In the days after the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, Fang Tianzhuo and Rui Jie were swamped. Donghua focused mainly on real estate, much of it government projects, so holiday gifts for officials at various levels were a must.
These weren't bribes—mostly New Year cards and local specialties from across the country. For officials expecting something more substantial, the CEO and branch managers had already taken care of it. Fang Tianzhuo and Rui Jie's gifts represented Luo Minghao's personal regards.
Their focus was on fostering goodwill with non-core government officials in Hubei and Hunan, where Donghua had the most investments. Luo was ambitious, but real estate, like tobacco, was heavily protected locally—few developers outside giants like Vanke or Poly expanded nationwide. Many small local firms thrived thanks to unseen government ties.
Fang and Rui Jie made their rounds by car, mostly at night to avoid attention. Fang sometimes wondered why the secrecy—these gifts were trivial; officials could afford far more. But in China, reciprocity mattered. It wasn't about the gift, but being remembered. Luo understood this well—that's how he'd built his empire.
Hubei went smoothly. Short distances, pre-arranged visits, drop off the gifts, and leave without fanfare.
Hunan was another story.
On the night of the 26th, they drove to Huanghua Town, Changsha County, to gift the local party secretary and mayor.
Near Changsha and its airport, Huanghua's land was valuable. Six months earlier, Donghua had won a bid for part of an aviation logistics hub there. But before they could celebrate, Luo discovered the site—once barren—now covered in haphazard buildings. Tearing them down would cost a fortune.
After repeated negotiations, provincial and city officials agreed to help demolish the illegal structures for a small fee. But Huanghua Town dragged its feet, openly defying orders.
Taking down those buildings was non-negotiable, and that meant winning over local officials—chiefly Secretary Jiang Shuiping and Mayor Hong Shangaob. Fang and Rui Jie came prepared: gifts, plus 100,000 yuan in cash.
The two officials seemed unimpressed. At dinner, Fang toasted them repeatedly, but they ignored him, focusing on Rui Jie—leering, practically drooling. Animals, Fang thought. At least they have a weakness: lust.
Rui Jie, clearly tipsy, glanced at him pleadingly, silently begging for help.
Fang stepped up, filling his glass and standing.
"Ms. Rui and I have two matters to discuss—if you gentlemen have a moment?" He kept it cryptic.
Jiang's eyes lit up. "Go on, Assistant Fang."
"First: On behalf of Chairman Luo, we've brought specialties to share the New Year cheer. Second: We'd like to contribute to improving housing for town officials." He spoke slowly, clearly.
Jiang and Hong exchanged grins, toasting him in turn.
"Chairman Luo remembers us backwoods folk? Please convey our thanks to him." Jiang was smooth, not asking for specifics yet.
Cut the act, Fang thought. Greed and lust—easy to exploit.
"Late as it is, I've heard Changsha's karaoke bars are famous. Care to check them out?" He launched his plan.
"Brother Fang, no need for formalities. Call us 'elder brothers.' We'd be honored to show you around." Jiang laid it on thick.
They're the ones eager, Fang thought. Smooth bastards.
In the car, Fang signaled Rui Jie, who handed Jiang a heavy envelope from the trunk.
"Chairman Luo's small contribution. Don't look down on it, brothers." Fang joked.
Jiang weighed it, masking his glee. "Too kind, Brother Fang."
Their minds were elsewhere now, their conversation stilted—likely calculating the envelope's contents.
Fang signaled Rui Jie again. She clutched her stomach, moaning.
"Ms. Rui? What's wrong?" Hong feigned concern.
"Acute gastroenteritis—happens when I drink too much." She winced.
"To the hospital, then!" Jiang urged.
"But we promised karaoke…" Fang hesitated, playing along.
"Entertainment can wait—lives can't! Drop us here; we'll taxi back. Get her help." Jiang sounded like a model public servant, making Fang look careless.
"Sorry. I'll pick you up tomorrow. Wuhan's karaoke and KTVs are great—with foreign hostesses." Fang baited them.
Their eyes lit up.
"Hurry to the hospital!" They scrambled out, clutching the envelope.
Once they left, Fang and Rui Jie grinned. Those illegal buildings would soon come down. Rui Jie's moans had sounded less like pain, more like… pleasure. Fang's pulse quickened. She was irresistible, dangerous.
"What's so funny?" Rui Jie asked, curious.
"Nothing. Call the chairman—I need to report. And ask a few things." He handed her his phone. Lately, she'd grown surprisingly compliant.
"Chairman, it's Fang Tianzhuo. We've handled Jiang and Hong, gave them the money. But they want women more than cash. I invited them to Wuhan tomorrow, mentioned foreign hostesses. Can we arrange something? Get leverage—otherwise, the money's a waste." He laid it out.
"Understood. Someone will call you tomorrow. For this, report to the CEO directly." Luo hung up, brisk.
Pimping isn't his style, Fang thought. He had pride.
"Back to the hotel?" Rui Jie asked.
"Nope. You're 'sick'—off to the hospital."
"But it's a lie!" She blinked.
"Commit to the act. What if they're following? No mistakes." He meant it.
She stared at him, admiration in her eyes. This young man had grown sharp, meticulous.
"Fine. To Changsha's biggest hospital." She smiled, amused.