Names: Uncle Zhao Mengsheng, Father-in-law Pei Yihong

Wang Fuzhen's rhetorical question exposed Chen Yanshi's supposedly well-thought-out plan on the spot.

Chen Yanshi was taken aback by the question, and his face stiffened slightly.

He then straightened his back, adopting an air of worldly wisdom and foresight.

"Old Wang, you don't understand the intricacies of this matter; it's not the same thing at all."

The reason I broke up Chen Yang and Qi Tongwei back then was because I saw through Qi Tongwei's wild nature and his excessive pursuit of profit. I was afraid that our daughter would suffer and be taken advantage of if she stayed with him for the rest of her life. I was protecting my own child.

Today, I plan to find Zhao Donglai, deliberately avoiding Chen Shan.

It was to protect our son, Chen Shan.

"Old Chen, I know you too well. No matter what you say, you're always right. You might as well change your name to Chen Youli (meaning 'Chen Who Is Right')." Wang Fuzhen crossed her arms, her eyes indifferent.

I intend to listen quietly without saying a word, waiting for Chen Yanshi to explain himself.

We've slept in the same bed our whole lives, so we all know each other well.

Chen Yanshi became more and more serious as he spoke, his self-pity evident.

"Old Wang, do you think my analysis is right? Chen Shan is now the director of the provincial public security department, a high-ranking and powerful figure, and countless eyes are watching him."

It's a pity, he can't be promoted to the vice-provincial level for now.

Throughout the entire Han Dong officialdom, countless people were waiting to find fault with him and seize upon his flaws, hoping that he would make a mistake so that they could take advantage of the situation to climb up the ladder by stepping on Chen Shan and kick him when he was down.

If I were to suggest that Chen Shan intervene in Wang Wenge's case, others would immediately accuse me of favoritism, abuse of power, and interference with the judiciary.

In that case, a small matter can escalate into a big one, and nothing can become something. A minor case involving a worker can be dragged out into a major case of misconduct and disciplinary violations by law enforcement officials.

Every word and phrase proclaims his thorough consideration and dedication to his son.

After listening, Wang Fuzhen chuckled softly, her smile full of insightful understanding that she didn't reveal it.

"Old Chen, you're really good at talking. You keep saying it's for Chen Shan and for the Chen family."

To put it bluntly, you're just concerned about saving face. You don't want to lower yourself to ask your son for help, and you certainly don't want people to say you're abusing your age or bullying others.

One sentence tore apart all of Chen Yanshi's high-sounding excuses.

Chen Yanshi instantly became agitated, his brows furrowing. "Old Wang, when have I, Chen Yanshi, ever cared about saving face?"

The thing I care about least in this life is my reputation!

If I cared about saving face, I wouldn't have lowered myself to go to the provincial government repeatedly to beg for help, and I certainly wouldn't have been rendered speechless by a junior!

Despite his vehement verbal protests, he couldn't help but admit that he had indeed lost face today.

Wang Fuzhen, who had originally intended to give Chen Yanshi the water, took it back and drank it herself. "Hmph, don't you care about your reputation?"

You came back looking sullen, and you've been sitting here for ages without saying a word. Who's feeling down?

Qi Tongwei doesn't respect your seniority, Li Shundong doesn't give you any face, and the security guards at the gate dare to stop you and talk back to you. You're unhappy about all of this and you keep it all in your heart.

This is what it means to be afraid of losing face, isn't it?

"Yes!" Chen Yanshi himself felt unsure of himself. "I..."

Chen Yanshi opened his mouth, but his throat felt like it was stuffed with cotton, and he couldn't squeeze out a single word.

"Then tell me, what should I do?" Chen Yanshi's voice was low and he had never been so lost.

Wang Fuzhen drank some water and said, "Old Chen, you keep saying you're speaking up for the people, but in reality, even after you've retired, you can't let go of your pride and the dignity that comes with power."

A typical case of retiring but not retiring; physically gone but mentally intact.

In just a few words, he accurately pinpointed the personality flaws that plagued Chen Yanshi throughout his life.

Chen Yanshi's face turned pale and then red with anger, but he had no way to refute her.

I had no choice but to bite the bullet and try to explain.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be Old Stone.

"I have dedicated my life to Handong and served the people. When I was young, I was fearless in the face of death while carrying a gun. When I was in office, I was honest and incorruptible and did not seek personal gain. Now that I am retiring, I only want to do some practical things for the people at the bottom of society. How can this be considered that I cannot let go of power?"

I serve the people.

His tone was firm and resolute, as if he were the embodiment of justice.

Little Ball likes Ultraman.

Correct!

He himself is Ultraman, a superman, and he wants to maintain world peace.

Wang Fuzhen almost laughed, "Old Chen, no one will stop you from doing practical things."

True service to the people means abiding by the rules, knowing one's limits, and knowing when to advance and retreat.

"I'm the most law-abiding citizen. I haven't taken a single needle or thread from the people." Chen Yanshi believes that's the truth.

If anyone disagrees, they can check themselves.

Anyway, I couldn't find anything.

I am completely innocent and clean, and can withstand any scrutiny.

Wang Fuzhen finished her glass of water in one gulp. "Old Chen, what about you?"

You only consider personal relationships and hard work, ignoring systems and rules. It's a fact that Wang Wenge broke the law, and dealing with him according to the law is the rule. You insist on relying on your seniority and connections to beg for exceptions everywhere.

If others go along with you, they are considered reasonable.

If others don't go along with you, it's because they don't understand human relationships and are snobbish and indifferent.

Old Chen, to put it bluntly, you're just too hypocritical.

He always puts the greater good and the people's interests first, but deep down he's incredibly stubborn and competitive.

These words carried immense weight, directly shattering Chen Yanshi's years of self-promotion.

Chen Yanshi stood up, his tone suddenly rising, his face full of disapproval.

Am I hypocritical?

I, Chen Yanshi, have lived a life of integrity and uprightness. I am the most sincere retired cadre in all of Handong!

He had been accustomed to being respected and praised all his life, and no one had ever dared to call him hypocritical to his face.

Besides, it's my spouse with whom I share a bed; it's absolutely not allowed.

Is Wang Fu really going to defy the heavens?

The word "divorce" came to mind, but I quickly dismissed the idea.

Marrying Wang Fuzhen back then was definitely a step up for him.

Wang Fuzhen slowly put down her cup, a little helpless. "Old Chen, are you being sincere?"

Then tell me, why are you insisting on protecting Wang Wenge? Is it because you genuinely pity his family, or are you trying to prove that even after your retirement, Chen Yanshi can still stir up trouble in the officialdom of Handong, and that your words still carry weight and that people still listen to you?

The soul-searching questions left Chen Yanshi speechless for a moment.

His lips moved as if he wanted to argue, but he couldn't utter a single word.

The thoughts deep in my heart that I didn't even want to admit were completely exposed by my husband.

It has to be said that Wang Fuzhen sees things more clearly than anyone else.

Faced with his wife's probing questions, Chen Yanshi remained silent for a long time.

half an hour.

He pulled out a cigarette and said with a wry smile, "Both, what's wrong?"

"Not so good!" Wang Fuzhen replied instantly.

Chen Yanshi took a puff of his cigarette. "Old Wang, I've been retired for so many years, without any power or position. Everyone thinks I'm worthless now that I'm gone."

Before I retired, I was the executive deputy chief prosecutor. People who used to fawn over me now avoid me.

The officials who used to treat me with respect now talk to me about rules and speak in bureaucratic jargon.

Before Xiao Jinzi came to Handong, the person who respected me the most in all of Handong was Gao Yuliang.

It wasn't until Xiao Jinzi came to Handong that they all started to respect me again.

Do you think it's easy for me?

Do you think it's easy for the Chen family?

After the Liang family's incident, subtle changes occurred.

Today, during my visit to the provincial government, even the lowly security guard at the gate dared to look down on me and try to take advantage of me.

A strong sense of disappointment.

Not reconciled.

An adopted son is not entirely reliable.

If Qi Tongwei were Chen Yang's husband, her daughter's husband, or her son-in-law, the entire Handong district would probably respect her.