Night fell, and a cold wind, sharp as a knife, cut through the path that Yan Liang and his party were taking.
Yan Liang, along with a group of members of the Discipline Inspection Commission, hurried towards Guo Guanghua's house, their shadows stretching long under the dim streetlights.
This should have been a routine investigation handled by professionals. Logically and morally, Chu Kuo should have quietly withdrawn and returned to his uneventful daily life.
But the irrepressible curiosity in his heart was like a raging fire, burning away his rational defenses.
He was eagerly anticipating how this meticulously planned drama would end. He kept thinking to himself, just one glimpse, as long as he hid it cleverly and wasn't discovered, would satisfy his intense curiosity and allow him to give Xia Xiong a detailed and thorough explanation afterward.
So he crouched down and carefully followed behind the group, deliberately keeping a safe distance from everyone.
The buildings and trees along the street became his natural cover; he was like a ghost hidden in the darkness, his figure appearing and disappearing intermittently.
With each step he took, he vigilantly observed his surroundings, his ears catching even the slightest sound, for fear that the slightest mistake would reveal his whereabouts.
During the march, heated discussions rose and fell within Yan Liang's group. A young, impetuous member, his face flushed red and his eyes burning with anger, spoke indignantly:
"When dealing with Guo Guanghua before, we always had to watch our step and act according to his mood. Just because he was the factory director, we could only be polite and respectful. But now? He's under investigation and can't even protect himself, so what are we afraid of him for!"
After saying that, he snorted heavily, his face full of disdain, and spat on the ground.
A senior cadre, his expression grave and his gaze sharp, took over the conversation, his tone resolute and unwavering: "Indeed. If we can truly catch him red-handed for violating laws and regulations this time, we must not show any leniency. Those who harm the interests of the nation must be severely punished. Only in this way can we serve as a warning to those with ulterior motives!"
These words resonated like a thunderclap, carrying weight and prompting nods of agreement from those around them, their eyes revealing a resolute shared hatred of the enemy. The already high morale surged even more powerfully, like a raging tide.
Soon, the group arrived at Guo Guanghua's door. The tightly closed door was cold and solemn, like an unbreakable barrier separating two completely different worlds.
Yan Liang strode forward, his brows furrowed, his eyes revealing coldness and authority. He raised his hand and knocked on the door with all his might.
Each knock carried considerable force, the dull thud echoing far in the quiet night, like the approaching judgment of fate, or like heavy hammer blows striking the heart of Guo Guanghua's wife.
After a long while, a slow and dragging sound came from behind the door, each step as if dragging a heavy burden, revealing extreme reluctance.
With a creak, the door slowly opened, revealing Guo Guanghua's wife's panicked face.
Her eyes were bloodshot, filled with fear and despair, like a wild beast trapped in a desperate situation.
When her gaze fell upon Yan Liang and the menacing troop behind him, her already bloodless face turned deathly pale, as if all her life had been drained away.
Her hands began to tremble uncontrollably, like leaves falling in the autumn wind, unable to stop. "What...what are you doing here?"
Her voice trembled violently, filled with sobs, on the verge of collapse, and her body involuntarily shrank back, trying to avoid the impending disaster.
Yan Liang's expression was cold and stern, his eyes revealing an official and authoritative demeanor, and he was not affected by her emotions in the slightest.
“Someone reported that Guo Guanghua had Qing Dynasty antiques in his home and was planning to smuggle himself out of the country. We are going in to search him now.”
As he spoke, he deftly and neatly displayed the search warrant, his serious demeanor seemingly declaring that no obstacle could stop them from fulfilling their duties, and that the majesty of the law was inviolable.
Upon hearing this, Guo Guanghua's wife immediately became anxious, her eyes reddening and tears welling up. She shouted at the top of her lungs, "That's not true! You must have misunderstood! This is absolutely a frame-up!"
She became agitated, spreading her arms wide, trying to block the doorway with her body to prevent people from entering.
Her eyes were filled with pleading and despair, but it was all in vain.
Adhering to the principle of impartial law enforcement, the members of the Discipline Inspection Commission remained unmoved. They gently but firmly pushed her aside, entered the house in an orderly manner, and quickly began a meticulous search.
They were like well-trained hunting dogs, leaving no corner unchecked if there might be a clue.
With clear division of labor and excellent teamwork, the group conducted a thorough search of every corner of the house.
They meticulously examined every drawer, turning over each item to check it. The sounds of papers turning and objects clattering were exceptionally clear in the quiet room. They opened every cabinet, even scrutinizing the gaps behind them, checking every inch. They even lifted the mattress high, raising a cloud of dust, to carefully examine whether any suspicious items were hidden underneath.
Just then, a sharp-eyed member spotted an exquisite wooden box under the bed.
The box was carved with exquisite patterns, which looked mysterious and out of place in the dim light.
"Found it!" he shouted excitedly, his voice filled with excitement and joy at discovering such a crucial clue, his whole body trembling slightly with excitement.
His shout shattered the silence inside the room, like a bolt of lightning streaking across the night sky.
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