Chapter 272: Contacting Ding Li

After entering the house, Shangguan Zhuren first lit the stove; otherwise, no one could stay inside.

Suddenly six people moved in, and it was obvious the place felt much more crowded.

Shangguan Zhuren assigned the rooms.

I and Shi Yong live in the same room. There's no way, only Shi Yong and I can live together,

Xiao Long saw that Shangguan Zhuren's house had a computer, so he suggested to Shangguan Zhuren,

"They can use surveillance cameras to monitor; we can also install cameras for monitoring. The alley entrance and the main streets for coming and going—we can install cameras everywhere. If any suspicious person enters, we can know in advance."

Hearing Xiao Long's suggestion, Shangguan Zhuren was very pleased,

"What Xiao Long said is right; you'll be in charge of this today."

Xiao Long nodded, then had Shi Yong drive him to the market to buy surveillance equipment.

Xiao Fang and Shen Honghong, seeing the beds in the room, immediately lay down and fell asleep.

Both women were exhausted.

Let them sleep; we still have important matters to attend to.

I took out my phone,

and began contacting Ding Li,

"Ding Li, where are you?"

"Hello Brother Zhou, I'm in the old city, preparing some goods. The New Year is coming up soon, good for setting up a stall."

I said, "Don't set up the stall; come over. I have something important to discuss with you. I'm still living at the original place, you know."

Ding Li said, "Okay, Brother Zhou, I'll be right over."

I then hung up the phone.

I told Shangguan Zhuren, "Ding Li will come over shortly; we'll discuss it with him."

Shangguan Zhuren said, "Good. Right now it's inconvenient for us to show ourselves; it's best to let Ding Li do the checking."

About ten minutes later, Ding Li knocked and came in.

I and Shangguan Zhuren each shook hands with him,

then pulled him to the stove,

I took out a cigarette and passed it to Ding Li,

"Brother, thanks for coming over."

Ding Li said, "Brother Zhou, no need to be polite; tell me what you want me to do."

I said, "I want you to help me investigate a person."

"Who?" Ding Li asked.

"Li Ming." I said.

"Who is Li Ming?" Ding Li said.

"Li Ming is a leader of the Senior Management Bureau in Zaocheng; he is currently detained in Zaocheng's old city district. We need to rescue him and then take him away. You investigating this matter is extremely dangerous. You must understand—are you willing to do it?"

"Of course, this won't be unpaid work. If you're willing, we won't force you." I said, looking at Ding Li.

Ding Li fell silent, then took a puff of his cigarette.

After a moment he said, "I can help you find Li Ming's whereabouts, but I have one condition. Can you agree?"

I said, "Go ahead, tell us."

"That is, after you find him with my help, you must bring me along in the future; I want to work with you." Ding Li said.

Hearing that, I hesitated and glanced at Shangguan Zhuren,

Shangguan Zhuren said, "Brother Ding Li, if you want to work with us, let me explain: what we do could land us in prison. You need to understand that, so it's better not to get involved."

Ding Li directly said, "Mr. Shangguan, Mr. Zhou, I, Ding Li, fear nothing now. Heck, in Zaocheng's old city district, running a wholesale clothing business, I've had enough."

"I haven't made much money, yet I've suffered plenty of guilt."

"I know you're people who do big things. Lao Wai told me you're not ordinary folks. I want to do big things; otherwise, I'd be too sorry for myself in this life."

"Mr. Shangguan, Mr. Zhou, I, Ding Li, beg you—let me work with you."

Ding Li having said all that,

what else can we say,

"Brother Ding Li, since you've said that, we can't really say anything else either. We're ordinary people, not really big‑shot operators, but you can join if you want,

but I must tell you, you must keep a tight lid on your mouth—no loose talk,

and you must obey our orders.

Can you do these things?"

Ding Li immediately slapped his chest and said, "Mr. Zhou, rest assured, my mouth is sealed tight—I never speak carelessly. I'll obey whatever you arrange."

Shangguan Zhuren said, "Good, Brother Ding Li speaks sincerely; having said all that, we don't have much to add. We won't be paying you a salary—we just do things for the satisfaction.

Working with us, you'll not only put in money but also spend time; later you can't complain."

Ding Li said, "Mr. Shangguan, I'm not a three‑year‑old child—I'm willing to do everything."

I patted Ding Li on the shoulder,

"Brother, I've always thought highly of you. All right, let's leave it at that. Lao Wai is still with you now."

Ding Li said, "He's been with me all along; he's disabled and has nowhere else to go."

"Lao Wai and I are old acquaintances; I've known him since the start. I never expected that even in middle age I'd still rely on him—haha, quite interesting." I laughed.

"Mr. Zhou, you really knew Lao Wai all along. How come I never heard him mention you?" Ding Li said.

"This can't be explained in a sentence or two. Do you know the Da Heng Group?" I said.

"Of course I know—Zaocheng's Da Heng Group, that's the most awesome company in Zaocheng."

"Then, have you heard of Zhao Jianqiang from Zaocheng's Da Heng Group?" I continued asking.

"Chairman Zhao, oh my, he's too famous—I've certainly heard of him, I often hear about him on TV and radio."

"Lao Wai often brags, saying that Chairman Zhao is his sworn brother. How could that be?" Ding Li also laughed.

"It's true, they really are sworn brothers." He listened as I said that.

Ding Li was stunned.

I said again, "Ding Li bro, I am Zhao Jianqiang."

"Ah." Ding Li looked at me and shouted.

"Impossible, you're Chairman Zhao, you don't look like him."

I said, "Ding Li, take a close look."

Ding Li carefully examined my face.

After a moment he said, "You really do look like Chairman Zhao—are you really Chairman Zhao?"

"I am Zhao Jianqiang, but I'm not Chairman Zhao." I laughed.

Ding Li immediately stood up, looking at me.

"Mr. Zhao, no, Chairman Zhao, you are the person I admire most—I, Ding Li, never imagined I would sit and talk with you,

In the past I always looked up to you like a god. To be honest, I greatly admire you."

I smiled.

"Alright, Ding Li bro, sit down and talk—what do I have to be admired for? You should admire this person, Director Shangguan, who is the most impressive figure in Zaocheng."

I pointed at Director Shangguan.

Director Shangguan immediately waved his hand.

"Jianqiang, stop talking nonsense—I'm just a retired old man; let's not flatter each other, we have real work to do."

"So it's Director Shangguan—I've long heard your great name. Back when I worked at the paper mill, our factory had a case of leaders stealing and selling public assets, and I heard you personally cracked it." Ding Li then said to Director Shangguan.

"You used to work at that paper mill. Once you mentioned it, I wanted to hear more. Your factory's leadership is severely corrupt—I say, someone like you shouldn't be overlooked. Ding Li, come work with us seriously and make full use of your abilities." Director Shangguan said happily.