Chapter 269: Again?

The factory resuming work is a matter of sooner or later, and it's better to do it early rather than late.

Li Jiaci had held on until now, also feeling that Liu Yunshen's time was up, and he could no longer stir any waves.

"Xiao Na, you have to give to get; everything we now have is actually not stable. Just investing in charity has used up over half of my savings. If we don't make a push now, we'll truly be beaten to the punch by others, and by then it'll be too late!"

Wang Yingna understood this reasoning; she only complained a few words and would not obstruct Li Jiaci's plan.

"I know."

The next morning.

The lumber mill welcomed back its workers.

Once again, the bustling scene of the past returned.

Not long after the news of the resumption of work spread.

Those middlemen who had been desperately seeking lumber, upon hearing the news, came running.

The cooperation continued.

The car fleet mightily headed toward South City.

On the very first day of resumption, all the factories' lumber sold out.

Not only that,

The resumption of the furniture factory was even more sensational.

After all, this was a project in cooperation with the new mayor.

The workers were swamped, but everyone wore a smile; as long as there was work there was income, and with income the whole family could live well.

Wang Zhen also used his fame to advertise the name of Shiqiang Furniture in front of the TV.

People from all over the country came of their own accord.

This drove up the entire Pingzhou's economy and consumption level.

Changshulin laughed until his face almost cracked.

He immediately decided to use his free time to invite Wang Zhen and Li Jiaci for a meal.

Spring Happiness Restaurant.

The three busy people were gathering together for the first time.

Changshulin had only seen Li Jiaci on TV before; seeing him in person made it hard to conceal his excitement.

This was his god of wealth.

A person who could make him rich with just a bit of thought.

Changshulin excitedly grasped Li Jiaci's hand.

"Boss Li, I've long admired your name!"

Li Jiaci politely smiled and said, "Mayor Chang, you're giving me too much face!"

The basis of this face is money.

Changshulin invited the two to take a seat.

He summoned the waiter and ordered a table full of delicious dishes.

He then said, "I had been worried all along that the furniture industry had been in chaos for so long—could it ever return to normal? As it turns out, you've made me feel extremely delighted; on just the first day of resumption, the two furniture markets in the city were overcrowded, and all furniture sold out!"

"This brother of mine never goes into battle unprepared; Mayor Chang has had little contact with him, but will come to understand him gradually!"

Wang Zhen explained from the side.

Because Li Jiaci gave face in front of Changshulin, he himself felt immensely honored.

Changshulin then said, "Boss Li is truly young and capable; relying on his own strength he monopolized the lumber market, and now he has monopolized the furniture industry—his future is limitless!"

Hearing this, Li Jiaci felt as if he were being given a tall hat.

He still modestly waved his hand.

"My efforts compared to the mayor's are not worth mentioning!"

"Mayor Chang, upon arriving in Pingzhou, launched a thunderous crackdown, sweeping away more than ten black‑force gangs and reversing Pingzhou's turbulent atmosphere!"

"To remain calm in the face of threats from above—this I deeply admire!"

"If it weren't for your strong support, I couldn't have resumed work so quickly, and my several thousand employees would all be completely unemployed!"

"It is I who should thank the mayor for his help!"

Li Jiaci's remarks were very appropriate.

He stood up, poured a cup of wine, raised his glass and said, "This toast is for you—I'll drink it all, you can drink as you like!"

Changshulin laughed and said, "Since you've downed it, I have to keep up!"

The two drank together.

Li Jiaci poured himself another cup of wine.

This cup was a toast to Wang Zhen.

"Brother, during this time I've relied on you to bear these pressures!"

"If it weren't for you looking out for me, I couldn't have resolved these pressing matters so quickly!"

"This toast is for you!"

Having said that, Li Jiaci tilted his head back and drained the cup.

Wang Zhen felt somewhat surprised.

But it was only a moment; he immediately poured a drink and drank along.

"Still being so polite with your brother!"

Wang Zhen complained.

But in his heart he felt quite pleased.

Changshulin understood Li Jiaci's meaning.

He raised his glass and said to Wang Zhen, "Little Wang, I also want to thank you for this opportunity. Thanks to you as the mediator, there's no grudge between me and Li Lao Ban. You've worked hard these days, and your brother has too. I toast you!"

"Mayor Chang, you're overpraising me; I just did what I should have done!"

Wang Zhen replied, flattered and surprised.

The atmosphere at the wine table was so harmonious.

Until the end.

Changshulin felt a sense of unfinished business.

He, drunk, said to Li Jiaci, "Li Lao Ban, I've decided to be your friend. From now on, if you have anything, just call me; I'll handle whatever I can and whatever I can't."

"Hahaha!"

"If Mayor Chang can say that, I'm already satisfied!"

Li Jiaci laughed twice.

He then gave Wang Li, who was waiting by the roadside, a meaningful look.

Wang Li understood, immediately ran over and helped Changshulin into the car.

A moment later.

Wang Zhen's driver came to pick him up.

Li Jiaci didn't return to the factory; instead, he found a nearby inn, planning to rest for the night and drive back himself.

After washing up.

Li Jiaci lay on the bed, exhaling alcohol, and dialed Wang Yingna's phone.

"Hey, little Na, I'm not going back tonight; you rest early!"

On the phone, Wang Yingna worriedly asked, "Did you drink a lot? Did your talk with the mayor go smoothly?"

"Everything went smoothly. The mayor thanked your brother at the wine table and was very courteous to me; because I was happy, I drank a bit more."

Li Jiaci's tone was weary.

Wang Yingna heard his fatigue and laughed, saying, "That's great; take care of yourself out there, I'll wait for you to come back!"

"Okay."

He hung up.

Li Jiaci leaned against the headboard and soon fell into a deep sleep.

I don't know how long passed.

A sudden, urgent phone ring rang.

Li Jiaci opened his eyes and looked out the window; it was already bright sunshine.

He fumbled for his phone under the pillow, answered groggily, and asked, "Who's calling me?"

"It's me, Zhou Wanting!"

"Someone from the Anti-Corruption Bureau?"

Li Jiaci sat up.

"Has Liu Yunshen's case been resolved?"

Zhou Wanting replied, "If only it were that simple, Li Jiaci. Would you be willing to help us again?"

"Again?"

"Are these people just eating dry rice?"

"All the evidence is right before them, yet they can't pin a corruption hat on someone brimming with guilt."

"Is that acceptable?"

Li Jiaci, annoyed and troubled, rubbed his forehead.

"Deputy Section Chief Zhou, you earlier told me the outcome was settled, letting me relax, but now over a week has passed and you're telling me this matter isn't resolved?"

Upon hearing that, Zhou Wanting paused, then countered, "Haven't you already gotten a favor from Bureau Chief Wu? Since you've received a favor, you should act and help each other with us!"