The more Feng Li listened to Ling Zhenfei's words, the more he felt something was off. He had risen step by step to become the mayor, exceptionally clever, and knew that things were not so simple.

"Why does it sound like Mr. Ling's intentions are a bit off? This must be the real reason you called me, right? Tell me, what do you need my help with?"

Ling Zhenfei laughed, "It's because you, Mayor Feng, are smart. Then, let's talk about it."

With a smile, Feng Li said, "What is our relationship, after all? Why the formality with me? Just tell me what you need, as long as I can help."

Ling Zhenfei knew that this matter was definitely resolved, so he completely recounted the day's events to Feng Li.

While Ling Zhenfei spoke, Feng Li remained silent, just listening the whole time.

Only after Ling Zhenfei finished did Feng Li speak, his voice somewhat changed, "This is fucking lawless, do they think I'm a mayor who just eats for free? All right, Brother Ling, say no more, I understand the purpose of your call now."

"I feel like you've slapped me in the face, Brother. In Binyang, within my jurisdiction, such things happen, and to you of all people, it's like a burning slap on my face."

"Don't get too angry, Big Brother Feng, those are just small fries, and you've got bigger things to deal with," Ling Zhenfei said, feeling a bit guilty hearing Feng Li's anger.

Feng Li, breathing heavily, said, "Brother Ling, let me tell you, it's these parasites that prevent Binyang, with its excellent location, from developing. I absolutely will not tolerate such people."

"Right, you mentioned you're in Jingquan District now? All right, leave it to me. I'll call their Director directly. It's just too much. After I handle the matter at hand, I'll personally apologize to you."

"You shouldn't say that, Big Brother Feng. If you apologize to me, isn't that a slap to my face? It's just a trivial matter, not worth the trouble," Ling Zhenfei said, knowing the significance of the gesture. Feng Li saying as much was already a huge favor.

"No worries, just wait and see. If they have done anything not up to par, take note of it all for me, and see how I deal with them."

After saying his piece, Feng Li hung up the phone. At that moment, Fan Qiang and others pushed the door open and walked in.

"Have you finished your call, Ling Zhenfei?"

With a smile, Ling Zhenfei said, "It's done. Someone will be bringing money over shortly."

Hearing this, Fan Qiang and the others laughed, "Boss Ling is really generous. In my opinion, your Xishan Manor will definitely develop very well in the future."

"Ah, look at you. One million is nothing to me, Ling Zhenfei. It's just money to ward off disasters. But really, like you said, will they no longer inspect our Xishan Manor?"

Laughing, Fan Qiang said, "Would I lie to you? We're all brothers here. In the future, if anyone inspects you, just drop my name, Fan Qiang. It'll definitely work. The local police, fire department, or tax office—who wouldn't show some respect?"

"You know people in the tax office too? Does that mean I can pay less taxes from now on?" Ling Zhenfei asked, feigning surprise.

With a laugh, Fan Qiang replied, "Don't worry, as long as you want it done, I'll handle it for you. I know people in the Tax Office, and with a little manipulation, you can easily get that money out."

Realizing, Ling Zhenfei said, "Oh, so that's how it is. But aren't you afraid that if there's an investigation from above, it won't be easy to explain?"

Fan Qiang smirked, "I say, as a boss you're skilled at making money, but when it comes to connections, you're less knowledgeable. Here in Jingquan District, all the departments are in cahoots, and the Emperor is too far away to manage anything."

"And your Director? Surely, the Director can't be ignoring all this?"

Fan Qiang responded, "The Director? He only comes to the office a few days a month, either attending meetings or off studying somewhere. So basically, this Forestry Bureau is run by me, the squad leader."

Ling Zhenfei was paying half-attention to Fan Qiang's words, probably because he knew Ling Zhenfei was going to pay, so he was happy and boasting about himself. He let his guard down around Ling Zhenfei, so he told Ling Zhenfei everything.

But what he didn't know was that Ling Zhenfei had already turned on the recording function of his phone and recorded everything they said.

"Boss Ling, why haven't your people arrived yet?" After waiting about half an hour, Fan Qiang started to get impatient.

Ling Zhenfei pretended to answer, "Maybe they have too much money on them, and it's normal for them to be slow on the road."

"Kid, you're not trying to trick us, are you?" Fan Qiang faintly sensed something was off.

"Why would I deceive you? I asked him to bring money to rescue me, but whether that person will come or not, I have no idea."

Upon hearing this, Fan Qiang got furious, "Are you fucking asking for a beating, kid? Do you believe I can make you spend this year lying in a hospital gown?"

"I really don't believe that. With the way you guys are behaving, your director won't forgive you even if he knows," Ling Zhenfei said with a grin.

Fan Qiang angrily shouted at Ling Zhenfei, "To hell with the director! Even if he's standing here right now, I wouldn't give a damn."

Right after Fan Qiang finished speaking, they heard the room's door getting kicked in, and everyone in the room looked towards the doorway in surprise.

"Director, why did you come back!"

Fan Qiang's tone softened immediately, sweat appeared on his face, and he began to tremble in fear.

Ling Zhenfei also looked towards the person at the door. The man standing there appeared to be around fifty years old, but still very robust, with thick eyebrows and big eyes looking energetic.

Behind this man stood several people in uniform, obviously accompanying him, blocking the doorway completely, making it highly unlikely for someone to run out from there.

Ling Zhenfei knew that the person at the front was Director Du Bingsheng from the Jingquan District Forestry Bureau. The reason Ling Zhenfei had spoken like that earlier was because he already knew Director Du had been standing outside the door.

It was for this reason that Ling Zhenfei had provoked Fan Qiang into speaking, thereby arousing Director Du's anger. Only in this way could Director Du be most effective.

Sure enough, as soon as Director Du came in, Ling Zhenfei saw that he didn't look happy, knowing Fan Qiang was in for trouble.

"Fan Qiang, you've got quite the nerve, wielding such great power. You've even set rules that the nation hasn't, acting even mightier than the country itself," Director Du said as he walked in, firing at Fan Qiang. It was clear that Director Du was no pushover either.

"Director, what you're saying... I've been following state orders, not daring to overstep my bounds," Fan Qiang said, though he didn't know what Director Du was aware of, his cold sweat kept pouring.

"You dared to fine one million. You tell me you're not more powerful than the country."

As soon as Director Du mentioned this, Fan Qiang was stunned. How did Director Du know about the fine of one million he had imposed on Ling Zhenfei?

"Director, I have never fined one million; I was just trying to scare him," Fan Qiang, frightened out of his wits, was shaking all over, clearly terrified.

Then, Director Du walked over to Ling Zhenfei, squeezed out a slight smile, and said, "You must be Mr. Ling, right? I'm very sorry; it's my fault for not keeping my staff in line."

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