Qi Tongwei: Sign-in relationship started during student days

Chapter 1067 Visit

Moreover, with Pei Yihong around, as long as the two families remain at peace, he can still pry open this connection.

A few days later, Qi Tongwei and Pei Yihong flew directly to J City.

As soon as he got off the plane, Pei Yihong took him to see Secretary Gu.

Secretary Gu had already discerned Pei Yihong's choice from his report, and instead of uttering a single word of blame, he encouraged him with a gentle tone.

In his words, besides expressing his deep expectations for the development of Beishan Heavy Industry, he also offered words of reassurance and encouragement, telling him not to have any mental burdens and to just roll up his sleeves and boldly reform. He assured him that he would support him if he encountered any difficulties.

In just a few words, his selfless dedication to the public good is evident.

Qi Tongwei was deeply moved and made a solemn vow to develop Beishan and live up to the organization's trust.

After leaving Secretary Gu's reception room, Pei Yihong immediately took Qi Tongwei and drove to the Zhong family residence in Huananhai.

Along the way, Pei Yihong pointed out the houses along the route and introduced the owners of these houses to Qi Tongwei.

Without exception, they are all very famous.

Upon arriving at an inconspicuous mansion, Pei Yihong said, "We've arrived," and then led Qi Tongwei out of the car.

The mansion is very simple and ancient, in the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and there are stone lions guarding the entrance.

The two walked into the courtyard through the thin layer of remaining snow outside the gate.

The charcoal brazier in the main room was burning brightly, and the warm steam, carrying the refreshing aroma of tea, wafted out through the half-open wooden door.

Grandpa Zhong was sitting at the octagonal table, holding a thread-bound book in his hands. His reading glasses were perched on his nose, and his gaze was fixed on the pages. Hearing footsteps, he slowly raised his eyes. His gaze was deep and calm, like an ancient well, without the slightest ripple, yet it lacked the intimidating hostility of ordinary powerful figures.

"You've arrived?" Old Master Zhong put down his book, pointed to the chair opposite him, and said in a hoarse voice, "Sit down. Try this pre-rain Longjing tea. One of my nephews brought it back from the western border province. It has a fairly mellow flavor."

Pei Yihong and Qi Tongwei sat down as instructed, their backs ramrod straight and their hands neatly placed on their knees, looking somewhat like elementary school students being disciplined.

Grandpa Zhong picked up his teacup, his fingertips tracing the cool porcelain surface. He took a sip, his gaze slowly falling on Qi Tongwei's face. Suddenly, he smiled faintly and asked, "Secretary Gu didn't give you any trouble, did he?"

Qi Tongwei straightened his expression and replied frankly, "Secretary Gu not only didn't blame me, but also encouraged me to go for it."

Grandpa Zhong nodded, put down the teacup, and the porcelain cup made a soft sound as it touched the table.

“I know Wentao well. He cares about the people and is open to different opinions.” He paused, his gaze sweeping over Qi Tongwei with a mixture of scrutiny and approval. “I’ve heard a lot about your reforms and development efforts in Beishan over the past six months. You’ve been particularly adept at handling emergencies.”

"You handled that overseas inspection trip very well; you were courageous and resourceful, and you didn't bring shame to our country."

He leaned forward slightly, his tone suddenly becoming serious: "I have nothing to say to you."

However, Beishan is a special place, so you must be careful when dealing with those foreigners.

We must take advantage of favorable circumstances, but also uphold our bottom line. You must remember this.

As soon as he finished speaking, Old Master Zhong suddenly raised his eyes. The gentleness he had just displayed vanished instantly, replaced by a sharp gaze that pierced straight at Qi Tongwei. His tone carried an undeniable threat: "If you dare to use the Zhong family's name to engage in crooked practices in Beishan, I will be the first to not let you off the hook!"

Qi Tongwei felt a chill run down his spine; he knew the old man was worried that he would "sell" Beishan.

This is a sign of concern and worry from an elder.

Mr. Zhong came from that era and doesn't know much about the reform and opening up, plus this situation is quite common nowadays.

In order to promote development and attract foreign companies, many officials have suppressed their own domestic enterprises.

For example, Zhonghua toothpaste, Very Cola, etc.

Therefore, it is not surprising that Mr. Zhong has this concern.

This is similar to how parents in later generations cannot understand the internet.

Qi Tongwei's filter for these important figures disappeared immediately. In fact, when you think about it, after retiring and leaving politics for a long time, isn't he just an ordinary old man?

"Don't worry, Professor Zhong, I understand."

And so, Qi Tongwei successfully joined the Zhong family's ranks.

Over the next few days, Pei Yihong led Qi Tongwei, traveling non-stop by carriage.

Traveling through 49 cities

Between the deep courtyard houses and the G-type buildings.

It was called a visit, but in reality, it was to introduce him to people and get him into the game.

Without exception, all of these people held high positions, either as like-minded individuals who shared Pei Yihong's political views, or as members of the deeply entrenched Zhong family faction.

The pleasantries exchanged over drinks, the calculated gestures during handshakes and pats on the shoulder—every word and phrase was laced with hidden meaning.

Qi Tongwei felt that this visit had been very fruitful.

In the spare moments of his busy schedule, Qi Tongwei also took the time to seek out some of the relationships he had cultivated.

Unfortunately, Zhong Xiaoai was not there. I heard that she had taken a working group to a local area to investigate a tricky case.

Qi Tongwei felt that the Zhong family was paving the way for this future "Director Zhong".

In addition, he inquired about some information about Zhao Xiaoya.

He and Zhao Xiaoya haven't been in contact for a long time.

The other person seemed to have vanished into thin air, completely disappearing from his life.

If Qianda City weren't still operating, he would have suspected that Zhao Xiaoya had been murdered to silence her.

He knew Pei Yihong definitely knew something, but each time he tried to subtly inquire about the situation from Pei Yihong.

Pei Yihong always kept quiet about it, only saying, "Cutting ties with her won't do you any harm," and then refusing to say another word.

After making inquiries within the local circle, Qi Tongwei learned that Zhao Xiaoya's matter was far bigger than he had imagined, even shockingly so.

I heard that she stirred up trouble in the stock market and swindled hundreds of billions of yuan!

Her father-in-law, who is in charge of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, was taken away for investigation by the Discipline Inspection Commission and the Supervisory Commission six months ago, and the results are said to be coming out soon.

Qi Tongwei was not surprised by this outcome.

He had tried to persuade Zhao Xiaoya with all his heart, but Zhao Xiaoya told him that she had no way back and was being swept along by the current, unable to control her own destiny.

Hundreds of billions!

Keep in mind that this was only the year 2000, and the average person's monthly income was at most less than a thousand yuan.

Such an astronomical sum is definitely not something that Zhao Xiaoya, as a woman, could move, even if she is Zhao Lichun's daughter.

Behind this, there must be a single, or even a group, fish that is enough to leave one speechless.

And that fish, at this moment, is probably hiding in the shadows, coldly watching the end of this farce.

They returned home with a bountiful harvest.

Zhao Xiaoya was merely a scapegoat who was pushed out to take the blame.

……