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

Chen Hai's eyes were wary.

He thought a large group of people would follow him in through the door.

For example, Zhao Lichun's secretary, the hospital director, the photographer, and other accompanying leaders.

however……

Surprisingly, Zhao Ruilong closed the door behind him after entering.

There wasn't a large crowd surrounding Zhao Lichun; it was just him with Zhao Xiaohui and her brother.

Chen Hai instantly understood that Zhao Lichun was not visiting his father in his capacity as the Secretary of the Handong Province.

Bringing their children, along with flowers, fruit, and milk, they seemed more like they were visiting old friends.

"Old Chen, are you alright?"

Zhao Lichun greeted him with a cheerful laugh.

This startled Chen Yanshi, bringing him back to his senses.

He never expected that he would be ignored after being admitted to the hospital.

He never expected that his former nemesis, Zhao Lichun, would actually come.

"I...I'm fine."

He had been in politics for many years after all.

Chen Yanshi reacted quite quickly.

Then, he smiled and asked:

"Zhao Shuji, what brings you here?"

When he spoke, he used both his official title and a respectful title.

It may seem like respect, but it's actually being distant.

The subtext is: Why would someone as high-ranking as you come to see a retired old man like me?

Especially today, when I'm at my most embarrassing moment, I'm probably here to laugh at me!

Zhao Lichun, who had been in officialdom for many years, naturally sensed something was amiss.

When he spoke, he addressed Chen Yanshi as "Old Chen," showing him great respect.

Chen Yanshi remained 'polite' as expected, clearly indicating that he was wary of him.

He might be cursing inwardly.

The weasel paid New Year greetings to the rooster, which was not a good intention.

but……

Zhao Lichun did not show any dissatisfaction; instead, he stepped forward with a warm smile and said:

“I just got home from get off work when I heard you were taken to the emergency room, so I quickly called the two kids and came to see you.”

After saying that, Zhao Lichun placed a bouquet of flowers on the small table next to the hospital bed.

Chen Hai, standing to the side, frowned slightly.

Zhao Lichun's words just now were quite profound!

I'll come home from get off work and bring the kids to see you...

This implies that he came here out of personal friendship, and not for official business.

"I'm fine, I just suddenly felt a little dizzy and short of breath. After coming here, I had all sorts of tests done. The doctor said I should get some glucose and oxygen, and I can go home tonight."

At this point, Chen Yanshi looked at Zhao Xiaohui and Zhao Ruilong with a smile.

"You're all here, why did you bring all that stuff? It's so embarrassing!"

Zhao Xiaohui immediately smiled and said, "Ruilong and I are juniors. It would be embarrassing for juniors to visit their elders empty-handed!"

Chen Yanshi laughed and said, "Look at what you're saying. Actually, you didn't need to come at all. I'm in perfect health and have no problems at all."

Zhao Lichun immediately chimed in, "Old Chen, you're still the same as ever, you don't admit you're getting old at all!"

"He's in the hospital, yet he still says he's perfectly healthy."

As he spoke, Zhao Lichun suddenly turned his head and glanced at Chen Hai.

"Xiao Hai, recently a lot of major corruption cases have been exposed in Handong. You guys have really worked hard."

Chen Hai was taken aback.

That's a difficult question to answer!

Fighting corruption is simply his duty.

The sudden emergence of so many corrupt officials—isn't this a dereliction of duty?

Although he was not in charge of preventing job-related crimes, he was still a member of the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

So after a quick thought, he immediately said, feeling deeply ashamed:

"The emergence of so many major corruption cases proves that our work is still inadequate and there are many loopholes in supervision. We will definitely take this opportunity to plug the loopholes, strengthen supervision, and nip corruption in the bud!"

Zhao Lichun nodded in satisfaction.

"Excellent, excellent! Like father, like son!"

Turning around, Zhao Lichun looked at Chen Yanshi with a smile.

"Old Chen, you have raised a fine son for the country and the people!"

"With a young and capable cadre like Xiao Hai in Handong, I believe we can ensure that corruption has nowhere to hide and dares not even show its face!"

These words made Chen Yanshi break out in a cold sweat.

It seems like she's praising her son, but what's really going on?

That's a slap in the face to him as his father!

You're a veteran chief prosecutor, and yet you call yourself one?

What about your level of awareness?

What about your work ability?

How could someone who has worked in the political and legal system for so many years end up abusing their power for personal gain?

Seeing that her husband was at a loss for words, she didn't know how to respond.

Wang Fuzhen, who reacted quickly, hurriedly spoke up:

"Zhao Shuji, please have a seat!"

"Hai Zi, don't just stand there, go wash some fruit for Xiao Hui and Rui Long."

Zhao Ruilong and his second sister, of course, had to politely decline Chen Hai's offer.

And what about Zhao Lichun?

He sat down on the hospital bed next to her with an air of authority and pointed at Wang Fuzhen.

"Sister-in-law, I have to criticize you for this."

"How many years have we known each other? More than twenty years, right?"

"Back when I was working with Lao Chen, I often went to your house for meals!"

"There's no one else here, yet you still call me Zhao Shuji. Isn't that a bit too formal?"

Chen Yanshi, lying in his hospital bed, was struck again.

Didn't I just call out to Zhao Shuji?

So Zhao Lichun was clearly implying indirectly that he was being too distant.

but……

Why did Zhao Lichun say that?

He and I are clearly mortal enemies!

Instead of taking advantage of his misfortune to completely ruin his reputation, or even cause him to feel so ashamed that he committed suicide, he was out of luck.

Instead, when no one was paying attention to them, they took the initiative to visit them with their children, as if they were old friends meeting.

In an instant.

Chen Yanshi suddenly felt ashamed.

As for Wang Fuzhen...

She quickly said with a smile:

"We may not be outsiders, but this is, after all, a hospital!"

"If other people heard me call you Lichun, they would definitely scold me for not knowing the rules."

Zhao Lichun laughed and said:

"Does not calling me Zhao Shuji mean I don't know the rules? Who made that rule?"

"A job title is only used during working hours. Are we on working hours now? No, we're not."

"So if anyone dares to insult you, call them here. I want to see who is so obsequious to superiors and bullying inferiors."

Wang Fuzhen smiled and said, "No one fawned on their superiors or bullied their inferiors."

"really?"

Zhao Lichun looked at Chen Yanshi.

This moment.

Chen Yanshi was truly ashamed.

Isn't it oneself who flatters superiors and bullies inferiors?

Zhong Zhengguo, who once served as the Secretary of the Handong Province and later held an even higher position and greater power after being transferred to the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Administration, would readily help Dafeng Factory out of its predicament with just one phone call. This is what is meant by "flattering superiors".

Following Zhong Zhengguo's instructions, in order to preserve the political achievement of Dafeng Factory's restructuring, he did not hesitate to use his influence to make numerous enterprises and institutions contribute and help promote the product at each level. This is what is meant by "bullying subordinates".

"Spring Begins, I was wrong!"

Chen Yanshi's sudden and decisive admission of his mistake surprised everyone.

No one expected that he, who was so concerned about saving face, would not argue or deny it.

Especially Chen Hai.

He wondered if he was hallucinating.

Why doesn't the stubborn old man, whom his sister hates, stubbornly defend himself?

But it's not over yet.

"I deeply regret it now. I shouldn't have listened to Zhong Zhengguo and tried to protect Dafeng Factory at all costs."

"I regret that I went around asking around and asking for favors in order to help Dafeng Factory get business."

"I made a serious mistake and set a bad example. I must reflect on my actions..."

Seeing Chen Yanshi's regretful expression.

Zhao Ruilong chuckled inwardly.

"Those who can rise to the department-level are indeed extraordinary!"

"The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and take advantage of opportunities is something that ordinary people can't match."

"Knowing that Zhao Lichun brought his children to visit, he didn't make a big fuss, and his words implied that he still cherished their old friendship."

"This old guy clearly understands that Zhao Lichun doesn't want to kick him while he's down, but rather wants to take the opportunity to win him over, so... Zhong Shuji became Zhong Zhengguo!"

"After all, a local official is more powerful than a distant one! Although Zhong Zhengguo is of a higher rank, he is far away in Yanjing, and Liang Qunfeng has retired due to illness. Zhao Lichun is now in charge of Handong."

"If he doesn't want to be relentlessly attacked, ruin his reputation, and tarnish his honor in his later years, his only option now is to admit his mistakes, repent, and curry favor with Zhao Lichun!"

"Besides, didn't Zhao Lichun just highly praise his son Chen Hai? Since his daughter Chen Yang is completely beyond redemption, how can he not protect his son Chen Hai's future?"

Zhao Ruilong was secretly sighing.

Chen Yanshi, lying on his sickbed, was already in tears.

"...I'm getting old, and my mind isn't as sharp as it used to be. I've done something like this because I'm old and confused. I'm truly sorry to the organization and the people!"

"That afternoon, a large group of people surrounded my door, crying and begging for my help. That's when I realized I had made a serious mistake..."

Zhao Lichun handed over a tissue.

"To be honest, I really didn't expect that you, who used to be so principled and selfless, would actually call around and ask for favors to get orders for Dafeng Factory."

"However, others don't understand you and think you've taken benefits from Dafeng Factory, but I do understand you. I know you're just confused for a moment and have no selfish motives."

"So when I learned that Handong TV had sent reporters and photographers to the scene to interview and record footage, I immediately ordered them not to report it!"

"Once it's reported, it will not only ruin your reputation and make you infamous, but it will also mislead countless investors into thinking that doing business in Handong is all about connections!"

"If word gets out, how will Handong attract investment? How will it develop high-tech industries? How will it pursue a high-quality development path?"

Chen Yanshi grasped Zhao Lichun's hand tightly, tears streaming down his face, and said:

"Thank you, thank you for saving me and for preserving Handong's reputation!"