Ding Changri knew perfectly well that although things seemed calm on the surface, the Far East Group's massive smuggling aircraft carrier was actually under the lock of countless missiles and could be destroyed and capsized at any moment.
Having painstakingly built up his business to this point, he certainly wouldn't be willing to let the situation deteriorate further.
Fortunately, someone from higher up tipped him off and gave him advice: start with Xu Zhengyang, the new son-in-law of the Li family. This would make it easier to break the deadlock.
Ding Changri did just that, and it seems to be going very well.
Ding Changri was not an impatient person. He knew that doing these things required a steady and gradual approach. In any case, he felt that the higher-ups wouldn't investigate for a while. As the saying goes, the emperor is far away and everyone here is protecting him, so there wouldn't be any problems for the time being.
Unfortunately, he didn't realize that in the eyes of powerful figures at the top, no matter how much wealth you had or how extensive your local connections were, you were nothing more than a pawn they could manipulate and use at will. Once they were done with you, you could just throw you away.
The purpose of this piece is to drag the Li family down with it in the future, or at least to taint them with a bad reputation.
For those who have truly reached the point of feeling isolated at the top, money is no longer as alluring.
Clearly, Ding Changri, who was extremely greedy for wealth and fame, would not have thought of this.
Originally, after learning this news, Xu Zhengyang planned to temporarily put aside his enjoyment of life and help the Li family, or rather the government, to quickly resolve Ding Changri's case. Unexpectedly, before he could even call Li Ruiqing, Li Ruiqing called him first after learning that he had been in contact with Ding Changri in Zhonghai and had already arrived in Haixia City.
Li Ruiqing meant that you should not interfere in this case. The investigation team is investigating and has already made some progress. The implications are far-reaching.
Xu Zhengyang understood that this had something in common with the current nationwide crackdown: they didn't want a deity to interfere too much in worldly affairs. Therefore, Xu Zhengyang figured that since they had already laid the groundwork, he shouldn't bother with these matters; he could comfortably enjoy life and focus on building his own network for the City God's Palace.
Volume 5, Spirit Official, Chapter 273: Not that many, but
Jinghui Logistics Company is developing rapidly. Although it's not as fast as it was when it first established its branch network, it's still incredibly fast compared to its early days.
This demonstrates that Wu Juan, who truly holds the reins of the company's operations and management, is exceptionally capable.
Wu Juan kept the ambitious goals set for her by the chairman firmly in mind, so she worked day and night, unwilling to slack off in the slightest. While striving to maintain rapid development, she also had to ensure that the company's foundation was solid. She absolutely could not allow the company to suffer the same fate as last time, where an unstable foundation led to an irreparable collapse at the slightest setback.
Just like the subtle social conditions revealed in the previous conversation between Xu Zhengyang and Chen Chaojiang. In this realistic society, the richer you are, the easier and simpler it is for you to develop, and the more likely you are to come into contact with powerful and even richer people. On the other hand, the poorer you are, no matter how hard you try, it seems difficult to climb to the next level. You are lucky if you can live a life without worrying about food and clothing.
Wu Juan had this feeling a few days ago.
Jinghui Logistics' smooth development is absolutely related to Chairman Xu Zhengyang's position and the backing of logistics contracts with Ronghua Group. The company's business volume has skyrocketed. When salespeople go out to drum up business, they feel like they're carrying an imperial edict, confident in their company's strength and reputation—absolutely no problem, all of Ronghua Group's logistics business is handled by our company.
Other logistics companies can't even compete with it, so who can they complain to?
The better the business goes, the more good things come one after another. For example, the branch office's business hasn't even expanded to Jiangnan yet; Jinghui Logistics' vehicles have already made a few trips to Haixia City for Ronghua Group's export and import equipment transportation business.
Far East Group then contacted me, hoping to cooperate with Jinghui Logistics Company.
This happened before the chairman got married.
Unexpectedly, on the day of the chairman's wedding, Ding Changri, the chairman of Far East Group, personally attended the wedding banquet. During the banquet, Ding Changri chatted with Wu Juan for a few minutes through Zheng Ronghua's introduction. Although they didn't discuss anything too in-depth, they reached some clearer cooperation intentions.
Wu Juan is such a shrewd person, how could she miss such a great opportunity?
Therefore, last month Wu Juan personally went to Haixia City on a business trip to discuss cooperation matters with Ding Changri. During her first two days at the Far East Group, she did not meet with Ding Changri. Instead, the general manager of the Far East Group and a manager in charge of domestic land logistics had a detailed discussion with Wu Juan.
This is understandable. Wu Juan knew that Ding was too busy with other things every day, so of course he didn't have much free time to discuss logistics cooperation with her.
After finalizing the cooperation agreement with the Far East Group and signing several contracts, Wu Juan immediately returned to Beijing to begin preparations for establishing a branch in Haixia City. Jinghui Logistics Company is now truly and genuinely setting out to cross the river!
A few days ago, I received a call from Ding Changri himself, who said he wanted to discuss cooperation with Jinghui Logistics Company to develop international maritime shipping logistics. He also said that he had discussed this with Chairman Xu Zhengyang, and Xu Zhengyang had already agreed.
Wu Juan thought of a proverb that the chairman had often mentioned: "When luck comes, it's beyond our control; the wind blows the straw hat and traps the quail."
With the strong support of the Far East Group, it is only a matter of time before Jinghui Logistics Company develops into a large international logistics group.
Therefore, Wu Juan went to Haixia City again in person.
Excited, Wu Juan arrived in Haixia City and then realized she hadn't reported to the chairman. Although the chairman had told her she had full authority and didn't need to report, this matter was too significant; how could she leave it unattended?
However, she never expected that Xu Zhengyang was now enjoying life in the Gulangyu Scenic Area of Haixia City.
After receiving Wu Juan's call reporting on her work, Xu Zhengyang pondered for a moment and then said, "Don't cooperate with Far East Group for now, go back."
"Huh?" Wu Juan wondered if she had misheard. Didn't Ding Changri say that he had already discussed it with the chairman?
"Oh, by the way, take a look at those cooperation agreements we signed with the Far East Group before. If it's possible to cancel them, then cancel them and stop cooperating," Xu Zhengyang continued.
Wu Juan was somewhat incredulous and exclaimed in surprise, "Chairwoman, this is a rare opportunity for the company!"
Xu Zhengyang understood that Wu Juan was single-mindedly focused on the company's operation and development, and she certainly wouldn't miss such an opportunity. But how could Wu Juan possibly understand the stakes involved?
“The company’s development isn’t in such a rush, and you don’t need to work too hard. Take a break when necessary,” Xu Zhengyang said with a smile. “Since you’re out here, don’t go back yet. Come and have some fun on Gulangyu Island and rest for a few days. I know you’ve been very busy lately, so come over.”
After hesitating for a moment, Wu Juan finally nodded and said, "Okay."
I called Ding Changri's secretary at the Far East Group, apologizing slightly and saying I might have to go later. I need to go to Gulangyu first to consult with our chairman in person and discuss the next steps for the company's development. Wu Juan really didn't want to make a definitive statement; she still hoped that after meeting Xu Zhengyang, she could persuade him to agree to this cooperation. It was truly a golden opportunity.
However, her concern for the company's development and her persistent enthusiasm brought trouble to Xu Zhengyang.
Although he had already lived in Haixia City for nearly half a month and visited several of its famous attractions, Xu Zhengyang was still unwilling to leave. The reason was simple: the environment here was simply too good, and the scenery was simply too pleasant.
He's a little too caught up in happiness, forgetting all about home.
As for the high expenses, Xu Zhengyang wasn't bothered... because he didn't have the habit of paying the bills himself; besides a bank card, he didn't carry any cash. In contrast, Li Bingjie always carried a considerable amount of cash in her bag. As for everyday expenses, either Qingling or Chen Hanzhe would cover them.
Xu Zhengyang is a contradictory person when it comes to spending money. If he has to pay for his own bills, he'll feel a pang of guilt if he spends too much. But if his subordinates pay for the bills, even though it's still his money being spent and he knows it's a lot, he won't be stingy at all.
Wu Juan hurriedly took a car to the seaside, then took a ferry to Gulangyu Island, where she met Xu Zhengyang in a five-star hotel villa with a sea view.
"Chairman."
"Yes, Manager Wu is here. Please have a seat!" Xu Zhengyang remained seated on the sofa without getting up, and smiled as he gestured for Wu Juan to sit down.
Li Bingjie personally brewed tea and brought it over. Wu Juan hurriedly got up to take the tea and thanked her repeatedly. If she were just the chairman's wife, she could accept it. But she knew Li Bingjie's status, and having such a privileged woman serve her tea was simply too much for her to bear.
"No need to be so polite, you two talk about your business, I'm going back to my room." Li Bingjie smiled, got up and walked away.
Wu Juan gazed at the ethereal figure in the light blue dress, lost in thought. What a beautiful girl…
Xu Zhengyang wasn't in a hurry to speak first, but instead casually sipped his tea.
Wu Juan surveyed the interior decorations. She couldn't help but gasp inwardly; the chairman was truly extravagant. This was a five-star hotel, and he had booked an entire detached villa for himself. The cost per day must be several presidential suites!
How big is Jinghui Logistics Company? How much revenue does it generate?
While the company's current financial situation isn't exactly dire, due to its rapid expansion phase, all profits have already been allocated for specific purposes. Even if his antique shop is profitable, it couldn't withstand such extravagance, could it?
Seeing Wu Juan lost in thought, Xu Zhengyang felt a pang of heartache... It seemed he had indeed spent too much money.
Wu Juan finally snapped out of her daze, quickly flashing an apologetic smile before regaining her serious expression. She said earnestly, "Chairwoman, the cooperation with the Far East Group... I believe it will be a decisive boost to our company's development; this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
“There will be plenty of opportunities, one more won’t make a difference.” Xu Zhengyang shook his head slightly and smiled, “Put aside your work for a few days and have some fun… If you think this place is nice, bring your family over and let them stay for a while. I’ll give you a vacation.”
“Chairman…” Wu Juan hesitated, but still felt she had to speak her mind. “If we refuse the Far East Group’s cooperation on shipping logistics this time, they may unilaterally terminate or create problems for us without us having to terminate the other agreements we have signed.”
Xu Zhengyang's smile faded, and he said calmly, "I said, void all the signed contracts."
Wu Juan was stunned.
Although Xu Zhengyang's expression was calm, his imposing aura made Wu Juan clearly sense that the chairman was dissatisfied with her words and attitude just now.
Does he, as chairman, not allow anyone to go against his wishes?
"At least, I'm a major shareholder of the company!" Wu Juan thought to herself, but she couldn't muster any courage to express her dissatisfaction.
"If, if we unilaterally terminate the contract, Far East Group can sue us," Wu Juan said anxiously.
"Don't worry." Xu Zhengyang waved his hand.
Wu Juan bit her lower lip to clear her mind, and mustered her courage to ask, "Chairwoman, can you tell me why?"
"No." Xu Zhengyang answered crisply and decisively.
"But……"
"There aren't that many 'buts'." Xu Zhengyang's face darkened.
Wu Juan lowered her head, picked up her teacup, and drank her tea, remaining silent. This was the first time the chairman had acted so forcefully in front of her, to the point of being somewhat domineering and unreasonable.
How could she know? There are some things I can't tell her right now.
Does she expect Xu Zhengyang to tell her right now that the higher-ups want to completely destroy the Far East Group because they are engaged in large-scale smuggling?
Although Xu Zhengyang was unaware that a certain faction was manipulating Ding Changri behind the scenes, hoping to drag the Li family into the mess, or at least get them involved, he wasn't stupid. He understood that if Jinghui Logistics Company became entangled with the Far East Group, it would be a huge problem. Regardless of your innocence, who could truly know the truth?
After a while, Xu Zhengyang smiled again and said, "You'll understand in a few days. Okay, let's not talk about work anymore."
Volume 5, Spirit Official, Chapter 274: Sudden Changes
As the old saying goes, "It takes two to tango."
That makes a lot of sense.
Take Ding Changri, for example. He broke the law, committed crimes, and bribed officials, thus building such a massive smuggling empire. But upon closer examination, if he had been severely punished after his initial minor smuggling offenses were discovered, and if no official had accepted his bribes, or rather… openly solicited bribes, would things have come to this?
Xu Zhengyang recalled that in a township in Cixian County, Fuhe City, there were a great many gangs that stole vehicles a few years ago. People even formed a complete criminal chain: there were people who were responsible for stealing vehicles, people who were responsible for buying stolen goods, people who were responsible for selling stolen goods, and people who were responsible for... bailing out people after they were caught.
It's ridiculous, but it's true.
Zhong Shan, the director of Huaxiang Police Station at the time, personally recounted the following incident:
The story goes that he once caught a hitchhiker in a car. The guy, handcuffed inside, brazenly asked, "How much do you want from the station?" Zhong Shan was baffled, and then, in a fit of rage, slapped him twice across the face. Back at the station, after some questioning, Zhong Shan learned something from the criminal that both infuriated and amused him. The criminal said that the local police station knew exactly who the members of several hitchhiking gangs were in their village. But they would never arrest and sentence them. Why? The criminal explained that his first crime wasn't big. When he was arrested, the station chief asked him if he would continue. He immediately shook his head and said no.
The director said, "You're quitting? Then you'll be sentenced to at least three years in prison immediately."
The criminal was filled with remorse; three years!
A policeman next to him laughed and said, "If you do it again, you can go out after paying a fine of three thousand yuan."
What's the logic behind this?
"Well, the station chief didn't say anything." The policeman said with a sneer, "If you quit, who will we fine you from then on?"
Of course, there was no evidence or proof of the fine.
I see……
The criminals said that half of the money they earned each year from risking their lives to pickpocket vehicles was actually given to the local police station. They knew they were losing out, but they had no choice but to do it; otherwise, they'd still be arrested, fined, and imprisoned if they couldn't pay. And the more they did it, the heavier their culpability became. What's the saying? When you're in the game, you're not in control of your own destiny.
Don't be surprised or doubtful, this really does happen.
Later, Zhong Shan personally reported the situation to Zhao Qing at the county public security bureau, but ultimately no evidence was found. There was nothing they could do. It wasn't until Xu Zhengyang became a god and carried out his ghostly investigations without any regard for evidence or reason that these scoundrels finally surrendered and confessed.
Only then can the saying "one deserves what one gets" be truly put into practice.
...
Listening to Wang Yonggan's report on Ding Changri's inner thoughts over the past few days, Xu Zhengyang squinted, sipped his tea, and leaned back on the sofa, unable to help but smile bitterly.
Having reached this point, Ding Changri's mind has been clouded by desire and greed.
He constantly made excuses for himself: Yes, I can't quit. If I quit, where will I get the money to bribe those officials every year? They're all insatiable jackals, they'll turn their backs on you! And now that things have come to this, I can't stop even if I want to.