<h4>Chapter 1029: Chapter 1029: Pressure From Above</h4><h4></h4>


    Long Wu chatted with Xiang Yu for a while and noticed that Xiang Yu seemed distracted, so she asked, "Is something the matter?"


    Xiang Yu didn’t want to talk much about street matters with her, so he shook his head and said, "Nothing."


    Long Wu didn’t press further, knowing Xiang Yu was feeling full, so she took his arm and went for a stroll outside.


    Xiang Yu enjoyed this time, leisurely strolling in the small za of the hotel, letting all his worries drift away.


    "When will you be able to let go of all this?" Long Wu asked casually.


    Xiang Yu sighed inwardly and shook his head. At this moment, he wasn’t the usual carefree hooligan, but his true self.


    He had once thought about disappearing, going to a ce where no one knew him to live a simple life.


    But reality always contradicts dreams; there are still many things he cannot let go of. If he let go of everything, he might as well be a Monk.


    Long Wu came to this city for Xiang Yu, working at the grouppany for him as well.


    She wanted to always be by Xiang Yu’s side, regardless of the oue, withoutint or regret.


    She too was enjoying this moment. All night, Long Wu’s phone kept ringing, but she didn’t answer it and eventually turned it off.


    During the time with Xiang Yu, she didn’t want to see anyone else.


    They strolled in the small za until eleven at night, and then Long Wu drove away.


    When Xiang Yu returned to the room, Tie Zhuzi and Xiao Xuan were already asleep on the sofa.


    When they heard Xiang Yu return, they groggily went to their rooms to rest.


    Meanwhile, Gao Zhitao was holding a tense meeting in therge office at the police station that night.


    Here, Gao Zhitao was the top Commander. Ever since the train station incident, they’ve been quite rxed.


    The city’s crime rate had almost dropped to zero, which was previously unthinkable.


    Today, Gao Zhitao gathered everyone again as they knew there was a big battle ahead.


    "You might remember,st time we tackled a group of terrorists at the train station, and now we still have some detained in our prison. I’ve just received news that their aplices are trying to infiltrate our city again..." Gao Zhitao outlined the situation.


    Gao Zhitao was very serious at this time, exuding an aura befitting a director.


    This was entirely different from when he was with Tie Zhuzi.


    "Does everyone understand what I’m saying?" Gao Zhitao nced around the room and asked.


    Those present were all elites of the police system, most of whom had participated in thest incident, understanding its seriousness.


    Since Gao Zhitao became director, they had consistently performed well, and had often been praised by provincial officials. Mishandling this matter might undo all their previous efforts.


    "Does anyone have any suggestions? You can bring them up now." Seeing everyone understood, Gao Zhitao said.


    "I think we should start tightening controls from now on..."


    This emergency meeting of the city’s police systemsted from the afternoon until two in the morning, and only after establishing some preliminary ns did everyone go to rest.


    Gao Zhitao was still restless and wanted to call Xiang Yu for analysis, but seeing the time, he put down the phone and finally went to his room to sleep.


    The next day, people in the city continued their work routines, living peaceful lives. However, observant people noticed that many more police officers were stationed at various intersections in the city. They would check vehicles without local license tes.


    Moreover, checkpoints were set up at train stations, bus stations, and all traffic arteries; anyone from outside had to show proper documentation to enter the city.


    For foreigners, entry procedures became even stricter.


    Previously, foreigners were given special exemptions and could enter without paperwork, but not anymore; now they needed to go through rigorous procedures.


    This impacted some aspects of the city’s economic development. Many foreign investors stoppeding, and many tourists decided against visiting.


    All decisions have pros and cons; perfection is impossible. But Gao Zhitao believed it was worthwhile.


    For the safety of the city’s people and their property, they had to do this.


    However, he understood that the higher-ups disagreed, as it hindered economic development, directly affecting performance ratings, with many citizens starting to petition against some departments’ mismanagement.


    Gao Zhitao bore immense pressure but had to do this for the citizens’ safety.


    He had reported this to Kong Shenghui and received his consent. But the process was not what Kong Shenghui expected.


    In the morning, Gao Zhitao got a call from Kong Shenghui, summoning him to the provincial office.


    Gao Zhitao knew the higher-ups would pressure him. He was mentally prepared but didn’t expect the pressure to be so great.


    When Gao Zhitao walked into the provincial office’s meeting room, four people were already present.


    Kong Shenghui was not in the main seat; upfront sat a middle-aged, obese man.


    This man was the deputy secretary of the provincialmittee. Upon seeing Gao Zhitao enter, Kong Shenghui quickly introduced him.


    Gao Zhitao greeted everyone individually and sat down, exchanging some pleasantries before slowly getting to the main topic.


    Firstly, they praised Gao Zhitao’s work during this period, acknowledging him as a goodrade who does good work, major work, and well-recognized achievements in recent times.


    But they were dissatisfied with the recent intense inspections, as manyints had arisen.


    "Director Gao, after discussions between the police department and the provincialmittee, we’ve always believed the current level of scrutiny is enough, and perhaps if we ease up a bit, the future results could be even better," the deputy secretary said with a smile.


    Gao Zhitao could be apetent director, but that doesn’t mean he’s an excellent politician.


    At this point, another politician started speaking, echoing simr sentiments, urging Gao Zhitao to abandon the current rigorous inspections.


    While their intentions were the same, the deputy secretary’s words were more tactful, in a suggestive tone.


    The other’s words were more cutting, carrying a semi-threatening tone.


    Kong Shenghui sat silently on the side, his thoughts unreadable.


    Gao Zhitao also sat silently, merely looking at everyone with a calm gaze.


    The three individuals expressed their views, and finally, the deputy secretary looked at Kong Shenghui and said, "Director Kong, why don’t you say a few words?"


    Kong Shenghui then raised his head, looking at the deputy secretary, and said, "I reserve my opinion."


    The other three’s expression changed upon hearing Kong Shenghui’s words, but they remained silent, all turning their gazes to Gao Zhitao...