After my divorce at thirty, I developed an intelligence network.

The next day, in the morning, in the office of the Deputy Director of the Public Security Bureau of the High-tech Zone.

Wu Jinshui went in, but didn't sit down. He first placed the brown paper bag from the black bag on the corner of the table with both hands: "Sir, here are some materials for your review."

Fu Mingde pointed to the chair opposite him: "Boss Wu? Sit down."

Wu Jinshui didn't sit down immediately, his face beaming with an unusually bright smile. "I'd like to give a brief report on the situation at our construction site, as well as some preliminary suggestions for future security work. Please feel free to offer your criticism and guidance."

Fu Mingde glanced at the file folder, didn't touch it, picked up his teacup and took a sip:

"Mr. Wu, you're too kind. Please sit down; it's not proper for you to talk standing up."

Wu Jinshui then sat down on the edge of the chair.

"How's Wang Biao's leg?" Fu Mingde suddenly asked.

Wu Jinshui's heart tightened, but his smile remained unchanged: "Thank you for your concern. It's a good thing that young people are impulsive and learn from their mistakes."

"Yes, you learn from your mistakes." Fu Mingde nodded.

"For those of you in the construction industry, maintaining harmony is the most important thing for making money. Fighting and arguing will have a bad influence."

The district is now focusing on building a safe and secure environment and improving the business environment. Established businesses like yours need to set a good example.

"Yes, yes, yes, the leader's instructions are correct." Wu Jinshui nodded repeatedly.

"We will definitely strengthen management, abide by laws and regulations, and never cause trouble for the district. This incident was due to our lax discipline, which caused trouble for the leaders."

Fu Mingde remained noncommittal and glanced at the clock on the wall.

Wu Jinshui immediately stood up and chuckled, "You're busy, sir, so I won't bother you any longer. Another day... when Wang Biao is able to get out of bed, I'll have him come and apologize to the bureau chief in person."

"No need for an apology." Fu Mingde also stood up and saw him to the door.

The door closed gently behind me.

Wu Jinshui stood in the corridor, his smile gradually fading away.

He slowly walked downstairs, out of the office building, until he got into his Santana and closed the car door.

He leaned back, closed his eyes, and exhaled a long breath.

Fu Mingde didn't say anything harsh or make any demands, but every seemingly ordinary tap landed precisely on his most painful spot.

He opened his eyes and looked at the gray building, the windowpanes reflecting a cold light in the afternoon sun.

After a while, he tugged at his tightly bound collar and started the car.

Born to toil in the mud, I earned my way in the world with my fists and ruthlessness. You dismissed me with just a few words?

My fist is still hard.

The Santana drove out of the compound and merged into the traffic.

Wu Jinshui's mind conjured up Fu Mingde's expressionless face and that seemingly casual last reminder, sending chills down his spine.

It's not a threat, but something that hurts more than a threat.

It's the kind of condescending, subtle tapping.

Fu Mingde didn't even mention the name Gong Yuelong, but every word seemed to say:

I see through your tactics. I didn't care before because I was too lazy to. Now that someone has brought this to the forefront, you have to follow the new rules.

New rules? Wu Jinshui's jaw tightened. His rule was survival of the fittest, whoever had the strongest fist called the shots.

But with just a few words, Fu Mingde managed to confine his set of rules into a framework called legality and compliance.

He cannot sit idly by and wait for his death.

We cannot let Fu Mingde's connection be severed, nor can we allow him to veer off to Gong Yuelong's side.

Wu Jinshui pulled the car over to the side of the road and took out his phone.

My finger swiped through the contacts for a while before finally stopping at a name labeled "former boss".

He stared at the name for several seconds, as if he had made up his mind, and then dialed the number.

The phone rang seven or eight times before being answered. "Feeding?"

"Old boss, it's me, Jinshui. How have you been lately?... Yes, yes, sorry to disturb your rest. There's something I'd like to ask you for a small favor..."

……

At 4 PM, my former boss sent me a text message: 7 PM, Juxian Pavilion, Qiushui Pavilion.

Wu Jinshui stared at the short line of words, took a deep breath, and started the car again.

He didn't go back to the company; he drove straight to the bank.

Half an hour later, he came out carrying an inconspicuous dark handbag, which was much heavier than when he arrived.

At 6:50 PM, at Juxian Pavilion and Qiushui Pavilion.

Wu Jinshui arrived ahead of schedule.

The private room was elegant and quiet, with an antique-style courtyard visible through the window.

He personally checked the menu, replaced it with the shop's most expensive tea, and instructed the waiters not to come in without being called.

At 7:00 sharp, Fu Mingde pushed open the door and entered.

Seeing that Wu Jinshui was the only one there, he showed no surprise and simply nodded.

"Director Fu, please have a seat, a seat of honor." Wu Jinshui quickly stood up, his smile more natural than when he was in the office during the day.

Fu Mingde sat down and glanced at the furnishings on the table: "Boss Wu has gone to great lengths."

"Of course, of course."

Wu Jinshui personally poured tea, saying, "I didn't have time to say some things in detail during the day in the office."

I mainly wanted to report to you, Director, that our company will definitely operate in compliance with regulations and fully support the district's work going forward.

I've already given that brat Wang Biao a good scolding; he'll never cause you any more trouble, Director.

Fu Mingde listened, blew on the tea foam, and didn't reply.

Just then, the door to the private room was gently pushed open again. An elderly man with gray hair slowly walked in.

Upon seeing the visitor, Fu Mingde immediately stood up and took two steps forward to greet him: "Hello, old leader!"

The old man smiled and patted Fu Mingde's arm:

"Mingde, I heard you've been doing a good job at work lately."

Jinshui, this kid, used to work under me. He's a bit impulsive, but he's not a bad person at heart.

You're all in the High-tech Zone now. If he does anything wrong, you should criticize him and give him guidance.

"It's just a casual meal today, you young people should chat more."

Wu Jinshui had already been standing to the side with his hands at his sides. Only after the old man finished speaking did he respectfully say, "Old leader, please have a seat."

The three of them sat down. The atmosphere subtly changed.

Fu Mingde still didn't say much, but he would nod slightly.

As the dinner was drawing to a close, the former leader stood up to take his leave, patted Wu Jinshui on the shoulder, and said, "Jinshui, do a good job and don't let Mingde Bureau down."

He then said to Mingde, "Mingde, please help me out whenever you have the chance."

After seeing off the old leader, only Wu Jinshui and Fu Mingde remained in the private room.

Wu Jinshui took out the dark-colored handbag from behind him and gently placed it on the empty chair next to Fu Mingde. "Some local products from my hometown, for you to try."

Fu Mingde's gaze lingered on the handbag for a moment, but he neither looked at it nor touched it.

He picked up a napkin, wiped his hands, and stood up.

He said calmly, "Boss Wu, running your business well is the biggest support you can give to the district. I have other things to do, so I'll be leaving now."

"Let me see you off!" Wu Jinshui said quickly.

"No need." Fu Mingde waved his hand and walked out of the private room alone.

The door closed. Wu Jinshui stood there, looking at the handbag on the empty chair, then at the almost untouched dishes on the table, and slowly sat back down.

The price was paid, and the bridge was barely built.

Although Fu Mingde was still not very smooth, at least the noose that could tighten at any moment had been loosened for the time being.