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

Zhao Xiaohui remained silent throughout, not uttering a single word.

She knew her father's temperament all too well: he was decisive and ruthless, extremely protective of his own, and even more averse to his family digging up old scandals that could undermine his foundation.

If he hadn't crossed his father's line, Zhao Lichun would never have dared to hit Zhao Ruilong.

Zhao Lichun took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and looked down coldly at his kneeling son.

"Ruilong, when you go to Handong this time, listen to your second sister in everything. Keep a low profile, control your temper, and absolutely do not provoke Qi Tongwei."

Since he's your former platoon leader, you must try to build a closer relationship with him.

Zhao Ruilong rubbed his aching back, still unconvinced, and muttered under his breath.

"Dad, what are you so afraid of him for? In the end, he's just a retired soldier who went into politics; he doesn't have any powerful connections."

Ignorance breeds fearlessness, and fools are the most audacious.

Looking at his good-for-nothing son, Zhao Lichun felt helpless and said coldly, "Ruilong, you have a narrow vision and don't understand the situation. Qi Tongwei's father-in-law is Pei Yihong. I can't afford to offend him."

Zhao Ruilong was shocked and froze instantly, his resentment and arrogance completely vanishing.

He finally understood that Qi Tongwei's ability to advance rapidly in Handong, secure his position as executive vice governor, and easily bring in national treasure-level agricultural experts was not due to luck, but to real resources.

"Dad, I understand. I'll do whatever you say when we go to Handong this time, and I won't cause any trouble."

Zhao Lichun sat back down in his chair, his expression somber.

With his extensive network of connections, powerful backers, and popular support, Qi Tongwei has now joined forces with a national-level agricultural scientist, making him an unshakeable new force in Handong.

It's truly a case of the new generation surpassing the old.

Zhao Lichun was a little worried about the Zhao family's situation.

Four Nine Cities.

Gu Family Study.

Gu Chenggong sat in front of the computer, browsing the news in Handong.

A mouse is perched on a group photo taken during a survey of soybean breeding greenhouses.

Looking repeatedly at the group of people chatting and laughing in the photos, but notably missing the figure of Sha Ruijin, the top leader of Handong, his face visibly darkened.

He was suppressing a surge of anger.

Since Sha Ruijin was parachuted into Handong to take charge, he should have had a strong hand, holding power and dominating the entire situation.

Instead of establishing a firm foothold in Handong, he turned around and started challenging Qi Tongwei.

What frustrated him most was the gap in political achievements between the two sides.

Initially, Qi Tongwei invested 1 billion yuan in fishing and cultural tourism, followed closely by Sha Ruijin who invested 2 billion yuan in a compound fertilizer project, barely managing to keep up.

It was thought that Sha Ruijin could completely control the economic situation in Handong, but in the blink of an eye, Qi Tongwei made another move and acquired the Qiyunshan National Health and Wellness Cultural Tourism Complex, which is worth 3 billion yuan.

As one gains and the other loses, the superiority or inferiority becomes immediately apparent.

Gu Chenggong frowned and contacted Sha Ruijin directly.

When the call connected, he didn't exchange any pleasantries; his tone was stern.

"Ruijin, Guo Dadou went to Handong to discuss a project. Such a big event! Among all the leaders taking photos, why were you the only one not included?"

Gu Chenggong was somewhat disappointed in his son.

Outsiders may not know Guo Changyi's significance, but he knows it perfectly well.

This national treasure-level agricultural scientist has been deeply involved in the people's livelihood seed industry, and has taught countless students. He is a top seed industry talent that is of great concern to the higher authorities.

It is said that they have been included in the national strategic-level expert talent pool.

Being able to establish connections and appear on screen together is an intangible asset, making it easier to catch the eye of higher-ups.

Sha Ruijin actually missed such a great opportunity that was delivered to his doorstep.

Sha Ruijin on the other end of the phone was silent for a moment.

A little bit shy.

What group photo?

What soybean Guo?

I really don't know.

Before he could explain, Gu Chenggong launched into a barrage of questions.

"Ruijin, I'm asking you, why do you insist on challenging Qi Tongwei?"

"They've landed a series of major projects, accumulating solid achievements. What about you? Qi Tongwei's 3 billion yuan project has landed, what else do you have to show for yourself?"

Gu Chenggong must know Sha Ruijin's financial situation.

In total, it was a project worth 10 billion, which I personally secured for Sha Ruijin.

Sha Ruijin held his phone, his back straight, looking a little nervous. "Dad, I just signed a 5 billion yuan mobile phone screen production project in Yantai."

Upon hearing this, Gu Chenggong was not relieved; instead, his anger intensified.

He leaned back heavily in his chair, his voice rising several decibels. "A five billion yuan project? Stop embellishing your image! After deducting all the supporting investments, government subsidies, and implementation assistance, how much of your actual, effective political achievement is left?"

"Dad, I have another project worth 3 billion yuan."

"Ruijin, are you stupid? I gave you the project. How come I didn't know?"

Qi Tongwei's project has zero government investment, is purely privately funded, and guarantees stable tax revenue and employment. What do you have to compare with him? You only have one 3 billion yuan project left. How are you going to survive in Handong?

His tone was cold and merciless.

Sha Ruijin stammered, "Dad, I'm still doing research down here. We need to familiarize ourselves with the work in Handong as soon as possible, and then we can start working on economic development."

"Ruijin, if you can do it, then do it well. If you can't, then apply for retirement and give up your position as soon as possible!" Gu Chenggong felt that his son-in-law Sha Ruijin seemed to have lost his IQ after he became a minister.

Sha Ruijin frowned. "Dad, I've been focusing on the economy, running projects, and connecting with businesses."

I also want to improve and genuinely promote the industrial upgrading of Handong. I have never slackened; I have always been working hard.

Gu Chenggong didn't buy into that at all; in officialdom, only results matter, not hard work.

His tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.

"Enough with the nonsense, go see Da Dou Guo now, immediately."

Sha Ruijin was slightly taken aback. "Dad, what's this 'Soybean Guo'?"

"Who else could it be? It's Professor Guo Changyi, a renowned expert in soybean breeding in our country!" Gu Chenggong said impatiently.

Sha Ruijin instantly realized what was happening and immediately replied, "I understand, Dad. I'll set off to find Professor Guo right away."

After hanging up the phone, Sha Ruijin instructed Secretary Bai to prepare a car to go to Qijia Village in Chengguan Town, Lincheng City.

"Yes, sir." Secretary Bai didn't dare to delay.

Five minutes later.

The car drove away from the Yantai Municipal Party Committee Guesthouse.

Sha Ruijin, who had just been severely criticized by his father-in-law, was in a bad mood and sat in the back row, feeling anxious.

He was parachuted into Handong and held the highest power, intending to maintain control of the situation. However, Qi Tongwei attracted a series of major projects and is now associated with a national treasure-level seed industry expert, putting him at a disadvantage step by step.

Could it be that my birth chart and Qi Tongwei's are incompatible?

How can this be allowed?

Guo Changyi, along with Liu Changsheng, Gao Yuliang, Qi Tongwei, and others, refined the cooperation plan and basically finalized a series of plans, including pilot expansion of soybean planting, supporting industrial chain, and infrastructure support.

During the discussion, Wang Qixin came to report: "Professor Guo, Comrade Sha Ruijin, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, is visiting and would like to report to you on his work."

The provincial expert's visit late at night would normally have been met with a respectful welcome from others.

But Guo Changyi refused decisively: "I won't see you."

The provincial party secretary came, but there was nothing to talk about; it was a complete waste of time.

Feeling that I'm already over 60, almost 70, I'm trying every possible way to reduce ineffective social interactions.

Qi Tongwei listened and felt a little pleased.

If it were Tian Guofu who came, Professor Guo might just fire him.