CHAPTER 1817: CHAPTER 1878: MR. LI

Others were unclear about the situation and could only follow along. However, the City Education Bureau’s Director, upon seeing Li Yifei, felt a shiver up his spine. As the full-time director, he had witnessed Li Yifei establish a fund and donate a multitude of items under the guidance of Ye Yunzhu a while back. Even though Li Yifei might not remember him, Director Xu Youcai certainly couldn’t forget Li Yifei.

Why is this person here? Moreover, it seems there’s a conflict with Deputy Director Wang Shoucheng. The latter was just about to have Li Yifei apprehended.

Damn Wang Shoucheng, are you living the life of a dog at such an old age? At a time like this, with the Vice Governor visiting for an inspection, you present us with such a situation... Were it not for the special occasion, Xu Youcai would have dragged Wang Shoucheng over for a reprimand. If you want to get yourself killed, can you do it at another time, in another place? You don’t even have to switch people...

Well, you can’t switch people. According to the Director’s knowledge, those who trouble Li Yifei rarely come out unscathed.

But today, with the Vice Governor here, if you have a conflict with Li Yifei, and the impulsive man loses his temper, causing the Vice Governor to lose face, then it’ll be a big deal.

Similarly, other leaders from the province were slightly surprised to see Ma Jindong walking over so quickly. As close subordinates, they knew Ma Jindong’s usual style. While not aloof, he would only be personable with people of equal standing or certain top city officials. Towards subordinates, he was always stern. On this trip alone, Ma Jindong had strictly required those below him to reduce the reception standards wherever they went, avoiding extravagance, and not requiring top city officials to accompany him. He came to inspect education, so it should focus on that without distractions.

This attitude was clarified, and after some discussion, the directors arranged for Ma Jindong and others to stay at this place, which bore the name of a hotel but was actually luxurious inside.

Such a person, beneath him, who would dare offend him? This is the Vice Governor.

Wang Lizhen even forgot the pain on her face, stepping back behind her father, trying to hide the injury.

Zhang Shun also gulped secretly; he really knew Vice Governor Ma, often watching provincial news, who didn’t recognize these big officials? Even if not by name, their faces were familiar. Seeing someone often on the news appear right in front of him, with so many people and such a big entourage, Zhang Shun wondered if he hadn’t checked the almanac today. He only meant well to acquaint himself with Li Yifei, how did it escalate to involving the Vice Governor?

Looking at Ma Jindong’s stern face, Zhang Shun wanted to move aside. He could confront Wang Shoucheng since the latter had no authority over him. But with Ma Jindong, whether or not the latter had authority, evading him was wise. Otherwise, he’d be courting death.

Only Zhang Han, the pretty boy, was blocked back by the crowd. In this situation, where would he dare to walk out with so many eyes watching?

Song Lianyao’s parents were also unsettled. The arriving individuals, upon seeing the entourage, knew these were no ordinary people, at the very least, not ordinary officials. With only one son-in-law standing there, the elderly couple intended to walk over; if they couldn’t help, they could at least express a stance.

Yet, Song Lianyao remained calm, believing Li Yifei was invincible. He was a war god, and their faith, capable of handling any situation. Even with so many people aiding that group, she trusted Li Yifei would manage.

However, her mobile phone was set to Su Mengxin’s number. If Li Yifei’s trouble escalated, she might call Su Mengxin to inform them of the situation and provide covert assistance if possible.

For a moment, everyone was silent except for the uneven yet imposing footsteps approaching — Ma Jindong leading the group.

Wang Shoucheng quickly adjusted his demeanor, softening his stiff expression, and forced a bright, ingratiating smile, slightly bending in greeting towards Ma Jindong, "Governor Ma, hello."

Wang Shoucheng’s attitude was extremely respectful, anticipating potential questioning by Ma Jindong, already contemplating how to respond.

But unexpectedly, Ma Jindong seemed to disregard him entirely, bypassing Wang Shoucheng and heading straight toward Li Yifei.

"Hmm?" Wang Shoucheng’s face went stiff, not because Ma Jindong ignored him, but in confusion.

The next second, astonishment and shock appeared on Wang Shoucheng’s rigid face, seeing Ma Jindong, holding a position of authority and power, extending his right hand with a warm smile — the epitome of kindness and approachability. While extending his hand, Ma Jindong spoke, "Mr. Li, I never expected to meet you here."

Ma Jindong referred to him as Mr. Li, not Old Li or Little Li, nor Li Yifei. For a distinguished Governor to use the term "mister," it carried significant weight. Throughout the province, there weren’t many who could warrant such a title, but the man before him merited it. In private, Ma Jindong might have used another address, perhaps Yifei or Clan Leader Li, but here, addressing Li Yifei as Mr. Li was most appropriate.

However, Ma Jindong’s appropriateness left Wang Shoucheng thoroughly shocked, utter disbelief within. Internally, he exclaimed, "Who the hell is this guy, not only knowing Ma Jindong, but also being addressed as sir."

Wang Shoucheng racked his brains but couldn’t fathom that the young man before him was the revered Clan Leader of the Li family, Li Yifei. It’s not as though he didn’t know of Li Yifei, but he couldn’t connect the two.

Others behind were similarly shocked, yet Education Bureau Director Xu Youcai wasn’t too surprised as he already knew it was Li Yifei.

Damned Wang Shoucheng, now look what you’ve done, stirring up trouble... Xu Youcai stopped beside Wang Shoucheng, giving him a sharp glare.

That glare sent a shiver down Wang Shoucheng’s spine. He wished for time to reverse so he could avoid this moment. Had he known they’d bump into Ma Jindong and others, he’d never have opted to leverage his stature. Now, it seemed like he shot himself in the foot, and even diving into the Yellow River wouldn’t cleanse him.