Chapter 685 Transaction
The more Zheng Geng thought about it, the more he felt that this matter was strange:
"Who was the one who grabbed my throat? Was it Wang Xinfa, or... the Chief Councillor? But if it was the Chief Councillor, why didn't he let me continue?
Chief Councillor, aren’t you about to retire? Haven’t you been less and less involved in affairs in the past two years?
How could it be…was the Chief just helping Councillor Wang Xinfa? But everyone in the Executive Office knows that the Chief doesn’t like Councillor Wang very much, right?
Zheng Geng swallowed, his throat becoming increasingly dry and tight.
He looked again at the heavy wooden door in front of him that was carved with intricate patterns, and felt a creepy feeling.
The "scenery" behind this door is probably more dangerous and a thousand times more treacherous and unpredictable than he had imagined before.
I just want to go in and take a closer look.
The meeting did not last long and ended quickly.
According to the original agenda, there should have been several issues to be discussed regarding the archiving of blank citizens and the allocation of hidden resources, but the congressmen had just finished eating the "big melon" together and their minds had already drifted elsewhere.
The chief councillor was very "understanding" and announced the adjournment of the meeting early.
Councillor Zhang Deming was the first to stand up and walk out of the meeting room.
At the door, Zheng Geng, who had finished reporting on his work, did not leave but waited quietly.
Zhang Deming was not at all surprised that Zheng Geng was still outside the door, and it seemed as if he had expected it.
The smile on his face deepened a little, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothed out, and he took the initiative to speak in a gentle voice:
"Commissioner Zheng, you haven't left yet? Are you waiting for someone?"
Zheng Geng forced a smile, but it was stiff and ugly. It was obvious that he didn't usually like to smile. His zygomaticus major, zygomaticus minor, and orbicularis oris muscles were all very stiff.
"Yes, I have something to ask you about the special envoy."
The smile on Zhang Deming's face deepened, and a light of understanding flashed in his eyes. He was extremely polite and enthusiastic:
"Commissioner Zheng is so polite. Feel free to ask any questions you have. This is all for official business, to help us recover the special commissioner as quickly as possible.
This is the most important matter at the moment. I will do my best to help in any way I can, and will tell you everything I know."
As he spoke, he made a "please" gesture to Zheng Geng, indicating that they could talk while walking.
Zheng Geng quickly stepped aside and followed Zhang Deming half a step behind him. The two of them walked one in front and one behind along the corridor, heading towards the distance.
The sound of low conversation could be heard faintly, intermittently, and soon disappeared into the silence of the corridor.
When Wang Xinfa walked out of the meeting room, this was the scene he saw.
"I was wondering where a mere maintenance specialist could get such audacity. So it turns out that old man Zhang Deming gave him the confidence?!"
Wang Xinfa sneered in his heart, a murderous intent flashed in his eyes, and he snorted coldly and strode forward.
Hou Wendong, who had also been waiting in the corridor for a long time, hurried over to greet him...
About a quarter of an hour later.
Inside a black car with luxurious interior and excellent sound insulation.
Wang Xinfa leaned back in the spacious and comfortable leather seat in the back row. He listened patiently to Hou Wendong's work report. His furrowed brows finally relaxed a little, but the solemnity in his eyes did not diminish at all.
He thought for a moment and asked in a deep voice:
"You said that Li Shang lost contact because he ran into [Mask] and then hid in the underground sewer until he luckily escaped with his life?
So, his car was hijacked by [Masked] and appeared in Emerald Garden?"
Hou Wendong nodded affirmatively:
"According to Li Shang himself, this is what happened."
Wang Xinfa frowned:
"Can you prove what he said?"
Hou Wendong's ability to get things done is indeed outstanding. He had already anticipated that the parliamentarians would ask about the evidence, so he had completed as much verification work as possible before coming to report.
He nodded again and reported clearly:
"There is video footage from a body camera that indeed shows the [mask], which is basically consistent with Li Shang's confession, and can also be verified by the several detectives who rescued him.
In addition, I asked the technical department to check the vehicle's driving trajectory, and there was no problem. There was indeed an explosion of unknown cause at the chemical plant last night, and Li Shang's vehicle records happened to show that he was active in that area at the time.
All of this can be mutually verified and explained."
Wang Xinfa was very satisfied with Hou Wendong's work, but he still emphasized:
"Just explaining it isn't enough. Li Shang absolutely cannot have any problems right now. Not even the slightest problem. Do you understand me?"
Hou Wendong thought for a moment and said:
"I'll tell Li Shang that Zheng Geng has his eye on him. It was you, Councillor, who vouched for him. Otherwise, he would probably be..."
Wang Xinfa sneered:
"Of course you have to tell him, and make him know clearly who is protecting him and what kind of danger he is in.
Not only that, you have to tell him to concentrate on the investigation and find a way to rescue the special envoy."
Hou Wendong showed a hint of embarrassment on his face, and asked tentatively in a low voice:
"Member, I will certainly convey your instructions.
But, with all due respect, what if... what if we ultimately fail to rescue the Special Representative? After all, there might be little hope. "
Wang Xinfa's face was gloomy. He was silent for a few seconds, then spoke in a chilling voice:
"Then we must apprehend the murderer who killed the special envoy, without missing a single one.
Let him investigate from top to bottom, layer by layer. Don't be afraid no matter who he finds in the end or which layer he finds, even if it's a member of parliament in the Executive Mansion.
Don't hesitate! What I need is the truth, the ironclad evidence that can completely kill the enemy! Do you understand?!"
Hou Wendong's heart skipped a beat and a layer of cold sweat instantly broke out on his back.
He understood that the councilor was really angry this time and wanted to go to war with Councilor Zhang Deming until death.
Hou Wendong couldn't help but feel uneasy and under immense pressure, but he knew that he had no other choice but to nod heavily and respond decisively:
"Understood, Councillor, don't worry. Li Shang is a smart man and knows what to do."
Wang Xinfa then said:
"By the way, since [Mask] has appeared in the Emerald Garden, have Li Shang dig deep for me. Find out how [Mask] knows the Special Envoy's residence and how he manages to evade capture time and time again. Is there anyone behind the scenes leaking information to him or providing him with assistance?"
Hou Wendong had already predicted that the councillors would do this. He had already hinted to Li Shang before he came. The only thing he needed to ask now was:
"Then, Councillor, who do you think is a suspect?"
Wang Xinfa was silent for a moment, then leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes to rest.
In the past, he would never have made his words so clear. Some things had to be left to his subordinates to understand on their own, so that there would always be room for maneuver.
But today, he was really pissed off by Zhang Deming and Zheng Geng. He pondered for a moment and replied:
"Zheng Geng framed Li Shang in front of many council members at the meeting today. I suspect he's not only trying to gain power, but also to obstruct the investigation.
Could it be that he is afraid of Li Shang's ability to solve the case and is trying to protect the real culprit?"
Hou Wendong now understood everything completely and agreed with it deeply. He immediately continued:
"What the councillor said makes sense. I'll have Li Shang keep a close eye on Zheng Geng."
Wang Xinfa's expression eased slightly, and he continued:
"It's not just Li Shang, you too, keep a close eye on Zheng Geng 24 hours a day, and don't leave any of his family out—his parents, wife, children, brothers and sisters.
If Zheng Geng really has a problem, if he is really colluding with [Mask] or some other force, then there must be contact between them, and there must be clues revealed! "
So will [Mask] ever come into contact with Zheng Geng or his family?
Hou Wendong met Wang Xinfa's cold and deep eyes, and the answer emerged in his heart like a mirror:
"You can! And...you must!"
He lowered his eyes respectfully and agreed:
"Don't worry, Councillor. I'll make the arrangements right away."
Wang Xinfa added:
"Send a few people to protect Li Shang 24 hours a day. He can't get into any trouble right now."
Thanks to the assists of Zheng Geng and Zhang Deming, Wang Xinfa's respect and "care" for Li Shang were forced to reach an unprecedented peak.
For a long time to come, he will trust Li Shang as he trusts himself.
At the same time.
On the other side, inside the office of Councillor Zhang Deming.
The interior is softly lit, and the expensive mahogany bookshelves are filled with hardcover books and decorations. The air is filled with a faint mixed scent of cigars and old books, silently telling of the owner's status and qualifications.
"Please sit down, Commissioner Zheng."
He spoke in a gentle voice, pointing to the large sofa beside him.
Zheng Geng didn't hesitate and sat down as he was told, his back straight.
Zhang Deming was also sitting on the sofa. With a smile on his face, he brewed a cup of tea and handed it to Zheng Geng.
Just as Zheng Geng rarely smiles, Zhang Deming rarely makes tea for others himself.
The water temperature of this cup of tea was not perfectly controlled, it was a little low, failing to fully stimulate the aroma of the tea leaves, but instead revealing a distinct astringency.
Zheng Geng didn't care at all. He took the teacup and didn't even look closely at the clear tea soup. He tilted his head back and gulped down the whole cup of tea in one gulp, swallowing a few unfolded tea leaves into his stomach.
Zhang Deming's smile remained unchanged, as if he really appreciated this "hearty drink" and asked, "How's the tea?"
The tone sounded like a casual question, but also like he was testing something.
Zheng Geng raised his hand and wiped the water stains from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. His voice was still cold and hard, without much emotion in it.
But compared to the "mad dog"-like aggressiveness in the meeting room, his attitude finally revealed a hint of proper respect, although this respect seemed very stiff and superficial.
He praised: "It tastes good and quenches my thirst."
Zhang Deming's smile grew even wider, but he secretly commented in his heart:
"Although he's rumored to have a bad temper, he acted like a complete lunatic in the meeting room just now, with no respect for hierarchy...
But at least he knows when to bow his head when asking for help, and when to hold back. Haha, it's not really completely unreasonable."
Zhang Deming also picked up another cup of tea and took a sip gracefully. He then frowned slightly, put the cup back on the table, and said quietly:
"Commissioner Zheng just deliberately waited at the door and followed me all this way. Was he doing it for Wang Xinfa to see? Now, I'm afraid Councillor Wang will hold this grudge against me again."
Zheng Geng knew that what he did was not right, but he felt no guilt in his heart.
In other words, since Zhang Deming saw through this at a glance, but was still willing to cooperate with him in "acting" all the way, wasn't he also happy to see it happen and wanted Wang Xinfa to have this misunderstanding?
Everyone is just taking what they need and acting according to the circumstances.
Zheng Geng wanted Zhang Deming's tiger skin, and Zhang Deming wanted Zheng Geng to be his dog.
It doesn't matter whether the substance is good or not, as long as it looks good to outsiders, then neither of them will lose out.
Zhang Deming pointed this out at this moment just to take advantage of Zheng Geng, emphasizing the fact that "you deliberately designed to use me, but I kindly cooperated and helped you", implying that Zheng Geng needed to be "grateful".
Zheng Geng knew very well that this was the usual arrogance of parliamentarians.
He immediately said stiffly:
"Do you care about Councillor Wang Xinfa's hatred? The more he hates you, the happier you will be, won't you?"
Zhang Deming looked at Zheng Geng meaningfully. Although it was just two sentences, he had seen countless people and immediately saw through the underlying character of Zheng Geng.
In short, this man is extremely unruly, ambitious, and courageous. He is definitely not someone who is willing to be inferior to others. He cannot be simply taken in as an obedient dog.
A hint of coldness flashed across Zhang Deming's eyes, but he still wore a smile on his face, and even laughed out loud twice:
"Hahaha, yes, you are right, that's the truth."
He changed the subject and said with some "concern":
"However, I may not care about Wang Xinfa's resentment, but you are just a small-time Mechanical Department specialist with no foundation. If a powerful councilor like him holds such a deep hatred in his heart, your future... will be very dangerous."
This is both a reminder and a pressure.
If Zheng Geng said he wasn't afraid, he would be deceiving himself. But his face showed no fear at all, all his emotions were locked away beneath a cold, hard mask.
He said in a deep voice, and directly stated his purpose:
"So, I'd like to make a deal with you, Councillor. I hope that until the Jade Garden Special Agent kidnapping case is completely concluded, you can... shelter me."
Zhang Deming leaned back slightly on the comfortable sofa, with an interested expression on his face:
"Oh? A deal? Why would I do that? Commissioner Zheng, what can you get for me?"
Zheng Geng's answer was equally direct, even somewhat blunt, and carried a hint of blood:
"I can bite Councillor Wang Xinfa like a real mad dog, doing everything I can to bite him until he's completely killed and torn to pieces, so that he can no longer pose any threat to you."
Zhang Deming shook his head, laughed and said contemptuously:
"Just you? Commissioner Zheng, I have to admit that the madness you displayed today really embarrassed Wang Xinfa and made him lose face.
But this is mainly because you caught him off guard today, and he didn't expect you to dare to attack him.
But now, you have completely entered his sight and become the target of his main attention.
From what I know about him, he will never give you a second chance to criticize him in person like this."
(End of this chapter)
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