In the name of supernatural powers

Chapter 109 Loneliness (Seeking First Subscription)

"Okay, I'll find two people to move it right away."

Liu Qiang turned and left the room. No sooner had he left than Zhang Like walked in.

Zhang Like walked with a brisk pace, his demeanor exuding confidence and triumph:
“Old Lu, we’ve really struck it rich! Now it’s our turn to be in power! Did you see that skinflint Mo Kun? He was so scared he couldn’t even sit still in his chair. And that kid Liang Fei, he was pointing his finger at you the first year you arrived, and he’ll keep messing with you whenever he gets the chance. Now it’s your turn to deal with him.”

"I only made adjustments within the rules and regulations, and I wasn't targeting anyone in particular."

Lu Zhao shook his head, then realized that Zhang Like was getting a little cocky, and reminded him, "Our power is given to us by the people and the Federation, so we must learn to respect it."

This wasn't just empty talk; even Zhao De held the system in awe.

If an official fails to recognize the source of their power and believes it all stems from their own abilities, then they are only one opportunity away from making a mistake and one step away from imprisonment.

"I understand, everything has to be done according to the rules."

Zhang Like closed the door, sat on the sofa, and said, "Old Lu, I have a favor to ask of you."

"explain."

Lu Zhao's words were concise and to the point.

He wouldn't refuse if it was a job reassignment.

There's a saying that goes, "If I don't appoint people based on favoritism, am I supposed to appoint people based on distance? Am I only satisfied when everyone under my command is against me?"
A skilled strategist seeks advantage from the situation, not from blaming individuals; thus, he is able to select the right people and leverage the situation.

Often, circumstances dictate people, and a leader who masters the situation will naturally attract like-minded individuals.

“Mo Kun just found me. He admitted defeat and offered me five boxes of Honghualang (a traditional Chinese medicine), and also said he would share 80% of the profits every year. You get 60%, I get 20%, and that'll be a little over two million a year.”

Zhang Like held up two fingers, his breathing quickening slightly; he was completely obsessed with money.

Driven by greed, even the most intelligent person can lose their rationality when faced with substantial benefits.

Lu Zhao silently looked at Zhang Like.

Zhang Like hadn't completely lost his composure; he was still able to read people's expressions and advised, "Aren't you short of money? If you don't take this money, plenty of others will."

Lu Zhao said quietly, "The money for logistics is for disaster relief."

Zhang Like's tone immediately became agitated as he said, "You've been here for four years, has any major disaster ever happened? The inflatable boats in the logistics warehouse were left unused even when they were broken, and all sorts of equipment were chewed up by rats but were never used..."

Lu Zhao raised his voice slightly, interrupting, "If a flood occurs, this money, if not used properly, will just be a bloodbath. Do you want me to become the next Lü Jinshan?!"

The atmosphere froze.

Their eyes met, and for the first time, Lu Zhao and Zhang Like were locked in such a fierce confrontation.

Suddenly, they seemed less close than before.

Previously, Lu Zhao was Zhang Like's subordinate, and Zhang Like could support him if he wanted to do something outrageous.

Now Lu Zhao is the station chief of the border defense station. His decisions need to be followed by everyone, and his will affects everyone.

Zhang Like hasn't fully adjusted his attitude yet.

In the face of power, there is only hierarchy and respect; no room for sentimentality.

'It's my fault; I didn't understand my place.'

Lu Zhao suddenly realized that it wasn't just Zhang Like who hadn't adopted the right attitude; he himself hadn't either.

He said calmly and without a doubt, "Old Zhang, I am now the station chief of the border defense station."

The words, which sounded somewhat distant and even threatening, instantly dispelled half of the daze in Zhang Like's eyes, and he became completely sober.

Lu Zhaocai is the station chief of the border defense station, the top leader who hangs over everyone's heads.

Mo Kun used to be able to deduct two months' salary from Lu Zhao with just one sentence, but now he has no choice but to submit to Lu Zhao to survive.

He was no longer the lowly lieutenant he once was, someone anyone could kick around because of his position.

But everything changed too quickly, so quickly that Zhang Like couldn't keep up.

It seems like only yesterday that Lu Zhao was struggling with a normal military rank promotion. Lu Zhao was still one of my soldiers, and he needed my protection...

"..."

Zhang Like's mindset was stiffly shifting, just like at Lu Zhao's first banquet, when the officers poured wine for Lu Zhao and shouted out a title that determined his status.

"Yes, stationmaster." Lu Zhao sat upright in his seat, expressionless, a sense of loneliness rising in his heart.

Zhang Like is definitely not a bad person.

Lu Zhao remembered the first time he met Zhang Like. Because of Lü Jinshan, Zhang Like was very indifferent and basically acted in a businesslike manner.

The same was true for the next two years; he basically had no contact with Lu Zhao.

But compared to sycophants like Liang Fei, Zhang Like, as the company commander, showing indifference was already a form of goodwill.

Not taking sides against him is itself a dangerous act.

Later, Lu Zhao saved him, and Zhang Like immediately changed his attitude without caring about anything else. He not only helped him get the treatment of a non-commissioned officer, but also helped him climb to the position of platoon leader of a reinforced platoon.

The greatest benefactor Lu Zhao has ever encountered is not Lin Zhiyan, but Zhang Like.

He never imagined things would turn out this way. The two were sworn brothers, why bother being so particular?
But it's important to distinguish between them; otherwise, it will only harm Zhang Like.

If Lu Zhao remained powerless and insignificant, it wouldn't matter how he dealt with Zhang Like. Conversely, if one possessed power and influence, one would have to restrain one's subordinates, regardless of who those "subordinates" were.

Subordinates who cannot carry out their own will will only become a scourge to the organization.

It is wrong for a leader to disregard hierarchical distinctions and treat people based on personal relationships.

Lu Zhao suddenly had a premonition that if he continued to climb the ladder, he would one day become all alone.

The view of "standing at the summit and looking down on all the mountains" was destined to be witnessed by him alone.

'Perhaps Lao Zhang just needs some time to adjust; he'll catch up quickly.'

Lu Zhao, with such anticipation, softened his tone and said, "Old Zhang, I'm not asking you to be incorruptible, but everything should be done in moderation. The annual procurement budget is just over a million; if you take it all at once, you've crossed the line."

“If you only take 100,000 yuan and use it to buy all the necessary relief supplies, even if you are found out, it will only be a dereliction of duty at most. As long as I, the head of the border station, don’t want to get you into trouble, you will be fine.”

Zhao De is right; as long as he doesn't break the rules, it's unlikely he'll fall from grace because of a mistake.

"I was blinded by greed and almost fell for Mo Kun's trick."

Zhang Like seized the opportunity to ask, "Are you going to take care of Mo Kun?"

Lu Zhao replied noncommittally, "Let's see if he can withstand the test. If he fulfills his duties, then I won't touch him."

He doesn't expect everyone to be completely incorruptible; a poor official might be corrupt. Many officials initially run into problems not because of their own intentions.

Instead, they feel dissatisfied seeing people of lower status living well, which leads to the thought, 'Why can't I do the same?'

If an official is living frugally, then when a well-dressed businessman appears before him, right or wrong becomes irrelevant.

Lu Zhao believed that integrity should be the goal, not the starting point. Moving closer to the goal may involve compromises, but it's always better than doing nothing.

His goal is now clear: to kick out all those who don't obey.

No matter the rank of an official, all those wielding power are embroiled in conflict.

If you seize an opportunity, you should eliminate the enemy; otherwise, maintaining a temporary rapprochement is also a viable option.

This is what the teacher taught us: political compromise is inevitable, but compromise is just a truce.

Just like the management of the Yellow River, it is unrealistic to completely block it when a disaster occurs. The only feasible method is to build dikes and dredge the river at the same time.

The safest solution right now would be to take Mo Kun in as a dog, but he felt it was unnecessary.

Since Liang Fei and Mo Kun had no means to protect themselves in front of him, he naturally had to send them on their way.

There can only be one voice at a border post.

Zhang Like asked, "What if they find out?"

"Then let's go to a military court."

Lu Zhao's dark gray eyes were filled with coldness, and his voice was calm yet resolute:
“I don’t care who he is or what his background is. From now on, Ant Ridge Border Station will be an ironclad sentry that fully complies with federal regulations and is an impregnable fortress against the water monster.”

"The only answer I need is yes."

An overwhelming sense of fear welled up inside Zhang Like; he couldn't help but feel a little afraid of his brother.

Lu Zhao has never changed; the only change is that his voice has begun to be effectively conveyed by power.

(End of this chapter)