Gao Wu: I inherited the evil organization in the game

Chapter 685 Trading
Zheng Geng found the matter increasingly suspicious:

"Who is the one who is choking me? Is it Wang Xinfa, or... the chief councilor? But if it is the chief councilor, why won't he let me continue?"

The chief councilor, isn't he about to retire? Has he become increasingly inactive in the last two years?

"How could this be... Was the Chief Executive just helping Representative Wang Xinfa? But everyone in the Executive Yuan knows the Chief Executive doesn't really like Representative Wang."

Zheng Geng swallowed, his throat becoming increasingly dry and tight.

He looked again at the heavy wooden door with its intricate carvings, and a chill ran down his spine.

The "scenery" behind this door is probably a thousand times more dangerous and unpredictable than he had imagined.

I... really want to go in and see for myself.

The meeting did not last long and ended quickly.

According to the original agenda, there were supposed to be several more issues to discuss regarding blank citizen filings and the allocation of hidden resources, but the members of parliament had just finished gossiping about the "big news" and their minds were already elsewhere.

The chief councilor was very "understanding" and announced the adjournment of the meeting ahead of time.

Councilor Zhang Deming was the first to stand up and leave the meeting room.

At the entrance, Zheng Geng, having finished his report, did not leave but waited patiently.

Zhang Deming was not at all surprised that Zheng Geng was still outside the door; in fact, it was as if he had expected it all along.

His smile deepened, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothed out, and he spoke first, his voice gentle:
"Commissioner Zheng, you haven't left yet? Are you waiting for someone?"

Zheng Geng forced a smile, it was stiff and unsightly, and it was clear that he didn't smile much in daily life; his zygomaticus major, zygomaticus minor, and orbicularis oris muscles were all very stiff.
"Yes, I have something I'd like to ask you, it's about the special envoy."

Zhang Deming's smile lines deepened, a knowing glint flashed in his eyes, and he behaved with extreme politeness and enthusiasm:

"Commissioner Zheng, you're too kind. Please feel free to ask any questions. It's all for official business, to help rescue the special envoy as soon as possible."

This is the most important matter at present. I will do my utmost to help in any way I can, and I will speak frankly and without reservation.

As he spoke, he gestured to Zheng Geng, indicating that they should walk and talk.

Zheng Geng quickly stepped aside and followed half a step behind Zhang Deming. The two walked along the corridor, one in front of the other, towards the distance.

The low murmur of conversation drifted in and out, quickly fading into the silence of the corridor.

As Wang Xinfa walked out of the conference room, this was the scene that greeted him.

"I wondered where a mere maintenance specialist got the audacity? Turns out it was that old bastard Zhang Deming who gave him that confidence?!"

Wang Xinfa sneered inwardly, a strong murderous intent flashing in his eyes. He snorted coldly and strode forward.

Hou Wendong, who had also been waiting in the corridor for a long time, hurriedly came forward to greet him...
About a quarter of an hour later.

Inside a black sedan with a 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 tightly furrowed brows finally relaxed a little, but the seriousness in his eyes did not diminish at all.

He pondered for a moment and asked in a deep voice:

"You said that Li Xiang went missing because he ran into [Masked] and then hid in the underground sewers and only managed to survive?"

So, his car was hijacked by [Masked], which is why he ended up in Emerald Garden?

Hou Wendong nodded affirmatively:
"According to Li Xiang's own account, this is the case."

Wang Xinfa frowned:
Can you prove what he said?

Hou Wendong's work ability is indeed outstanding. He had anticipated that the councilor would ask for evidence, so he had completed as much verification work as possible before coming to report.

He nodded again and reported in a clear and organized manner:

“The video recording from the body camera did indeed show [the mask], which basically matches Li Xiang’s confession. The police officers who rescued him can also verify this.”

In addition, I had the technical department 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 Xiang's vehicle records showed that he was in the vicinity at the time.

All of this corroborates each other and makes sense.

Wang Xinfa was very satisfied with Hou Wendong's work, but still emphasized:
"It's not enough to just make it understandable. Li Xiang absolutely cannot have any problems now, not even the slightest one. Do you understand what I mean?"

Hou Wendong pondered for a moment and said:
“I will tell Li Xiang that Zheng Geng has his eye on him. It was only because you, Congressman, vouched for him that he would probably be…”

Wang Xinfa sneered:

"Of course you have to tell him, you must make him clearly aware of who is protecting him and what kind of danger he is in."

Not only that, you also need to tell him that he told him to focus on the investigation and find a way to rescue the special envoy.

Hou Wendong's face showed just the right amount of embarrassment, and he tentatively asked in a soft voice:

“Member of Parliament, I will certainly convey your instructions.”

However, if I may be frank, what if... what if we ultimately fail to rescue the special envoy? After all, the hope is likely very slim.

Wang Xinfa's face was gloomy. He remained silent for a few seconds before speaking again in a cold, piercing voice:
"Then we must catch the murderers who killed the special envoy, leaving no one behind."

Tell him to investigate me from top to bottom, layer by layer. No matter who he finds out in the end, or which layer he finds out at, even if it ends up on a member of parliament in the government building, don't be afraid.

Have no reservations! What I need is the truth, irrefutable evidence that can definitively condemn the enemy! Understand?!

Hou Wendong's heart skipped a beat, and a fine layer of cold sweat instantly seeped out from his back.

He understood that the councilor was truly enraged this time and was ready to wage a full-blown war against Councilor Zhang Deming, a war to the death.

Hou Wendong felt uneasy and under immense pressure, but knowing he had no other choice, he could only nod heavily and reply resolutely:
"Understood, Congressman. Don't worry, Li Xiang is a smart man and knows how to do it."

Wang Xinfa then added:

"By the way, since [Masked] has appeared in Emerald Garden, have Li Xiang dig deep into the matter and find out how [Masked] knew the special envoy's address, how he was able to escape capture time and time again, and whether someone was leaking information to him or providing assistance behind the scenes?"

Hou Wendong had anticipated that the councilor would do this; he had already hinted at it to Li Xiang before he arrived. The only thing he needed to clarify now was:
"Then, Congressman, who do you think is a suspect?"

Wang Xinfa paused for a moment, then leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes to rest.

In the past, he would never have spoken so clearly and explicitly. Some things had to be left for his subordinates to understand on their own, so that there would always be room for maneuver.

But today, he was really angered by Zhang Deming and Zheng Geng. After a moment of contemplation, he replied: "At the meeting today, in front of many councilors, Zheng Geng framed Li Xiang. I suspect that he not only wanted to seize power, but also wanted to obstruct the investigation."

Could it be that he's wary of Li Xiang's investigative abilities and is trying to protect the real culprit?

Hou Wendong finally understood completely and wholeheartedly agreed. He immediately replied:
“The councilor is right. I will have Li Xiang keep a close eye on Zheng Geng.”

Wang Xinfa's expression softened slightly, and he continued:
“Not just Li Xiang, but you too. Keep a close watch on Zheng Geng 24/7, as well as his family—his parents, wife, children, brothers, and sisters. Don’t miss a single one.”

If Zheng Geng really has a problem, if he really is colluding with [The Mask] or some other force, then there must be contact between them, and there must be clues that reveal their involvement!

Will [Mask] actually contact Zheng Geng or his family?

Hou Wendong met Wang Xinfa's cold, deep eyes, and the answer surfaced in his mind as if it were a clear mirror:
"It's possible! And...it's a must!"

He respectfully lowered his eyes and verbally agreed:

"Don't worry, Congressman, I'll arrange it right away."

Wang Xinfa added one last sentence:
"Send a few people to protect Li Xiang 24 hours a day. He can't afford to have any problems now."

Thanks to the assistance of Zheng Geng and Zhang Deming, Wang Xinfa's regard and "care" for Li Xiang was forced to reach an unprecedented peak.

For a considerable period of time to come, he will trust Li Xiang as much as he trusts himself.

same time.

Meanwhile, in the office of Councilor Zhang Deming.

The interior is softly lit, and expensive mahogany bookshelves are filled with finely bound books and decorations. The air is filled with a faint aroma of cigars and old books, silently proclaiming the owner's status and experience.

"Please sit down, Commissioner Zheng."

He spoke gently, pointing to the large sofa beside him.

Zheng Geng did not stand on ceremony and sat down as instructed, keeping his back ramrod straight.

Zhang Deming, also sitting on the sofa, smiled and personally brewed a cup of tea, which he then handed to Zheng Geng.

Just as Zheng Geng rarely smiles, Zhang Deming also rarely makes tea for others himself.

The water temperature for this cup of tea wasn't perfectly controlled; it was a little too low, failing to fully bring out the aroma of the tea leaves and instead giving off a noticeable astringent taste.

Zheng Geng didn't care at all. He took the teacup, didn't even look closely at the clear tea soup, tilted his head back and gulped down the whole cup of tea in one go, swallowing a few unfolded tea leaves along with it.

Zhang Deming's smile remained unchanged, as if he appreciated this "hearty drinking," and he asked, "How's the tea?"

The tone was as if it were a casual question, yet also as if it were a test.

Zheng Geng raised his hand and wiped the water stains from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. His voice remained cold and hard, revealing little emotion.

However, compared to his "mad dog"-like aggression in the conference room, his attitude finally showed a trace of respect, although this respect seemed very stiff and superficial.

He praised, "It tastes good and quenches my thirst."

Zhang Deming's smile widened even more, but inwardly he thought to himself:

"Rumors say he has a bad temper, and his behavior in the meeting room just now was like that of a complete madman, with absolutely no sense of respect or manners..."

But at least he knows when to bow his head when asking for help and when to rein in his claws. Heh, so he's not entirely unreasonable.

Zhang Deming picked up another cup of tea, took a graceful sip, then frowned slightly, placed the cup back on the table, and said softly:
"Commissioner Zheng deliberately waited at the door and followed me all the way. Was he doing this for Wang Xinfa's benefit? Now, Councilor Wang will probably hold a grudge against me for this again."

Zheng Geng knew that what he did was not right, but he felt no remorse.

Or rather, since Zhang Deming saw through this at a glance, yet was still willing to cooperate with him to "act" through the whole process, wasn't he also happy to see it happen and wanted Wang Xinfa to keep this misunderstanding in mind?

Everyone was just getting what they wanted and putting on an act.

Zheng Geng wanted Zhang Deming's tiger skin, and Zhang Deming wanted Zheng Geng to be his dog.

Whether the substance is good or bad is unimportant; as long as it appears good to outsiders, then neither of them is at a disadvantage.

Zhang Deming's revelation at this moment was simply an attempt to manipulate Zheng Geng, emphasizing the fact that "you deliberately plotted to use me, while I kindly cooperated to help you," implying that Zheng Geng needed to be "grateful."

Zheng Geng knew perfectly well that this was the arrogance typical of councilors.

He immediately said firmly:
"Do you care about Councilor Wang Xinfa's resentment? The more he resents you, the happier you are, aren't you?"

Zhang Deming gave Zheng Geng a meaningful look. Despite it being just two sentences, his extensive experience in dealing with people allowed him to immediately see through Zheng Geng's true nature.

In short, this person is extremely unruly at heart, ambitious, and courageous. He is by no means someone who would be subservient to others, and cannot be easily subdued as an obedient dog.

A hint of coldness flashed in Zhang Deming's eyes, but his face remained all smiles, and he even chuckled twice.
"Haha, that's right, you're right, that makes sense."

He then changed the subject, saying with a hint of "concern":
"However, I may not care about Wang Xinfa's resentment, but you are just a small maintenance officer with no connections. If you are completely hated by a powerful member of parliament like him, your future will be very dangerous."

This statement serves as both a reminder and a form of pressure.

If Zheng Geng said he wasn't afraid at all, he would be deceiving himself. But on his face, there was no trace of fear; all his emotions were firmly locked beneath his cold, hard exterior.

He said in a deep voice, stating his purpose directly:
“So, I want to make a deal with you, Congressman. I hope that you can… shelter me until the kidnapping case of the Emerald Garden envoy is completely resolved.”

Zhang Deming leaned back slightly against the comfortable sofa, a look of keen interest on his face:

"Oh? A deal? Why would I do that? Commissioner Zheng, what can you offer me?"

Zheng Geng's answer was equally direct, even somewhat blunt, and carried a bloody undertone:

“I can do everything I can, like a real mad dog, to bite Wang Xinfa, a member of parliament, until I bite him to death and tear him to pieces, so that he can no longer pose any threat to you.”

Zhang Deming shook his head, chuckled dismissively, and said:

"You? Commissioner Zheng, I have to admit, the crazy behavior you displayed today really embarrassed Wang Xinfa and made him lose face."

But this is mainly because you caught him off guard today; he never expected you to dare to attack him.

But now, you've completely entered his field of vision and become his primary 'focus' target.

Knowing him as I do, he would never give you a second chance to attack him to his face like that.

(End of this chapter)