Uncle Shazhu, a simple-minded man in a courtyard house, persuades people with reason.

He Ping'an's words were laughable, but this was the current situation for high-ranking Kuomintang officials... much like underground Communist Party comrades infiltrating government departments in Nanjing, their identities extremely well-hidden. It was precisely because of their integrity that they were discovered by spies.

A beam of light shines into the iron tower, revealing the filth and depravity within, and thus the light becomes sinful.

If Zheng Chaoyang were still the former squad leader, with a lowly status and little attention, that would be fine. But now he's the deputy director of the Beiping branch, which is enough to make even the most cunning gangsters and opportunistic members pay attention to his life.

He's honest and upright, doesn't gamble or womanize, and Zheng Chaoyang will be exposed sooner or later! While He Ping'an's plan to rescue Hongxiu was indeed impulsive, it was something he had planned beforehand. It was just a matter of choosing the right person!

"No...no, this..." Zheng Chaoyang stammered, usually quite talkative, unsure of what to say. Finally, in a defiant struggle, he pleaded, "Do you really have to forcibly take it?"

He Ping'an glared at Zheng Chaoyang with annoyance. "Nonsense, you're a bullying, opportunistic scoundrel. Wouldn't it be befit your status not to take advantage of Cui Liu Yuan's misfortune?"

Worried that Zheng Chaoyang might feel guilty, He Ping'an softened his tone and patiently explained.

"Don't worry about discipline... I won't make you do anything in bed. Just tell everyone she's a younger sister you've adopted!"

Zheng Chaoyang was still skeptical. "Sister...sister? Is this alright?"

"Of course, as long as you're assertive when you're taking her away, and act a bit too eager towards the girl, do you think those thugs at the police station will believe you're just adopting a younger sister? They'll just say, 'You, Deputy Director Zheng, really know how to play the game!' They might even praise you for your romantic flair!"

He Ping'an had some knowledge in his previous life. Once those people decided that you were one of their kind, they would think that way even if you worshipped Buddha!

To paraphrase a common saying... everything looks dirty to people with heart conditions!

He Ping'an had been talking for a while, but seeing that Zheng Chaoyang was still trying to dawdle, he was furious.

"Have I ever cheated you in all this time? What's there to be so hung up on!"

He Ping'an wasn't just making things up. Ever since he acquired the wealthy merchants of Beiping last year, he had put a lot of effort into cultivating Zheng Chaoyang, this hidden talent...

Aside from Luo Chengjun's responsibility for selecting a suitable scapegoat, the rest—the secrecy of the contacts and the gradual bribery—was all handled by He Ping'an himself, with him personally disguising himself to ensure the plan's top-secret nature!

It was incredibly hard work!

Upon hearing this, Zheng Chaoyang gave an awkward smile and raised a thumb to the gossipy man.

"That's right! Master He is a man of his word, skilled in both literature and martial arts! You are the one! I'll have someone keep an eye on Hongxiu's matter tomorrow. As soon as the He family makes any move, I'll take action!"

"Hmm, that's more like it!" He Ping'an nodded in satisfaction, then turned to ask about the police station.

"You're the deputy director of the branch office now. Have you been involved in taking bribes within the police station? Have you been bribed or given protection money by brothels, casinos, opium dens, gangs, smugglers, and other shady businesses?"

Zheng Chaoyang stood up and gave a solemn salute:

"Report: Regarding the apportionments, monetary gifts, and those shady dealings, I'm following the same old rules. I'll take exactly what the previous deputy director took. Once I receive them, I'll strictly follow your instructions, record them, and submit them to the relevant departments for future funding."

He Pingan chuckled and waved his hand, "Relax, I believe in your loyalty to the Party! Asking these questions isn't an investigation or a warning!" After a moment's thought, He Pingan informed Zheng Chaoyang of his future tasks.

"With your qualifications and background, deputy director is the highest you can go. Even if you spend all your time soaking in a pool of blood and your hands are stained with the blood of our comrades, you'll still just be an executioner!"

Therefore, the mission to arrest "Communists" is temporarily over. From now on, we will focus on vertical expansion, building connections and using them for our own benefit!

He Ping'an's plan was simple: he wanted Zheng Chaoyang to learn from Lui Lok of Hong Kong and Kowloon, to use power to amass wealth and wealth to consolidate power, and to have influence over both the legal and illegal worlds!

Of course, the social relationships in Beiping are far more complex than those in Hong Kong and Kowloon. Zheng Chaoyang certainly can't reach Lei Luo's level, but he's confident he can become a know-it-all.

Zhao Chaoyang scratched his head, "Sir, this... I've never done anything like this before. Could you give me some advice?"

He Ping'an made no attempt to hide his disdain. "First, wipe out the businesses your predecessor, the deputy director, was in charge of, arrest people and confiscate their property. Then find a few obedient agents to take over those businesses and amass wealth!"

Zheng Chaoyang asked with some concern, "What about the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics? My sudden lukewarm attitude in arresting Communists might arouse suspicion from the spies?"

He Ping'an had already planned for this.

"No! Hand over all the confiscated goods and assets to your backer in the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics. Just say you were terrified by the Communist Party's ambush a while ago and want to beg him for a way out!"

There are many people like this in the Bureau of Secrecy. As long as you're "sensible" enough, no one will make things difficult for you! Then, give all the illicit money you've collected to your bureau chief and surrender. Show him that you'll follow his lead in all matters of the bureau from now on, and that you're only interested in making money!

"Hmm!" Zheng Chaoyang nodded thoughtfully, then turned around and asked shyly about making money.

In the Republic of China era, or indeed in many other periods of Chinese history, as long as one held sufficient power, no difficulty was insurmountable. For example… accumulating wealth…

"First, target those who engage in shady dealings, those with small backgrounds or even those affiliated with gangs, and swallow them up directly. If they disobey, confiscate their property and kill them! Once you have the start-up capital, go into legitimate industries with high staff turnover, such as restaurants and hotels."

Remember, whether it's legal or illegal, as long as it's business, you must bring in your backers in the Security Bureau and your director! When the time is right, try to get them, or even more people, involved in some smuggling business!

In short, they'll do anything to monetize their power! The more people they win over, the better; the more people, the bigger the business; and the bigger the business, the more people they can gather—it's like a snowball rolling downhill!

If there's a "penetration guy" in Northeast China, it's reasonable for another one like him to snowball in Beiping (Beijing).

"I've already instructed Lao Luo to evacuate all comrades who know your identity from Beiping. From now on, you'll maintain single-line contact with Lao Luo! Comrade, take care!"

After arranging everything, He Ping'an patted Zheng Chaoyang on the shoulder and handed him back to Luo Chengjun.

Bai Ling goes abroad to study, Lou Xiaohui's wedding is postponed, the He family is temporarily at peace, Zheng Chaoyang returns, and Luo Chengjun, who will encounter a traitor in the future, will still be able to leave the city smoothly, just like in the original drama. It's time for him to strive for his future...

Having been reborn, familiar with history and the plot, and possessing a cheat code, He Ping'an has returned to normal. Although he always puts on a humble and cautious appearance, only he knows how sincere he truly is.

Often, he harbored the mindset of a time traveler, looking down upon all living beings from a superior position. The study abroad incident was a complete wake-up call for He Ping'an…

He was still just a mortal!