Chapter 568

The money in the card is 2 million.

Not a cent less; at this point, how dare Cui Rulin make fun of his own son?

After returning to the hotel, Shi Yong wanted to give me the card.

I didn't want it,

"Shi Yong, just spend this money. It's from the Cui family anyway. I'll go see Tian Shi tomorrow; Cui Chengshan should be fine."

Shi Yong happily laughed and said, "Brother, I knew this money— not taking it would be a waste. Keeping it with me is fine; I'll keep it for you."

I laughed and said, "Don't let it be gone when I need to use it."

"Rest assured, not a cent will be missing. Am I, Shi Yong, someone who spends money recklessly?" After saying that, Shi Yong pulled out his phone and started scrolling videos.

I lay on the bed and soon fell asleep.

The next morning,

I went to see Tian Shi.

In Tian Shi's office,

Tian Shi asked me, "How was it, did you see Cui Rulin?"

"I saw him; our talk went very well."

"You mean he won't cause trouble again."

"No worries, Tian Shi—rest assured; as long as you hold onto Cui Chengshan's little braid, he'll be honest. Plus his son-in-law, you also have him detained."

I also threatened him, saying you're preparing to investigate the past ten years, dig up old accounts, and round up everyone who used to mix with Kong Shi, making him even more honest.

After Tian Shi heard me finish, he laughed heartily,

"Jianqiang, you really have it. No need to ask, Cui Rulin is scared."

"Tian Shi, Cui Rulin has already guaranteed that the Cui family will never cause trouble again, the media they contacted have all stopped, and they won't interfere in Li Ming's matter. Moreover, they will strongly support you."

Tian Shi nodded,

"This is best. I also don't want to exterminate them; if things blow up, none of us will end well."

"Jianqiang, what should we do with Cui Chengshan—arrest or release? Tell me, I want to hear your opinion."

I laughed and said, "Tian Shi, my opinion is to release him."

"Why?" Tian Shi asked.

"The Cui family already obeys you; arresting Cui Chengshan would still offend them. Better to give them a favor, so they feel grateful to you."

"Let them know that in Zaocheng, whether to arrest or release is just your word."

"You are the absolute figure in Zaocheng; your word is final."

"At the same time, Cui Chengshan's little braid will always be in your hands; if he doesn't obey, you can discipline him anytime."

"Could Cui Chengshan possibly not be loyal to you?"

"Once Cui Chengshan is loyal, the rest of the Cui family will be even easier to handle."

"You now need the support of the subordinates in Zaocheng; otherwise it's hard to carry out work."

"The Cui family also represents the majority of the subordinates."

"Tian Shi, I don't need to say some things; I believe you understand them even better than I do."

Tian Shi remained silent, not speaking,

After a while, he took out a cigarette from his pocket and tossed it to me.

After I caught it, I took out a lighter to light it for Tian Shi.

Tian Shi took a puff,

"Jianqiang, what you said makes sense. I originally planned to use Cui Chengshan as a city‑wide anti‑corruption example, to kill the chicken to scare the monkeys. After your words, it seems I still can't handle this matter regarding Cui Chengshan."

"Releasing him would have a better effect. Jianqiang, releasing Cui Chengshan is okay, but not dealing with him at all is not okay, after all he committed such a big mistake."

"I want to give him a warning, to make him behave."

"A warning is essentially no punishment; as long as Cui Chengshan behaves and doesn't make mistakes again, basically this matter is over."

At this point I stood up,

"Tian Shi handling it this way is best; then I have nothing else to do, so I'll head back first."

"Want to sit a bit longer? You seem rushed. How is it, this office doesn't keep people, right?" Tian Shi gestured for me to sit again.

I had no choice but to sit down.

"Li Ming will be out in a couple days. By then, tell him to stop causing trouble; if he continues, it won't be as simple as detention." Tian Shi said to me while looking at me.

"Tian Shi, Li Ming's detention period isn't up yet, no need to release him early; I will definitely talk to him about his matter."

Tian Shi waved his hand,

"Detaining him is just to prevent him from getting too close to the Cui family; if they really exploited him, that would be troublesome. Detaining Li Ming for two days is just that—let him know what's enough."

"If the Cui family doesn't cause trouble, Li Ming can be released."

"Jianqiang, to be frank, this is out of respect for you."

"If you weren't close with Li Ming, he would already have been sentenced." Tian Shi took a puff of cigarette.

I hurriedly said, "Thank you, Tian Shi, for giving me a thin favor. After Li Ming's brother comes out, I'll bring him to you to apologize specifically."

Tian Shi said, "No need. His son Xiao Long will work for me from now on; just tell him, and he'll understand."

Tian Shi, I really don't know how to thank you. Xiao Long's matter is also thanks to your help.

Don't be polite, regarding Zaocheng Mining Group's matter, I have already contacted my classmates, they agree to cooperate with your mine again. Hurry up and arrange personnel for production.

"We must strike while the iron is hot." Tian Shi said.

Okay, I'll go to Qi He Kuang today and quickly organize their production. Once production is out, we can sign a contract with Zaocheng Mining Group. As for the price, what did Zaocheng Mining Group say? I asked.

This, you still need to discuss specifics, I won't participate. As long as there's profit, it's fine. Jianqiang, there's another matter: I heard a few days ago that the higher-ups want to shut down a batch of small coal mines. I don't know when it will be executed.

You need to keep this in mind. By then, if Qi He Kuang's output fails to meet the standard, it might be cut. Tian Shi reminded.

Tian Shi, this Qi He Kuang has been mined for several decades; its output is only that large. Because the coal that can produce high-standard carbon black is only produced in that Qi He area; none of the many mines of Zaocheng Mining produce this coal.

Why we can cooperate with Zaocheng Mining Group mainly lies in the uniqueness of Qi He Kuang's coal. Zaocheng Mining Group mainly uses stored carbon black.

Speaking of Qi He Kuang's coal, in the past Woguo people came specially to purchase it; it is said that the carbon black extracted from the coal can make high-standard seals, usable for military purposes.

I asked the technical engineers on the mine; according to the current mining pace, Qi He Kuang has less than ten years of mining left. Regarding what you just mentioned, I think perhaps before the higher authorities order a shutdown, the coal of Qi He Kuang will be exhausted. I sighed.

I never imagined there were so many things about Qi He Kuang's coal. It seems I know too little about Zaocheng. As for Qi He Kuang's matters, the higher-ups have not yet moved; we'll talk when there is movement.

After all, Qi He Kuang still has to support several hundred workers' families; without Qi He Kuang, their livelihood would also be a problem.

Their livelihood is a problem; sitting in this position puts my mind at ease. First cooperate with Zaocheng Mining Group to stabilize production, then we'll talk. Tian Shi arranged.

Tian Shi, rest assured, I will arrange people for production. Tian Shi, there's nothing else; I'm heading back first—I'll go to Qi He Kuang to have a look and get them to resume production as soon as possible. I stood up again.

Jianqiang, alright, I won't keep you. Originally I wanted to have a drink with you tonight, so let's wait until you return from Qi He Kuang. Tian Shi also stood up and shook my hand.

I left Tian Shi's office, feeling relieved; Li Ming's matter is finally settled, and the Cui Family's matter has also been calmed,

I also settled a major concern.