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

Zhao Ruilong sat at his desk, with the bustling street scene of Jingzhou visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

He held a cigarette between his fingers, his face grim and ugly amidst the swirling smoke.

Four small goals still hurt my wallet.

Take a deep drag of your cigarette, and slowly exhale the smoke, which then dissipates into the air.

The phone rang.

Zhao Ruilong threw his cigarette butt into the ashtray and answered the phone.

"Hello, Mr. Zhao, I am Zhou Jianbin, Secretary-General of the Provincial Government."

Zhou Jianbin's voice was polite.

To a large extent, it was because of Zhao Ruilong's father, Zhao Lichun.

Although Zhao Lichun is no longer in Handong, he is still a former leader of Handong, and now Zhao Lichun has been promoted.

For a private enterprise located within the territory of Handong Province, to receive a personal phone call from the provincial government secretary-general is a significant gesture of respect.

After listening, Zhao Ruilong paused for a second, then said, "Secretary-General Zhou, hello."

The fear is that they will be named and then extorted by Qi Tongwei, or forced to donate money.

"Mr. Zhao, the provincial government has decided to hold an annual commendation conference for the top ten private entrepreneurs in Handong Province."

You are listed first on the award list. Please be sure to arrive on time to receive your award in person.

The phone call was brief and to the point; it was a notification, not a discussion.

The commendation from the provincial government is a great honor.

"Okay, I'll be right there." Zhao Ruilong hung up the phone, tossed it onto the table, leaned back, and stared at the ceiling for a long time.

I don't know why, but knowing this would be the outcome, a nameless anger instantly surged within me.

He also knew the approximate timeframe.

He knew all too well the origins of this commendation ceremony.

Three small goals to pay the land transfer fee, one small goal to make a charitable donation, four small goals of real money were spent, and in the end, all that was exchanged for a certificate of honor.

Zhao Ruilong raised his hand and rubbed his temples, feeling a tightness in his chest.

After setting four small goals, he still had to personally go on stage to receive the award.

It's like losing money and gaining face at the same time.

The more he thought about it, the more frustrated he became, with nowhere to vent his anger.

My phone rang again; it was my second sister, Zhao Xiaohui, calling.

Zhao Ruilong muttered, "Second sister, I'm not happy."

Zhou Jianbin told me to go and collect that worthless prize.

Second sister, I really don't want to go.

"We've thrown in four small sums, only to get a worthless piece of paper in return. We're totally being ripped off; it hurts so much!"

In his eyes, this deal was a huge loss, with an absurdly low cost-performance ratio.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiaohui quickly advised, "Ruilong, you must collect this paper in person, and you must do so with dignity and sincerity."

Don't be shortsighted.

Don't focus on the four small goals you've spent; take a long-term view.

This honor could save your life in a critical moment.

Zhao Ruilong has been a prominent figure in the business world for many years, always focusing on economic gains and never imagining that this honor could be linked to saving his life.

"Second sister, save my life?"

What do you mean by that?

"I'm just accepting the fine, paying the penalty, and cooperating with the rectification. At most, I'll lose some money. How did it involve saving my life?"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by the soft sound of papers turning over.

The slight sound made Zhao Ruilong's heart jump instantly.

He knew his second sister, Zhao Xiaohui, all too well, and he was also most afraid of her.

Zhao Xiaohui has always been calm and patient, and never exaggerates or scares. Whenever she speaks up to warn someone about something, it is always because a crisis is already imminent.

"Ruilong, the world in Handong has changed a long time ago."

Zhao Xiaohui shook her head and frowned, saying, "Ruilong, our father's transfer from Handong seems like a promotion, but it's actually a demotion in disguise. His real power, connections, and influence have all weakened."

Some of the people who used to fawn over our Zhao family have long since quietly distanced themselves and severed ties with us.

"The saying 'When people leave, the tea cools' perfectly describes the officialdom of Handong."

Zhao Ruilong's heart sank, and he instantly understood the implied meaning.

It's good to have a big tree to lean on for shade, but now that the big tree has been transplanted, its roots have long been loosened.

"I know something's up, but it can't be that serious, can it?" Zhao Ruilong pressed in a low voice. "Second Sister, have you heard something? Is someone targeting me?"

Zhao Xiaohui analyzed one by one, "Ruilong, it's more than just rumors."

The Handong of today is no longer the Handong that the Zhao family calls the shots.

Sha Ruijin was parachuted in to take charge of Handong, Tian Guofu took charge of the Discipline Inspection Commission, and Hou Liangping took charge of the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

Qi Tongwei is the executive vice governor, and fortunately, he is your comrade-in-arms.

Back then, you joined the army and received a third-class merit award. You were also a member of the anti-drug unit. Qi Tongwei was the person who was most grateful to you.

With him around, you won't die.

Don't be afraid, your second sister is here. She won't stand for anyone who dares to bully you for no reason.

A chill ran down Zhao Ruilong's spine, and all his lingering hope vanished.

"So what exactly is the purpose of this certificate of honor?"

Suppressing his inner turmoil, Zhao Ruilong earnestly sought advice.

He was never arrogant or boastful, and he always trusted Zhao Xiaohui when it came to the big picture.

"The purpose is to preserve the dignity of our Zhao family. You voluntarily contribute one part and three parts."

Once you receive the title of one of the top ten private entrepreneurs as recognized by the Handong Provincial Government, your official status changes.

You are no longer a speculative and illegal businessman, but a high-quality private entrepreneur who acknowledges and corrects his mistakes, gives back to society, and contributes to local development.

Therefore, this honor is the strongest talisman.

As long as Qi Tongwei treats you with some respect, he won't kill you.

A single sentence can awaken someone from a dream.

Zhao Ruilong understood completely and instantly grasped the deeper intentions of Qi Tongwei and the provincial government.

This is not simply a commendation; it is an official attempt to separate and encompass different aspects.

Now Zhao Ruilong understood completely.

We must thank Qi Tongwei.

"I understand."

Zhao Ruilong let out a long breath, and the resentment in his eyes gradually faded.

"Ruilong, it's best if you can understand this." Zhao Xiaohui's tone softened. "When you go on stage, be proper, speak sincerely, and be humble. Don't act like a spoiled brat, don't put on airs. Honestly accept the honor, stabilize the current situation, that's better than anything else. As long as you're alive, you can always make a comeback. As long as you're safe and the company survives, you can earn back any amount of money you have."

"Don't worry, Second Sister, I know what I'm doing."

After hanging up the phone, Zhao Ruilong told the driver to go to the provincial government as soon as possible.

I straightened my tie, went downstairs, and got into my car.

After entering the provincial government compound and signing in, we entered the auditorium of the Handong Provincial Government.

This year's commendation conference for the private economy was a grand event, with outstanding entrepreneurs from all over the province, journalists from major mainstream media outlets, and relevant leaders from the province and cities all in attendance.

Leaders including Liu Changsheng, Qi Tongwei, Feng Liqun, and Zhou Jianbin were seated in front of the dais.

clap clap clap!

The meeting began on time amidst applause.

Qi Tongwei chaired the meeting.

The agenda was compact and well-structured, proceeding sequentially with work summaries and policy briefings.

When it came time for the awards ceremony, the atmosphere reached a climax.

Provincial government staff members took turns going on stage to present certificates of honor and commemorative gifts.

The division of responsibilities and the clear hierarchy in this commendation ceremony were well-defined.

Governor Liu Changsheng personally presented honorary certificates to the top ten private entrepreneurs.

Executive Vice Governor Qi Tongwei presented the trophy.

Feng Liqun, member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Governor, presented a souvenir, a Hero brand fountain pen.

The award-winning entrepreneurs lined up and went on stage one by one.

Wang Dalu and Zhao Ruilong from Dalu Group are among them.

Liu Changsheng handed the certificate of honor to Zhao Ruilong, saying, "Comrade Ruilong, congratulations."

Zhao Ruilong was very excited. He shook Liu Changsheng's hand and said, "Thank you, Governor Liu. I will definitely live up to your expectations and make more contributions to the development of Handong."

Zhao Ruilong never imagined he would say such a thing in his life.

I admire myself.