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

[Eradication Strategy - Seven-Day Simulation Completed.]

[Target: Wu Jinshui and his core network of interests (physical removal and functional paralysis).]

The cold text solidified in the blue light, then transformed into more specific branching schemes:

Branch 1: Physical Stripping

Target A: Cleft Lips. Identity: Actual person in charge of the transportation line, Wu Jinshui's informant. Weaknesses: Greedy, gambling addict; his mother lives alone in an old residential area.

Action recommendations: ...

Target B: Chen Suanpan. Role: Financial manager, embezzler of shady accounts. Weaknesses: His son, his secret mistress, and overseas accounts.

Action recommendations: ...

Branch Two: ...

[Final Harvest Recommendations]

[Kill. Clean it up.]

The blue light gradually dimmed, and he sat motionless in the dim circle of light.

kill.

But there is more than one way to kill.

The fastest knife doesn't necessarily draw blood.

The most thorough death is when everything he owns, relies on, and manages rots away inch by inch from the root, collapses, and finally even his physical existence is erased.

The seven-day simulation did not present a single path, but rather a network, a systematic solution that decomposes and reconstructs the concept of "killing".

He slowly exhaled a long breath, picked up his phone, and dialed the first number.

"Shunzi, go do something for me first thing tomorrow morning. I need two people, strangers, clean hands and feet. I'll send you the location and license plate number. Remember, just look, just listen, and take clear pictures, especially during shift changes and weighing. Don't do anything else."

After hanging up, he dialed a second number.

"Mr. Han, am I disturbing you? I have some materials and would like to ask you to help me check the distribution channels... Yes, the quantity isn't large, but I need it urgently, and the quality must be top-notch. Price is negotiable..."

He put down his phone after making all the arrangements.

No sword drawn, no blood shed.

But every step points to that malignant tumor that has lingered for many years, its most fatal root system.

As expected, good fortune was in their grasp.

……

The next morning, in Fu Mingde's office at the High-tech Zone Public Security Bureau.

The windows were bright and clean, and the sunlight was just right.

Fu Mingde, unusually, did not sit behind his desk, but instead sat with Gong Yuelong on the sofa by the window, with two cups of tea steaming on the coffee table in front of them.

"Boss Gong, this time..."

Fu Mingde picked up his teacup, blew on it, and a comfortable smile appeared on his face.

"Well done! Chen Mao's lead not only cut off Wu Jinshui's arm, but also removed a huge time bomb buried in our High-tech Zone!"

This case, which has been unsolved for eight years and is on the Ministry's radar, has had an extremely negative impact.

The fact that we were able to crack the case, and so decisively apprehend the suspect, is of great significance. I've already reported it, and the higher-ups have given our work very high praise.

The "we" he mentioned naturally included Gong Yuelong.

While Fu Mingde was the apparent leader and biggest beneficiary of this achievement, Gong Yuelong's contribution also carried significant weight in his heart.

"It was mainly due to Director Fu's effective command and the decisive actions of Captain Wang and his team."

Gong Yuelong also picked up his teacup, saying, "I just happened to run into them; I can't just stand by and watch thieves harm people."

"To run into someone and still be able to take them down—that takes real skill!"

Fu Mingde put down his teacup, his tone becoming more friendly.

"Boss Gong, I can tell that you are a man of courage and skill, and what's even more valuable is that you know the rules and how to advance and retreat."

The High-tech Zone is currently in dire need of talent, and it needs pragmatic individuals and positive energy like yourself.

He paused for a moment, then said, "Okay, in a couple of days, I'll organize a gathering and introduce you to a senior leader."

Although the former leader has retired, he still maintains some old connections in the city and province and is very concerned about the planning and development of the high-tech zone.

The things you've done, especially assisting in the capture of the wanted criminal and maintaining local stability, will surely be appreciated by your former superiors.

Getting to know more people will never hurt your future development.

Gong Yuelong understood that Fu Mingde was trying to bring him into a closer circle of his own people, and to further solidify their relationship.

He nodded: "It is my honor to be recommended by Director Fu. I will definitely go."

Fu Mingde grabbed the phone and made a call, his voice brimming with excitement. They had originally planned for a couple of days later, but he changed his mind right there on the phone.

"Old Zheng, tonight! You absolutely must meet this young man... Yes, Gong Yuelong. I know you don't usually go out at night, but this man is truly different; you'll understand once you meet him!"

After hanging up the phone, he still had a smile on his face. He turned to his secretary and instructed, "Same place tonight. Cook the dishes according to Mr. Zheng's taste, and make the tea strong."

That didn't sound like introducing a business partner; it sounded more like showing off your most capable friend.

……

There were quite a few cars on the road at night, and it was a bit congested.

Fu Mingde drove himself, while Gong Yuelong sat in the passenger seat.

With the car window open and the wind blowing in, Fu Mingde tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel, looking to be in a good mood.

"Old Zheng doesn't talk much, but he's very good at judging people," Fu Mingde said.

"I was able to get to where I am today thanks to his words at a crucial moment. When he judges people, he doesn't look at their current success, but rather at their stability and whether they can go far."

He glanced at Gong Yuelong:

"I've mentioned what you've been up to lately to Old Zheng. He didn't say much, just grunted a couple of times. I'm taking you tonight, firstly so he can see you for himself, and secondly..."

Fu Mingde turned the steering wheel, and the car turned onto a quiet road:

"How to manage the High-tech Zone in the future depends on interpersonal relationships. I alone can't handle it. We need to let the right people know that you, Gong Yuelong, are someone I, Fu Mingde, have high hopes for."

That's very straightforward.

Gong Yuelong nodded: "Understood."

The car drove into an old residential area.

There are many trees, and the buildings are not tall. They look quite old, but it's very quiet.

The security guard at the gate glanced at the license plate and let the car through.

Fu Mingde was clearly a regular visitor, and he led Gong Yuelong to the innermost building with ease.

The ground floor has a small courtyard, with light shining through the crack in the door and the aroma of tea.

Fu Mingde stopped at the door, straightened his clothes, and put away his businesslike expression, replacing it with a more relaxed smile, before knocking.

"Mr. Zheng, we've arrived."

Pushing open the door, you see a small but well-maintained courtyard.

In one corner, several rows of green vegetables were planted, and in another corner, a stone table and benches were set up, with an unfinished game of chess spread out on the table.

"Director Fu is here? Make yourself some tea. This old man hasn't even finished listening to 'Dingjun Mountain' yet."

Under the porch of the main house, a thin old man sat in a rattan chair, his toes tapping lightly to the rhythm of the gongs and drums.

It was Zheng Shu.

Fu Mingde smiled and responded, then expertly fetched a pot of hot water from the small stove under the eaves to rinse the teaware.

Gong Yuelong stood quietly to one side, his gaze calmly sweeping across the courtyard before finally settling on Zheng Shu.

When the song ended, Zheng Shucai looked up at Gong Yuelong.

"Is this the guy you mentioned on the phone... Boss Gong?"

His tone was calm, but his eyes were scanning Gong Yuelong.

"Yes, Elder Zheng."

Fu Mingde poured tea while taking over the conversation.

"Gong Yuelong is a solid worker who understands the big picture. He has made great contributions to our capture of wanted criminals."

Zheng Shu grunted in response, but instead of taking the tea, he took out a cigarette case from the small table next to the rattan chair and lit one for himself.

"sit."

He exhaled a puff of smoke and gestured with his chin toward the stone bench.

Gong Yuelong thanked him and sat down on the stone bench next to Fu Mingde, his back naturally straight.

Zheng Shu silently took a few puffs of his cigarette, then suddenly asked:

"I heard Jiang Yan thinks highly of you?"

This question was direct, even a bit abrupt.

Gong Yuelong met his gaze.

"General Manager Jiang is too kind and has given me some guidance. I work in engineering, so ultimately it depends on how well I do my job."

Zheng Shu listened without much expression on his face, but took another drag of his cigarette.

Just then, the courtyard gate was pushed open from the outside, and a young man came in.

It was Zheng Tao.