“Not too big, not too small.”

Lu Baoguo noticed that the other party didn’t seem as interested or excited as he had imagined.

On the contrary, the man was calm and unreadable, which made Lu subconsciously reassess and think more highly of him.

The matter he wanted handled wasn’t huge, but it wasn’t exactly small either.

After all, it could mean clashing with the top leader of another Reallocation Committee—a risky move, and the other party might not be willing to take that gamble.

“Director Lu, go on,”

Tan Suwei raised his eyebrows slightly, speaking unhurriedly as he picked up his chopsticks and helped himself to some food.

Lu Baoguo also picked up his chopsticks, took a bite of roast duck, and then continued.

“To you, Director Tan, this is probably a small matter—just a change of reassignment location. But if that Director Xin refuses, it might cause you trouble.”

In the Reallocation Committee, Tan Suwei was the second-in-command; the top position was held by someone else.

The Su family had been reported—directly to that top man.

Moreover, this top man didn’t have a good reputation: greedy, opportunistic, a petty man who had gained power and now targeted big landlords, the wealthy, and former capitalists.

No one knew how much wealth he had already hoarded.

Tan Suwei was well aware of the report against the Su family, but since Director Xin liked doing such despicable things, he hadn’t bothered to intervene, nor did he plan to oppose him.

He never would’ve expected that today Lu Baoguo and the Su family would come to him for help.

Not only that—they already knew in advance they had been reported.

Yet instead of fleeing or frantically pulling strings to save themselves, they came directly to him.

Tan Suwei was surprised—shocked, even—and puzzled.

“Changing the reassignment location isn’t hard, and as Director Lu said, it’s not a big deal. But why should I go against Director Xin for such a small gain? That’s not enough to tempt me.”

It was clear to everyone—no one here was a fool.

Tan Suwei didn’t think Lu Baoguo or the Su family took him for one either.

“Three houses, plus thirty gold bars—just for changing the reassignment location. And it’s not even a better place, just somewhere in Jilin Province.”

“Jilin is freezing cold. The Su family wants to go there just to survive the winter more easily, so they don’t have to work themselves to death year-round. They just want a chance to live.”

Lu Baoguo couldn’t read the man’s thoughts and was anxious to settle things before he left, so he reluctantly offered to add thirty gold bars as extra payment.

Originally, he wanted to save the Su family the cost of those gold bars, but since the man still hadn’t responded, he could wait no longer.

Once someone was targeted by the Reallocation Committee, even with connections, it was hard to escape.

The only thing that could be manipulated was the destination—changing that might mean the difference between life and death.

Tan Suwei: …

Silence.

He still said nothing after a long while.

“Suwei, I know both the Su and Qiao families—they’re not bad people. The person who reported them probably just wants their money or envies their status. I heard the Su family even has a pair of one-year-old twins. The adults can take it, but the kids… in a place like that…”

Lu Tong had been listening and finally took the opportunity to jump in and explain the Su family’s situation.

Apparently, the children were twins.

Even the urban youth who were sent to the countryside were barely surviving, let alone people being forcibly reassigned—especially with two such young children.

No wonder the Su family was willing to give up houses and gold bars for a better location.

Money can be earned again, but lives once lost are gone forever.

The Su family knew how to prioritize.

They didn’t cling to their wealth.

“Yes, Director Tan, please help the children. They’re too young. If they were a bit older, the adults could eat less to feed them. But at this age, eating less doesn’t help them survive.”

At this point, Guangsheng also pleaded earnestly from the side.

He knew about the Su twins and was deeply worried.

“You just mentioned the Qiao family—is that the one with the famous medical background? Old Master Qiao? The one whose eldest grandson was killed in the war?”

Just as the three were racking their brains trying to persuade Tan Suwei, he suddenly asked about the Qiao family’s background.

“Yes, that Qiao family.”

“He’s called Qiao Yin—a comrade who once saved my life.”

“Yes, it’s the Ji Sheng Tang—the clinic known for miraculous cures and treating people with hanging gourds as their symbol.”

Who in old Beijing didn’t know about Ji Sheng Tang?

Not only were their medical skills excellent, but their ethics were even better.

They treated rich and poor alike and charged very little—poor folks could actually afford to be treated there.

Tan Suwei lowered his head in thought.

When he looked back up at Lu Baoguo, his eyes were filled with resolve.

“I’ll do it. But I don’t want the gold bars—just one of the houses.”

Lu Baoguo looked stunned: “……”

Why… why did he suddenly agree?

Even Lu Tong and Guangsheng looked at each other in disbelief, completely surprised by Tan Suwei’s decision.

“Old Master Qiao saved both my grandfather and father’s lives, and often didn’t charge them for medicine. Now that the Qiao family is in trouble, this is my way of repaying that kindness.”

Tan Suwei answered their confusion.

He was a man who knew gratitude and held strong principles—kindness for kindness, revenge for revenge.

None of them had expected this to be the reason.

They were both shocked and overjoyed.

However…

“Director Tan, if you won’t take the gold bars, so be it—but you must accept the three houses. The Qiao family said it’s a token of thanks.”

Lu Baoguo insisted on giving the houses. His sister Jiuru had said—what’s given must be given.

Only when you give properly can everyone feel at ease.

“No need. I don’t lack housing. Besides, changing a reassignment location is something I can manage.”

Tan Suwei also insisted on not accepting. But he knew that if he took nothing, the Su family would remain uneasy.

Maybe accepting just one property would bring them peace of mind.

“Director Lu, leave it. Suwei means what he says. If he says no, then no. If, someday, he needs help from you or the Su family, I hope you’ll remember this favor and lend a hand.”

As the two were still politely arguing, Lu Tong cut in.

“Right—everyone needs help at some point. Sometimes the east wind prevails over the west, sometimes the reverse. Director Tan, on behalf of the Su family, we thank you.”

Guangsheng also nodded hard from the side.

Wise people knew how quickly fortunes could turn.

Most of the Su family was overseas—if they came back one day and found their loved ones gone, they might go mad with grief and seek revenge.

But if Director Tan helped the Su family today, when they rose again and returned from abroad, wouldn’t they be willing to give him far greater rewards?

One must think long-term—take what should be taken, and leave what shouldn’t.