As Chen Jun saw the group of cadres walking towards him, a warm smile immediately appeared on his face. He quickly stepped forward and extended his hand to greet them.

"Greetings, leaders!"

The middle-aged man at the head of the group was dressed in an impeccably tailored shirt. He had rounded eyebrows and eyes and exuded the calm and collected aura of a seasoned official. He was none other than Zhao Changming, the deputy county magistrate of Qingshui County.

He raised his hand and grasped Chen Jun's hand with just the right amount of pressure, wearing a standard official smile and responding warmly.

"Comrade Chen Jun, welcome to Qingshui County."

After a brief handshake, Zhao Changming took the initiative to introduce himself, his attitude friendly and showing no sign of distance.

"My name is Zhao Changming, and I am the deputy county magistrate of Qingshui County. From now on, whenever you encounter any difficulties while working or living in the county, just let us know, and we will do our best to cooperate and help you solve them."

As soon as he finished speaking, a young cadre stepped forward from behind Zhao Changming, quickly took the heavy suitcase from Chen Jun's hands.

Chen Jun had just released Zhao Changming's hand and hadn't even had a chance to exchange a few pleasantries when someone else quickly came up to him from the other side, with a humble and polite demeanor.

"Hello, Comrade Chen Jun. My name is Zhou Kai, and I am currently the Deputy Director of the Development and Reform Bureau of Qingshui County, responsible for the county's economic projects and investment promotion."

After Zhou Kai finished introducing himself, the smile on his face faded slightly, and his tone carried a hint of subtle reminder and probing.

"Qingshui County is not like the provincial capital in Jiangnan. It is located in a remote area with harsh conditions and a complicated situation. Comrade Chen Jun is new here, so he should be mentally prepared in advance."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jun's expression instantly became serious, a resolute glint flashed in his eyes, his back straightened, and his tone was forceful, displaying a passionate and enthusiastic demeanor.

"Don't worry, Deputy Director Zhou, I never came down to the grassroots level to enjoy a life of luxury!"

"The more challenging the conditions at the grassroots level, the better they can temper people and the more practical things they can accomplish. Since I came to Qingshui County to take up my post, I was already prepared to endure hardship."

"My sole objective this time is to work diligently and conscientiously, do my utmost to revitalize the economy of Qingshui County, help all the people in the county increase their income and become wealthy, and live up to the trust of the organization and the expectations of the people!"

After Chen Jun's impassioned speech, the atmosphere in the room fell slightly quiet.

Zhao Changming's smile froze for a fleeting moment, so quickly it was almost imperceptible.

The instructions that Shi Jia had given him before flashed through his mind, telling him to find out Chen Jun's background, intentions, and true purpose.

Composing himself, Zhao Changming suppressed the strange feeling in his heart, pretended to be full of curiosity and admiration, and took the opportunity to ask questions.

"Like father, like son! I've long heard that your father is Chen Wenbin, the governor of Jiangnan Province, known for his integrity and outstanding abilities. Meeting Comrade Chen Jun today, I can confirm his excellent family background and promising future!"

He changed the subject, seemingly chatting casually, but in reality testing the waters step by step.

"I wonder if Governor Chen specifically gave any guidance or introduced any support policies for Qingshui County this time?"

As soon as he finished speaking, all the accompanying cadres paused in unison, their breaths held back, and their eyes all fell on Chen Jun, their gazes subtle and scrutinizing. No one spoke, waiting quietly for his answer.

What they were most concerned about was whether Chen Jun had come alone to gain experience and seniority, or whether he had brought provincial resources, policies, and a strong background, preparing to completely intervene in the political landscape of Qingshui County.

Once provincial-level authorities intervene, the Shi family, who have been entrenched in Qingshui County for many years, will inevitably be impacted, and the entire county's solidified interest chain will be completely reshuffled.

The Shi family was the first to be affected, and since their interests were closely tied to the Shi family's, they were naturally nervous.

Unfortunately, Chen Jun, full of enthusiasm and eager to prove himself, was completely unaware of the strange looks and probing in everyone's eyes.

He assumed that the lower-level leaders were simply showing respect for his father's status and were preparing to give him more preferential treatment, so he frankly said:

"Deputy County Chief Zhao is overthinking it. My father is the Governor of Jiangnan Province. He performs his duties and abides by the rules. He would never overstep his bounds and interfere in the specific affairs of the local county."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions relaxed slightly. It seemed they were just here to gain experience and prestige. With a little maneuvering, they could be given some achievements and then transferred away.

At least, the overall situation in Qingshui County will not change.

After all, Chen Jun has the governor of a province behind him, so the Shi family should give him this much face.

However, just as they breathed a sigh of relief, they heard Chen Jun's next words, full of heroic spirit.

"But rest assured, leaders, although I didn't bring any policy support from the province, I came here specifically with a huge investment!"

"Within six months, Qingshui County's economy will definitely be upgraded to a higher level, people's incomes will increase significantly, and their quality of life will be comprehensively improved!"

These words caused everyone's expression to change instantly. The heart that had just been at ease suddenly jumped into their throats, their hearts tightened, and their faces became more serious.

Are they coming with a huge investment?

It seems this person isn't here to gain experience or prestige! They probably want to use Qingshui County as a political achievement!

Zhao Changming's brows furrowed instantly, alarm bells rang in his mind, but a look of surprise instantly appeared on his face. He pretended to be surprised and excited, and quickly asked.

"Oh? Comrade Chen Jun, do you really mean that?!"

"Could it be that some large corporations or wealthy businessmen from outside have recognized the development potential of Qingshui County and are preparing to invest there?"

As the county leader in charge of the economy, he controlled all investment resources and enterprise information in the county, and the Shi family never revealed any news of large-scale investments to him.

If a large amount of capital were to suddenly move in without going through the Shi family's channels, it would inevitably disrupt the economic layout that the Shi family has controlled for many years, something that the Shi family absolutely cannot tolerate.

Chen Jun nodded emphatically, full of vigor and spirit:

"That's right! And this investor's strength far exceeds everyone's imagination! If they are willing to provide full support, it's not impossible for them to upgrade our Qingshui County from an impoverished county to a prefecture-level city!"

He had absolute confidence in his father-in-law's immense wealth and connections, and didn't think his words were exaggerated in the slightest.

But to everyone present, these words sounded like a fantasy, utterly arrogant.

The group of cadres couldn't help but gasp in unison, their eyes filled with disbelief as they looked at Chen Jun.

Qingshui County is located in the heart of the mountains, with poor transportation, no industry, and serious population loss. It is a well-known impoverished county, ranking at the bottom in all indicators.

To upgrade such a backward county into a prefecture-level city, it is necessary to address numerous shortcomings in areas such as transportation, industry, population, infrastructure, and employment.

Addressing each shortcoming requires hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars, making the overall investment astronomical.

Looking at the dilapidated and backward street scene of the county town, and then at the spirited Chen Jun, everyone felt only deep suspicion.

This young man, it seems, has become completely arrogant since he just arrived at the grassroots level. He just spouts nonsense and brags.

Unable to suppress his curiosity and desire to test the waters, Zhou Kai stepped forward and asked with a smile.

"Comrade Chen Jun, I am truly curious: who exactly is this wealthy businessman with such substantial resources who is willing to cultivate such a deep presence in our Qingshui County?"

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent instantly. Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on Chen Jun, waiting quietly for his answer.

Everyone wanted to know what kind of powerful entity dared to rashly intrude into Qingshui County, which was controlled by the Shi family, and forcibly disrupt the local order.

Upon hearing this, Chen Jun subconsciously scratched his head, a slight hesitation creeping into his heart.

He thought that if others knew he relied on his father-in-law, he would definitely be looked down upon and ridiculed.

No, he can't tell anyone that he's a kept man!

After a moment's thought, he quickly came up with a respectable explanation.

"This investment company is the Qin family, a top-tier wealthy family that has risen rapidly in recent years."

"It's the Qin family. They're on good terms with my father and have contracted almost all the government projects in Jiangnan Province. It seems they're also planning to help me out of respect for my father."

Upon hearing the unfamiliar name "Qin Family," the assembled officials looked bewildered, exchanging glances filled with doubt.

"The Qin family? Which Qin family? We've never heard of them before!"

Although they were ignorant, they had heard of some big entrepreneurs and tycoons.

However, he had absolutely no idea about the Qin family.

Chen Juncai remembered that the Qin family had only appeared for ten days, and the news might not have spread yet, so he explained:

"The Qin family is a recently risen wealthy family, and is now the number one richest family in Jiangnan Province. Their wealth is several times greater than that of the Xiao family."

hiss~

Everyone gasped again.

Several times the Xiao family's market value of six or seven hundred billion?

If they remember correctly, the Xiao family's market value is six or seven hundred billion, right?

Could it be that this so-called Qin family is a trillion-dollar tycoon?

Upon realizing this, everyone instinctively felt it was impossible, thinking that Chen Jun was just boasting.

Only in Beijing can there be trillion-dollar families, and each one is renowned, yet none of them share the surname Qin.

Only Zhao Changming felt extremely heavy-hearted at this moment.

Others dismissed it as mere empty talk, but he keenly sensed a deadly crisis.

Regardless of whether the Qin family is a trillion-dollar tycoon or not, and regardless of whether Chen Jun is exaggerating, as long as the other party really brings huge investments to Qingshui County, it will inevitably touch the industries and interests that the Shi family has monopolized for many years, and completely break the inherent balance of the county.

This matter has exceeded his control and must be reported to the Shi family immediately!

Zhao Changming quickly suppressed all his thoughts, his face instantly filled with extreme enthusiasm and surprise, and he hurried forward to flatter him.

"That's a good thing!"

"Comrade Chen Jun, you are truly a benefactor to Qingshui County! With the support of a powerful family like the Qin family, the rise of Qingshui County is just around the corner!"

He immediately turned to the staff behind him and sternly ordered:

"Quick! Help Comrade Chen Jun with his luggage and take him to get settled!"

At the command, everyone sprang into action instantly.

Some people rushed to carry his bag, some led the way, and some accompanied him closely, crowding around Chen Jun as he walked forward, creating a very lively scene.

"Comrade Chen Jun must be exhausted from his journey. He should rest well today. There's no rush for him to report for duty; we can discuss that tomorrow!"

"Young and promising, with a bright future! Qingshui County will rely on you to lead us forward!"

A barrage of compliments and flattery enveloped Chen Jun.

Chen Jun had never received such star treatment before, and he instantly became smug, his sense of superiority overflowing. He quickly waved his hand to be humble.

"You're too kind, leaders. We're all serving the people; I'm just doing my part!"

At this moment, he was completely immersed in the false adulation and sense of superiority, and had completely forgotten his father Chen Wenbin's repeated instructions and careful warnings before his departure.

Little did he know that his ambitious investment declaration had thoroughly offended the local tyrant of Qingshui County, bringing about his own demise.

A group of cadres escorted Chen Jun away. Behind the crowd, Zhao Changming stopped and watched Chen Jun's retreating figure. The enthusiasm in his eyes completely faded, leaving only a deep, shrewd glint.

Without the slightest hesitation, he turned around, drove off, and headed towards the villa area in the county town.

A detached villa in Shijiazhuang, Qingshui County.

This is the core of power in the entire Qingshui County, the top circle that truly controls the lifeline of the region.

The Shi family has long since turned Qingshui County into their private territory.

All appointments and removals of officials, project approvals, industrial resources, and personnel transfers in the county require Shi Jia's approval before they can be implemented and take effect.

The cadres sent by higher authorities in previous years were either assimilated and bribed and submitted to the Shi family, or they were secretly suppressed, framed and removed, or even got into trouble for no reason.

For nearly a century, no one has dared to trespass into Qingshui County, disrupt the status quo, or touch the interests of the Shi family.

Anyone who tried to do so is now buried with grass over three meters tall.

When Zhao Changming arrived at the villa's study, Shi Huai, the head of the Shi family, was sitting in the main seat, lightly tapping the table with his fingertips, his expression somber and solemn.

"President Shi." Zhao Changming bowed deeply, his posture extremely respectful.

"Have you found out the situation?" Shi Huai asked without looking up, his voice low and cold.

"Yes, I've found out."

Zhao Changming quickly recounted every word Chen Jun had said, done, and stated that day, including his so-called Qin family investment plan.

After listening to all the reports, Shi Huai slowly raised his head, a chilling murderous intent flashing in his eyes, his tone icy cold.

"I see."

"From now on, keep a close watch on Chen Jun 24/7. Record everything he does—who he meets, what he says, what he does, even the smallest things like eating and sleeping—without missing a single detail!"

"Report any unusual activity immediately!"

Zhao Changming quickly bowed and replied, "Yes!"

He was filled with doubts, not understanding why a mere young cadre on temporary assignment at the grassroots level would be treated with such solemnity by the head of the family, who would even go so far as to mobilize all his surveillance resources. However, he dared not ask any more questions, and after bowing, he quickly withdrew.

After Zhao Changming left, Shi Huai immediately dialed a secret number and ordered in a deep voice to investigate all the details of the Qin family in Jiangnan at full speed.

Night falls, in the secret underground meeting room of the Shi family villa.

The door to the secret room was tightly shut, isolating it from all outside noise.

The room was filled with the core members of the Shi family and powerful figures who had been placed in key positions in Qingshui County. Each of them was a core force that held real power and controlled the local situation.

Everyone held a newly compiled background investigation report on the Qin family.

Everyone lowered their heads and quickly flipped through the pages. The more they read, the more serious their expressions became, and their brows furrowed. The atmosphere in the room became extremely oppressive.

Rising to prominence in just ten days, crushing established powerful families in Jiangnan, and even slapping the face of the ancient Yuan family, their background is mysterious and their foundation is unfathomable.

The information in the report far exceeded everyone's expectations.

Shi Huai gently tossed the report in his hand onto the table, sending a shiver down the spines of everyone present.

His gaze swept across the entire room, and he said in a deep voice:

"News has come from the capital."

"If Chen Jun does not die within three days, the Shi family will surely be destroyed."

Everyone in the room froze instantly, their pupils contracted, and all color drained from their faces. A deathly silence enveloped the entire room.

A member of the Shi family spoke in a trembling voice, filled with disbelief.

"Could this Chen Jun be someone sent by higher-ups to test us?"

Shi Huai nodded slightly, his eyes filled with gloom.

"That's highly likely."

"Next, we need to closely observe Chen Jun's every move. If he insists on investing, reforming the county, and breaking the existing pattern, it means that the higher-ups are determined to take action against our Shijiazhuang. In that case, Chen Jun is just a pawn paving the way."

These words caused widespread panic and the atmosphere became extremely tense.

One of the officials in power glared at him, raised his hand and made a swift throat-slitting gesture, then whispered a suggestion.

"Patriarch! Since they're targeting our Shi family, let's strike first and eliminate Chen Jun! That will end it all!"

No sooner had he spoken than someone retorted, their tone filled with apprehension and worry.

"But what if we do that? Won't the Qin family be furious? After all, Chen Jun is someone they want to groom. If we touch Chen Jun, it's like ruining the Qin family's plans, and they'll definitely target our Shi family," someone worried.

Everyone was immediately caught in a dilemma, and the situation reached a stalemate.

Just then, Shi Huai turned to look at a burly, imposing middle-aged man beside him.

The man, dressed in casual clothes, stood tall and imposing. His name was Shi Yong, the head of the armed forces department in Qingshui County, and the greatest source of strength for the Shi family.

Looking at his greatest asset, Shi Huai's confidence surged instantly. He snorted coldly, his tone arrogant and domineering.

"In Qingshui County, without the Shi family's approval, no matter how wealthy you are, you can't stir up any trouble!"

"My Shi family commands local armed forces; we are absolutely invincible in Qingshui County!"

"A mere tycoon is useless without the approval of the Shi family, no matter how much money he has."

His gaze grew increasingly fierce as he surveyed the entire room and spoke in a stern voice.

"He's just the son of a mere provincial governor! Weren't the county party secretaries and high-ranking officials from the county level all more powerful?"

"My Shi family dared to touch even those people, let alone the son of a mere provincial governor?"

"In Qingshui County, I have a hundred ways to make him disappear!"

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