A man in Handong: living off Zhong Xiaoai

To demonstrate my firm resolve to reform, I have severely punished Lao Jin, confiscated all his power and territory within the Sanlian Gang, and expelled him from the gang! Governor, please forgive my mistake this time and calm your anger! I, Lei Fuhong, will certainly follow your lead from now on and will never repeat this mistake!

Chapter 588 Gao Yuliang, what do you want to say? Speak quickly!

Qi Tongwei smiled after hearing Lei Fuhong's words.

"It's alright, no one is perfect. The important thing is to recognize your mistakes and change course in time. As long as you can adjust your mindset and find your way back, it's not a bad thing."

Now, let's talk about the situation in the Gulf. Is the Triad's business in the Gulf still operating normally? I hope you can give me a clear answer so I can rest assured.

Lei Fuhong took a deep breath upon hearing Qi Tongwei's words.

"Governor! To be honest, I was careless and listened to that old Jin's nonsense, so I went to negotiate with Lei Yingfu, a newly emerging high-ranking figure in the Gulf. Originally, old Jin said that this would allow me to dominate the Gulf underworld and rule the entire underworld. But who knew that this damn Lei Yingfu would secretly be flirting with the Black Dragon Gang, putting me in a difficult position!"

Later, Ruilong told me that Lei Yingfu was still there, observing your stance before deciding which side to take. Governor 757, as you know, my Triad is quite influential in the Gulf. If we can get your support and unify the major gangs in the Gulf, I can guarantee that any instructions you give will be implemented smoothly and without hindrance throughout the entire Gulf.

"Governor Qi, could you please give me a chance to serve you and find a way out for the brothers of the Sanlian Gang? I promise I will not let you down!"

Qi Tongwei listened to Lei Fuhong's words and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

"Fu Hong, our relationship has always been based on mutual understanding and support. In Hong Kong, I am aware of and tacitly approve of the existence of four triads; but in the Gulf, I have high hopes for your Triad alone. My position is clear: I hope you can become the leader of the Gulf underworld. This is not only in your interest, but also in my expectations."

Since you've come all this way to Handong, I certainly won't let you leave empty-handed. I've prepared a special gift that will help you win Lei Yingfu's support and show him the close cooperation between us. Hasn't Lei Yingfu been trying to figure out my intentions? Well then, this time I'll let him see it for himself.

In a couple of days, Handong Province will hold an awards ceremony to recognize the most outstanding entrepreneurs of the past decade. You, Lei Fuhong, with your investments in Handong—whether it's the beauty-focused food delivery service in partnership with Ms. Yang, the large-scale OEM factory, or the trendsetting internet company you both co-invested in—are enough to earn you a place among them. And alongside you will be your partner, our old friend Ms. Yang Mi; another founder of the internet company, Ms. Chen Yang; Mr. Jiang Tiansheng, the Hong Kong entrepreneur who co-invested in the beauty-focused food delivery service; and my former junior colleague, Mr. Lin Yaodong, the founder of Aita Village, now the largest film and television streaming platform in China.

This lineup is enough to demonstrate your strength and influence. Fu Hong, I hope you can use this opportunity to further consolidate your position in the Gulf and make our cooperation even closer.

Upon hearing this news, Lei Fuhong's eyes widened instantly, his face filled with joy.

"Governor! Oh, this is wonderful! If things really turn out as you say, I believe that old man Lei Yingfu will definitely see through me and figure out who his true friends are and who he should side with. Those Black Dragon Gang bastards, getting involved with them is bound to fail sooner or later! When that happens, Lei Yingfu will definitely kick them aside and wholeheartedly support me, Lei Fuhong, and our Sanlian Gang!"

Governor, you are truly a great benefactor to me, Lei Fuhong, and the Sanlian Gang! This kindness is higher than mountains and deeper than the sea! I think that if my father, Lei Gong, knew in heaven that you had helped us in this way, he would be extremely gratified and grateful for your great kindness!

Just then, the phone in Qi Tongwei's office rang. When Qi Tongwei saw that it was Gao Yuliang calling, he smiled and waved to Lei Fuhong.

“Fu Hong, don’t be so polite. Look, the phone keeps ringing one after another, I’m so busy. I won’t keep you any longer today. We’ll have plenty of time to sit down and talk later. When you get back, prepare well. I believe that with your abilities and wisdom, you will definitely be able to make a name for yourself in the Gulf.”

Lei Fuhong originally wanted to invite Qi Tongwei, Shanji, Ke Zhihua and a group of others to have dinner together that night.

But now that he saw that Qi Tongwei really had something to do, he couldn't say anything more and could only stand up with a smile.

"Governor! Since you're so busy, I won't bother you any further! Rest assured, once I return to the Gulf, I will do my utmost to get the Sanlian Gang back on track and I will never let you down! If you ever need my help in the future, I, Lei Fuhong, will do anything, even risk my life, to make it a success!"

After saying this, Lei Fuhong left Qi Tongwei's office at Qi Tongwei's signal.

Qi Tongwei spoke expressionlessly into the phone.

"Hey, Yuliang, what's up? I'm very busy right now. If there's anything I can help you with, please let me know as soon as possible."

Upon hearing Qi Tongwei's voice, Gao Yuliang immediately spoke respectfully.

"Governor, I'm truly sorry. I know you're extremely busy, and it's really inappropriate to bother you at this time. However, I recently had the privilege of speaking with Director Sha Ruijin of the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Handong Province. During our conversation, I suddenly realized that it's been a long time since we've met up and reminisced. Subsequently, I discussed this matter with Comrade Zhao Shanhe, the Deputy Director of the Prison Administration Bureau of Handong Province, and Comrade Shanhe shared the same sentiment. Moreover, Comrade Shanhe mentioned that his friends, Chen Haonan, the Deputy Director of the Police Department of Handong Province, Ma Haitao, the Mayor of Luzhou City, and Han Bin, the Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee of Luzhou City, all share this idea."

Therefore, we, your long-time subordinates who have always been fortunate to receive your care, would like to jointly invite you and your wife to a meal sometime. Firstly, to catch up, and secondly, to give you and your wife a detailed report on our recent work progress and achievements. We hope that you, Governor, can spare some time to attend and give us an opportunity to express our respect and gratitude in person.

Chapter 589 Who will be the next Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Handong Province?

While Gao Yuliang was talking non-stop, Zhong Xiaoai, who was bored alone in the outer room, suddenly came to Qi Tongwei's office.

"Honey, who called? Is something important happening again? Don't overwork the pillar of our family!"

Upon seeing Zhong Xiaoai, Qi Tongwei covered the microphone and spoke softly.

"Oh, it's Gao Yuliang. He said he wanted to invite the two of us to dinner."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Xiaoai smiled slightly.

"Then just say yes! We're all pretty tired from work every day, we need to relax sometimes. I'm curious to see what he has to say, maybe we'll hear something interesting! It'll just add a little spice to our lives, how about it?"

Upon hearing Zhong Xiaoai's words, Qi Tongwei, who had initially been reluctant to go, immediately changed his attitude and spoke into the phone.

“Yuliang, since you put it that way, let’s get together. Have Sha Ruijin invite Ji Changming too, so we can all take this opportunity to meet. As for the time, have you decided yet? Let me know when you have, and I’ll make the arrangements.”

When Gao Yuliang heard that Qi Tongwei had agreed, he was overjoyed! His chances of getting into the department were now in sight!

So, he immediately said happily.

"Governor, that's wonderful! We're all very happy that you agreed. As for the time, I'll tentatively set it for Saturday evening this week, so everyone can relax. I'll send you the specific time and place as soon as I confirm it. As for Ji Changming, you don't need to worry at all. I'll have Director Sha communicate with him to ensure everything goes smoothly."

Hearing Gao Yuliang say that, Qi Tongwei didn't say anything more and hung up the phone.

"Honey, if I'm not mistaken, our teacher Gao invited us to dinner this time probably because he's not on the list of candidates I recently submitted for promotion, and he's starting to get anxious. This dinner is probably not really about dinner; he's trying to get me a chance to join the department."

After hearing Qi Tongwei's words, Zhong Xiaoai nodded and then casually sat down opposite Qi Tongwei.

“That’s not something Gao Yuliang can decide, honey. Originally, after Zheng Gang and Lü Jingmin went up, we had a vacant vice governor position in charge of finance. But now, for various reasons, Ji Changming has been forced to leave his position as chief prosecutor of Handong Province, so the only vacant vice governor position naturally went to Ji Changming. Now, where is there any chance for him to get into a ministry? Gao Yuliang has probably miscalculated this time.”

Qi Tongwei looked at Zhong Xiaoai and smiled.

"Our Teacher Gao is a shrewd man. He must know perfectly well that there are no vacant deputy provincial-level positions in Handong Province right now. What my father-in-law promised me was only that I would have the authority to recommend candidates to Minister Cheng of the Organization Department of Xia State for the few positions under my jurisdiction in the Handong Provincial Government. But for key positions like the Handong Provincial Procurator-General and those in the Provincial Party Committee, my father-in-law has never let me get involved. Gao Yuliang should also understand this."

So, in my opinion, he's trying to move to a more important, bureau-level position to enhance his resume and prepare for future promotions. A person needs foresight and planning to establish themselves in this circle.

After hearing what her husband Qi Tongwei said, Zhong Xiaoai couldn't help but laugh.

"What does your resume have to do with whether the leader uses you or not? As a member of our Qi family clique, Gao Yuliang just needs to do his job well, right? Why think so much? Look at Zheng Gang, let's not even talk about him. Lü Jingmin has never served in a local position, he's always been hiding in the provincial government, and he's never left the Handong Provincial Safety Supervision Bureau. Now he's still the vice governor in charge of Handong Province's economy, isn't he? What does that show? It shows that whether you get into the ministry or not has little to do with your resume or experience."

Gao Yuliang's current position as director of the Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau is enough for him to advance to a ministerial level in the future, so why is he still making such a fuss? It's truly laughable.

Hearing Zhong Xiaoai's words, Qi Tongwei stood up, came to Zhong Xiaoai's side, and gently touched Zhong Xiaoai's face.

"Xiao Ai, just because you think this way doesn't mean others think the same way, especially those who have a strong desire to advance to the ministerial level. This deputy provincial position is different from other positions; it carries more responsibility and expectations. In Handong, the number of people from the Qi family faction will definitely increase in the future, there will be many bureau-level positions, and a large number of heads of provincial departments. Handong Province also has quite a few prefecture-level cities, such as Luzhou City and Jinghai City. Aren't all the mayors and party secretaries of those cities bureau-level positions?"

Request flowers

However, there are only a handful of vice-provincial level positions, especially those authorized by my father-in-law that I can control. This doesn't mean that just because you're part of the Qi family faction, I'll keep pushing you up the ladder. There's a prerequisite: you must be worthy of the position! The ability, wisdom, and responsibility required for this position are indispensable. Therefore, we can't just look at the surface, nor can we blindly pursue it; we must be down-to-earth and take each step carefully, one at a time.

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

Hearing Qi Tongwei's words, Zhong Xiaoai couldn't help but take her husband's hand.

"Honey, do you mean you're willing to give up a bureau-level position easily because there are many, but you might not be so willing to give up a deputy provincial-level position? Also, honey, can I understand that you don't really like our Teacher Gao? Do you think that he's already done very well at the bureau-level position and it's not suitable for him to try to climb any higher?"

Qi Tongwei smiled. He didn't know how to explain it to Zhong Xiaoai. He couldn't very well say that he didn't like Gao Yuliang's arrogant attitude in the original drama, so he could only say...

"Our Professor Gao used to be a teacher at a political and legal university, so he doesn't really have any real grassroots work experience. In particular, his first post after leaving Handong University, when he served as the secretary of the Political and Legal Committee in Jinghai, even made a mistake and was punished. So, this proves that he may be more suited to teaching and educating people than to doing practical work. Today, his position as the director of the Handong Provincial Prison Administration Bureau is already quite good. I think we should just let him do his job with peace of mind."

"By the way, honey, any news from the Zou family? Who are they planning to replace Sha Ruijin? We can't directly interfere in these matters, but we need to keep an eye on them, as they're closely related to the future development of our Qi family gang."

Chapter 590 I will remember all the kindness shown to me

Zhong Xiaoai smiled slightly at Qi Tongwei.

"Honey, the power you've been given is crystal clear: you have complete authority over the appointment and removal of all officials below the deputy provincial level in Handong Province. Sha Ruijin's position is not outside your purview. Admittedly, Ji Changming's position as the Handong Provincial Procuratorate Chief is not directly under our jurisdiction, but when did we say that Sha Ruijin's position as the Anti-Corruption Bureau Chief wasn't under your jurisdiction, Governor Qi?"

Not only is Sha Ruijin's position as director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau at your disposal, but all the deputy chief prosecutors of the Handong Provincial Procuratorate, and even the executive deputy chief prosecutor, are positions you can transfer as needed. Without your approval, who can move Sha Ruijin's position? Or rather, shouldn't the selection of the next director of the Handong Provincial Anti-Corruption Bureau be decided by you, Governor Qi?

So, honey, you don't need to worry about these things at all. In Handong, your word carries considerable weight.

Qi Tongwei's eyes widened after hearing Zhong Xiaoai's words.

"Wife, do you mean... that I should decide who will be the next head of the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Handong Province? Or, to go even further, to forcefully block the Zou family's recent reshuffle of Sha Ruijin?"

Zhong Xiaoai smiled at Qi Tongwei and then nodded.

"That's right. In Xia Country, once a cadre is reassigned, they absolutely cannot be moved again for two years, and sometimes it can be as long as three years. Husband, if you transfer Sha Ruijin now, before the Zou family officially takes office, you should immediately appoint a new Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Handong Province in the name of Handong Province. Then, you should plant a few spies in the Handong Provincial Procuratorate, especially the Executive Deputy Procurator-General who can check and balance the Procurator-General of Handong Province."

"In that case, when Zou Zhengguo's younger brother, Zou Shuaifu, arrives, he'll be a commander without troops, unable to command the army. What's the point? Even if he wants to achieve something, he'll have to get past you, Governor Qi, first."

Upon hearing Zhong Xiaoai's words, Qi Tongwei's eyes immediately lit up.

"My lady! You are truly my Zhuge Liang! Your wisdom is extraordinary, and your foresight is unparalleled! In ancient times, your wisdom would have made you the empress. If you had been born in the Tang Dynasty, Wu Zetian would probably have lost her job, and you would have sat on the dragon throne!"

"That's right! I'll transfer Sha Ruijin right now. Before he can even react, we'll have planted our spies all over the entire Handong Provincial Procuratorate, so even if Zou Shuaifu comes, he'll be helpless. Then, I'll see what he's capable of stirring up trouble in Handong Province! With you supporting me behind the scenes, what do I have to fear?"

After hearing Qi Tongwei's words, Zhong Xiaoai pointed to the computer next to her and said with a smile.

"Then Governor Qi, don't just sit idly by, hurry up and 'draft the decree'! We must strike while the iron is hot and handle this matter perfectly. I believe that with you here, our Qi family gang will definitely be able to hold up this land in Handong!"

Upon hearing Zhong Xiaoai's words, Qi Tongwei immediately clapped his hands.

"Yes! I'll take care of this right now and trap the Handong Provincial Procuratorate in a dead end! Even if the Zou family comes, they'll only face difficulties and be unable to move! Our Qi family gang will establish our rules on this land of Handong and let everyone know who the real masters are here!"

That evening, in a luxurious private room at Yangmi Mountain Villa in Handong Province.

Lei Fuhong, along with his subordinate Michael, was hosting a banquet for Chicken, Chicken's cousin Ke Zhihua, and Chen Haonan, the then deputy director of the Han Dong Provincial Police Department.

Shanji and his cousin Ke Zhihua didn't understand why Lei Fuhong had suddenly come to Handong and why he had suddenly invited them to a banquet.

Ke Zhihua looked at Lei Fuhong and smiled.

"Young Master Lei, no, you should now respectfully call me Mr. Lei. I only recently heard the devastating news of Mr. Lei's passing. It was a bolt from the blue! Chicken, Hao Nan, and I are all heartbroken, as if we've been cut by a knife. Especially me, as a member of the Sanlian Gang, I was unable to return to the bay to personally offer incense to Mr. Lei because I'm in such a faraway place as Handong Province. The regret in my heart is truly overwhelming."

"We never expected that Mr. Lei, upon assuming the position of leader of the Sanlian Gang, would choose our Handong Province for your very first trip out, and even specially host a banquet for us here! We are truly surprised, delighted, and deeply humbled! Mr. Lei, we will remember your kindness. Please don't hesitate to ask for our assistance in the future, and we will do our utmost to help!"

After hearing his cousin's words, Shanji also put on a stern face and said...

"Yes, thinking back, Lei Gong's kindness to me was truly immense. When I first arrived in the bay, I was a complete stranger in a strange land, with no one to rely on. It was Lei Gong who was the first to step forward, take me in, and give me a home. At that time, I, Chicken, was just a small-time hoodlum. It was Lei Gong who gave me the opportunity to establish myself in the Sanlian Gang."

Later, because of a single sentence from Lei Gong, I didn't hesitate and sent that scoundrel Zhang Dingkun away. Lei Gong valued loyalty, and I reciprocated by making me the head of the Poisonous Snake Hall of the Sanlian Gang. I will never forget this trust in my life.

However, times have changed. I am now in Handong, burdened with heavy responsibilities and many important official duties, and simply cannot spare the time to personally pay my respects to Lei Gong. But my affection for Lei Gong remains unchanged; his voice and smile often linger in my mind. Lei Gong, may you rest in peace. I, Shanji, will forever remember your kindness.”

Although Chan Ho-nam, who was in a chicken-themed meal, didn't know why Lei Fu-hong had invited him out to dinner, he also knew that Lei Fu-hong had betrayed Qi Tong-wei.

However, Chan Ho-nam knew very well that the big issues would eventually pass, so he said 1.7.

"That's right, Chicken is my good brother. He received Lei Gong's help when he was in the bay, and I, Chan Ho Nam, will always remember this kindness. The Triad and Hung Hing both have business dealings with Miss Yang. To put it bluntly, the Triad and Hung Hing are also partners, looking out for each other."

Although I'm now just making a living under Governor Qi's wing and am no longer a member of Hung Hing, the brotherhood deep in my bones remains unbroken. Therefore, upon hearing the devastating news of Lei Gong's passing, I immediately informed Mr. Jiang of Hung Hing. Mr. Jiang was deeply saddened upon hearing the news and asked me to convey his respect and condolences to Mr. Lei. "Mr. Lei, please accept my condolences. We, the entire Hung Hing, will never forget Lei Gong's kindness and prestige."

Chapter 591 Empty words are hard to convince people

After hearing what Shanji and the others said, Lei Fu laughed and then said.

"I am very grateful for your deep affection for my father! Before he passed away, my father often mentioned you all to me, saying that you were all his good brothers and good partners. I, Lei Fuhong, have also known all of you brothers. We are all family, so there is no need for formalities. Therefore, I appreciate your kindness towards my father, and I, Lei Fuhong, will never forget this kindness."

From now on, whenever there is any need for my Sanlian Gang, I, Lei Fuhong, will go through fire and water without hesitation! My Sanlian Gang and all my brothers will always be of one heart.

Actually, I came to Handong with two purposes. First, to meet Governor Qi and see what he would like to say to me and the Sanlian Gang, as he was one of the people my father respected most. Second, I wanted to host a banquet for all the brothers, especially Chicken and Chan Ho-nam. You two are now important leaders in Handong Province, which I, Lei Fuhong, greatly admire. Especially Chicken, you are not only my father's pride, but also the pride of our Sanlian Gang.

26

Previously, because I was in the Gulf region, I wasn't able to share in the joy of Chiefs Chicken and Hao Nan's promotions. Today, I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my sincerest congratulations to these two leaders and brothers! May our friendship last forever, and may our cooperation become even closer!

When Shanji heard Lei Fuhong's words, his expression didn't look good, because he didn't know what Lei Fuhong was up to.

"Mr. Lei, look at Hao Nan and me. We owe our success to Governor Qi. Without his promotion and care, how could we be living such a glorious life? In the end, we should thank Governor Qi, shouldn't we?"