"Comrade Liu Zi, are you listening?" The voice came through the microphone again.
"I'm here. May I ask who you are?" Liu Zi snapped out of her daze.
"I am a director from the National Day Special Team of China Central Television. We would like to invite you to China Central Television in three days to participate in a themed meeting on singing songs for National Day. Do you have time?"
"Huayang? To sing for National Day?" Liu Zi was full of questions and blurted out the words unconsciously.
The people who were about to disperse all stopped in their tracks.
"Yes, we got your information through other channels and took the liberty of calling you. We understand that several of your recent pop songs have become wildly popular across Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, which is why we tried to contact you. We hope you can contribute to the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China." The director's words were sincere, earnestly inviting Liu Zi to join the project.
Before Liu Zi could even get going, the aunt beside her whispered, "What are you thinking about? Hurry up and agree! Don't even think about refusing. I'll tell your mom right away that this is a great opportunity for them to make them proud. Don't hesitate!"
Liu Zi thought to herself that of course she wouldn't refuse, but she still had to pretend.
"But my dad..."
"Didn't Director Zhu say that your dad will be home soon?" The group, led by a kind-hearted aunt, were all trying to persuade Liu Zi. If the song for National Day came from their residential compound, they would have a lot of face to show for it!
No matter what everyone said, Liu Zi still refused to agree. She asked the director for his number on the phone, said she would contact him later, and then hung up.
Compared to the others, Deputy Director Luo probably had more to think about. Their bureau had also received a notice to present a gift for National Day, but after discussing it back and forth, they couldn't come up with any particularly good or outstanding ideas.
Since Liu Zi was invited by Huayang, she must be quite talented. He didn't intend for her to release a song entirely under the name of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, but adding another name to the submission should be fine!
The only problem now lies with Liu Daqiang. Normally, he could just talk to Liu Daqiang about this directly, but now that Liu Daqiang is under investigation, things have become more complicated.
Deputy Director Luo cursed that idiot for ruining things, and now he only hoped that Liu Daqiang hadn't suffered any undue mistreatment.
Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. Although Director Qian of the Security Department brought the man back unharmed, Liu Daqiang's eyes were bloodshot and he looked listless, clearly indicating that he had suffered a lot.
Liu Zi rushed over immediately, tears streaming down her face.
"Dad, are you alright? Did they hit you?"
Liu Zi glared at Director Qian, who was standing next to Liu Daqiang, through gritted teeth.
"What are you doing? I'm investigating Liu Daqiang according to organizational discipline. What kind of attitude is this?" Director Qian said, though he was a little guilty, he still tried to remain calm.
"An investigation is fine, but I need to see the documents. Which leader signed them? What's the basis for this? My dad can't be wronged like this," Liu Zi said forcefully.
"I will take my father to the hospital for a checkup. If you torture him, that's illegal and constitutes an unauthorized court. I will report this to the police and hold you accountable under the law."
Director Qian narrowed his eyes. What was this woman up to?
"Old Liu, this is a government agency. We don't tolerate any outsiders making noise here," Director Qian said threateningly.
Liu Zi was so angry she laughed. If Director Qian dared to say such things in front of so many people, he must have tortured her father in private.
Liu Daqiang, who had been silent, raised his eyelids slightly upon hearing Director Qian's words: "I've been asking Director Qian the same question. Who gave you the order to investigate me, Liu Daqiang? Are there any documents issued by the bureau's leadership?"
"you……"
Director Qian was furious. He and Deputy Director Zhu had learned from an insider that the case involving Zhao and Qian had been investigated and had reached the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation. They wanted Liu Daqiang to take the blame. Taking advantage of Director Zheng, who had been watching Liu Daqiang, being away on an inspection, they planned to detain him first. Once they got Liu Daqiang's confession, no one could do anything about it.
Unexpectedly, Liu Daqiang was so stubborn. The group of them didn't sleep for three days and kept him from spitting out a word.
If it weren't for the fear that Liu Daqiang's injuries would be criticized later, Director Qian would have been so angry that he would have punched him long ago.
"It seems Director Qian has nothing to offer. Well then, let's meet at the Public Security Bureau. I will also report you to the disciplinary department. This is not over." Although Liu Daqiang had returned, Liu Zi did not want to let it go. Her father had worked hard all his life and should not bear the blame in his old age.
Just as Liu Zi was about to leave with Liu Daqiang, Director Qian and his men blocked their way.
Although Liu Daqiang is now in poor health, he still managed to shield his daughter behind him.
"Qian Yu, don't do anything reckless!" Deputy Director Luo shouted excitedly.
Liu Zi scoffed, "Looks like Director Qian doesn't know the inside story! Didn't Deputy Director Zhu tell you? Everyone heard it just now. My men are outside a post office in Beijing. If they don't receive my message by midnight, they'll send a letter to the Hong Kong newspapers, Ta Kung Pao and Hua Chen Bao, claiming the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation has set up a jury and unjustly detained lyricist Yun Zi. They love news related to the entertainment industry; let's all become famous together!"
He thinks he can threaten her? This Director Qian has miscalculated.
"You dare!"
Director Qian was shocked. How could this girl have connections with Hong Kong?
"Fine! You see, I'm not leaving this afternoon."
Liu Zi raised her hand to look at her watch. It was 10:58. There was still an hour left. No rush.
Director Qian immediately understood that Deputy Director Zhu had avoided Liu Zi because he thought she was too difficult to deal with, and then sent him over to take the fall.
Deputy Director Luo was very annoyed and cursed Zhu Tou to death in his heart once again.
It seems that the only option for now is to let this matter rest for the time being, and then have the bureau chief intervene. Hopefully, Liu Daqiang will give the bureau chief face then.
"Liu Zi! We're almost off work, so we can't entertain you any longer. Why don't you take Daqiang home first?" Deputy Director Luo stepped in to ease the situation.
Liu Zi was worried about Liu Daqiang's health and didn't want to argue with them anymore. She thought, "A gentleman takes revenge even after ten years. Let's talk about it later."
Director Qian snorted, and Liu Zi, supporting Liu Daqiang, prepared to go downstairs.
After helping her father into the car, Liu Zi wanted to go to the hospital immediately, but Liu Daqiang refused.
"Dad, your health is important. You should go see a doctor," Liu Zi advised.
"I'm really fine. They're just keeping me up all night. I'll be fine after I go back and get some sleep." Liu Daqiang rubbed his temples, looking very tired.
Although Liu Zi was a little worried, she had no choice but to take the person home when her father insisted.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
