Chapter 1: Targeted

Page 1/3

August in Ninghai County was suffocatingly hot.

At this moment, He Shinian was riding his bicycle toward his girlfriend Qiao Yina’s house.

Today was the birthday of Qiao Yina’s mother, Wei Ziqin, and He Shinian had prepared a gift for her two days in advance.

Just then, the ringtone from his pocket sounded.

He Shinian instinctively pulled his bike over to the roadside.

Ensuring his safety, he took out his phone and saw that it was a call from Liu Dajin, the department director.

He Shinian felt puzzled; it was after work hours, so why was Liu Dajin calling him now?

At twenty-eight, He Shinian was currently an employee at the Ninghai County Bureau of Land and Resources.

Six years ago, he and Qiao Yina graduated from university together.

After graduation, Qiao Yina passed the civil service exam and entered the government system.

He Shinian, on the other hand, was drafted and spent five years in the military.

Because he was twice awarded the second-class personal merit and was promoted exceptionally to fourth-grade sergeant, the political commissar of his unit, “Old Tang,” promised to arrange at least a deputy department-level position for him upon his return.

Yet when he was discharged, he was merely given the status of a second-grade clerk.

Old Tang failed to keep his promise, and when He Shinian called him, he was told he must obey orders.

He Shinian, as a soldier, knew well that obedience was a duty.

Though unwilling, he accepted reality and was assigned to the Ninghai County Bureau of Land and Resources.

After a year of working there, his situation hadn’t improved.

Instead, he was often suppressed and targeted by Director Liu Dajin.

He Shinian didn’t want to answer Liu Dajin’s call, but he had no choice.

Otherwise, tomorrow at work, who knew what tricks Liu Dajin might pull to make his life miserable.

“Hello, Director Liu,” He Shinian said, trying to remain calm.

He hadn’t expected that as soon as he finished speaking, a furious shout erupted from the other end.

The voice was unusually sharp, as if bursting balloons.

“He Shinian, do you understand what organizational discipline is?”

“A year ago, the county issued an official document demanding policies be relaxed as much as possible to create a good business environment for private enterprises.”

“Jinchang Agriculture has all their paperwork in order—why haven’t you approved the land transfer?”

“Are you brainless or did you get your head caught in a door? Are you deliberately trying to cause trouble?”

Faced with Liu Dajin’s vulgar abuse, He Shinian thought to himself that, at least, Liu Dajin was a department director—a section-level official.

Yet he acted like a street shrew, bringing shame not only to the Bureau of Land and Resources but to the entire civil service system.

Page 2/3

“Director Liu, it’s true that Jinchang Agriculture’s paperwork is complete, but the appraisal agency they hired isn’t qualified.”

“The price for land transfer must be assessed and certified by a professional agency with proper credentials…”

“Shut up! You’re an employee of the Bureau of Land and Resources, your only concern should be whether the paperwork is complete. Is price appraisal your business?”

“You’re like a dog catching mice—meddling where you shouldn’t.”

Liu Dajin’s voice thundered, clearly enraged beyond measure.

Despite Liu Dajin’s berating, He Shinian’s expression remained calm, though anger was slowly simmering inside.

Jinchang Agriculture wanted to transfer 2,300 acres in Nanping Town for building pig and cattle farms.

But whether raising pigs or cattle, it was non-agricultural, and the nature of the land use itself was problematic.

Most importantly, out of the 2,300 acres, 980 were fertile and productive fields.

According to national requirements for “cultivated land reclamation,” this portion could not be transferred for commercial use.

Moreover, during the transfer process, local villagers opposed the price, questioning the appraisal agency’s professionalism and fairness.

When faced with villagers’ doubts, the agency not only failed to provide convincing proof of its legitimacy but resorted to intimidation and threats, further aggravating the villagers and worsening relations between officials and the people.

Though annoyed, He Shinian spoke calmly, “The land transfer price hasn’t been signed by more than half the villagers, so the price is invalid… I’m afraid I can’t approve it.”

Hearing this, Liu Dajin was so furious he nearly exploded, roaring, “Fine, very well, He Shinian, it seems your wings have grown.”

“If you can’t approve it, I’ll have someone else do it in your place. I don’t think you’re suited to stay in the Bureau of Land and Resources anymore. Prepare to be sent to a township!”

With that, he hung up directly.

He Shinian sighed, feeling helpless.

Arbitrary destruction of cultivated land, illegal transfer—ultimately, it was the people who suffered.

They say that a single official should benefit the people under their charge.

Who knew how many leaders actually remembered this principle.

No time for more reflection, Qiao Yina’s call came through.

“Shinian, why aren’t you here yet?”

Qiao Yina’s voice was anxious.

“I was held up for a bit, but I’m on my way to your house.”

“Hurry up, my dad seems unhappy…”

Having just been scolded by Liu Dajin, He Shinian was feeling unsettled.

Now, hearing this from Qiao Yina,

He Shinian’s mind conjured up the image of Qiao Yina’s father, Qiao Hailin, with his cold, stern face.

He Shinian knew.

Page 3/3

Today, he was going to celebrate Qiao Yina’s mother Wei Ziqin’s birthday.

And he would inevitably be subjected to the sarcastic remarks of Qiao Hailin, the deputy director of the Bureau of Housing and Urban Development, making him feel even more uncomfortable.

Originally, Qiao Hailin had promised that once He Shinian was discharged from the military, he would arrange a wedding for the two.

But when he found out He Shinian was only assigned as a second-grade clerk,

Qiao Hailin said nothing and directly postponed their wedding.

Tonight’s birthday banquet felt more like a public criticism session aimed at He Shinian.

By the time He Shinian arrived at Qiao Yina’s house, dusk had fallen.

Though he knew there would be nothing pleasant awaiting him, he did not hesitate and knocked on the door.

It was Qiao Yina who opened it.

She had carefully applied elegant makeup, her hair cascading like a waterfall, making her look every bit the genteel maiden awaiting marriage.

Seeing He Shinian, her brows knitted gently as she whispered, “Why are you so late?”

He Shinian was about to reply when Qiao Yina turned and called out, “Dad, Mom, Shinian is here!”

The aroma of food wafted from inside.

But no one responded, leaving He Shinian feeling awkward.

“Shinian, come in,” Qiao Yina said, trying to ease the tension.

He Shinian handed her the gift and entered the house.

At that moment, a voice dripping with sarcasm sounded from Qiao Hailin.

“He Shinian, your aunt just cleaned the house today. You’d better change your shoes so you don’t dirty the floor!”

He Shinian?

Using his full name—clearly, tonight’s intention was to make things difficult for him.

Looking toward the source, He Shinian was momentarily stunned.

Besides Qiao Yina’s parents, a man in a smart suit sat in the house.

He Shinian recognized him.

It was Feng Anping, who had recently been promoted to deputy director of the Bureau of Transportation thanks to his deputy county mayor father.

Why was he here?

He Shinian’s gaze fell upon the Wuliangye liquor, premium Yunyan cigarettes, and those expensive bags and jewelry on the table.

Instantly, he understood.

Feng Anping’s purpose tonight was anything but ordinary!

He Shinian’s expression gradually darkened.