A man in Handong: living off Zhong Xiaoai

At that moment, Qi Tongwei, who was holding a microphone in our office, heard a "bang"—the sound of the microphone falling to the ground.

Immediately following was the commotion of police officers and medical personnel in the vicinity.

"What happened to Chen Yanshi? Come quickly and check on him!"

"Oh no! Chen Yanshi is dead!"

"Chen Yanshi is really dead..."

Who is he talking to on the phone?

Then, a voice came from the phone: "Hello? This is the Jingzhou City Prison Designated Hospital. May I ask who this is?"

Upon hearing this, Qi Tongwei slowly closed his eyes and said, "Hello, this is Qi Tongwei, the governor of Handong Province. Just now, it was Elder Chen, Mr. Chen Yanshi, who called me. Alas, I never imagined that this call would be our final farewell. Elder Chen was an upright man throughout his life, and he gave so much for Handong and for its people. Now that he has passed away, we must give him a proper funeral with the highest honors. This is not only a sign of respect for Elder Chen, but also a way to remember the sense of justice in all of our hearts. You must immediately set about it and ensure that Elder Chen departs peacefully and with dignity..."

Upon hearing Qi Tongwei's words, the police officer holding the phone was first taken aback: Governor Qi?! How could he possibly allow everyone to give Chen Yanshi a proper funeral? Besides, Chen Yanshi had made a mistake!

However, the police officer still responded crisply, "Yes, Governor Qi!"

After the officer hung up the phone, someone nearby asked curiously, "Who was that just now?"

The police officer who had just hung up the phone also looked bewildered: "The person on the other end said he was Qi Tongwei, the governor of Handong Province, and that we should give Chen Yanshi a proper burial?"

The other officers standing nearby looked on incredulously: "How is this possible? How could Governor Qi give such an order?"

At this moment, one of the medical staff suddenly said, "This is such a big matter, let's report it to the leaders of the prison administration!"

Upon hearing this, the officer thought it made sense; reporting it would verify the truth of the matter. So he said, "Okay! We'll report it right away!"

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

Zhong Xiaoai had already put down the cosmetics she was holding and came to Qi Tongwei: "What?! Chen Yanshi is dead?!"

Qi Tongwei nodded, his expression somewhat stiff. Because the dream Chen Yanshi had just mentioned was actually a story from another world, Qi Tongwei knew that it wasn't entirely untrue.

In that parallel world, in some unknown corner, did Chen Yang remain unmarried his entire life? Back then, she was shot three times, only to hear the words, "Breakup is also a kind of arrival, allowing us to reach each other's souls." So, it turns out she wasn't willing; was Chen Yanshi forcing her?

Qi Tongwei admitted that Chen Yanshi's phone call had, in a moment, untied a knot in his heart.

"That's right, Chen Yanshi passed away while he was on the phone with me just now."

Upon hearing Qi Tongwei's words, Zhong Xiaoai's face showed curiosity: "Tongwei, you just spoke to Chen Yanshi? What did he say to you? Why do you look so upset? I always thought you didn't like him, or even disliked him, but now... Could it be that we misunderstood him? Or is there some other hidden reason?"

Qi Tongwei didn't know how to explain for a moment, and gave a bitter smile: "He said to me... I'm sorry..."

Zhong Xiaoai was even more puzzled: "Sorry?!" Could a simple "sorry" from Chen Yanshi carry that much weight?

Just then, the phone in Qi Tongwei's office rang again. Without even looking at it, Qi Tongwei pressed the speakerphone button. Soon, the voice of Gao Yuliang, director of the Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau, came through the phone: "Hello, is this Governor Qi? This is Gao Yuliang."

Request flowers

Upon hearing Gao Yuliang's voice, Qi Tongwei immediately understood why he was calling: "Hey, Yuliang, it's me, Qi Tongwei. What's up?"

Upon hearing Qi Tongwei's voice, Gao Yuliang smiled and said, "Governor, hello. I just received some shocking news. Chen Yanshi has unfortunately passed away due to illness in the prison's designated hospital. I know you are very busy, and such a small matter shouldn't bother you at this time, but the staff at the Jingzhou Prison Designated Hospital mentioned that Chen Yanshi made a phone call to you before his death, and... it is said that you even gave specific instructions on his funeral arrangements? I would like to confirm this so that we can properly handle Chen Yanshi's funeral according to your requirements and ensure that all arrangements meet your needs."

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Qi Tongwei took a deep breath and slowly said, "Yuliang, you heard right. Old Chen's last phone call was indeed to me. His words are still echoing in my ears, making it hard for me to calm down. As for the funeral arrangements, I have clearly instructed that they be held for Old Chen according to the highest standards. He gave so much to Xia Guo, Handong, and the people throughout his life, and he deserves this treatment. You must fully cooperate to ensure that every detail reflects our respect and remembrance for Old Chen."

Gao Yuliang was momentarily confused and found it all rather baffling. Hadn't Qi Tongwei previously demanded that Chen Yanshi be kept imprisoned forever? Why was he now calling him "Old Chen" and giving him such high praise, even requesting a funeral of the highest standard?

"Governor, I have some questions regarding the funeral arrangements for Chen Yanshi and would like to confirm them with you. Although Elder Chen made outstanding contributions throughout his life, he ultimately went to prison for a mistake. Although he passed away in a designated hospital in the prison, which reflects the humanitarian concern of our Xia Kingdom, according to convention, he should have spent the rest of his life in prison. Is it appropriate to give such a cadre the highest level of funeral? Will it cause some unnecessary discussion? Please advise me on how to strike a balance."

Chapter 525 Crowdfunding Gathering

Upon hearing Gao Yuliang's words, Qi Tongwei's face suddenly showed a hint of anger.

Yu Liang, what do you mean by that?! Comrade Chen Yanshi, yes, he made mistakes later, accepting those flowers, plants, and birds he shouldn't have, but does that erase his lifelong contributions? Our Xia Kingdom's new era is built on the shoulders of older comrades like Old Chen! In his youth, he carried explosives and walked the line between life and death! Was his life only about growing flowers and plants? When we evaluate a person, we can't just look at their later years; we must look at their entire life, how much blood and sweat they shed for this land! Do you understand?

At this point, Qi Tongwei took a deep breath and continued.

Yuliang, I know Comrade Chen Yanshi did make the "680" mistake, and his stubborn personality certainly hurt many people. But now that Old Chen is gone, shouldn't we let go of those stains from his later years and stop dwelling on them? No one is perfect; everyone makes mistakes. Can you and I guarantee we'll never make a mistake in our lives? Even some comrades who never made any major mistakes, what did they actually do? Did they just spend their lives wasting their time, accomplishing nothing? Are such people more worthy of our respect than Old Chen? Let's give Old Chen his final dignity and send him off properly. Isn't that also a form of forgiveness for ourselves?

Upon hearing Qi Tongwei's words, Gao Yuliang was also moved. He took a deep breath and then spoke.

Governor, I understand your meaning. I will personally handle Mr. Chen's funeral and ensure everything is arranged properly and thoughtfully, so please rest assured. However, I still need to confirm the specific scale and details of the funeral with you to ensure it fully meets your requirements and expectations. Would it be convenient for you to give me some more specific instructions?

Qi Tongwei looked out the window and then seemed to see Chen Yanshi from another world helping him. He and Chen Yang got together, and although they didn't have their current positions, they lived a peaceful, happy, and joyful life.

Yuliang, I should have gone to pay my respects in person to express my condolences. However, considering that Old Chen had made mistakes, and to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and gossip, I have decided not to go. Please send a wreath to Old Chen on my behalf, and on behalf of the Handong Provincial Government. As for everything else, handle it with the highest honors; you have full authority to manage it. Make sure Old Chen departs with dignity; this is the last thing we can do for him.

Upon hearing Qi Tongwei's words, Gao Yuliang immediately responded.

Governor, I understand! Please rest assured, I will handle all matters properly according to your instructions. However, if any details require further confirmation or if you have any other specific instructions, please let me know immediately, and I will take care of them promptly. Please rest assured, I will do my utmost and live up to your trust.

Upon hearing Gao Yuliang's words, Qi Tongwei immediately hung up the phone.

Zhong Xiaoai, standing to the side, looked puzzled.

Tongwei, I still don't quite understand. Why are you suddenly praising Comrade Chen Yanshi so highly? Is it just because of that one "I'm sorry"? Back in the day at the procuratorate, he made things difficult for you and targeted you quite a bit. Now, have you really forgiven him for everything?

Qi Tongwei smiled at his wife and pulled Zhong Xiaoai into his lap to sit down.

Xiao Ai, Comrade Chen Yanshi, he did make some mistakes, that's an undeniable fact. But think about it, he's been in there for so long and received the punishment he deserved. More importantly, his last phone call was to me. Do you know what that means? His last wish was to say "I'm sorry" to me. How heavy that "I'm sorry" must have been for him! Can't we even offer this much forgiveness and leniency to an elderly man on the verge of death? He ultimately deserves forgiveness, don't you think?

Qi Tongwei forgave Chen Yanshi, perhaps because he had completely resolved his inner conflict, because of Chen Yanshi's dream. But this dream was too difficult to explain to Zhong Xiaoai; it wasn't that Qi Tongwei didn't want to talk about it, but rather that even if he did, he couldn't explain it clearly...

Zhong Xiaoai trusted Qi Tongwei completely, and since Qi Tongwei said so, Zhong Xiaoai chose to believe him.

Tongwei, you're just too kind. Someone else might not have been able to forgive Chen Yanshi like you. However, since Comrade Chen Yanshi is no longer here, shouldn't we call home and tell Chen Yang? After all, they were father and daughter. Although there were some misunderstandings and estrangement before, now that he's gone, we should let her know so she can be mentally prepared. It's our way of showing our care.

Qi Tongwei nodded.

Okay, I'll call her then. It's a upsetting situation, but someone has to tell her so she's aware of it. Sigh, life is unpredictable; all we can do is try our best.

At the home of Wang Dalu, deputy county head, in Jinshan County, Lüzhou City, Handong Province.

Wang Dalu was particularly happy at this moment, and was cooking.

Haha, Secretary Yi, County Head Dakang, County Head Chen Hai, don't worry, my dishes will be ready soon, I guarantee they'll be delicious and beautifully presented! And my junior from elementary school, Ouyang Jing, she said she'll be here soon, we have to get together and have a good time today!

Yi Xuexi looked at Wang Dalu, who was cooking, with no particular expression on his face.

1.7 Mainland, you're too kind. You've prepared so many dishes. Didn't we agree to have a simple get-together? Look, the table is almost overflowing. Don't go to so much trouble. Let's just eat something simple, chat about work and life. That's fine.

Wang Dalu smiled as he cooked the dishes.

Wang Dalu was genuinely happy today because he had invited Chen Hai from the Qi Family Gang, which was a big deal for him.

Haha, that won't do! We agreed beforehand that it would be a crowdfunding gathering, with everyone buying their own groceries. Look at all the delicious food you've brought! If I don't cook you a feast, wouldn't I be accused of embezzling your ingredients?! Don't worry, I'll make sure all the dishes look beautiful, and we'll have a great time today!

Chapter 526 My Junior Schoolmate Has Arrived

Li Dakang was all smiles, because his purpose in coming here today was to meet the Party Secretary of Jinshan County.

Secretary Yi, Chen Hai and I haven't been in Jinshan County for long; we're new here and haven't had a chance to formally report to you yet. So, as soon as we heard about this gathering organized by the mainland, we came without hesitation. We wanted to take this opportunity to learn more from you and report our thoughts and work progress. What do you think?

Yi Xuexi didn't seem to care much about Li Dakang's words; he didn't want to get involved with the secretary of the provincial party secretary.

Li Dakang is the county head, so it's not wrong for him to work with him, but the county government and the county party committee have relatively independent functions, and Yi Xuexi felt there was no need to make things too complicated.

Jinshan County, as a relatively well-developed county under the jurisdiction of Lüzhou City, has its own characteristics and advantages. You and Comrade Chen Hai have just arrived in the county, and I hope you can quickly adapt to your roles, gain a thorough understanding of the actual situation in Jinshan County, and not just focus on these eating and drinking gatherings. Do more practical things and solve more real problems for the people; this is our duty as cadres.

Li Dakang, who had been all smiles, became somewhat displeased when he saw Yi Xuexi's words.

It felt like I was offering my warm welcome to someone who was completely indifferent; they just wouldn't listen to me.

Seeing this, Li Dakang's smile vanished.

Although Yi Xuexi is the county party secretary, it's not to the point where I need to curry favor with him.

Secretary Yi, what you're saying is ridiculous. We'll be working together as colleagues from now on. How can a get-together turn into just eating and drinking? Even without a banquet or a fancy meal, it would be wonderful for us to sit down, talk about work, and exchange ideas. Don't make this rare opportunity to get together sound so unpleasant. We're here to work together and contribute to the development of Jinshan County.

Chen Hai didn't want to come in the first place, and now that he's here, he has to see Yi Xuexi's cold face.

Now things are really messed up. Li Dakang, who already has a bad temper, is now even more agitated.

Seeing this, Chen Hai didn't want to sit with them either, it was just awkward.

So, Chen Hai got up and walked towards Wang Dalu.

Mainland, if you need any help here, just let me know. This fish looks pretty fresh, how about I help you prepare it? It'll be a nice touch for tonight's dinner party.

Wang Dalu, seeing this, thought, how could he let his honored guest of the evening personally kill the fish? So he hurriedly went to Chen Hai's side, ready to snatch the fish.

Hey Chen Hai, what are you doing! How can I let you clean the fish yourself when you come to my house? No way! Put it down, put it down, let me do it! I'm cooking right now, and although I'm a little slow, it's not your turn to do it. If it really comes down to it, my junior from elementary school, Ouyang Qing, will be here soon. She's quick and efficient; having her help will be just as good!

Chen Hai didn't want to go out again; the atmosphere outside was so tense, and something was about to explode.

Although I used to get fired for my work, I still handled the fish quite often.

Mainland, you're being too polite. We're friends, helping each other out is only natural. If you truly consider me a friend, go back to cooking; I'll handle the fish. Don't be so formal, it just won't be interesting.

Wang Dalu realized that since Chen Hai had already said that, any further politeness would make him seem distant.

Okay, Chen Hai, just do your best! If the fish is difficult to handle, don't force it, just leave it there. Also, after you're done with the fish, don't stay here. Go outside, sit in the living room, and relax while you wait to eat. I'm busy cooking here, so I can't entertain you much. Please make yourself at home!

In the living room, after Li Dakang finished speaking, Yi Xuexi didn't mind, because that's just how he is. He doesn't think personal relationships are of any use; he just focuses on getting the job done.

The reason I have a good relationship with Darren Wang is because Darren Wang doesn't mind my cold attitude and is also a loyal friend.

Now that you've come to Jinshan County, you must prove with concrete actions that you are genuinely here for the development of Jinshan County. Don't let rumors from the outside world affect our work, such as that you are people from high-ranking positions and are only here to gain experience before leaving. Such rumors are not good for us or for Jinshan County. We must silence those gossips with tangible results.

Li Dakang took a deep breath. He felt that Yi Xuexi was stubborn and difficult to get along with.

Although the county government operates relatively independently, he also holds the title of deputy secretary of the county party committee. In addition, according to national regulations, the county government is under the leadership of the county party committee.

Having encountered such a county party secretary, it will be very difficult for me to carry out my work in the future.

Haha, what big boss's backing? That's just outsiders speculating. Chen Hai and I, although we were handpicked by provincial leaders, are both real workers, not the kind who like to put on a show or be all bark and no bite. We'll let our actions speak for themselves and dispel those rumors, right, Wang Dalu (680)?

Wang Dalu was cooking when he heard Li Dakang call his name, and he didn't react immediately.

Haha, Secretary Yi, you might not know much about us, but our County Head Dakang used to be the secretary of Zhao Lichun, the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee of Handong Province. His abilities are top-notch! And County Head Chen Hai was personally promoted by Qi Tongwei, the Governor of Handong Province. Both of them are truly dedicated to doing practical things and improving the lives of the people of Jinshan County! We are so lucky to have such good comrades!

Yi Xuexi didn't like hearing these things in the first place, because he felt that Li Dakang and Chen Hai were not capable at all, and that they only came down to take their positions because they had connections in higher places.

They occupy these two important positions, and if they still lack the ability, it would be a devastating blow to Jinshan County.

Just as Yi Xuexi was feeling down, there was a knock on Wang Dalu's door.

Upon hearing the knock on the door, Wang Dalu quickly ran out of the kitchen.

Oh dear! It must be my junior from elementary school, Ouyang Jing! I haven't finished cooking yet, I need to hurry up and tidy up, I can't let her see me looking so disheveled, haha! My junior from elementary school is here, we have to have a good get-together today and have some fun!

Chapter 527 Is this the fairy junior sister from your sect when you were cultivating immortality?

Wang Dalu smiled as he wiped his hands on his apron and headed to open the door.