Reborn as Zhao Ruilong of Handong, I will defy fate.

Zhong Xiaoai was full of confidence.

It seemed that as long as Zhao Ruilong agreed, she could join forces with Dai Pingwei to get rid of Zeng Wensheng.

However, having lived two lives, Zhao Ruilong was not one to be swayed by rumors and make decisions lightly.

Looking back, she saw Pei Yihong chatting with Qin Shuang, as well as the other accompanying personnel.

Although no one's attention was on him.

However, out of caution, Zhao Ruilong took a few more steps further away.

"Xiao Ai, are you sure Dai Pingwei can be trusted?"

"He's been Zeng Wensheng's secretary for many years!"

"Secretaries are usually the leader's confidants, how could they be so easily betrayed?"

Zhao Ruilong actually had one more thing he didn't say.

If someone is highly valued by their superiors, why would they choose to betray them?

So how can we guarantee that such a person won't betray us again after joining us?

Or perhaps his betrayal and defection were problematic in themselves, and were not genuine cooperation.

Zhong Xiaoai wasn't stupid; she could certainly hear Zhao Ruilong's worries.

“I know what you’re worried about. I haven’t had much contact with him before.”

“Zeng Weili urgently needs a ventilator, but her father, Zeng Wensheng, couldn’t find one anywhere in Beijing.”

"In the end, it was her future mother-in-law, Hao Juan, who found your second brother-in-law's father, and your second brother-in-law then found Sister Hui, and finally donated a batch of ventilators from Jingzhou."

"Sister Hui asked me to keep an eye on this matter, which is how I got in touch with Dai Pingwei. Later, I heard that Zeng Wensheng had a fever, so I sent him some medical supplies and special medicine."

“He just called me suddenly and said that Zeng Wensheng is going to introduce policies to stimulate car consumption, but he wants to restrict prices, which is clearly to exclude Land Rover, which we have invested in and control.”

"I sensed his indignation in his tone, so I talked to him for a while. He said the reason he informed us was that he couldn't stand Zeng Wensheng's selfishness, his growing detachment from the masses, and his disregard for the overall development."

After listening, Zhao Ruilong smiled faintly.

"Let's ignore what he says for now. Who knows if Zeng Wensheng arranged it on purpose?"

"Okay, you should first investigate his background and find out what kind of person he is."

"If he is trustworthy, then we can proceed with further contact, instead of rushing to make a decision now. We need to work together from the inside and outside to bring down Zeng Wensheng!"

Without the certainty of a fatal blow, Zhao Ruilong would certainly not take the risk lightly.

The person they were dealing with was Zeng Wensheng, a powerful and influential figure with deep roots in the industry.

If such a giant tiger or ferocious beast cannot be killed in one strike, it will inevitably suffer a fierce retaliation.

Think back to last year.

I didn't actually give him a good scolding.

It was only because I argued logically and used sharp words that he became angry and embarrassed.

I didn't utter a single swear word or curse throughout the entire process, so what was the result?

He still holds a grudge against me!

Even the process of opening an international passenger route between Jingzhou and Mount Higgins in the United States was blocked by his people.

It was only after Zhao Lichun, the top official in Handong and whose father was clearly about to be promoted, personally intervened that the flight route was officially approved.

Even if you criticize him in public, he will abuse his power for personal gain and seek revenge out of jealousy.

If he finds out that I'm going to use his extravagant wedding banquet for his daughter to expose his violations of rules and regulations and make a big fuss about it.

This guy might get so angry that he'd hire someone to kill him!

How could someone who has reached his level not have an iron-fisted approach?

I still have a bright future ahead of me, and an important mission to defy fate.

How can you act impulsively just because someone says a few words?

Most importantly, while others were unaware, he already knew that a new round of ministerial and institutional reforms was imminent.

In this round of reforms, Tsang Man-sang's power will be greatly weakened. Coupled with his failure to control the epidemic and his removal as Director of Health, his strength will only continue to decline.

So even if I don’t find an opportunity to bring him down, Zeng Wensheng can’t be willful for much longer, so why should I take the risk?

As for Zhong Xiaoai...

Since Zhao Ruilong had already said all that, she naturally calmed down quickly.

"I understand. Zeng Wensheng is a formidable tiger. Bringing him down will not be an easy task."

"Don't worry, I will be careful and make thorough preparations. I will never act without authorization!"

Zhao Ruilong laughed and said, "I've been putting up with him since we started arguing last year, and I'm not in a hurry to do anything about it. Anyway, it's still a long way off before he marries off his daughter."

"Yes, he only let Dai Pingwei choose a hotel today. After that, he still needs to pick a date, find a wedding planner, invite guests, and so on. I estimate the earliest he can go is May Day."

"Then let's not rush. Let's find out the situation first. As for the price restriction this time, which means we can't get the consumer subsidy for buying a Land Rover, it doesn't matter. Anyway, he won't be giving us much money in subsidies!"

After giving some instructions, Zhao Ruilong hung up the phone.

She put away her phone and went to accompany Pei Yihong.

As for Zhong Xiaoai, who is far away in Yanjing...

After hesitating for a moment, she dialed Dai Pingwei's number.

Regardless of whether or not we cooperate with him, let's work together to bring down Tsang Man-sang.

At least Dai Pingwei informed me of the news in a timely manner, so I should treat him to a meal out of courtesy and reason.

Can't we gather more information while eating and chatting?

After agreeing on a time and place, Zhong Xiaoai immediately found someone to investigate Dai Pingwei's background.

Especially his family background, education, and love life...

After some investigation, Zhong Xiaoai gained a preliminary understanding of Dai Pingwei.

Born into a peasant family, he relied on his intelligence and diligence to get into Yenching University.

During my time at school, I was a positive and ambitious young person!

Because of his excellent writing skills, he is also fluent in English and Japanese.

After graduation, I was assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, which was very popular at the time.

At that time, China was in a critical period of economic transformation, shifting from a planned economy to a market economy and focusing on foreign trade exports. As a core department, the Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau was naturally in high demand.

Dai Pingwei, who was already serious, pragmatic and hardworking, also benefited from the era's dividends. So, even without a background, he rose rapidly through the ranks until the department was restructured and he was selected by Zeng Wensheng as a secretary, a position he held for nearly five years.

According to relevant regulations, the maximum term of office for a secretary is five years.

This means that regardless of whether Dai Pingwei is truly loyal to Zeng Wensheng.

He will also be transferred to other departments or even other units before the end of the year.

Dai Pingwei's family life was even simpler.

His wife, Tao Yongqian, was just a primary school teacher. She was also a poor student who came from a remote rural area, was admitted to Yenching Normal University, and was assigned to the school after graduation.

It's probably because knowledge changed their destiny that the two have always had a very good relationship. They have a daughter who is now in her final year of high school and will take the college entrance examination in June.

As for Dai Pingwei's other relatives and friends...

That's basically a classic case of 'when one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs benefit.'

Dai Pingwei became Zeng Wensheng's secretary.

Those who fawned over Zeng Wensheng would naturally also try to please Dai Pingwei in every way.

Dai Pingwei adhered to his principles and was neither greedy nor took bribes, but his relatives and friends certainly benefited from his influence quite a bit.

Like his cousin, who runs a small engineering equipment rental company.

Although his company isn't particularly strong and its prices are a bit high, many construction companies are willing to cooperate with his cousin's company.

Those who understand the intricacies of this will naturally understand.

Dai Pingwei was Zeng Wensheng's secretary, and Zeng Wensheng, who held a high position of power, also controlled the approval of major projects.

If he didn't try his best to please Dai Pingwei, he could have suffered huge losses if he had just said a few words to Zeng Wensheng.

therefore.

After some initial understanding...

Zhong Xiaoai felt that Dai Pingwei, although not completely clean, was still a person with bottom lines and principles.

He wanted to rise higher so that he could gain more power and make a name for himself.

Not only was Zeng Wensheng selfish, but he was also determined to align himself with international standards.

This naturally made Dai Pingwei, who was full of sincerity, unable to tolerate it any longer.

However, all of this is just speculation.

Is Dai Pingwei truly trustworthy?

Zhong Xiaoai did not immediately draw a conclusion.

After dressing up a little at home, Zhong Xiaoai went to the agreed-upon restaurant dressed simply and elegantly.

Dai Pingwei arrived shortly after, two minutes early.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two ordered some dishes and then chatted over tea.

The conversation started with the recent pandemic, and as it progressed, Zhong Xiaoai suddenly asked:

"Oh, by the way, how have you been feeling lately since you took the special medicine developed by our group? Is there anything bothering you?"

"No, my partner and I are both in perfect health, with no side effects or aftereffects!"

After taking a sip of tea, Dai Pingwei sneered, unable to hide his sarcasm:

"On the contrary, someone who didn't take the special medicine, even after resting in the best hospital for several days, was easily tired after coming out. He would be out of breath after walking just a few steps. I guess he still has some problems with his lungs."

Zhong Xiaoai smiled knowingly.

She knew Dai Pingwei was referring to Zeng Wensheng.

How can someone with a low enough rank be qualified to work at the best hospital in Beijing?

I need to rest for a few more days...

Even if an ordinary person pays a lot of money to get admitted, they will request to be discharged once their condition improves.

Their beds are extremely valuable; how could they allow ordinary people to recuperate for several days?

“Even if the side effects are not significant at the time, excessive use of antibiotics can still cause some sequelae. However, with a period of rest, the body can heal itself.”

After putting down her teacup, Zhong Xiaoai glanced at the doorway.

The waiter hadn't come to serve the food yet, so the door to the private room was still closed.

"I was quite surprised when you suddenly called me today..."

Dai Pingwei interjected with a laugh, "You didn't expect that I would actually keep it from Director Zeng and tip you off, did you?"

Zhong Xiaoai hesitated for a moment, then nodded emphatically.

"Yes, our group's General Manager Zhao offended Director Zeng last year. You should be well aware of this matter..."

"I not only know it clearly, I was there at the time!"

After taking a sip of tea, Dai Pingwei said with some excitement:

“I know you must be curious why I, as Zeng Wensheng’s secretary, would tip you off.”

"To be honest with you, I've disliked him for a long time. His thinking has become increasingly abnormal in the last two years."

“I didn’t write that proposal. You saw it and you felt there were big problems, but unlike your CEO Zhao, I don’t have the ability or confidence to point it out to your face.”

Zhong Xiaoai smiled.

"Actually, up to now, I've only heard that President Zhao criticized and condemned him very seriously; I really don't know the content of the proposal!"

Dai Pingwei chuckled.

"Those so-called experts wrote his proposal to expand opening up without any bottom line or principles in order to achieve so-called international integration, and to give foreigners and enterprises special preferential treatment. Is this for development? In my opinion, it is clearly for the convenience of colonization!"