Siheyuan (courtyard house): My father, Li Yunlong!

However, he was also well aware that the terrifying aspect of such investigations lay not in finding concrete evidence, but in the political pressure and public opinion they brought.

Once labeled as "under investigation," many opportunities may be missed, and future development will be shrouded in uncertainty.

Moreover, during the investigation, it is inevitable that some people will take the opportunity to kick someone when they are down, or be misled into giving unfavorable testimony.

We must take action; we can't just sit and wait to die. But directly confronting the investigation team would be foolish. The most important thing now is to stabilize the situation, and then... strike at the root of the problem.

Thinking of this, Li Zhenhua picked up the internal phone on the table and dialed a number.

This number wasn't called to Director Yang, nor to any superior who might offer assistance; it was called to the office of the police station where Lin Taotao worked.

The phone rang a few times before being answered, and Lin Taotao's clear voice came from the other end.

"Hello, who is this?"

"Tao Tao, it's me, Zhenhua."

Li Zhenhua's voice was calm and composed, without any apparent emotion.

"Zhenhua? Is something wrong that you're calling at this hour?"

Lin Taotao was somewhat surprised, as Li Zhenhua usually wouldn't call her during work hours.

"Well, there's something I need to tell you."

Li Zhenhua spoke in a relaxed tone, as if he were talking about an ordinary little thing.

"An investigation team came to the factory. They were sent by higher-ups to investigate me."

"Investigation team?"

Lin Taotao's voice instantly rose eight octaves, filled with shock and worry.

"What's going on? Why are they investigating you? What happened?"

"It's nothing serious."

Li Zhenhua smiled and reassured him.

"Some people wrote anonymous letters reflecting some untrue information, such as my relationship with Director Lou's daughter and some work arrangements at the factory. It's normal for the organization to verify this according to procedure."

"Anonymous letter? You call this a minor issue?"

Lin Taotao became anxious.

"This is clearly someone deliberately setting you up! Zhenhua, don't take this lightly! This kind of investigation is very troublesome, and even if they don't find anything wrong in the end, it will still have a very bad impact on you! I'm taking leave right now to come see you!"

"No, Tao Tao, listen to me."

Li Zhenhua quickly stopped her.

"Your arrival now won't be of much help; in fact, it might make things more complicated. The investigation team will be at the factory this afternoon, and I will cooperate with their investigation and clarify things. I believe the organization will give me a fair conclusion."

He paused, his tone becoming gentle yet firm.

"I'm calling you not to worry you, but just to let you know what's going on. I don't want you to hear rumors from others and get even more anxious. Don't worry, I'm fine, I can handle it."

Lin Taotao was silent for a few seconds on the other end of the phone. She could hear the calmness and confidence in Li Zhenhua's tone, but this did not completely eliminate her worries.

She understands the rules of the system and knows the power of such investigations.

"Zhenhua..."

Lin Taotao's voice was choked with sobs.

"You must be careful. Those people will use any means necessary. If you need me to do anything, you must tell me!"

"I know."

A warm feeling welled up in Li Zhenhua's heart.

"Just take care of yourself. By the way, don't tell your parents about this beforehand, so they won't worry. I'll explain it to them personally after the investigation is over."

"Okay, I understand."

Lin Taotao suppressed her unease.

"Then... keep in touch at all times."

After hanging up the phone, Li Zhenhua took a deep breath.

The reason for calling Lin Taotao was twofold: firstly, to reassure her and prevent her from making any irrational decisions in a moment of panic.

Secondly, it is also a form of planning ahead.

If things really do develop to the worst possible point, Lin Taotao will be the key to his comeback.

At 2 p.m., a joint investigation team of five people, led by the deputy head of the discipline inspection team of the superior unit, arrived at Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill on time.

Factory Director Yang and members of the factory leadership team greeted the delegation in front of the factory building; the atmosphere was solemn and serious.

Standing behind Director Yang, Li Zhenhua stood tall and calm. When shaking hands with each member of the investigation team, he was neither arrogant nor humble, and his eyes were open and honest.

After a brief meeting, the investigation team set up a temporary office in the factory's conference room and immediately began their work.

Their first step was to speak with factory leaders, middle-level managers, and relevant personnel separately.

The first person invited into the meeting room was Li Zhenhua.

The meeting room was simply furnished, with a long table. The five members of the investigation team sat on one side, while Li Zhenhua sat alone opposite them.

The atmosphere was oppressive, carrying an invisible pressure.

The team was led by Zhang, the deputy head of the discipline inspection group, a cadre in his forties with a serious expression. He first read out the investigation rules and related requirements, and then began the questioning.

"Comrade Li Zhenhua, we have received complaints from the public, mainly concerning three issues. Please explain the situation to the organization truthfully."

Deputy Team Leader Zhang's tone was businesslike and devoid of any emotional coloring.

"The first question concerns your relationship with Lou Xiao'e, the daughter of capitalist Lou Zhenhua. Please explain how you met, the frequency and content of your interactions, and whether there was any contact beyond what is necessary for normal work. Did Lou Zhenhua or his daughter obtain any improper benefits at the steel rolling mill through you?"

Li Zhenhua had already prepared his answer. He sat upright, looked directly at the other person, and answered calmly.

"Team Leader Zhang, fellow members of the investigation team. My contact with Comrade Lou Xiao'e began when Director Lou Zhenhua came to the factory to receive a work report, and Comrade Lou Xiao'e accompanied him. Later, because Director Lou showed some interest in the factory's logistics management, Comrade Lou Xiao'e helped him understand the situation, and we had several working-level exchanges. In addition, on a chance occasion, I met Comrade Lou Xiao'e at the Moscow Restaurant. At that time, Wang Haitao, Gao Peng, and others were causing trouble, and as a cadre present, I had a responsibility to stop the violence and protect the safety of the public. Apart from this, I have had no private interactions with Comrade Lou Xiao'e. As a shareholder of the factory, it is normal for Director Lou Zhenhua to be concerned about the factory's development, but there was no transfer of benefits between me and him or his daughter. This can be testified to by Factory Director Yang and other leaders. All my contacts with the Lou family were in public and in accordance with procedures."

His answer was clear, logical, and well-founded, limiting the nature of the interaction to work and occasional events, and distancing himself from any personal or financial ties.

Deputy Team Leader Zhang took careful notes, glancing at Li Zhenhua every now and then, as if trying to find a flaw in his expression.

But Li Zhenhua's expression remained calm throughout.

"The second question," Deputy Team Leader Zhang continued.

"Regarding your exceptional promotion of Qin Huairu, the spouse of the deceased employee Jia Dongxu, to work in the logistics department's warehouse, the public has reported that Qin Huairu has a low level of education and lacks work experience. Your use of your authority to place her in an important position raises suspicions of abuse of power for personal gain. Some have even alleged an improper relationship between you and Qin Huairu. Please explain the reasons and procedures for promoting Qin Huairu, and the true nature of your relationship with her."

This issue is more pointed, directly targeting the bottom line of morality and discipline.

Li Zhenhua's expression turned serious. He raised his voice slightly, his tone carrying an undeniable air of righteousness.

"Regarding Comrade Qin Huairu's work arrangement, I need to make a solemn statement. First, Comrade Jia Dongxu died in the line of duty, leaving his family in dire straits. It is the organization's duty to care for the families of deceased workers and help them overcome employment difficulties. Second, while the warehouse keeper position does not require a high level of education, it demands meticulousness, a strong sense of responsibility, and a hardworking spirit. After Comrade Jia Dongxu's passing, Comrade Qin Huairu single-handedly supported her family, demonstrating strong resilience and a strong sense of responsibility, which was assessed. Third, her employment was processed entirely according to the factory's temporary worker recruitment procedures." After internal discussion in the logistics department and filing with the factory personnel department, the procedures were compliant. Fourth, in the recent lubricant incident at the factory, she astutely identified the problem and reported it in a timely manner, avoiding significant losses and making a meritorious contribution. This fully demonstrates that she is fully capable of performing her duties. As for the so-called "improper relationship," it is pure malicious slander! I, Li Zhenhua, act with integrity and have absolutely no such sordid conduct! Such defamatory remarks are not only an insult to me but also a trampling on Comrade Qin Huairu's character! I urge the investigation team to thoroughly investigate the source of the rumors and hold the slanderers accountable!

His response was forceful and clear, not only clarifying the facts but also turning the tables on the person spreading the rumors, demanding that they be held accountable.

This righteous and stern demeanor prompted a young member of the investigation team to nod slightly in approval.

Deputy Team Leader Zhang remained calm and continued to press for details, such as the specific circumstances of his contact with Qin Huairu and whether she had received any special treatment.

Li Zhenhua answered each question meticulously, always emphasizing the importance of working relationships and procedural compliance.

"The third question,"

Deputy Team Leader Zhang asked the final question.

"There are reports that you are domineering and authoritarian in your courtyard house, and that you are out of touch with the masses. Please talk about this."

When Li Zhenhua heard this question, he smiled, a smile that carried a hint of helplessness and sarcasm.

"I think it would be best to ask Director Wang from the subdistrict office or other neighbors in our compound to answer this question, as they would likely be more objective. As an ordinary resident, I have always respected neighborly relations. Previously, the former head of the compound, Comrade Yi Zhonghai, attempted to violate policy and interfere with the compensation and housing rights of the families of deceased workers. As someone who knew about this, I reported the situation to the subdistrict office and upheld fairness and justice. If this incident makes me appear 'domineering' or 'dictatorial,' then I have nothing to say. But I believe that the subdistrict office and the majority of residents in the compound have discerning eyes."

He skillfully deflected the accusations by shifting the focus to Yi Zhonghai's illegal activities and his own stance of upholding justice.

The entire questioning process lasted approximately forty minutes.

Li Zhenhua answered fluently and with a dignified yet respectful attitude, maintaining both respect for the investigation team and firmly upholding his innocence and dignity.

The investigation team members exchanged glances; clearly, in their first direct encounter, they had not found any obvious flaws.

Deputy Team Leader Zhang closed his notebook and said expressionlessly.

"Comrade Li Zhenhua, that concludes our conversation for today. Please return to your work now, remain in contact with us, and cooperate with the investigation team's next steps. During this period, we hope you will observe discipline and refrain from unnecessary contact with relevant personnel."

"I understand. I will strictly abide by the rules and actively cooperate with the organization's investigation."

Li Zhenhua stood up, nodded slightly to the members of the investigation team, and then calmly walked out of the conference room.

Outside the door, Director Yang and several other factory leaders were waiting, their faces full of concern.

Upon seeing Li Zhenhua emerge, Factory Director Yang quickly stepped forward and asked in a low voice.

"Zhenhua, how's it going?"

Li Zhenhua gave Factory Director Yang a reassuring look.

"Factory manager, it's nothing. I just explained the situation to the investigation team truthfully. I believe the organization will find out the truth."

His calm tone and composed attitude eased the tense atmosphere considerably.

However, Li Zhenhua knew in his heart that this was only the beginning.

The investigation team will not give up so easily. They will definitely look for Qin Huairu, other employees in the factory, and may even go to the courtyard house to conduct an investigation.

The real test is yet to come.

While Li Zhenhua was being questioned by the investigation team, Lin Taotao was restless inside a police station of the Municipal Public Security Bureau.

After hanging up with Li Zhenhua, she outwardly pretended to be calm and dealt with her work, but her mind had already flown to the steel rolling mill.

She knew Li Zhenhua well; she knew he was capable and had a strong mentality. But she also knew how terrifying such investigations from above could be. Often, no solid evidence was needed; mere suspicion and public opinion could ruin a person's future.

"Anonymous letter...investigation team...lifestyle...abuse of power for personal gain..."

These words coiled around her heart like venomous snakes.

She absolutely refused to believe that Li Zhenhua was that kind of person; this was clearly a frame-up!

Considering the backgrounds of Wang Haitao, Gao Peng, and others involved in the previous conflict at the Moscow restaurant, as well as the complex relationship between the factory and the compound that Li Zhenhua vaguely mentioned, Lin Taotao was almost certain that this was a meticulously planned revenge!

"No! We absolutely cannot let them succeed!"

Lin Taotao suddenly stood up and paced back and forth in the office.

Li Zhenhua told her not to worry and to wait, but how could she wait?

By the time the investigation is over and the innocence is proven, it will be too late!

Once tainted by such a political stain, future development will face numerous difficulties.

She thought of calling her father.

But is it appropriate to bother my father with such a "trivial" matter, given his high position and busy schedule?

Moreover, given that his father has always been principled, wouldn't he think that Li Zhenhua really has a problem?

But then I thought about it again. My father had a very good impression of Li Zhenhua and had praised him after the last family dinner.

More importantly, this matter involves not only Li Zhenhua personally, but also the attack by certain forces on the talent favored by his father, and may even imply a more complex political game.

With that thought in mind, Lin Taotao no longer hesitated. She glanced at the time; it was a little past three in the afternoon. Her father was probably in a meeting or dealing with important documents at this time.

She couldn't worry about anything else; she had to contact her father immediately.

She picked up the phone and dialed the confidential hotline in her father's office.

The phone rang for a long time before being answered; it was Liu, the calm and collected secretary who worked alongside my father.