In name only: I will break the chess game in Handong!

"Don't be too pessimistic, Director Qi. When you think you've reached a dead end, a new path will open up before you do."

Some things are unknown until they happen.

Once a pawn has crossed the river, who cares about its life or death unless it blocks the enemy's general?

Qi Tongwei shook his head after hearing this.

During their conversation, the two had reached the top floor of the provincial government building. As soon as they stepped out of the elevator, Liu Changsheng's secretary came to greet them.

"Secretary Chen, Director Qi, the Governor is already waiting for you in his office."

Chen Luo nodded, and soon the two arrived at the door of Governor Liu's office, guided by Governor Liu's secretary.

Chen Luo remained focused throughout.

He noticed that Qi Tongwei seemed unfamiliar with the location of Governor Liu's office, and immediately a guess formed in his mind.

In recent years, the one who may have been preventing Qi Tongwei from becoming a vice-provincial level official was none other than Governor Liu Changsheng!

Sure enough, as soon as he opened the door, Liu Changsheng's gaze fell only on Chen Luo, and his warm smile seemed to be reserved only for Chen Luo.

"Comrade Chen Luo, it's great to finally have time to sit down in my government building. You're an expert in economic development, and our Handong economy has been stagnant lately. I'm getting old, and my energy is really limited. I would be more than happy to have your guidance!"

"Governor Liu, you flatter me."

You are a witness to and builder of the reform and opening up.

Your experience far surpasses mine, which has only been in the job for a little over a decade. I should be the one coming to you to learn from your expertise.

The two immediately began praising each other upon meeting, as is the custom of "everyone carries a sedan chair with flowers."

"Hahaha, let's learn together, let's learn together! Quick, quick, sit down first, Comrade Chen Luo."

Governor Liu first pointed to the sofa opposite him, inviting Chen Luo to sit down. Finally, he looked up at Qi Tongwei, his smile fading slightly, and pointed to an office chair next to Chen Luo, saying, "Director Qi, please sit down and talk as well."

Such a difference in attitude is far too obvious.

Qi Tongwei wasn't stupid; he understood perfectly well that this was the result of the sins he had committed over the years.

He was so busy reporting to his teacher, Gao Yuliang, the deputy secretary of the provincial party committee and secretary of the political and legal affairs committee.

They completely disregarded the provincial government.

If Liu Changsheng hadn't wanted to avoid a complete falling out with Gao Yuliang, he probably would have already suggested someone else to replace Qi Tongwei at the Standing Committee meeting.

The only reason Qi Tongwei was allowed to sit down and speak was because Chen Luo is now the Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission.

The atmosphere became noticeably awkward.

Chen Luo's gaze fell on Qi Tongwei.

"Director Qi, since you're here to report on your work, why don't you first report to Governor Liu on the achievements of your public security system during this period, and also tell Governor Liu about the problems you've encountered, so that he can make a decision?"

With Chen Luo offering a way out, Qi Tongwei stood up abruptly, straightened his posture, and stepped forward to hand the documents in his hand to Governor Liu.

"Governor Liu, please take a look first..."

Governor Liu glanced at Chen Luo first, and after seeing Chen Luo smile and nod, Governor Liu took the document and began to read it.

After Governor Liu put down the documents in his hand, Qi Tongwei gave Governor Liu a detailed report, just as he had given Chen Luo.

"Yes, Director Qi, the Provincial Public Security Department has indeed achieved some results recently under the instructions of Comrade Chen Luo."

Your report was very timely, especially regarding the more than 500 undocumented immigrants from other parts of Africa who were spreading the HIV virus; the CDC likely had no record of such cases.

If they continue to hide in Handong, it could have extremely negative consequences and threaten the physical and mental health of the people.

Regarding your question about illegal immigrants who are already in common-law marriages, I can reply to you now.

"Without nationality or legal documentation, they will be resolutely repatriated according to relevant regulations!"

"Understood, Governor Liu, I'll make the arrangements right away."

Knowing that he was not favored by Governor Liu, Qi Tongwei took the initiative to make room for Chen Luo and Governor Liu after he finished his work report.

Sure enough, after hearing Qi Tongwei say that, Governor Liu finally gave Qi Tongwei a knowing smile.

"Okay, then you go and make it happen."

............................................................

The real meeting between Governor Liu and Chen Luo only began after Qi Tongwei left.

"Comrade Chen Luo, you dared to use Qi Tongwei to rectify the public security system as soon as you arrived in Handong. To be honest, I think it was a bit too risky. Qi Tongwei, as the director of the Public Security Bureau, is capable. After all, he was a drug-fighting hero who was shot three times back then."

However, his lifestyle and work style over the years have generally been problematic.

Governor Liu's words were full of substance, without beating around the bush with Chen Luo.

Chen Luo nodded without denying it.

"Governor Liu, you are a veteran with more than ten years of experience in Handong. Your understanding of Qi Tongwei is definitely clearer than mine, the newly transferred Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission."

Indeed, Qi Tongwei has his problems, and if I had the time, I wouldn't consider him.

Upon hearing Chen Luo's words, Governor Liu immediately understood.

"So that's the reason."

I knew it! You're a master at developing the economy.

How could the organization just casually transfer you to the position of Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission?

So it was just a temporary measure. No wonder you said you didn't have time to replace Qi Tongwei. The newly appointed Public Security Bureau Chief couldn't possibly take control of the Handong Public Security system in less than three to five months. In that light, using Qi Tongwei was a last resort.

"Governor Liu has a discerning eye!"

However, Qi Tongwei, the director of the Public Security Bureau, always carried out my work requirements without fail.

It actually suits us quite well; it was an unexpected surprise.

"If used well, it can be a sharp blade!"

It now seems that Comrade Chen Luo not only possesses outstanding economic development capabilities, but also demonstrates remarkable and unassuming skill in managing subordinates!

Chen Luo didn't respond to that.

"Governor Liu is joking. When Minister Hao Yi called me, he said that your old classmate is truly good at using people and developing the province. Governor Liu, you have definitely put in a lot of effort to make Handong the fourth largest economic province in the country."

"Did that old bastard Hao Yi really say that on the phone?"

Liu Changsheng was clearly more interested in this sentence.

"Time flies so fast."

Both Hao Yi and I are graduates of Renmin University.

He and I were roommates, sharing a bunk bed. We started working in the same year, and now we're retiring in the same year.

He asked me to look after you in Handong.

Now it seems, Comrade Chen Luo, you don't need my help, an old comrade who is about to retire.

You yourself are the midday sun!

Upon hearing this, Chen Luo could only force a smile. After all, there was a difference in their ranks. Governor Liu could tease Minister Hao Yi, but Chen Luo didn't have the ability to interrupt.

It was already 11 a.m. when Chen Luo and Liu Changsheng came out of the provincial government building. Their conversation covered a wide range of topics, especially the part where Liu Changsheng revealed to Chen Luo that the organization had asked him for his opinion on recommending a candidate for the next governor of Handong Province. And the person Governor Liu recommended was someone Chen Luo could never have imagined...

(Guess who it is? If you guess right, I'll add an extra chapter.)