A man in Handong: living off Zhong Xiaoai

Back when my father was alive, he had five capable lieutenants: Gandhi, Blackie, Wenzheng, Guohua, and Han Chen—all formidable figures. Now, business is booming, incredibly booming, so I promoted another one, Sha Qiang, to join us in the business. This way, our Ni family has gone from five top executives to six—a much stronger force indeed!

"Hey, Sha Qiang, come on, don't just stand there! Let's toast Young Master Ruilong! Let's celebrate together and thank him for coming today, bringing honor to the Ni family!"

Upon hearing Chen Yongren's words, Sha Qiang quickly raised his wine glass and approached Zhao Ruilong.

“Young Master Ruilong, I…I…my name is Sha Qiang! You…you can ask me for anything in Hong Kong! I…I can do anything for you, really! Don’t let my appearance fool you, I’m actually very capable, really! Just say the word, and I…I’ll get it done for you right away!”

Zhao Ruilong laughed when he saw Sha Qiang.

"Haha, this Silly Qiang brother really seems honest! Chen Yongren, all the cadres from your Ni family look honest and loyal, that's really good! They make people feel at ease and like them! These are the cadres we really need! Come on, Silly Qiang brother, let's have another drink to celebrate our cooperation and our friendship!"

Upon hearing Zhao Ruilong's words, Hongxing's Dafei immediately burst into laughter and shouts.

"Young Master Ruilong, what good is being honest-looking! Look at our Thirteenth Sister, she's a true go-getter, a woman who doesn't yield to men! Young Master Ruilong, look at that table of beauties over there, they're all specially prepared for you tonight, your English teachers to accompany you in your foreign language lessons. And, they're all native speakers, the teaching quality is top-notch, teaching you the most authentic foreign language, guaranteeing that after 790 lessons you'll be fluent and in fluent English, on par with international standards!"

Whether someone looks old or not is irrelevant; the key is competence—that's what truly matters! Come on, Young Master Ruilong, let's enjoy this party tonight, until we're completely drunk, hahaha!

Upon hearing this, Thirteen Sister immediately smiled and replied.

"Haha, yes, Mr. Ruilong, I heard Mr. Jiang mention that you particularly enjoy learning foreign languages. So, I immediately gathered all the top foreign teachers from my training institutions for you. Tonight, Mr. Ruilong, you don't need to bother choosing. These foreign teachers are all yours. You can learn however you want, for as long as you want. We want you to learn happily and to your heart's content!"

Zhao Ruilong stared at the table full of foreign language teachers, his mouth agape, almost drooling.

"This is wonderful! So many foreign language teachers surrounding me—I, Zhao Ruilong, am truly blessed! Since you teachers are all so enthusiastic, I won't hold back tonight. I'm known for my love of learning, especially foreign languages. Tonight, I'll take this opportunity to learn from you all and strive to take my foreign language skills to the next level!"

Chapter 602 Li Dakang is stealing the show.

Upon hearing this, Situ Haonan of Tung Sing immediately became unhappy.

"What's so great about learning a foreign language! Young Master Ruilong, look at our Brother Crow, he really went all out to show his sincerity to you! He specially prepared a pure gold 80 by 80-meter-long golden sailboat for you! What a wonderful meaning this symbolizes, wishing you smooth sailing and all your wishes fulfilled! This is real skill, this is what you call a grand gesture!"

As they spoke, the people from Dongxing carried in a huge golden sailing ship.

Zhao Ruilong grinned from ear to ear once again.

"Oh my, this is truly dazzling and glittering! Brother Crow, you must have put in a lot of effort and thought! This golden sailboat looks incredibly valuable; it must have cost a fortune! I, Zhao Ruilong, feel both unworthy and overjoyed! Thank you for your generous gift, Brother Crow; I will always remember our friendship!"

Upon hearing this, the crow immediately waved its hand.

"Haha, Young Master Ruilong, you're too kind! Let alone a golden sailboat, even a golden house, I, Crow and Dongxing, can afford it! The most important thing is that you like it, Young Master Ruilong. A thousand pieces of gold can't buy what you love, I, Crow, understand that principle! Don't you think so, Young Master Ruilong! Tonight, let's have a good time and drink until we drop!"

While the crows were chatting away, Jimmy sat there with a slight smile.

"Speaking of a golden house, I'm not exaggerating. For Young Master Ruilong, I, Zhanmi, have prepared a genuine luxury mansion! Who doesn't know that land in Hong Kong is incredibly valuable? We, Liansheng, have offered the largest and best-located sea-view property we developed, directly as a gift to Young Master Ruilong. Although the house isn't made of gold, its location in the most prime area of ​​Hong Kong makes it far more valuable than gold! Young Master Ruilong, are you satisfied with this gift?"

Upon hearing Zhanmi's words, Zhao Ruilong was momentarily overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the crowd.

"Wow, these brothers are so incredibly enthusiastic! First it was a top-notch foreign teacher, then a golden sailboat, and now this Hong Kong sea-view room! How can I, Zhao Ruilong, possibly accept such treatment? But to be honest, I'm absolutely thrilled! I, Zhao Ruilong, will remember your kindness. From now on, we'll share the good times and the bad!"

Upon seeing this, Hung Hing's leader, Chiang Tin-sang, quickly smiled and said...

"Young Master Ruilong, we all make our living under Governor Qi's wing. Now that you're so generous, getting involved in the various businesses of our four major triads, we're brothers in arms from now on! Please don't stand on ceremony. If you need anything or encounter any difficulties, just let us know in Hong Kong. We'll go through fire and water, even at the cost of our lives, to make sure it's all taken care of for you!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ruilong's face immediately lit up with a smile.

I never expected this to be such a wonderful job given to me by my second sister, Zhao Xiaohui! It's a job where I get to eat, take things, and even make money. Who wouldn't like it?

In the office of Feng Lei, the Party Secretary of Lüzhou City, Handong Province.

Yi Xuexi spoke slowly and deliberately, his eyes red.

"Secretary Feng, you must stand up for me! Those people in Jinshan County are bullying me! Ever since Secretary Li Dakang and Deputy County Head Chen Hai were parachuted into Jinshan County, I haven't been able to do my job at all. Now, they won't even let me attend the Standing Committee meetings of the County Party Committee. What does this mean? I am the Secretary of the County Party Committee of Jinshan County, a cadre of Xia State, appointed by the organization. Why can't I attend meetings? Why is this happening, Secretary Feng!"

"Oh dear, Comrade Xuexi, why are you, a grown man, shedding tears here? Let me tell you the truth, it's time for me to retire. The documents have all been issued, it all happened yesterday. Today, I'm just here to tidy up my office and make room for others. Honestly, if you hadn't said you wanted to see me, I would have left long ago after packing my things. I know these are real problems you've mentioned, but I really can't help you now. The documents have been issued, I'm retired, there's nothing I can do to help you, you donkey."

Upon hearing this, Yi Xuexi's eyes widened.

"Secretary Feng, you've retired? That shouldn't be the case! You've only just reached retirement age, how could you retire so early? Shouldn't you be able to extend your retirement by six months or a year? What's going on here?"

Feng Lei looked at Yi Xuexi in front of him and waved his hand helplessly.

"What you're saying are all old practices, but now it's clearly written in the documents that when the time comes, you have to step down, there's nothing to say about that. Besides, let alone your Jinshan County, I've even heard that the province is going to parachute in someone for my position as the Party Secretary of Lüzhou City. Look at our Lüzhou City Mayor, Comrade Ma Haitao, and Secretary Han Bin of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, weren't they both parachuted in from the province? Parachuting in cadres is perfectly normal now."

Yi Xuexi, I've long heard you're a stubborn person, basically someone who doesn't think outside the box. Honestly, Li Dakang was the secretary to Provincial Party Secretary Zhao Lichun, working alongside the top leader of Handong Province for four or five years; his abilities are definitely top-notch! And Chen Hai, he was personally promoted by Governor Qi Tongwei of Handong Province, how could there be a problem? How big of a problem could it be?

Comrade Yi Xuexi, I'm not criticizing you, but when you encounter problems, you need to consider your own actions more carefully and see if there's something wrong with you. You need to think more strategically. Working isn't about staring at a map in the office all day, nor is it like what you see on a country road. What you see may not be comprehensive (Zhao Nuo's). You need to understand more deeply, communicate more with everyone, and listen to other people's opinions. Otherwise, you'll find it very difficult to stay in Jinshan County.”

Upon hearing Feng Lei's words, Yi Xuexi's eyes widened once again.

"Secretary Feng, have you also listened to those people's slander? I, I don't want Li Dakang to build the road. That's the clear opinion given by experts from the province! It's not easy to build, and they don't recommend building it! I, although I haven't had much schooling, I respect science! What the experts say is based on scientific evidence, how can there be a problem?"

I think this Li Dakang isn't really interested in building roads or providing access to impoverished villages in Jinshan County! I think he's using this opportunity to sideline me in Jinshan County and establish his own authority! This is a power grab! Secretary Feng, you have to stand up for me and speak the truth for me!

Chapter 603 You are no longer the Party Secretary of Lüzhou City

Feng Lei looked at Yi Xuexi in front of him and couldn't help but sigh.

"Sigh! Yi Xuexi, you're so stubborn, how can you not understand what I'm saying? Haven't I made it very clear? I'm retired! You comrade, you just love to dwell on what you think is right. How can I make decisions for you now that I'm retired?"

Although I'm retired, I still have to say a few words to you. Doing work isn't something you can just assume and call it a day. Our cadres in Xia Kingdom value seeking truth from facts. What does seeking truth from facts mean? It doesn't mean you just look at things and think about them. It means you have to truly find the root of the problem, truly find the crux of the matter. Only then will it work.

In short, I, Feng Lei, am retired. I have neither the right nor the obligation to help you, Yi Xuexi, solve any personal problems. As for whether or not your Jinshan County will repair the roads, that's even less of a matter for a retired comrade like me. Since your county party committee standing committee has made a resolution, then proceed according to everyone's wishes. What's the problem with that?

What good is it for you to come to me? I can't represent everyone in Jinshan County to make decisions for you. Comrade Yi Xuexi, mind your own business, look in the mirror more often, compare yourself to the requirements for cadres in our Xia Kingdom, and examine your own problems. Stop making a mountain out of a molehill and focusing your attention on others; that's pointless!

Upon hearing Feng Lei's words, Yi Xuexi stood up unhappily.

“Secretary Feng, since you’ve retired, I won’t bother you anymore! I’m going to see Mayor Ma Haitao of Lüzhou City and see if he’ll take care of my business! I refuse to believe there’s no place in this world where justice can be served!”

With that, Yi Xuexi turned and walked out with a stern face.

Feng Lei was speechless for a moment.

"Yi Xuexi, look at this, people say you run a one-man show, and they're absolutely right. You've even brought your one-man show to me. I don't make decisions for you, and you throw a tantrum without even considering why. Do you even have any principles when you do things?"

Anyway, I'm retired, so I don't have much to say. But Mayor Ma Haitao, you shouldn't go either. He's not in his office today; he and Secretary Han Bin from the Political and Legal Affairs Commission went to the provincial capital to report to Governor Qi Tongwei. Going there would be pointless; save your time.

Upon hearing Feng Lei's words, Yi Xuexi became even more excited.

“Secretary Feng, you really did listen to Li Dakang and his ilk’s slander! That Secretary Han Bin isn’t a principled good person either! I’m afraid they’ll go to Governor Qi in Handong Province and talk badly about me behind my back! Humph, I’m going to report my situation to Mayor Ma right now. I’m going to call Mayor Ma and let him know what kind of down-to-earth, people-oriented cadre I really am! I can’t let these people wrong me so easily!”

Upon hearing Yi Xuexi's words, Feng Lei couldn't help but laugh.

“Yi Xuexi, I’m really impressed. Even now you’re still agonizing over how you were right? Have you ever considered that you might be wrong? This is my fault. I saw your enthusiasm for your work, the maps everywhere in your office, and how hard you could endure, always going to various rural fields. I just assumed you were a diligent and hardworking good cadre.”

"I never expected you to be someone who only thinks from your own perspective! No wonder Jinshan County's development hasn't been as good as before these past few years! Turns out it's my fault for pushing you into the position of County Party Secretary! Come on, nobody's perfect. I've worked my whole life, and I can't be without oversights. I admit that your decision regarding Yi Xuexi was my fault, Feng Lei's. But you also need to reflect on your actions and stop thinking you're always right."

Yi Xuexi looked indignant after hearing Feng Lei's words.

“Secretary Feng, I, Yi Xuexi, know right from wrong better than anyone else! You don’t need to say such harsh words. Just because I had a disagreement with Li Dakang, Chen Hai, and Wang Dalu at work, you’ve completely pushed all the responsibility onto me. That’s not fair!”

I used to admire you quite a bit, thinking you were a leader with courage and a sense of responsibility. But now, I don't agree with your views as much anymore! You've changed; you've become opportunistic and lost your former courage. Perhaps you've gotten old, started to go with the flow, and no longer adhere to principles. This disappoints me greatly and breaks my heart.

After saying this, Yi Xuexi opened the door to Feng Lei's office.

Upon seeing this, Feng Lei also became very angry in an instant.

"Yi Xuexi! Stop labeling me. What do you mean I've become materialistic? Am I old, indecisive, and starting to follow the crowd? Huh? Does that mean everyone who thinks differently from you, Yi Xuexi, is problematic? You, Yi Xuexi, are the heavens, the truth? Do you, Yi Xuexi, think you're born on the truth?"

You don't allow others to have their own opinions. Even with me, the municipal party secretary, you're like this, not allowing me to express my opinion. Isn't this just running a one-man show?! Let me tell you, Yi Xuexi, you don't just have disagreements with Li Dakang, Chen Hai, and Wang Dalu, you have disagreements with the entire Standing Committee of the Jinshan County Party Committee!

A cadre like you, who takes himself so seriously and loves to get things done, is sometimes more terrifying than those who just coast along! Because you don't distinguish right from wrong, you just insist on getting things done! You're only the county party secretary of Jinshan County; what will you do when you get a higher position? Want to be an emperor? "I am the world"?! You need to seriously reflect on yourself. Stop thinking you're always right and everyone else is wrong. The world doesn't revolve around you!

Upon hearing Feng Lei's words, Yi Xuexi's expression turned grim.

"You don't need to tell me this. This is the kind of talk people like Li Dakang use. The moment you started saying such things, it proved that you've changed! You've become opportunistic, that's a fact, because you're afraid to tell the truth! You know in your heart that I, Yi Xuexi, am right, I'm good, and I truly care about the people! But you don't dare to say it. What is this if not opportunism?!"

And also, let me remind you, there was an error in what you just said. You are no longer the Party Secretary of Lüzhou City. Don't always think you're special, Comrade Feng Lei! Before the Party and the people, we are all equal and must accept supervision and criticism. I hope you can reflect on this and find your former self, the Comrade Feng Lei who dared to speak frankly and take responsibility!

Chapter 604 I Know You Very Well

After saying this, Yi Xuexi closed Feng Lei's office door and left.

After Yi Xuexi left, Feng Lei looked very angry, as if he was about to explode.

After leaving Feng Lei's office, Yi Xuexi did not hesitate and immediately dialed the phone number of Ma Haitao, the mayor of Lüzhou City.

At this moment, on the road from Lüzhou to Jingzhou, Ma Haitao and Han Bin were in the same car.

Han Bin looked at Ma Haitao beside him and said.

"Mayor Ma, are you feeling down? We're heading to Jingzhou this weekend to have a meal with Governor Qi. Looks like you won't be able to accompany our beautiful and charming wife, Katyusha! But don't worry, I'm here to make sure we have a great time!"

After hearing Han Bin's words, Ma Haitao smiled helplessly.

"Han Bin, yes, I'm a husband who loves his wife and takes care of his family! But I'm not the kind of guy who can't function without his wife. When it comes to work, I can be very serious and focused. Like this time when we went to see Governor Qi, I was well aware of the importance of the matter and clearly distinguished between primary and secondary tasks. Let's be happy and do a great job, shall we?"

Hearing Ma Haitao's words, Han Bin laughed.

"Haha, you two have been married for so long! Back when you were building your new house in Jingzhou, I even helped with the arrangements! When are you planning to have a little life? How can two people as loving as you not consider having a child? So, have you decided yet? Do you want a little prince or a little princess?"

Ma Haitao looked at Han Bin and shook his head helplessly.

"Hey, whether it's a boy or a girl, that's not something we can control. Han Bin, you're getting on in years, shouldn't you start thinking about settling down? I heard you still have feelings for that 'Thirteen Sister' from Hong Kong, right? So, have you made up your mind? A man has to be brave!"

Upon hearing Ma Haitao's words, Han Bin's face was filled with dejection.

"Oh, don't even mention it, Mayor Ma! It's probably really over between Thirteen Sister and me. She's in Hong Kong, and I'm on the mainland. Now I'm settled down in Luzhou. I'd be lucky to see her even once or twice in my lifetime. How could I dare to have any more expectations!"

After hearing Han Bin's words, Ma Haitao was about to offer a few words of comfort when his phone suddenly rang.

Ma Haitao didn't think much of it and answered the call directly.

"Hello? This is Ma Haitao. Who is this?"

As soon as Ma Haitao finished speaking, Yi Xuexi's hurried voice came from the other end of the line.

"Mayor Ma, this is Yi Xuexi from Jinshan County! There's an emergency I need to report to you immediately! Someone is slandering me without cause. What do you say to this matter?!"

Ma Haitao's expression darkened upon hearing Yi Xuexi's voice, and he glanced at Han Bin beside him.

"Comrade Yi Xuexi, I'm on my way to Jingzhou right now and don't have time to hear your work report. Come to my office after I return to Lüzhou, and we can discuss it in detail then."

Upon hearing Yi Xuexi's name, Han Bin's expression turned grim.

After Ma Haitao finished speaking, he was about to hang up the phone when, unexpectedly, Yi Xuexi's rather excited voice came through the phone.

"Mayor Ma! I have to tell you this right now! It's urgent! If I don't tell you now, you might be led astray by Li Dakang, Chen Hai, Wang Dalu, and even those wicked people in our Luzhou Municipal Party Committee! What if you go to Governor Qi and say something unfair about me? Tell me, how can this not be urgent!"

Upon hearing Yi Xuexi's words, Ma Haitao suddenly frowned.

“Yi Xuexi, listen to me! Who told you I went to Jingzhou to see Governor Qi? Did I say that? I am the mayor of Luzhou City, not your subordinate! When it comes to reporting work, is it you who decides or me? People told me you like to run your own show, and I didn't believe it at first, but now it seems you don't even respect me as mayor, and you do things entirely according to your own preferences. So, how can you tolerate even the slightest opinion from your subordinates, like Wang Dalu? Who do you even respect?!”

Yi Xuexi was initially quite aggressive, but Ma Haitao and Feng Lei are different after all.

Feng Lei has already retired, but Ma Haitao is still in his position, and he's still quite young.

Most importantly, Ma Haitao is currently on his way to Jingzhou to meet with Governor Qi Tongwei, who has the power to appoint and dismiss all cadres in Handong Province.