Chapter 72

### Chapter 66: Mission Accomplished

After Security Minister An left, Liu Tianlai timely shifted the topic, saying, "Who do we want to take down?"

Wen Liang noticed that Liu Tianlai's attitude had changed and did not answer his question directly. Instead, he asked, "Uncle Liu, how loyal is Bai Changqian to Zhou Yuanting?" Since he had already subdued Liu Tianlai, he naturally used a more intimate form of address.

Liu Tianlai sneered, "Loyalty? Ha! When Fang Mingtang was the mayor, Bai Changqian was his top general. The third-ranked vice mayor, however, was in charge of the most critical departments like finance, industry, taxation, and development and reform. The second-ranked vice mayor, Zhou Yuanting, was in charge of education, urban and rural construction, foreign economy, foreign trade, civil affairs, and agriculture. Qingzhou is an industrial city, and the chief vice mayor is in charge of agriculture? Ha, what a joke! Back then, the two were openly and secretly competing, and their factions were not united. After the old secretary went to Lingyang, Fang Mingtang was directly pushed to the People's Congress. The province had some sympathy for him, so when they were looking for a new acting mayor, they highly valued his opinion. As a result, everyone thought Bai Changqian would definitely get the position, and he himself was eagerly waiting for it. In the end, the news came that Fang Mingtang supported Zhou Yuanting, and Bai Changqian only became the chief vice mayor. The whole city was in an uproar, saying that Fang Mingtang must have taken the wrong medicine. They might not have openly broken ties, but how loyal could they be? In my opinion, Bai Changqian would love to take his place!"

Wen Liang smiled, "I heard that Bai Changqian's work style is very rough. He scolds the heads of the finance bureaus in the districts and counties without regard for the occasion or place, just opening his mouth and letting it fly."

Liu Tianlai also laughed, "That's true. These heads of the finance bureaus are all powerful figures in their areas, but they complain about going to city meetings, fearing that they might offend Mayor Bai and be publicly humiliated. I have a friend who is a bureau chief in Tongyuan County, and he now has a phobia of Bai. Behind his back, everyone calls him the 'Dirty Mouth Mayor.' After Xu Fuyan came, they formed a pair."

"Raising Hand Secretary, Dirty Mouth Mayor?" Wen Liang couldn't help but laugh. "So, Bai Changqian and Zhou Yuanting don't get along, and his relationships aren't good either..."

"Not just not good. He's been a vice mayor for so long and should have a lot of loyal followers, but if you ask around in the finance system, many people are hoping he falls from power."

Wen Liang's eyes sparkled with intelligence, and he tapped his fingers on the table. "So, Fang Mingtang might not have taken the wrong medicine... Uncle Liu, the one we want to take down is this Mayor Bai, Bai Changqian!"

Liu Tianlai didn't show any surprise but instead leaned in excitedly, whispering, "Do you have a plan?"

Wen Liang was both amused and exasperated, which showed how detestable this mayor was. He briefly mentioned Bai Huan's situation without mentioning Liu Zhihe, not out of greed for credit but to avoid trouble for Liu Zhihe.

Some things, Wen Liang could handle, but if Liu Zhihe did them, Liu Tianlai's attitude might be unpredictable.

Liu Tianlai stood up and walked a few steps, then turned and said excitedly, "I think this can work. Bai Changqian didn't become mayor this time, and the next opportunity might be years away. His political prospects are not bright. He has only one son, and he must have high hopes for him. If such a stain is left, his life will have no hope. So, he might be willing to give in..."

"Right, what specific issues might arise in the operation?"

Liu Tianlai's view was largely in line with Wen Liang's. The first thing to solve was to choose a location they could control. Hua Shan District was definitely out of the question. It would be best to choose Xicheng or Shanghe District, where the police stations and district bureaus were all under Liu Tianlai's control, ensuring that the operation would be carried out without hesitation and with minimal risk of leaks.

Wen Liang asked, "Are there any reliable hotels in these two districts that aren't too low-end?"

Liu Tianlai hesitated, "There are reliable ones, but Xicheng and Shanghe are economically underdeveloped, and their hotels can't compare to Hua Shan District. Only Old Nine's hotel in Xicheng is decent. But that's not the problem. The key is how to lure Bai Huan here. He's not stupid and would only go to a hotel he trusts."

Old Nine? Wen Liang's eyes twinkled, and he immediately changed his mind. His original plan was to have Liu Tianlai find a reliable hotel and have Liu Zhihe's mole persuade Bai Huan to go there. But since they had met Security Minister An, there was no need to take such a risk.

"Ha, perfect, let's set it at An Baoqing's place. I just gave him a way to make money, so he should help us a little, right?"

Liu Tianlai smiled bitterly. Was this a small favor? Even if he found an excuse afterward, Bai Changqian would remember it with resentment. Old Nine was as shrewd as a fox and wouldn't do a losing business. Besides, he had a grudge against Zuo Yuxi, so asking for his help was like looking for trouble.

"Mr. Wen, Director Zuo has offended him before, and these matters shouldn't be known by outsiders..."

Wen Liang's mind raced. So, this was how the relationship between Zuo and An was perceived. That was perfect. He put on a knowing look and said, "I understand his grudge against Sister Zuo. Don't worry, luring Bai Huan to the store is our job, and we won't involve him. When the deed is done, as long as An Baoqing is smart, Director Liu will face less resistance when he arrests people. He might even have to disappear for a few days to avoid suspicion. As for how to explain it to Bai Changqian afterward, that's none of our business."

Liu Tianlai finally understood. So, this small favor meant that the young master was planning to arrest Bai Huan, force Bai Changqian to give in, and at the same time, smear An Baoqing. One stone, three birds, and a ruthless plan. He couldn't help but admire it. His face showed his admiration, and Wen Liang almost burst out laughing. He knew what Old Liu was thinking, but all his guesses were wrong.

This was an interesting game, a mix of truth and falsehood, reality and illusion. No one except himself, An Baoqing, and Zuo Yuxi would know the true answer. The benefits were obvious and might even plant a useful pawn for a future surprise.

Liu Tianlai still wanted to make a final effort and advised, "An Baoqing is not easy to deal with. We don't need to create unnecessary trouble..."

Wen Liang sneered, "Who we want to offend is never easy to deal with. Don't worry, I have everything under control, and there will be no mistakes."

The effect of An Baoqing's performance showed. Liu Tianlai, hearing this, no longer insisted and decided, "Alright, let's take them both down! I'll go back and make preparations and send reliable people to monitor No. 19 High School. We'll attack on two fronts, and once you have a confirmed message, we'll act immediately!"

"Agreed," Wen Liang slammed the table, his gentle face taking on a sharp edge. "Choose reliable people. Once we have a confirmed message, arrest, gather evidence, and take photos without any mistakes. Conduct a surprise interrogation overnight and make it an ironclad case."

They discussed the details further, and it was almost eleven. Liu Tianlai smiled, "Why don't you stay here tonight? There are many fun activities on the third and fourth floors."

This remark showed that Liu Tianlai no longer treated Wen Liang as a child. Wen Liang, however, put on an act, glancing at him and saying, "Director Liu, inciting minors to participate in certain entertainment activities is illegal. Especially since you know the law and break it, the punishment is even more severe."

Liu Tianlai laughed heartily and didn't bring it up again, following Wen Liang out. As they walked down to the hall, An Baoqing hurried over and smiled, "Stay and play? It's on me tonight, gentlemen, enjoy yourselves."

Liu Tianlai looked at Wen Liang but didn't speak first. An Baoqing understood that while Wen Liang hadn't completely subdued him, he was now fully under his control.

Wen Liang smiled, "Mr. An, you came just in time. I need your help with something in a few days, but I can't say more now. Of course, it won't be too difficult for you, I wonder..."

"Brother Wen, what are you saying? Your matter is my matter. Just say it, and I'll do it."

Liu Tianlai's face was expressionless, thinking, "Sure, sure, you're being sold and still counting the money."

"Great, you're a man of your word!" Wen Liang patted his shoulder and lowered his voice, "I can't let you down, Mr. An. I heard that the original factory producing Biluochun tea in Wujian County, Jiangsu Province, is bankrupt and looking for someone to take over. If you're interested, you might want to check it out. The factory is a small matter, but the Biluochun trademark is key..."

An Baoqing's eyes lit up, "Brother Wen, give me more tasks. The more such business, the better, ha ha."

Getting into the Jetta, Liu Tianlai felt that Wen Liang was unfathomable. How did he know so much about everything? His behavior became even more cautious. As they approached No. 7 Courtyard, Wen Liang suddenly said, "Uncle Liu, stop here. It's just a short walk from here."

Liu Tianlai didn't ask any questions and immediately stopped the car. He had finally understood that whatever Wen Liang said was generally right.

Watching the Jetta drive away, Wen Liang tightened his collar, put his hands in his pockets, and walked slowly. At the corner, he saw the black Audi parked on the side. His heart warmed, and he ran over, tapping on the window.

The tinted window lowered, and Zuo Yuxi, resting her chin on her hand, stared at Wen Liang for a while before chuckling, "An Baoqing was scared by you!"

Sitting in the car, Wen Liang complained about his cold hands. Zuo Yuxi rolled her eyes and gently held his hands. The smooth, warm skin sent a tingling sensation through his veins, reaching deep into his heart.

"Spread your palms, let me see the mysterious secrets, and see if there's really a you and a me inside."

Wen Liang closed his eyes and softly hummed a song. Listening to the beautiful melody and smelling the scent of the boy beside him, Zuo Yuxi's lips curved into a gentle smile, her eyes filled with the word: happiness!

Holding your hand, looking at your face, happiness is so simple!

Wen Liang suddenly opened his eyes, pulled his hands away, and made a move to hug her, shouting, "Mission accomplished, give me a kiss!"

### End of Chapter 66

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