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

Upon hearing this, Wang Fuzhen, who was clearing the dishes, paused for a moment.

He turned his head and chuckled softly, without interrupting.

Old stories, decades have passed in the blink of an eye.

Chen Yanshi was silent for a moment, then slowly sighed, his voice hoarse and low, "Haizi, it's not that I've been fooled, it's just that times have changed. Agriculture used to be about toiling in the soil to make a living, just enough to survive. Qijia Village was really poor. Qi Tongwei's family used to live in a mud house with windows covered with newspapers."

I really did go and see it back then; your sister-in-law Liang Lu wasn't lying to me. That place was truly harsh. The dirt roads were muddy, the harvests were meager, people lived near the mountains but weren't wealthy, and near the water sources but weren't well-fed; the surrounding villages were all impoverished. Back then, Qijia Village was truly a desolate place, not even worth mentioning.

Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river; the world is ever-changing, with its ups and downs.

I do regret it a little.

If Chen Yanshi had known things would turn out this way, how could he have objected? He would have wished he had arranged for Chen Yang to marry Qi Tongwei back when they were still in school.

Chen Hai raised an eyebrow. "So you strongly opposed my sister and Qi Tongwei dating, and tried every means to break them up, right?"

It's truly killing someone by destroying their spirit.

Chen Yanshi rolled his eyes at Chen Hai, "Hai Zi, what do you know? If Yangyang marries Qi Tongwei, Qi Tongwei will probably only ever reach the level of a division-level cadre in his life."

Look at Qi Tongwei, he's a vice-minister now. It's all thanks to me and your sister-in-law. The obstacles we set for him actually tempered him and made him who he is today."

"Dad, so you're saying you're Qi Tongwei's benefactor? Qi Tongwei should be thanking you." Chen Hai couldn't stand it anymore.

Chen Yanshi picked up the remote and turned off the TV. "Hai Zi, you're right. Qi Tongwei has to thank me. He also has to thank your sister-in-law, Liang Lu."

"Dad, you're really something." Chen Hai changed the subject, "Dad, ask Teacher Gao later to take a look at my main hall."

"Hai Zi, look how anxious you are. Don't worry, don't rush, no need to ask. It's all settled in the main hall." Chen Yanshi patted his chest and said confidently.

Wang Fuzhen interjected, "Haizi, you should find another one. If you meet someone suitable, get married, find a stepmother for Xiaopiqiu, and have a little brother for him."

"Mom, we'll talk about it later. I'm going back." Chen Hai lit a cigarette and left without looking back.

Four Nine Cities.

Hou Liangping's home.

Hou Liangping filled a basin with water for washing feet. "Xiao Ai, wash your feet. Soak them for a bit. Have a good night's sleep."

Zhong Xiaoai sat on the edge of the bed, looking at Hou Liangping in front of her, and felt that it wasn't so appealing anymore.

Because he saw the news that his senior, Qi Tongwei, had become the executive vice governor, while Hou Liangping, even with the Zhong family's support, was only a division-level cadre.

People are more mad than people.

"Monkey, what a scoundrel! Speak up, what is it? Unsolicited kindness is either a lie or a theft."

That's what they say.

The actions were very genuine.

She stepped into the water and asked Hou Liangping to wash her feet.

Hou Liangping tugged at Zhong Xiaoai's leg, "Xiaoai, tonight, is it okay?"

Zhong Xiaoai raised her right foot. "Monkey, it's not a question of whether you can or can't. It's a question of whether you're capable or not."

Hou Liangping said confidently, "Xiao Ai, you absolutely have to do it. I can do it."

Men can say they can do anything, but they can't say they can't.

"Since you've been obedient, I'll grant your request today if you submit a written application." Zhong Xiaoai covered her mouth and chuckled.

She enjoys this emotional value and manipulates Hou Liangping.

Originally, I didn't want the monkey to become the Zhong family's son-in-law.

I didn't expect so many benefits.

Because her older sister gave birth to a daughter, while she herself gave birth to a son.

That's why her father, Chung Cheng-kuo, agreed to let Monkey become a son-in-law.

It seems that the Zhong family's resources are all tilting towards their side.

A few days ago, my father, Zhong Zhengguo, said that when the time is right, he will promote Monkey to deputy director level, and his own director level is also beckoning him.

Hou Liangping squatted on the ground, leaned over a stool, and began writing his application.

Zhong Xiaoai glanced at the monkey.

Thinking about it carefully, I realized that my father, Zhong Zhengguo, made the right decision to keep Hou Liangping's rank lower than his own.

In this way, he would always be one step ahead of Hou Liangping and firmly control the power of the family.

At the time, I didn't understand and thought my father was deliberately suppressing Hou Liangping.

Looking back now, it was a great decision.

What is Hou Liangping willing to do?

I dare not do anything.

I need money, but I don't have any.

His pockets were cleaner than his face.

He controls the money himself; he has his own bank card and he has complete control over the family finances.

Men only go bad when they have money.

Hou Liangping didn't even have the means to turn bad.

Zhong Xiaoai was lost in thought and didn't notice that Hou Liangping had finished writing the report.

I quickly cleaned the foot bath basin and rushed into bed.

Ten minutes or so.

The monkey was covered in sweat from all the commotion; it seemed like it was over before it even began.

Zhong Xiaoai shook her head. "Monkey, you're still no good."

Why don't you go to the hospital to get it checked out?

Dad also said that if possible, he'd like to have a younger brother or sister for Haoran, so the two children can keep each other company.

Hou Liangping was still thinking about what to say when Zhong Xiaoai had already entered the bathroom, and the sound of running water could be heard.

Hou Liangping squatted at the bathroom door, drinking goji berry water.

The report has already been submitted; I'm now looking forward to planning the next one.

Thinking about what to say, Zhong Xiaoai came out wearing slippers and a bath towel. "Monkey, what's wrong with you? Haven't you seen this before?"

Hou Liangping handed her a dry towel. "Xiao Ai, you're so beautiful, I can't get enough of looking at you. I want to..."

Zhong Xiaoai threw off her bath towel and tossed it into Hou Liangping's arms. "Monkey, don't think about it today. You should think about how to get ahead. The transition from a section chief to a deputy director-general is a watershed moment. Do you want to advance?"

"Honey, even the bath towels smell nice. I dream of improving myself." Hou Liangping followed behind Zhong Xiaoai, massaging her shoulders and back.

Ok.

Compared to progress, nothing else matters.

Zhong Xiaoai lay on the bed. "Monkey, give me a good massage. Our surveillance department has some leads lately. I'll compare them again in the next couple of days and get you a major lead."

"My dear wife, thank you, you're so good to me." Hou Liangping knelt on the bed, massaging the woman with all his might.

Before she knew it, the woman had fallen asleep.

Hou Liangping kissed Zhong Xiaoai on the cheek and turned off the light.

Silent all night.

The next day.

Jingzhou City, Handong Province.

On the shore of Guangming Lake.

Sunlight shone on the calm lake surface, creating a shimmering effect.

The construction site of the Guangmingfeng project is bustling with activity, with tower cranes standing tall and machines roaring constantly. As a key benchmark project under construction in Jingzhou City, it is Li Dakang's most cherished flagship project.

Qi Tongwei, dressed in an executive jacket, walked along the lakeside path.

Li Dakang was following beside him.

Not far behind, Cai Xiaofei and Secretary Jin deliberately kept a distance of more than ten meters.

According to the rules of officialdom, when leaders are discussing matters, secretaries should avoid any appearance of impropriety.

When necessary, one must be deaf, blind, and tight-lipped.

The distance is just right, allowing for immediate deployment while ensuring that key conversations are never overheard.

A gentle breeze swept across the lake, carrying a light mist.

Li Dakang stopped and turned to look at Qi Tongwei beside him.

"Governor Qi, you have been deeply involved in grassroots work for many years. What are your thoughts on the Guangming Peak project currently under construction in Jingzhou?"