Chapter 8, The Prodigal Son

Most of the imported cars flowing into the mainland are somewhat peculiar; to put it bluntly, they are smuggled vehicles. While county-level officials are still struggling with their Santana cars, having a Japanese car with a much more upscale driving environment as a mode of transport indicates that the individual has considerable connections behind them

Zhao Guodong has an excellent memory. This vehicle seems to have been in the criminal police team for a day or two, but it went out again later. However, since Zhao Guodong was not involved, he is not very clear about the situation.

Zhao Guodong, while working on cases in the criminal police team, also frequented several dance halls in Jiangkou County. The dance hall in the factory is far superior to those in the county in terms of both equipment and atmosphere. The lighting is quite bright, unlike the county dance halls, which often have a dimness that caters to certain individuals.

"Eh? Whose car is this?" Zhao Guodong, with his keen eyes, immediately spotted a coffee-colored Lanbird sedan parked in front of the club. The letters and Arabic numerals "BULUBIRD 2.0" were quite eye-catching, and the license plate starting with Guangdong 01 made Zhao Guodong particularly sensitive.

"We can't afford to think that way; it's enough to do our jobs well and earn our wages," Zhao Guodong replied casually, "What is Brother Biao back for today?"

The appearance of Zhao Guodong and his group also attracted a lot of attention. Wu Changqing and Fang Zhiquan were not particularly noteworthy, but Zhao Guodong's entrance exuded a different aura. Dressed in police trousers and a white shirt tucked in, with his hands casually placed in his pockets, he emanated a vibe that was entirely distinct from the reserved demeanor of the factory's offspring and the unruly nature of the young workers.

Zhao Guodong felt helpless; how could he have encountered this guy who insisted on staying by his side? It completely dampened his spirits. After a bout of grandstanding, Qing Lie Biao staggered back, leaving Zhao Guodong with a business card before parting ways. This item was indeed quite trendy. Zhao Guodong glanced at it: Qing Lie Biao, General Manager of Shengdu Material Trade Company, followed by a series of phone numbers and telegram registration details.

Qing Lie Biao has really made a name for himself in the past two years. He rarely comes back, spending most of his time in the urban area of An City, and he hardly ever sets foot in Jiangkou. The envy in Wang Fei's eyes could not be concealed even by his thick eyelids.

"Yo, Biao Ge, isn't it quite difficult for you to come back as well?" Zhao Guodong was somewhat surprised by how familiar the other person was with him. Given the other person's current status, it seemed unnecessary to be so friendly. However, he still had to engage in pleasantries on the surface, "Biao Ge, have you been developing in Andu these past two years?"

Well, indeed, Guodong, work hard. If things don't go well, you can still be a director in two years. Our factory hasn't produced two decent roles; what can we do stuck in this broken factory? I will have a word with Director Zhu sometime. Qing Liebao patted Zhao Guodong on the shoulder again, which made Zhao Guodong feel quite uncomfortable. It seems that the only ones who can pat your shoulder, apart from leaders, are friends, and Qing Liebao doesn't quite fit that category.

Qing Lie Biao's unrestrained boasting drew disapproving glances from those around him, yet everyone knew he was the prince of the textile factory. Even the security personnel on duty in the factory kept their distance, unwilling to provoke this individual

Zhao Guodong nodded slightly. Qing Lie Biao was two years his senior and was also one of the troublemakers from their alma mater. However, he had a good father; the current factory director and party secretary, Qing Guangrong, was his father. It was said that shortly after graduation, he went to the office set up by the textile factory in Andu, but he left not long after. Zhao Guodong was not clear about what he was actually doing.

"The person needed to handle the case in Jiangmiao is someone from the bureau, and since my home is also in Jiangmiao, I am naturally the most suitable candidate." Zhao Guodong had no choice but to repeat the lie once again

The area of the club's dance hall is quite large, capable of accommodating one to two hundred people. The equipment is also quite impressive, with four laser rotating lights and a large central rotating light moving steadily in sync with the music, creating a somewhat dazzling effect throughout the entire hall

"Wang Fei, lower your voice, don't let others hear you," said Wu Changqing, his face filled with envy, while also feeling a bit apprehensive about outsiders overhearing the discussions of their group

To Zhao Guodong's surprise, as soon as Qing Lie Biao saw Zhao Guodong appear, he immediately stood up and walked over, saying, "Guodong, what brings you back today? It has been five or six years since we last met, hasn't it?"

"Hehe, they are all my superiors. However, I have now been reassigned back to the Jiangmiao Police Station. Biao Ge, feel free to come by the station for a visit whenever you have time," Zhao Guodong said with a composed demeanor.

A group of people invited each other and headed to the club ballroom, while Zhao Deshan took the opportunity to break away from these older brothers. He felt that being with them left him no freedom at all, and he was unwilling to spend an evening constrained in front of his elder brother

Deputy Director Zhu is in charge of criminal investigation, and there's no need to mention Team Leader Liu. It's no wonder that this guy's car could leave the bureau so quickly. Zhao Guodong felt somewhat uncomfortable; was this guy showing off in front of him?

Cut it out, what development is there? Isn't it just about going around to see what can make money? It's not like I can compare to you; you are now a criminal police officer. By the way, I am familiar with both Director Zhu and Team Leader Liu. How else would I know you are in the criminal police team?

When Zhao Guodong and his companions entered the ballroom, they immediately spotted the dazzling Qing Lie Biao, who was sitting confidently in the center, surrounded by a group of boastful friends. However, Qing Lie Biao appeared rather restrained, as if he were waiting for someone.

On the way, Zhao Guodong also inquired about the situation of the house. In front of Zhao Guodong, Fang Zhuan had no good way to conceal the truth. The work in the boiler room was truly unbearable; not only was it hard and exhausting, but there was also no fixed schedule, and the wages were low. However, having a job at all was considered fortunate, especially given the issues his father was facing. He could only grit his teeth and endure. What frustrated him the most was that his coworkers often made sarcastic remarks to undermine him, which caused him great distress

At the moment Zhao Guodong caught sight of Qing Lie Biao, Qing Lie Biao also saw Zhao Guodong

No worries, come back and take a look. These few dragged me here for fun. Sigh, what kind of dance hall is this? The lights are brighter than the sun. Just look at those women standing by the side, each one like a dazed goose. Tch, when they start dancing, it looks like they're twisting a yangge. A bunch of country bumpkins.

Having money alone is not sufficient; to drive such a vehicle, one must also have certain connections. Otherwise, no matter where one goes, this type of car will be closely monitored by the public security authorities.

Hmph, how to make money? Isn't it easy for him to make money? With cotton and cotton yarn in such high demand now, and his father having absolute power in the factory, can't he just flip cotton and cotton yarn and earn hundreds of thousands in a year?" Wang Fei lowered his voice, "This kid is quite impressive; I've heard he has deep connections with several cotton and hemp companies in the counties, bringing in money with one hand and sending it out with the other, very generous indeed.

Although the two were not in the same grade before, Zhao Guodong had already repeatedly challenged third-year students when he was in the first year of junior high. Although Qing Lie Biao was also quite flamboyant, at that time his father was merely a workshop director and did not dare to compete with Zhao Guodong, adhering to the concept of keeping to oneself.

However, there are still one or two vehicles that end up in the police station. The right-hand drive Toyota HiAce, which is currently used by the criminal police team, is one such vehicle. Zhao Guodong has ridden in that car, and compared to the Jinbei large van, the acceleration, shock absorption, and sound quality are indeed quite different.

"How did you end up at the police station? Wasn't the criminal investigation team doing well?" Qing Lie Biao looked astonished.

When Zhao Guodong and his companions arrived at the entrance of the ballroom, the event had already begun. The melodious dance music filled the air, and pairs of young men and women were gracefully moving in the dance floor, full of vitality. Those who could not find a partner simply paired up with someone of the same sex. This is a common issue in the textile factory, where there are more young women than men, leaving many without suitable partners and having to make do.

Zhao Guodong has also participated in several investigations of this nature, focusing particularly on Japanese vehicles with licenses from Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian. However, most of these cases ultimately end without resolution, as the seized vehicles are often released within two days, and the superiors remain tight-lipped.

Oh, no wonder, it is Qing Lie Biao. I heard he is doing quite well. I wonder how this guy managed to make so much money

Qing Lie Biao and his group seemed to be waiting for someone, but Qing Lie Biao appeared to have little patience. Several times he attempted to leave, only to be persuaded by his friends to stay. However, in the end, they did not wait for their target. Qing Lie Biao came over to greet Zhao Guodong with a few curses and then left in a huff. The sound of car doors slamming at the club entrance was particularly forceful, and the high brake lights of the blue bird were exceptionally bright as it darted out of the gate