asked increasingly probing questions.

He discovered that Lu Zhao also had some knowledge in governance; although he could not be described as exceptionally talented, he was at least competent.

He's not just a roughneck who only knows how to fight and kill.

This is indeed a talented individual. With a little training and taming, Lin Zhiyan can definitely be entrusted to him.

We still have to work on him; otherwise, this kid won't listen.

Half an hour later, Liu Hanwen nodded in satisfaction and said, "This year I plan to relocate some of the industries out first. At that time, the state will inevitably riot. I need your assistance. Follow my orders when the time comes."

"Yes!"

Lu Zhao stood at attention and saluted.

He didn't consider himself a son-in-law at all, but rather a federal official and soldier.

Liu Hanwen waved for the guest to leave, and Lu Zhao turned and walked out of the room. Secretary Liu immediately came in afterward.

"Sir, are you satisfied with this young man?"

"Very satisfied, yet extremely dissatisfied."

Liu Hanwen's answer left his secretary puzzled; was he satisfied or dissatisfied?
"He would be a competent official, an excellent soldier, and a capable subordinate, but not a good husband."

Secretary Liu understood.

She's competent enough, but her romantic life is a complete failure.

Actually, you could tell from the living room that Lin Zhiyan was holding his arm, and you could tell from her subtle expressions that she was very uncomfortable.

The secretary initially thought it was because the young man was hot-tempered.

After all, the little princess has a curvaceous figure, not a flat-chested body.

He tentatively asked, "Does Lu Zhao have a problem with his sexual orientation?"

Liu Hanwen said, "This brat is just like me."

"..."

Secretary Liu's eyes widened slightly, and she blurted out subconsciously, "Holy crap, what do we do then? Someone like you... cough cough cough, someone like you is a good match."

Liu Hanwen said expressionlessly, "I plan to send him to the special counter-terrorism unit for some training. Assign him a unit according to the rules, don't give him any special treatment. When he gets his comeuppance, he'll go looking for Xiao Yan."

Whether he likes it or not is unimportant, and it's not up to Lu Zhao. As long as he bestows enough favors, he can bind Lu Zhao for life.

The fact that Lu Zhao was willing to return to his hometown to help with development shows that he is at least grateful for kindness shown to him.

------------

Outside the study.

As soon as Lu Zhao came out, Lin Zhiyan appeared at the corner of the corridor, quickly walked over, and pulled him away.

As she walked, she asked, "Did Master Liu make things difficult for you?"

Lu Zhao replied, "Chief Liu said that I am very similar to him."

"What drug did you give Master Liu?"

Lin Zhiyan looked puzzled and said, "How can your sharp tongue, which can kill without drawing blood, compare to Master Liu? Master Liu is usually very gentle."

gentle?

Lu Zhao thought back for a moment and realized that Chief Liu was not at all gentle.

Lin Zhiyan suddenly asked, "By the way, do you need me to go home with you?"

"Going back to what home?"

Lu Zhao became somewhat wary and said, "You don't mean you also want to meet my family, do you?"

Lin Zhiyan looked somewhat unnatural, as Aunt Ding's words flashed through his mind.

For example, you'll definitely be pressured to get married at your age. If you can be my shield, I can be your shield too. It's a win-win situation.

Once we can confirm his identity, we'll start by investigating his family. As the saying goes, "a pillow talk can topple a mountain."

With Lu Zhao's mother constantly helping him out, how could he not win?

The above are Aunt Ding's original words.

Lin Zhiyan had just spent a full half hour preparing herself mentally, but Lu Zhao's wary tone immediately triggered her rebellious streak.

"What kind of tone is that? I was originally going to help you fend off the pressure to get married, but if you don't want to, then forget it. Humph! You're just taking my kindness for granted."

As soon as she finished speaking, Lin Zhiyan felt a tiny person floating in mid-air, slapping her mouth twice.

What am I saying with that foul mouth of mine?!

Lu Zhao shook his head and said, "No need, I don't want to end up nagging the child."

Lin Zhiyan laughed awkwardly, "Haha...that's true."

(End of this chapter)