"Regarding Mr. He's inquiry, Qin Feng replied without hesitation, 'Since even Ming Fei is suspected of money laundering, why not take action?' 'Good, I'll immediately handle the formalities,' said He Muqing. 'After all, Mr. Lian is a senior official with extensive connections among top leadership. If we don't follow due process, we might very well trigger a series of ripple effects.' 'I'll insist on immediate action as long as the evidence is solid. As for formal procedures—they're just window dressing.' He shrugged. 'However, we must still follow the established procedures,' He Muqing explained. 'Otherwise, certain individuals may seize on any opportunity to criticize us. In official circles, such matters are often complicated. If the outcome isn't flawless, they'll keep pointing out your shortcomings, turning what was once your advantage into a disadvantage.' 'You needn't worry about this,' she added. 'I'll take care of it.' Since the leader had made such a statement, Qin Feng had no choice but to agree. The next evening, upon hearing that Lian Mingfei had been caught in a scandal, Wang Changling was overjoyed and personally went to find Qin Feng, inviting him to have dinner at his home. Qin Feng readily accepted the invitation, though Wang Changling remained puzzled—his home was filled with so many beautiful young women, and he couldn't quite understand what the connection was. With a girlfriend, there were simply too many: one at the front door, three in the living room watching TV, and one still standing on the second floor. It was hard to believe that ordinary friends could gather so many beautiful women in one place—especially women who were still pure in their relationships. As for sisters and relatives, it was said that Qin Feng was an orphan with no parents at all—how could he have so many relatives? Wang Fu, the wife, personally prepared a sumptuous meal, showcasing a variety of delicious and fragrant dishes. Even more hospitable, she served two bottles of Fēitian Maotai wine, clearly stating that she would not let go until Qin Feng was completely drunk. With Wang Changling's experience, as long as Lian Feiming steps down, he would be poised to take the top position; conversely, as long as Lian Mingfei remains in his current post, Wang would have to continue serving as second-in-command. As for when exactly he would rise to the top, only heaven knows. Now that Lian is under scrutiny, Wang only needs to lend his support from the sidelines and Lian Mingfei would be in deep trouble—simultaneously, with a bit of active campaigning, Wang could easily secure the mayoral post. On the surface, the mayor and the party secretary hold equal ranks, but the party secretary's authority clearly surpasses that of the mayor, and the secretary is always more likely to advance than the mayor. Qin Feng and the Wang family exchanged a few pleasantries and then sat down quite formally, beginning to enjoy their meal. While drinking, he sent a message to Wang Xiaoniu, who was teaching at the moment: "Niu, I'm having dinner at your home—your parents were incredibly warm and welcoming." Wang Xiaoniu was puzzled: How could they have invited him to dinner at their home? Qin Dashi: By accident, I've managed to overlook the details of our relationship. Your parents are very pleased with me as their son-in-law, so they've eagerly invited me over for dinner to discuss arranging for you to stay with me and serve at my side. "He spoke frankly: "With Lian Ming having fled, I must immediately go and retrieve him, Mayor Wang. Today's wine, then, will have to end here—unfortunately, I haven't allowed you to enjoy it to the fullest, and that's truly disappointing!" "Never mind. Business comes first—go ahead now," said Wang Changling, who was actually even more urgent than Qin Feng. If Lian Ming succeeded in escaping the city, it would undoubtedly create a serious negative impact on Ping'an City. Even if Wang himself became the top official, he would inevitably have to shoulder some of the blame. "Shu Jinghua asked in puzzlement. He smiled slightly, "For someone who's been caught, taking a flight or a high-speed train to escape is the most unwise choice. Only by going by sea—through intermediaries to Taiwan or some Southeast Asian country, then making a move to Europe or North America—does it make sense. This port is the closest coastal hub, and it's well-known as a fishing port. With just one fishing boat, people can be taken away quietly, without a trace!" He Muqing, standing by, agreed with his analysis and said, "Then I'll immediately assign personnel to work with the local police to arrest the Lin family." "But it might already be too late. I'll go myself," Qin Feng volunteered. "Lin Ming's escape has been so smooth, which means he must have planned his route in advance. Given his personality, this route is likely flawless. Relying solely on the local police won't yield much progress." The leader thought for a moment and said, "Very well. I'll entrust this matter to you!" "Rest assured," Qin Feng replied, "I will definitely accomplish the task." "He chuckled, saying, 'Since it's your mistake and I've gone to the trouble of fixing it for you, what do you plan to do to thank me once it's all settled?' Heavily concerned, Li Ling carefully asked, 'Then, how should I thank you?' 'Heh, this kind of thing depends on one's sincerity. If I make demands, then it'll lose all its charm,' he smiled even more widely. Li Muqing glanced at Luo Man, pretending to be busy, and then at Shu Yajing, who remained completely indifferent, and with a determined look, said, 'Don't worry—whatever you want, I'll make sure to satisfy you!' 'How can I possibly be reassured by that?' Qin Feng said, clearly unconvinced, with a sniff. 'It's not that I'm not giving you the benefit of the doubt. Your character is simply too—well, I don't know how to put it!' Li Muqing exclaimed, 'Just go on! Tell me more, and I'll listen patiently, no matter what you say!' 'Heh, with our relationship being so good, how could I possibly bear to see you go through all this?' Qin Feng looked even more put-out. Hei Leader, after taking a deep breath, said, "I'm giving you a deposit right now. If you dare to fail to meet your obligations, see how I'll handle you!" With that, she stepped forward and gave him a sweet kiss. Her bold move left Lu Man and Shu Yajing utterly astonished. Qin Feng, of course, accepted without hesitation. After a series of French-style lingering kisses, he pledged solemnly, "If I fail to fulfill my duties, you'll punish me tenfold with the same treatment—I promise, without a single complaint."