A Sledgehammer to Crack a Nut

Downtown, in Khovchenko's grand apartment, Wang Ye had been here more than once.

In the spacious, almost empty living room, Khovchenko, Zhirinov, and Wang Ye sat facing one another.

Each held a thick cigar, drinking black tea, smoking, and chatting.

"Uncle Zhirinov... I heard you had something you wanted to discuss with me. May I ask what it's about?" Wang Ye asked politely.

Now that Zhirinov had retired, Wang Ye had changed how he addressed him. He could hardly keep calling him Speaker, and Uncle was the most appropriate choice, subtly drawing the two closer.

Besides, when Zhirinov had still been in office, he had indeed looked after Wang Ye. Calling him Uncle was hardly undeserved.

If Zhirinov had not retired, Wang Ye would never have become Deputy Speaker in the first place!

Zhirinov did not answer immediately. He lowered his head in silence and took a deep drag on his cigar, wisps of blue smoke shrouding his face.

Khovchenko beside him also remained silent, taking a puff of his cigar and a sip of tea, though his expression was relaxed.

Naturally, Wang Ye was patient as well. He did not press the matter, merely smoking quietly and unhurriedly.

After quite a while, Zhirinov raised his head. Whether from the smoke or some other reason, his eyes were bloodshot.

He stared at Wang Ye for several seconds before speaking. "Did you ever wonder why I retired back then?"

It was not merely a matter of wondering. Wang Ye had asked him why he was retiring at the time; Zhirinov simply had not been willing to say.

So Wang Ye nodded without a word.

"Sigh, I couldn't say it back then! There were many things you hadn't come into contact with yet... But it would be best if you never came