In name only: The land of Handong, I shall rule its fate.

Director Xiao nodded.

Online platforms do have some features that local governments do need as internet technology develops.

But Lin Zhiyuan was dishonest.

The National Development and Reform Commission can invest in a company under the guise of special funds or capital injection from ministries. But isn't that just giving the company a prestigious brand name? With the name of a ministry involved, how can other provinces not buy it?

Thinking about this...

Director Xiao glared at Lin Zhiyuan again, thinking that there were just too many unorthodox methods out there.

But I must say...

Director Xiao was indeed tempted.

What he was optimistic about wasn't the project itself, but the company's prospects. If there was a highly profitable project under Lin Zhiyuan's leadership, couldn't there be a second one?

If it's truly a one-way development, then Lin Zhiyuan is being incredibly inconsiderate and disrespectful to his former boss.

It's not impossible for a woman's family to become her enemies.

"What stage is this project at? How long until it officially launches?"

Director Xiao asked as usual.

"Forehead…"

Lin Zhiyuan was unusually embarrassed, and awkwardly scratched his head, "The company was just registered, the project team was just recruited, and the initial planning was completed."

"You son of a bitch..."

Director Xiao nearly flew into a rage and smashed the teacup over Lin Zhiyuan's head.

Simply put, it's just a PowerPoint presentation.

How is this any different from fraud?

However, in the end, Lin Zhiyuan still managed to get the approval for 200 billion yuan, had lunch, and then happily went to the Basic Department and Investment Department in the afternoon to finalize everything.

The car drove out of the compound.

"Governor Zhiyuan, I don't understand."

After remaining silent all day, Li Dakang spoke again, "Did Director Xiao really approve 20 billion yuan for us just because of the online platform project?"

"Because that 20 billion was originally intended for Handong."

Lin Zhiyuan smiled and said, "The ministry will prepare a gift for each cadre who goes down to the grassroots."

"I'm just a bit greedy."

"That's a bit too much."

"We needed project approval and money, so the extra amount was replaced."

"As for why the director agreed, it's because he judged that I wouldn't let him suffer a loss."

Lin Zhiyuan's words were very calm.

But Li Dakang sensed an unwavering confidence in his words, just as he had when he arrived in Jinshan County years ago and was certain he could change the county's impoverished state.

But his plate was too small compared to Lin Zhiyuan's.

Li Dakang fell silent again, his thoughts unknown.

"Just stop on the side of the road up ahead."

Lin Zhiyuan wasn't interested in asking any more questions and simply said, "Secretary Dakang, please do as you please. We'll be going back the day after tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Governor Zhiyuan."

Li Dakang nodded in agreement, watching Lin Zhiyuan walk casually down the street, getting further and further away.

Is spending one more day really just to be with his wife and children?

Li Dakang shook his head.

He didn't believe it.

But he couldn't possibly spy on Lin Zhiyuan's actions.

"Secretary Li, where do we go next?"

"I asked the driver."

Li Dakang took out his phone, his gaze fixed on the message that had been sent, and said a location.

Twenty minutes later.

Li Dakang walked into a simple yet sophisticated courtyard house, and with each step he took, his sharp edge dissipated.

"Old boss, it's been a long time."

Li Dakang wore a respectful yet courteous smile, his head slightly bowed, showing utmost respect to the square-faced old man before him.

"Dakang, don't be so polite here. Make yourself at home."

"Please sit down quickly."

Zhao Lichun pulled Li Dakang to sit down close together on the sofa. They didn't look like a leader and his former secretary, but more like a father and son.

He's at least more like Zhao Ruilong.

"Dakang!"

Zhao Lichun looked at his trusted confidant, whom he had personally cultivated. Among all the secretaries, Li Dakang was undoubtedly the most accomplished and the one who had learned the most from him. His gaze was intense, and without much pretense, he went straight to the point: "In Handong, Liu Kaihe and Liu Xinjian have fallen from power one after another. Former provincial party secretary Liao Zhiping and discipline inspection secretary Wan Yu have been transferred. Provincial party secretary Qiu Baili has been transferred to the association ahead of schedule."

"Will this pool of water in Handong devour people?"

Zhao Lichun's eyes revealed deep fatigue; he had been under even more pressure lately.

Because Lin Zhiyuan protected Zhao Ruilong's safety, it meant that the principles had not been broken, and some people became even more unscrupulous.

"Handong doesn't eat people, but people do eat people."

Li Dakang shook his head. "Unfortunately, we are all insiders and cannot see through the killing moves outside the chessboard."

"It was only with the arrival of Governor Zhiyuan and the appointment of Sha Ruijin that things gradually became clear."

"But whether what we see is the truth or just a small part peeking through the fog remains a question."

Li Dakang smiled bitterly, yet he was powerless to do anything about it.

"Dakang, what's your opinion?"

Zhao Lichun inquired.

This former secretary and student is now a high-ranking official, and now that he's working with Lin Zhiyuan, he might be able to see things from angles that Lin Zhiyuan can't.

"I'd like to hear what the former leader has to say first."

This time, Li Dakang didn't give an answer, but instead stared directly at the other person.

"good!"

Zhao Lichun was slightly taken aback, but quickly regained his composure. "Several groups of people have their eyes on the Dao Fruit that I and Handong have borne."

For some, the position of vice president in an association does not represent real power.

But from the perspective of the overall situation, no deputy position is a mere figurehead.

The Dao Fruit he possesses is only half a fruit. If someone were to take it and then seize the other half of the Dao Fruit from Handong, they might be able to combine the two and surpass his current self.

Even if it's not from one company.

That would be enough to raise two deputy-level officials, enough to ensure the prosperity of their respective families for decades, until the next generation grows up.

"I have two families I've identified: one is led by Sha Ruijin's father-in-law, and the other is the Zhang family behind Tian Guofu. They've even formed an alliance."

Zhao Lichun said in a tone of certainty.

"Has the old leader ever considered that the root of the problem isn't Handong or Daoguo, but rather yourself?"

Li Dakang asked bluntly.

"You mean Xiaohui's in-laws?"

Zhao Lichun frowned. He had thought of this and even made arrangements for it.

As for Zhao Ruilong's affairs, they're not even worth mentioning.

No! It was yourself.

Li Dakang corrected him.

"I?"

Zhao Lichun's pupils trembled.

"I didn't expect it at first, but Governor Zhiyuan's actions of cleaning the house made me understand something."

"Even though the higher-ups have repeatedly changed personnel in Handong, the Zhao family's influence in Handong is still too great."

"With me here, and with Secretary Yuliang here."

"You served as governor of Handong for eight years and provincial party secretary for ten years, and you promoted Secretary Liao to the position. Now you want to promote Secretary Yuliang as well."

"He directly and indirectly controlled Handong for more than 20 years."

"Old leader, are you really not treating Handong as your property anymore?"

"This is so similar to my situation with Secretary Yuliang back in Luzhou, or even worse. Don't have a violent conflict with your superiors; that's a major taboo in officialdom."

"You were the one who taught me this principle back then."