A man in Handong: living off Zhong Xiaoai

Pheasant smiled after hearing his cousin's words.

Cousin, do you have to be so dramatic?! Back when I left the Sanlian Gang, they knew I had a promising future, and they practically came all the way to Jingzhou to treat me to a meal, fawning over me. You saw it all with your own eyes! Now you're saying you're leaving the Sanlian Gang, not to join some other gang, but to follow Governor Qi and do big things, to become a high-ranking official! The Sanlian Gang will still depend on Governor Qi for their livelihood; do you think they'd dare lay a finger on you? I don't believe it!

After hearing what the pheasant said, the pheasant's cousin waved his hand.

Chicken, back then, the Sanlian Gang sent you away in such a grand manner—that scene was all arranged by Lei Gong! Back then, who dared disobey Lei Gong's word? But now, times have changed. Lei Gong is lying in a hospital bed, and I hear he's not quite lucid anymore. This Sanlian Gang has long been Lei Fuhong's domain; he calls the shots! We old bones have to be careful, or we won't even know how we died.

Listening to Chicken's cousin's words, Chan Ho-nam seemed a little curious.

Hey, Cousin Shanji, this whole thing has been puzzling me. Didn't the Sanlian Gang rely on Governor Qi for their livelihood? Wasn't that all Lei Fuhong's doing? Didn't he get in touch with Governor Qi through Zhao Ruilong, the son of Zhao Lichun from Handong Province? Wasn't Lei Fuhong himself the one who first encouraged the Sanlian Gang to get rich by following Governor Qi? Even if Lei Gong is now unconscious, would he really target those of you who wanted to associate with Governor Qi? Isn't there some hidden agenda we don't know about?

When Chicken's cousin heard Chan Ho-nam's words, his expression instantly turned cold.

Listen, Chicken, things are different now. Lei Fuhong wanted to follow Governor Qi back then because he saw the resources in the mainland and wanted to expand the Sanlian Gang to become the dominant force in the Gulf region. But now, the Gulf's leadership has been completely reshuffled, and I heard they've already connected with Lei Fuhong and seem to support his unification of the Gulf's gangs. This is a very complex situation; we need to be careful, lest we get swallowed up without even knowing how!

Upon hearing this, Chan Ho-nam's expression immediately turned sour.

Holy crap! What did you say?! Lei Fuhong wants to betray Governor Qi?! That's impossible! He only got to where he is because of Governor Qi, and now that he's got wings, he wants to go solo?! That's fucking outrageous! Cousin Shanji, are you sure your information is correct?

Han Bin's expression darkened upon hearing this.

What exactly does Lei Fuhong mean?! All those Hung Hing and Tung Sing gangs in Hong Kong, haven't they all pledged allegiance to Governor Qi? Even seasoned veterans like the Wo Luen Shing are now completely subservient to Governor Qi. And Lei Fuhong, he's trying to play the "crossing the river and burning the bridge" trick?! This is outrageous! Does he really think he's the overlord of the Gulf, able to do whatever he wants without restraint? Hmph, I, Han Bin, will be the first to object!

The pheasant's cousin looked somewhat embarrassed and couldn't help but sigh.

Hey, Han Bin, the situation with those Hong Kong triads is completely different from that of the Sanlian Gang. The Tung Sing, Hung Hing, and Wo Luen Shing have all wholeheartedly pledged allegiance to Governor Qi. But the Sanlian Gang has only ever had a cooperative relationship with Governor Qi, a mutually beneficial arrangement. Of course, the Sanlian Gang has also profited quite a bit from this relationship over the years. Now Lei Fuhong is still keeping me in Jingzhou to handle business with that Miss Yang Mi, which means he hasn't made a final decision yet. But if he really does make a decision, I reckon I'll be pulled back. Then, it'll be difficult for us to see each other again. You're all prominent figures in Handong Province now; going to the Gulf Coast won't be so easy for you anymore.

Upon hearing this, the pheasant suddenly felt a pang of sadness.

I've gotten used to eating and drinking with my cousin every day in Jingzhou over the years, and the thought that I might not see him again makes me feel uncomfortable.

Wow, I really didn't expect Lei Fuhong to be so bold and have such guts! Governor Qi probably doesn't even know about this yet. Should we try to report this to Governor Qi? But given our status, seeing Governor Qi isn't so easy. This is really annoying; if this isn't handled properly, it could cause even more trouble later.

Chapter 522 Who would call you so late?

Chan Ho-nam frowned after hearing Chicken's words.

Sigh, back when Governor Qi was the vice governor in charge of police affairs in Handong Province, and concurrently the director of the police department, he was always hanging out with us in the department. Now he's the top official in Handong Province, and his office has long since moved to the provincial government building. Getting a meeting with him now, just to report on our work, is like climbing Mount Everest. According to protocol, I have to speak to Jiang Guangming, the executive vice director of the department, and then Jiang Guangming goes to Zheng Gang, the current vice governor in charge of police affairs, before the message reaches Governor Qi's ears. This procedure is so cumbersome it's a real headache.

Upon hearing this, the pheasant's cousin's eyes widened instantly.

My goodness! Meeting a leader in your Xia Kingdom is harder than climbing to heaven! Passing messages up through all those layers must be more difficult than meeting the emperor himself! This is the first time in my life I've seen such complicated rules! It's truly an eye-opener!

While eating, Han Bin, not wanting to waste the money he had spent that day, said...

Sigh, you're absolutely right! Take me, the Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission of Lüzhou City, for example. If I want to meet the Secretary of the Lüzhou City Party Committee, that's relatively easy. But for those deputy directors in the city bureau, wanting to see the Secretary is incredibly difficult. Unless there's a major conference where they can hear the leader speak from afar, they can't even get close to him at other times. This world is sometimes truly frustrating.

Upon hearing this, Chicken's cousin looked at Chicken, Chan Ho-nam, and Han Bin with surprise.

Wow! Of the four of us sitting here having dinner today, besides me, an ordinary citizen, the other three of you are all high-ranking officials at the deputy director-general level! If things had gone through the normal channels, wouldn't a nobody like me have never even seen such important figures in my entire life? This is truly unexpected! I'm both surprised and delighted by this meal!

After hearing his cousin's words, Shanji shook his head helplessly.

Honestly, I never imagined I'd end up like this, so successful and prosperous. I'm so lucky to have met Governor Qi. Otherwise, I might be hacked to death in the street by now, not sitting here eating with you all. Sigh, thinking back on those days fills me with so many emotions.

Upon hearing this, Han Bin immediately became interested.

So, this meal today is no ordinary one. It's not just about me going to Luzhou to take up my new post; it also includes Hao Nan and Shan Ji, you two have both been promoted to deputy director level! This is great news! Shouldn't we celebrate properly today and share all these joyous occasions? Come on, everyone, let's raise a toast to our good day!

Han Bin said this not because he wanted to drink, but to remind Chen Haonan and Chicken to consider whether the three of them should crowdfund the meal.

But after they had a drink, they didn't seem to have that intention anymore.

Han Bin felt a little disappointed for a moment. Why couldn't he understand something as simple as paying money?

After putting down his wine glass, the pheasant seemed to suddenly remember something.

Oh, right, Brother Nan, I just remembered something. Back when Jiang Tiansheng had you cornered and you went to seek refuge with Governor Qi, I remember you also asked Miss Yang Mi for help, right? That was a really close call, but thankfully it all passed in the end. Thinking about it now, time really flies; we've all found our own paths now.

Upon hearing Chicken's words, Chan Ho-nam's eyes suddenly lit up.

Pheasant! You're quick-witted! That's right! We can't contact Governor Qi directly right now, but we can ask Miss Yang Mi! She lives with Governor Qi; if we ask her for help, the whole Lei Fuhong thing will definitely get to Governor Qi's ears without missing a word! Haha, now we have a plan!

Chicken's cousin was eating when he heard what Chan Ho-nam said, and immediately nodded.

Haha, that's easy! I'm going to hand over some money from the Sanlian Gang to Miss Yang in a couple of days, and she'll be checking the accounts then. I'll let you know then, Hao Nan! We can meet Miss Yang together and clear things up in person; wouldn't that be safer? Leave this to me!

Pheasant looked at his cousin and smiled.

Cousin, I didn't expect you to be so reliable this time! I thought your biggest characteristic was that you, like me, loved learning all sorts of random foreign languages! Haha, looks like you've got some skills! If you manage to pull this off, I'll treat you to a big meal!

When Han Bin heard this, he thought, "Why are you even treating me to a big meal? You're not even willing to crowdfund the cost of this meal. Sigh!"

Pheasant's cousin was exceptionally happy at this moment.

Haha, so that's settled then! Come on, everyone, stop standing there! Let's have another drink to celebrate your three promotions! You three big leaders, you'll have to look out for me from now on, haha!

Upon hearing this, Han Bin awkwardly raised his glass.

I thought to myself, "Damn it, can't we be a little more reliable and crowdfund the money first?"

I already said it's a crowdfunding campaign for the three of us, so why should I pay for it all by myself?

In a designated hospital of a prison in Handong Province, Chen Yanshi looked around to make sure no one was there, then opened the door.

Then, under the cover of night, he went to a telephone and dialed a number.

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

Zhong Xiaoai had been busy with Qi Tongwei all day and was touching up her makeup at her seat.

Qi Tongwei, looking exhausted, sat down at his desk and tidied his clothes.

Xiao Ai, look, it's getting late. Let's head back soon. Our families are probably waiting for us to come home for dinner. Let's get ready to go and get some rest.

While putting on makeup, Zhong Xiaoai said absentmindedly.

Why are they in such a hurry to eat? Let them wait a little longer. I still have some things to take care of here, but it won't make a difference if we take a little longer. We can go back after we finish these things.

Qi Tongwei looked at Zhong Xiaoai, who was putting on makeup, and knew that it wouldn't be finished anytime soon.

Just then, the phone on Qi Tongwei's desk rang.

While Zhong Xiaoai was putting on makeup in the outer room, she asked Gu.

Hey, who is it? Calling you so late? And it's a landline. Answer it, see what it is, maybe something urgent needs your attention.

Chapter 523 The Last Phone Call in Chen Yanshi's Life

Qi Tongwei was also curious and frowned; he had never seen this number before.

Who would call a landline if they weren't a member of the company?

Thinking of this, Qi Tongwei didn't care about anything else. Although he really wanted to go home for dinner, he still answered the phone.

Hello, who is this? This is Qi Tongwei. What can I do for you? Please speak.

Upon hearing Qi Tongwei's voice, the person on the other end first let out a heavy sigh, and then spoke.

Oh! Governor Qi, this is Chen Yanshi. My health is deteriorating day by day. Being in this prison hospital, I feel so stifled, I just wanted to call you and tell you what's on my mind. I'm afraid if I don't speak now, I might never have the chance again…

Upon hearing Chen Yanshi's voice, Qi Tongwei's face showed surprise.

When Chen Yanshi heard that Qi Tongwei did not reply, he continued.

Governor Qi, I secretly slipped out of my hospital room to call you this while they weren't looking. Please don't blame anyone; I really had no other choice. My health is deteriorating day by day, so they haven't been keeping a close watch on me. Your phone number is actually the one I used to remember—it belonged to the old Governor Liu of Handong Province, Liu Linzong. I thought that since you've taken over his position, the number might still be the same, so I tried calling with the 680 number. Surprisingly, I actually got through. Governor Qi, there are some things I need to tell you…

Qi Tongwei was still somewhat emotional after hearing Chen Yanshi's words.

It wasn't that he was angry, but he had heard Chen Yang say before that Chen Yanshi might not make it. Thinking of this, Qi Tongwei also felt a little sad.

Comrade Chen Yanshi, please just tell me what's wrong. I'm very busy right now, so please tell me as soon as possible how you can help me.

Zhong Xiaoai, who was putting on makeup outside, stopped what she was doing when she heard Chen Yanshi's name.

Chen Yanshi?! He's the one who used to antagonize Qi Tongwei back in the provincial procuratorate. What does he want by calling?

At the prison's designated hospital, Chen Yanshi was on the phone. After hearing Qi Tongwei's words, he nodded and muttered something.

"Our Chen Hai does have quite a few flaws, but please be understanding and forgiving!"

Qi Tongwei's expression was not pleasant after hearing this.

He simply said it coldly.

　(cgbh) "With his current position, it would be quite difficult for him to get into the department!"

Chen Yanshi looked dejected after hearing Qi Tongwei's words.

Governor Qi, you've really misunderstood me! This old man of mine has no mind to discuss Hai Zi's promotion to a ministerial position with you. What I wanted to say was thank you for not holding a grudge against me for the mistakes I made against you in the past. You've given Hai Zi this opportunity to become the deputy county head of Jinshan County; I'm truly grateful! And Chen Yang, for allowing her to stay by your side—I, Chen Yanshi, will forever remember this kindness and am deeply grateful!

Qi Tongwei took a deep breath, unsure of what Chen Yanshi wanted to say to him.

Comrade Chen Yanshi, there's no need for further words of gratitude. Chen Hai's work arrangement was based on the actual needs of the Jinshan County government and had nothing to do with personal feelings. As for Chen Yang, we are both classmates and lovers; helping her is what I should do, and there's no need for your special thanks.

Hearing Qi Tongwei's cold words, Chen Yanshi's vision suddenly blurred, and his voice began to become weak and feeble.

Governor Qi, I've been lying in this hospital bed lately, my health deteriorating day by day, and my mind is filled with all sorts of chaotic dreams. A few days ago, I even dreamt of Hai Zi, that he became the director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Handong Province. Of course, Governor Qi, I know in my heart that this is absolutely impossible for Hai Zi, and I'm not hoping for anything, it's just that the dream was so real, like it was true. I dreamt that later he was hit by a car and became a vegetable, just lying in the hospital ever since. My heart... well, I can't describe the feeling...

Upon hearing Chen Yanshi's words, Qi Tongwei's heart skipped a beat, and he fell silent.

Chen Yanshi continued speaking on the other end of the phone.

Governor Qi, my heart is heavy. I even dreamt of you. I dreamt that back then on Lone Eagle Ridge, you were shot three times so you could be with Chen Yang, becoming a hero in everyone's eyes! You were hoping to be transferred to Chen Yang's side. But I, in my old age, stubbornly opposed your relationship with my daughter, forcing Chen Yang to break up with you. This whole mess has ruined your life's happiness.

In my dream, Chen Yang was assigned to work in Kyoto, but she never married in her entire life, and she could never let go of you. No one dared tell you these things at the time. Later, Chen Yang heard that you married your teacher, Liang Lu, and she was heartbroken. I didn't dare mention any of this to you either.

Then, in my dream, you...you actually ended your life on Lone Eagle Ridge. My heart ached as if it were being torn apart. And I, too, lived my life beside Haizi. This dream, so painful, yet so real, leaves me unable to let it go...

Upon hearing Chen Yanshi's words, Qi Tongwei's eyes suddenly reddened. He took a deep breath, unsure of what to say.

At this moment, Chen Yanshi continued speaking on the other end of the phone.

Governor Qi, I, Chen Yanshi, have always considered myself a man of principle. I dare to stand up for what is right and wrong, and I dare to speak out against injustice. But the one thing I truly regret is my daughter Chen Yang's boyfriend, you. During the time you were being suppressed by Liang Qunfeng, I remained silent, saying and doing nothing. Looking back now, I am filled with unbearable regret… Governor Qi, I'm so sorry… This old man may be nearing the end of his life, and in my final moments, I want to apologize to you.

Although it was just a dream, I feel I owe you a debt I can never repay in this lifetime. Please, also, please tell Chen Yang that Dad is sorry for not being there for her when she needed support the most…

At this moment, people from the prison's designated hospital suddenly opened Chen Yanshi's ward.

Oh no! Something terrible has happened! Something terrible has happened! Chen Yanshi, he... he's gone!

Chapter 524 Comrade Chen Yanshi made mistakes

Upon hearing this shout, the entire prison's designated hospital became lively, with a large number of police officers and medical staff beginning to search for Chen Yanshi.

At that moment, a police officer spotted Chen Yanshi hiding in a corner, talking on a public phone, and shouted, "Found him! Chen Yanshi has been found! He's here!"

Immediately afterwards, a group of people surrounded Chen Yanshi, whose face had turned ashen and whose microphone was slipping from his hand.