Qi Tongwei: Sign-in relationship started during student days

"How about this? Your appointment hasn't come through yet, so don't rush off. I'll have my secretary accompany you the whole time, and we can take a walk around Handong and see the sights."

With my secretary accompanying you, we can avoid any appearance of impropriety, and everyone can clearly see that Tongwei, you have acted with integrity and a clear conscience in this case.

With my secretary accompanying me, we can avoid any appearance of impropriety, and everyone can see clearly: Qi Tongwei, you are upright and have a clear conscience in this matter.

He paused briefly, his tone becoming even more earnest: "Handong is a large province with a lot of things to do and many complexities to manage. There are countless tasks to be done in all aspects."

To be honest, as the governor, I often feel powerless, and I don't think things through or do them carefully enough.

Lone Eagle Town and Haizhou were your bases back then, places where you spent your youth and laid the foundation.

Especially Lone Eagle Town, which was the starting point of your and Xiaoya's careers, and a testament to your friendship.

Unfortunately, my daughter Xiaoya disappeared three years ago.

Take this opportunity to go and have a good look around, calm down and reflect on the past, and while you're at it, give me a pep talk.

If it's convenient, please summarize what you've seen and heard during this period and offer some insightful suggestions to our Handong Provincial Party Committee.

You've probably heard the rumors that I'll be taking over Comrade Jiyun's position next year, and that puts a lot of pressure on me.

If I were to actually take over this baton, how would I lead Handong to success? I have absolutely no idea.

So, I sincerely hope you can give me some advice. What do you think?

Zhao Lichun's remarks were carefully crafted, employing both emotional appeals and political maneuvering.

He was subtly telling Qi Tongwei: Don't forget, without my Xiaoya, you wouldn't be where you are today.

Just because my Xiaoya disappeared doesn't mean you can turn your back on me.

Okay, even if you turn your back on me, I'm not one to be trifled with. Next year, when I take office as the Party Secretary of Handong Province, I'll be in charge, and my power will be even greater.

Having reached this position, there's no guarantee that you won't be able to advance further.

If things really come to a head, no one will necessarily be better off.

Qi Tongwei certainly didn't want to fight to the death. His career was like the rising sun, with much greater potential than Zhao Lichun's.

Now he is the one who is truly virtuous.

He wouldn't go all in without a sure chance of overwhelming victory, but he was determined to teach Hou Liangping a lesson.

He nodded. "Sure, with your secretary by my side, I can prove my innocence. But I hope this matter will still be formally reported to the Hantong Provincial Committee."

This request, though seemingly simple, actually contained Qi Tongwei's profound political considerations.

First, reporting to the Hantong Provincial Committee can legitimize and publicize the matter, preventing it from being perceived as a private transaction.

Secondly, this also serves as a reminder to Zhao Lichun that his actions are aboveboard and that he doesn't need to act secretly.

Third, and most importantly, by reporting to the provincial party committee, other leaders can know that he is innocent, thereby gaining political support and muddying the waters.

He believed that someone would definitely take advantage of the situation.

Handong was never a monolithic entity, and he believed that many people would not give up such a good opportunity to attack Zhao Lichun.

The leadership at Handong will be changing next year, and everyone wants to advance further.

Some people might think that Qi Tongwei is too cautious.

But caution is necessary; being a 32-year-old deputy provincial-level official is an unparalleled honor, but also a great pressure.

Before he has grown to a certain level, he must ensure that every step he takes is extremely steady, leaving no room for criticism.

"No problem." Zhao Lichun shrugged.

"In addition, I hope to close the case as soon as possible. The transfer order from above could come at any time, and I don't want to be stuck in this kind of trouble again." Qi Tongwei looked at Hou Liangping, "Liangping, how are you? Are you under pressure?"

Hou Liangping gave a strained smile. "Senior, don't worry, I will investigate the case as soon as possible."

"How fast is 'as soon as possible'?" Qi Tongwei frowned slightly. As a leader, he disliked ambiguous answers the most, especially from someone with a background in politics and law.

Hou Liangping hesitated for a moment before replying, "Once it enters the review process, I think it won't take more than ten days."

Hou Liangping's current difficulty is that he is not qualified to investigate a department-level cadre, but once this problem is solved, he will be able to break through Guo Huai Ren's psychological defenses in ten days.

“Liangping, this is no child’s play, especially when it involves Committee Member Qi. Don’t make any boastful claims!” Zhao Xiaohui said anxiously from the side.

The nature of this case has changed significantly. Now that Qi Tongwei is involved, it's no longer a simple corruption issue, but could also be a political one.

If not handled properly, utter ruin would be the least of your worries.

Hou Liangping didn't want to back down again in front of Qi Tongwei. He waved his hand at Zhao Xiaohui, his gaze firm, and said decisively, "Xiaohui, you don't need to persuade me anymore. I can't tarnish the reputation of our political science and law department, and I can't let down my senior's 'expectations'."

Qi Tongwei, however, sensed the resentment in Hou Liangping's words but didn't care at all.

They're just putting on a brave face and barking incompetently.

Isn't that Hou Liangping?

Looking back at the drama, where is the composure and steadiness of this anti-corruption bureau chief?

Let alone a department-level official, even the stability expected of an ordinary deputy section-level cadre is nowhere to be found in him.

His arrogance was ingrained in his bones. Even when facing Ji Changming's superior, who was at the vice-ministerial level, he was still haughty and disdainful, let alone others.

Today's attitude is nothing more than a return to old habits.

If it weren't for Zhao Lichun standing behind him, Hou Liangping's words and actions today would have provided him with plenty of ways to completely ruin him in Handong, leaving him with no chance of recovery.

Not enough words to speculate.

After a few perfunctory words, Qi Tongwei excused himself and left Zhao Lichun's office, citing a visit to other leaders as the reason.

After Qi Tongwei left, Zhao Lichun and Hou Liangping's enthusiasm vanished, replaced by gloomy expressions.

Hou Liangping was immersed in the frustration of losing another city.

He thought that he had reached this point and could pose a threat to Qi Tongwei. At the very least, Qi Tongwei would be wary of him, since one of his glorious achievements was being appointed as a member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee.

But as it turned out, his senior classmate grew even faster and didn't take his challenge seriously at all.

A few words were enough to break him down.

Zhao Lichun was equally unhappy.

He was dissatisfied not only with Qi Tongwei's lack of respect, but also with his son-in-law's ambition and eagerness for quick success.

Why did you provoke him for no reason? He's gotten senile, actually believing his arrogant son-in-law and offending Qi Tongwei for no reason.

It seems I've been deceived by Hou Liangping's performance over the past few years.

I think the other person is a talented person.

But how can a talented person possibly defeat a genius?