Da Qi thought to himself: These three methods for dealing with Sun Changfa shouldn't be known to Han Meng and Teacher Xiao Ying. At least not to them for now. Because if Sun Changfa finds out someone is trying to do this to him, he will retaliate. He's a high-ranking official, with many connections and resources. If he retaliates, I might suffer losses too. This "big snake" is indeed difficult to deal with. Even if I use "money to bribe the gods" to bring him down, it will cost a fortune. It's truly "killing ten thousand enemies while injuring seven thousand of my own!" But the opponent is a high-ranking official, while I'm just an ordinary citizen or a student. Bringing him down would be a major victory! I must bring Sun Changfa down. Why? Because the woman he's targeting is Han Meng. Who is Han Meng? She's my woman, and I'm her man. How can I, as her man, not protect her? For my woman, I'd even risk my life; what's a little money compared to that? At worst, I won't go to university. Even if I go back to being a designer, I can still live a carefree life in Rongzhou! My name, Tong Daqi, is still a well-known name in the interior design industry! Sun Changfa, Sun Changfa, if you don't mess with Han Meng, I won't bother with you. But if you try to reach for Han Meng, then I won't be polite! I'm determined to bring you down, at least to make you step down or ruin your reputation! No, at least to make you step down, and preferably to send that scumbag to jail!
Daqi stayed at Han Meng's house for a while, then said goodbye to Han Meng and Xiaoying and drove to find Qianru and Chunxiao. Chunxiao had already arranged to meet "Qian Tongshen" that evening. Daqi arrived at Chunxiao's house first; Qianru was already there. As soon as he arrived, Daqi asked Chunxiao, "Sister, will 'Qian Tongshen' come?" Chunxiao smiled slightly and said, "If there's money to be made, why wouldn't he come? He needs to eat too, of course. And of course, he's more arrogant than the provincial party secretary." The three sat on the sofa in the living room and chatted.
Daqi: "How many would it take to satisfy him?"
Chunxiao: "He'll raise the price tonight. You rascal, just consider it a good deed. Getting someone like Sun Changfa out of office is doing something beneficial for the people, it's a good deed!"
Da Qi sighed and said, "Han Meng is my woman. I only dealt with Sun Changfa for my own sake. Otherwise, I have no grudge against him, so there's no point in messing with him. I'm not someone who claims to be a gentleman, nor do I have such a strong sense of 'serving the people.' I'm just an ordinary citizen, and towards the masses, I 'seek no merit, only to avoid mistakes.' Heh, this 'serving the people' thing is better left to civil servants."
Section Reading 259
Let those who live off the government do it.
Qianru: "That makes sense. We should just live our own lives. But I'm happy to have gotten rid of people like Sun Changfa."
Chunxiao: "Oh dear, in about half a month, the seven of us women—the ones you kicked out of the house—will be living together again. Jia Ran has brought over all the keys. Our eldest sister, Qi Wen, said she's going to throw a celebratory banquet. Aren't you happy?"
Daqi chuckled and said, "As a man, I haven't handled this matter well, and I'm truly sorry to all of you. If I had known, I would have had you live separately from the beginning. You won't blame me, will you?"
Chunxiao said to Daqi, "We're an old married couple, what's there to hate? We all understand how you feel. Lijie will be going back to Rongzhou the day after tomorrow, so she'll stay with me for now."
Daqi nodded and said, "We must all stay together. What else can I say? If any of you seven want to buy something, just tell me and I will definitely deliver it to you."
Qianru chuckled and said, "I knew it, you can't let us go. The three of us have been together for so many years, and Chunxiao and I got together with you even before Qiwen did."
Daqi nodded and said, "Time flies! Thank you both so much for your kind words. I am so grateful!" The three chatted for a while longer before driving to the West Lake Hotel. Chunxiao had already arranged to meet "Qian Tongshen" in room 402 of the West Lake Hotel.
According to Chunxiao, "Qian Tongshen" is extremely punctual. He's never a minute early or late for an appointment. For example, if he arranges to meet someone at 9:30 PM, he will never appear at the designated location at 9:29 or 9:31 PM; he will always be there at 9:30 PM. He also has high standards for his clients; if someone is more than five minutes late, he will refuse their business. Even if you are a provincial party secretary or a high-ranking official, he won't give you a second glance if you're late. Powerful people naturally have tempers, and who can blame them when they have power? Everyone is asking him for favors, paying him to do things. If he doesn't give you face, no matter how much money you offer, he won't listen to you! In short, Tong Daqi felt that "Qian Tongshen" was a very mysterious "江湖人物" (a figure from the martial arts world), somewhat like a "professional swordsman" in a wuxia novel. He was more like a "professional assassin" or "professional thief." Chunxiao also warned Daqi not to ask his name, address, or age. In short, the moment you see him, talk business. If you ask him all sorts of questions, he won't take your business. He also has conditions: you must answer his questions. If you don't answer, he won't take your business either.
Daqi was deeply astonished upon hearing this. He kept wondering to himself, "Just who is this 'God of Money'? Amazing!"
After arriving at the West Lake Hotel, Daqi, Qianru, and Chunxiao were led directly to private room 402 by a waiter. Daqi checked the time; it was exactly 7:00 PM, 15 minutes before their meeting with "Qian Tongshen." "Qian Tongshen" and Chunxiao had arranged to meet at 7:15 PM that evening. As soon as they sat down, a waiter came in and asked, "Gentlemen, may our order be served?" Chunxiao shook her head and said, "Bring it in promptly at 7:20 PM." The waiter said "Okay" and turned to leave temporarily. The three of them drank tea and waited for "Qian Tongshen's" arrival.
Daqi checked his phone. When the time showed 7:15 PM, there was a knock at the door. Chunxiao stood up and said, "He's here!" She opened the door and welcomed "Qian Tongshen" in. Daqi looked closely and saw a tall, burly man, about 40 years old, wearing sunglasses. Chunxiao greeted him first, "Hello, hello, it's a great honor to have Mr. 'Qian Tongshen' here. Please sit down!" "Qian Tongshen" smiled slightly and sat down. Daqi and Qianru stood up to greet him, and he, still wearing sunglasses, said, "You're too kind, you're too kind, please sit down!"
"Qian Tongshen": "You're the one who called me, right?" he said to Chunxiao, who nodded and smiled slightly.
Chunxiao: "This time, there's something I really need your help with."
"Money God": "If you take someone's money, you're obligated to solve their problems. My bottom line is 1.2 million. What do you want to say first?"
Upon hearing that the price had already been paid, Daqi was shocked. His previous asking price was 1 million, but now it was 1.2 million! He thought to himself, "Wow, the price has jumped by 200,000 in one go!"
Chunxiao: "My husband has something he needs your help with. He can talk to you about the details." Chunxiao introduced Daqi to "Qian Tongshen" as her husband.
Daqi smiled and said, "I want a university president to step down. Can Mr. Qian Tongshen help me do that?"
"Qian Tongshen" laughed and said, "No problem, which university president are you?"
Daqi: "Principal of Binhai Media College".
"Qian Tongshen": "Oh, so you've just been promoted to a high-ranking official in the education sector, at the ministerial level!"
Daqi thought to himself with admiration: "Truly an expert! Most people don't even know the name 'Binhai Media College.' In the traditional mindset of Rongzhou residents, only its predecessor—'Binhai Broadcasting Higher Vocational School'—is known. It had indeed only recently been upgraded to a university, changing its name in June 2002. Now it's September 2003, and most people outside the school don't know what 'Binhai Media College' is. What's particularly astonishing is that the Provincial Department of Education had just officially appointed Sun Changfa as the president of Binhai Media College. Just three months ago, Sun Changfa's official rank was still 'deputy director-general level.' This is because the *Binhai Media College Gazette* published on its front page three months ago the news that the Provincial Department of Education had officially appointed Sun Changfa as the president of 'Binhai Media College,' removing him from his previous position as president of 'Binhai Broadcasting Higher Vocational School.'"
Daqi: "Is there a problem?"
"Qian Tongshen": "How do you want me to deal with him? Describe his corrupt and degenerate behavior as much as possible."
Daqi: "Getting him out of office is the bare minimum, but it would be best if he went to jail." Then, Daqi recounted what he knew about Sun Changfa, Ma Chunlan, and Chen Xiaoying.
"Qian Tongshen": "Is it only him who needs to step down and go to jail?"
Daqi: "I have no grudges against anyone, so naturally all I need to do is bring him down."
"Qian Tongshen" nodded and said, "Actually, you know far too little useful information. Here's what we'll do: his keeping sex slaves is enough to ruin his reputation. I'm confident I can remove him from office, but I'll need some time to put him in jail."
Daqi: "It would be best to put him in jail. Also, we must protect Teacher Chen Xiaoying. That is to say, we cannot let others know about the relationship between Chen Xiaoying and Sun Changfa."
"Money God" nodded and said, "I see... Alright, there's a way to put him in jail. But the price will have to be higher."
Daqi nodded and said, "Go ahead and tell me, I hope it's not too high." At this moment, the waiter brought out the food and drinks Chunxiao had ordered, and everyone stopped talking. After the food and drinks were served, Chunxiao dismissed the waiter and personally poured wine for "Qian Tongshen," urging him to eat. Daqi noticed that it was all seafood. "Qian Tongshen" said to Chunxiao, "How did you know I like seafood?" Chunxiao smiled and said, "Since I wanted to ask for your help, it naturally had to suit your taste." "Qian Tongshen" laughed heartily, not even taking off his sunglasses, and began to eat heartily. Daqi, Chunxiao, and Qianru frequently toasted him.
While eating and drinking, "Money God" said to Daqi, "How about this, I was originally going to charge you 2 million. But I enjoyed this banquet, so I'll charge you 500,000 less."
Daqi: "You mean 1.5 million yuan is enough to put Sun Changfa in jail?"
"Qian Tongshen" nodded and said, "Yes, it will only take me half a month to step down, but I will probably spend a month in jail."
Daqi chuckled and said, "Okay, thank you, Mr. Money God."
"The Money God" handed Daqi a business card with a bank account number and a name "Chen Xuefeng" on it. He said, "Transfer 500,000 yuan tomorrow, and transfer another 1 million yuan after the matter is settled."
Daqi put away the business card and said, "No problem, it's a pleasure to do business with you!"
So, the next day, Daqi asked Qiwen for 500,000 yuan and transferred it directly to "Chen Xuefeng's" account. Then, he called his cell phone and said he had received the large sum of money. "Money God" said, "I'll show you some evidence I've collected in a few days. I'll send it to you by mail." Daqi said, "Okay, thank you!"
School started, and Daqi was busy picking up Xiaoling, Beibei, and Sha Jiaxin from the provincial and municipal TV stations, as they were also returning to school. Dongyue naturally went back with the four of them. Unlike before, Dongyue didn't go back to her dorm; she said to Daqi in the car, "Big brother, can I stay at Baisha Apartment? I want to live with you guys." Daqi smiled slightly and nodded. Xiaoling and the other two laughed, "You're finally with us!"
After returning to Baisha Apartment with the "Four Beauties of Broadcasting," Daqi approached the landlord and asked him to move them to a larger apartment. The landlord was overjoyed, as his large apartment had remained unrented. Daqi and the "Four Beauties of Broadcasting" shared a two-bedroom, one-living room, one-bathroom, and one-kitchen suite, also belonging to Baisha Apartment. Moving was easy; they didn't need to move any furniture, as it all belonged to the landlord. They only needed to bring their personal belongings. Xiaoling and Dongyue shared a room, Beibei and Jiaxin shared a room, while Daqi didn't have a fixed room assignment, as he would sleep in all of them. The day before school officially started, Daqi went to collect tuition fees for all five of them: his own and the "Four Beauties of Broadcasting." Dongyue was very happy because she didn't have to pay a single penny, unlike before when she always worried about tuition. Xiaoling, Beibei, and Jiaxin pooled all the money their parents had given them and stored it together. Xiaoling said, "Keep this money for household expenses, or you can give it to Sister Qiwen." Daqi laughed, "You should keep it for your own spending money. Wen'er has enough." The three girls smiled and said, "Never mind, the five of us can keep it for ourselves." Xiaoling also gave Shu Dongyue a savings book with three thousand yuan in it. Xiaoling said, "Dongyue, this is our internship salary. You can use it." Dongyue said, "I have some. My older brother paid my tuition, and I still have some in the bank." After saying that, Dongyue returned the savings book to Xiaoling. Beibei handed the savings book to Dongyue again and said, "Just keep it. This is for you from the three of us." Daqi said, "It's rare that the three of them are so thoughtful. Dongyue, please accept it!" Dongyue had no choice but to take the savings book, and said with tears in her eyes, "Thank you... and thank you, older brother!" Jiaxin smiled and said, "No need to thank me, we're all family." Daqi looked at the "Four Beauties of Broadcasting" in front of him and felt quite happy. Because the four of them could indeed be described as being as close as sisters.
Daqi didn't reveal a single detail of his plan to bring down Principal Sun Changfa to the four beauties in front of him. He felt that as students, it wouldn't be a good thing for them to know too much about the inside stories of school leaders and teachers.
The new school year has begun. Daqi walked back to the boys' dormitory to check on his classmates. The new school year brought a new look. Several more computers had appeared in the boys' dormitory, almost one for every student. Except for a few students from families with slightly lower financial means, everyone had a computer. Daqi exclaimed, "Wow, everyone has a computer now?"
Li Xianming laughed and said, "From now on, we can all cooperate as a team when playing games."
Xie Changjin said, "Our class's computer penetration rate is only 75%, which is not high. The videography class has 100%."
Ji Xiaojun happened to be in Li Xianming's dormitory, and he said, "Actually, it's more than 100%."
Daqi: "How much is that?"
Ji Xiaojun: "Many people in their class have desktop computers, laptops, and some even handheld computers, so it's far more than 100%."
Daqi: "It seems there will be a computer proficiency exam this semester. Besides playing games, everyone should pay more attention to this." Daqi said this because most students told their families that the school required them to pass the computer proficiency exam. Many parents only agreed to buy them computers after hearing this. It should be said that some people buy computers mainly for studying, but a large number buy them primarily for playing games and leisure.
Daqi felt that college students' lives had changed drastically since the advent of the internet. Today's college students were vastly different from those of 10 years ago, especially in terms of entertainment. Daqi even called Shen Ping'an to ask how his cohabitation with Zhao Banhua was going. He said everything was the same as always.
The new school year began. Everyone was discussing the new courses and teachers, while Daqi was thinking about Han Meng and Teacher Xiaoying. To be precise, he was thinking about bringing down Principal Sun Changfa. Four days into the semester, Qiwen called him from home, saying someone had sent a package. Daqi knew it was from "Qian Tongshen" (a notorious money collector), so he said, "Wen'er, don't open it. I'll go home right away." He immediately drove home and skipped class. For Daqi, it didn't matter whether he went or not; the material the teachers taught was far too simplistic. He would continue with his own study method: spending more time in the library, and only attending classes as a matter of choice.
When he got home, Qiwen handed him the package. He went into the study and opened it; inside were several CDs and photos. He first put the CDs into the computer to watch them. Daqi looked at the screen and was deeply shocked. The ugly image of the beastly principal, Sun Changfa, appeared on the screen. These were all videos secretly filmed by "Qian Tongshen."
The first disc contained the following scene: Sun Changfa, dressed in a suit and tie, entered a room, presumably his home. A woman resembling a nanny appeared on the screen. She was wearing a princess-style nanny uniform. The image was clear; the nanny was quite pretty, with a beautiful face and a good figure, and appeared to be around eighteen or nineteen years old.
As soon as Sun Changfa entered the house, the nanny knelt before him, looking up at him and saying, "Master, you're back! Is there anything I can help you with?" Sun Changfa smiled slightly and said, "Little slut, is the food ready?" The nanny replied, "Yes, it is!" Sun Changfa stroked the nanny's hair and said, "Hmm, not bad. Won't Madam and Miss be back?" The nanny said, "Madam went to a friend's house to play mahjong, and Miss went to a friend's house. They won't be back for the next few hours." Sun Changfa nodded and said softly, "Little slut, let Master have some fun first." The nanny smiled slightly and reached out to gently stroke his crotch. She held down Sun Changfa's trousers with one hand and gently pulled down his zipper with the other... The nanny smiled seductively and moved her head back and forth, while Sun Changfa gently stroked her hair... Soon, Sun Changfa trembled all over, his face filled with intoxicated passion. What followed was a series of "bed scenes" between Sun Changfa and the nanny in the living room, kitchen, study, bedroom, and bathroom.
Daqi thought to himself: So, his nanny is also his sex slave! How many women does this beast have? More than me, perhaps?
The second disc. Sun Changfa is having sex with a beautiful woman who looks like his secretary in his office. Later, Xiaoying also appears on the screen. Daqi then realizes that the woman who looks like the secretary is Ma Chunlan. Ma Chunlan on the screen is indeed a beauty, just as Han Meng described: long, flowing hair, a bewitching face, a curvaceous figure, a perfect blend of beautiful and seductive woman, quite reminiscent of Xiao Li. However, Xiao Li only displays her seductive charm when she's alone with Daqi; normally, she's a very dignified woman. But this Ma Chunlan, no matter how you look at her, Daqi thinks she's a slut—a woman who can arouse a man's desire to conquer!
Chapter Three: Light
Section Reading 260
Disc. Sun Changfa was having a "pleasant time" with two dancers in a private room at a nightclub.
There were three discs in total, all containing information about Sun Changfa's personal life. Daqi looked at a few more photos. Although they were pictures of Sun Changfa having sex with several women, the women in the photos were quite striking. They all seemed to be quite young, unlike the more mature Ma Chunlan and Chen Xiaoying. Daqi thought it was truly impressive that this "money-grubbing genius" could gather so much information in just a few days. Daqi immediately dialed his cell phone and said, "'Mr. Qian Tongshen,' I've seen the package you gave me. What's your next step?" Qian Tongshen laughed and said, "You don't need to worry about that, I have my own methods." Daqi said, "Okay, as long as we can get him into jail. By the way, it's best if Chen Xiaoying doesn't appear in the videotapes or photos again." "Qian Tongshen" said, "That's for you to see. Don't worry, when I make my move, I'll protect her." Daqi asked curiously, "Make a move? What move?" "Qian Tongshen" continued, "I'll call you then, and we'll talk then. Don't worry, it won't take more than a few days." Then, the two hung up the phone.
Han Meng has been calling Daqi frequently these past few days to ask about the progress of the situation. Daqi always says, "Don't worry, it won't be long before Sun Changfa is in trouble." No matter how Han Meng asks, Daqi never mentions that he hired "Qian Tongshen".
A week later, Daqi received a call from "Qian Tongshen." He said, "You absolutely must watch 'Focus' on the provincial TV station tonight. And you must also watch the provincial newspapers and the *China Daily* tomorrow!" This "Focus" was similar to CCTV's "Focus Interview," one of the flagship programs of Binhai Provincial TV. Daqi understood; "Qian Tongshen" wanted to expose Sun Changfa—spreading his story through various media outlets. That evening, Daqi actually sat in front of the TV and watched the "Focus" program. At the same time, his seven women who had left home all moved back in with him. Daqi watched TV with the seven women in their new home. As the program was about to begin, his heart started to race, for some reason.
As expected, the headline of this episode of "Focus" was "Such a Role Model for Teachers—A True Account of a Corrupt and Degenerate University President." The host began by saying, "What is a teacher? Teaching is a profession, one we call the most glorious profession under the sun. University teachers, in particular, command even more respect from ordinary people because they represent highly educated intellectuals. And then there is this university president who has shocked us so deeply…" The program then showed many shots of Sun Changfa with women; of course, the images were somewhat edited. However, Sun Changfa's image was exceptionally clear. With each shot, the host would say, "This is Sun Changfa, the dean of Binhai Media College…"
Chapter 47: Joy
Daqi's seven wives shook their heads. Chunxiao exclaimed, "It's over, it's over! Sun Changfa is definitely finished... hopeless, hopeless!" Each wife seemed ready to denounce Sun Changfa. The host had been repeatedly praising the teaching profession as sacred, glorious, and respectable, but then, with a sudden shift in tone and the magnified screen, he revealed Sun Changfa's extremely bestial side. Soon, Daqi's phone rang; it was "Qian Tongshen" calling.
"Money God": "How are you? You're watching TV, aren't you?"
Daqi: "You're really amazing! I admire you. But I haven't seen Sun Changfa in jail yet."
"Money God": "Don't worry, it won't take more than a few days. Just keep watching the show. Your school will definitely make a move tomorrow. That's all for now, bye!"
Qianru and Chunxiao both said, "Sun Changfa is beyond saving." That night, Daqi spent the night with Qianru and Chunxiao. Around 10 PM, Hanmeng called. Hanmeng said, "Honey, I heard from my colleague that the 'Focus' program aired about Sun Changfa today..." Daqi said, "Sister, you know too?" Hanmeng said, "It was a colleague from school. Teacher Xiaoying also mentioned it. Sun Changfa is finished, definitely finished." They talked for a while, and Daqi happily fell asleep. He knew that Sun Changfa would definitely die at his hands this time.
Now let's talk about Sun Changfa. He was completely unaware that he had been exposed. He was still soundly asleep at home. The next day, when he arrived at school, everyone looked at him strangely, even Ma Chunlan avoided him. Sun Changfa was completely baffled: Why didn't anyone greet me? Ma Chunlan's behavior, in particular, infuriated him. He thought: Damn it, you bitch, just wait till I get my hands on you! Unfortunately, he didn't get a chance to deal with Ma Chunlan. Because as soon as he entered the office, several police officers were waiting for him… Before he could even understand what was happening, the police officers handcuffed him and put him in a police car…
Daqi drove to school this morning. On the way, he bought a copy of the "China Daily" and was surprised to find a news item on the front page: "Scum of the education sector, degenerate scoundrels, a disgrace to intellectuals!" He quickly opened it to read, and sure enough, it was about Sun Changfa!
Sun Changfa, you've finally been brought down by me, Tong! Even the President can't protect you now! You're dead!
Daqi drove to the school, whistling. He parked in the administration building's parking lot. As soon as he got out, he sensed something strange about the school; it was chaotic. Teachers were in groups of three or five, all talking amongst themselves. Walking out of the administration building towards the teaching building, he was surprised to see many students saying, "My God, is this the kind of person our school principal is?" Some students said, "My dad wants me to drop out..." Others said, "Why did it have to be the principal who got into trouble, not our department head? The principal doesn't interact with us; if he didn't get into trouble, we'd still be living!"
As soon as Daqi arrived in class, Li Xianming and a few others were gathered together, discussing something. Daqi went up to them.
Li Xianming: "Boss, something happened at our school?"
Daqi feigned ignorance and asked, "What happened?"
Xie Changjin: "Our principal has been exposed. Yesterday, many websites said that Sun Changfa is corrupt and degenerate..." In short, Xie Changjin talked a lot about Sun Changfa.
Ji Xiaojun: "Last night, the counselor stayed up all night, constantly urging everyone not to be affected by the principal's situation and to get normal rest and attend classes. Yesterday, we boys barely slept at all."
Other students said, "The security guards in the living area are on duty all night, afraid that someone will cause trouble. The whole living area is in a mess. People keep smashing things and cursing the principal as scum!"
To everyone's surprise, a student ran over and said, "Good news! Good news! The school announced that all students will not have classes this morning! All the teachers are in a meeting! Good news! Good news..."
Many people got excited: "This is awesome! Let's play games, no more classes, this is great!"
Daqi found it unbelievable that bringing down Sun Changfa had caused such unrest among the entire school. Just then, Han Meng sent him a text message.
Han Meng: Sun Changfa is finished! Hooray! Did you bring him down? Right now, the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, the Director of the Provincial Department of Education, and the Vice Principal are giving a report to all of us teachers in the administration building's lecture hall, and it's all about Sun Changfa. It seems the Party Secretary is finished too, because he was in cahoots with Sun Changfa. I estimate half of the school's leadership team will be replaced. That's what our department head said.
Daqi: I brought down Sun Changfa, but I only brought him down. I didn't intend to bring down anyone else. Keep this a secret. You're the only one in the school who knows that Sun Changfa's downfall was related to me.
Han Meng: Honey, you're so cool! I admire you so much! You took down our school's "emperor" with just one move. I love you to death! I'm coming to see you after the meeting. I don't have classes this morning.
Daqi: Okay, it's a secret!
Han Meng: You're my husband, of course I'll keep it a secret!