Family connections: From special recruitment by the county committee to the pinnacle of power

Just as Lin Weidong was feeling uneasy, wondering how to explain to Qi Hongchang, Zhou Peng, the director of the Central Town Land Office, also stood up and said, "Secretary Qi, leaders, I am the director of the Central Town Land Office, my name is Zhou Peng."

"What Director Wang just said is all true. That afternoon, when Lin Mingyuan had just designated that piece of woodland as the site for Tiancheng Holdings' factory, I reminded Comrade Lin Mingyuan."

"After all, after the provincial government issued the official document, the comrades of the county forestry bureau carried out afforestation work on many unused lands in response to the province's call."

"Therefore, before delineating a plot of land, it is essential to conduct an on-site inspection to confirm its accuracy before it can be formally incorporated into official documents."

"However, Comrade Lin Mingyuan was in a hurry to keep his appointment with Secretary Luo at the time, and he directly retorted to my words, saying that as the group leader of the county party committee's research office, how could he not know as much as I did?"

"I had no choice but to let it be. After all, he was sent down by the higher-level leadership to be in charge of the preliminary investigation. I had no say in front of Comrade Lin Mingyuan."

"Furthermore, I would like to raise another issue: during Comrade Lin Mingyuan's research trip to the central town, he almost never left the central town government's office building."

"Even when he leaves, he goes out for drinks and banquets with the town's leaders. Although I was worried that something like this would happen, I am just a nobody and my words carry no weight. Comrade Lin Mingyuan never takes my warnings to heart."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present turned their attention to Lin Weidong.

On the surface, Zhou Peng was only talking about Lin Mingyuan's problem. However, if we connect his words with Wang Chendong's words, wouldn't that just confirm Wang Chendong's conjecture that Lin Mingyuan was forming factions at Lin Weidong's behest?

Before Zhou Peng spoke, Lin Weidong could still offer a defense, but now that the facts are laid bare, how can Lin Weidong offer any explanation?

Soon, many bureau leaders in the county also reported the problem to Qi Hongchang. They all pointed to the fact that Lin Mingyuan had been in close contact with the main leaders of the central town recently, and they were often seen going in and out of restaurants and banquets.

For a moment, it seemed as if everyone's criticism was directed at Lin Mingyuan, but in reality, it was all aimed at Lin Weidong!

At this moment, Lin Weidong had completely given up the struggle.

Now that things have come to this, even if he has a lot of words, he can't argue with so many people.

All of this is because of those few photos.

Just as Lin Weidong slowly closed his eyes, resigning himself to fate, Qi Hongchang's voice came, addressing Lin Weidong: "Comrade Lin Weidong, what are your thoughts?"

What are your thoughts?

What do you think Lin Weidong might have?

But he could only force a smile and say to Qi Hongchang, "Secretary Qi, I really didn't expect that Mingyuan... he really is so irresponsible towards his work!"

"I...I suggest that the county committee expel Lin Mingyuan as a warning to others!"

Upon hearing this, Qi Hongchang smiled faintly and said, "Is that really necessary? Isn't that going too far?"

Lin Weidong's heart skipped a beat when he saw Qi Hongchang's ambiguous smile.

He was being sarcastic; it wasn't that Qi Hongchang thought firing Lin Mingyuan was going too far, but rather that he was waiting for Lin Weidong's reaction!

Dealing with Lin Mingyuan alone is far from enough!

Lin Weidong looked troubled and said, "Secretary Qi, I don't think it's making a mountain out of a molehill. It's precisely because Lin Mingyuan is my son that we need to be even stricter with him."

"As the head of the county propaganda department, I failed to set a good example, which is why Comrade Lin Mingyuan is so passive and unserious about his work. I...I believe that Comrade Lin Mingyuan is really not suitable to continue in the civil service!"

"Furthermore, I myself need to offer a profound self-criticism to Secretary Qi, the county party committee, and all the leaders present!"

Qi Hongchang nodded in satisfaction and said, "Minister Lin's high level of awareness is truly a good example for all of us. As for the handling of Comrade Lin Mingyuan, I think the county committee should study it again."

"Today's meeting will conclude here for now. The key leaders of each bureau must cooperate fully with the research team to expedite the implementation of Tiancheng Holdings' project. In future work, we must all learn from the mistakes made by Comrade Lin Mingyuan!"

"Meeting adjourned!"

After speaking, Qi Hongchang put away his meeting minutes notebook, picked up his thermos, and walked out of the meeting room.

Everyone present stood up and watched Qi Hongchang walk away.

Then, the Standing Committee members, led by Jiang Hua, left the meeting room in order of their rank.

Only Lin Weidong sat blankly in the chair, his heart filled with mixed emotions!

Qi Hongchang wasn't refusing to deal with him and Lin Mingyuan; rather, it was inconvenient for him to be dealt with publicly.

After all, they didn't have any concrete evidence against Lin Weidong, so it was too embarrassing for Lin Mingyuan to say that he would deal with Lin Weidong.

However, not dealing with Lin Weidong and dealing with Lin Mingyuan would be making a mountain out of a molehill.

Therefore, Qi Hongchang temporarily put the matter aside, but what awaits Lin Weidong afterward is definitely a storm!

Robin shared the same complex feelings as Lin Weidong.

He's a seasoned veteran, so naturally he wouldn't be like an innocent Shin-chan who would think that Qi Hongchang's statement that the county committee would "look into it again" meant the matter was over.

On the contrary, Qi Hongchang wanted to use this incident to completely eliminate any future troubles!

And this trouble involves not only Lin Weidong, but also the Party Secretary of the central town!

This time, he was really badly harmed by Lin Mingyuan!

Originally Lin Hanlong's man, he is now caught in the vortex of Lin Weidong's faction-building, which is no different from violating the law.

It's not just Qi Hongchang who won't tolerate him and Lin Weidong; anyone would never allow someone to form a clique right under their nose!

Not long after they had sat down, Jiang Hua pushed open the door and walked into Qi Hongchang's office.

"Secretary Jiang, is there something you need?"

Qi Hongchang smiled and pointed to the chair opposite him, then spoke with a smile.

Jiang Hua walked to the chair and sat down, then said to Qi Hongchang, "Secretary Qi, there are some things I can't say publicly in front of so many leaders."

"But these words, stuck in my throat, felt like a lump in my throat!"

As Qi Hongchang poured water for Jiang Hua, he smiled and said, "Old Jiang, we've been working together for two or three years now, don't you know me?"

"Just say what you want to say, don't feel guilty."

As they spoke, Qi Hongchang handed a cup of hot tea to Jiang Hua.

After Jiang Hua accepted the teacup with both hands, he said to Qi Hongchang, "Old Qi, I was really worried for you!"

Qi Hongchang raised an eyebrow, sized up Jiang Hua, and said, "Old Jiang, what... what do you mean by this?"

Jiang Hua sighed softly and said, "Old Qi, how come you're still in the dark?"

"Lin Hanlong and Lin Weidong have clearly been colluding for a long time. This time, because of the recording, you reported it to the Qingshan Municipal Party Committee, and after Lin Hanlong was taken away for investigation, Lin Weidong's underhanded tactics haven't stopped!"

"He's trying to retaliate, teaming up with Lin Hanlong's former secretary, Robin, to plot against you!"