The atmosphere at dinner was harmonious. Everyone ate and chatted, and the topics ranged from the daily management of the base to future plans, and then to how to better cope with the current extreme cold disaster.

“Miss Yang, I have heard about your father, Director Yang Tiejun’s, exploits in Nandu. Tsk tsk tsk, with his police officers as the foundation, he swept through the entire Nandu and managed it in an orderly manner in this extremely cold apocalyptic world. He is truly a role model for us to learn from!” Qi Xiaowei said with admiration, his words filled with respect for Yang Tiejun.

Yang Yue smiled faintly upon hearing this: "The things my father did were all for the people, and it was all thanks to Mayor Liu's good leadership."

"Mayor? Isn't that mayor just a puppet?" Qi Xiaowei waved his hand, then said with admiration, "I heard from the brothers who came back from outside that Mayor Liu Haoyu of Nandu City has long been a figurehead. The one who truly rules Nandu is Director Yang. If I were Director Yang..."

"Minister Qi, you've had too much to drink," Yang Yue interrupted Qi Xiaowei in a deep voice, her face showing some displeasure.

You should keep this to yourself. Saying it out loud will only cause trouble for her father.

Upon hearing this, Qi Xiaowei seemed to sober up a bit, realizing that he might have touched on a sensitive topic.

He quickly stopped talking, a hint of embarrassment and regret on his face: "Oh dear, Miss Yang, look at me, I can't control my mouth once I start drinking."

“Yueyue, Minister Qi is one of our own, there’s no need to take it too seriously.” Chen Yu interjected at the right moment, his tone calm and warm, trying to ease the awkwardness. “Minister Qi is also a man of strong emotions; these are just words spoken in the heat of the moment, don’t take them to heart. Our focus now is on uniting and facing the challenges ahead together.”

Suddenly, Chen Yu changed the subject: "Minister Qi, I've heard you often mention the phrase 'half a move ahead of fate' at our base. Could you tell me what special meaning this phrase holds for you?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Tiejun and Qi Xiaowei felt as if they had fallen into an ice cave, completely sobering up.

"Mr. Chen, I... I didn't mean that. I'm completely loyal to you and have never had any other thoughts!" Qi Xiaowei quickly explained.

He often used "winning by half a move against Heaven" as a catchphrase, so he naturally knew its special meaning.

Furthermore, just now, he was praising Yang Tiejun, the police chief of Nandu City who had absolute power.

Chen Yu's sudden mention of this matter made Qi Xiaowei nervous, fearing that Chen Yu might misunderstand him as having ulterior motives.

"Minister Qi, there's no need to be so nervous. I'm just a little curious," Chen Yu said, patting Qi Xiaowei on the shoulder to reassure him.

Upon hearing this, Qi Xiaowei breathed a slight sigh of relief. He glanced gratefully at Chen Yu, then pondered for a moment before slowly speaking: "Mr. Chen, actually, the phrase 'winning half a move over fate' is not just a catchphrase for me; it's more like a belief, a spiritual sustenance."

"Actually, my family background wasn't very good. We were poor when I was young, and we didn't have any important connections. Later, through my own efforts, I finally became a police officer, but in that social environment, as you know, someone with my family background had no chance of promotion."

"But I wasn't resigned to it. I refused to believe that I couldn't succeed through my own efforts. So I worked harder than others at work, and I risked my life more when carrying out tasks! I always believed that although fate may sometimes give us an unfair starting point, the final outcome is in our own hands. 'Winning by half a move against fate' is the principle I learned in this process. It not only means that I have to win by half a move against my opponent on the chessboard, but also symbolizes that in the game of life, I will use my wisdom and hard work to reverse the tide and change my destiny." As Qi Xiaowei spoke, a heroic spirit and a resolute determination to refuse to bow to fate shone in his eyes.

Suddenly, Lin Lele interjected, "Old Qi, I heard that the reason you were able to become the police chief of Anping is because of your father-in-law's connections."

"Rumors, pure rumors!" Qi Xiaowei immediately retorted, his tone carrying an undeniable firmness. "I admit that my father-in-law provided me with some support and guidance at a certain stage of my career, but that was merely an aid on my road to success, not a decisive factor. I have reached where I am today through my own abilities and relentless efforts. I have never relied on anyone's power or connections, and I have taken every step with integrity."

"Who would believe what you're saying?" Lin Lele said with a disdainful look.

Suddenly, Lin Lele asked with a gossipy look, "I heard that when you were young, you pursued the daughter of a high-ranking official, but her father didn't like you. Is that true?"

Qi Xiaowei's expression changed slightly, and he quickly explained, "I didn't, I'm not. I, Qi Xiaowei, have never been the kind of person who would curry favor with the powerful! She and I are truly in love."

"Is that really true?" Lin Lele's eyes lit up, seemingly more interested in this gossip than she had expected. "Hey, Lao Qi, come on, tell me all about it."

Qi Xiaowei looked embarrassed upon hearing this: "This..."

Seeing this, Chen Yu waved his hand at the right time: "Alright, everyone has a youthful and impetuous time, right? This is Minister Qi's personal privacy, so stop gossiping."

Lin Lele pursed her lips upon hearing this, but did not make things difficult for Qi Xiaowei any further.

Qi Xiaowei breathed a sigh of relief and gave Chen Yu a grateful look.

He coughed lightly, trying to steer the conversation back to a more positive level: "In this era of extreme cold and natural disasters, when the world seems to be plunged into despair, we are all struggling to survive. 'Half a move over fate' is more appropriate now. Even when faced with the greatest difficulties and challenges, we should not give up easily, but should bravely stand up, fight for that glimmer of hope, and challenge the arrangements of fate. Therefore, I often use this phrase to motivate myself, and at the same time, to motivate all the members of the base."

Chen Yu nodded upon hearing this and said, "The lyrics are good, but you also need to be mindful of the degree of expression. Do you understand what I mean?"

Qi Xiaowei was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, his expression becoming even more serious. He nodded deeply and said, "Mr. Chen, I understand. Rest assured, I have no ill intentions towards you."

Chen Yu laughed and said, "Old Qi, you're an official in the organization, and I'm just an ordinary citizen. Isn't it a bit inappropriate for you to say that?"

“Mr. Chen, you are not just an ordinary citizen. You are the commander of the ‘Cold Relief Militia Corps’ in several provinces and cities, and also the commander-in-chief of the ‘Cold Relief’ campaign. We should all obey your orders!” Qi Xiaowei quickly corrected him, his tone full of respect.

"Haha~!" Chen Yu laughed heartily.