Chapter 2822: Zhou Andong's Other Identity

"Dad, Mom, why are you here so late?"

Just as Lin Maoqiang was stepping forward to greet them, he heard Zhou Andong's voice from nearby, and then saw Zhou Andong stride past him quickly.

Lin Maoqiang's eyes widened in shock—only then did he realize that Zhou Andong's wife was Jian Qiu. That is, Zhou Andong was Jian Zhengxue's son-in-law, and he had only just found out.

Jian Zhengxue smiled and said: "Your mom has been counting the seconds in the living room, waiting for you to get off the plane. She called, then came over to see the kids."

Zhou Andong kindly took his mother-in-law's backpack: "Mom, you miss the kids—I'll bring them to you. No need for you to come all the way here."

Gu Minglan looked at her son-in-law, growing fonder by the second, her eyes full of smiles: "You've been on the plane for hours—you must be tired. You need to rest properly. My coming over isn't a bother at all."

"Nao nao!"

The door to Room 6018 was ajar, and the sounds from the hallway were clearly audible inside. Su Su's little ears were sharp—she clearly heard her dad and grandma talking, then toddled out on her short legs.

"Oh, Grandma's little sweetheart!" Gu Minglan bent down and picked up Su Su, kissing her face again and again: "Did you miss Grandma?"

"I missed Nao nao!" the little girl also happily kissed Grandma on the cheek.

Seeing this, Jian Zhengxue, as grandfather, felt envious: "Su Su, do you miss Grandpa too?"

Su Su hesitated for a moment before saying: "I did."

"So reluctant!" Jian Zhengxue pulled out a pack of imported candy from his pocket, then said with a mock-sour tone: "Let Grandpa hold you, and these candies are yours."

Su Su blinked her big eyes, then stretched out her tiny arms: "Grandpa, hold me."

Gu Minglan chuckled: "You little thing—so clingy, anyone who feeds you is your mom."

Jian Zhengxue laughed heartily, pulled Su Su close, and planted a firm kiss on her cheek: "That's called being sensible—my granddaughter's growing up, and she's definitely going to amount to something."

"Mom, Dad!" Jian Qiu came out of the room: "Don't chat in the hallway—if you have something to say, go inside."

"Governor, hello—I'm Lin Maoqiang from Shencheng."

Lin Maoqiang took two steps forward—this was no time to play dead. Whether or not Governor Jian noticed him, this was a golden opportunity to make an appearance, and he couldn't let it slip.

After all, the governor had only just taken office a few days ago, and everything was still being familiarized—including the officials under him. Right now, having this chance to introduce himself in front of the governor was invaluable.

At the very least, in the future, whenever the governor visits Shencheng or something happens there, the first name that comes to mind will surely be Lin Maoqiang.

Although Governor Jian had only been in office a few days, he had already made it his priority to get to know the leaders of the various cities under his jurisdiction. However, Lin Maoqiang, his secretary, and Li Ling were standing beside Zhou Andong, and since Jian assumed Lin was from the Yu Gong Group, he didn't pay close attention. Then Su Su ran over, and that drew his focus away.

"Comrade Maoqiang!" Governor Jian shook Lin Maoqiang's hand: "I didn't notice you here—were you discussing matters with Chairman Zhou?"

"Yes!" Lin Maoqiang replied respectfully: "Regarding the integrated urban development project, I've already reached an agreement with Director Li. We plan to conduct an inspection in Shencheng before the year ends, and if all goes well, we'll enter the substantive phase next year."

Governor Jian nodded: "The integrated urban development project will greatly promote urban economic prosperity, advance modernization of urban planning, and provide comfortable, reasonable housing functions."

"By attracting large numbers of consumers and businesses to settle in, it will generate economic benefits, increase local tax revenue, and create substantial employment for residents. It will also offer diverse consumption options, provide food and lodging for business and travel, and promote the development of the city's commercial sales functions..."

Whenever Chairman Zhou proposed the integrated urban project, Governor Jian had convened experts and scholars multiple times for analysis and discussion. Therefore, aside from Zhou Andong himself, no one understood the project better than Governor Jian, his father-in-law.

Lin Maoqiang echoed: "Secretary Chen Weimin held three party committee meetings to study and analyze the benefits of the integrated urban project for urban development. That's why I came to Yangcheng this time to discuss cooperation with Director Li."

"Excellent!" Governor Jian affirmed: "Comrade Weimin is a leader who rolls up his sleeves and gets things done—a capable official. Under his leadership, Shencheng's future is promising."

Jian Qiu took Su Su in her arms and said softly: "Mom, let's go inside."

Lin Maoqiang felt it was about time—lingering any longer would seem rude: "Governor, I need to return to Shencheng, so I won't disturb your family reunion."

"Alright!" Governor Jian said: "Tell the driver to drive slowly, watch for safety, and don't rush."

Lin Maoqiang acknowledged, then bade farewell to Zhou Andong and Li Ling, and only left after seeing Governor Jian enter the room.

Zhou Andong turned back to Room 6020, with Li Ling following him in. She first poured him a cup of tea, then began reporting on work—mainly the progress of the Yangcheng and Dongcheng integrated urban projects.

"Progress is going well!" Zhou Andong nodded, then asked: "How's the street vendor case? Did the Huang family appeal?"

"They did!" Li Ling replied: "The second trial is likely to open in January."

Zhou Andong asked again: "What did Old Dong say? Is he confident about upholding the original verdict in the second trial?"

Old Dong refers to Dong Herong, deputy head of the Group Legal Affairs Department, currently serving concurrently as director of the Legal Affairs Department of Yue Province Yushi Real Estate Subsidiary. Thus, Zhou Andong assigned him as defense lawyer for the street vendor Zhao Kun.

"I talked with Old Dong about this just a few days ago." Li Ling stood up to pour herself a cup of plain water: "This case has caused a huge uproar—it's fair to say the whole country is watching and discussing it. Especially after the first-instance verdict, the attention intensified."

Li Ling held her teacup, took a sip, then continued: "People used to say 'kill and you shall be killed,' but this case shattered that saying. Now public opinion overwhelmingly supports the first-instance verdict, but among legal professionals, there's significant disagreement. The main debate is whether street vendor Zhao Kun intentionally committed murder or merely caused injury through negligence."

Zhou Andong had not followed this case at all, so he hadn't seen any news: "So no one has suggested this might be self-defense?"

"They have!" Li Ling nodded: "Many reporters and columnists have discussed whether this qualifies as justifiable defense. But many legal professionals have pushed back, arguing it does not constitute justifiable defense."

Zhou Andong shook his head with a smile: "So what exactly did Old Dong say? Is he confident about upholding the original verdict in the second trial?"

Li Ling replied: "Old Dong said the deceased Huang Fan's third uncle is Huang Taichang, head of the Urban Appearance Office. And Huang Taichang's adoptive father is none other than Gao Zhengming, vice president of the Provincial High Court. So the second trial might be a bit complicated, but the complications shouldn't be too serious."