"Li Xiaofeng?"
Zhang Yao was taken aback upon hearing this.
In the past twenty years, Li Xiaofeng had never disturbed him, only sending a gift during festivals.
Besides that, the two had little interaction, tacitly maintaining a stance of mutual non-interference.
But today, Li Xiaofeng suddenly showed up without prior notice, which truly surprised him:
"What does he want from ?"
Zhang Yao thought for a mont, unable to co up with any clues, and shook his head, saying:
"Well, let’s see what he’s up to."
With this in mind, he instructed, "Invite Gang Leader Li to the main hall, I’ll be there shortly."
"Yes."
The housekeeper respectfully stepped back.
A mont later, Zhang Yao saw Li Xiaofeng again in the main hall of the Governor’s Mansion.
"This..."
After twenty years, upon seeing Li Xiaofeng again, his expression beca montarily dazed.
He still rembered twenty years ago: Li Xiaofeng looked about forty, exuding authority rely by sitting, like a majestic lion king.
But today: Li Xiaofeng appeared aged, with gray hair and a slightly stooped back, looking old and frail.
"The mighty lion grows old, the hero faces twilight..."
Such a thought erged in Zhang Yao’s mind.
Though a grandmaster can retain their vigor and control their appearance, there are limits.
Looking at Li Xiaofeng, it was evident that age had caught up with him, unable to retain his energy, much like Grandmaster Wang back then.
"Gang Leader Li, it has been many years."
He showed a slight smile and greeted with a hand gesture.
"Governor Zhang, it’s been a long ti."
Li Xiaofeng also managed a smile, observing the still "young" Zhang Yao, his gaze tinged with envy.
After exchanging pleasantries and sitting down again, Li Xiaofeng couldn’t help but exclaim:
"After twenty years, Governor Zhang remains vibrant and lively."
"Whereas I am already on the decline."
Zhang Yao waved his hand, speaking:
"There’s no vibrancy; I’m over sixty and long past my pri."
His declared age was already sixty-three.
Even his true age was over fifty, the age of knowing destiny, akin to having one foot in the grave for ordinary people.
"Gang Leader Li."
After exchanging a few polite words, Zhang Yao asked about Li Xiaofeng’s intentions:
"I wonder what brings Gang Leader Li to visit Mr. Zhang today?"
"Nothing unusual."
Li Xiaofeng shook his head, calmly stating:
"Just revisiting an old topic."
"Revisiting an old topic?"
Zhang Yao paused, then realized and frowned slightly:
"Gang Leader Li ans... you want to invite to join Cao Bang?"
"Yes."
Li Xiaofeng nodded, sighed, and began:
"I apologize for coming over, but I’m forced to face this predicant."
"I’m already ninety-two, even have great-grandchildren, and clearly, I don’t have many years left, yet Cao Bang has no successor."
"When I die, such a vast Cao Bang will inevitably fall apart, destroying all my lifeti efforts, and perhaps even my family won’t survive..."
Listening to him, Zhang Yao understood his plight.
If Li Xiaofeng passes away, without a grandmaster overseeing Cao Bang, the Business Alliance and Governnt Office will surely seize the opportunity to suppress it ruthlessly.
Once Cao Bang is suppressed, it will be tough to rise again.
Having led Cao Bang for decades, his family is deeply bound to it; if sothing happens to Cao Bang, nothing will survive.
Thus, Li Xiaofeng, forced by circumstances, had no choice but to seek Zhang Yao’s help.
"Governor Zhang."
Li Xiaofeng earnestly said:
"If you are willing to join Cao Bang, I will step down, relinquishing my position to you, and assist you fully in taking charge."
"My only request is for you to oversee Cao Bang, protecting it and my descendants."
After hearing this, Zhang Yao couldn’t help but fall silent.
Li Xiaofeng’s offer was sincere, equating to handing over his lifeti’s efforts.
However, Cao Bang’s power is vast; without a grandmaster, it’s akin to inviting disaster.
The lesser of two evils is preferable, and introducing a wolf is better than being eaten alive.
Besides, for the past twenty years, Zhang Yao had been calmly serving as Governor of Baihe County, never power-hungry, not seeming like an ambitious "wolf" in Li Xiaofeng’s eyes.
"...Gang Leader Li."
Zhang Yao remained silent for a while before finally speaking slowly:
"I’m sorry, but I must refuse."
"I didn’t agree twenty years ago, and today I won’t either."
His tone was calm but unwavering.
"This..."
Li Xiaofeng’s expression changed; he couldn’t help saying:
"Governor Zhang, I understand your thoughts, but isn’t refusal unnecessary?"
"You could go to Jiangdu Headquarters and enjoy everything Baihe City offers, even better."
"You wouldn’t need to manage affairs, just remain with Cao Bang!"
His tone carried a hint of pleading toward the end.
His offer was undeniably generous, not expecting Zhang Yao’s outright refusal.
"Ah..."
Zhang Yao sighed, saying helplessly:
"Gang Leader Li, to be honest."
"I’ve served as governor for twenty years, enjoying it thoroughly, but I’m rather weary."
"Before your visit, I had already contemplated leaving Baihe City, to roam the world and see more."
Upon hearing this, Li Xiaofeng’s complexion turned pale.
He knew persuading a grandmaster was exceedingly difficult.
If Cao Bang lacks a successor, lacking a new grandmaster, his death would spell disaster!
"...Whew."
Li Xiaofeng was silent for a while, took a deep breath, seemingly resolved:
"Governor Zhang, I offer a secret to persuade you to join Cao Bang and not leave Jiangzhou, how about that?"
"A secret?"
Zhang Yao was taken aback.
"Yes..."
Li Xiaofeng’s tone was elusive, his voice slightly hoarse:
"I’ve kept this secret buried in my heart for decades, revealing it today for the first ti."
"Believe , once you know this secret, you’ll reconsider your travel plans."
"Oh?"
With curiosity, Zhang Yao said:
"What secret gives you such confidence, Gang Leader Li?"
Li Xiaofeng shook his head, firmly saying:
"Governor Zhang, you must promise to join Cao Bang after hearing the secret."
With a smile, Zhang Yao leaned back, lazily saying:
"Then forget it; I won’t listen."
"You..."
Li Xiaofeng’s breath caught, feeling helpless:
"Alright, I’ll reveal the secret, and then you can decide whether to join Cao Bang."
"That’s the spirit."
Laughing heartily, Zhang Yao said:
"If you’re going to na a price, you ought to show the goods first, right?"
He ordered loudly for all the maids to withdraw, then gestured:
"Gang Leader Li, please."
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