A man in Handong: living off Zhong Xiaoai

After saying this, Chen Yongren hung up the phone immediately.

Han Chen was filled with shock when he realized the call had been disconnected.

Han Chen couldn't believe that his woman, Mary, had betrayed him more than once.

In an instant, Han Chen felt utterly hopeless; he knew what he had to do.

A few days later, in Hong Kong, Mary walked out of the hospital with a lab report in her hand, in an exceptionally good mood.

After leaving the hospital, Mary immediately started calling Chen Yongren because she had some good news to share with him right away.

But for some reason, Mary had called Chen Yongren many times, but he hadn't answered. Just then, Mary saw a taxi speeding towards her from the side of the road.

Upon seeing this, Mary immediately started waving, but to her surprise, although the taxi was heading towards Mary, it did not slow down at all.

On the other side of Hong Kong, in a luxury suite at a hotel, May was lying in bed watching Chen Yongren watching television.

"Ah Ren, why have we been staying in hotels all this time? We can't exactly give birth to the baby in a hotel."

After hearing May's words, Chen Yongren turned around, looked at his girlfriend May, and smiled.

“May, don’t worry. I’ve already had someone choose a luxury house in Hong Kong. Just focus on your pregnancy, I’ll take care of everything. I’m going on a business trip to Handong Province in the mainland in a couple of days. When I get back, we’ll get married.”

May seemed very excited after hearing Chen Yongren's words. Before May could speak, Chen Yongren's phone suddenly rang.

Chen Yongren glanced at the caller ID and answered the phone.

"Hey, Han Chen, what's up? Why are you calling me?"

Upon hearing Chen Yongren's voice, Han Chen appeared dejected and spoke into the phone.

“Mr. Chen, Mary…Mary was just hit by a drunk taxi driver in front of Maria Hospital.”

Upon hearing Han Chen's words, Chen Yongren's expression froze for a few seconds.

Then, Chen Yongren heard a news broadcast coming from the television in front of him.

"Dear viewers, we have a breaking news report. Senior Inspector Wong Chi-shing of the Hong Kong Police Force was involved in an accidental explosion while starting his car downstairs at his home. The specific cause is still under investigation. We will continue to follow the developments and bring you the latest updates."

Chen Yongren stared at the television screen and spoke expressionlessly into his phone.

"Oh, I see."

After uttering those few cold words, Chen Yongren hung up the phone.

At this moment, May looked at Chen Yongren with some curiosity.

"Ah Ren, what's wrong? Is something bothering you?"

Chen Yongren turned around again and smiled gently at his girlfriend, May.

Then he stood up and went to May's side.

"May, don't overthink it. Sha Qiang is looking for a house. Once he finds one, you can choose the one you like best. We'll prepare for our new life together."

As he spoke, Chen Yongren gripped May's hand tightly...

In the office of Zhao Xiaohui, Deputy Director of the Provincial Police Department in Handong Province.

Zhao Xiaohui pouted and took out her phone.

Soon, a familiar voice came from Zhao Xiaohui's phone.

"Sis, what's up? Why did you suddenly decide to call me?"

“Ruilong! What’s wrong with you? I’ve been promoted to deputy director-general level for almost half a year now, and you can’t even remember to call me? Chen Yang’s younger brother, Chen Hai, went to visit your brother-in-law, Qi Tongwei, why don’t you come back and visit your brother-in-law too?”

After hearing Zhao Xiaohui's words, Zhao Ruilong remembered that Qi Tongwei was also his brother-in-law.

"Sister, please calm down. I've been busy, mainly because I've been traveling abroad a lot. Don't worry, as soon as I get back to Jingzhou, I'll go home and apologize to my husband."

Zhao Xiaohui still looked unhappy after hearing this. Didn't Zhao Ruilong hear that she was now a deputy director-general? Why wasn't that little rascal showing any appreciation?

"Zhao Ruilong, I can't be bothered with you. Let me tell you, Lei Gong of the Gulf Triad is going to die. Also, that Lei Fuhong is going to betray your brother-in-law Qi Tongwei. He wants to cooperate with the higher-ups in the Gulf and no longer rely on your brother-in-law. Humph!"

Zhao Ruilong was enjoying himself overseas when he was momentarily stunned by his sister's words.

"Sis, you're not kidding me, are you? Lei Fuhong and I are really close; he idolizes my brother-in-law. Where did you get this news? It must be fake!"

Zhao Xiaohui was almost driven mad with anger by Zhao Ruilong's words.

"Zhao Ruilong! You still don't believe me? This is information your sister Yang Mi got! It was said by Chicken's cousin from the Sanlian Gang himself, it can't be fake!"

Zhao Ruilong was completely stunned when he heard this.

"Sis, something's fishy about this! It shouldn't be like this! What's going on? Did your husband give you any instructions? Is there anything he needs me to do?"

Zhao Xiaohui took a deep breath and then spoke into her phone.

"Zhao Ruilong, the news is definitely true. Your brother-in-law wants you to go to the bay immediately to see Lei Fuhong. He's telling you that your brother-in-law has a business deal that could change Lei Fuhong's life. He wants him to come to Jingzhou to meet your brother-in-law."

Chapter 561 The Plan Targeting Qi Tongwei

Zhao Ruilong seemed a little surprised after hearing his sister's words, but he quickly realized what she meant.

"Oh, alright, alright, my dear sister, I know, you just want me to pass on a message to Lei Fuhong, right? Don't worry about it, this is a piece of cake for me! I'll make sure it reaches you accurately, without missing a single word! You don't need to worry about it, okay?"

Upon hearing Zhao Ruilong's words, Zhao Xiaohui pouted, about to ask if Zhao Ruilong had forgotten to congratulate her on her promotion, when Zhao Ruilong hung up the phone.

In an instant, Zhao Xiaohui's face darkened; she wished she could tear her stupid younger brother to pieces.

In the provincial government office building of Handong Province, Ji Changming sat nervously opposite Qi Tongwei in Qi Tongwei's office.

“Governor, the situation is not good. They…they have actually decided to transfer me from my current position. I really can’t figure out their intentions. Everyone knows that I, Ji Changming, have always been a loyal subordinate of yours, Governor! Now, they want to move me elsewhere. This…this is clearly malicious! Governor, you have to think about what this really means. We can’t just sit idly by!”

Qi Tongwei frowned as he listened to Ji Changming's words.

"Comrade Changming, have they specifically mentioned where they plan to transfer you? When will the transfer order be officially issued? Also, who will replace you? Have you asked about these key details? This matter is of utmost importance. We must take the initiative and not let them manipulate us at will."

Ji Changming took a deep breath and then spoke slowly.

"Governor, I just received news that the higher-ups plan to transfer me to Jiangbei Province to serve as the provincial chief prosecutor. It should be done in the next day or two. As for my successor, I heard it's Zou Zhengguo's younger brother, Zou Shuaifu. As you know, Zou Zhengguo is one of the seven major families. His father passed away early, and he took over the family business at a young age. He's a true young and promising figure. This is really frustrating. We need to think this over carefully."

Upon hearing Zou Zhengguo's name, Qi Tongwei's expression instantly turned awkward again.

"Sigh, it seems I'm really going to have a showdown with the seven great families. First, Zheng Jindong came along, and we finally managed to handle Jing Liang's matter properly. But before the storm had even subsided, Zou Zhengguo's younger brother, Zou Shuaifu, has appeared. These seven great families, one after another, it's never going to end. We need to find a way to deal with them and not let them act so recklessly, but we also need to be careful with our methods and not confront them head-on."

Ji Changming listened and nodded.

"Governor, the successive arrivals of these seven powerful families in Handong are no accident! Before you became the leader of Handong Province, none of these seven families had ever set foot here. But now, they are coming one after another, and this time the situation is the most serious. Zou Shuaifu has even been parachuted into Handong Province's judicial system, which is clearly aimed at you! I've also heard that their target isn't just me, but also Sha Ruijin, the director of Handong Province's Anti-Corruption Bureau. Governor, we must be vigilant and not let them succeed!"

Upon hearing this, Qi Tongwei's expression indeed turned sour.

"Changming, is what you're saying true?! They...they even want to touch Sha Ruijin?! This...this is absolutely shocking! Comrade Sha Ruijin is a pillar of our Handong Province Anti-Corruption Bureau, a vital force in the fight against corruption."

Ji Changming glanced in the direction of Zhong Xiaoai in the outer room, then whispered.

"Governor, I've recently heard some rumors in Kyoto that Old Master Zhong values ​​you highly and intends to groom you as his successor. As you know, Old Master Zhong has no direct descendants, and while your wife, Comrade Xiao Ai, is outstanding, there's never been a precedent among the seven great families for a woman to take over the family business. Therefore, I've heard that Old Master Zhong hopes you can take over some of the Zhong family's affairs in the future. Of course, this is just a rumor, and the specifics need further verification. However, Governor, we need to be aware of this matter, as there's a lot more to it than meets the eye."

Upon hearing Ji Changming's words, Qi Tongwei also turned his gaze to Zhong Xiaoai, who was applying lipstick in the outer room.

“Changming, don’t worry too much. We’ll meet force with force. If they really want to come, we can’t stop them. But just as easily, they won’t let you leave. I happen to have a vacancy here, the position of vice governor in charge of finance in Handong Province. I’d like to recommend you for the position. As for Sha Ruijin, let’s hold our positions for now and see what their intentions are. The position of director of the anti-corruption bureau in Handong Province is an important piece in our game. We can’t easily consider sacrificing it unless absolutely necessary. We need to hold our ground, observe the situation, and then make a plan.”

Ji Changming seemed very happy to hear that he could stay in Handong. Otherwise, as a member of the Qi family gang, being transferred to Jiangbei Province would have made him seem too passive.

"Governor, being able to work alongside you at 743 is more important to me than anything else! Your trust is my greatest motivation and my guiding light. Thank you so much for your trust and support! In the days to come, I, Ji Changming, will definitely work even harder to live up to your expectations and contribute all my strength to Handong Province and to everyone!"

At this point, Qi Tongwei stood up.

"It's alright, Changming, you go back first. Even if the sky falls, I'm here to hold it up. Don't worry too much, we'll take it one step at a time, there'll always be a solution."

Although Ji Changming was still somewhat apprehensive, he felt much better after Qi Tongwei's words of comfort.

After Ji Changming left, Qi Tongwei looked at his wife, Zhong Xiaoai.

"Xiao Ai, look at this situation. We were still planning how to consolidate and expand our influence, but they've already started blatantly tearing down our flags in the places we've painstakingly planted! The higher-ups have specially sent a provincial procurator to Handong and are even planning to appoint a new head of the anti-corruption bureau for Handong Province. Isn't the intention behind this all too obvious? We need to carefully consider what to do next."

Chapter 562 Only One Step Away from Controlling the Entire Handong

Zhong Xiaoai looked at Qi Tongwei in front of her desk, put down the cosmetics in her hand, walked up to Qi Tongwei, hugged his neck, and gently kissed him.

"Hey, Tongwei, what are you afraid of? Don't forget, my father is still in that position. With him around, who can easily touch you? They came to Handong just to embarrass you and prove that you are not qualified to be my father's successor and cannot shoulder the heavy responsibility of the Zhong family. As for wanting to get rid of you, that idea is too naive. We have done nothing wrong, so there is no need to worry about these things too much."

Qi Tongwei felt much more at ease after listening to Zhong Xiaoai's words. He thought about it and realized that she was right. If he were really in danger, his father-in-law, Old Master Zhong, would not allow the Zou family to enter the territory of Handong Province.

“Wife, now that you mention it, I’m curious. Does Father-in-law see our Handong Province as my training ground? Is he deliberately turning a blind eye and letting these people come to Handong to see just how capable I am? If something goes wrong, will the old man have to cover for me in the end? If I can really handle all of this, like I did with the Zheng family last time, will the old man recommend me for credit again?”

Zhong Xiaoai smiled at Qi Tongwei.

"Tongwei, listen to me. As my father's only daughter, you are naturally his only son-in-law. Father will retire someday, and of course he needs to nurture you for our future. Think about it, if you truly want to shoulder the burden of the Zhong family, how can you avoid clashing with those seven powerful families? Handong Province is your home turf now, and Father is still in power. If we don't seize this opportunity to test our strength against those seven families, when will we? We're not afraid of their open challenge; we're afraid they'll hide and remain inactive until Father is gone, then suddenly emerge—that would be the real trouble."

Upon hearing his wife Zhong Xiaoai's words, Qi Tongwei seemed to instantly understand the situation. It was a pity that his wife Zhong Xiaoai was a woman; otherwise, who could touch the Zhong family?

“Honey, now that you mention it, I understand. So what are we afraid of? We’ll just wait for that Zou family, or whatever other monsters and demons they come up with! Let’s see what tricks they can pull.”

After listening to Qi Tongwei's words, Zhong Xiaoai kissed Qi Tongwei again.

"Honey, you dealt with the Zheng family so well last time, and became the governor of Handong Province. This time, if I'm not mistaken, once you take care of Zou Shuaifu, the position of provincial party secretary will be yours for the taking! You might only be one step away from truly controlling the entire Handong. Keep it up!"

Although Qi Tongwei now has all the power to appoint and dismiss personnel in Handong Province, this is fundamentally different from him becoming the real top leader of Handong Province and controlling the entire province.

However, Qi Tongwei is already very content. It's not that he doesn't want to improve. In fact, Qi Tongwei feels that he has a fulfilling life and a happy family. But what can a person have all of?

Some people are successful in their careers but unhappy in their families; others have happy families but always fall short in their careers. How many people can achieve both career success and a happy family like myself? Of course, this is all thanks to my beloved wife, Zhong Xiaoai.

Qi Tongwei looked at Zhong Xiaoai's freshly drawn, rosy lips and kissed them deeply.

At a roadside stall in Jingzhou City, Handong Province.

The pheasant looked around speechlessly.

"Cousin, are you seriously ill? Han Bin used to be such a miser, always picking out these roadside stalls in the corners to eat at. Now he's gone to Luzhou City to be the Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, and we're still eating roadside stalls together? I'm really fed up with you!"

"Iron's cousin, Ke Zhihua, said while eating his skewers."

"Chicken, it's just the two of us brothers today! You're my own cousin! We're family, why are you being so formal? Have you gotten too high up and your brain's gone haywire? What's wrong with a roadside stall? I think roadside stalls are just fine!"

When Shanji heard his cousin's words, he looked helpless.

"No, cousin! Back when you were in the bay area, you would always take me out to a karaoke bar, have a few drinks, and then find some foreign language teachers so we could sing some foreign language songs together. It was so much fun! Now it's so dark, and nobody can see us. Shouldn't we, as brothers, actually find a foreign language teacher and learn some proper foreign languages ​​instead of eating at roadside stalls? Really!"

Ke Zhihua looked at his cousin with a helpless expression.

"Damn it! I called you out today because it's urgent! If it were about learning a foreign language, would I need to call you out? You could just study at home. Why would I call you out to study together? Am I crazy or are you crazy? I called you out to discuss business! And when discussing business, you can't have several foreign language teachers present. It's so inconvenient to have outsiders around!"

The pheasant still looked unhappy.

"Alright! Alright! What's so urgent that you're calling me? If it's urgent, just say it over the phone, right? That way, it wouldn't interfere with everyone's time for foreign language lessons! Now, here you are, sitting on the street starving. What's so urgent? Did Lei Gong of the Sanlian Gang 'pass away', Liang?"