A man in Handong: living off Zhong Xiaoai

We should communicate and cooperate more in the future, working together for the peace and prosperity of Handong. Secretary Qin, with you here, I believe Handong's tomorrow will be even brighter!

Ma Haitao, standing next to Chan Ho-nam, also had a smile on his face.

"Today's banquet is truly filled with joyous occasions! Not only are many people about to take on more important roles, but we have also learned the wonderful news that your wife is pregnant. It's truly a joyous occasion."

As for myself, I also benefited from this opportunity, being promoted again by Governor Qi, rising from the position of Mayor of Lüzhou City to the important position of Party Secretary of Lüzhou City. For me, this is both an honor and a responsibility.

Logically, on such an occasion, we should report good news and not bad, enjoying this rare moment of joy. However, I do have a thorny issue that I need to report to you, Governor, and require your wise judgment. This issue involves some complex circumstances in Lüzhou City, and it is quite troublesome to handle.

However, I believe that under Governor Qi's leadership and with everyone's joint efforts, we will definitely find a solution to make Luzhou City's development smoother and Handong's future even brighter!

Upon hearing Ma Haitao's words, Qi Tongwei's expression turned stern.

"Haitao, we're all on the same side, and everyone here is a brother or sister of the Qi family gang. Why are you behaving so formally with me? Just say what's on your mind, and we'll discuss it together."

I know you're always steady and reliable, but since you've brought this up, it must be something serious. Tell me, what exactly is the problem? Let's face it together and solve it together. Remember, no matter what difficulties we encounter, as long as we're united, there's no obstacle we can't overcome.

After hearing Qi Tongwei's words, Ma Haitao sighed deeply and then looked at Han Bin beside him.

Chapter 612 All the problems have been solved

Seeing this, Han Bin decided not to stand on ceremony.

"Governor Qi, the two of us, Han Bin and Secretary Ma, sitting here today, really don't mean to spoil everyone's fun. You see, it's rare for us all to get together, and we should be having a good time. But then again, we have to get this sort of thing in Jinshan County out of our mouths, and it involves our good comrade Chen Hai. That kid Yi Xuexi, well, he really doesn't treat Chen Hai very well!"

Ultimately, Yi Xuexi, the county party secretary of Jinshan County, is as stubborn as a rock and ridiculously inflexible. County head Li Dakang, along with Wang Dalu, the deputy county party secretary and executive deputy county head, and a group of others, all joined forces to file a complaint with me, saying that Yi Xuexi is autocratic and dictatorial in Jinshan County, running a one-man show, even more autocratic than a gangster boss!

Upon hearing this, I immediately went to Jinshan County to see for myself. What I saw was truly eye-opening and terrifying! Yi Xuexi's office walls were covered with maps; you'd think he was a military strategist, but he had absolutely no idea how to repair the roads in Jinshan County. He didn't do anything practical for the people, preferring to rely on his own ideas and assumptions to solve problems.

"When they hold a county party committee standing committee meeting, it's like 'my territory, my rules.' Others' opinions go in one ear and out the other; they just make a decision on their own, and that's it—a typical one-man show. Governor Qi, our Lüzhou municipal party committee can't ignore this. Yi Xuexi has become a major stumbling block on Jinshan County's development path; we have to remove him!"

After hearing Han Bin's words, Ma Haitao nodded quickly.

"Secretary Han's words were all reasonable, and I wholeheartedly agree. While I was driving to Jingzhou, Comrade Yi Xuexi, do you know that Governor Qi actually called me personally? His tone was practically an order that left no room for doubt, telling me not to believe the rumors, not to be swayed by the negative comments about him, and to insist that I am a trustworthy and good comrade."

I tried to explain to him the principles of collective wisdom and democratic decision-making that our Xia Kingdom has always valued, attempting to make him understand that as a leader, he should view issues from a holistic perspective. However, he seemed to ignore this, stubbornly sticking to his own position and eloquently recounting his set of theories, whose fragmented and one-sided views were difficult to agree with.

I pointed out his shortcomings without reservation, laying them out clearly and explicitly before him, one by one. I thought that as a responsible cadre, he would humbly accept them, or at least be willing to listen. But unfortunately, not only was he unwilling to listen, he insisted that what I pointed out were actually his strengths. This distorted self-perception is truly worrying.

Governor Qi, facing Comrade Yi Xuexi's situation, what should we do? Should we continue to patiently guide him, or take more direct measures? I believe you already have the answer in your heart. In any case, our goal is the same: for the sake of Handong Province, for the sake of our Xia Kingdom and our fellow countrymen, we cannot allow any individual's stubbornness to affect the overall situation.

"Actually, I am not completely unaware of the issue concerning Comrade Yi Xuexi. Comrade Feng Lei, the former Party Secretary of Lüzhou City, submitted a detailed report to me upon his retirement. In this report, he not only summarized his achievements and shortcomings during his tenure, but also specifically mentioned his views on Yi Xuexi, the Party Secretary of Jinshan County. Comrade Feng Lei clearly pointed out that he trusted and valued Yi Xuexi, but he also regarded this as a shortcoming during his term. I have studied this report repeatedly and given it deep thought."

I already had arrangements for Comrade Yi Xuexi. I decided to send Comrade Guan Hongfeng, the deputy district head of Guangming District in Jingzhou City in charge of police affairs, to Jinshan County for a period of training, where he will serve as the county party secretary. Comrade Guan Hongfeng is experienced and capable, and I believe he can lead Jinshan County onto a new path of development.

As for Comrade Yi Xuexi, he is known as a "living map" and has a deep passion for geography. Let him go to the Geological Bureau of Handong Province as a division-level map surveyor. His rank will remain the same, but he will no longer hold any leadership position. This arrangement is both an affirmation of his past work and a protection for his future. After all, although Comrade Yi Xuexi is stubborn, his intentions are good, and he has indeed made efforts for the development of Jinshan County. However, it is undeniable that his stubbornness has indeed created some obstacles to the development of Jinshan County.

Therefore, I reassigned him to a practical, hands-on position, allowing him to continue utilizing his expertise, but without any decision-making power. This way, he can maintain his enthusiasm for his work without negatively impacting the overall situation. This is also my expectation and hope for Comrade Yi Xuexi.”

After listening to Qi Tongwei's words, Han Bin and Ma Haitao exchanged a glance.

Han Bin gasped deeply, relieved that he hadn't meddled in Li Dakang's affairs, otherwise he might have angered Qi Tongwei.

"Governor, this meal was truly delightful! Look, these problems before us are like complex dishes, yet under your skillful hands, they've all been easily resolved. This is not only a demonstration of ability, but also a flash of wisdom!"

Now that the problems have been solved, the only theme of our gathering today is reunion and joy. Come, Governor Qi, let me toast you! This drink is both a tribute to your wise leadership and a celebration of the strong cohesion of our Handong Province team. I believe that under your leadership, our Qi family—no, no, our entire cadre team of Handong Province—haha, will forge ahead with determination, becoming better and better, and creating even more brilliant achievements!

　(Okay) Gao Yuliang was feeling down because he hadn't been able to achieve his wish to move to a different position.

However, upon hearing Ji Changming's words, he immediately smiled.

"Governor, today is truly a special day. We, your old subordinates, feel incredibly honored and happy to have the opportunity to gather with you and your wife. You know, every time I think about being able to reminisce with you in such a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, my heart is filled with warmth and anticipation."

Governor, you have always been a role model and guide in our hearts. Your wisdom and courage are deeply admired. We sincerely wish you continued success in your work, and that every day is filled with achievement and joy. At the same time, we also wish your wife good health and high spirits, and that she will soon give birth to another healthy, lively, and intelligent baby boy for our Handong Province. If that happens, we'll all be vying to be his godparents!

Chapter 613 Elder Zhong has stepped into the limelight.

After listening to Ji Changming and Gao Yuliang's words, everyone raised their glasses.

Qi Tongwei nodded slightly, raised his glass, and looked at Zhong Xiaoai beside him with affection.

"Dear colleagues, I am filled with emotion to be able to gather here with you all today. To be honest, I, Qi Tongwei, am not particularly talented; I am just an ordinary person. But fortunately, during my time at Handong University, I met my wife, Zhong Xiaoai. She is like a guiding light in my life, illuminating my path forward."

Throughout this journey, every step I've taken has been inseparable from Xiao Ai's support and help. She is not only my life partner but also my strong support in my career. Whenever I encounter difficulties and setbacks, she is always there to encourage me, give me strength, and give me the courage to face everything.

Therefore, this toast is not only to the future of Handong, and to everyone's joint efforts and struggles, but I also want to especially toast my wife, Zhong Xiaoai. My beloved wife, who has always held me, supported me, and accompanied me through thick and thin. Thank you, Xiaoai! Without you, there would be no 143, no achievements I have today.”

After hearing Qi Tongwei's words, everyone began to express their admiration for Zhong Xiaoai.

Zhong Xiaoai smiled slightly and looked at Qi Tongwei.

"At this beautiful moment, I want to say that my husband, Qi Tongwei, has always been the most important person in my life. From the day we met at Handong University, he deeply attracted me with his resilience, wisdom, and kindness. Along the way, whether it was raining or sunny, I am very fortunate to have walked hand in hand with him. Every decision he makes and every effort he makes makes me feel proud and honored."

Now, I'm pregnant with our baby again. This little life is not only the fruit of our love, but also the embodiment of our hopes for the future. Tongwei and I are filled with even more anticipation and excitement for the future. We look forward to this little life growing up healthy and happy, and to our family becoming even more blessed and fulfilled.

Although I am currently pregnant and cannot drink alcohol, I would like to offer this cup of tea in lieu of wine, as a toast to my husband, Qi Tongwei. Thank you for your constant companionship and support. Thank you for giving me a warm home, and thank you for soon becoming the wonderful father of our child. Tongwei, I love you, and I love our home.”

As soon as Zhong Xiaoai finished speaking, everyone immediately stood up, clinked glasses with each other, and celebrated.

At Kyoto Airport, Zou Shuaifu was resting in the VIP waiting room when his phone suddenly rang.

When Zou Shuaifu saw that it was his brother Zou Zhengguo calling, he immediately answered the phone.

"Hello? Brother, it's you! I'm at Kyoto Airport, about to board my flight to Handong to face new challenges and missions. Brother, is there something special you want to tell me or remind me of as you call at this hour? I'm listening, please speak."

Brother, I know the situation in Handong is not simple, but I will do my best to live up to your expectations and the trust placed in me by the Xia Kingdom and its people. Please feel free to tell me anything that requires my special attention, or any advice you would like to give me.

After Zou Shuaifu finished speaking, Zou Zhengguo's cold voice came from the other end of the line.

"Handsome husband, you've really disappointed me this time. I've been asking you to take up your post in Handong for a long time, but you've been dragging it out until now. Do you even know the implications? That guy Qi Tongwei is incredibly fast. He's already replaced the executive deputy chief prosecutor and the head of the anti-corruption bureau of the Handong Provincial Procuratorate with his own people. Now, the entire Handong Provincial Procuratorate is practically Qi Tongwei's sphere of influence."

Once you get there, how will you get started? How will you ensure our interests aren't harmed? Have you thought about these things? Shuai Fu, you're not a child anymore; you need to have some guts and decisiveness. This time in Handong, you'll not only face a complex work situation, but also the challenges from Qi Tongwei's gang.

Upon hearing Zou Zhengguo's words, Zou Shuaifu's expression turned grim.

"Huh? What happened, brother? Didn't we already plan to transfer Sha Ruijin, the director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Handong Province, and replace him with one of our own? Wasn't this to make it easier for me to carry out my work better after I arrived, to target Qi Tongwei and expose his illegal activities? I deliberately stayed a little later so that I could take office around the same time as the new director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau that you arranged, so that we could work together to fight corruption. How did this happen?"

After Zou Shuaifu finished speaking, he immediately heard an angry voice coming from the other end of the phone.

"Bullshit! You ask me what happened? Let me tell you, it's Old Zhong! Old Zhong just spoke to me. He looked at my recent medical report and found out about my persistent health problems. On the surface, he said he was concerned about me and wanted me to step down so I could recuperate, but actually, he just used this as an excuse to sideline me! Do you think I can still arrange personnel matters as I used to? Do you think I can still back you up behind the scenes?"

Zou Shuaifu panicked completely after hearing Zou Zhengguo's words.

"Brother, don't scare me! What... what does this mean? Elder Zhong... Elder Zhong really dismissed you? How is that possible? Brother, you are our pillar of strength. If you fall, what... what am I going to do?"

"Brother, what should I do now? Should I still go to Handong? Should I continue to cause trouble for Qi Tongwei? I thought that with your support, I could fearlessly expose his true colors, but now... now everything has changed, I... I really don't know what to do."

Hearing Zou Shuaifu's words, Zou Zhengguo sighed deeply.

"Sigh! Handsome husband, in the past, our seven major families always took the initiative to deal with Qi Tongwei, and Old Master Zhong always turned a blind eye. At that time, I guessed he wanted to use this opportunity to train his son-in-law. But now, the situation is very different. I heard that Old Master Zhong's precious only daughter, Zhong Xiaoai, is pregnant. Now, Old Master Zhong has completely stepped into the limelight and is fully supporting his son-in-law, Qi Tongwei."

"My dear husband, the situation is very unfavorable for us right now. Before Elder Zhong's anger completely reaches our Zou family, you must quickly go to the Organization Department of Xia State and tell Minister Cheng that you are unwell and need to rest. We're not going to Handong, we're not going... I'm begging you, okay?"

Chapter 614 I was over 40 years old before I reached the rank of deputy minister!

Zou Shuaifu's forehead was covered in cold sweat after hearing his brother's words.

"Brother, please don't say that! Going to Handong was an important mission you assigned to me, and I've always treated it as my own duty. But now that things have turned out this way, of course, everyone's survival is the most important thing."

"Brother, don't worry, I'll go to the Organization Department of Xia Kingdom right now to see Minister Cheng. I'll tell him I'm not feeling well and need to rest for a while. Staying alive is the most important thing, brother. I can't let you worry about me, and I can't let the Zou family be plunged into crisis because of me."

After finishing the call, Zou Shuaifu hurriedly hung up and rushed out of the airport.

In Handong Province, at the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee meeting, Minister Cheng of Xia Guo's Organization Department was announcing an important appointment.

"Comrades, today, on behalf of the top leadership of the Xia Kingdom, I would like to announce an important appointment. After careful consideration and deliberation, we have decided to make necessary adjustments to the leadership team of Handong Province."

Comrade Zhao Lichun, former Secretary of the Hantong Provincial Party Committee, made positive contributions to the development of Hantong Province during his tenure. In view of his outstanding performance and exceptional abilities, we have decided to promote him to the rank of Vice-Minister in the capital. We hope that he will continue to utilize his talents in his new position and contribute to the prosperity and strength of the Xia Kingdom.

At the same time, we have decided to appoint Comrade Qi Tongwei as Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee of Handong Province. Comrade Qi Tongwei has demonstrated a firm political stance, outstanding leadership ability, and a solid work style throughout his years of service. We believe that he will certainly be able to lead the vast number of cadres and people of Handong Province to create a new situation for the development of Handong Province.

After hearing Minister Cheng's words, a round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience.

Minister Cheng smiled slightly and continued.

"Comrades, the development of Handong Province in recent years is evident to all. Under the strong leadership of the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government, Handong Province has achieved sustained and rapid economic growth and comprehensive progress in social undertakings, becoming the leading economic province in Xia Kingdom. This is the result of the joint efforts of the vast number of cadres and people in Handong Province, and also a high affirmation of the work of Handong Province by the Xia Kingdom's top leadership."

In recognition of Handong Province's outstanding contributions and important position, and with the unanimous agreement of the Xia Kingdom's high command, we have decided to adjust Handong Province's administrative rank. From now on, Handong Province will be elevated to a vice-ministerial level province, enjoying the same treatment and status as vice-ministerial level units. This is a further affirmation and encouragement of Handong Province's work, as well as a higher expectation and requirement for Handong Province's future development.

Therefore, as the new Party Secretary of Handong Province, Comrade Qi Tongwei will also enjoy the待遇 (treatment/benefits) of a vice-ministerial level. This is a recognition of his personal abilities and work achievements, as well as a higher requirement and expectation for his future work. We hope that Comrade Qi Tongwei will continue to carry forward his fine traditions and lead the vast number of cadres and people of Handong Province to create new glories!

After he finished speaking, the audience erupted in prolonged applause.

No one expected that Qi Tongwei would rise from the position of provincial governor to a vice-ministerial level leader.

After the applause subsided, Qi Tongwei smiled and looked at everyone present.

"Comrades, I am very grateful to the senior officials of Xia State and Minister Cheng for their recognition and trust in me, Qi Tongwei. It is an honor of my life to be able to become the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee of Handong Province, and it is also a heavy responsibility on my shoulders."

Handong Province has reached a new level in its work. This is not only due to my efforts, Qi Tongwei, but also to the hard work and dedication of former Secretary Lichun, Governor Linzong, and generations of Handong people. They have taken solid steps one by one! Without their contributions and sacrifices, Handong Province would not have achieved its glorious success today.

I am keenly aware that as the Party Secretary of Handong Province, the burden and responsibility on my shoulders are immense. However, I, Qi Tongwei, will forge ahead without hesitation, no matter what lies ahead, whether it be an abyss or a minefield! I will dedicate all my passion and strength, and all my wisdom and effort, to the development of Handong Province! I believe that with everyone's joint efforts, the future of Handong Province will be even brighter!

As soon as Qi Tongwei finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted in the room. Everyone understood that Handong Province had officially entered the era of Qi Tongwei.

Years later, Qi Tongwei was sitting in his office when the phone on his desk suddenly rang.

Qi Tongwei answered the phone absentmindedly.

"Hello? This is Qi Tongwei!"

Soon a familiar voice came from the other side.

"Brother, I've always been a very positive person!"

Requesting 0 flowers

Qi Tongwei curled his lip.

"What? Little Jin, you still want to join the department?"

Upon hearing Qi Tongwei's words, Sha Ruijin immediately realized that he had spoken out of turn.

"Secretary, oh dear, I'm so sorry. I had a little to drink and got a bit excited, so I called you by the wrong name. I really shouldn't have called you 'brother'! Please don't hold it against me, and please don't be angry!"

Secretary, as you know, I've served as the mayor of Lüzhou City for many years, always working diligently and conscientiously. My predecessor, Comrade Ma Haitao, has already been promoted to a ministerial level, and I'm starting to feel a bit anxious. To be honest, I've been hoping for this vice-provincial level position for a long time.

Secretary Qi, as you know, I've always supported your work, and we've known each other for a long time. I'm always happy for you with every promotion you receive. Could you perhaps give me a chance to take another step forward? I, Sha Ruijin, will definitely work even harder in the future, to bring honor to Handong Province, to Lüzhou City, and to you, Secretary Qi!

... .... ...

Qi Tongwei pursed his lips as he listened to Sha Ruijin's words.

"Sha Ruijin, not only did you just call me, but Comrade Yu Liang also just called me. He also wants a chance to join the ministry. I clearly told Comrade Gao Yu Liang that I only became a vice minister in my forties, while you are in your fifties and still in the director-general position. What's wrong with getting more experience? Isn't this a way for you to hone and improve your skills? Do you think this is a loss for you?"

And also, Sha Ruijin, you know Li Dakang, right? That Li Dakang, he wasn't satisfied with being the mayor of Jingzhou City; he wanted to be the top leader of Jingzhou City, the Party Secretary. You have to understand, the Party Secretary of Jingzhou City is a position equivalent to a member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee. Can Li Dakang handle that responsibility? I've thought about it for a long time and have decided to send him to the Children's Palace to lead children to see the stars. I checked, and there are no official ranks for instructors at the Children's Palace, so this will give him a chance to reflect on his actions.

Sha Ruijin, what's wrong? Have you been in the position of mayor of Luzhou City for too long? Are you also feeling tired? Do you also want to see the stars and the sea, and broaden your horizons? Let me tell you, as cadres of Xia State, we must always keep our mission and responsibility in mind, and we cannot forget our original aspirations and responsibilities because of temporary fatigue or personal desires! "IV.