A man in Handong: living off Zhong Xiaoai

Although I had heard before that the Ni family, one of the four major triads in Hong Kong, had planted their own people in many places, I never expected that these rumors were true and that their undercover agents were right next to me.

At this moment, Mary took out Ni Kun's itinerary from her hand again.

Darling, look, now we have Ni Kun's schedule. I noticed he goes to the senior activity center on Yangcai South Street almost every Wednesday evening to participate in choir practice; the timing is as regular as clockwork. I think this might be a good opportunity for us to take action. However, you know, these things need to be planned flawlessly; there can't be the slightest mistake.

Chapter 502 My wife likes to read and put on makeup here.

In the office of Governor Qi Tongwei in the provincial government building of Handong Province.

Qi Tongwei had just filled Zhong Xiaoai's car with what seemed like the umpteenth tank of 98-octane gasoline from his oil depot.

After getting out of the car, Qi Tongwei looked at Zhong Xiaoai, who was still lying on the desk, and said while tidying his clothes.

"What's wrong, Xiao Ai? You usually have more energy than anyone else, why do you look so tired today? Have we been going out for drives together too often lately and you haven't been getting enough rest? I know you like going for drives with me, but you have to take care of yourself and not overwork yourself."

Zhong Xiaoai lay lazily on Qi Tongwei's desk, seemingly unwilling to get up.

"I don't think the problem lies with me, Tongwei. I've noticed that lately you've been driving so much that your mind isn't on work anymore? You're keeping me up like this every day, but you seem to be getting more and more energetic and physically fit. Or have you found some new enjoyment in this constant 'effort'?"

Upon hearing this, Qi Tongwei exclaimed, "What do you mean I'm not focused on my work?"

I enjoy driving with Zhong Xiaoai, that's fine.

However, it was clearly Zhong Xiaoai who would suddenly appear beside her every time she was reviewing documents and materials, and without saying a word, invite her to get into her car. Then she would even open the car door herself, all in one smooth motion.

He admitted his own problems, but shouldn't Zhong Xiaoai bear the main responsibility in this matter?

Qi Tongwei saw Zhong Xiaoai lying on his desk, her clothes tattered and completely untidy. She looked exactly the same as when he got out of the car, playing with her hair.

"Xiao Ai, the list of candidates for vice governor that I submitted some time ago has been approved. I heard that the Organization Department of the Central Committee will send someone down soon to officially announce it. This is a big event for our Handong Province, and it is also an affirmation of my work."

Zhong Xiaoai pouted, still playing with her hair while staring blankly out the window, looking just like an innocent college girl who had just been bullied.

"Congratulations, Governor Qi! It seems your Qi family's ranks are about to expand by two more vice-provincial level officials. This is truly a cause for celebration. I wonder if we should prepare a larger dining table to accommodate so many high-ranking guests?"

Upon hearing this, Qi Tongwei realized that Comrade Zhong Xiaoai had somehow switched to some kind of mode, and it didn't seem normal at all.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Qi Tongwei looked blankly at Zhong Xiaoai, who didn't want to move at all. Zhong Xiaoai had the car door wide open and didn't seem to want to get up or close the door.

At this moment, Zhong Xiaoai seemed to realize that Qi Tongwei was looking at her, and she turned to look at him.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Governor Qi, let me tell you, you're not getting me up! I'm lying on this table today, I'm not going anywhere! Humph! Blame yourself for messing me up!"

Qi Tongwei was speechless for a moment. Looking at Zhong Xiaoai's proud little expression, he knew he should go to the outer room to greet the guests and close the door properly so as not to disturb Comrade Zhong Xiaoai's rest.

"Okay! I understand, Comrade Zhong Xiaoai. You should rest well, you don't need to get up. I'll go to the outer room to greet the guests and see who they are. Don't worry, I'll handle it."

After saying this, Qi Tongwei walked to the outer room, because given Zhong Xiaoai's current "ideal image," Qi Tongwei decided to close the door to the inner room.

Just as Qi Tongwei was about to close the door for Zhong Xiaoai, he saw Zhong Xiaoai look up at him with a frown.

"Are the guests male or female? If it's a woman, don't think that just because you've exhausted me, I can't take care of you. I have to warn you beforehand, Governor Qi, my ears are perked up. Just a heads up, don't do anything naughty!"

After saying this, Comrade Zhong Xiaoai lay down again, and this time she didn't move at all.

Qi Tongwei's lips twitched involuntarily. Could this brat really be going to sleep?

"Don't worry, Comrade Zhong Xiaoai, I am absolutely loyal to you. In this house, you are my leader. Without your orders, I won't even look at anyone else. You can rest easy. I'll go greet the guests. Everything will be handled perfectly."

After saying this, Zhong Xiaoai still didn't react. Qi Tongwei had a bad feeling that his little darling might have already fallen asleep.

Then, Qi Tongwei closed the door to the inner room and went to the outer room.

Then, Qi Tongwei saw Comrade Zhong Xiaoai's desk, which held special significance.

My goodness! Is this a cosmetics store or some kind of cosmetics exhibition?

But there's nothing we can do about it; this is the unique feature of the governor's office in Handong Province. It's probably become quite a sight to behold outside.

Then, Qi Tongwei went to the front door of the outer room and opened it.

Upon opening the door, Qi Tongwei saw a familiar face—Guan Hongyu? No! Wait, this person has a scar on his face.

In an instant, Qi Tongwei knew who it was.

"You must be Comrade Guan Hongfeng?"

Guan Hongfeng was very excited when he heard that Qi Tongwei recognized him.

"Governor Qi, Guan Hongfeng, the criminal investigation captain of the Jinhai City Police Department, is reporting to you! Please give your instructions."

As he spoke, Guan Hongfeng saluted Qi Tongwei.

Qi Tongwei smiled and went into the house.

(Wang Wanghao)

"Come in, Comrade Guan Hongfeng, please make yourself at home. Don't be so formal. We're here today for an exchange, so relax."

As he spoke, Qi Tongwei sat down at the desk of his beloved wife, Zhong Xiaoai.

Guan Hongfeng was initially quite excited, but upon entering the room, he was immediately stunned to find Qi Tongwei's desk filled with all sorts of women's cosmetics.

Seeing this, Qi Tongwei didn't seem too embarrassed; instead, he gave a casual, slight smile.

Then he pointed to the treasures of Zhong Xiaoai on the table and said.

"Don't mind, Comrade Guan Hongfeng, these cosmetics belong to my wife. She usually puts on makeup and reads books here. Please sit down, don't be shy, make yourself at home."

Guan Hongfeng was stunned for a moment. What?! Governor Qi's wife usually puts on makeup and reads books in Governor Qi's office?!

Chapter 503 You should stay in Jingzhou from now on.

Guan Hongfeng took a deep breath and sat down.

Qi Tongwei is a provincial-level official, so shouldn't he have a secretary?

Although Guan Hongfeng had never been inside the office of a provincial or ministerial-level official, he always felt that it should be very spacious.

At this moment, Guan Hongfeng turned his head to the side and saw the closed door to the inner room.

Is the room inside closed? What's behind that door? I've heard that high-ranking officials' offices all have restrooms. Is this a restroom?

Before Guan Hongfeng could react, Qi Tongwei suddenly spoke up:

"Comrade Guan Hongfeng, I remember the last time we met was many years ago, wasn't it? Back then, you were young and promising. In Jinhai City, a shining pearl under the jurisdiction of Handong, you successfully solved that shocking family annihilation case that gripped the entire province. You truly made a great contribution! I have always remembered your ability and determination. Although Jinhai and Jingzhou are not close, I often hear about your heroic deeds in recent years. To see you here again today is truly moving. Time flies, but you are still as charismatic as ever. It seems that our comrades on the criminal investigation line become sharper with each challenge!"

After hearing Qi Tongwei's words, Guan Hongfeng, who had been curious about the layout of Qi Tongwei's office, was suddenly filled with emotion.

"Governor Qi, I truly don't deserve such praise. What I've done over the years has simply been my duty; there's nothing particularly special about it. The successful resolution of that family annihilation case back then was ultimately thanks to your foresight, which pointed us in the right direction. That achievement was a collective effort, the result of everyone's joint hard work, not just mine. Take Comrade Zhou Shutong, for example; she played a crucial role in the case. We criminal investigators are all part of the team; no one can be missing."

Mentioning Zhou Shutong caused Qi Tongwei's expression to change slightly. Back then, because of his favoritism towards Zhou Shutong, he had transferred her directly from the Jinhai City Police Department to the Provincial Department after that case, and then promoted her all the way up. He had even brought Guan Hongfeng's younger brother, Guan Hongyu, to be his secretary. Looking back, he felt ashamed to admit that he had completely forgotten about Guan Hongfeng.

"Comrade Guan Hongfeng, have you met Comrade Zhou Shutong during your trip to Jingzhou? She's quite something now; she's the head of the Economic Crime Investigation Division of the Handong Provincial Police Department. This young woman is truly remarkable, her rapid growth even surprises me, the governor. It seems that every comrade from Tianjin is capable of handling things independently!"

Upon hearing this, Guan Hongfeng's expression darkened slightly. He knew, of course, that Zhou Shutong had already risen to the position of head of the Economic Crime Investigation Division of the Handong Provincial Police Department, a position equivalent to a full-fledged division chief.

Then, Guan Hongfeng gave an awkward laugh:

"Yes, Governor Qi, you're right. When you transferred Comrade Zhou Shutong to the Provincial Police Department, she was just a newly recruited trainee officer under me. She was very green back then, but you could tell she was a promising talent. I came to Jingzhou this time hoping to find an opportunity to see her and catch up, but I heard she's been working non-stop lately and hasn't been able to find the time. It seems that our head of the Economic Crimes Division really has a heavy responsibility and a lot of tasks."

Qi Tongwei knew, of course, that Guan Hongfeng couldn't see Zhou Shutong. Besides being his capable assistant and highly loyal, Zhou Shutong spent all her working hours at the office, and she arranged her own time outside of work, telling him whoever she met. Qi Tongwei could tell that Guan Hongfeng harbored some resentment about what happened back then, which was indeed his fault. He had initially intended to put it aside, but who would have thought that putting it aside would almost cost someone half their life?

At this moment, Qi Tongwei saw the entry above Guan Hongfeng's head: "[Want to get into the department by relying on Qi Tongwei (Gold)]", and Qi Tongwei immediately understood. So he said to the system:

"System, recruit Guan Hongfeng as a member of the Qi Family Gang!"

[Ding! Congratulations, host! Guan Hongfeng has been successfully recruited as a member of the Qi Family Gang!]

As the system notification sound faded, Qi Tongwei saw the words "[Qi Family Gang Member (Gold)]" appear above Guan Hongfeng's head.

In an instant, Guan Hongfeng's mood suddenly changed from low to high, and he became excited, his eyes filled with hope, as if they were shining.

"Comrade Guan Hongfeng, I must commend your younger brother, Guan Hongyu. He is truly remarkable for his age! Back when he was just my secretary, I could already see he was an exceptional talent. Later, he became the deputy director of the police department of Handong Province, and now he has gone even further, becoming the director of the Coal Mine Safety Supervision Bureau. This speed and these achievements are unparalleled. It's truly gratifying that he can handle things independently at such a young age!"

Guan Hongfeng lowered his head after hearing Qi Tongwei's words. As the older brother, being surpassed by his younger brother by so much was still somewhat bothersome to Guan Hongfeng. After all, back when he was the criminal investigation captain of the Jinhai City Police Department, a section-level officer, his younger brother was nothing. Now, because of his past merits, his brother had taken the opportunity to become the director of the Handong Province Coal Mine Safety Supervision Bureau, already a bureau-level officer, while he himself remained a section-level officer.

"Governor, I am truly grateful to you for nurturing my younger brother, Guan Hongyu. It was a great honor for him to learn and work by your side for several years, and it is also a valuable asset he has accumulated in his life journey. Your teachings and guidance are undoubtedly the most solid foundation for his career. Our Guan family is deeply grateful for this."

Upon hearing this, Qi Tongwei smiled and waved his hand. Although Qi Tongwei knew that these words were not what Guan Hongfeng truly felt, it was undeniable that he was grateful to him, but his jealousy of his younger brother was equally obvious.

“Hongfeng, we both know that you and your brother Guan Hongyu have a very deep bond. These past two years, bringing him to work in Jingzhou has definitely reduced the time you two brothers spend together. I've been thinking about that too. How about this, you stay in Jingzhou, don't leave. There's a vacancy for the deputy district head in charge of police affairs in Guangming District, Jingzhou City, and that deputy district head can also concurrently serve as the director of the Guangming District Police Bureau. I think this position is perfect for you. You are an excellent police officer, capable and responsible; this position is rightfully yours. Let's work together to contribute to the security and safety of everyone in Handong!”

Chapter 504 Li Dakang seems to look down on me

Upon hearing Qi Tongwei's words, Guan Hongfeng immediately became very excited. Was Governor Qi really going to promote him? To send him to Guangming District of Jingzhou City as deputy district head?

Although it's only a deputy division-level position, in the capital city of Handong Province, being a deputy district head is definitely a sign of being highly valued and trusted.

“Governor, I am truly grateful for your trust in me. You not only nurtured my younger brother into the director of the Handong Provincial Coal Mine Safety Supervision Bureau, but now you have also promoted me to the position of deputy district head in charge of police affairs in Guangming District, Jingzhou City. This kindness is as heavy as Mount Tai. You are the benefactor of our entire family! I know that without your meticulous guidance and selfless help, neither Hongyu nor I could have achieved what we have today. I will remember this kindness, constantly spur myself on, work hard, live up to your expectations, and contribute my share to the security of Handong and the safety of everyone.”

Qi Tongwei smiled. Actually, he was in a good mood because he had contributed to the Qi family's business again today.

"Hongfeng, there's no need for words of gratitude. I have high hopes for you because I value your abilities and character. The reason I'm sending you to Guangming District is that I hope you can continue to use your expertise in your new position and contribute to the security of Handong."

Qi Tongwei didn't say anything more to Guan Hongfeng after that. Instead, he looked at the tightly closed door to the inner room, wondering what his little darling was doing inside.

"Hongfeng, go! No need for further explanation. Do a good job. I believe in your abilities and your loyalty. In Guangming District of Jingzhou City, fully utilize your criminal investigation expertise to contribute to the stability and security of the area. Remember, no matter what difficulties and challenges you encounter, persevere and don't let everyone down. Go, I'll be waiting for your good news!"

Qi Tongwei quickly saw Guan Hongfeng out of the office and then opened the door to his own office.

But he found that Zhong Xiaoai was not slumped on the table asleep as he had imagined, but was sitting on the sofa, legs crossed, playing on her phone.

After Qi Tongwei came in, Zhong Xiao-Ai raised her head.

"Comrade Qi Tongwei, you are truly incomprehensible! What kind of female cadre could make you so infatuated that you haven't come back for so long?"

Qi Tongwei couldn't help but curl his lip when he saw Zhong Xiaoai's provocative expression.

Could it be that Zhong Xiaoai was really worried about me, which is why she sat up to eavesdrop?

"Xiao Ai, what are you thinking? What female cadre? It's Guan Hongyu's brother, Guan Hongfeng. I just arranged for him to be the deputy district head of Guangming District in Jingzhou City, as we had agreed before. He's a talented person, and he'll be a great help to the security work in Handong. Don't misunderstand, I did all this for the sake of the work and the development of Handong. Don't you know me after all this time?"

Hearing this, Zhong Xiaoai smiled slightly, then looked at Qi Tongwei with some curiosity.

“Honey, does Guan Hongfeng really look exactly like Guan Hongyu? Just like those two ‘golden flowers’ you collected, Gao Xiaoqin and Gao Xiaofeng, it’s hard to tell them apart.”

Upon hearing this, Qi Tongwei wondered, "Why are there two more golden flowers? What are they talking about?"

“Xiao Ai, Guan Hongyu and Guan Hongfeng do look quite similar, but if you look closely, there are differences. Guan Hongfeng has a scar on his face, which is quite noticeable. That's the most obvious difference between them. Also, although I haven't known Guan Hongfeng for very long, I can tell that he's more introverted than Guan Hongyu, who's more outgoing and cheerful. It's like our Gao Xiaoqin and Gao Xiaofeng; Xiaoqin is always outgoing and lively, while Xiaofeng is much quieter. Everyone is unique, and we can't lump them together just because they look alike, don't you think?”

Upon hearing this, Zhong Xiaoai pursed her lips and nodded.

"I understand, but I certainly can't have your intuitive understanding. Unlike you, I don't often take those two sisters, Gao Xiaoqin and Gao Xiaofeng, out for long drives. I bet they've been flooring the gas pedal a lot, and used up countless tanks of your precious 98-octane gasoline. I've never driven with them, how would I know such details?"

Qi Tongwei was speechless. Zhong Xiaoai had started making fun of him again and again. As he spoke, Qi Tongwei sat down next to Zhong Xiaoai.