Chapter 50: Snatching the Opportunity

The night was as dark as ink, and the blue bricks and grey tiles of the traditional courtyard house cast a cool, shimmering luster under the moonlight. Having finished dinner with Sun Guodong, Li Yifei declined the offer of a car ride and walked back to this empty and quiet residence entirely on his own.

The domestic staff had long since departed, leaving only the echoes of his own footsteps to reverberate through the vast, sprawling space. Closing the heavy door and shutting out the clamor of the outside world, a profound sense of exhaustion quietly crept into his mind.

The enthusiasm and anxiety of a local chief official, intertwined with hard-to-detect probing, acted like invisible threads wrapping around him. What they drained was not merely time, but mental and emotional vigor.

He took a shower and changed into comfortable homewear, yet he did not rest immediately. The scenes of the day flashed rapidly through his mind: witnessing Sun Guodong’s predicament outside the gates of the National Development and Reform Commission, his seemingly casual yet precise maneuvering with Section Chief Zhao Kailai, and the eager olive branch extended by Information Center Director Zhou Feiyun, which he had flawlessly parried away.

However, the core preoccupation currently dominating his thoughts was a notion that had been hovering in his mind for a long time: the declaration of his massive personal assets.

Lying on the wide bed, gazing up at the exquisite carved wooden beams on the ceiling, Li Yifei’s thoughts were exceptionally clear. This very courtyard house was merely the tip of the iceberg of his colossal fortune.

A sense of security? Perhaps a little. But at a deeper level lay a profound sense of responsibility and a guarded vigilance that prepared for rainy days. The successful rollout of the "Piercing Eyes" program had propelled him into the spotlight within the commission, turning him into a "rising star" in the eyes of some, and inevitably drawing the scrutiny of others.

Although his administrative rank was still low and mandatory declaration was not yet required, the ancient adage "tall trees catch the wind" never went out of style. Rather than passively offering explanations in the future under the attacks of political rivals and sinking into the quagmire of "unexplained sources of massive wealth," it was far better to proactively lay everything out in the open and register it with the organization.

Being open and aboveboard was the sturdiest armor. This immense wealth was the crystallization of his past intellect and fortune, and it must never become a stumbling block on his future official career, let alone a death warrant that handed others a weapon against him.

Now, taking advantage of the period when his rank was still low and public attention relatively low, this was the optimal window for registration rather than "confession." This move, seemingly binding his own hands and feet, was actually a deeply laid trap for potential future opponents.

With the strategy decided, execution was the next step. However, to whom should he declare it? How should he declare it so that it was both compliant and secure? Enormous wealth meant enormous responsibility and risk, and in this society, the people one could completely trust could be counted on one's fingers.

A familiar and wise face surfaced in his mind—Dean Yi of the School of Economics at Peking University, Dean Yi.

This elder, who was like both a teacher and a father, was not only the guide on his academic path but also one of the very few people who understood a portion of his financial situation back when he had not yet made a name for himself.

Although they frequently exchanged phone calls to check in after graduation, he had indeed been too busy adapting to his new environment to return to Peking University to visit.

He checked his watch; it was just past ten o'clock in the evening. Calling at this hour was somewhat presumptuous, but the matter was of great importance, and Dean Yi had a habit of staying up late. He picked up his phone, carefully weighing his phrasing, and sent a text message first:

"Dean Yi, hello! I am sorry to disturb you so late. This is Yifei. I have some important matters regarding my personal development that I would like to consult you about. I wonder if it is convenient for you?"

The reply came almost in the blink of an eye: "Yifei, you haven't rested yet? It's convenient, tell me." Dean Yi's reply was concise and full of concern.

Li Yifei took a deep breath and dialed the number.

"Dean Yi, I'm truly sorry to call you so late and interrupt your rest," Li Yifei said, his voice carrying the due respect of a junior.

"It's nothing, I was just reading in the study. Judging by your tone, it's not a small matter? Did you run into trouble?" Dean Yi's voice was steady and powerful, brimming with genuine care.

"It's not trouble, Dean Yi," Li Yifei gathered his thoughts. "It's... regarding a personal matter of mine. As you know, I've accumulated some wealth in the capital markets over the past few years, and the amount is quite large.

Now that I’ve entered the system, although my rank is low and I’m not required to make a mandatory declaration, I want to... proactively report my personal asset situation to the organization. The purpose is to register it, keep things clean and transparent, and avoid any possible controversies in the future, especially concerning economic matters."

There was silence on the other end of the line for a few seconds. Yi Weiguo leaned back in his spacious leather chair, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the mahogany armrests.

Of course he knew what Li Yifei meant by "some accumulation"—it was an astronomical figure that would leave any ordinary person dumbfounded.

The fact that this child chose to proactively declare his assets at this juncture, displaying a depth of strategic foresight and political sensitivity far beyond his years, left him both gratified and somewhat heartbroken.

He was gratified that Li Yifei had not been intoxicated by wealth and temporary smooth sailing, but instead possessed an even clearer understanding of the rules and potential risks of operating within the official system. He was heartbroken because behind this sobriety lay the heavy pressure borne prematurely and the cautious weighing of his future path.

"Yifei," Dean Yi's voice was low and solemn, "this idea of yours is excellent! Very mature, and extremely necessary.

Proactively registering and nipping potential hidden dangers in the bud is supreme wisdom. With your financial capacity, you could have an immensely broad horizon even without entering officialdom.

Yet you chose this path, and you are willing to use rules to restrain and protect yourself—this kind of disposition is truly rare."

Having received the Dean's affirmation, Li Yifei felt a sense of reassurance settle in his heart: "Thank you for understanding, Dean Yi. It's just that... I'm a bit unsure about how to proceed operationally. To whom should I report? What procedures should I follow? What materials need to be prepared? Given the special nature of the amount, I'm afraid mishandling it might prove counterproductive."

"Hmm, you've considered things very thoroughly." Yi Weiguo pondered for a moment, rapidly screening reliable connections in his mind. Li Yifei's special circumstances required someone who was both highly placed and trustworthy, capable of properly handling this "non-typical" declaration.

"Here is what we'll do, Yifei," he made his decision. "As soon as possible, organize your situation into written materials as detailed and clear as possible, including asset composition and sources. Tomorrow... no, today is already the 29th. This morning, go directly to see Minister Wu Zhenhua of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection."

"Minister Wu Zhenhua?" Li Yifei felt a slight shock in his heart. This person was one of the core figures wielding the supreme authority of disciplinary inspection.

"Yes, old Wu. He is my former classmate, a man of integrity with strong principles, yet he also understands how to be flexible."

Yi Weiguo explained, "I will give him a heads-up beforehand and briefly explain your situation and thoughts. You prepare your materials and go directly to his office.

Rest assured, old Wu knows how to measure the situation. Wait for my call." Acting with decisive efficiency, Dean Yi hung up the phone immediately after speaking, evidently intending to contact Wu Zhenhua right away.

Holding his phone, Li Yifei felt a heavy stone drop safely to the ground in his heart. Dean Yi's network and influence had once again cleared away a critical obstacle for him.

He immediately got up, turning on his study computer and desk lamp. Under the soft light, with a deeply focused expression, he began to sort out his financial empire item by item:

Real estate: A courtyard house in the core district of Beijing, a villa in the suburban outskirts of Beijing, a villa in the prime location of the provincial capital of Jiang Province, a top-tier large flat in the same city, a luxury villa in the prime residential area of Pudong, Shanghai, and a river-view large flat in Tomson Riviera. As for the several properties in his hometown of Anyin City and its county seat, they were explicitly marked under his parents' names.

Cash and savings: Distributed across current and fixed deposit accounts in several major banks, totaling approximately forty-one million RMB. Source remarks: Copyright income from web novel writing. He deliberately emphasized the legality of the creation and its market recognition.

Securities investments: Multiple securities accounts with a current total market value of approximately fifty-six billion RMB. Detailed holdings were not fully listed, but major investment targets and approximate proportions were provided.

Source remarks: Initiated with funds awarded by his middle school during the senior high school entrance examinations, sustained for many years through value investing based on macroeconomic and industry research. He intentionally downplayed operational traces, emphasizing long-term holding and value discovery.

Other assets: Several bitcoins purchased in earlier years, currently with a total value of about 480,000 RMB, a small amount of precious metals, and a BMW car worth around 2 million RMB. Finally, he solemnly declared: All asset sources are legal and clear, complete supporting materials can be provided, and he voluntarily accepts organizational verification.

Two A4 sheets of paper bore a financial empire unimaginable to an ordinary person. Li Yifei checked them twice to ensure the wording was clear, the logic rigorous, and the data accurate—devoid of any boasting, reflecting only open candor and prudence.

He carefully placed these two pages into a thick kraft paper file bag and sealed the opening. By the time he finished all this, it was already late into the night.

The courtyard was completely tranquil. Lying on the bed and gazing at the sparse, clear starry sky outside the window, his mind was entirely serene. The cornerstone had been laid; as for the road ahead, he would rely solely on his original intentions and the rules.

Friday, June 29, 2012. In the early morning, the sunlight coated the ancient imperial capital in a layer of gold. Li Yifei changed into a well-fitted administrative jacket, carried the weighty file bag, and drove toward the headquarters of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection located deep within the bustling city.

Unlike the imposing majesty of the National Development and Register Commission, the atmosphere here carried a unique solemnity and an internalized deterrent force.

The security guards checked his identity with exceptional strictness. Li Yifei clearly stated his name, unit, the purpose of his appointment, and presented his work ID.

After verifying his identity in the internal system, the guard permitted him to pass and pointed out the direction of the administrative building. Every step made Li Yifei acutely feel the immense weight of the rules governing this place.

The corridors inside the CCDI building were wide and brightly lit, yet extraordinarily quiet; even footsteps seemed to be swallowed by sound-absorbing materials. Reaching the floor where Minister Wu Zhenhua’s office was located, he found a secretary in his thirties wearing glasses with a focused expression sitting by the door—Liu Yu.

"Hello, Secretary Liu. I am Li Yifei from the Comprehensive Division of the National Development and Reform Commission. I have an appointment with Minister Wu to report on a personal matter this morning," Li Yifei said in a gentle voice with a modest attitude.

Liu Yu raised his head, his gaze lingering on Li Yifei’s youthful face for a fraction of a second before revealing a professional smile: "Comrade Li Yifei, please wait a moment. The Minister is currently reviewing documents; I will go inside and announce your arrival."

As Liu Yu stood up, Li Yifei naturally placed a few packs of unopened Soft Zhonghua cigarettes in the gap next to the documents on the corner of Liu Yu’s desk, saying in a low voice: "Hard work, Secretary Liu."

Liu Yu’s gaze swept over them. A few packs of cigarettes did not constitute bribery; they were the customary "lubricant" within the system and a form of respect within interpersonal boundaries. He nodded slightly without speaking and pushed open the door to the inner room.

A moment later, Liu Yu emerged: "Comrade Yifei, the Minister asks you to enter." He led Li Yifei into the office and gently closed the door behind them.

Minister Wu Zhenhua’s office was spacious and austere, devoid of excessive decoration, with documents and books neatly stacked in the bookcases.

Minister Wu was around fifty years old, with square features and a gaze as sharp as an eagle's, carrying natural authority. To Li Yifei’s slight surprise, another leader of similar age and composed demeanor was seated on the sofa.

"Hello, Minister Wu! Hello, Leader!" Li Yifei stopped and greeted them respectfully.

"Ah, Comrade Yifei has arrived. Please sit," Wu Zhenhua gestured to the chair opposite the desk, his voice booming. "This is Vice Minister Zheng Jianye." Zheng Jianye also nodded in acknowledgment to Li Yifei.

Li Yifei sat down as instructed, keeping his back straight and getting straight to the point: "Minister Wu, Vice Minister Zheng, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to report. In accordance with relevant organizational requirements and my own personal wishes, I am here to solemnly report the personal and family property situation of myself and my household." He presented the kraft paper file bag with both hands. "All contents are truthfully recorded, with necessary explanations attached."

Wu Zhenhua took the file bag and pulled out the two sheets of paper. Zheng Jianye also stood up and walked over to the desk to read along. The office instantly plunged into a peculiar silence.

The two veteran disciplinary inspection heavyweights, who had seen countless people and handled countless major cases, felt their expressions shift like a boulder dropped into a calm lake as their eyes swept over the numbers on the page—first a routine, stern scrutiny, followed by a sudden contraction of their pupils and the flash of undeniable shock!

Even having weathered countless storms, they found the reality that a young civil servant with a mere three months on the job sat atop tens of billions in assets completely upended their cognitive framework regarding the wealth status of "young cadres."

Wu Zhenhua’s finger instinctively tapped on the figure of "fifty-six billion," and he looked up at Li Yifei with a complex gaze: "Comrade Yifei, are these... all yours?"

"Reporting to the Minister, yes," Li Yifei met his gaze steadily, his tone calm. "They primarily stem from the initial funds awarded by my middle school during the entrance exams, subsequent years of value-add from securities investments, and a portion of intellectual property income. All sources are traceable, legal, and compliant. I am willing to accept any organizational verification at any time."

Wu Zhenhua and Zheng Jianye exchanged a glance. Following the shock came rapid, rational analysis.

Given their rank, they naturally had the clearance to pull Li Yifei’s detailed file. Those weighty contributions listed in his file—the warning reports on the 2008 economic crisis and geological disaster, two top-tier academic papers with significant policy impact, and the geological monitoring equipment design blueprints voluntarily handed over to the state—instantly formed a bizarre confirmation with the asset report before them.

This was not a figure that could be explained by corruption and bribery; it looked much more like the result of a genius with extraordinary financial talent and strategic vision seizing historical opportunities at precisely the right moments.

More importantly, his merits had long since been "noted by the highest authorities," making him a special talent closely watched at the very top level.

The bit of money in that file bag was something he wouldn't deign to misappropriate. Proactively reporting it now spoke volumes about his character.

Zheng Jianye picked up the documents and read through them again carefully, especially the section explaining the asset sources. He slowly spoke up, his tone carrying a trace of emotion: "Old Wu, I remember back then... when the ministries were fighting over talent, the commotion was hardly small. Didn't the comrade at the Organization Department worry until his hair turned white?

In the end, a compromise solution of a three-month rotation was settled upon. We originally thought the Development and Reform Commission had seized the initiative, and after he performed such a monumental service as the 'Piercing Eyes' program during these three months, they would surely hold onto him tightly and never let go.

The Ministry of Finance and the Supreme People's Court must still be waiting eagerly for the rotation notices." He put down the documents and cast his gaze back onto Li Yifei, carrying both scrutiny and the excitement of discovering a piece of raw jade.

Wu Zhenhua nodded in deep agreement, his fingers tapping gently on the desk, producing a steady tapping sound. Suddenly, as if hitting upon a crucial point, a brilliant light flashed in his eyes, and he snapped his gaze toward Zheng Jianye: "Old Zheng!"

Zheng Jianye raised his eyes almost simultaneously. Their gazes locked in mid-air, instantly comprehending the earth-shattering notion in each other's minds! An emotion mixing excitement with the feeling of "striking gold" silently spread between the two senior officials.

Wu Zhenhua lowered his voice, though it could not mask his excitement: "Old Zheng, you say... what if we take this kid over to our side?" He pointed to the asset report. "Look at this! A solid financial foundation! Think about what this means! On our disciplinary inspection front, economic temptation is one of the greatest traps! How many heroes have fallen over this? But what about Li Yifei?"

Wu Zhenhua's voice carried the excitement of discovering the ultimate defensive weapon. "Trying to drag him into the water? Bribery? Who could possibly produce more money than his own personal assets to bribe him? Who could shake someone who already sits atop a mountain of gold with mere money? This is simply... a natural firewall! An indestructible body!"

Zheng Jianye’s eyes also shone brilliantly, immediately picking up the thread: "Precisely! And don't forget, he is a bona fide PhD in law from Peking University! His theoretical foundation is rock-solid! When our commission handles cases, we emphasize evidence, procedures, and the rule of law—his professional background is an absolute match!

Making economic policies at the Development and Reform Commission is a contribution, but coming over to our side, using his 'Piercing Eyes' and copper-clad, iron-bone physique to supervise the implementation of economic policies and root out corrupt elements—that is likewise safeguarding the economic lifeline of the state!

It might even play an even more unique and critical role!" The more he spoke, the clearer his train of thought became, as if he could already envision Li Yifei shining brightly on the disciplinary inspection front.

"Right! Exactly right!" Wu Zhenhua slapped his thigh fiercely. "This is putting talent to its best use and maximizing utility! Placed at the Development and Reform Commission, he might merely be an outstanding technical bureaucrat or policy researcher.

But placed in our commission, his special conditions can unleash a hundredfold 'deterrent force' and 'anti-corruption efficacy'! This is strategic-level talent!"

He abruptly stood up, paced the office twice, and spoke with resolute finality: "This matter cannot be delayed! We must grab him! Before the transfer order following the rotation is officially issued, we strike first! I will go personally report this to Secretary Wang! The reasons are sufficient, the advantages unique, and Secretary Wang will certainly support it!"

The two quickly reached a consensus. Wu Zhenhua immediately picked up the red secure phone, dialed the superior's number, and began reporting in a respectful and highly persuasive tone.

Zheng Jianye cast a meaningful smile at Li Yifei: "Comrade Yifei, the organization already understands your situation. We will strictly seal these materials according to regulations and add a note in your cadre file stating that 'major personal matters have been proactively declared and registered.'

Your attitude is excellent, and the organization trusts you. Go back and work with peace of mind; the organization will make subsequent arrangements."

Li Yifei acutely captured the weight of those four words—"subsequent arrangements"—in Zheng Jianye’s speech, as well as the unusual undertones revealed by the brief, passionate exchange between the two ministers just moments before, even though they had lowered their voices.

Yet on the surface, he did not show the slightest ripple, maintaining his composed and modest demeanor: "Understood! Thank you, Minister Wu and Vice Minister Zheng! I firmly obey the organization's arrangements. Then I will take my leave." He bowed respectfully and stepped out of the office that might well have determined his next destination.

The door closed softly behind him, cutting off the discussion regarding his fate that was still underway inside. The corridor remained solemn, and Li Yifei walked steadily outward, though turbulent waves were already stirring in his heart.

The foundation stone of asset declaration had been safely laid, but the reactions of the two CCDI heavywaters seemed to have quietly opened up an unknown yet immensely tempting fork in the road right beside the path he had planned out.

What he did not know was that shortly after his departure, an application for talent transfer personally drafted by Wu Zhenhua, with earnest wording and immensely persuasive reasoning, had already been placed on the desk of a higher-level leader.

And at that very moment, inside the Personnel Department office of the National Development and Reform Commission, preliminary plans regarding Li Yifei's formal post-rotation assignment were being formulated;

Meanwhile, comrades responsible for cadre allocation at the Ministry of Finance and the Supreme People's Court were also calculating how to secure this coveted young man into their own bowls once the rotation period expired.

A smoke-free "war for talent" centered around Li Yifei’s destination—while the person in question remained completely oblivious—was accidentally ignited by his proactive asset declaration, escalating abruptly with the "lightning raid" of the CCDI as its opening salvo.

The Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Finance, the Supreme People's Court... these ministries, still waiting or plotting in an orderly fashion, could never have imagined that the "coveted prize" they had set their eyes on was being intercepted halfway by the disciplinary inspection system under the irrefutable pretext of "special advantages" and "work requirements."

Li Yifei stepped out through the majestic gates of the CCDI into the dazzling summer sunlight. He glanced back at the solemn and dignified building, silently reciting in his heart: "Human relations and gear wheels, rules and flexibility..."