Nominal: The pinnacle of power began in the sixth province of Handong.

Chapter 159 A Friend's Phone Call

Just as Yi Xuexi returned to Lüzhou City.

Governor Liu's confidential phone received a call from Beijing.

"Chang Geng, how have you been?"

As Governor Liu heard that incredibly familiar voice on the microphone, he was overwhelmed with mixed emotions.

The person he fought for over a decade without success is now going to the capital to continue shining, while he himself is about to fade into obscurity.

If someone calls him at this time, you can probably guess why.

Composing himself, Governor Liu replied with a smile:

"Hello, former Party Secretary! How are you feeling?"

Zhao Lichun said warmly:

"As I get older, my rheumatism has gotten worse. By the way, the folk remedy you gave me a few years ago was quite good. I was wondering if you could get some more?"

"What's so difficult about that? Just give me an address, and I'll send it to you in the next couple of days," Governor Liu said.

"Okay, okay, thank you for your trouble! The address is in xx district of Beijing..."

Zhao Lichun and Governor Liu chatted casually across the distance, their words filled with concern for each other and reminiscing about the glorious past.

Governor Liu was momentarily dazed, as if he and Zhao Lichun were not rivals, but old friends of many years.

What is taking place at this moment is just an ordinary greeting.

But when he caught a glimpse out of the corner of his eye, he saw that what he was holding in his hand was a bright red secure phone.

Governor Liu's thoughts were abruptly pulled back to the present moment.

Yes, Zhao Lichun called not from his personal cell phone, but from a secure phone.

This illustrates that...

The matter to be discussed is hidden in a single sentence that is about to be uttered.

Sure enough, after the two chatted for about ten minutes,

Zhao Lichun changed the subject, saying:

"Chang Geng, I heard the province is investigating several companies in Handong recently? What are the results?"

Governor Liu sneered inwardly, "Whether there's a result or not, didn't your precious son tell you?" But he still responded politely:

"It's just routine auditing work. We won't make things difficult if there aren't any problems, after all, we still need to run a business."

Zhao Lichun pondered for a moment, then said:

"That's good. Has the new Party Secretary been suspended from his duties?"

"Yes, nothing escapes your discerning eye!" Governor Liu joked.

"This is not a good thing. After all, Handong was transferred from me, and now everyone in the capital knows about it. I'm losing face too," Zhao Lichun sighed.

"Have you heard of Mirror Weekly? It's sold quite a few copies here in Beijing. This issue... a lot of the space is dedicated to the new secretary of Handong."

Governor Liu found it amusing; others might not know "Mirror Weekly," but Zhao Lichun certainly did.

What's being reported? Isn't it all decided by your son?

Moreover, Zhao Lichun, you must have contributed to the publication's popularity in Handong back then, right?

Governor Liu's statement is based on solid evidence.

Because he was also attacked by this publication.

Even if one is fully aware of the context of Governor Liu's conversation on this confidential phone call, one cannot reveal the truth.

After thinking for a moment, he replied:

"Don't worry, we are working hard to stabilize public opinion and won't let the old secretary have to worry."

Zhao Lichun gave a long "hmm," signaling that Governor Liu had passed this round of probing.

Immediately afterwards, Zhao Lichun pretended to be deep in thought and said:

"Chang Geng, let me tell you the truth. We should listen to the people, but not to them entirely. But right now, public opinion is indeed somewhat unfavorable. I suspect that perhaps our methods in carrying out certain aspects of our work in Handong are somewhat inappropriate, which is why we've aroused public resentment?"

Governor Liu understood that this statement hit the nail on the head.

The methods and approaches used in carrying out the work refer to conducting audits and investigations of companies such as Huilong Group.

It seems that Zhao Lichun is already giving himself a warning.

It would be better to retreat in order to advance and probe the other party's intentions.

Having made up his mind, Governor Liu also feigned a troubled expression and said:

"Yes, public opinion is a sensitive and important matter. Old Secretary, in your opinion, what aspects of our work in Handong have gone wrong?"

Zhao Lichun laughed heartily:

"How would I know? Those in positions of power should fulfill their responsibilities. Chang-Geng, what I'm worried about now is that if the methods and approaches used in our work are not improved, public opinion will likely become even more intense. At that point, your new Party Secretary might not be able to handle it."

Upon hearing Zhao Lichun's words, Governor Liu felt reassured.

This old fox has finally revealed his true colors.

This sentence translates to:

If you continue to harass my son's Huilong Group, don't blame me for using even stricter measures to control public opinion and ultimately embarrass Sha Ruijin.

You will bear the consequences!

It seems that Zhao Lichun wants both sides to back down and stop here.

The provincial government will hand over a few senior executives from Huilong Group to appease the officials.

Huilong Group continues to do what it needs to do.

Governor Liu understood that he could not continue negotiating with Zhao Lichun at this point.

Because Sha Ruijin is imprisoned, Handong has no leverage for further negotiations.

After careful consideration, Governor Liu said solemnly:

"I understand. I'll immediately instruct them to conduct a self-examination, improve their work methods, and avoid radical measures while controlling the intensity. Old Secretary, do you think this will salvage some of Handong's image?"

"Hahaha! Chang Geng, you really have exceptional comprehension!" Zhao Lichun was extremely satisfied with Governor Liu's statement and couldn't help but applaud on the other end of the phone, saying:

"I can't speak for other things, but just based on your attitude, the voices outside will be much softer! Alright, it's getting late. You, as the incumbent governor, are much busier than I am in this idle position, so I won't bother you any longer! By the way, remember to send me the medicine you mentioned. I'll also send you some organic vegetables later, homegrown ones!"

Governor Liu quickly said:

"Definitely! Thank you for your guidance, former Party Secretary!"

After hanging up the phone, Governor Liu's smile vanished.

As expected, the investigation team in Luzhou City received reports and there was negative public opinion about Sha Ruijin.

All of them are related to Zhao Lichun.

Even after leaving Handong, does this terrifying guy still maintain firm control over everything through extraordinary means?

Governor Liu dared not take it lightly. He made the first phone call, arranging for his hometown to send some more medicine for rheumatism.

The second call was to Xia Qing:

"Xia Qing, you were right. The recent public opinion and reports are all pressure from the Zhao family on our comprehensive anti-corruption efforts. Your underhanded tactics seem to have succeeded more than halfway."

Xia Qing, on the other end of the phone, said modestly:

"Governor, your leadership is excellent, which has enabled us to turn the tide. The Zhao family never imagined that their most pressing concern, the audit and investigation of Huilong Group, was actually a pretext. The real killer move was the secret investigation led by Lü Liang into the dealings between officials of Shanshui Group!"

Governor Liu nodded and said with satisfaction:

"I'm increasingly convinced of your exceptional abilities. I'll give Zhichao a call and have him arrange for the procuratorate and audit department to gradually withdraw, creating the illusion that we've compromised and stopped investigating Huilong Group. I'll leave the task of keeping an eye on things in Lüliang."

Xia Qing said confidently:

"Rest assured, the work in Lüliang will be kept absolutely confidential. Once the findings are complete, the entire anti-corruption campaign can deliver a resounding blow!"