A man in Handong: living off Zhong Xiaoai

"Director Sha, please don't joke with me. How could I dare to give you instructions? You are the head of the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Handong Province, and you are very busy. I'm afraid my call will disturb your precious time! Haha, just kidding, just kidding. Actually, there's a small matter I'd like to discuss with you. When would be a convenient time for you?"

.... ..... ....

Sha Ruijin was also very happy at this time, because he also hoped to interact more with the other members of the Qi family gang.

"Director Yuliang, no matter how busy I am, even if the sky falls, I'll still have time to answer your call! It's been so long since we sat down together for a drink and a chat, I really miss it. Haha, just kidding, Director Yuliang, what's up? Go ahead, I'm listening."

When Gao Yuliang heard Sha Ruijin talking about drinking and chatting, he realized that this was exactly what he had in mind.

"Director Sha, the reason I called you is to say that it's been a long time since we last got together after having dinner with Governor Qi. Time flies, it's been several months already. I was thinking, how about we invite Governor Qi together? As his former subordinates, we could find a suitable time and place to invite him out for a chat and catch up. What do you think?"

Sha Ruijin was quite in favor of Gao Yuliang's suggestion.

Now, the higher-ups have removed Ji Changming, the chief prosecutor of Handong Province, and said they're going to parachute in a new chief prosecutor.

I've even heard that the higher-ups want to remove me as well.

Some time ago, Qi Tongwei promoted several cadres to the department level, but I wasn't on the list. Logically speaking, I was promoted to the bureau level much earlier, so Governor Qi should have considered me much sooner.

Chapter 575 A soldier who doesn't want to be a general is not a good soldier

Sha Ruijin was also very anxious about this. He really wanted to have a chance to meet with Governor Qi and see if he could get Governor Qi to take care of him.

"Director Yuliang, I wholeheartedly agree! To be honest, it's been a long time since I've sat down with you, my friend. We need to have a good chat. Besides, I really miss Governor Qi! It would be wonderful to have the opportunity to get together with him. Let's set a time and invite Governor Qi out together!"

Hearing that Sha Ruijin had agreed, Gao Yuliang was overjoyed. After all, he might not have been able to persuade Qi Tongwei on his own, but it would have been much easier with Sha Ruijin's help.

Of course, just to be on the safe side, a few more people should be called. Just then, someone knocked on the door of Gao Yuliang's office, number 757.

"Director Sha, it's settled then! Someone's knocking on my door; they probably have something to take care of. I'll call you back once I've arranged a time and made an appointment with Governor Qi. That's all for today; I'll hang up now. Looking forward to our gathering!"

After hanging up the phone, Gao Yuliang called out to the door, "Come in!"

Soon, with Gao Yuliang's "Please come in," Shanji, the deputy director of the Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau, walked in.

Shanji approached Gao Yuliang, frowning as he spoke, "Director Yuliang, I'm sorry to bother you, but I have a few thorny issues that require your approval. First, there's the recent food problem at Jingzhou Prison. The officers have complained about the declining quality, which is a serious matter concerning everyone's well-being. Second, there's the aging facilities at Luzhou Prison; some areas urgently need repair to prevent safety hazards. Finally, there's the issue of classifying and managing the new batch of prisoners arriving in Jinghai City. How to arrange this to ensure both safety and efficiency is giving me a real headache. What do you think we should do?"

Gao Yuliang's eyes lit up when he saw Shanji. "That's right! Isn't he also from the Qi family?" he thought. "And Shanji seems to have a friend, Chen Haonan, the deputy director of the Hantong Provincial Police Department, who is also from the Qi family. If Shanji were to participate in this banquet, the likelihood of Qi Tongwei attending would probably increase significantly."

"Shanhe, sit down! These matters today are not major issues. First, regarding the food at Jingzhou Prison, the brothers have reported a decline in quality. This is a serious matter concerning everyone's vital interests and cannot be taken lightly. You immediately contact the logistics department, personally supervise the process, and ensure that the food quality is improved immediately. At the same time, establish a long-term monitoring mechanism to prevent similar problems from happening again."

Next, the aging facilities at Luzhou City Prison are an urgent issue that needs to be addressed. You should quickly organize a team of experts to conduct an assessment, develop a detailed repair and upgrade plan, and I will provide full financial support to ensure that all security risks are eliminated in the shortest possible time.

As for the classification and management of the new batch of prisoners arriving in Jinghai City, this is a meticulous task. You need to work closely with the correctional department to develop a scientific and reasonable classification and management plan based on the specific circumstances of each prisoner. This plan must ensure prison safety and stability while also improving management efficiency and promoting the education and rehabilitation of prisoners.

And Shanhe, you've done an outstanding job in your assigned area. Your innovative thinking and solid work have not only improved efficiency but also greatly enhanced team cohesion. Please give everyone more support and encouragement so that everyone can continue to leverage their strengths and set a better example for the Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau. Remember, if you encounter any difficulties in the future, report to me immediately; we're all on the same side!

Hearing Gao Yuliang's words, Shanji nodded. Gao Yuliang had just said that he was one of his own? But he had heard that Gao Yuliang was supposedly Governor Qi's teacher, but he didn't know if it was true.

"Director Yuliang, thank you for your support in my work! Especially since I was transferred here from the Handong Provincial Department of Justice, you have always taken care of me, and I am truly grateful! Here, I have learned a lot and witnessed your leadership and care for your colleagues... In the future, I will work even harder to live up to your expectations and contribute my share to the Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau!"

Upon hearing Shanji's words, Gao Yuliang smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Shanji, this is all due to your excellent work; it has little to do with me. You've only been working for a short time, yet you've already demonstrated extraordinary ability and potential. Your achievements today, becoming the deputy director of the Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau, are all the result of your own hard work. Young people should always be ambitious and maintain a strong determination to improve; only then can they continuously progress in their work and make greater contributions to our country's cause."

If one day I am able to leave this position as director of the Prison Administration Bureau, I will definitely recommend you to Governor Qi without hesitation to take my place. I believe you have the ability and courage to lead our Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau to an even brighter future. So, Shanji, you must continue to work hard, don't let me down, and don't let down Governor Qi and the trust I have placed in you.”

Upon hearing this, Shanji realized that Gao Yuliang kept mentioning Governor Qi. Could he really be one of Governor Qi's men? If Gao Yuliang recommended him for the position of Director of the Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau, that would be fantastic! Although he was already a deputy director (rank 1.7), it was still a deputy position! The feeling was definitely different from that of the director, the top leader! A soldier who doesn't want to be a general isn't a good soldier. An excellent soldier like himself was always thinking about improving! Who could blame him for being so outstanding? There was nothing he could do about it!

"Wow! Director Yuliang, is it really true? I really believe you! I've always admired you, and I'm so happy to have your recognition and recommendation! Also, I've always heard that you, Director Yuliang, are Governor Qi's teacher. Is that true? If so, you're truly amazing! I'll study hard under your guidance and strive to become a pillar of the Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau like you!"

Chapter 576 It would be much easier if we signed a joint petition.

Upon hearing this, Gao Yuliang realized that this pheasant was easy to talk to, and his mood immediately improved.

"That's right, Shanhe. When Governor Qi was studying in the Department of Political Science and Law at Handong University, I was his teacher. During that time, Governor Qi was diligent and studious, and his excellent grades left a deep impression on me. Not only that, even Governor Qi's wife, Comrade Zhong Xiaoai, was my student back then. They were both my prized students."

"Time flies! In the blink of an eye, Governor Qi has grown to this point, becoming an important leader in our Handong Province, even reaching a level that I, as his teacher, can only dream of! This makes me very gratified, and I am proud of my initial choice and guidance. I believe that under Governor Qi's leadership, our Handong Province will surely usher in a brighter tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Shanji was overjoyed. So Gao Yuliang really was Governor Qi's teacher! But was he actually a member of the Qi family gang? No way! He had to ask him himself!

"Director Yuliang, Governor Qi is so accomplished now! As Governor Qi's teacher, did he help you in your career? I mean, did he provide you with any special opportunities or support? Please don't mind my direct question, I just want to know, after all, Governor Qi is a student you personally taught!"

Gao Yuliang smiled, and without intending to hide anything from Shanji, he spoke directly.

"Shanhe, to be honest, I owe my success today to Governor Qi's support. Back then, after graduating from the University of Political Science and Law, I became the Secretary of the Municipal Political and Legal Committee in Jinghai City. The situation was rather unusual at the time, and I received a minor disciplinary action. Under those circumstances, it would have been difficult for me to have any further opportunities for advancement. However, Governor Qi didn't care about that at all; he valued my abilities and enthusiasm for my work."

So, he directly promoted me from the position of Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee of Jinghai City to this position, making me the Director of the Prison Administration Bureau of Handong Province. This promotion, going directly from deputy bureau-level to bureau-level, was a complete upheaval for me. I know that all of this is due to Governor Qi's trust and support, so I must work hard to repay his kindness.”

Of course, Gao Yuliang did not mention that his punishment back then was actually given by Governor Qi.

However, these are all things of the past, and Gao Yuliang has become a member of the Qi family gang again, so there is no point in keeping an eye on them anymore.

Gao Yuliang is only focused on the future now, and only thinking about getting into the department!

Upon hearing this, Shanji became extremely excited, never expecting that Gao Yuliang had the same experience as him.

"Director Yuliang, aren't we quite alike?! I also left the Sanlian Gang and then joined Governor Qi's side. Governor Qi valued me, first making me the deputy chief of the Public Security Corps of the Handong Provincial Police Department, then the director of the Prison Supervision Department of the Handong Provincial Department of Justice, and now he has promoted me to the position of deputy director of the Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau! All along the way, it has been Governor Qi who has promoted me and given me opportunities."

So, Director Yuliang, you're also part of the Qi family clique? We're both Governor Qi's capable assistants, so we should cooperate even better in the future, serving Governor Qi and contributing our strength to the development of Handong Province!

Gao Yuliang took one look and realized, "Isn't this clear?"

“That’s right, Shanhe, I’m just like you, a member of the Qi family gang. It’s an honor for us to be appreciated and promoted by Governor Qi. But now that Governor Qi’s position is getting higher and higher, and the responsibilities he shoulders are getting heavier and heavier, the opportunities for us to see Governor Qi are getting fewer and fewer.”

If we can't see Governor Qi often, and don't report to him or ask him questions regularly, he's so busy and deals with so many people every day, he's bound to forget about us! Just think about it, Governor Qi has now been authorized by the Xia Kingdom's top leadership to oversee all personnel appointments and removals in our Handong Province. What an important responsibility and honor that is!

Such a position is coveted by many, and countless others seek opportunities to meet Governor Qi, hoping to gain his favor and promotion. Therefore, if we don't maintain regular contact with Governor Qi and frequently remind him of our existence and contributions, we risk being alienated! Thus, we must cherish every opportunity to meet with Governor Qi, actively demonstrating our work achievements and loyalty to him, so that we can ensure we always hold a place in his heart.

Upon hearing Gao Yuliang's words, Shanji frowned and nodded.

"You're right. So many people depend on Governor Qi for their livelihood. He'll be busy with his work and might forget about us. But Governor Qi's position is so high now; it's not like we can just see him whenever we want. What are we going to do?"

We can't possibly go to the provincial government to see him every day; that wouldn't be appropriate. But if we don't see each other or communicate for a long time, our relationship will really become strained. This is truly a headache!

Upon seeing the pheasant's question, Gao Yuliang instantly burst out laughing.

"That's why I wanted to talk to you, Shanhe. I was thinking that we, the former subordinates of Governor Qi, should unite and invite Governor Qi to come out and have a meal with us, chat, and deepen our relationship. After all, we all grew up under Governor Qi's leadership, and we can't forget that friendship."

Sha Ruijin, the director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Handong Province, is also one of our own. I've already discussed it with him, and we two want to jointly invite Governor Qi to have a chat. However, it's definitely not enough for just the two of us to make the invitation; our resources are limited. That's why I was thinking, Shanhe, you're also part of the Qi family faction, why don't you join in? The more people there are, the greater the chance. Otherwise, Governor Qi is too busy; if only one or two people invite him, he might not take it seriously enough, and he might not have the time.

"I remember you have a good brother named Chen Haonan, who's currently the deputy director of the police department in Handong Province? I heard he's also one of Governor Qi's right-hand men, utterly loyal to him. If so, why don't we invite Director Haonan along, and we can all meet with Governor Qi to express our respect and concern together? What do you think? Is this idea feasible?"

Chapter 577 What brings you here?

Upon hearing this, Chicken thought, "This Gao Yuliang is really a good friend! He even knows to invite me to a meal, and not only that, he also invites my good brother Chen Haonan!"

"Director Yuliang, that's wonderful! Being able to dine with Governor Qi is something we've always dreamed of! To be honest, the current Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission of Luzhou City, Handong Province, is also a good brother of mine. His name is Han Bin. He used to be a brother of Hung Hing. He's very good at fighting! No, I mean, he's very capable! In short, we have a good relationship!"

And then there's Ma Haitao, the mayor of Luzhou City, who's also a good brother of mine. Back when I was in the Public Security Bureau of Handong Province, I was the deputy chief, and he was the chief. We were inseparable! Oh, and his wife, that foreign language teacher Katyusha, was someone I introduced us to!

Look, so many brothers are here! If we team up and invite Governor Qi, he'll definitely give us face! We can all have a meal and chat together—it'll be so lively! I, Shanji, will fully support this; I'll definitely invite all the brothers and give Governor Qi a surprise!

Gao Yuliang was delighted to hear this; with the people Shanji had summoned, there would be enough for almost a whole table.

However, the person who introduced the foreign language teacher to Ma Haitao turned out to be Shanji.

This is very much in line with the pheasant's personality, and it's something a pheasant would do.

"Shanhe, if you can really get so many friends here, it will undoubtedly greatly increase the chances of getting Governor Qi to come out. Many hands make light work, and if we all work together, Governor Qi will definitely feel our enthusiasm and sincerity."

However, Luzhou City is not close to Jingzhou. I wonder if Han Bin and Ma Haitao will have time to make it as planned? After all, as important leaders in Luzhou City, their work must be quite busy. However, if they could spare some time, even just for a short day, our gathering would be even more perfect.

So, Shanhe, you should contact them quickly and sound them out to see if they can make time. If so, we should finalize the time and place of the gathering as soon as possible and send an invitation to Governor Qi. I believe that as long as we sincerely invite him, Governor Qi will definitely feel our sincerity and make time to get together with us.

After hearing Gao Yuliang's words, Shanji patted his chest.

"Director Yuliang, don't worry! Secretary Han Bin, Mayor Ma, and I are really close friends! We're all brothers, so getting them to come to Jingzhou on a weekend is absolutely no problem!"

If they knew it was Governor Qi's gathering, they would definitely be overjoyed and would do everything they could to adjust their schedules to attend. After all, it would be an honor for us to dine with Governor Qi!

So, Director Yuliang, don't worry, I, Shanji, will handle this matter perfectly for you! Just wait for good news!

Upon hearing Shanji's words, Gao Yuliang's face instantly filled with anticipation.

"Shanhe, since we are all members of the Qi family gang and subordinates of Governor Qi, brothers on the same front, I won't hide anything from you. The path of an official always requires some opportunities and changes. I saw on the online encyclopedia that the current Party Secretary of Lüzhou City, Feng Lei, has reached the end of his term, which means there will be a vacancy there."

If I want to advance further, I need to make a change of plans. Therefore, I'm thinking of going to Luzhou City. If I could replace Feng Lei as the Party Secretary of Luzhou City, it would be crucial for my future career development. That way, after I leave, the position of Director of the Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau will be vacant.

Then, Shanhe, your chance will come! Currently, within the Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau, you're the only member of the Qi family clique. Once I'm gone, all I need to do is give Governor Qi a slight recommendation, and this position will naturally be yours, won't it?

Furthermore, your two friends, Mayor Ma and Secretary Han, are both members of the Luzhou City leadership team and have considerable influence in the selection of the next Luzhou City Party Secretary. Shanji, if you could get your two friends to mention this matter at the dinner table and get Governor Qi's approval, wouldn't that be a tremendous benefit for both of us?

Therefore, Shanhe, for this gathering, you should not only invite your two friends, but also let your friends know our intentions and understand our plans. Only in this way can we move forward together and create a brilliant future!

Looking at Gao Yuliang's eager face, Shanji thought about it and realized that it made some sense.

“You’re absolutely right, Director Yuliang! Alright then, I’ll take care of coordinating with my friends, Mayor Ma and Secretary Han, to make sure they can make time for the gathering. You can take care of inviting Governor Qi. We’ll agree on this immediately and get it done!”

I believe that as long as we brothers are of one mind, our strength can move mountains, and we will definitely be able to handle things beautifully! When that time comes, you will become the Party Secretary of Luzhou City, and I will succeed you as the Director of the Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau. Then we can thank Governor Qi together properly—wouldn't that be a happy ending for everyone?"

Gao Yuliang was overjoyed to see the pheasant on its way.

"Shanhe, you have great foresight and will surely achieve great things in the future! I have been a teacher all my life and have seen countless people. I will never misjudge someone. You, Zhao Shanhe, are very capable, have high aspirations, a broad vision, and are hardworking and down-to-earth. These are all rare and valuable qualities."

I believe that as long as you (Zhao Li Zhao) continue to maintain this attitude and work hard, you will definitely have a bright future! This gathering is a starting point for us to jointly move towards a higher level. As long as we work together and cooperate, the future will surely belong to us!

As they spoke, both of them smiled broadly and became very happy.

Inside a private room at a high-end restaurant in Big Bear City, Gulf Province.

Lei Fuhong looked at Zhao Ruilong across from him with a smile on his face.

"Ruilong! I really didn't expect you to suddenly come to the bay! Why didn't you tell me sooner? I wasn't prepared at all, and I almost didn't recognize you!"

I remember you usually prefer to stay in Hong Kong and rarely think of coming to the bay to see me! What brought you here this time? Come, come, sit down, let's have a good chat, brothers, and see if there's anything fun we can do together!

Chapter 578 Let's show our brother the right path

After hearing Lei Fuhong's words, Zhao Ruilong smiled and waved his hand.

“There’s no wind that brought me here. I used to always go to Hong Kong, but that was only because I had some business to manage there. It was just the other day that my second sister called me and said that Governor Qi mentioned that your grandfather, Mr. Lei, isn’t in good health. I thought, we were classmates and good brothers when we were abroad, so I should at least come and see your grandfather and show my regards. After all, with our relationship, we should keep in touch, don’t you think?”

Lei Fuhong had been smiling, but his smile slowly froze after hearing the words "Governor Qi".

“My father, Lei Gong, is indeed in poor health. The doctors say he's probably not going to make it soon. When that happens, I'll have control of the Sanlian Gang, and the entire underworld of the Gulf will be mine. Rui Long, given our relationship, there's still a lot of room for cooperation. If you're willing, we can do something big together and let the Gulf and Hong Kong know about the strength of us brothers.”

Zhao Ruilong chuckled when he heard the words "Hong Kong".

"Peter, let's skip the formalities and just look at it this way. You know the four major triads in Hong Kong: Hung Hing, Tung Sing, Wo Luen Shing, and the Ni family, right? They're all backed by Governor Qi now. In Hong Kong, can you do business without Governor Qi's approval?"

Back when we were in school, when we went to the inland to do business, it was you, Lei Fuhong, who insisted that I introduce you to Governor Qi. What's wrong? Now that you're about to ascend the throne as emperor, you're disowning Governor Qi? Lei Fuhong, don't forget, the Gulf isn't above the law either; it's also a province of our Great Xia Kingdom!

Who is Governor Qi? Don't you know? Governor Qi is Elder Zhong's son-in-law! Are you out of your mind? I heard you're trying to bypass Governor Qi and cooperate with the new high-ranking officials from the Gulf region. You're not afraid of Governor Qi, but aren't you afraid of Elder Zhong? You've taken benefits from the Zhong family, and now you want to turn your back on them? Are you out of your mind?

"Let me tell you, Lei Fuhong, you have to have principles. Don't think you can do whatever you want just because you're the leader of the Sanlian Gang. In this circle, there are no permanent enemies, no permanent friends, only permanent interests. If you dare to betray Governor Qi and the Zhong family, I guarantee you'll regret it for the rest of your life!"

Lei Fuhong hadn't originally planned to completely fall out with Qi Tongwei; he just wanted to gradually cool down their relationship.

However, Zhao Ruilong's words just now did remind Lei Fuhong that Qi Tongwei was Zhong Lao's son-in-law, and even if he became the leader of the Sanlian Gang, he was still someone he couldn't afford to offend.