Ch. 81What was he planning to stir up now?
Key plot points
- Shen Bing visits Phantom Immortal Technology’s new factory, where the telescope production lines have just been installed. He orders Wang Dong to finish organizing security and report to the company, hinting at a promotion.
- Shen asks whether Wang Gang has behaved suspiciously. Wang Dong reports that Wang Gang requested leave and is being watched; Shen stresses that the surveillance must not fail.
- Shen inspects the telescope equipment and begins recalibrating it with a small team. Although the machinery is advanced, producing the promised Over-the-Horizon Telescope will require extensive modifications to the molds, lens-grinding process, robotic arms, and assembly procedures.
- A message from Little Doudou prompts Shen to call Wang Sheng and order the company to transfer 500 million yuan to short Heavenly Auspice Special Glass, a competitor he believes helped sabotage Phantom Immortal’s recent bidding event. Wang Sheng doubts the risky move but complies.
- At a Qingliu District government meeting, District Chief Feng is unexpectedly taken away by the Discipline Inspection Commission on suspicion of serious violations. The meeting continues, while officials privately worry about the vacancy and possible fallout.
- Deputy District Chief Zhou Changlin receives a call from the municipal bureau director and leaves to handle a “major case.” He alone understands the connection to Feng’s removal, but keeps it to himself.
Character developments and interactions
- Shen Bing shows confidence in both technical work and high-risk financial decisions. He trusts Wang Dong with security matters and puts Wang Sheng in the difficult position of carrying out an order he considers dangerous.
- Wang Dong is grateful for Shen’s recognition and feels personally loyal to him. He responds promptly to Shen’s instructions, including keeping Wang Gang under surveillance.
- Wang Sheng acts as a cautious professional manager: he challenges Shen’s plan to short the stock, fearing it could ruin the company, but ultimately obeys.
- Zhou Changlin emerges as politically alert and secretive. While other officials are bewildered by Feng’s arrest, Zhou understands more than he reveals.
- Shen’s terse exchanges with Wang Dong and Wang Sheng highlight the contrast between his commanding certainty and the concerns of those around him.
Significant themes
- Power and loyalty: Wang Dong’s gratitude and Wang Sheng’s reluctant obedience show how personal trust shapes workplace relationships.
- Risk and ambition: Shen is willing to gamble company funds on a bold market move while also pushing ahead with technically demanding manufacturing.
- Political uncertainty: Feng’s sudden removal exposes the fear, opportunism, and self-preservation beneath the officials’ public composure.
- Hidden schemes and suspense: Wang Gang’s suspicious leave, Little Doudou’s message, and Zhou’s unexplained departure suggest larger plans unfolding behind the scenes.