Chapter 85

Chapter 79: Exchanging for Soft Chants

When Liu Tianlai mentioned that the handling results would be reported to Zhou Yuanting, Wen Liang burst into laughter, "Mayor Zhou might even be secretly pleased. With just a simple sentence, the Discipline Inspection Commission and the Public Security Bureau, which had been unable to intervene, immediately backed down. It seems that the strategy of intimidating Yang Yihang and the others really worked!"

He imitated Zhou Yuanting's tone in a strange voice, which made Zuo Yuxi giggle uncontrollably. Liu Tianlai forced a dry laugh, thinking to himself: Is it really that funny? I think my jokes are much better...

Zuo Yuxi finally stopped laughing and gave Wen Liang a playful glare. Liu Tianlai, captivated by her radiant beauty, quickly lowered his head to take a sip of tea, his heart filled with mixed emotions: If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, who would have thought that Zuo Yuxi could be so alluring, her laughter and charm so captivating?

Looking at the young Wen Liang, who was barely in his twenties, Liu Tianlai couldn't help but feel a deep sense of admiration. The entire Wei Gang incident had unfolded exactly as he had scripted, with almost no mistakes. From the arrest of the hooligans at the soy milk shop, each step had led to the downfall of a rising deputy department head, leaving him with no chance of recovery. Such tactics were truly terrifying! From Wei Chenfeng to Zhou Yuanting, none of them were easy opponents, yet Wen Liang had manipulated them with ease. His young age belied his profound understanding of human nature and his skillful use of political intrigue. The more he thought about it, the more he felt a chill run down his spine.

Liu Tianlai steadied his nerves and complained half-jokingly, "Zhou Yuanting probably hasn't become suspicious. After all, his focus is now on the Qinghua Factory. Wei Gang is just a minor character and will soon be forgotten. In fact, Secretary Niu has benefited greatly from this. Handling the matter so well, reasonably and with a sense of the bigger picture, he must have left a good impression on Zhou Yuanting. As for me, I first submitted to Wei Chenfeng, then to Niu Guiqing, and finally followed Zhou Yuanting's instructions to handle it lightly. Isn't it obvious that I have a rebellious nature, making me detestable to everyone?"

Wen Liang smiled, "Uncle Liu, you have worked hard and endured a lot." This was the effect he had deliberately created. On one hand, Liu Tianlai being in the spotlight could attract the attention of the other side, creating confusion and covering up Wen Liang's true intentions. On the other hand, at this point, Liu Tianlai had no choice but to fully support him, with no way out.

"But it won't be long now. The script, actors, and props are all in place. The show is about to begin!"

Liu Tianlai's eyes lit up, but he restrained himself from asking more. Changing the topic, he said, "A severe warning within the party and the removal of all his positions, Wei Gang is completely finished. For someone like him, losing his political future is worse than death. It was worth all the effort we put in."

Wen Liang shook his head, a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes, "This is just a temporary measure. Wei Gang might still be dreaming of a comeback in a few years. Just wait and see. We still have the evidence of him inciting thugs to smash the shop and injure people. When the time is right, we can frame him for organizing a criminal gang, and then bring up old cases for a retrial. Corruption, rape, bribery, embezzlement—multiple charges will ensure he either dies or is left in a terrible state. I want to see who will speak up for him then!"

Liu Tianlai felt a chill and wiped away a cold sweat, secretly grateful that he was not an enemy of Wen Liang. Seeing Wen Liang's gaze on him, he quickly agreed, "Yes, we must cut off the roots to eliminate future troubles!"

"Ha ha ha, I was just joking, Uncle Liu. Don't take it too seriously."

Liu Tianlai smiled bitterly, "Of course, I didn't take it seriously!"

Zuo Yuxi, who had been silent, now spoke, a faint smile on her face as she watched Wen Liang manipulate Liu Tianlai, "Wei Gang is just a minor episode, not important. These few days, Director Liu, you need to be more careful. Once we have a lead on Bai Zhangqian, we won't have to be so cautious anymore."

Wen Liang stretched his arms, "Sister Zuo is right. The Wei Gang incident was just a rehearsal. It proved that everyone worked well together, ha."

Liu Tianlai seemed to have a thought, his expression serious, "What about the girl? If Wei Chenfeng finds her, it might blow our cover..." Liu Tianlai was only responsible for the police station part, while everything else was arranged by Wen Liang.

"Last night, she was already sent away. We told everyone that she was shocked and went to another place to calm down. Unless the situation in Qingzhou is settled, no one will find her."

"Maybe I shouldn't say this, but involving An Baoqing might cause trouble."

"An Baoqing owes me a huge favor and has something to ask of me. He won't be so foolish as to betray us. Don't worry, the political situation in Qingzhou doesn't affect him. Without any personal interests at stake, there's no need to worry about him causing trouble." Seeing Liu Tianlai glance at Zuo Yuxi, Wen Liang stood up and smiled, "An Baoqing doesn't know my relationship with Director Zuo, so there's no problem."

Liu Tianlai knew he had no further role, so he stood up, said goodbye to Zuo Yuxi, and let Wen Liang see him to the door before leaving.

"Hey, you're badmouthing Old Nine behind his back. Be careful, I might report you. An Laojiu has a pretty bad temper, you know..."

Wen Liang had just returned when Zuo Yuxi had already lost her usual cold and dignified demeanor...

Do you remember the young man's furrowed brows when he was angry? Do you remember the handsome profile of the boy when he laughed? The innocence of her youth and the shyness of her girlhood gradually faded into the past, replaced by a cold and proud demeanor as she advanced in her career.

But all of that changed in front of Wen Liang, in his hands, and in his embrace. It turned to ashes, dissipated into the air, and was replaced by soft chants and soul-stirring moments.

Wen Liang slowly lowered his head, moving closer to her red lips as Zuo Yuxi's gaze darted away. Unable to bear the rapid heartbeat, she tightly closed her eyes, her long lashes fluttering like a grassy field in the spring breeze, carrying a fresh scent.

Just as their lips were about to touch, Zuo Yuxi's hand suddenly pulled back, leaving shallow marks on Wen Liang's hand. After a moment with no contact, she opened her eyes to find Wen Liang's bright, gentle eyes and warm smile within reach.

"Director Zuo, why did you close your eyes? I just took a closer look, and you don't have a single blemish on your face..."

Zuo Yuxi blushed deeply, leaning back and wrapping her arms around Wen Liang's neck, gently flipping him over and pressing her lips to his. They kissed tenderly, their bodies entwined.

For a long, long time...

Zuo Yuxi let out a soft moan, her lips breaking free from Wen Liang's, her head buried in his chest, her breath shallow and rapid. Their chests rose and fell together, and even through the thick clothing, the softness and elasticity were palpable. Wen Liang gently stroked her long hair, his eyes shining with a deep light, his mind wandering far away yet entangled with this woman.

The reeds are lush, the white dew has turned to frost. The one I love is across the water.

Her hair is like clouds, her beauty like a mountain and a river.

They embraced gently, holding each other tightly. After a while, Zuo Yuxi lifted her head, her clear, watery eyes staring at Wen Liang. She suddenly giggled, her delicate finger tapping his nose, "I'm a good person, you naughty boy, don't bully me."

Wen Liang tried to bite her finger, and Zuo Yuxi laughed and dodged, taking the opportunity to sit up, leaning to one side. Wen Liang, hands behind his head, smiled, "Director Zuo, I'm a bad person, born to bully good people."

"Phew, shameless!"

Wen Liang sat up and whispered in her ear, lightly blowing into her crystal-clear ear, "Doing shameful things with interesting people, everything goes smoothly and as wished."