Chapter 285 - 158: Congratulations from Allies

Chapter 285: Chapter 158: Congratulations from Allies

Just as Yang Wenqing was feeling helpless, Li Muyan smiled and added, "In addition to the two hundred Government Soldiers, there will also be an Entry-level Cultivator permanently stationed with the contingent. However, this person generally won’t intervene unless the mining area is attacked by a Cultivator at the Entry level."

Yang Wenqing’s eyes lit up at his words.

The deterrent effect and strategic value of having an Entry-level Cultivator on-site were worth an entire army. In that case, the Government Soldiers’ demand for a twenty-percent share, while still an exorbitant ask, suddenly seemed reasonable. After all, High-tier Cultivators were the scarcest of all resources, their value impossible to measure in terms of ordinary goods.

More importantly, with such a figure present, Yang Wenqing now had the confidence and leeway to act more decisively on sensitive matters that would have otherwise required him to walk on eggshells. At the very least, when facing potential large-scale infiltration or sabotage, the City Defense Bureau would no longer be isolated and helpless.

"So that’s how it is..." A look of realization dawned on Yang Wenqing’s face, and his tone grew much more sincere. "That certainly puts my mind at ease."

Li Muyan stood, poured Yang Wenqing a glass of wine, and said while proposing a toast, "Director Yang, to be honest with you, the share the Government Soldiers receive will eventually need to be liquidated. We have some business operations in Donghai Province, so we can help handle that."

"So, we plan to register a trading company in the New District. Director Yang, you’re in charge of this region and your duties are complex, so we wouldn’t dare trouble you excessively. We just hope our company can operate smoothly. Of course, we wouldn’t want you to worry over it for nothing. We’d like to set aside a ten-percent silent partnership share for you, Director Yang. Consider it a small token of appreciation for your advisory role, and we hope you’ll look out for us, within the scope of what policy allows."

Zhao Jingming smiled and nodded from the side, a look of mutual understanding in his eyes that said, ’We’re all on the same page here.’

A ten-percent silent share was astonishingly valuable, but alarm bells rang in Yang Wenqing’s mind. ’This isn’t just about profit; it’s a clear entanglement. If I accept, my relationship with the factions behind these two young masters will fundamentally change.’

’Most importantly,’ he thought, ’as tempting as this deal seems, its origins and channels aren’t entirely under my control. I hate getting involved in things I can’t manage.’

A troubled expression appeared on Yang Wenqing’s face, and he responded with a wry smile, "Young Master Zhao, Young Master Li, I understand and appreciate your kind intentions. But I’ve only just taken over this post at the bureau, and so many eyes are watching me. It wasn’t easy to get this position, and it’s even harder to secure it."

"As the local chief of public security, my primary duty is to ensure stability. I honestly feel I couldn’t accept these shares in good conscience. I’m afraid it would attract unnecessary trouble, which would defeat the purpose of your kind gesture. For my part, I will do my best to provide a fair and orderly environment. Any required support will absolutely be provided, as long as it complies with regulations."

He knew these words would offend the two young masters, so after speaking, he glanced at Wang Ren.

Sure enough, the smiles on the two young masters’ faces faltered. They clearly hadn’t expected Yang Wenqing to refuse so decisively.

Just then, Wang Ren, who had been sitting with them wearing a cheerful smile, spoke up. "Wenqing is right. He’s new to the post, so it’s natural for him to be cautious. Jingming, Muyan, don’t be so hasty. I know Wenqing’s character. If he says he’ll look out for you, he will. The key to long-term business is to stay compliant and follow the rules. Having Wenqing’s word on this is better than anything else."

Zhao Jingming quickly composed himself, raising his glass with a smile. "Brother Wang is right. We were being inconsiderate. It’s a good thing that Director Yang is a man of principle. In that case, we’ll do as you say, Director. We will absolutely operate in full compliance and will count on you to maintain a healthy business environment here in the New District."

"Of course, of course," Yang Wenqing said, also raising his glass with a smile.

As the atmosphere warmed up again, Yang Wenqing and Wang Ren found themselves sitting closer, reminiscing in low voices. They talked about everything from the old days in Qianjiao County to the ups and downs they had each faced over the years. The topics seemed random, but it was all part of a build-up.

Yang Wenqing knew Wang Ren’s visit was about more than just introducing the two young masters and rekindling old ties. Though he had his own agenda, he remained patient and played along, not asking directly but simply following the flow of conversation, occasionally letting slip his frustrations with personnel arrangements.

"...So, you see, being a director looks glamorous, but only the one in the seat knows the real difficulties."

Yang Wenqing took a sip of tea and shook his head gently. "Take the two newly established security substations, for example. Just choosing the chiefs is a huge headache. They need to be highly capable and able to command respect, but they also need to have clean backgrounds and be trustworthy. In the current climate, appointing even one wrong person could lead to absolute chaos."

This was the exact opening Wang Ren had been waiting for. He glanced at Zhao Jingming and Li Muyan, who were conversing quietly, then turned back and said with the utmost sincerity, "Wenqing, I understand your predicament. Speaking of personnel, I actually have a candidate in mind. I’m not sure if he’s suitable, but why don’t you hear me out?"

"Oh? Anyone recommended by Brother Wang must be a capable person," Yang Wenqing said, adopting an attentive posture.

"Li Yi," Wang Ren said, uttering the two words as he watched Yang Wenqing’s reaction.

Xiao Liang, who was pouring tea for them nearby, froze for a second.

Li Yi.

Yang Wenqing’s memory was instantly pulled back to when he had just reached the Qi Cultivation Stage. Come to think of it, Li Yi was the first benefactor he had ever met. The two of them had been in frequent contact back in Qianjiao County, but after his transfer to the Lingshan New District, they had gradually fallen out of touch. Yang Wenqing would occasionally have gifts sent on holidays, but it wasn’t that he had forgotten his roots—he was just genuinely too busy.

He remembered that Li Yi had also helped with Wang Ren’s transfer to the General Affairs Department back in the day. Now, with Wang Ren proposing him for the position, it felt like both he and Wang Ren were repaying an old favor at the same time.

"He’s still in the Archives Department, isn’t he? I heard he was promoted to section chief last year?"

Yang Wenqing didn’t agree right away.

Wang Ren nodded. "That’s right. Last year, he passed the assessment and was promoted to Police Specialist, taking over as the Archives Section Chief at the same time."