Official excuse: I was sent to work at the grassroots level for training, and Hou Liangping arrested

Page 119

In the hospital room, Hou Liangping closed his eyes, his thoughts drifting back to the gunfight. He secretly vowed to expose the dark secrets of the Shanshui Group, obtain crucial evidence through Liu Qingzhu, and then capture Qi Tongwei.

He knew he had to act quickly. The shooting was most likely due to a leak of information.

Teacher (Gao Yuliang), do you... have any questions?

Hou Liangping's mind kept replaying his past with Gao Yuliang. Gao Yuliang had always been his mentor and guide in his political career. But at this moment, Hou Liangping couldn't help but begin to doubt whether this highly respected teacher was truly as upright and selfless as he appeared.

He recalled Gao Yuliang's ambiguous attitude towards the Shanshui Group, as well as the rumors about Gao Yuliang and Gao Xiaoqin, the beautiful CEO of the Shanshui Group.

Could all of this really be true?

Is Gao Yuliang Gao Xiaoqin's protector?

Hou Liangping was filled with mixed emotions. He didn't want to believe that his teacher would be involved in such a scandal. But reality kept shattering his beliefs, forcing him to face this cruel possibility.

. . . . .

Time passed by minute by minute.

Forty-five minutes later, hurried footsteps came from outside Hou Liangping's ward.

Hou Liangping pulled himself together, his gaze hardening. Whatever the truth, he would investigate to the end, even if it involved his beloved teacher. He would not bend the law for personal gain.

The door was gently pushed open, and Zhong Xiaoai walked in with a serious expression. Her eyes told Hou Liangping that things were not going well.

"Liangping, Liu Qingzhu has gone missing. He's been missing for over 24 days, and the city police have received a report." Zhong Xiaoai's voice was deep and powerful, each word striking Hou Liangping's heart heavily.

"I just went to the Shanshui Group. Gao Xiaoqin has already gone to the airport to catch a flight to Hong Kong Island for a business event."

Hou Liangping's face turned pale instantly. He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms. Liu Qingzhu's disappearance meant they had lost a crucial lead, making the case even more perplexing.

The situation in Handong was too complicated, causing him to face obstacles at every turn. He needed to obtain evidence before he could make arrests.

Otherwise, it will be like last time. They'll be treated as mentally ill at the city police station and subjected to electric shocks.

This time, he had just received a report from Liu Qingzhu, the financial director of the Shanshui Group. Before he could even join the special investigation team, he was shot.

"Xiao Ai, we must find him. He's the key to uncovering the dark secrets of the Shanshui Group." Hou Liangping's voice was weak, but his tone was unusually firm. His eyes were fixed on Zhong Xiao Ai.

Zhong Xiaoai nodded, her eyes revealing the same determination: "Liangping, I have already arranged for people to investigate. No matter where he is, we must find him alive or dead."

Hou Liangping breathed a slight sigh of relief; he knew Zhong Xiaoai's capabilities. With her there, he was confident he could reveal the truth to the world.

The atmosphere in the ward became unusually heavy. Hou Liangping and Zhong Xiaoai both knew that they were facing an unprecedented challenge.

"Liangping, you've just woken up. You need to take good care of yourself."

"Don't push yourself too hard, take some more rest."

"I called Chen Hai..."

When Zhong Xiaoai mentioned Chen Hai, a hint of unease appeared on her face. "Let Chen Hai come and take care of you."

Hou Liangping's eyes dimmed slightly when he heard Chen Hai's name.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the grief in his heart: "Xiao Ai, there's no need to trouble Chen Hai. His situation isn't good either. We can't add to his burden."

Zhong Xiaoai understood Hou Liangping's concerns, and she sighed softly, "Alright, then I'll have Lu Yike come and take care of you. She's meticulous and knows some medical knowledge, so she should be able to help you."

"By the way, how's the task force doing? Have they found out the cause of death for that deputy mayor?" Hou Liangping snapped out of his daze, shakily raising his right hand to grab Zhong Xiaoai's arm.

Zhong Xiaoai instinctively dodged away: "Liangping, you should rest well. Lin... Lin Yunfei has already found out why the deputy mayor committed suicide by jumping into the river."

"Don't think about it anymore. The most important thing is to rest, recover, and get better."

Hou Liangping nodded slightly, tacitly agreeing to Zhong Xiaoai's arrangement. He knew that what he needed most right now was rest and recovery; only by taking good care of his health could he better fight against corrupt elements.

Silence fell again in the ward, broken only by the occasional chirping of birds outside the window. Hou Liangping closed his eyes, and the images of Qi Tongwei and Gao Xiaoqin resurfaced in his mind, singing "The Battle of Wits" together.

He secretly vowed that no matter the cost, he would expose the dark secrets of the Shanshui Group.

. . . . . .

Rewind to forty minutes ago.

Qi Tongwei received the message and arranged for plainclothes police officers to be stationed in Hou Liangping's hospital room.

[Director Qi, Hou Liangping has regained consciousness. Plainclothes officers from the Municipal Public Security Bureau are keeping an eye on him.]

Qi Tongwei silently deleted the text message and closed the office door. He took out a PHS phone from the drawer and then took out an anonymous SIM card.

Insert the SIM card, turn on the phone, and dial Gao Xiaoqin's phone number.

"Xiaoqin, it's me."

"Director, what is it?" Gao Xiaoqin asked, somewhat puzzled.

Qi Tongwei snapped out of his daze, his expression serious: "Xiaoqin, quickly pack 527's things. That's a bank card. Go straight to the airport. Book a plane ticket to Hong Kong Island."

"Hou Liangping has regained consciousness."

"I've already dealt with Liu Qingzhu. Zhong Xiaoai will definitely be able to investigate this matter."

"So, you should go out and lay low for a while."

Gao Xiaoqin's heart tightened upon hearing Qi Tongwei's words. She knew that this matter was of utmost importance; once Hou Liangping woke up, everything they had done could be exposed.

"Director, then... then what will you do if I leave?" Gao Xiaoqin's voice carried a hint of worry.

Qi Tongwei took a deep breath, his eyes revealing determination: "You don't need to worry about me, I have a way to handle this. The most important thing for you now is to get away as quickly as possible, the farther the better."

Gao Xiaoqin bit her lip. Although she felt a little reluctant, she knew that this was no time to hesitate. She nodded and said, "Okay, I'll leave now."

After hanging up the phone, Gao Xiaoqin quickly packed her things, grabbed the bank card Qi Tongwei had given her, and hurriedly left her residence. She went straight to the airport and booked a ticket to Hong Kong Island.

While waiting at the airport, Gao Xiaoqin was filled with mixed emotions. She recalled her past with Qi Tongwei, and those sweet times seemed to be still vivid in her mind.

She was just a village girl, illiterate. She was defiled by Zhao Ruilong and Du Bozhong, suffering three miscarriages.

If it weren't for Qi Tongwei, she wouldn't be able to live in the sunlight and have dignity.

She knew that if this was exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable. She would not only lose everything, but might even face imprisonment. Therefore, she had to leave as soon as possible and find a safe place to hide.

She was going to find her sister, Gao Xiaofeng. She and her sister's children were both on Hong Kong Island.

The plane slowly took off. Gao Xiaoqin looked out the window at the receding city of Jingzhou, her heart filled with complex emotions. She didn't know what her future held.

124. At the enlarged meeting of the Provincial Party Committee, Li Dakang launched his attack.

124. At the enlarged meeting of the Provincial Party Committee, Li Dakang launched his attack.

The lights were on in the Hantong Provincial Party Committee building, and various departments were busy at work, with discussions echoing in the meeting rooms.

This was a monthly enlarged meeting of the provincial party committee.

The meeting's agenda item was the selection of the Director-General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The question was whether to re-select a Director-General.

As the provincial party secretary and head of the leadership team, Sha Ruijin, with his sharp gaze, surveyed the meeting room and emphasized the importance of anti-corruption work: "Comrades, time waits for no one."

"Comrade Hou Liangping was shot. Although he is out of danger, he is still in a coma in the hospital."

"We must determine the candidate as soon as possible to ensure that the work of the Anti-Corruption Bureau is not affected. Chief Prosecutor Zhong, what is your opinion?" Sha Ruijin turned his gaze to Zhong Zhengqian. This member of the Zhong family had once served as Minister of Personnel.

Zhong Zhengqian slowly stood up, his expression solemn: "Secretary Sha, the position of Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau carries great responsibility and requires careful consideration. Comrade Hou Liangping's work during his tenure was outstanding and he was widely recognized. His sudden injury has indeed brought a considerable blow to our procuratorate."

"However, I believe that the Hantong Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection are capable of quickly filling this vacancy."

"Of course, Hou Liangping's professional abilities are outstanding. He has cracked several major corruption and bribery cases within the Beijing Anti-Corruption Bureau." Zhong Zhengqian stated his position, indicating that he did not want to remove Hou Liangping from his post.

His resignation wasn't solely due to the defeat in the struggle. His elder brother, Zhong Zhengguo, also had a reason for sending him to Handong to keep an eye on Hou Liangping—to put a tight rein on this monkey.

Do not repeat the same rash and impulsive actions that led to the arrest of Zhao Lan.

Sha Ruijin nodded in agreement: "Chief Prosecutor Zhong's suggestion is very pertinent. Comrades, we cannot let a temporary vacancy affect the work progress of the entire procuratorate. If anyone has any other opinions, please feel free to speak them, and we will discuss them together."

Li Dakang, dressed in a white shirt and suit, frowned and pondered for a moment before speaking: "Secretary Sha, I agree with Chief Prosecutor Zhong's opinion. However, there is a problem now. The new Dafeng Company has seized the original Dafeng Factory's factory buildings and equipment."

"The Guangming Peak project has been delayed again and again. The land at Dafeng Factory just can't be demolished. What's the reason for this?" Li Dakang said, a meaningful expression on his face.

Li Dakang was fearless and took the lead, firing at Sha Ruijin.

“Secretary Sha, I believe the root of the problem lies in local protectionism and the conflict of interest among certain retired cadres. Behind the Dafeng Factory incident are multiple parties involved. The Guangmingfeng project has a total investment of 28 billion yuan, and most of the investors have run away.” Zhao Anbang’s voice was steady and powerful, as if he was implying something, directly criticizing the other party to his face.

Sha Ruijin remained expressionless upon hearing this, his face calm and composed.

He knew in his heart that the "certain retired cadres" Zhao Anbang mentioned were none other than Chen Yanshi, who was obstructing the demolition of Dafeng Factory.

It seems that in just over a month, Zhao Anbang has basically learned about the relationship between Chen Yanshi and Dafeng Factory.

"Comrade Anbang, your analysis is very insightful. We must face the problem squarely and thoroughly investigate the underlying chain of interests. We still need to... show appropriate respect to certain veteran comrades." Sha Ruijin spoke slowly, glancing around. He uttered a thought-provoking statement.

“Secretary Sha, I agree with Governor Anbang’s view.” Gao Yuliang’s tone was firm and his expression serious. “The Dafeng Factory issue is not only an economic dispute, but also a microcosm of the political environment. We must break down local protectionism, handle it according to law and regulations, and ensure the smooth progress of the Guangmingfeng project.”

Li Dakang's eyes lit up, and a hint of approval flashed in his gaze as he looked at Gao Yuliang. He nodded to himself. "Secretary Sha, I agree with Secretary Yuliang's opinion."

"No matter how senior some veteran cadres or comrades are, they have no privilege to break the law or violate discipline. Everyone is equal before the law."

Gao Yuliang nodded slightly and began to express his views in a deep voice: "Secretary Sha, our current era emphasizes the rule of law."

Sha Ruijin's expression turned extremely ugly; he seemed to have suffered a backlash.

He cannot deny it, because the rule of law is a national policy set by the Central Committee and the Cabinet.

Sha Ruijin took a deep breath and said slowly, "Rule of law is indeed a principle we must adhere to. However, when dealing with problems, we must also take into account the emotions of all parties and avoid escalating conflicts."

“Secretary Sha, I understand your concerns, but the law is impartial,” Li Dakang said firmly, showing no mercy and changing his usual attitude.

After all, at the last Standing Committee meeting, he was sidelined by Sha Ruijin and received a major demerit.

This time, Li Dakang was determined to turn the tide and use the opponent's strength against them.

“Comrade Dakang, I understand your determination, but stability is paramount. We must find a balance within the framework of the rule of law.” Sha Ruijin’s tone softened, but his gaze was deep. “We cannot allow the Guangming Peak project to become the fuse for conflict.”

Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee member Su Qing nodded slightly, looking firmly at Zhao Anbang and Li Dakang: "Comrade Dakang, you spoke very well. After the meeting, I will issue a notice to everyone to study and implement the rule of law in depth."

Sha Ruijin's expression changed slightly as he looked at Su Qing, the female member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee.

This person usually chooses to abstain.

Inside the meeting room, the members of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee exchanged glances and then spoke one after another, expressing their own opinions.

Su Qing's statement suddenly made the atmosphere in the conference room tense, and Sha Ruijin's gaze swept over everyone.

"Well then, Comrade Dakang. You see, the equity issue of Dafeng Factory hasn't been resolved yet."

"Could we modify the plan?"