The next day, the sky was just beginning to brighten.

A Santana quietly stopped at an intersection not far from the city government.

Li Bingyang put on a sharp black suit, an outfit he rarely wore even once a year.

He took a deep breath, as if heading into a life-or-death battle, and strode toward the solemn building.

He was stopped by guards at the entrance of the city government building.

"Who should I look for?"

"I'm looking for Secretary Zhou!"

Li Bingyang's voice revealed a hint of suppressed urgency.

Do you have an appointment?

The guard's eyes swept over him as if it were a routine matter.

"No."

Li Bingyang forced the most humble smile onto his face.

"My name is Li Bingyang, and I am the vice president of the Jiaxing Chamber of Commerce."

Please inform the secretary in Huangshan that... I have something extremely important to discuss.

Regarding the construction of the Jiaxing Industrial Park, we must report to Secretary Zhou in person!

The guard sized him up, and seemed to see something unusual in those bloodshot eyes.

"You wait."

The call was answered quickly.

Within minutes, Secretary Huang hurried out of the building to greet them, his face radiating professional enthusiasm.

"Chairman Li, what a rare guest! Secretary Zhou is in a meeting. Please wait in the reception room for a moment."

"Thank you for your help, Secretary Huang!"

The reception room was filled with the steam of tea.

Li Bingyang was restless, every minute and every second felt like torture.

...

Meanwhile, in the interrogation room of the Municipal Public Security Bureau.

The light was a stark white, devoid of any warmth, shining on Feng Sanyao's bloodless face.

His hands were cuffed behind his back, and he was half-squatting against the corner of the wall, looking like a lump of mud.

The imposing manner he once displayed at the dinner table, gesturing and commanding, has vanished completely.

Behind the interrogation table, young police officer Sun Mu's eyes were like cold knives; he stared at him without saying a word.

Silence is the most skillful form of torture.

Feng Sanyao's heart was being crushed inch by inch by this silence.

"Officer..."

He finally couldn't hold on any longer; his voice became as hoarse as a broken gong.

"It's a misunderstanding, this is a huge misunderstanding! I'm friends with your Director Yan..."

Sun Mu's lips curled into a mocking smile.

"Feng Sanyao is a well-known big boss in Jiaxing. Everyone knows him."

This ambiguous tone sent Feng Sanyao's heart sinking into an ice cellar.

It’s over!

They're determined to get rid of him!

...

Municipal Government, Secretary's Office.

Secretary Huang's pager vibrated, and he immediately stood up:

"Chairman Li, the secretary meeting is over. Please come with me."

Inside the office, Secretary Zhou's expression was not good.

His expression softened slightly when he saw Li Bingyang walk in, bowing almost obsequiously.

"Chairman Li, I heard from Secretary Huang that you want to talk to me about the industrial park?"

"Secretary Zhou, please don't call me president, I can't accept that title, I really can't!"

Li Bingyang bent down even lower.

Secretary Zhou smiled noncommittally:

"You are the vice president of the Jiaxing Chamber of Commerce, how can you not be able to take on this responsibility?"

He pointed to the sofa, but his gaze seemed to be scrutinizing an object.

"Speak, what is it?"

Li Bingyang dared not sit down. He tremblingly took out a document from his briefcase, held it with both hands, and carefully handed it over.

"Secretary Zhou, this is the sincerity that all the core members of our Jiaxing Chamber of Commerce have put together after staying up all night!"

"We believe that such a large project as the industrial park should be funded and labored by the people of Jiaxing themselves."

"Contributing to the development of our hometown!"

Secretary Zhou took the planning document and casually flipped through it.

Gradually, the casual look on his face disappeared.

Instead, there was deep astonishment.

His fingers slowly traced across the pages, but his gaze remained fixed on Li Bingyang.

When he turned to the last page, Secretary Zhou slammed the planning document shut with a heavy thud.

"What great courage!"

"The construction and management of the industrial park are entirely handed over to the municipal government and Zhang Cheng. Your Jiaxing Chamber of Commerce... is only responsible for providing the funds?"

He leaned forward slightly, and an invisible pressure enveloped the entire office.

"I'm curious, why did you do this?"

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Li Bingyang's forehead, but he forced himself to remain calm:

"Secretary Zhou, for the sake of Jiaxing's development, we... will spare no effort!"

"Okay, okay!"

Secretary Zhou said "good" three times, which was quite meaningful.

He knew perfectly well that this was not sincerity at all, but a pledge of allegiance made under the guise of retreat!

Use money to buy your life!

"I'll keep the planning document for now."

Secretary Zhou leaned back in his chair, his tone softening.

"It's good that you have this awareness."

I will speak with Comrade Zhang Cheng, and I believe he will welcome your participation in the development of Jiaxing.

"It's entirely up to Secretary Zhou to decide!"

Li Bingyang was granted a general amnesty.

"Um."

Secretary Zhou nodded in satisfaction.

"Anyone who can offer real money is a good comrade."

...

The door to the interrogation room,

"Crunch"

He was pushed aside with a sound.

Director Yan walked in.

"Chief!"

Sun Mu immediately saluted.

"You can go out now."

Director Yan waved his hand.

He walked slowly to Feng Sanyao, and took out the key.

"Click"

With a click, the handcuffs were unlocked.

Feng Sanyao's arm hung limply as if it were broken. He was panting heavily and slumped into a chair.

"Director Yan... I've truly been wronged..."

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