Chapter 300: Farewell Before Departure

Seeing the look on Li Yi’s face, Jiang Longcheng felt a sudden pang of unease.

Although he hadn’t known Li Yi for very long, he had a fair understanding of his personality.

Unless he genuinely sensed something was wrong, Li Yi wouldn’t usually wear such a look of disdain and displeasure. As his second older brother, Jiang Longyin, would say, this kid was very calculating.

With that in mind, Jiang Longcheng cautiously asked, “Brother Li Yi, is something wrong?”

But his expression made Hu Liang, standing nearby, unable to resist taking a second look at Li Yi!

With his keen eye, it wasn’t hard to see that Jiang Longcheng was genuinely on thin ice when he spoke.

In other words, he was a bit afraid of the young man standing before him!

This was strange. He really had no idea what skills this young man possessed that could make a direct descendant of the Jiang family so concerned about his attitude—to the point where a single expression was enough to make him change his demeanor.

Li Yi frowned and said, “If you’ve only been looking into their accounts, I advise you not to act rashly!”

“What do you mean?” Hu Liang frowned.

“Problems in the accounts don’t necessarily mean they can be convicted. Since those people dared to do this, they must have something to fall back on.”

Li Yi continued, “Besides, they’re all in cahoots now. If they all gang up against you, even if you find loopholes in the accounts, you might not be able to do much to them!”

“Brother Li Yi, what should we do then?”

Li Yi replied immediately, “First, you need to clarify the purpose of investigating these people. It’s not just about bringing them to justice—it’s also about making them return the assets they’ve embezzled!”

“That way, we’ll not only eliminate internal risks and establish our authority, but we’ll also significantly resolve the factory’s financial issues.”

“Right, right, that’s exactly it!” Jiang Longcheng nodded eagerly.

Li Yi nodded and said, “If that’s the case, then I suggest you immediately conduct a comprehensive investigation into these individuals’ personal connections and financial assets. You must also secure irrefutable evidence of their embezzlement of collective property—such as substandard raw materials and original receipts for the receipt and issuance of raw materials!”

“In short, either don’t act at all, or once you do, strike with thunderous force to round up all the corrupt elements and root them out completely!”

Jiang Longcheng paused to think for a moment, then said, “The comrades from the District Public Security Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Team have already been stationed at our factory. They’re experts in investigating economic crimes, so we should have news soon.”

“Hmm, keep an eye on that bald guy. He’s no pushover—make sure he doesn’t get desperate and lash out!” Li Yi added.

“Don’t worry, Brother Li Yi. I’ve already sent him on a business trip to another province. He won’t be back for at least ten days to two weeks!” Jiang Longcheng replied.

“Don’t let your guard down. Don’t think you’re the only smart one around. People climb to positions like that through their own cunning!”

Jiang Longcheng glanced at Li Yi and said, “Why do I get the feeling you’re implying I climbed the ladder through nepotism?”

“Don’t just feel it—that’s exactly what I mean!”

Standing nearby, Hu Liang was once again stunned by Li Yi’s words. They’d gotten a good sense of Jiang Longcheng’s temper over the past few days—when he flew into a rage, he spared no one.

And here was this young man, pointing right at Jiang Longcheng’s nose and saying, “You got this factory director position through nepotism.”

Hu Liang had already anticipated that, given Jiang Longcheng’s temper, he was bound to lose his cool.

But before Jiang Longcheng could say a word, Li Yi spoke again: “You know full well how much your own ability had to do with you landing this factory director position!”

“But don’t feel bad about it. Remember, connections, relationships, and background are also forms of strength—things others would kill for but can’t get!”

“Hahaha, Brother Li Yi is right. I’ll get people to dig deep into those few parasites right away!” Jiang Longcheng said with a laugh.

“Right! Let’s wrap this up quickly—we can’t drag this out!” Li Yi said.

“Right. Section Chief Hu, you and your team continue auditing the accounts of these departments—the more detailed, the better. I’ll have others handle the rest!” Jiang Longcheng said.

“Alright, I’ll get back to work then. You two continue your discussion!”

“Go ahead. Thanks for your hard work!”

“It’s my pleasure!”

With that, Hu Liang left Jiang Longcheng’s office, a hint of surprise and suspicion lingering on his face.

Once Hu Liang had left, Jiang Longcheng asked with a smile, “Brother Li Yi, you didn’t come here just to ask about this, did you?”

“Do I look that idle to you?”

Although that was indeed his intention, Li Yi wouldn’t admit it, lest people accuse him of having ulterior motives.

“Then what are you doing here?”

“I’m planning to go back to my hometown…”

Before he could finish, Jiang Longcheng asked in surprise, “Why are you going back to your hometown?”

“To see my wife and my parents!” Li Yi replied.

“When will you be back?”

“I haven’t decided yet. I’ll see how things go once I’m back!”

“What are we supposed to do if you just leave the shop like this? Can we rely on those guys?” Jiang Longcheng frowned.

“It shouldn’t be a problem!”

Ever since Long Zhanjun and the others arrived, Li Yi had been guiding them through the shop’s operations.

Every morning, he would take Long Zhanjun, Li Yeqiao, Liu San, and the others to Dong’an Market to buy supplies, teaching them step-by-step how to judge the quality of beef and lamb.

As a restaurant specializing in grilled and hot-pot dishes, the quality of the beef and lamb is crucial.

In particular, they must avoid buying meat from old cattle or sheep, as that would severely affect the taste.

After all, old beef and mutton are only suitable for stewing; when grilled or served in hot pot, they’re tough to chew.

Although Old Yang at Dong’an Market would help vet the meat, it would still be a problem if Long Zhanjun and Liu San didn’t understand the process themselves.

At the same time, Li Yi brought them to the market to help them get acquainted with the vendors as quickly as possible, making future procurement easier.

Thanks to Li Yi’s introduction, they quickly became acquainted with the market staff, such as Old Yang, who sells beef and lamb, and Sister Wang, who sells vegetables.

In addition to teaching them the ins and outs of procurement, Li Yi also instructed them on how to manage the restaurant—from welcoming guests to handling the accounts!

Li Yi taught them earnestly, and they learned with equal dedication; in just a few short days, they were already looking the part.

Li Yi knew what Jiang Longcheng was worried about, and he smiled as he said, “You don’t need to worry too much. With so many people helping you, those scoundrels won’t be able to stir up much trouble!”

“But I still feel a bit uneasy knowing you won’t be here!” Jiang Longcheng said with a grim expression.

“I’m just heading back to my hometown for a visit—it’s not like I’m never coming back. Besides, you have Li Gang’s number, right? If anything comes up, just have him pass the message along to me!” Li Yi said.

“You’re right. I completely forgot about that!” Jiang Longcheng said with a laugh.

“Alright, I came over today not just to say goodbye, but also to ask for your help with something!” Li Yi said.

“What is it? Go ahead.”

“After I leave, keep an eye on the shop for me. Don’t let anyone cause trouble there!”

“That’s easy. If anyone dares to cause trouble at your shop, I’ll take care of it for you!” Jiang Longcheng said, pounding his chest.

“By the way, do you know anyone at the Beiguan Village Police Station?” Li Yi asked again.

“Sure, I know both the chief and the deputy chief there. What’s up?”

“If you have time, invite them over to my shop for a meal. First, so they can get familiar with the place, and second, so they’ll swing by the shop more often during their night patrols!”

Li Yi had absolutely no confidence in the current state of public safety in Beijing.

“No problem!”

“Hmm, if you have the connections, get a phone line installed at my shop so we can stay in touch!” Li Yi said.

“Sure, we’ve got people who can handle that!”

“Just help set it up—don’t worry about the money!”

“Got it!”

……..