Chapter 535: Li Ming's Matter

"Tian Shi, money is no problem; everything will follow your arrangements. Whatever you say, we'll do it." I also quickly downed my drink.

"Okay, Jianqiang, when the time comes, I'll have Secretary Qin contact you; he'll let you know what to do." Tian Shi said.

"Okay, Tian Shi. I won't bother you further about this." I picked up the bottle and poured Tian Shi another drink.

Tian Shi paused, then said: "Jianqiang, there's one more thing. I've thought about it for a long time and decided to tell you. I want to hear your opinion."

I said: "What is it, Tian Shi? Tell me."

"It's about Li Ming." Tian Shi himself lifted his cup, took a sip, and said.

"What happened to Li Ming?" I asked urgently.

"If it were someone else, I would have already arrested him."

But Li Ming is your close brother, so it's difficult for me; he actually went to his workplace to cause trouble,

Oh dear, he's made it impossible for their unit to carry out work.

Regarding Li Ming's matter, there will be a chance to compensate him later.

If he continues like this,

the consequences would be unimaginable.

Jianqiang, I want to hear your opinion,

see how to handle Li Ming's matter. We can't let him keep causing trouble like this,

He's even posting online and wants to find reporters.

putting us in a very passive position." Tian Shi sighed and said.

I never expected Li Ming to still be causing trouble, and on such a big scale.

Posting online and seeking reporters—these are the most annoying people in the city.

Because nobody wants this matter to be made public,

everyone just wants it handled smoothly.

As soon as it's made public,

the outcome won't be something the city's people can decide.

It will trigger some chain reactions.

Tian Shi's concerns are not without reason.

But Li Ming, I've advised him, yet he refuses to listen.

He's gone down a rabbit hole, thinking he's been wronged; since Kong Shi has handled it, his case might also be overturned.

He wants his position and property back.

How could that be possible?

Kong Shi's arrest of him is fully justified.

He wouldn't be arrested without cause. In today's society, a good person wouldn't be wrongfully accused.

As long as one holds that position, who dares say they have no skeletons in the closet?

Li Ming has plenty of skeletons. Managing the highway, various supplies, road repair tenders and other projects—there are money-making opportunities everywhere.

Anyone with common sense can see that.

Li Ming just wants to return to his former position and continue enjoying the perks of being fawned over.

Although his matter is tied to mine, if he himself isn't clean, there's nothing to be done.

After listening to Tian Shi finish, I didn't immediately state my position.

Instead, I kept smoking.

Li Ming's matter puts me in a very difficult spot.

If we don't give him a warning, he doesn't know how far he'll go.

But if we do give him a warning, I can't bear to do it.

If it were Zhao Xiaohua, I would say it without hesitation.

Although Li Ming isn't my blood brother, he's even closer than one.

Tian Shi then took another sip of wine,

"Jianqiang, I know you're reluctant, but if he keeps causing trouble, it'll stir up a storm across the city. Kong Shi handling his matter,

after alarming the reporters, they'll come to Kong Shi for verification.

This involves Kong Shi and the Zhou family—both are highly sensitive.

The situation has just stabilized; Wen Han certainly doesn't want anyone investigating Kong Shi's past again.

If Wen Han's side is really stirred up, there's nothing you and I can do to protect Li Ming.

I'm telling the truth."

After Tian Shi finished speaking, he looked at me.

At that moment I downed the drink in my cup,

then said: "Tian Shi, you're right. If Li Ming seeks to overturn the case, it'll be like pulling a radish and bringing up the mud—Kong Shi's matter, as well as mine, we won't be able to stay peaceful.

Some people love to report such things, fearing the world isn't chaotic enough, exaggerating the facts.

By then, if the Wen family is really implicated,

the consequences would be beyond my imagination.

Regarding Li Ming's matter,

Tian Shi, you want me to state a position.

I'll state my position here today,

that is, "when it's going to rain, the mother will remarry"—I can't control Li Ming.

Regarding Li Ming's matter, how you handle it, I have no opinion.

We must give Li Ming a lesson, so he behaves honestly for now.

Otherwise, the situation will blow up.

Then, something serious will really happen." After I finished speaking, I stubbed out the cigarette butt in the ashtray.

After Tian Shi heard my words, his expression changed immediately.

Actually, he just wanted to hear me say this,

how to deal with Li Ming, he had already decided,

but out of concern for face, he didn't want to directly arrest Li Ming.

He needed to consult with me first, to see what I meant before speaking.

But no matter what, Tian Shi will handle Li Ming.

It's just a matter of severity.

He will absolutely not let Li Ming continue causing trouble like this.

He also wanted to gauge my attitude, thereby measuring what kind of person I am in handling crucial matters.

I had already stated my position to Tian Shi, and nobody said anything else.

How to handle it is up to Tian Shi to decide,

I will not plead for mercy, nor will I resent Tian Shi.

I hope this matter, by dealing with Li Ming brother, will let him come to his senses.

Let him understand that present society is not at his mercy.

At this moment I raised my wine cup,

"Tian Shi, thank you for always thinking of me. Actually, regarding Li Ming's matter, you don't need to consult me; just handle it directly.

Today consulting with me shows you respect Zhao Jianqiang. I raise a glass to you.

"Jianqiang, I most like your type who doesn't get muddled in major affairs.

Some people just like to muddle up in some matters, sending favors everywhere, taking on everything, ending up in a mess.

Come, let's drink.

By the way, there's another matter: Kong Shi at the city Cultural History Museum has turned it into a village history office.

The main staff member there is called Wang Changguang.

I heard he's your brother-in-law. Is that true?" Tian Shi asked, holding his wine cup.

"It's true. Wang Changguang is my brother-in-law. He used to work as a guide at the city museum.

Later he became interested in village history.

He then went to specialize in research, and then wanted to write histories for all the villages in our city.

Because our city's urbanization is developing too fast, many villages are gradually being demolished.

If we write a history for these villages, they could possibly survive forever.

Otherwise, these villages will forever disappear in the river of history.

Kong Shi and I once had a conversation,

I suggested letting Wang Changguang handle this, as he is conscientious and very patient." After I finished speaking, I clinked glasses with Tian Shi.

Tian Shi drank the wine in his cup dry,

then said: "Oh, so that's how it is, Jianqiang. You should know that this village history office was left by the previous Kong Shi, and many people in the city are trying to have it cut down.

I too have been considering that this village history office produces no value and also has to support a few idle people.

Today hearing you say this, I finally understood the importance of this matter.

Really, just as you said, if no one writes the history of the villages.

these villages will gradually disappear amid urban development.

This office should not only not be cut, but should be expanded.

The city supports it; I think we should let your brother-in-law Wang Changguang be the head of this office.

Tian Shi is doing this as a favor to me.

Li Ming's matter settled, Wang Changguang got promoted.

I hurriedly said: "Tian Shi, thank you. My brother-in-law, hearing he will be promoted, will surely be overjoyed,

I think that way; the village history office, some people in the city see it as a burden, and that's not unreasonable, as it produces no value.

I feel we can proceed like this.