Title: Reborn in Handong, Starting with an Investment in Gao Yuliang

Shen Zhongxing took a document out of his briefcase and handed it to Lu Kangcheng.

"Based on a joint raid investigation by the Public Security Bureau and the Procuratorate."

"The situation is... more complicated than we anticipated."

Shen Zhongxing lowered his voice.

"We have arrested several core members of the gang that poisoned the food factory and assaulted a driver on the national highway."

"After an overnight interrogation."

"Their testimonies are very consistent."

Shen Zhongxing paused and glanced at Lu Kangcheng's expression.

Seeing that Lu Kangcheng showed no surprise, he continued:

"Based on these testimonies, I suspect that the person in charge of this matter is Comrade Zhao Lichun's son, Zhao Ruilong!"

Although it was expected.

But when that name actually came out of Shen Zhongxing's mouth...

The air in the office seemed to freeze for a moment.

"Is there any evidence?"

Lu Kangcheng flipped through the documents and asked casually.

"We haven't found them yet, we only have their statements."

Shen Zhongxing replied, "Those thugs took the money and said they were directly contacted by Fatty Liu, who works for Zhao Ruilong."

"And Fatty Liu is an old acquaintance of Zhao Ruilong, which is no secret in the industry."

"Furthermore, we also found out..."

"That fat Liu made several phone calls to Zhao Ruilong after the incident."

"This shows that Zhao Ruilong was at least aware of it, or even directly instructed him to do so."

Speaking of it.

Shen Zhongxing stopped.

He looked at Lu Kangcheng and asked the question that troubled him the most, and was also the most crucial.

"Secretary Lu."

"As for whether Comrade Zhao Lichun was aware of this matter, there is currently no evidence to suggest that he was involved."

"However, he certainly cannot escape responsibility for failing to properly discipline his family members."

Shen Zhongxing took a deep breath and stared intently at Lu Kangcheng.

It's as if they're waiting for a final judgment.

"The key now is..."

"If we follow the clues, the chain of evidence will undoubtedly point to Zhao Ruilong."

"That......"

"Should we arrest them or not?"

"If Zhao Ruilong is arrested, what will happen to Zhao Lichun..."

Shen Zhongxing did not continue speaking.

But the meaning couldn't be clearer.

Arresting Zhao Ruilong means completely breaking ties with Zhao Lichun.

It could even trigger a major political upheaval in Handong.

This determination.

Shen Zhongxing couldn't get off.

Only Provincial Party Secretary Lu Kangcheng can step down!

Inside the office.

The air seemed to freeze.

Lu Kangcheng did not answer immediately.

He remained seated on the sofa, relaxed.

The cigarette he was holding was half-burned, and the long ash was about to fall.

But his eyes pierced through the smoke, staring at Shen Zhongxing like a hawk.

That invisible pressure made even Shen Zhongxing, a deputy provincial-level official, feel a chill run down his spine.

a long time.

Lu Kangcheng then slowly spoke.

The voice wasn't loud, but it carried an air of authority.

"Comrade ZTE."

"That's a good question."

Lu Kangcheng reached out and gently flicked the ash from the cigarette in the ashtray.

The movements were slow and methodical.

"Are there any special privileges before the law?"

Are Party discipline and national laws just for show?

This series of questions caused beads of sweat to appear on Shen Zhongxing's forehead.

He quickly straightened his back: "Secretary Lu, of course there are no special privileges! Everyone is equal before the law!"

"In that case..."

Lu Kangcheng stubbed out his cigarette, his gaze suddenly turning sharp.

"Then what are you still hesitating for?"

"You are the head of the task force."

"The Provincial Party Committee entrusted this sword to you so that you could slay demons and monsters, not to use it as a mere decoration!"

Upon hearing this...

Shen Zhongxing's heart skipped a beat.

Imperial sword!

This is a powerful tool given to us by Secretary Lu!

With that statement, what was there for him to fear from Zhao Lichun?

"Secretary Lu, I understand!"

Shen Zhongxing stood up excitedly. "Since I have your instructions, I will make the arrangements immediately and summon Zhao Ruilong!"

however.

Just as Shen Zhongxing was about to turn and leave.

Lu Kangcheng's voice rang out again, faintly.

"Wait a minute."

These two words.

Like a spell that freezes him in place, it made Shen Zhongxing stop in his tracks.

He turned around and looked at Lu Kangcheng with some confusion.

Lu Kangcheng pointed to the sofa: "Sit down, what's the rush?"

Shen Zhongxing had no choice but to sit down again.

Lu Kangcheng picked up his teacup, blew away the foam, and his tone became meaningful.

"ZTE."

"It's good to have drive when solving cases."

"However, we must pay more attention to strategy and be pragmatic."

Lu Kangcheng put down his teacup, leaned forward slightly, and stared into Shen Zhongxing's eyes.

He said, slowly and deliberately:

"Especially cases involving the families of high-ranking officials."

"We must be even more cautious!"

"You just said there were only testimonies, no direct evidence?"

Shen Zhongxing nodded: "Yes, so far we only have the statements of those thugs and the call records."

"That won't work."

Lu Kangcheng shook his head, his tone becoming serious.

"A statement alone is a single piece of evidence."

"Call records can only prove that they contacted each other, not that Zhao Ruilong instigated the crime."

"If you arrest someone based on this alone..."

"What if they arrest the wrong person?"

"What if it's just a misunderstanding?"

"How will we explain this to the Provincial Party Committee? How will we explain it to Comrade Zhao Lichun?"

Lu Kangcheng's voice was not loud, but every word was piercing.

"You must remember this."

"We investigate cases to uphold the law and discipline, not to engage in political struggles."

"And it's not about imposing guilt by association!"

"Without irrefutable evidence, without the kind of evidence that can definitively prove the case closed."

"We absolutely must not act rashly!"

"Otherwise, if this causes political turmoil in Handong, can you, Shen Zhongxing, bear the responsibility?"

boom!

These words were like a bucket of ice water poured over someone's head.

Shen Zhongxing's initial enthusiasm vanished instantly.

Looking at the unfathomable secretary before him, he finally understood the unspoken meaning.

This is the art of imperial strategy!

on the one hand.

I'm giving you the imperial sword to investigate and put pressure on Zhao Lichun.

This is meant to put pressure on the Zhao family, to use their strength against them.

on the other hand.

And now you're under even more pressure.

There must be irrefutable evidence!

Arrest people without solid evidence.

That means you, Shen Zhongxing, failed to handle things properly and that you messed things up and escalated the situation.

At that time.

Lu Kangcheng could completely absolve himself of any responsibility.

They even went so far as to appease Zhao Lichun, saying that the people below were ignorant.

high!

That's brilliant!

Shen Zhongxing felt that his back was soaked with cold sweat.

This is hardly a case investigation.

This is clearly walking a tightrope!

The slightest mistake could result in utter destruction!

"Secretary Lu, I...I understand."

Shen Zhongxing swallowed, his voice a little hoarse.

"I will follow your instructions strictly."

"Emphasis on evidence, less on confessions."

"Never act blindly before the chain of evidence is completely closed."

Lu Kangcheng nodded in satisfaction.

A warm smile returned to his face.

"That's right."

"Go for it, go for it."

"As long as the evidence is conclusive, even if the sky falls, the provincial party committee will hold it up for you!"