Nominal: Starting with an entrance exam for a PhD in Economics at Peking University

"Oh? What's wrong? Sit down and tell me slowly."

Xiao Luo didn't dare to sit down, but kept his head down, his voice even more cautious than yesterday: "County Chief Qi, I'm sorry... I was too nervous yesterday, and I didn't answer many of the questions you asked clearly, and there may have been some omissions. After I got home, I thought about it carefully and felt that there were some things I should report to you."

Qi Tongwei didn't delve into whether he had truly "forgotten due to nervousness," but simply nodded slightly, signaling him to continue: "Then tell me."

Luo Xuejun took a deep breath and lowered his voice, almost as if whispering: "It's mainly... about County Chief Yi. I heard some... rumors and gossip, but because I didn't know if they were true or false, and I was afraid of misleading you, I didn't dare to mention it yesterday."

"What rumors?" Qi Tongwei leaned forward slightly, showing a listening posture.

Anyone who has worked within the system understands that so-called "rumors" or "gossip" are often just the truth of the matter disguised in an "unofficial" guise.

It's like when you see a sign that says "No Fishing" by a deep pond, but there are no railings or guards. It usually doesn't mean you're really not allowed to fish, but rather: "You can fish, but if something happens, you're responsible for the consequences."

The same goes for rumors.

“I heard,” Luo Xuejun carefully chose his words, “that County Chief Yi’s former backer was Fei Lianzhang, the former executive deputy minister of the Provincial Party Committee’s Organization Department. And Minister Fei… and Zhao Lichun, the current Standing Committee member of our Handong Province and secretary of the Jingzhou Municipal Party Committee, are… political enemies.”

Qi Tongwei's gaze sharpened slightly. This explained it. Yi Xuexi and Li Dakang were about the same age, and Yi Xuexi's position at the beginning of his career even slightly surpassed Li Dakang's, all because of his connections in the Organization Department.

It should be understood that although both the county party secretary and the county head are at the level of a full-fledged department head, the difference in their power, status, and development prospects is far from insignificant.

The only students admitted to the Central Party School, besides high-ranking provincial and ministerial-level cadres and theoretical backbones in specific fields, are county party secretaries, which is enough to illustrate its special nature.

However, when a road accident occurred in Jinshan County, Yi Xuexi stepped forward to "take the blame" and was removed from his post as secretary and demoted to county head. This logic is somewhat far-fetched.

If it was a normal work mistake or someone taking responsibility voluntarily, given Li Dakang's subsequent rise in power and the common practice of "returning favors" in officialdom, why wouldn't he lend a hand to his former partner who had "taken the fall"? That would not conform to basic political ethics and reputation considerations.

"So, what's the situation with Minister Fei now?" Qi Tongwei pressed.

Luo Xuejun's expression was complicated, and his voice was almost inaudible: "Minister Fei... was placed under investigation a few years ago."

Everything suddenly became clear. The so-called "taking the blame" was nothing more than a relatively respectable cover-up after a political struggle failed, leaving behind a reputation for "taking responsibility."

The real root of the problem lies in the fact that the powerful backer has fallen and the opponent has gained the upper hand.

As a former member of the "Fei faction," Yi Xuexi was naturally implicated and suppressed.

Li Dakang, with his self-preservationist nature, would neither be willing nor dare to strongly recommend someone whose political faction wants to suppress.

Qi Tongwei carefully recalled fragments of his past life memories.

Overall, Yi Xuexi's image later became more positive. Despite being suppressed for so many years, he did not seem to succumb to despair or give up, but instead worked diligently, genuinely contributing to the local community and upholding the bottom line of integrity.

Whether it was because the Zhao family was watching him and he dared not overstep his bounds, or it was his nature—"judging by actions, not intentions"—he did indeed do something worthwhile.

As for Sha Ruijin's later arrival, his precise political opportunism based on his years of accumulated grassroots experience and a map and a bag of tea clearly showed that he saw through Sha Ruijin's mission in Handong.

Qi Tongwei found this to be perfectly reasonable.

Politicians are not saints. In the turbulent political arena of Handong, it is already a rare feat to maintain a relatively clean record and seize opportunities.

In his past life, Yi Xuexi was one of the few officials in the murky waters of Handong who he considered decent.

Looking back now, the reason why Yi Xuexi was almost a "lone minister" in Daokou County lies in this.

His integrity and pragmatism may have initially been driven by circumstances or self-protection, but if a person can maintain this attitude for more than ten or even decades, then what is fake becomes real. If he pretends for a lifetime, then that is his true nature.

Qi Tongwei raised his head and looked calmly at Luo Xuejun: "Is there anything else you want to add?"

Luo Xuejun hesitated for a moment, then continued, "Also... I didn't tell you everything about Director Luo Xiangdong of the County Government Office yesterday."

"Well, you said."

"Director Luo used to be the deputy mayor of Chengguan Town, but he was never very successful. It was only after County Chief Yi came that he found him to be reliable in his work, so he promoted him to the position of director of the county government office. Also, his son, Luo Liping, joined the army a few years ago and I heard that he might be discharged this year. Moreover... he is already engaged to the daughter of Deputy Director Liu of the County Finance Bureau."

Qi Tongwei gave Luo Xuejun a deep look. He didn't comment on what Luo Xuejun had said, but simply said gently, "Xiao Luo, I need your help with something. Go buy me some envelopes and stamps, and pick out some nice postcards with Luzhou characteristics or local scenery from Daokou."

Upon hearing this, Luo Xuejun's face instantly lit up with a look of relief and joy, and he quickly nodded, "Yes, County Chief Qi! I'll take care of it right away!"

After he left the office and gently closed the door, he leaned against the corridor wall, let out a long sigh, and felt that his back was a little sweaty.

When a leader is willing to let him handle this somewhat private task, it is usually a sign of acceptance and recognition.

It seems we barely made it through this hurdle.

He didn't dare to delay, so he immediately ran downstairs, found a public phone, and called an old classmate who worked at the county post office, asking him to reserve some good-quality and unique postcards and stamps for him.

Inside the office, Qi Tongwei gently shook his head and smiled.

It seems that Luo Xiangdong, Luo's father who is the vice president of the county hospital, or his cousin who is the director of the government office, gave him quite a lecture last night.

Today's "supplementary report" can barely be considered a "pledge of allegiance," although the content may not be very secretive, the attitude has been made clear.

His post is only a short-term temporary assignment, and the requirements for "correspondents" are not high. The main job is to run errands, make contacts, and familiarize themselves with the situation.

Since the other party has taken the initiative to offer their "pledge of allegiance" and express their willingness to get closer, let's use them for now.

If we switch to another one, who knows what powerful figures are behind him? He might not even be as good as this young man from the county town who at least has some family traditions and knows some rules.

Anyway, I won't completely trust him.

Don't be too picky about disposable towels.

Chapter 63 A Day in the Life of a Top Second-Generation Heir in Handong

At 8:00 a.m. sharp, Liang Jin (Liang Qunfeng's son and Liang Lu's second brother) arrived at the office of the Retired Cadres Bureau of Handong Province on time.

The Provincial Bureau of Veteran Cadres is under the management of the Provincial Party Committee's Organization Department, and he always arrives at work on time.

At 8:20, he quietly left his workplace and went to the executive suite of the Hilton Jingzhou Hotel to begin his day of sleep.

Of course, his reason for going out was to visit and comfort retired cadres.

The doorman clearly recognized him and respectfully led him to the private elevator, which took him directly to the executive floor suite he had booked long-term.

A young master from a coal mining group in Handong has been booking this executive suite for a long time, but he has never set foot in the room.

Liang Jin had always been "borrowing" the place.

The Hilton Jingzhou, which opened two years ago, represents the city's latest standard of luxury.

Thick blackout curtains completely block out daylight, Egyptian cotton bedding is soft and skin-friendly, and central air conditioning maintains constant temperature and humidity.

Liang Jin took off her coat and threw herself onto the soft bed, almost instantly overwhelmed by weariness and comfort.

This is what life should be like! Compared to the dull, miserable days in the prison system a few years ago, this is heaven.

At 5 p.m., his biological clock woke him up precisely on time.

I took a hot shower, changed into another set of neat casual clothes, and tidied my hair in front of the mirror.

Looking at his face in the mirror, which was slightly pale from long hours of working at night but still handsome thanks to careful maintenance, Liang Jin raised an eyebrow in satisfaction.

All of them, including the siblings, are good-looking.

Arriving at the underground garage, he pressed the key, and a brand-new red Porsche Boxster (986) flashed its lights.

It was also "lent" to him by that son of a coal mine owner.

These nouveau riche bought many cars, but couldn't drive them all, so we had to condescend to help them break them in.

It's been two years since I started using it, from 0 kilometers to now, but unfortunately it's still not at its best, so I have to keep going.

Don't look down on them. Even with this much money, many people would love to borrow it but can't!

In mainland cities in the late 1990s, such a stylish and powerful sports car would undoubtedly be the most eye-catching sight on the street.

Liang Jin sat in the low-ceilinged cockpit, enjoying the comfort of the leather seats, and casually picked up a brand-new Nokia phone from the passenger seat.

He paused for a moment before dialing.

KTV? A bit too much. Clubs? Too quiet. Let's go to a nightclub instead. Lots of people, lively, and the decadent atmosphere can make you forget your troubles for a while.

The call connected, and a young man's deliberately lowered, obsequious voice came from the other end: "Brother Jin, have you rested well? What are the plans for tonight? The brothers are all waiting!"

"Crown Nightclub, the usual place," Liang Jin said lazily. "Arrange some 'good stuff' for me. Don't try to fool me with those sluts who smell like prostitutes this time."

"Don't worry, Brother Jin!" the other person immediately assured, "I personally screened them this time, they are definitely real college students! I checked their student IDs, and I even found a set of senior high school math papers for them to do on the spot, it's guaranteed to be real! Two of them were quite good at solving the problems!"

Liang Jin laughed and cursed, "Damn, you've got some skills now! Okay, I'll be there in a bit."

After hanging up the phone, he put on a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses and started the engine. The Porsche's deep roar echoed in the underground parking garage, attracting the attention of several hotel staff members in the distance.

A smug smile appeared on Liang Jin's lips as she lightly pressed the accelerator, and the car shot off like an arrow.

As we drove onto the street, the lights of Jingzhou were just coming on in the evening.

The Porsche's abundant power and precise handling, the engine's hum with each gear shift, and the curious, envious, and even jealous glances from passersby all stimulated Liang Jin's senses like drugs.

He deliberately changed lanes and accelerated frequently on roads with light traffic, enjoying the feeling of other vehicles giving way.

However, amidst this familiar excitement and sense of control, a lingering gloom stubbornly remained in his heart—his father, Liang Qunfeng, would be retiring completely from the front line in just a few years.

Everything he enjoys now—this Hilton suite, this Porsche, the henchmen and women at his beck and call, even the weight of his words in the circle—is merely a byproduct of the power Liang Qunfeng wields.

He only has the right to use it, not the right to own it.

Moreover, the usage rights are about to expire.

Once the old man retires to the second line and his influence begins to decline, his "status in the martial arts world" will inevitably plummet.

Once the old man retires completely, his followers will scatter like leaves in the wind. How many of those people who are currently surrounding him will still be left? Those extravagant luxuries that he "borrowed" will probably have to be "returned" one by one.

Just thinking about it made his heart tighten and his mind become extremely agitated.

He instinctively slammed on the gas pedal, and the engine roared even more violently, as if trying to shake off that lingering worry completely.

The entrance to the Crown Nightclub was brightly lit and flashed with neon lights.

Liang Jin parked the Porsche in the most conspicuous spot by the main entrance without any hesitation, casually tossed the car keys to the doorman who rushed over, and walked into the elevator with an air of nonchalance under the watchful eyes of everyone present.

The exclusive suite on the top floor was enormous and decorated with the utmost luxury: a huge crystal chandelier, a marble floor that gleamed like a mirror, genuine leather European-style sofas, a large-screen rear-projection TV playing Hong Kong MTV, and even a standard snooker table in the corner.

In the late 1990s, private entertainment rooms of this size and class were considered top-tier in Handong.

Liang Jin first had someone bring him "breakfast," which was indeed breakfast, because his "day" had just begun.

Exquisite Cantonese dim sum, steaming abalone and shredded chicken congee, and imported fruit platters filled the mahogany round table.

He ate slowly and deliberately, while his followers stood beside him, reporting on some trivial anecdotes.

After the meal, the real "show" began.

Several henchmen led seven or eight young girls in single file.

They do indeed mostly have a student-like air about them, with pretty faces and deliberately dressed in a pure and innocent style, but there is a hint of nervousness, curiosity, or eagerness in their eyes.