.......

"You truly possess remarkable literary talent, speaking with such eloquence that a single sentence creates a vivid picture before my eyes, allowing me to comprehend its profound meaning."

What Lu Ding's original poem actually meant, Fu Xinghe didn't know.

But based on his own situation, he mentally constructed an image: his frustrated self drifting on a lake in a boat, drinking alone with no one to share the depression and vexation weighing on his heart.

Drunk on the boat, squinting at the sky full of stars, watching the constellations shift and time pass, until finally drifting slowly to sleep, with tomorrow being a new beginning.

Thinking of this, Fu Xinghe took a deep breath.

Lu Ding... actually understood him!!!!

If only Lu Ding knew what he was thinking.

Otherwise, he'd definitely comment: What shifting constellations? You're just completely drunk—even lying in bed you'd feel like the heavens and earth are shaking.

Fu Xinghe carefully savored the words.

The more he listened, the more he liked them.

The same tactic that worked on Bai Hemen the first time, now worked on Fu Xinghe the second time.

Taking out his work notebook from his briefcase.

Removing the cap from his fountain pen.

"Leader, may I copy this down?"

So now I'm a leader?

Lu Ding smiled: "No problem, go ahead and write. But don't call me leader in the future, it sounds strange."

As for what to call him, Lu Ding wasn't sure either. Mainly because Fu Xinghe was older than him;

having him call him "brother" like Feifan did would be even stranger.

Fu Xinghe nodded, not refusing, but said: "What we learned in school is that during work, we should address by position to maintain formality. Me calling you 'Leader' is already quite familiar. How about... I call you 'Investigator Lu'?"

Alright.

Still strange.

Somehow, the three words 'Position Lu' suddenly popped into Lu Ding's mind.

Fine, another label to add for Fu Xinghe: [Slightly Rigid] [Bookish Learning] [Tactful but Insufficiently Smooth]

In this aspect, [Inferior to Feifan]

"Then you'd better just call me Leader."

"Yes, Leader."

Their figures gradually moved further away.

Until.

They stopped at Hanjing Southeast Station.

Ah~

High-end Qi Refiners often adopt the most humble travel methods.

Seeing Lu Ding seemed to hesitate speaking.

Fu Xinghe explained to him: "Leader, I purchased business class seats on the Hanxing smart bullet train—it's the most advanced. And for quietness, I bought out the entire carriage."

"Since you just arrived, a quiet environment will allow you to better understand the power distribution and overall situation here."

"With your talent, after reviewing everything, you'll still have time to rest briefly."

"And rest assured, ordinary people don't buy business class tickets. We won't waste public resources—those who don't care about the money will have other travel options anyway!"

Very thorough consideration!

A true talent!

No wonder he dares to wear an administrative jacket!

There was one thing Lu Ding hadn't even considered.

That was, the time spent traveling...

They've really sent civil service examination talent to his side.

"Thank you for considering everything so meticulously."

Lu Ding boarded the train.

Fu Xinghe followed behind, saying: "No trouble at all, this is what I should do. You're someone destined for great things—these minor matters that drain energy are exactly what I should handle."

Very clear self-positioning!

Knows his place.

Lu Ding understood him more deeply.

If Feifan was suited to partner with a military general commanding heavy troops, then Fu Xinghe was suited to partner with a high-ranking civil minister.

He always managed to encounter such talents.

The military general is destined to be extraordinary, the civil minister holds up the starry river.

With himself wearing scholar-warrior sleeves, both civil and martial, paired with these two assistants, one left and one right—simply perfect.

His good mood brought a smile to his face as Lu Ding strode energetically into the carriage and took his seat.

Fu Xinghe asked his final question: "Leader, regarding the upcoming work process arrangements, do you have any requirements? Or a core philosophy? This way I can combine it with the currently known situation in the new city to create a chart for you, assisting your overall control."

Without thinking or pausing, Lu Ding immediately said: "Simple, direct, efficient. Reject any form of nihilism and superficial formalities."

"I understand."

After speaking, Fu Xinghe quietly retreated to a corner and began his work.

Quietly, without making a sound.

Meanwhile, Lu Ding began his understanding of this world.

From regional divisions and southern directions, to the new city's geographical location, general power structures, local customs, and indigenous culture.

These were all things he needed to learn and remember.

Of course, they didn't need to be too detailed—time was limited, so understanding the general framework was sufficient.

Since Lu Ding was traveling secretly this time, those who knew the truth numbered no more than a hand count. The secrecy level was even higher than an inspection team's.

Therefore, there would be no local department welcomes, banquets, or similar events.

During this interim period.

At the Su Family.

After Su Xiu returned, seeing her father covered in wounds, Su Hongyu's heart was filled with self-blame and anger!!

If only she had known earlier that the killer of her half-brother was Lu Ding, perhaps she wouldn't have been so impulsive.

But there's no medicine for regret in this world.

Moreover, her father had suffered such severe injuries because of her!!!

Su Hongyu wasn't stupid, but she couldn't swallow this anger either. Whose child could remain indifferent seeing their father endure such torment because of them?

None!

Therefore.

Su Hongyu thought of Dong Minglong.

Her eyes shifted—this matter required careful planning, but the outcome wouldn't change. This matter wouldn't be left unsettled.

On the other side.

At the Dong Family.

Compared to Su Hongyu's relatively restrained anger, when Dong Minglong saw his father beaten to such a state.

He immediately began with his battle cry.

"Ah!!! Lu Ding! I won't let you get away with this!!!"

Dong Yuande lay on the bed, weakly waving his hand: "Forget it, forget it, Minglong. We're no match for them."

These words were his genuine heartfelt thoughts.

But once spoken, they took on a different meaning.

To Dong Minglong, they sounded increasingly grating.

"I'm no match for him! I'm no match for him?!"

As if pointing accusingly at Lu Ding from afar: "He's from the Third Circle! And I'm no match for him?!"

"Didn't that dead old man in the wheelchair say it? Matters of the younger generation should be resolved by the younger generation. Since he said that, it's practically telling me outright that this can be handled openly and fairly!"

"He's from the Third Circle—to put it bluntly, he's a frog at the bottom of a well!"

"How big is the Third Circle anyway? Although I've never been to the Third Circle, I know it's the Great Han's homeland!"

"The homeland couldn't possibly have any major dangers. Frankly, the Third Circle is safer than our own backyard! Something that grew up in a greenhouse—is he even worthy of comparing himself to me?!"

Another classic case of "I've never been there, but I know all about it."

"And you still say I'm no match for him!!?"

"He's gone too far! If I don't crush him completely, I don't deserve to be called a son!!"

As he spoke, Dong Minglong started heading out.

Dong Yuande quickly raised his voice to stop him: "Come back!!!"

"What are you planning to do!!? That Lu Ding has the backing of the 749 Bureau, and Elder Shui as his supporter! Who exactly are you going to crush!? Can't you just calm down, right now, immediately!"

"Pack your things and go to the new city, lay low at your cousin's place! That area is chaotic—Great Han people won't enter without reason. Come back after the situation cools down!"

"If you don't go, I'll consider you not my son, and you can consider me not your father! Then my injuries will have been suffered in vain!!"