Solving Middle Age Crisis by Intelligence System-Chapter 465 - 286: Releasing the Prisoner

At ten in the morning, the car carrying Xiao Hanguang and Director Fu appeared punctually in front of the imposing office building.

Below the steps, a group of big shots waited personally to greet them, with the person standing at the very front being Secretary Ji’s leader.

And Shao Yuewen’s old father-in-law stood in the second position on the left in the back row.

As Xiao Hanguang and Director Fu got out of the car, the big shots quickly stepped forward to greet them, maintaining warm smiles on their faces.

In terms of rank, the elder in the forefront even surpassed the two, and many of the big shots behind were on equal footing with them.

But things can’t just be judged by their surface; Xiao Hanguang and Director Fu, for one thing, came from over there, and then the background and connections of these two are unfathomable. Moreover, they are only in their early forties, with potentially limitless futures.

"Welcome, you both to the reins. Xue SJ is not feeling well today, so it’s up to me to welcome you both." The elder extended his hand to shake with Xiao Hanguang and Director Fu respectively, speaking with an attitude neither humble nor pushy.

Xiao Hanguang nodded slightly. Expressing being unwell at this time obviously signifies a wish not to get involved in the matter between the two sides.

His gaze swept over the faces of the people standing in the forefront: "Thank you to all the comrades. Sorry for interrupting your work."

After some polite conversations, the elder led Xiao Hanguang and Director Fu to a guest room and chatted with a few other big shots about work-related topics. There were journalists taking pictures and filming inside.

After all the routine processes were finished, the other big shots left one by one. Secretary Ji came in to change the tea for the three, and then exited, closing the door behind him. At this moment, only the three stakeholders remained in the guest room, and the atmosphere became oppressive.

After a brief silence, Xiao Hanguang opened the conversation first: "Old He, I heard your customs work here has been going quite well?"

The elder’s facial muscles involuntarily twitched. Being called "Old He" was somewhat uncomfortable for him, considering he was nearly a generation older than Xiao Hanguang.

Also, the question was asked rather casually, couldn’t even be bothered to pretend?

What does a Bureau of Cultural Relics want to look into customs affairs for? Might as well directly report Qi Yun’s identity card...

"Haha, they’ve achieved certain results over the last couple of years. If you two have any work suggestions, feel free to point them out. I’ll make sure they improve." The elder replied with a forced smile.

No matter how uncomfortable it was inside, he wouldn’t easily show it. That’s basic professionalism.

Xiao Hanguang nodded: "Hmm, I have no other suggestions, just follow the laws and regulations."

"A couple of days ago, when chatting casually with Zhong Ji’s Li SJ, I heard that the patrol tasks for the second half of the year were already being arranged. The first stop might be right over your side, so make sure to do surveillance work well, hahaha."

"This is just a friendly reminder, no intention to dictate, aha, Old He don’t overthink."

Upon hearing this, a hint of fear flickered in the elder’s eyes.

Although Xiao Hanguang spoke casually, the warning embedded in his words made his heart tremble!

Even he must fear that department with three points...

He hadn’t expected their attitude to be so assertive.

Because if they went that way, it amounted to tearing faces apart, inevitably having to settle the matter decisively.

Before he could respond, Director Fu, who had remained mostly silent, glanced at Xiao Hanguang: "It’s quite a coincidence, when talking to Minister Xiang yesterday, he also mentioned organizing an anti-crime initiative with focus areas possibly being in one of the northwest provinces."

"Really?" Upon hearing this, Xiao Hanguang feigned surprise on his face, turned to look at the elder, and said with a smile: "Old He, you might be facing a bit of work pressure in the upcoming period."

The elder’s expression stiffened, originally holding the teacup suspended in mid-air, aware that the counterpart was exerting pressure.

If he didn’t agree, given the temperament of these two gentlemen, they might indeed proceed.

Already, there were different voices arising, including from Guo An, city ZX, city F, and these departments, compounded by civilian chambers of commerce, inevitably forming a situation of internal and external troubles.

Although he wasn’t entirely without leverage, it’s definite that there won’t be any benefit, and if the situation deteriorates uncontrollably, he himself might face significant danger.

The room fell silent again; Xiao Hanguang and Director Fu didn’t say more. Some matters need just a slight jab, not like bargaining in a market for vegetables to debate fiercely red-faced.

Everyone is smart and used to speaking this way, so they all understand clearly.

After pondering for quite a while, a trace of a smile appeared on the elder’s face: "Haha, these are all major issues. Thank you, Director Xiao and Director Fu, for the reminders. I’ll establish a working group later to closely address the related problems."

Seeing him say this, Xiao Hanguang and Director Fu exchanged glances.

Having received the desired answer, the two stood up in unison: "Alright then, we won’t linger, so as not to delay your work."

Seeing this, the elder didn’t insist on them staying, and rising, he shook hands proactively: "Alright, you’re welcome to come and guide work anytime."

The three shook hands and then the elder sent them downstairs, continuously standing there until their special car drove away from the compound, his gaze still profound.

The three seemingly just exchanged a few brief words, but what needed to be said had been said, and the result was clear.

Secretary Ji quietly reminded from behind: "Leader, the temperature’s quite high today, you should return to the office."

The elder snapped back to reality, sighed, and shook his head, turning to walk up the steps.

Seeing his expression, Secretary Ji’s heart skipped a beat with a sudden ominous premonition.

After returning to the office, Secretary Ji hurriedly poured a cup of tea for the elder, then cautiously asked: "Leader..."

The elder waved his hand, not waiting for Secretary Ji to finish speaking, sighed: "Ah, send that Qi Yun back to the antismuggling bureau, have them release him."

"Re...release!?" Secretary Ji’s eyes widened.

Although already guessing that matters might be developing unpleasantly, truly hearing this outcome still unsteadied him.

Letting Qi Yun go amounted to completely losing any upper hand.

The leverage in the other’s hand was a ticking time bomb, uncertain when it might explode.

If triggered, he and people like Ma Chaoyang might spend the latter half of their lives accompanying the Shaolin Abbot.

The elder stood by the window, gaze through the glass looking afar, the voice no longer carrying its usual reassuring tone.

"Both families are resolute. By releasing him, there’s room for maneuver and can still go to negotiate with that lad."

"If not released..."

He didn’t finish the sentence, but Secretary Ji understood. His throat moved strongly: "But leader..."

The elder turned, walked to the sofa to sit: "I know what you’re worried about."

"Rest assured, you’ve been with me for quite some time now, I won’t let you get taken away."

Better left unsaid; upon uttering, Secretary Ji’s back instantly soaked in cold sweat.

A secretive rumor exists among the circle of secretaries below, allegedly the elder had said similar words to his predecessor, the previous secretary.

Later, something happened; indeed that secretary was never taken away, but just unfortunately met with a traffic accident, passing away...

Secretary Ji swallowed hard, dared not say more: "Alright, thank you, leader, I’ll go handle this immediately."

...