Chapter 769

More than three years of time passed in the snap of a finger.

no.

The Guoyun Technology headquarters conference room is located on the 68th floor of Phase 2 of Jingcheng Guomao. Outside the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, the clear, lofty autumn sky of Beijing stretches out, revealing the continuous golden-tiled roofs of the Forbidden City.

Contains Jingcheng. Also Beijing but not in glossary; we only list terms from glossary that appear. So include Jingcheng.

none.

The core executives of National Fortune Technology, the head of the technical team, and two leaders from the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.

none.

Lin Dongfan was delivering his final work report as the general manager of National Fortune Technology.

"As of the end of last month, the first phase of the Smart Energy Demonstration Base has been fully completed, with all indicators exceeding expectations. Compared with three years ago, our photovoltaic conversion efficiency has increased by 2.7%, energy storage costs have decreased by 34%, and the smart grid dispatch system has been connected to 17 key parks in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region."

His voice was steady and clear, without using a script, and every figure came to him effortlessly.

"Over the past three years, National Fortune Technology has accumulated revenue of 47.2 billion, net profit of 6.1 billion, and tax remittance of 2.8 billion. We have led or participated in the formulation of seven industry standards and obtained 139 patent authorizations."

Saying this, Lin Dongfan paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over the audience.

"Most importantly, we have proven that state-owned enterprises in strategic emerging industries can not only succeed but excel. This achievement was forged by every colleague here through over a thousand days and nights of hard work."

Applause broke out.

A few veteran engineers had slightly reddened eye sockets.

They had personally watched this young general manager take on the project under pressure three years ago, and over the past three years lead his team to tackle one tough challenge after another.

Now the project has become an industry benchmark, yet the general manager is about to leave.

Director Li from the State Assets Commission sighed: "Comrade Dongfan, the foundation you've laid for National Fortune Technology over these three years is enough to sustain us for a decade."

"The foundation was built by everyone together," Lin Dongfan smiled. "I merely did what I was supposed to do."

The meeting ended in an atmosphere tinged with sorrow yet filled with respect. People left one by one, until only Lin Dongfan and the two leaders from the State Assets Commission remained.

Director Li closed his notebook, his expression turning more solemn: "The transfer order has officially come down; report to Wuzhou next Monday."

"Understood."

"Some things aren't appropriate for the organization to state outright, but I'll remind you privately." Director Li lowered his voice: "The situation in Wuzhou is rather complicated. Comrade Wang Qigang has, over the past three years, made the Wuzhou economy thrive, with its GDP growth ranking among the top three in the province year after year, which the higher-ups acknowledge. However, his working style is rather forceful."

Another leader chimed in: "You're going to be his partner, and also to learn from him—maintain proper boundaries."

Having spoken to this extent, it's already a full briefing.

Lin Dongfan nodded: "Thank you for the reminder, Director; I'll pay attention."

Seeing off the two leaders, Lin Dongfan returned to his office.

He had used this office for three years; its furnishings were simple, the most conspicuous being the map of Wuzhou on the wall. When it was first hung three years ago it was pristine, but now the edges have slightly yellowed.

On the map, dense markings had been made with pens of various colors.

He stood before the map for Along time.

Over the past three years, through Yang Qing and his own channels, his understanding of Wuzhou had long gone beyond what's on paper.

He knew that the Zhao Group had secured four core land parcels in Wuzhou's development zone.

He knew that behind Wang Qigang's pet project, the "Wuzhou New Port," lay complex capital maneuvers; he knew of the old cases that Yang Qing had risked his life to investigate, where key witnesses had one by one "accidentally" disappeared or recanted.

He also knew that Wang Qigang's smooth career rise over the past three years was inseparable from the Zhao family's maneuvers in the capital.

"Thump thump."

A knocking sound rang out.

Lao Ba pushed the door open, entering with a kraft paper file bag in hand: "Boss Fan, this was sent from Yang Qing's side."

Lin Dongfan took the file bag; inside was a thick photocopied investigation report, plus a slip of paper bearing Yang Qing's familiar handwriting:

"Brother, everything I could uncover is in here. On my end I still have to keep up the 'amnesia' act for a while; when you get to Wuzhou, if you need me, I'll 'wake up' at any time. Take care."

The first page of the report is a yellowed old photograph—a group photo from ten years ago of the old mining area in Wuzhou. Most of the people in the photo are now deceased.

Lin Dongfan flipped through the pages, his face growing increasingly grim.

Over the past three years, Yang Qing has never ceased his investigation under the cover of amnesia.

This report contains not only evidence that the Zhao Group in Wuzhou has used violence to forcibly demolish and seize collective assets, but also points to several deaths officially labeled as "accidents."

And all the clues ultimately point, faintly, to a name shielded by layers of protection.

Although the report lacks direct evidence, the logical chain is terrifyingly clear.

Lin Dongfan closed the report.

He walked to the window.

The setting sun bathed the entire Jingcheng in a golden afterglow. From this height, the traffic on the streets looked like glowing rivers, flowing ceaselessly.

Three years.

Many things have happened in these three years.

The former mayor—Wang Qigang—has now been promoted to the top position in Wuzhou, while Lin Dongfan himself has become Wang Qigang's successor, about to assume the mayoral post and serve alongside him.

Damn, fate really likes to toy with people!

His phone vibrated.

It was a new message from an unsaved number: "Mayor Lin, welcome to Wuzhou. Tomorrow evening at seven, at the Wuzhou Hotel, to welcome you. Wang Qigang."

The form of address has changed.

From "Manager Lin" three years ago, it has become "Mayor Lin" now—formal, distant, all business.

Lin Dongfan simply replied with two words: "Thank you."

He put away his phone, took one last look at the office. His personal belongings to be taken had already been packed yesterday; what remained were company property.

"Lao Ba."

"Here."

"Get ready; we'll fly to Wuzhou tomorrow afternoon."

Yes

At night, the Lin Family's old residence.

The atmosphere of the family gathering was somewhat complicated; the over-a-hundred-year-old patriarch Lin Mu Yuan sat in the seat of honor, his face showing little expression but his eyes revealing relief.

Three years have passed; the old master finally got his wish, seeing in his lifetime his grandson abandon business for politics.

"Wuzhou is not Jingcheng; I hear that there, clan concepts are strong and local powers are deeply entrenched." Lin Mu Yuan's voice steady, neither hurried nor slow, he educated Lin Dongfan: "Your transfer to Wuzhou is to let you do work, not to become an official. Remember, official positions are temporary; doing work is lasting."

"I remember, Grandpa." Lin Dongfan had already stopped talking back.

Uncle Lin Zhenhua was more pragmatic: "Your transfer is a 'lateral move,' but shifting from a state-owned enterprise's public institution staffing to an administrative posting is already an exception. Wuzhou is a major economic city; the mayor's position attracts high attention—if done well, it's a stepping stone; if not done well..."

He didn't finish, but the meaning was understood.

Chu Lingxi sat beside Lin Dongfan, silently serving him vegetables.

Three years later, she had also changed.

Fine lines appeared at the corners of her eyes, but her gaze grew calmer.

After experiencing that club scandal, she seemed to have suddenly matured; she was no longer the naïve, easily deceived "sweet simpleton," but had truly learned to protect herself and support her husband in a complex environment.

After the meal, the two took a walk in the courtyard.

The autumn night's moonlight was bright, spilling onto the blue stone slabs.

"I've packed your luggage." Chu Lingxi linked her arm with Lin Dongfan's: "I checked the recruitment at that arts school; they happen to need a dance teacher, and I've already submitted my résumé."

Lin Dongfan stopped walking, looking at her: "You don't have to work."

"I want to work." Chu Lingxi lifted her head, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight: "I can't always be your weak point, right? I want to be your... well, secret weapon."

She laughed, still a bit silly, but with added resolve.

Lin Dongfan also laughed, pulling her into his embrace.

These three years, Chu Lingxi hasn't touched stocks or futures again; instead, she has honed her acting skills to perfection. In future important occasions, Lin Dongfan believes she can also gracefully play the role of "mayor's wife."

"Xu Lili got married last month." Chu Lingxi suddenly said: "She married a middle school teacher and moved to the south. She sent me an invitation; I didn't go, but I sent a gift."

Lin Dongfan nodded.

After that incident three years ago, Xu Lili finally mustered the courage to provide the police with partial evidence of Zhao Tianyu's coercion against her; although insufficient for conviction, it kept Zhao Tianyu quiet for a while.

Later, the Zhao family gave her family a sum of money, clearing the debt, and she left Jingcheng, this place of right and wrong.

That could be considered a good ending.

"Zhao Tianyu has been very active in Wuzhou these three years." Lin Dongfan said softly: "Wang Qigang's rise owed much to his behind-the-scenes efforts."

Chu Lingxi gripped his hand: "Don't be afraid; we have Lao Ba, Yang Qing, and your mentor, Comrade Luo Xiang."

"What 'Comrade Luo Xiang'? Call him Secretary Luo."

Lin Dongfan smiled faintly, not intentionally teasing the "sweet simpleton," but genuinely respecting his mentor from the heart; now Teacher Luo has been transferred from Nanzhou to the province, appointed as secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission.

Lin Dongfan gazed toward the south.

Wuzhou, that city seven hundred li away, now has its lights just lit.

There awaits his office, there is Wang Qigang, whose surface warmth is actually probing; there is the Zhao Group, entrenched for years; there is the truth buried for years; and there are the daily lives of millions of ordinary people—rice, flour, oil, salt.

What he is going to is not a banquet, but a battlefield.

But this time.

He is no longer fighting alone.