In the office, Tang Li tapped on his desk and contacted his oblivious secretary outside, telling him to bring in a cup of tea.
The two chatted at an easy pace, trading the usual tidbits: one knew something, or knew someone; the other had heard a different version, knew so-and-so too, and had a few things to say about his character. They ranged from city hall to the upper ranks of their respective factions, speaking offhandedly of things that were half rumor, half inside information.
Still, there had to be something of substance.
Having just mentioned Jiang Yi and his "considerable appetite," they naturally got to talking about the connections behind him.
"Tang Yu has run the southern front for years without a single slipup. That alone has earned General Kang's trust. The general often praises him for his loyalty. Jiang Yi is his adjutant's younger brother—just within reach of that 'loyalty.' Well, what can you do?"
"Without a single slipup..." Tang Li gave a silent chuckle. "What about the gangs in the Abandoned Mining Area?"
It sounded at once like a change of subject and a taunt.
The Internal Affairs Bureau's Riot Squad, the Public Security Department, and the Criminal Division were responsible for dealing with gangs and criminals. Military organizations like the Resistance Army were still the military's responsibility to wipe out. That was why Tang Li had paid little attention to the Resistance Army's movements during the operation two days earlier. Only when the Intelligence Management Center had made a fool of him had he flown into a rage.
Whatever Tang Li meant by it, Liu Xuezhi treated it as an ordinary change of subject and replied with a smile. "The terrain around the Abandoned Mining Area is far too complicated. You put it best, old classmate: