A man in Handong: living off Zhong Xiaoai

Look at the previous deputy secretary of the Jinshan County Party Committee; he was transferred to the neighboring Baishui County as county head long ago. It wasn't Yi Xuexi's recommendation; he had his own connections. Only Wang Dalu always held onto hope for Yi Xuexi, thinking he was a capable person. But what happened? As soon as he heard Wang Dalu had been promoted to deputy secretary and also served as executive deputy county head, he immediately became unhappy. What kind of behavior is that!

Chen Hai was also unhappy after hearing Li Dakang's words.

"County Chief Dakang, how could Secretary Yi speak like that? What do you mean Wang Dalu is dependent on a 'powerful figure' like me? I merely took Wang Dalu and Ouyang Jing to meet my brother-in-law, Qi Tongwei, the governor of Handong Province. But my brother-in-law made the corresponding job adjustments only after understanding Comrade Dalu and Comrade Ouyang Jing's actual work abilities and performance. This wasn't a personal relationship; it was based on considerations of work performance!"

Furthermore, Comrades Wang Dalu and Ouyang Jing are both undeniably outstanding cadres with strong work abilities and a good foundation among the masses. Promoting them is a matter of course. Secretary Yi's words are not only disrespectful to them, but also to me and the work of our county government! I really don't like hearing such things. We are all working for the development of Jinshan County and for everyone's well-being; how can we be so suspicious and sabotaging each other?

Li Dakang nodded in agreement as he listened to Chen Hai's words.

"Chen Hai, you're right! That's what I think too. We don't really know the specifics of the personnel at the county committee, so it's not convenient for us to say much. But for the position of executive deputy county head that's vacant in our Jinshan County government, Comrade Wang Dalu is indeed the most suitable candidate. In terms of seniority, work enthusiasm, and work performance, which of the other deputy county heads can compare to Dalu? I really don't know how much Secretary Yi looks down on Wang Dalu."

Furthermore, it's one thing for him to have reservations about Wang Dalu's promotion, but he also spreads rumors that we two are "parachuted-in" cadres who stole opportunities from those working below, and that we don't understand the situation in Jinshan County, claiming that things are being messed up by higher-ups. These kinds of words are really unpleasant to hear. We're all working for the development of Jinshan County, for everyone's good; how can he make such unfounded accusations and undermine unity? We can't let this kind of atmosphere continue!"

Chen Hai grew angrier and angrier as he listened.

“County Chief Li, listen to what you’re saying. What do you mean by ‘parachuted-in cadres’ taking away opportunities from those below? When we’re working for everyone, why distinguish between parachuted-in cadres and natives? We are all cadres of Xia Kingdom, all serving everyone. How can you have such a narrow-minded view?”

Besides, Wang Dalu, wasn't he ignored by Yi Xuexi for over a decade? And Yi Xuexi hasn't exactly provided many opportunities for his subordinates either! Wang Dalu's talent and ability have been buried for so long; now that they finally have a chance to shine, it's a good thing!

This Yi Xuexi (a nickname), he does a little work every day, and I admit he's a practical person. But that doesn't justify his arrogance and indiscriminate criticism of everyone and everything. His actions not only hurt the feelings of his colleagues but also affect the unity and efficiency of our county government. I really cannot tolerate this behavior!

Seeing that Chen Hai was really angry, Li Dakang quickly smiled and said...

"Chen Hai, you're right. You should keep what I said to you today to yourself; there's no need to spread it around. In time, as you get to know the situation better and make more connections, you'll naturally understand Yi Xuexi's attitude towards us."

The reason I'm telling you all this is to prepare you mentally; our future work might not be very easy to carry out. This Comrade Yi Xuexi, I've heard from 743 that he likes to dominate the discussion and doesn't listen to others' opinions. For example, I was planning to build a highway, thinking it would be a practical thing for Jinshan County's development, but Yi Xuexi had all sorts of opinions and basically rejected all my ideas and suggestions.

However, we mustn't be discouraged. We are cadres of the Xia Kingdom, serving everyone. As long as we keep everyone and the development of Jinshan County in our hearts, there are no difficulties we cannot overcome. We must unite and work together for the future of Jinshan County!

Chen Hai nodded.

“County Chief Dakang, you’re right! Since we’re facing this situation now, we need to stand tall and do our jobs well so that others won’t gossip behind our backs! Isn’t Yi Xuexi pointing fingers at us so-called ‘parachuted cadres’? Let him see if we’re just all talk and whether we can actually do real work!”

We must prove our worth with concrete actions and let our work results speak for themselves! I believe that as long as we work together to develop Jinshan County and show everyone tangible changes, those idle gossips will naturally disappear. Then, even Yi Xuexi will have to look at us with new respect!

Chapter 567 Come home often when you have time

Li Dakang smiled after hearing Chen Hai's words.

"Chen Hai, you're right! So we need to communicate promptly about anything, and not keep things to ourselves. As the county head and deputy county head of Jinshan County, along with Wang Dalu, the executive deputy county head, we must unite closely, work together as one, and form a cohesive force."

We must respond to those doubts and criticisms with concrete actions and achievements. Only by uniting as one and working together can we contribute to the development of Jinshan County and show those who are prejudiced against us our strength and results. Chen Hai, I believe in you, and I believe in the strength of our team. We will definitely achieve something to show some people!

After hearing Li Dakang's words, Chen Hai understood what Li Dakang meant.

Li Dakang actually intended to get on Qi Tongwei's side, but whether he could get on board was no longer up to him.

Although Wang Dalu and Ouyang Jing did introduce them to Qi Tongwei themselves, this could only be accomplished if Qi Tongwei himself was willing to accept them.

If her brother-in-law, Qi Tongwei, the governor of Handong Province, was unwilling, then her insistence would be futile.

Therefore, whether Li Dakang can get on Qi Tongwei's side or become a member of the Qi family gang is still unknown.

Chen Hai couldn't give Li Dakang any valuable feedback at the moment, so he could only smile and nod.

Inside a luxury private room at a hotel in Jingzhou, Handong Province.

Chicken's cousin, Ke Zhihua, was sitting with Chicken opposite Michael, Lei Fuhong's special envoy.

Ke Zhihua looked at Michael with a smile.

"Michael, you are still as handsome and charming as ever! It's a pleasure to see you! Actually, the place I live in, Miss Yang's villa, is not just luxurious, it's practically paradise! In the past, when Lei Gong and Lei Gongzi came to Jingzhou, they always insisted on staying there, and all the banquets were held there. It's convenient and respectable."

You went to the trouble of finding this place today, that's really thoughtful of you! But to be honest, there was really no need to go through the trouble of finding a restaurant. The resort has everything. We could just have a small gathering there and chat properly! Come on, let's drink this first, to thank you for your hospitality!

Michael smiled and said.

"It's alright, really alright. It doesn't matter who invites us, we're all brothers! I came here specifically to visit and comfort you on Young Master Lei's orders, how could I let you spend money? That's not in accordance with the rules, nor is it in accordance with the loyalty of our Sanlian Gang."

"Ke Zhihua, isn't this your cousin, the former leader of the Viper Gang's Poisonous Snake Hall, the infamous Chicken? This is our first time meeting! Chicken, you're really stylish! We've finally managed to get together today, so we should have fun and enjoy ourselves to the fullest. Don't worry about anything else, I'll take care of everything!"

When Ke Zhihua heard Michael mention his cousin Shanji, he immediately introduced him.

"Haha, Shanji is something else now. He's no longer the lowly deputy director of the Handong Provincial Police Department! He later went to the Handong Provincial Department of Justice and became a director. His imposing manner is truly impressive!"

Now, he's even more impressive—he's the deputy director of the Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau! That position, that status, is truly high! Our Sanlian Gang is so proud to have a brother like him; we're respected wherever we go! Come on, Chicken, raise a glass to your brother to celebrate your meteoric rise!"

At this point, Ke Zhihua brought up Shanji to put Michael in his place and to tell Michael not to mess around, as his cousin was not someone to be trifled with.

Upon hearing Ke Zhihua's words, Michael immediately raised his glass as well.

"Wow! This is truly a joyous occasion for our Sanlian Gang! Brother Chicken, you've achieved so much. If Young Master Lei knew, he would be overjoyed! You've risen from the Police Department of Handong Province to the Department of Justice, and now to the Deputy Director of the Prison Administration Bureau. Every step you've taken has been so solid; it's truly admirable!"

Young Master Lei has always valued you highly, considering you the pride of the Sanlian Gang. Now it seems his judgment was truly insightful! Come, Brother Chicken, let me toast you, wishing you great success in your career, and also wishing our Sanlian Gang even greater prosperity under your leadership!

When Chicken saw that Michael was being so enthusiastic, he didn't seem like the cold-blooded killer his cousin had described.

But surely Michael can't be that simple?

The pheasant smiled and said.

"Yes! I remember when I left the Sanlian Gang to become the deputy chief of the Public Security Corps of the Police Department of Handong Province, it was Young Master Lei who came to see me off as Lei Gong's special envoy! I was full of vigor back then, and I was determined to make a name for myself in the outside world."

Time flies! In the blink of an eye, I'm now the deputy director of the Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau. I've been through a lot along the way, but every time I think of the support from Young Master Lei and the brothers of the Sanlian Gang, I feel full of strength.

It's been such a long time since I've seen Young Master Lei! I wonder how he's doing now, whether he's still as dashing as before, haha! It's been an incredibly happy occasion to be able to gather with Special Envoy Michael and Hall Master Ke Zhihua today! Come on, let's have another drink to celebrate our enduring friendship and the glorious future of the Sanlian Gang!

Michael's expression darkened upon hearing what the pheasant said.

Michael understood the implication in Chicken's words: when he left the Triad to become a deputy director, Lei Gong had sent his son, Lei Gongzi, to personally congratulate him.

Now that Shanji is the deputy director of the Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau, why hasn't Lei Fuhong come to celebrate for him in person?

Although Michael understood, he knew he couldn't react in any way.

Firstly, they really couldn't afford to offend Shanji, especially since this was Handong Province, Shanji's territory.

Secondly, Young Master Lei didn't come here to cause trouble, but to appease Ke Zhihua.

After a moment of stiffness, Michael quickly put on a smile.

"Brother Chicken! You've achieved so much, it's truly enviable! If Young Master Lei knew, he would want to come see you in person too; he's always been thinking of you."

It's a pity that Young Master Lei is currently burdened with heavy responsibilities and has many official matters to handle, so he simply can't spare the time. However, he often mentions you, saying that you are the pride of the Sanlian Gang and a role model for all of us.

It's truly a pleasure to be here today on behalf of Young Master Lei to visit you. Come, Brother Chicken, let me raise a glass to you. Wishing you success in your career and good health. We also hope you can visit the Sanlian Gang when you have time; everyone misses you!

Chapter 568 A General in the Field May Disobey the Emperor's Orders

After hearing Michael's words, Chicken knew that Michael was referring to Lei Gong's serious illness and Lei Fuhong's presiding over the situation.

However, the pheasant pretended not to understand and casually asked:

"Wow! I know the Triads are always busy, but I really don't know what big things Young Master Lei has been busy with lately! Could it be that he's busy getting married and having children, and now has his own little family, enjoying the bliss of family life?"

If that's true, it would be wonderful news! All the brothers in our Sanlian Gang would definitely go to celebrate, haha! Special Envoy Michael, do you know anything about Young Master Lei's recent situation? Tell me quickly, let me, as his brother, be happy for him too!

Michael's expression darkened slightly after hearing what Chicken said, but he quickly put on a smile again.

"Brother Chicken! You might not know, but Master Lei has been seriously ill for a long time and is currently recuperating. All the affairs of the Sanlian Gang, big and small, have been handed over to Young Master Lei. He's so busy every day that he really can't spare the time to visit you in person."

But Young Master Lei has always thought of you. He often says you're a good brother in the Sanlian Gang, one of the people he trusts most. So, I'm here today to bring Young Master Lei's greetings and blessings to 743. Brother Chicken, you must take care of yourself! When Young Master Lei has time, he will definitely come to see you in person!

Upon hearing Michael's words, Chicken feigned surprise.

"No way? Lei Gong's health is failing?! I'm really heartbroken to hear this news! Lei Gong has been incredibly kind to me, and he's always taken good care of me. When I wanted to leave the Sanlian Gang and go work for Governor Qi in the provincial government of Handong Province, Lei Gong wasn't angry at all; on the contrary, he supported me, for which I've always been very grateful."

He even appointed Young Master Lei as a special envoy to personally host a banquet for me, bid me farewell, and wish me great success. Now that I have truly achieved great success, yet he wants to… This really makes me very sad!

And also, back then, to show their loyalty to Governor Qi, Lei Gong and his son actually gave away Lei Gong's beloved Ding Yao to him! Governor Qi still remembers Lei Gong's kindness and has always treated him like a good younger brother, taking good care of the Sanlian Gang. Lei Gong is truly a man of great loyalty and righteousness. I hope he recovers soon and can drink and chat with us brothers again!

Michael's expression turned completely ugly after hearing what Chicken said.

First, Chicken insulted the Sanlian Gang by mentioning his departure from the Sanlian Gang and Lei Gong's show of weakness, then he brought up the matter of Lei Gong giving Ding Yao again. Now the Sanlian Gang no longer wants to have anything to do with Qi Tongwei, but Chicken still brings up Ding Yao and Qi Tongwei, which is very grating to Michael's ears!

But Michael held back, because he couldn't lose his temper or do anything to Chicken today.

So he looked at Chicken's cousin, Ke Zhihua, and prepared to change the subject.

"Ke Zhihua, actually, the main reason Young Master Lei called me here this time was to see you. Young Master Lei knows very well that you and Brother Shanji are inseparable brothers. Besides, the Sanlian Gang's business in Handong really needs a reliable person to manage it."

Therefore, Young Master Lei has made a decision: he wants you to establish a branch of the Sanlian Gang in Jingzhou and to become the plenipotentiary envoy for the Sanlian Gang's business dealings with the inland regions. This is a very important task, but Young Master Lei trusts you and believes you are capable of handling it.

"From now on, 50% of the Sanlian Gang's business in the mainland, Young Master Lei said, will be yours directly! That's a huge benefit, Brother Hua. Congratulations, you're truly remarkable! Young Master Lei values ​​you highly and hopes you'll do well and not let him down!"

Ke Zhihua had initially thought that Lei Fuhong had sent Michael to deal with him. However, Michael arrived with such explosive news, leaving Ke Zhihua somewhat surprised.

"Wow! Young Master Lei really let me establish a branch in the mainland and even made me the special envoy of the Sanlian Gang?! This... this is too much of a favor. What have I, Ke Zhihua, done to deserve this?!"

Young Master Lei, you're truly my brother! I, Ke Zhihua, swear that I will dedicate myself to the Sanlian Gang and carve out a place for them in the mainland! If anyone dares to lay a finger on the Sanlian Gang, I, Ke Zhihua, will be the first to object!

"Special Envoy Michael, please be sure to thank Young Master Lei for me. I, Ke Zhihua, will remember this kindness. If you ever need my help in the future, just let me know, and I, Ke Zhihua, will never hesitate!"

Chicken was also shocked at this moment, not because his cousin Ke Zhihua said he would do his best for the Sanlian Gang. That was just a nice-sounding statement, merely to show his attitude.

To Chicken's surprise, Lei Fuhong not only didn't want to get rid of his cousin, but also offered him such a huge benefit!

Michael looked at Ke Zhihua's satisfied expression and continued with a smile:

"Brother Hua, Young Master Lei also said that a general in the field may disobey the emperor's orders! From now on, you will personally make all the decisions regarding matters in the interior. He completely trusts you. This is an incredibly good thing! Young Master Lei is essentially making you a 'warlord' of the Triads in the field!"

Brother Hua, you have no idea how many brothers in the Sanlian Gang envy you! You've truly made a name for yourself this time. From now on, you'll be the representative of the Sanlian Gang in the mainland. Young Master Lei values ​​you so much, you absolutely must do your best and not let him down!

I'm so happy to see you being valued so highly; it makes me happy for you too. If you need any help in the future, just let me know, and I, Michael, will definitely give you my full support!

Upon hearing this, Ke Zhihua knew perfectly well that this was nothing but a worthless promise! He had nothing in the mainland except for the business profits, which he could actually earn. Before, he couldn't even get 10%, just a tiny, insignificant share. Now, Lei Fuhong had suddenly given him 50%.

However, this means that Lei Fuhong did not want to get involved in the local affairs of the Sanlian Gang anymore. Also, after Lei Gong's death, Lei Fuhong wanted to lose his voting rights because he was far away in the mainland. He was actually afraid that people would not support him.

"Damn it! Tell Young Master Lei, from now on I, Ke Zhihua, will only recognize Young Master Lei! He's my boss, and I'm his henchman. I'll go through fire and water for him!"

However, there's something I don't understand, Special Envoy Michael. Will my old gang in the Gulf, and those territories and businesses, still belong to me, Ke Zhihua? I need to find out clearly, lest any misunderstandings arise.

Since Young Master Lei values ​​me so much, allowing me to open a branch in the mainland, he'll surely arrange things perfectly for me in the bay area, right? I, Ke Zhihua, am a man of honor; since Young Master Lei treats me well, I will naturally be loyal to him in return!

Chapter 569 Leaving a Descendant for the Zhong Family

Michael's expression turned somewhat unpleasant after hearing Ke Zhihua's words, but he still forced a smile.

"Brother Hua, listen to me. Now you're a prominent figure in the Sanlian Gang on the mainland. It's natural that you can't always keep an eye on things in the Gulf, right? Young Master Lei understands your situation and feels that it's inconvenient to remotely manage your previous gangs. So, he made a decision to let me, Michael, temporarily take care of those places for you."

But Brother Hua, please don't hold any grudges. We're like brothers! You've made a name for yourself out there, and I, Michael, have been protecting the base for you. Isn't that great? If you ever want to return to the Gulf Coast to rebuild your business, it's just a matter of a word. Your territory, intact, will be handed over to you without a second thought! We brothers are all about loyalty and trust, don't you agree?"

Upon hearing Michael's words, Ke Zhihua's expression also turned sour, even though Ke Zhihua was so determined that Lei Fuhong had sent people to kill him.

However, those branches of his own were built up bit by bit by himself with great effort, so how could he not have feelings for them?

However, Ke Zhihua understands very well that he doesn't have the resources to turn against Michael and Lei Fuhong right now.