The God of Wealth starts with doing whatever you want

At one o'clock in the morning, the emergency department of the county hospital was brightly lit.

Zheng Yi pushed open the car door, and a cold wind carrying a drizzle rushed towards him.

He tightened his coat and strode into the hall.

Zhu Jingheng was already waiting in the corridor, his eyes were dark, and his jacket was still covered in construction dust.

"How's the situation?" Zheng Yi asked as he walked.

"The three workers sustained minor injuries; they all fell while trying to avoid the danger, and their injuries have been treated."

Zhu Jingheng lowered his voice and said, "The tower crane operator, Lao Chen, was quite frightened and is currently receiving psychological counseling. He checked the equipment when he handed over his shift at 5 p.m., and everything was normal at the time."

The two entered the temporarily cleared meeting room, where the main management personnel of the construction site and the police officers from the local police station who had arrived earlier were sitting.

The projector is playing surveillance footage: three men in blue overalls and hard hats are working at the base of a tower crane, their movements skillful and professional.

"Take a break."

Zheng Yi pointed to the screen and asked, following the voice, "Zoom in on their toolkits."

Zooming in reveals the markings on the side of the toolbox.

The logo is from Jiangcheng Power Maintenance Company, but the color is lighter than the original.

"The forgery is very professional."

Police station chief Wang Zhigang frowned and said, "We have contacted Jiangcheng to verify, and they said they did not send anyone to work in Jiang County today."

The three people's facial features were mostly obscured by hats and masks, making them very difficult to identify.

Zheng Yi stared at the screen in silence for a moment, then suddenly asked, "What kind of car did they drive in?"

"A white minivan with license plate number Jiang A·B3487."

Security captain Liu Wei pulled up surveillance footage from another angle and replied, "We've already checked. The license plate is fake. The real car is a black sedan, and the owner is out of town."

A brief silence fell over the meeting room.

The sound of an ambulance siren came from outside the window, growing louder as it approached and then fading away.

Zheng Yi tapped his fingers lightly on the table, a habitual gesture he made when he was thinking.

"This is not an ordinary case of provoking trouble."

He slowly began to speak, saying, "From rising material prices to extorting protection money, and now to the destruction of construction equipment, this series of events has a common characteristic: professionalism, precision, and clear purpose."

The other party wasn't venting their emotions; they were executing a plan.

"What plan?" Zhu Jingheng asked.

"Obstructing the construction of the North City project, or more accurately—"

Zheng Yi glanced at everyone present and replied, "They want us to back down and hand over the project to someone else."

Wang Zhigang's phone rang at that moment. He glanced at the caller ID, walked to the corridor, and answered it.

He returned two minutes later, his expression even more serious.

"We just received a report from the traffic police that a white van that had been burned was found three kilometers from the county town toward the provincial highway. The preliminary assessment is that it is the same van that was in the surveillance footage."

Everything in the car that could identify the driver was burned; even the vehicle identification number was erased.

"They're really fast," Zhu Jingheng said through gritted teeth.

Zheng Yi stood up: "Director Wang, we'll have to trouble you with things at the construction site. We need your professional expertise to collect evidence, conduct investigations, and reassure the workers."

Class monitor, you have three things to do now.

First, contact the insurance company to initiate the claims process;
Second, have the engineering department assess the damage and impact on the construction period, and develop an emergency repair plan;
Third, all workers will have a paid day off today, and the canteen will provide extra meals. We will hold a safety meeting tonight, and I will speak there.

"And what about you?" Zhu Jingheng asked.

"I'm going to see the Party Secretary."

Zheng Yi glanced at his watch and said, "He shouldn't be asleep yet at this hour."

At 1:30 a.m., the lights were still on in the home of Zhou Mingyuan, a county official.

When Zheng Yi rang the doorbell, Zhou Mingyuan was in the study reading documents, wearing pajamas and with his glasses perched on his nose.

He wasn't surprised to see Zheng Yi. He pointed to the sofa and said, "Sit down. I knew you'd come."

"Secretary, I'm sorry to bother you so late."

"Don't be polite."

Zhou Mingyuan waved his hand, poured himself and Zheng Yi each a cup of hot water, and said, "I already know about the North City construction site. The county committee duty office reported it to me ten minutes ago. Tell me your judgment."

Zheng Yi took the water glass, organized his thoughts, and replied, "I don't think this is an isolated incident, but rather an organized commercial attack. The other party's target is likely the land or future revenue of the Beicheng project."

Zhou Mingyuan took off his glasses, rubbed his temples, and asked in return, "Do you know what the original plans were for that area in Beicheng?"

"A commercial complex, with supporting residential buildings and schools."

"Correct."

Zhou Mingyuan took out a yellowed document from the drawer and said, "Three years ago, the county made a plan, but the project was shelved because the investor's capital chain broke."

Four companies participated in the bidding process, and Jiangcheng Construction Group, whose chairman is Zhao Weiguo, ultimately won the bid.

Zheng Yi's heart skipped a beat: "Zhao Weiguo and Zhao Hu."

"Brothers".

Zhou Mingyuan nodded and explained, "Zhao Weiguo passed away five years ago due to illness, and the Construction Group was taken over by his son, Zhao Kai."

But this guy was a disappointment; he was good at everything from eating, drinking, gambling, and whoring, and he ruined the company in less than two years.

After the Beicheng project stalled, the county government reclaimed the land and re-tendered it, which led to Yuntian Real Estate's entry.

"So Zhao Hu wants to get this project back for his nephew?"

"It's probably not that simple."

Zhou Mingyuan took a sip of water and continued, "Last year, Zhao Kai owed usurious loans because of gambling, and he mortgaged the last bit of the Construction Group's assets."

The company is currently controlled by an investment firm called 'Dingfeng Capital'.

I had someone investigate; this company is registered overseas, the legal representative is a figurehead, and the real boss is very mysterious.

Zheng Yi frowned: "So, Zhao Hu might just be a henchman, and the real mastermind is Dingfeng Capital?"

"That's how it seems at the moment."

Zhou Mingyuan paused for a moment, then replied, "There's another thing you need to know."

Last week, at a city meeting, the vice mayor in charge of urban construction specifically inquired about the progress of the North City project and also mentioned the possibility of 'introducing more social capital to participate in urban construction'.

I didn't think much of it at the time, but now that we've connected the dots…

The words were not finished, but the meaning was already very clear.

Zheng Yi felt a chill run down his spine.

If this matter involves the city level, then the situation becomes very complicated.

"Secretary, what do you mean?"

Zhou Mingyuan looked at him, his gaze sharp: "Zheng Yi, I've put you in the position of Director of the Supervisory Commission not just to oversee discipline and investigate cases. The Beicheng Project is the development engine for Jiang County for the next five years; we can't afford any problems."

I need you to do two things now.

First, thoroughly investigate the background of Dingfeng Capital and find out what they are up to.

Second, ensure the smooth progress of the North City project; the construction period cannot be delayed by even a single day.

"I see."

Zheng Yi nodded solemnly and replied, "But they are in the shadows while we are in the open, and their methods are despicable. I'm afraid."

"Afraid they'll resort to desperate measures?"

Zhou Mingyuan smiled, a smile that showed the composure of someone who had been through many battles, and said, "Remember this, in Jiang County, it's not up to a few clowns to stir up trouble."

If you need any support, just tell me.

You can be transferred to any department, including public security, discipline inspection, and market supervision.

He took a red telephone from his desk drawer; it was an encrypted line reserved for the county's top leaders.

"Take this phone. Keep it on 24/7. Call me directly in case of emergency; you don't need to go through a secretary."

Zheng Yi took the phone with both hands; it felt heavy, like receiving a heavy trust.

It was already 2:30 a.m. when I left Zhou Mingyuan's house.

The snow stopped, and the moon peeked out from behind the clouds, illuminating the streets of the county town in a cold, clear light.

Zheng Yi did not go straight home, but instead had the driver take him to the Beicheng construction site.

From afar, he could see the brightly lit area.

The collapsed tower crane has been cordoned off, and police are collecting evidence at the scene. Searchlights illuminate the night as if it were daytime.

In other areas of the construction site, workers were conducting safety inspections under Liu Wei's direction. Everyone's face was etched with fatigue, but their movements were meticulous.

Zhu Jingheng ran out of the temporary command post, holding a thick stack of documents, and said, "The emergency repair plan is out. We'll bring in a new tower crane from Jiangcheng, which will arrive no later than the day after tomorrow."

The delay will be about three days, but we can make up for it by adding more work crews.

How are the workers' morale?

"I was a little panicked at first, but I felt much better after the meeting."

Zhu Jingheng said with a wry smile, "Old Chen's group refuses to go up the tower crane no matter what, so I have to recruit new people."

Zheng Yi patted him on the shoulder: "Double your salary, get full insurance, and take the best safety measures. If you need more money, just tell me, and I'll apply for special funds."

"Money isn't the problem, the key is..." Zhu Jingheng hesitated, then stopped himself from speaking.

"Afraid they'll come again?"

Zhu Jingheng nodded: "Today they can cut down tower cranes, tomorrow they can smash concrete mixing plants, and the day after tomorrow they might even dare to attack the workers."

Liu Wei told me he found this near the base of the tower crane.

He pulled a transparent evidence bag from his pocket, inside which was a metal badge.

The black background with a gold tiger head pattern is exquisitely crafted and exudes an evil aura.

"The logo of Zhao Hu's 'Northern City Brotherhood'."

Zhu Jingheng said, "Liu Wei saw something similar when he was in the special forces. Some overseas mercenary organizations like to use animal totems as symbols."

Zheng Yi took the evidence bag and examined it carefully under the light.

Two tiny rubies were set in the tiger's eyes, gleaming like blood in the light.

"This thing isn't cheap."

He said in a deep voice, "Where would a thug who's just been released get the money to order this kind of badge?"

The two exchanged a glance and saw the same judgment in each other's eyes.

Zhao Hu has powerful backers and substantial financial resources.

Just then, Zheng Yi's phone vibrated.

The caller ID shows an "unknown number".

He hesitated for a second, pressed the answer button, but did not speak.

A processed electronic voice came from the other end of the phone, hoarse and unpleasant: "Director Zheng, still at the construction site late at night, you're really dedicated."

"Who are you?" Zheng Yi asked calmly.

Who I am is not important.

The electronic voice laughed, a laugh like sandpaper scraping against sheet metal. "The important thing is, you can't afford to wade into this muddy water in Beicheng. Today it's the tower crane that's going down, tomorrow it could be you."

"Threatening me?"

"It's advice."

The electronic voice paused for a moment, then said, "Whatever benefits Yuntian Real Estate gives you, we'll give you double."

"As long as you're 'a little lenient' during the project acceptance, or 'sign a few papers,' five million in cash can be delivered to your designated place tonight." Zheng Yi sneered, "Five million? So that's all I'm worth in your eyes?"

"Not enough? We can discuss it."

Ten million? Fifteen million? Director Zheng, how much is your annual salary?

This money is enough for you to work for several lifetimes.

Besides, what future do you have staying in such a small place like Jiang County? Take the money, go to the provincial capital, go to Beijing, isn't that better than here?"

"Are you done talking?" Zheng Yi asked.

"Director Zheng is a smart man."

"I am indeed a smart person."

Zheng Yi interrupted him and said, "That's why I can tell which money I can take and which money will burn me. I also advise you, if you're playing with fire in Jiang County, be careful not to get burned."

He hung up the phone and said to Zhu Jingheng, "Did you record it?"

Zhu Jingheng waved another phone in his hand: "The whole thing was recorded. The technical department is already tracking the signal source."

Zheng Yi nodded, gazing at the lights of the distant county town.

At three in the morning, most people are still sound asleep, unaware of what is happening in the city.

But he was awake.

He must stay awake.

"Squad leader, are you scared?" he suddenly asked.

Zhu Jingheng was taken aback for a moment, then laughed: "Afraid? You underestimate me. I might have been a bit timid when I was in school, but not anymore. Society has taught me a lot."

"Things are different now."

Zheng Yi said, "Back then, losing a fight would at most result in a bruised and swollen face, but now, losing a fight could cost you your life."

"Then we absolutely cannot lose."

Zhu Jingheng's eyes were firm as he said, "We've worked so hard to make something of ourselves, not to make way for these bastards. Xu Yun entrusted me with the Beicheng project. If it falls through, how can I face him?"

Besides, if the two of us can't figure it out, we can let Xu Yun do it!

Zheng Yi felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

"it is good."

He took a deep breath and laughed, "Then let's fight them to the end. If open tactics don't work, we'll try covert ones. If covert tactics don't work, we'll just have to tell Xu Yun."

For the next three days, Jiang County appeared calm on the surface, but undercurrents were turbulent beneath.

Zheng Yi mobilized all available resources.

The supervisory commission set up a special task force to secretly investigate the background of Dingfeng Capital.

The Public Security Bureau intensified its surveillance of Zhao Hu and his men.

The market supervision bureau's investigation team went to those material suppliers to check accounts, hold talks, and collect evidence.

On the afternoon of the third day, the new tower crane was transported from Jiangcheng to the construction site.

The installation ceremony was simple: Zheng Yi, Zhu Jingheng, and the workers tied a red ribbon to the base of the tower crane and set off a string of firecrackers.

Amidst the sound of firecrackers, Zheng Yi's phone rang again.

This time it's Xu Yun.

"I heard things are quite lively where you are?"

Xu Yun's voice sounded relaxed.

Zheng Yi laughed and said, "You're very well-informed."

"Lin Wanzhou told me."

Xu Yun paused for a moment, then asked, "Do you need my help with this?"

Zheng Yi remained silent for a few seconds.

It would be a lie to say he didn't need it, but he knew even better that if he couldn't even handle this little thing, how could he establish himself in Xu Yun's circle in the future?

"Not for now."

He said, "I can handle it."

"Okay, then be careful."

Xu Yun said, "By the way, Secretary Zhang is going to Jiang County for research next week. If he encounters any difficulties, he should speak up."

"Is Secretary Zhang coming to Jiang County?"

Zheng Yi was somewhat surprised and said, "I can't possibly meet someone at his level."

"He said he wanted to take a look at our North City project, and while he's at it, see if there's a suitable location to build a factory and manufacture chips."

Xu Yun smiled and said, "As the people in charge of the North City project, you and the squad leader can't just not accompany us, can you?"

Okay, I understand.

After hanging up the phone, Zheng Yi had a new plan in mind.

Secretary Zhang's visit might be an opportunity.

No matter how arrogant Dingfeng Capital is, it wouldn't dare to act recklessly in front of someone of Secretary Zhang's stature.

Moreover, once the chip project is implemented, Jiang County's status will be completely different; at that time, their county will have enterprises with an annual output value of tens of billions of yuan.
"Director Zheng!"

Liu Wei rushed over, interrupting his thoughts, and said, "We've made a new discovery on the surveillance footage!"

In the command center, Liu Wei pulled up a surveillance video from last night.

In the video, a man wearing a baseball cap and a mask lingered outside the construction site for more than ten minutes before finally stuffing something under a fence.

“We just checked and found this.” Liu Wei handed over a black plastic bag.

Zheng Yi carefully opened it; inside was a photograph.

It's a picture of Zhu Jingheng's wife and children. The camera angle is very discreet, but their faces are clearly visible.

On the back of the photo, written in red pen, is the phrase: "Enough is enough."

The temperature in the conference room seemed to drop to freezing point instantly.

Zhu Jingheng slammed his fist on the table: "You bastard! How dare you touch my family!"

Zheng Yi stared at the photo, his hands trembling slightly.

It wasn't fear, it was anger.

"Did you call the police?" he asked, his voice unusually calm.

"Not yet, it's up to you to decide."

"Report."

Zheng Yi said, "Let Director Wang personally lead the team to retrieve all the surveillance footage in the surrounding area and investigate all suspicious persons and vehicles from the past three days."

At the same time, have Liu Wei send two people to secretly protect your family. They must be unfamiliar faces, but experienced.

He picked up the photo, tore it into pieces, and threw it into the trash can.

"Since they're going to play dirty, then we'll..."

Zhu Jingheng raised his head, his eyes flashing with cold light, and said, "Let's play something even dirtier."

That evening, a message circulated in Jiang County's underground world.

Someone offered 500,000 yuan for one of Zhao Hu's legs.

The news spread quickly, and the next morning, several of Zhao Hu's establishments were vandalized.

It wasn't the police, but a group of young people wearing masks. They acted swiftly and decisively, smashing things and leaving immediately, covering all the surveillance cameras with spray paint.

Zhao Hu was so angry that he jumped up and down and smashed two vases in his own KTV.

He called the person behind him: "Boss, something's not right! That kid Zhu Jingheng actually dared to play dirty tricks!"

After a long silence on the other end of the phone, a steady male voice came through: "I've said it before, someone who can grow to this size and has Yuntian Real Estate backing them up can't be a pushover."

"You insisted on testing his limits."

"What do we do now? Several of my venues have been vandalized, resulting in losses of over a million!"

"Stay calm."

The male voice said, "Our target has never been them, but the construction projects in Beicheng. Since he won't listen to reason, let's change our approach and start with the projects themselves."

"what do you mean?"

"Engineering quality".

The male voice slowly said, "Find a few knowledgeable people, sneak into the construction site, tamper with the materials, and leave some hidden dangers in the process. When it comes to inspection, someone will naturally find the problem."

Zhao Hu's eyes lit up: "Brilliant! If problems arise with the project, Zhu Jingheng, as the person in charge, and Zheng Yi, as the supervisor, will be the first to be held accountable!"

"Remember, be discreet and professional."

The male voice instructed, "Also, keep a low profile lately, don't give anyone any leverage. I'll talk to Dingfeng Capital and ask them to send over more money."

"understand!"

After hanging up the phone, Zhao Hu leaned back on the leather sofa and lit a cigar.

Amidst the swirling smoke, he seemed to see Zheng Yi being dismissed and investigated, the North City project being re-tendered, and his nephew Zhao Kai regaining power.

At that moment, Zheng Yi was sitting in his office, looking at an encrypted file on his computer screen.

This is the investigation result that the task force just sent back.

The ultimate beneficiary of Dingfeng Capital points to a name he is very familiar with: Yang Jianguo, deputy director of the Jiangzhou Development and Reform Commission.

Three years ago, it was Yang Jianguo who presided over the first bidding for the Beicheng project, and it was he who strongly promoted Jiangcheng Construction Group to win the bid.

Zheng Yi leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

It turned out to be the case.

All the clues have come together.

The project was abandoned three years ago, and now it faces obstacles, rising material prices, extortion for protection money, damage to the tower crane, and even threats against his family.
Behind all of this was a scheme meticulously planned over three years.

The person who orchestrated this is currently sitting in the Jiangzhou Municipal Government office, looking dignified and respectable.

My phone vibrated; it was a text message from Zhou Mingyuan: "There's a meeting at the Municipal Party Committee tomorrow morning at nine o'clock. You'll come with me; Yang Jianguo will also be attending."

Zheng Yi replied, "Understood."

Outside the window, night was deepening.

Xu Yun and Xi Nuo's father, hope Huaimin, were enjoying tea when Xu Yun casually asked, "Uncle Xi, are you acquainted with Yang Jianguo, the director of the Municipal Development and Reform Commission?"

"We're not very familiar, why?"

"Oh, it's nothing, I was just asking casually."

Xu Yun said with a smile, "Uncle Zhang hasn't come to have tea with you for a while, has he?"

"After the promotion, I'm naturally busier with work."

hope Huaimin replied, "I don't have time to have tea and chat with this old guy. On the contrary, you are the most outstanding young entrepreneur in Jiangcheng right now, and you also have the status of the People's Congress and the CPPCC. It's easier for you to see him than for me to see him."

"There are some things I shouldn't say; it would sound like I'm suing someone."

Xu Yun complained, "Uncle Xi, the business environment down here is really bad right now. You should talk to Uncle Zhang privately and ask him to take it seriously, otherwise we won't be able to contribute to the country properly."

"Okay, I see."

hope Huaimin, a cunning old fox, naturally understood Xu Yun's meaning and said with a smile, "I knew you wouldn't come to my door without a reason. You suddenly came to have tea with me, it can't be anything good."

"It's just something that comes to mind naturally."

Xu Yun explained, "I mainly came to see Xinuo and take her out shopping and on a date."

(End of this chapter)