Nominal: Who isn't a son-in-law?

There was no tea or food on the table in front of the two of them.

These were all instructed by Li Dakang to ensure absolute safety.

Mr. Xu sat opposite him, his face flushed and his voice tinged with the smell of alcohol.

Since Li Dakang wasn't eating, he could only drink alcohol by himself. It was easier to say certain things when he was drunk.

He knew Li Dakang's concerns and was also aware that the other party's previous refusal and sudden acceptance of the invitation this time must have some hidden reason. He also knew that Zhu Yang and Zhang Yang had been arrested, and there was no guarantee that things wouldn't get out of hand and they wouldn't be able to withstand the interrogation.

Without much small talk, he got straight to the point, his tone tentative: "Secretary Li, I am honored that you would grace me with your presence. I apologize for the two previous unsolicited invitations. You have just arrived in Zhencheng to take charge of the work and are extremely busy. I am truly grateful that you could take the time to see me."

Li Dakang raised his head, crossed his knees, placed his hands on his lap, and stared sharply at Chairman Xu's face. He said in a calm tone, "Chairman Xu, there's no need for formalities. I have limited time. You've come to see me several times. Just say what you have to say."

As if oblivious to Li Dakang's aloofness, Chairman Xu took out a cigarette and gestured, "Secretary Li, I've heard you smoke and don't drink tea. Surely you'd do me the honor of having one?"

As he spoke, he got up to offer a cigarette.

Li Dakang immediately raised his hand to stop him, then took out his own Liqun cigarettes and lit one. "Thank you for your kindness, Chairman Xu, but your cigarettes are expensive and I don't like them. I prefer the cheaper ones because they're stronger."

Chairman Xu's face stiffened, but he sat back down without any embarrassment. He took out a cigarette, lit it, and said with a smile, "I was being presumptuous. Cheap is good; it represents integrity, after all."

After a few seconds of silence, he tentatively began, "Secretary Li, you've just arrived in Zhencheng, so you must know that Yuanzhong Group has been deeply rooted in Zhencheng for many years, especially the project in the Zhencheng New Area, which has always been a key project for our city. You're new here and need the strong support of companies right now. Yuanzhong Group is willing to step forward and share your burdens. I wonder if I have the honor?"

At this point, he leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice even further: "Secretary Li, our Yuanzhong Group has always been a law-abiding and good company. There may have been some misunderstanding before. We have been preparing for the land in the new district for a long time. If we delay any longer, I will not be able to explain it to the lower levels. Do you think you can be lenient? If you want to implement it, you can investigate as you please. I will cooperate fully and without hesitation."

The more he spoke, the louder his voice became, as if he were truly drunk. Slurring his words and patting his chest, he said, "As long as you can 'take care' of Yuanzhong Group in the new district's land bidding projects, allowing us to successfully acquire the core plots, you can ask for any subsequent benefits. Whether it's on a personal level or in your policy arrangements in Zhencheng, Yuanzhong Group will fully cooperate to ensure your achievements reach new heights..."

Li Dakang's fingers, which were holding a cigarette, suddenly stopped, and his eyes turned cold for a moment, but he did not immediately lash out. He simply said calmly, "Chairman Xu, the bidding process for land in the new district has clear rules and procedures. It is conducted in accordance with laws and regulations, and is fair and just. There is no such thing as 'favoritism'."

"I came to Zhencheng for the development of Zhencheng and for the benefit of the people, not for personal gain, and I would never do anything that violates discipline or the law. I think you've had too much to drink, so I'll pretend I didn't hear what you said for now."

Chairman Xu's smile remained unchanged, as if he had already anticipated Li Dakang's refusal. He changed the subject, his tone becoming subtly authoritative, and deliberately said, "Secretary Li, I understand your position and admire your integrity. But some things are not as simple as you think."

"I'm just a businessman, I've worked with many companies and dealt with quite a few people. One of them is the Nanyun Group in Tianhe District. They've invested a lot of money in this project, and if I don't produce results, I won't be able to explain myself. The Nanyun Group is fine, I have some connections with them, but if other companies withdraw their investment, wouldn't that cause you trouble?"

Li Dakang's pupils contracted. He even specifically mentioned Nanyun Group. Who doesn't know that the chairman's surname is Gu? This is a case of trying to coerce someone after failing to bribe them.

He immediately gave a cold laugh and said, "Can I understand, Chairman Xu, that you're threatening me?"

"Then let me tell you, I, Li Dakang, am not someone who fears power. Since I graduated and started working, until today, no one or no company has ever made me, Li Dakang, yield for profit or threats, or harm the interests of the people!"

"Oh, Secretary Li, you've misunderstood, haven't you?"

Chairman Xu's expression remained unchanged.

"In this land bidding for the new district, Gu Gu and I have reached a consensus that both of us intend to acquire the core plot. Secretary Li, you have just arrived in Zhencheng and your foundation is not yet stable. There is no need for you to go against the Gu family or us."

"If you were to leniently relinquish this project, it would not only be a tangible political achievement and benefit, but perhaps someone could also pave the way for you at the right time?"

"Although I'm a businessman, I also know that sometimes being too strict and insisting on following the 'rules' might not be good for future work!"

These words were a mix of persuasion and coercion, containing both enticement and threats.

As he spoke, he observed Li Dakang's expression, his eyes full of calculation, waiting to see if the other party wavered, wanting to see where his bottom line was.

Li Dakang sneered inwardly. When his attempts to bribe him failed, he used the Gu family's power to pressure him, hoping to get him to open up the bidding process for the new district and drag him into a vortex of interests.

Then he can say that the other party is overthinking it!

Even if it were Han Dong, before he had a new father-in-law, he would not have bowed his head, let alone now.

With his father-in-law's concern and Chu Shijun's care, and his beloved son and daughter who are over a year old, he has achieved success in both family and career, and his future is bright. As long as he makes achievements, goes further, and paves a good path for his children, he will have no regrets in this life. Why should he get involved in this mess?

"Chairman Xu, let me remind you again, I am the Party Secretary of Zhencheng City. I am only responsible to the organization and the people of Zhencheng. No matter who you are or what forces are behind you, no one can be above the law or discipline, nor can you interfere with normal government procedures."

"As for the Gu family,"

Li Dakang raised his eyes, his gaze sharp, fixed directly on Chairman Xu.

"All I know is that in Zhencheng, everything must be done according to the rules. Whether it's Gu Wangbei or you, Chairman Xu, as long as you operate in accordance with the law and participate in bidding in compliance with regulations, I welcome you with open arms. But if anyone tries to pull some tricks, tries to coerce or entice me, or tries to drag me into this mess, then don't blame me for being impolite."

Chairman Xu's smile finally faded. He hadn't expected Li Dakang to be so tough, unmoved by any temptations, and unafraid of the Gu family's power.

"Secretary Li, why are you so stubborn? A wise person knows when to yield. You've just arrived in Zhencheng, there's no need to push things to the extreme. Think it over again. As long as you nod your head, we can give you all the benefits and support. I'll also handle things with the Gu family; I will definitely not make things difficult for you."

"I know who your father-in-law is, but why would the Gu family be afraid?"

Li Dakang's expression remained unchanged. He raised his hand to stub out his cigarette, but didn't throw it away; instead, he held it in his hand, stood up, and pointed at Chairman Xu: "I'm in Zhencheng, and I'm waiting for you to make things difficult for me!"