Chapter 68: The Massive Bait Hits the Water, Troubled Waters Stir Everywhere

November 18, 2012. Early morning. The bitter chill of late autumn, carrying the damp and cold moisture of the Yangtze River, assaulted Duoshui County. Though the sky was cloudless, the pale sunlight appeared feeble, failing to bring much warmth to those it touched.

Li Yifei drove his black Passat smoothly into the county committee compound. The car windows insulated him from the external cold, and his face bore its habitual calm; only deep within his eyes lurked a trace of knowing that a storm was approaching.

He had returned late last night and had only sent a brief text message to Wei Shili: "Secretary, my trip to the provincial capital has made significant progress. I will report to you in person tomorrow morning at ten." The message was concise, yet enough to keep the man on the other end of the line awake all night.

At precisely ten o'clock, Li Yifei stepped into the county committee building on time. Xu Yue, the county party secretary's secretary, was already waiting by the elevators. With exquisite makeup, this "head housekeeper" wore unprecedented warmth and a trace of hard-to-detect probing on her face: "County Magistrate Li, you're finally back! The Secretary has been waiting for you in his office, and he's already had his tea refilled several times." She personally led the way, her steps a bit faster than usual, her words revealing Wei Shili's eagerness.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, Wei Shili indeed was not sitting behind his spacious desk, but rather pacing restlessly by the window.

Hearing the commotion, he spun around abruptly. His eyes were bloodshot from staying up late, but even more so, they burned with ardent anticipation: "Brother Yifei! You're back? Sit down! How is the situation?" Without even waiting for Li Yifei to sit, he asked impatiently, his voice carrying a trace of imperceptible hoarseness and tremor.

Li Yifei sat down opposite him, his back straight, his face carrying a touch of exhilaration of "living up to expectations," his tone steady yet every word carrying the weight of a thunderbolt:

"Secretary, Director Zhuang of the Provincial Development and Reform Commission highly approves of our pilot plan! The Comprehensive Division has specially approved 10 million in special funds to support the Liuzhuang project and subsequent rural revitalization demonstration construction!"

A sharp glint flashed in Wei Shili's eyes; his fists clenched unconsciously, and his breathing grew slightly heavy. Ten million! This far exceeded his expectations!

But Li Yifei wasn't finished yet:

"Director Wang Yongjun of the Rural Road Construction Division under the Provincial Department of Transport has also stated his position: as long as we submit the specific requirements and application report for the road network upgrading and reconstruction according to procedures, it will be immediately included in this year's 'Four Good Rural Roads' quality and efficiency enhancement key project, with funds guaranteed on a priority basis to ensure implementation!"

Wei Shili felt his heart was about to leap out of his chest! The road network! This was the lifeline of development! Li Yifei had actually managed to break through the Department of Transport as well?!

However, the real nuclear bomb was yet to come:

"Most importantly," Li Yifei paused slightly, clearly seeing Wei Shili's Adam's apple bob, "After in-depth negotiations, President Shen Tianpeng of Shuisheng Group has decided to invest in building a modern aquatic seedling base and a supporting deep-processing plant in Duogang Town! The first-phase investment will be no less than 50 million!"

"Fi... fifty million?!" Wei Shili gasped involuntarily, springing up from his chair! He pressed his hands onto the desk, leaning forward with his eyes wide open, staring fixedly at Li Yifei. His voice trembled violently from extreme shock and wild joy, even carrying a trace of unbelievable voice-crack: "Brother Yifei... did you... did you accidentally add a zero?! Is it five million or fifty million?!"

He felt a wave of dizziness, a massive sense of happiness mixed with an unreal illusion assaulting him.

Having operated in Duoshui County for many years, he knew all too well how difficult it was to secure projects and attract investment from the provincial level! Those connections in the city could at best get him some minor perks or political advantages in personnel matters; direct investments of tens of millions, especially from a nationwide giant, were something he wouldn't even dare to dream of!

This was no longer a political achievement; this was a ladder to the heavens! This was the golden key that would carve his, Wei Shili's, name directly onto the provincial leaders' roll of honor!

"Secretary, it's fifty million, for the first phase." Li Yifei's tone was resolute, reaffirming this astronomical figure once again. "President Shen is very optimistic about the potential of Duogang Town and the sustainability of our planning.

However," Li Yifei changed the subject, pointing out the crux, "President Shen also explicitly put forward requirements: land expropriation compensation for the project, as well as basic supporting work such as 'water, electricity, road access and land leveling,' require the county and town governments to provide full guarantees to ensure smooth progress without obstruction."

"No problem! Absolutely no problem!" Wei Shili practically roared, walking back and forth agitatedly in the office, waving his hands forcefully as if to dispel that overwhelming unreality. "Yifei! You've rendered a monumental service! A service of heavenly proportions! Land acquisition! Supporting infrastructure! The county will even bankrupt itself to get it done for you! Whoever dares to drag their feet in this link, I'll have them rolled out of their job immediately!" His wild joy at this moment was nearing delirium.

Watching Wei Shili lose his composure, Li Yifei sneered inwardly, yet maintained a respectful exterior on the surface, timely throwing on another log to the fire: "By the way, Secretary. Director Zhuang also specifically mentioned you during our conversation."

"Mentioned me?" Wei Shili's steps halted abruptly, as if hit by a immobilization spell, his heart almost stopping. A director of the Provincial Development and Reform Commission! He knew who Wei Shili was?!

"Yes," Li Yifei nodded, his tone carrying just the right amount of admiration. "Director Zhuang said that Secretary Wei has a sense of responsibility, boldness, and vision! To hold the reins at the grassroots level and withstand the pressure to support such forward-looking and exemplary pilot projects as the one in Duogang Town is truly no small feat! He expressed great satisfaction with your leadership role in this matter and looks forward to seeing the project bear fruit. He even hinted that if the project's results are remarkable, he will report it to higher-level leaders at an appropriate time."

These words, like the strongest aged liquor, instantly ignited the deepest fires of ambition within Wei Shili's heart! The provincial department actually knew who Wei Shili was! They even recognized his "leadership role"! And they were going to report to superiors?!

What did this mean? This meant his name and his "political achievements" would reach the ears of the heavenly court! The broad avenue leading to a higher position was right under his feet!

The flames of wild joy and ambition burned fiercely in his eyes, almost ready to burst forth! However, Li Yifei's next words were like a basin of ice water, precisely dousing his heated brain:

"However, Secretary," Li Yifei frowned slightly, revealing a trace of "concern," "with such massive investment and provincial-level support landing here, the commotion won't be small. I'm afraid... the official provincial notice will soon be issued to the city. By then, certain leaders in the city... might they consider this a fat piece of meat and want to 'show concern,' or even... 'give guidance'? After all, the rank is right there. If... and I mean if, the city forcibly intervenes, disrupts our deployment, or introduces some... inappropriate factors, causing the project's progress to be obstructed, or even... ruined... then Director Zhuang at the provincial level and President Shen might think... that our county, that you... lacked overall coordination capabilities and failed their trust and expectations..."

Li Yifei's voice was not loud, but every word was like a knife, precisely piercing Wei Shili's deepest fear! Indeed! When the credit is too great, the number of people turning green with envy increases! Those fellows in the city, especially those who didn't get along with him or wanted to harvest the fruits of his labor, would definitely pounce like sharks smelling blood!

If they were really allowed to meddle, ruin the project, or steal the lion's share of the credit, how would the provincial authorities view him? Wouldn't he, Wei Shili, become a joke? A good-for-nothing who couldn't be propped up?! Not only would promotion be out of the question, but his current position would probably also be in grave jeopardy!

Thinking of that terrifying consequence, the wild joy on Wei Shili's face instantly receded, replaced by a furious and ferocious rage at having his territory violated! He slammed his hand onto the desk with a deafening "bang," causing the teacup on the table to bounce!

"They dare!" Wei Shili's eyes were bloodshot, teeth clenched, his voice rumbling like a wounded beast roaring in a low growl. "Yifei! Listen to me! This project, from start to finish, is Duoshui County's project! It is the 'Number One Project' that I, Wei Shili, personally oversee! Without my nod, not even the King of Heaven himself will be allowed to meddle!"

He breathed heavily, his chest heaving violently, and pointing at Li Yifei, he issued an order practically in a roar: "Go back, immediately! Right now! Write the application report required by the Department of Transport! As for the county transport bureau, I will personally call the director! If he dares not fully cooperate with you, tomorrow I'll send him to the archives room to read newspapers! As for the city... humph!" A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes. "You don't need to worry about it! If the sky falls, I'll hold it up! Don't take anyone's call! Don't pay attention to anyone's orders! Report anything that happens directly to me! I'd like to see who dares to touch my cheese and cut off my path!"

"Yes! Secretary! I understand!" Li Yifei stood up immediately, his expression "solemn" and "firm." "Please rest assured! The project belongs to Duoshui County and is promoted under your direct leadership! I, Li Yifei, will surely take your will as the highest command, surmount all difficulties, and ensure the project's smooth implementation, never failing your trust and the province's expectations!"

This profession of loyalty and drawing of boundaries made the furious Wei Shili feel slightly more at ease. He waved his hand: "Go! Hurry up! I'm waiting for your report!"

Li Yifei respectfully retreated from the office, gently pulling the door closed behind him. The heavy wooden door shut out the still-heavy breathing and suppressed rage within.

The "solemnity" on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a calm as deep as stagnant water, and the corners of his mouth even curved into an imperceptible, cold sneer.

The bait had been cast, the water had been muddied, and the greedy sharks were beginning to stir.

He walked with steady strides toward the elevator. As soon as he stepped out of the county committee building, the phone in his pocket vibrated urgently. Li Yifei pulled out his phone; the screen displayed an unfamiliar local number. His gaze narrowed slightly, and without hesitation, he pressed the answer button.

"Hello, who is this?"

A middle-aged male voice came from the other end, carrying an official tone, slightly low yet projecting an unquestionable weight: "Is this Comrade Li Yifei? I am Qian Youwei from the Municipal Urban Construction Investment Company."

Qian Youwei?! Chairman of the Municipal Urban Construction Investment Company, concurrently a member of the Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee and Vice Mayor! Moreover, he was the elder brother of Deputy County Magistrate Qian, Wei Shili's confidant in the county! A true heavyweight of real power in the city, and one of the opponents Wei Shili feared most!

Alarm bells rang softly in Li Yifei's heart, but his tone instantly switched to the respectful and slightly "flattered" demeanor of a subordinate toward a superior: "Mayor Qian! Hello, hello! I am Li Yifei! Do you have any instructions?"

"Heh heh, instructions is a strong word." Qian Youwei's voice sounded "amiable," yet carried an invisible pressure. "I heard that your trip to the provincial capital yielded great results? The Provincial Development and Reform Commission and Shuisheng Group are both paying close attention to our Duoshui County's project?"

The news traveled fast! Li Yifei's eyes turned cold, but his mouth responded instantly: "Mayor Qian is well-informed! Yes, thanks to your blessing, the provincial leaders and President Shen have indeed paid high attention and given strong support to our Duoshui Town pilot project! We will certainly go all out to do a good job and not fail the expectations of the leaders and the investors!"

"Mmm, it's good to have this attitude." Qian Youwei seemed very satisfied with Li Yifei's "acquiescence." Changing the subject, he cut straight to the point: "The project has high visibility, tight schedules, and heavy tasks. Especially the engineering construction part—that is of paramount importance! You must find a team with strength, experience, and reliability! In our city, there are several state-owned construction companies whose qualifications and strength are first-class, and their experience with such large-scale comprehensive projects is also extremely rich. Comrade Yifei, you must hurry and contact and inspect them, and finalize the construction team as soon as possible! You absolutely cannot delay the precious schedule due to improper team selection! Both the provincial authorities and President Shen are watching!" The words seemed like caring reminders, but their true nature was exposed—he wanted to meddle in the project and designate the contractor!

Li Yifei sneered inwardly, yet played along subserviently on the surface: "Yes, yes, yes! Mayor Qian, your reminder is so timely! The engineering team is indeed the critical link! Rest assured, Mayor Qian, I will seize the time, strictly screen, and ensure we find the most capable team to guarantee engineering quality and progress! I wouldn't dare delay!"

"Mmm, it's good to have this understanding. Get on with it quickly." Qian Youwei seemed to have obtained the desired promise; his tone softened a bit, and after offering a few words of "encouragement," he hung up the phone.

Listening to the busy tone on the line, Li Yifei stood still, the respect on his face instantly freezing into frost.

Without the slightest hesitation, he turned and walked back toward the county committee building, heading straight to the door of Wei Shili's office. Seeing him return so quickly, Xu Yue flashed a trace of surprise in her eyes.

"Secretary Xu, there is an urgent situation that needs to be reported to Secretary Wei immediately!" Li Yifei wore a "serious" expression tinged with a hint of "unease."

Xu Yue didn't dare to delay and immediately knocked on the door to announce him. Wei Shili had just managed to calm his mood slightly, but seeing Li Yifei re-enter, he frowned: "Yifei? Anything else?"

Li Yifei stepped forward quickly, lowering his voice with a tone of "indignation" and "grievance": "Secretary, as soon as I stepped out of the county committee gates, I received a call from Vice Mayor Qian Youwei!"

"Qian Youwei?!" Wei Shili's pupils contracted sharply, and an ominous premonition surged into his heart.

"Yes!" Li Yifei repeated the content of Qian Youwei's call word for word without any exaggeration, especially the core points regarding "municipal state-owned construction companies," "finalizing the team quickly," and "not delaying the schedule." Exactly because it was a "faithful report," it possessed even greater lethality!

"Bang!" Hearing this, Wei Shili could no longer control himself and slammed his fist heavily onto the heavy mahogany desk! The teacup lid jumped up and rolled onto the carpet.

"Qian Youwei! Old scoundrel! Going too far!!!" Wei Shili's face turned ashen, veins throbbing violently on his forehead, his eyes reddening like a thoroughly enraged lion as he let out a low roar in the office, "His hands reach so far! Smelling a bit of blood and he pounces? Want to harvest my peaches? Cut off my path?! In your dreams!!!"

His chest heaved violently as he breathed heavily, pointing at Li Yifei and squeezing an order out between his teeth: "You! Exactly how you answered him back, throw it right back at him! Don't change a single word! Just act as if you never took this call! Engineering bidding will strictly follow procedures—open, fair, and just! Nobody's name-dropping will work! I'd like to see if his Qian Youwei's hands can reach into my pot! Get out!"

The final "get out" was clearly not directed at Li Yifei, but rather at Qian Youwei, who was far away in the city yet had already stretched his hands over.

Li Yifei responded with "terror and reverence," saying, "Yes! Secretary! I understand!" before quickly exiting the office, which was charged with the smell of gunpowder.

The moment the door closed, he clearly heard the harsh sound of a teacup being smashed to pieces inside, along with Wei Shili's irrepressible, trapped-beast-like roar.

The corridor was dead silent. Li Yifei walked expressionlessly and steadily toward the elevator.

Li Yifei stepped into the elevator. The cold metal cabin reflected his young yet unfathomable face.

The seemingly calm stagnant water of Duoshui County had been thoroughly stirred up by the heavy bait he had tossed in.

Ten million in provincial funds and fifty million in corporate investment were like two massive boulders. What they stirred up was not merely monstrous waves, but also summoned the bloodthirsty school of sharks lying dormant beneath the surface, unable to restrain themselves any longer—Wei Shili's wild joy and furious rage, alongside Qian Youwei's greed and grasping hands, were merely the prelude to the chaos.

The water had turned murky, and the sludge at the bottom began to churn. And the angler holding the rod had already quietly retreated into the shadows of the bank, coldly watching this do-or-die feast driven by greed and ambition.

The storm had only just begun.