Chapter 148
Warehouses like these, used for storing goods, are often built in rows. Leaving aside the suburbs and other cities, there are absolutely no standalone warehouses within the urban area of Lungmen.
After Shi Lei's negotiations with Mr. Liu broke down, he immediately sought help from Isu to contact the owner of the third warehouse. The owner had left the warehouse vacant for a long time and was open to selling it or not. However, Shi Lei proactively raised his offer to one million and easily secured the deal.
"No need, I've already reached an agreement with the other owners, and the transfer of ownership of the warehouse will be completed this week. If you don't have anything else to do, you can go back now."
Seeing Shi Lei's indifferent attitude, the homeowner wore a bitter expression and was extremely annoyed. He was a little afraid that if the matter were exposed, he wouldn't be able to sell his warehouse in the future.
"Then, Mister Zhongli, you are a magnanimous person, you won't target me in the future, will you?"
Hearing this, Shi Lei was amused.
He's never touched money since he transmigrated. He handed over his entire first month's salary to Texas. He has absolutely no concept or idea about money.
"Mr. Liu, prices for goods naturally vary. If we don't reach an agreement, we can simply try another store. I have no reason to go out of my way to do anything for you."
"That's good, that's good."
Seeing the homeowner put down the gift bag and turn to leave, Shi Lei immediately called out to them:
"Mr. Liu, I cannot accept a gift without having done anything for you. I did not help you, so please take this gift back."
Mr. Liu had hoped to make friends with Zhongli with a beautiful gift, but seeing his attitude, he figured it was hopeless. After hesitating for a moment, he hurriedly left with the gift.
May 26, 8:50 am
The next day, Shi Lei got up early to make breakfast for Lisa. He didn't leave until 8:30 and went to the company's office area.
On his workstation sat a bank card from Lungmen Bank. This was a new account that Shi Lei had asked Is to create for Isu yesterday, and it contained a five million 'brokerage fee' transferred from Blake Suiya.
He brewed a cup of goji berry and chrysanthemum tea, then went to the balcony and dialed Officer Chen's cell phone number.
The call was answered after only two rings. The sound of papers turning could be heard from the other end of the line.
"Hello?"
"Officer Chen, where are you now? I have something I'd like to talk to you about."
"I've only been at the Lungmen Guard Department for a short time and I'm still processing some documents. I'll head to the Slums branch once I'm done. What's up? Is there something important you need me for?"
Shi Lei didn't explain the reason, but instead kept everyone in suspense before speaking:
"Officer Chen, the Lungmen Guard Department building is fine. I'll be right there, don't rush off."
After saying that, he hung up the phone and prepared to leave.
Exusiai saw Shi Lei swipe his card and leave the office area without Lisa. Normally, she would have asked him where he was going at this hour. But remembering he'd been busy buying warehouses as a birthday present for Texas, she swallowed the words she was about to say.
After leaving, Shi Lei walked to the Lungmen Guard Department building. It wasn't far from Penguin Logistics' company, about a ten-minute walk. He randomly asked two officers for directions and arrived at the Special Inspectorate's office area.
The members of the special inspection team had met Shi Lei several times and knew that this man, codenamed Zhongli, was an extremely capable person. Although they were surprised to see him here, they still waved and greeted him warmly.
Shi Lei nodded slightly in response. He arrived at the door of the building with the plaque for the team leader's office and knocked.
"Knock knock".
"Please come in."
Chen is very efficient; she processed most of the documents in just over ten minutes. Seeing Shi Lei enter the room, she stopped what she was doing and asked:
"To be honest, with your abilities, you shouldn't have any trouble. I'm curious, what exactly do you want to talk about today?"
Shi Lei still didn't give a direct answer, but smiled:
"Officer Chen, have you encountered any difficulties since you recently moved into the Lungmen Guard Department branch in the Slums?"
Upon hearing this, Chen immediately realized that he hadn't come to seek help. She guessed that Beatrix had too much money to burn, so he hired the man to answer her questions.
That rich Miss really loves to meddle in other people's business.
"Not for the next few days. Getting the local people to adapt to the Lungmen Guard Department will take time. These things can't be rushed; we have to take it slowly."
"Indeed, it can't be rushed."
Shi Lei sat down on the sofa and said seriously:
"Officer Chen, have you ever thought about why the people in the Slums are not used to the Lungmen Guard Department?"
Chen seemed stumped by the question, and after a moment of thought, she gave her answer:
"Actually, I've seriously considered this question before. There are three main reasons why the people in the Slums are not used to the Lungmen Guard Department's presence."
Firstly, the Slums used to be a no-man's-land. Just like Afa said, people would assume the Lungmen Guard Department was...
To deprive them of what little freedom they have left. Changing this mindset is difficult; it can only be done slowly.
Secondly, the arrival of the Lungmen Guard Department will inevitably affect the businesses of the local gangs. Compared to the common people, they are the ones who most want to drive us away. I've discussed this with the Rat King, and he told me to go all out.
Thirdly, most of the people are in a wait-and-see mode. They all think that my move into the Slums is just a way for me to embellish my image and gain political achievements. They think that once I've achieved my goal, I'll just leave. In fact, I've always wanted Lungmen to accept the Slums. This matter can't be rushed either; only sincerity can win sincerity.
Shi Lei greatly admires her determination to do this despite the various criticisms and misunderstandings:
"Officer Chen, you're right, but not entirely. Anything that comes to a new place will have a period of being unwelcome. As for the reasons, there are only two: obstruction from the old forces, and..."
He paused here, then, staring into Chen's eyes, stated the purpose of his visit:
"They did not receive enough benefits."
Seeing her thoughtful expression, Shi Lei took the bank card out of his pocket and placed it on the table.
"Officer Chen, the obstruction of the old forces will soon disappear. As for how to bring more benefits to the people in the Slums, that's something the Lungmen Guard Department needs to do."
"What's the meaning?"
Chen stared at the other person in disbelief, glancing down at the bank card before quickly looking away. She had gleaned a great deal of information from their conversation:
"Are you planning to wipe out the gangs in the Slums?"
Seeing her reaction, Shi Lei realized that Chen was unaware of the Schwayer Group's move in.
"Pretty much, but I wasn't the one who did it; it was the Rat King himself. If you're interested, you can ask the governor. Or wait a few more days, and you should hear about it soon. The bank card PIN is six sixes; you can use this money to do something practical for the people in the Slums."
Chen's expression was complicated; she was so shocked she didn't know what to say. From Shi Lei's words, she sensed that he was about to launch a major operation. Most likely, it would be to wipe out the gangs in the Slums.
This is definitely a huge boon for the Lungmen Guard Department's move in. Without the obstruction of those gangs, they can carry out their work much more smoothly.
Thinking of this, Chen glanced at the bank card on the table, but did not reach for it:
"Mister Shi Lei, thank you so much for everything you've done for the people in the Slums. I don't know how much money is on this card, but I can't accept it."
This answer was exactly what he expected.
"Officer Chen, I don't know if anyone has ever told you that you're sitting on a mountain of gold looking for gold. You clearly have resources that ordinary people envy, but you always want to rely on your own hard work to accomplish things."
The reason why the Lower City is called the Slums is because it's poor. Poverty isn't something that can be solved by simply shouting slogans and offering sporadic assistance. Only when you solve the livelihood problems of the people in the Slums will they have the patience to listen to any other reasoning you give them.
"What, are you ashamed to take this money? Or do you think it's ill-gotten? You want to help the people in the Slums, no problem. But not in your way; it has to be in a way they can accept. Otherwise, if they want a watermelon and you give them a banana, is that helping them?"
Chen's lips moved as if she wanted to refute. But she suddenly realized that she seemed to agree with this statement deep down.
Perhaps, he is right.
Chen bit her lip, looked up at the man in front of her, and asked with unusual seriousness:
Why did you choose me to do this?
"Because you are Chen, the head of the Special Inspectorate of the Lungmen Guard Department Bureau; because you are Chen has been advocating for the Infected Residency Act; because you are Chen Huijie who was the first to take the lead in entering the Slums; because you are Chen who genuinely wants to help the people. You are the best person for this kind of thing. We must find you, and we can only find you."
I believe that with this money in your hands, you can ensure a fairer distribution. The Lungmen Guard Department needs to win the support of the Slums dwellers with real money.
Chen still had one question and asked:
"But this is your money. I shouldn't use your money to bolster the reputation of the Lungmen Guard Department."
Shi Lei shook his head, feeling that she was too conventional:
"I have a good enough reputation in the Slums, I don't need this to boost my profile. On the contrary, the Lungmen Guard Department desperately needs this opportunity to make a name for itself."
Only when the Lungmen Guard Department is in the sight of all the people in the Slums can you carry out your work properly. Whose money it is is unimportant, or even who distributes it is unimportant. What matters is that we are all working to make Lungmen a better place, to improve the lives of its people.
Chen was completely convinced. Looking at the man in front of her, she felt that he was exceptionally tall and imposing.
Is it because he worked at Penguin Logistics for six months that he became like this? Or was he always like this?
"Mister Shi Lei, on behalf of the Lungmen Guard Department and the people of the Slums, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you!"
Chen stood tall and bowed to him.
The grand ceremony made Shi Lei feel a little uncomfortable.
"Alright, that's enough for today. I've told you everything I needed to. Don't feel guilty about spending this money; use it however you want."
Seeing that he was about to leave, Chen called out to him:
"Please wait a moment!"
A moment later, she went to the cabinet and took out a tin of her treasured high-end tea, wanting to express her gratitude:
"You
"Since you've come all this way, why don't you have a cup of tea before you leave? I have a few things I'd like to ask you."
Shi Lei didn't care whether he drank tea or not, but if Officer Chen wanted to ask him for advice, he wouldn't mind staying.
The reason I've gone to such lengths to persuade Chen today isn't just because of the kindness she showed me with a meal, but also because Shi Lei believes she's a good policewoman full of a sense of justice and deserves a bigger stage in her life.
The members of the Special Inspectorate outside were amazed to see their team leader personally brewing tea for Shi Lei.
It's truly rare to find someone who can provide such a comprehensive service with genuine sincerity.
He stayed to answer questions and didn't leave the Lungmen Guard Department until around 11 o'clock.
After Shi Lei left, Chen went to see Governor Wei Yenwu. He hadn't revealed a single detail about such a major event as the eradication of numerous gangs in the Slums.
After learning the details of how Shi Lei facilitated the Schwayer Group's entry into the Slums, Chen became acutely aware of the gap between them.
Without comparison, there is no harm.
Given her extensive network of connections, she could easily have done the same. But Chen hadn't considered that step; instead, she wanted to rely on her own efforts to gradually improve the appalling living conditions in the Slums.
Seeing her lost in reflection, Wei Yenwu, her uncle, was very gratified. There were some truths he wouldn't teach her. But Chen had grasped them; it was simply her destiny.
After leaving the Lungmen Guard Department, Shi Lei went straight back to Penguin Logistics. The 5 million yuan commission from Blake Suiya was all in that bank card.
When the boss arrived at work, he explained the purpose of the large bill: it was for buying a warehouse in Texas.
Upon learning this, the Emperor insisted on subscribing for 500,000 yuan. He argued that as the boss, he had an obligation to give his employees a memorable birthday celebration. When Shi Lei refused, the Emperor threatened to withhold payment unless he subscribed for 500,000 yuan. Unable to resist, Shi Lei finally agreed.
On May 30th, Shi Lei officially signed an agreement with the owner of the third warehouse. Together, they took the documents to the housing management bureau to complete the property transfer.
With the property certificate and keys in hand, the next step is cleaning the warehouse and designing the rooms.
Shi Lei didn't know how Texas wanted to decorate, so he simply replicated the layout of his own house. This way, he could change things at any time if she had different ideas later.
Exusiai and Croissant also secretly ordered furniture and decorative items like lamps during these past few days. They covered for each other to prevent Texas from noticing anything amiss.
Before we knew it, it was June 1st.
Genshin Impact beautiful pictures. jpg
213 Do you want to live with me? (3K)
June 1st, 8:30 AM
The weekend has just ended, and today is Monday.
Shi Lei has been going to bed early and waking up early lately, leaving home very early. He and Lisa had their meal at the Safe House and still had plenty of time to take the elevator to the top floor.
He sat at his workstation for more than 20 minutes before his three colleagues arrived at the company one after another.
Because it's Texas's birthday today, the atmosphere in the entire office area is rather subtle.
Ever since the boss learned about this, Shi Lei has added Emperor to the chat group. The four of them communicated the details on the software, and so far, the parties involved have not noticed anything amiss.
During lunch, Exusiai seemed a bit tipsy and actually started serving food to Texas.
This unexpected action, which was not something they would have done before, immediately drew a puzzled look from the latter.
Croissant, fearing this blabbermouth would leak the news, quickly tried to smooth things over with a joking tone: