Qi Tongwei: Can I be young again?

"I understand. What about Sun Liancheng?"

"Hmph." Gao Yuliang snorted coldly. "This comrade's greatest hobby is astronomy. He's more enthusiastic than anyone else when it comes to looking at the moon and counting stars. But when it comes to doing actual work, he just pretends to be stupid! But then again, Sun Liancheng does have his merits. At least he's not greedy or corrupt. He's invincible because he has no desires."

"Not a single desire?"

“No.” Gao Yuliang pushed up his glasses. “To be honest, if he were willing to work hard, he would achieve great things in the future. But the problem is, he has the world in his heart and looks down on the small plot of land in the officialdom.”

Can I talk to him?

“Okay,” Gao Wuliang reminded him, “Perfect timing, that guy hasn’t left yet.”

"It's already nine o'clock at night, and you're still not gone?"

"Hmm, they're saying the county government rooftop has a great view, and they're using binoculars to peer into the mysteries of the universe!"

"Hehe." Qi Tongwei chuckled. "Teacher, it's getting late. You should go back now. I'll go find Sun Liancheng."

……

The rooftop of the county government building.

Compared to the heat of the day, the night is much cooler, and occasionally a few fireflies can be seen, emitting a faint glow.

Sun Liancheng held the binoculars, craning his neck, standing ramrod straight, and occasionally letting out a gasp of surprise.

The universe is so amazing.

"Director Sun, have you seen any aliens?"

Sun Liancheng turned around and quickly put away his binoculars. "Director Qi, what brings you here?"

"It's alright, I'll study astronomy with you."

"Director Qi also knows astronomy?"

"I don't understand." Qi Tongwei shook his head. "But there's a youth palace in Jingzhou that I've been to."

“I’ve been there too.” Finding a common topic, Sun Liancheng became excited. “That telescope is so cool. If I have money in the future, I will definitely buy one.”

Qi Tongwei smiled and said, "That's not right, Director Sun. You're the director of the planning department, a lucrative department. Buying a telescope shouldn't be difficult for you, right?"

“It’s difficult.” Sun Liancheng sighed softly. “That’s right, I’m the director of the planning department, but I’m not greedy or corrupt, and I don’t have any money.”

"So honest and upright?"

"You must be honest and incorruptible, and able to withstand an investigation by your procuratorate."

This is the source of Sun Liancheng's confidence.

There's still plenty left.

Qi Tongwei didn't refute him, lit a cigarette, and asked, "Director Sun, life is hard enough as it is, don't you want to do something for the people?"

Sun Liancheng's smile froze.

At that time, he was only in his early twenties, and his youthful courage still lingered.

However... the officialdom in Luzhou made him feel utterly hopeless. He had no choice but to either join the Han Da faction or become marginalized.

Ultimately, he chose the latter.

Slack off...

Chapter 138 Chen Hai's Feigned Illness

Sun Liancheng wanted to give up, but Qi Tongwei wouldn't allow it.

He imitated Sun Liancheng, tilting his head back and gazing at the starry sky, and said softly, "The stars are beautiful, but they are just like a mirage. You can look at them, but you can't touch them."

"Director Qi, there's a hidden meaning in your words."

"Let's be frank, Director Sun, you also came from the bottom of society. Now that the country is developing rapidly, instead of focusing on such illusory things, why not take action and do something practical for the people?"

“I’m doing real work.” Sun Liancheng pretended to be confused, “Director Qi, I don’t embezzle or take bribes, so isn’t that doing real work for the people? There aren’t many planning department directors as honest as me.”

"It's not much, but not being greedy or taking anything doesn't mean you're without problems. Ask yourself honestly, are there any problems with the Crescent Lake Food City project?"

"Director Qi, you're pushing me into a fire pit. You know it's Young Master Zhao's project, but you still try to sabotage it for me. That's really not fair."

"The person I want to target is Zhao Ruilong." Qi Tongwei faced Sun Liancheng, his eyes gleaming. "You know better than I how corrupt the officialdom in Luzhou is. As a young man who swore an oath under the Party flag, don't you want to change all of this?"

Sun Liancheng's breathing became rapid when the Party flag was mentioned.

Who wasn't once a carefree youth?

Who hasn't been dashing and spirited at some point?

But this is Luzhou. Even the most passionate young man will bow his head in the face of absolute power.

Seeing that Sun Liancheng remained silent, Qi Tongwei continued, "Director Sun, I thought you were afraid. Not only are you afraid, but I am too. But we are paid by the people, so we can't be cowards."

Sun Liancheng gave a bitter smile. "It's better to be a coward than a victim of murder. Those Zhao father and son... are the kind of people who dare to kill."

At this point, Sun Liancheng's body trembled slightly.

This small gesture did not escape Qi Tongwei's notice. He lit another cigarette and said, "To tell you the truth, I came to Luzhou this time to bring the Zhao family father and son to justice."

"You think you can do it?" Sun Liancheng laughed. "Director Qi, to put it bluntly, you're lucky you don't have any evidence of their crimes, otherwise you might not be able to leave Luzhou!"

"If I can't do it, then what about him?"

Qi Tongwei pulled out his trump card.

Business card of Zhong Zhengqian, Deputy Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of ZY.

The majestic national emblem and that touch of red made Sun Liancheng freeze.

“Secretary Zhong of the ZY Discipline Inspection Commission…?” Sun Liancheng was filled with shock. “You…you’re one of ZY’s people?”

No more pretending.

Showdown.

"If you doubt the authenticity of this business card, you can call the number on it to confirm."

“No, no, no…” Sun Liancheng took a step back, “Director Qi, that’s not what I meant… So, your procuratorate’s visit this time is…”

“That’s right, it’s ZY’s will.” Qi Tongwei no longer concealed his abilities. “By the way, I have another business card. Take a look at it too.”

As he spoke, he pulled out his future mother-in-law's business card.

Executive Deputy Procurator-General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

“Prosecutor Gu…” Sun Liancheng gasped. He never dreamed that he would one day see Zhong Zhengqian and Gu Jinhua’s business cards.

This is a true master.

The big shot who connects to ZY's will.

Zhao Lichun can only roam around in his small territory of Lüzhou, but compared to the two above, he's just a clown.

"Director Sun, you only have one chance. Now I'm giving you a chance to choose sides."

"Whether you stand with Zhao Lichun and his son, or with the people, the choice is yours."

"By the way, once Zhao Lichun is captured, ZY will reward those who have made contributions and will also investigate the root causes of the die-hard elements..."

"You have five minutes to consider. I'd like to hear a satisfactory answer."

After saying that, Qi Tongwei took Sun Liancheng's binoculars and admired the night sky.

You know what, it’s really beautiful.

Five minutes passed.

Sun Liancheng was still deep in thought...

Qi Tongwei, having exhausted his patience, returned the binoculars to him. "Everyone has their own ambitions. Since Director Sun is so stubborn, I won't force him. I'm leaving."

"Wait a moment."

Sun Liancheng blocked his way. "Director Qi, I can cooperate with you, but I have a condition."

"Negotiate with me? Or with ZY?"

“I didn’t mean anything by it.” Sun Liancheng took several deep breaths. “Send my whole family out of Luzhou, and I’ll become your soldier.”

"This request is not unreasonable, so it is granted."

"Thank you, Director Qi."

"You're welcome. Remember this: from now on, you're my soldier. ZY can see your will! Also, go back and rest early today. I have a surprise for you tomorrow."

"Okay, I'll give you a surprise tomorrow."

……

After dealing with Sun Liancheng, it was nearly ten o'clock when we returned to the guesthouse.

I was exhausted on my first day in Lüzhou.

Before he could even lie down, Chen Hai knocked on the door, carrying a bottle of wine and a bag of peanuts.

"Senior, have a drink with me."

Seeing his dejected look, Qi Tongwei already understood what had happened.