Nightmare Apostle

The hall was silent for a full five seconds, as if the pause button had been pressed, but after a moment, the astonished crowd immediately came to their senses, lining up to congratulate Yang Xiao.

"No, I... Vice Commissioner Zhao, he..."

Yang Xiao wanted to explain, but no one was listening. People gathered around him, all asking for favors, offering flattering compliments about the boundless prospects of Mr. Yang.

This scene left Yang Xiao completely bewildered. To put it this way, on his way here, Yang Xiao had even considered the possibility that Vice Commissioner Zhao might stab him in the back, but he hadn’t anticipated this turn of events.

He unexpectedly announced publicly that he would be stepping down and robustly supporting Yang Xiao to take his position.

Yang Xiao was surrounded by a dense crowd, and it was Vice Commissioner Zhao who finally intervened to rescue him from the throng.

While in the shadows at the edge of the crowd, two figures stood side by side. The younger man’s gaze was fixed on the surrounded Yang Xiao, clenching his teeth until they were nearly bleeding. After all, the honor and status that currently belonged to Yang Xiao should have been his.

It was that bastard Yang Xiao who forcibly seized everything from his hands.

"It’s truly damnable..." Han Li muttered to himself, clenching his teeth, though his face showed no hint of discontent, not daring to reveal any dissatisfaction in such a crowded and scrutinized place.

"Li’er, how many times have I taught you? To become a great figure, you must learn to endure," the elder Han Chen whispered beside him.

"The fate of Yang Xiao is so charmed. If it weren’t for Nalan Shuo paving the way for him, what virtue and ability does he have to stand here?" Han Li’s eyes flashed coldly, his heart filled with resentment, "What nonsense about an Extremely Fierce Tiger, what qualifies him to be named alongside me? His spiritual power level is not as high as mine. Really, if we were to duel, in no more than ten minutes, I would definitely kill him."

"Heh, Li’er, be patient. The more glory he enjoys now, the more miserable he will be in the future. There will be times when he is unlucky, we will see. Just be sure... hehe, be sure not to rush it," Han Chen folded his arms, looking afar at Yang Xiao in the crowd, a subtle, intriguing smile on his lips.

After the banquet concluded, Yang Xiao helped the drunken Vice Commissioner Zhao to his car.

In this state, he certainly couldn’t drive, but fortunately, his driver was also there, helping Yang Xiao to seat him in the back of the car.

If the kind offer from Vice Commissioner Zhao wasn’t refused, then Yang Xiao got into the car as well, sitting with him in the back.

The driver, understanding the situation, knew the two officers had something to discuss, so he pressed a button, and an acoustic barrier rose between the front and rear cabins.

"Vice Commissioner Zhao, you drank too much today. I have no intention of seizing power," Yang Xiao immediately explained.

"Haha, Little Yang, I’m tired, really tired. Honestly, I’m telling you, these years in the Provincial Office have not been happy,"

Vice Commissioner Zhao sighed deeply, glanced sideways with a bitter smile: "To tell you not to laugh at me, I’m just a dog. Wu Qingcang and Hong Anguo guard against me more than a thief. They desperately try to catch me doing wrong, wanting to kick me out of the Provincial Office leadership team. If it weren’t for me being cautious, I would have been devoured with not even bone crumbs remaining."

"I’ve had enough of these days. I’ve also saved quite a lot of money over the years, more than enough to live on for the rest of my life. I don’t want to continue fighting with them. I’m leaving, I don’t care if I leave."

"Brother Zhao, don’t think like that. From what I see, there must be some misunderstanding here." Yang Xiao wasn’t sure if Zhao Jingde’s car had recording equipment, so he left no incriminating evidence.

Hearing Yang Xiao’s words, Zhao Jingde chuckled bitterly: "Yang Xiao, you still refuse to believe me, right? Worried that I’m putting on an act, correct?"

"Good job, remember this, if you want to root yourself in the Provincial Office in the future, or even... continue climbing upwards, you need this caution. It seems Nalan saw clearly that you are indeed talented," Zhao Jingde remarked.

"To be frank, Yang Xiao, I previously did not want to retire, but was too afraid. We are both officials, you should understand, losing power means becoming a lamb waiting to be slaughtered."

"I’m not worried about Wu Qingcang; he is a gentleman, and our disagreement is purely philosophical. He won’t retaliate against me, but Hong Anguo is different. He’s vengeful and will likely want to put me to death, so I’m afraid to retire."

"But now it’s different, you’re here. I know you have deep roots, I’ve seen it; that appointment was signed by Headquarters Director Gu, are you acquainted with him?"

Seeing Yang Xiao remaining silent, neither confirming nor denying, Zhao Jingde smiled: "Looks like I’ve guessed correctly, it’s secure. Honestly, I’m no saint either, I’ve committed plenty of sins over the years. If Hong Anguo exposes them, it would be troublesome."

"Brother Zhao, the more you speak, the less I understand," Yang Xiao feigned ignorance.

"Alright, Younger Brother Yang, you’re wise, let’s not talk in circles. I’m asking a favor."

"Of course, this isn’t asking for a favor for free; you also need to promise to give me a hand," Zhao Jingde spoke in a lowered voice.

Yang Xiao remained silent, simply meeting his gaze, indicating for him to continue.

"Younger Brother Yang, I will help you secure the Deputy Director position in the future, ensuring a seamless transition. What I need from you is, once you’re in that position, to clean up my mess and, if anyone comes seeking accountability, possibly wanting to send me to prison, you need to speak on my behalf."

Seeing Yang Xiao unwilling to make a stance, Zhao Jingde sweetened the deal: "You just saw that I still have many friends in Jiangbei Province; these people have all engaged in transactions with me."

"I’ve got dirt on many of them. If you help me through this, I’ll gladly hand over all of it to you, and the network and connections I’ve built over the years will be yours."

"I know you have backing above, but you also understand, some matters can’t be handled solely by those in official positions. In the temples and the world of martial arts, one must have influence and friends," Zhao Jingde continued.

"Additionally, Younger Brother Yang, consider this: if I don’t voluntarily leave, how long will you be suppressed? The Provincial Bureau is designed to have two deputy-level officers, it’s the system, even if those above intend otherwise, they can’t change it."

"Even if those above are inclined to promote you, it would still take another three or four years before it’s your turn under seniority."

"You should know how difficult it is for a second-level full-time to rise to a first-level deputy, it’s a huge divide."

"Is your Director Nalan’s seniority enough? At present he’s only a second-level full-time, and barring any surprises, he will remain so until retirement."

At this point, Yang Xiao felt slightly tempted but was also wary of a trap, so he dared not express any stance, only chuckling: "Director Zhao, let me just assume you’ve had too much to drink, joking with me. You’re just all talk, no action, so I can’t see your sincerity?"

"How about this, you first give me half of your dirt and contacts, to set me at ease?" Yang Xiao asked boldly.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jingde almost laughed out loud: "Younger Brother Yang, I’ve had too much to drink, but I’m not foolish. If I give you everything now, and you then visit Director Hong’s office, tell me, wouldn’t I feel deeply embarrassed?"

"Then let’s just let it be. Let’s assume Brother Zhao said nothing tonight, and I heard nothing tonight, we’re still good brothers. A drunken conversation, wouldn’t you agree?" Yang Xiao smiled, unfazed, with backing, fearing no one, knowing time is on his side.

Sure enough, upon hearing Yang Xiao cancel the deal, Zhao Jingde was unsettled, straightening up, speaking seriously: "Younger Brother Yang, what about this: let’s set aside the dirt for now, I’ll first show some sincerity."

"What sincerity?" Yang Xiao was immediately interested; he loved to hear secrets, driven by curiosity.

"Haha, don’t rush, Younger Brother Yang. Sincerity will come, believe me, very soon, and you will be satisfied."

Vice Commissioner Zhao left Yang Xiao with a shrewd smile.

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