Right path to power

Lin Xiao frowned slightly. He understood Huang Zaichuan's true intentions, but he still said with a solemn expression, "Secretary Huang, ever since County Chief Gao's incident, I've often thought that if I had been in the car at the time, I wouldn't have escaped either. But I really can't understand what kind of stake would make them risk everything to murder a county chief. Did they really think that this kind of murder would be covered up?"

And given their audacity—if they dared to do it once, won't they do it again? Now that this matter has taken shape, we can't rest easy until we get to the bottom of it completely. As for the pilot project in Songmao Village, I will resolutely obey the county's unified arrangements.”

Gong Lei's lips curled up slightly as he glanced at Lin Xiao, thinking to himself: Good lad, having a big tree behind you really makes things easier!

In fact, if he didn't know that Lin Xiao had such a powerful backer, he would have been extremely disgusted by what Lin Xiao said today. Huang Zaichuan probably felt the same way, since these were not the kinds of things an ordinary secretary should do.

However, in Gong Lei's view, how could his secretary be an ordinary secretary?

Huang Zaichuan's expression was rather unpleasant. He glanced at Lin Xiao, thinking: You, a mere secretary, actually... If it weren't for Wang... Sigh, never mind...

After a moment, he finally said, "Xiao Lin, your concerns are not unfounded. This matter definitely needs to be thoroughly investigated. However, Mayor Li's instructions are also very important. Fengshan County's development is currently at a critical stage. There are only four months left to complete this year's targets. Time is tight and the task is heavy. We must ensure that all work is not affected no matter what. We have been at the bottom of the annual assessment for three consecutive years, but three times is too many!"

"That's right, time is indeed tight." At this moment, Gong Lei took over the conversation. "Secretary Huang, I have already had someone start to formulate a comprehensive plan to strengthen investment promotion. All departments and townships in the county must make their goals clear, keep a close eye on the progress, and sign responsibility agreements. If they cannot complete the tasks by the end of the year, it will be reflected in the unit assessment and cadre evaluation. At the same time, the heads of units and townships that rank lower will have to give a report at the county-wide cadre meeting."

Secretary Huang, time is of the essence. The success of economic development hinges on attracting investment, but this matter requires the unified leadership of the county party committee to better mobilize all cadres to actively participate. Therefore, I suggest we discuss this further at tomorrow's Standing Committee meeting.

Lin Xiao's face also showed a hint of joy. He understood Gong Lei's meaning; this was to force Huang Zaichuan to make a statement.

Secretary Huang is somewhat indecisive and always hesitates before acting. He likes to maintain a balance in everything and doesn't want anything major to happen. This is one of the reasons why Fengshan County's development has been lukewarm. After all, many times you need to be enterprising and courageous, and it is precisely because of this that some people have become increasingly unscrupulous.

Ever since receiving the call from Wang Yuanze, Huang Zaichuan's face had remained somber, and even the occasional smile he showed appeared extremely stiff.

As the county party secretary, his biggest mistake was his inability to control the overall situation. Faced with a county head who was pressing him step by step and a secretary with a powerful background, he was also unable to fully exert his authority as the secretary. More importantly, some things at present were more beneficial than harmful to him, so he felt frustrated and helpless.

After taking a small sip of tea and thinking for a while, Huang Zaichuan said, "Okay, then let's put this plan and the pilot project in Songmao Village together at the meeting tomorrow."

Gong Lei breathed a sigh of relief. The investment promotion plan was issued in the form of a joint document from the county party committee and the county government, which could both improve the execution and strengthen supervision and accountability.

Around 3 p.m., Xu Jingnan called to report on the situation.

Five minutes later, he entered the county party secretary's office and reported the progress of the case to Gong Lei in person. Due to the swift action of the public security bureau, more than 20 people involved in the case had been arrested, and an arrest warrant had been issued for the main suspect, Cai Qingqi. In addition, the relevant special procedures for people's congress representatives had been initiated earlier.

"Comrade Jingnan, you've worked hard. Please give my regards to the comrades. Next, you must press your advantage and investigate thoroughly, while also paying attention to confidentiality and controlling public opinion..."

Huang Zaichuan expressed his full affirmation and praise for the work of the public security authorities.

"Yes, Secretary Huang! Please rest assured, I will personally oversee this case and guarantee its completion."

Huang Zaichuan nodded and dismissed everyone. Now that the situation was settled, he could go back and rest.

Gong Lei then went back as well.

Lin Xiao and Xu Jingnan went out for a meal together.

"Xiao Lin, I'm busy tonight, so I won't drink now. Let's play another round after we bring Cai Qingqi back."

"Drinking is a minor matter; there will be plenty of opportunities to solve this case."

"That's right."

"By the way, Director Xu, this is a big case, especially since it involves County Chief Gao, and the city is paying close attention. Although it hasn't been fully investigated yet, I estimate that quite a few people are involved, so there will definitely be people trying to pull strings. You're under a lot of pressure."

Xu Jingnan waved his hand dismissively and said, "If someone were to volunteer to handle something this big, I would welcome it. So I'm not really worried about it."

In my opinion, many people will be tossing and turning tonight, unable to sleep. First it was Zhan Shixiong, then Cai Qingqi. These two have been colluding for so long; it's impossible for them not to have someone behind them. If there weren't enough huge benefits to attract them, I don't think they would go so far as to kill a mere county magistrate like Gao.

Lin Xiao nodded and said, "If it does implicate a lot of people in the end, then there might be changes in the county. So, Director Xu, I think you should be prepared. Maybe you can even get things done in one go. You'll have to treat us then."

Xu Jingnan was taken aback for a moment, then felt a surge of joy.

Three years have passed since he was promoted to section chief. Although he is in charge of the county bureau's work without being the "executive deputy," he is still confident that he can be officially promoted and secure the position of bureau chief before seeking further advancement. But now, listening to Lin Xiao's words, it seems that it is not just about being a "bureau chief," which makes him very excited.

If anyone else had told him this, he would never have believed it, but a couple of days ago he specially invited He Zhiqiang to dinner and tried to find out about Lin Xiao's background, both openly and secretly. Although He Zhiqiang was being secretive, the information he revealed was enough to shock him. He Zhiqiang told him that Lin Xiao played a significant role in Gong Lei's victory in the county magistrate competition.

So, Xu Jingnan suppressed his excitement, raised his teacup and said, "Xiao Lin, I'll toast you with tea instead of wine. I'm not very good with words, so it's all in this cup of tea. Cheers!"

Lin Xiao also raised his teacup and drank it all in one gulp.

After dinner, Lin Xiao went home, while Xu Jingnan went back to the county bureau.

Soon, night fell.

Indeed, for many, tonight was a sleepless night.

Meanwhile, the county public security bureau was still brightly lit. Xu Jingnan had assigned capable personnel to conduct intensive interrogations of the arrested suspects overnight, determined to uncover as many useful clues as possible.

In contrast, some people are busy making phone calls, some to gather information, some to discuss countermeasures, some to find stronger connections, and some to meet in secret to devise countermeasures.

For a time, it was quite lively.

The next morning, just as Lin Xiao got up, Xu Jingnan called, saying that the interrogation the previous night had yielded significant results.

Lin Xiao was still a little sleepy at this moment, because he had slept very well last night.