Chapter 193

Zhou Andong never expected Gu Reporter Guan Shengjie to be so generous—he waived the 2.8 million in compensation and asked for only one yuan, and the story was reported the next day.

The report also polished up his self-praising speech about universal love, especially highlighting Gu Reporter Guan Shengjie's final words: "Those who accomplish great things must possess great love; those who achieve greatness must possess great virtue. Tribute to Jiangzhou Liquor Factory's factory director, Zhou Andong."

Holding the newspaper, Zhou Andong smacked his lips, felt his face growing hot, then touched his cheeks and let out a silly chuckle: "Brother Jie, you blew it a little too far—just this once, don't do it again, it's way too embarrassing for me."

This news instantly caused a huge uproar; public goodwill toward Jiangzhou Liquor Factory and Zhou Andong skyrocketed. He had simply given up 2.8 million in compensation, all to save the life of a reporter who had once maliciously targeted Jiangzhou Liquor Factory.

Not just anyone could do something like this. Everyone reading the article felt Zhou Andong's vast heart and his gratitude toward the world in every line.

"Click-clack-click-clack…"

The crisp sound of high heels on cement echoed down the hallway, then the office door opened and Jian Qiu walked in, smiling, holding a newspaper.

"You saw the report, right?"

Zhou Andong nodded: "I saw it."

Jian Qiu smiled: "Gu Reporter Guan Shengjie sang your praises to the heavens."

Zhou Andong glared at Jian Qiu: "What do you mean 'sang to the heavens'? Isn't it all true?"

"Fine, fine, if you say it's true, then it's true." Jian Qiu was helpless against Zhou Andong's thick skin. "The provincial TV station called—they'll come next Monday, the 18th, to set up the stage for the gala and hope to invite An Jing to sing 'Toasting Friends.'"

Zhou Andong said: "Setting up the stage is fine, but for An Jing to perform, she has to agree herself—and who pays the appearance fee?"

Jian Qiu said: "We'll provide the literary contest prize money; the TV station handles the gala, including inviting performers and paying their fees."

Zhou Andong said: "Actually, letting An Jing appear on TV and sing a song will greatly benefit Dekes' future development."

Jian Qiu asked curiously: "What benefit?"

"Star effect." Zhou Andong picked up a cigarette from his desk and lit it.

Jian Qiu understood: "Leave her to me. If that little brat refuses, I'll tie her up and drag her onstage."

"Ding…"

The phone on the desk suddenly rang. Zhou Andong picked it up and heard Dai Dai Hongwei's voice.

"Zhao Zhao Jianlong wants to see you."

Zhou Andong smiled: "Alright, I'll go see him right away."

Dai Dai Hongwei said: "After you see him, come to my office."

"Got it!" Zhou Andong hung up and turned to Jian Qiu: "Go find An Jing. I'm going to the detention center to see Zhao Zhao Jianlong."

At the detention center, Zhao Zhao Jianlong, without any preamble, said: "I've decided to cooperate with you."

"That's the spirit!" Zhou Andong patted Zhao Zhao Jianlong's shoulder with a smile. "Tong Tong Huaiyu isn't your father. Cling to him and you live—what's there to think about?"

Zhao Zhao Jianlong's expression was calm, but his hatred for Zhou Andong had never lessened. His current imprisonment and total loss were all Zhou Andong's doing—he would repay this grudge, but first he had to save his own life.

"I hope you keep your promise."

"Don't worry," Zhou Andong said. "As long as you fully disclose the details of the fake liquor case and pin it on Tong Tong Huaiyu, I'll immediately acquire Tenglong Real Estate. Once you repay the debt, the bank won't pursue you. Especially my ex-father-in-law—he's been tied to you for years. Even if you nearly got him killed, he'll still pull you out."

Zhao Zhao Jianlong said: "Officer Zhang, I have a report to make."

The meeting room door opened and Officer Zhang walked in: "What is it?"

Zhao Zhao Jianlong said: "The real mastermind behind the fake liquor case."

Hearing "fake liquor case," Officer Zhang's face changed. He sent Zhao Zhao Jianlong back to his cell and immediately reported upward.

Zhou Andong left the detention center and headed straight for the municipal bureau.

Dai Dai Hongwei hadn't expected Zhou Andong to arrive so quickly: "How did it go?"

Zhou Andong said: "Everything went smoothly."

Dai Dai Hongwei exhaled deeply. Though Chengzhan Army stood behind him, he still felt the pressure. Just thinking about arresting Tong Tong Huaiyu gave him a headache. Fortunately, he knew a little about Chengzhan Army's background—otherwise he'd never have gotten involved in this mess.

"As soon as he confesses, I'll arrest Tong Tong Huaiyu."

Zhou Andong nodded. They discussed the details, then Zhou Andong went to see his ex-father-in-law.

Thanks to Zhou Andong's warning, Jiang Jiang Zhengmin had acted early—he froze Zhao Zhao Jianlong's assets and that plot of land. Once the other two banks found out, they sent people to his office.

At first, they talked calmly. This was Jiang Jiang Zhengmin's turf—he had to protect his own interests and refused to budge an inch.

The other two banks grew desperate, then started arguing, with tensions escalating—almost to the point of physical violence. For the past two days, Jiang Jiang Zhengmin's life had been hell—he was utterly frazzled.

As Zhou Andong arrived outside Jiang Jiang Zhengmin's office, he heard the shouting inside. He stood at the door, listened for a moment, understood the cause, then knocked.

The shouting inside stopped instantly. Jiang Jiang Zhengmin's voice came through: "Come in."

Zhou Andong pushed the door open. Besides Jiang Jiang Zhengmin, there were two others—likely representatives from the other two banks.

Seeing Zhou Andong, Jiang Jiang Zhengmin asked curiously: "Why are you back again?"

Zhou Andong said: "I've come to discuss acquiring Tenglong Real Estate and that plot of land."

"What?" Not just Jiang Jiang Zhengmin—everyone else stared wide-eyed and jumped to their feet, staring at Zhou Andong.

The core of their argument was that plot of land. Though worth over 20 million, no one would buy it.

Jiang Jiang Zhengmin had contacted provincial development companies—he couldn't get a single bite. So the biggest disagreement among the three parties was Zhao Zhao Jianlong's personal assets: each side wanted to seize it first to plug the hole, then wait for the land's auction proceeds if it wasn't enough.

"You're not joking?" Jiang Jiang Zhengmin asked, skeptical.

Zhou Andong said: "Why would I joke about something like this?"

"Oh my!" A fat man, weighing around two hundred jin, moved with surprising agility and rushed forward to grab Zhou Andong's hand. "I'm Feng Aiguo, deputy branch manager of the Qu Hongqi Street Agricultural Bank in Harbin."

Jiang Jiang Zhengmin snorted: "Who you are doesn't matter. This acquisition must be negotiated by me."

"Why?" Feng Aiguo and the others all protested in unison.

"Why?" Jiang Jiang Zhengmin said. "Because he's my son-in-law." He added silently: Even if he's my ex-son-in-law, this relationship isn't something you can match.