In name only: I will break the chess game in Handong!

"Comrade Daochi, please speak slowly."

You are not some clueless junior staff member; you are now a member of the Standing Committee of Hainan Province and the Secretary of the Sanya Municipal Party Committee!

You must understand that the sky won't fall down; you must always remain calm and think things through.

Remaining calm and composed in the face of both honor and disgrace is the foremost quality for accomplishing great things.

Hearing that the old Party Secretary still wanted to educate him, Tong Daochi quickly interrupted.

"Old Party Secretary, I really wasn't joking with you."

Something terrible has happened! My son has been arrested by the National Security officers on charges of endangering national security!

Upon hearing this, Luo Baolin frowned deeply.

"Comrade Daochi, if your son is taken away by the National Security Bureau for breaking the law, what's the use of telling me?"

Even if we wield great power, we cannot interfere with normal judicial procedures.

"Old Secretary! It's not just a simple case of illegal or criminal activity; the order to arrest my son came directly from the Ministry of State Security."

As you know, although my son is a bit of a spoiled brat and likes to do whatever he wants in my name, it shouldn't be enough to warrant the Ministry of State Security issuing an arrest order, right?

Even if it's murder or arson, heinous crimes, the provincial public security bureau has more than enough authority to arrest them.

"So? Comrade Daochi, what are you trying to say?"

"Old Party Secretary... I... I suspect this isn't really aimed at my son at all."

They came not for me, a deputy provincial-level official, but for you, the former Party Secretary!

Upon hearing this, Luo Baolin instantly stood up from his chair. Just moments ago, he had emphasized that he was unperturbed by honor or disgrace, but now he was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, sweating profusely!

"Comrade Daochi, is everything you just said true?"

Seemingly not quite believing it, Luo Baolin confirmed it again.

"Old Party Secretary, why would I lie to you?"

We are all in the same boat, and you are the captain of this boat; this is an undeniable fact.

For a moment, both of them fell silent.

"Comrade Daochi, can your son control his mouth?"

Upon hearing this, Tong Daochi's composure crumbled.

"Old Secretary, if this bastard could keep the secret, why would I need to bail him out... He's just a coward."

Besides, the person is with the National Security Bureau, and you're not unaware of their methods.

I'm asking you precisely because I know the answer!

Tong Daochi, tell me the truth.

"You damned son, how much do you really know, and how much will you spill to the table!"

"Um... the old Party Secretary, he basically knows everything I've done."

"You mean you'll be the first one to fall into the water after your son confesses?"

"That's how it is in theory..."

This completely killed the conversation. Luo Baolin also understood Tong Daochi's subtext: if he fell into the water, no one else could escape unscathed from staying on the boat.

Luo Baolin's lips twitched violently, and he exhaled a heavy breath of stale air. Then he lit a cigarette and blew out a smoke ring.

"Daochi, we've known each other for over twenty years. I took a liking to you when I was the county party secretary."

We've nurtured and trusted you all these years.

Your position has also been promoted along with mine; you're now a deputy provincial-level cadre, which is quite a high rank.

"Old Party Secretary, I am very grateful to you!"

"But... Daochi!"

One should have a conscience.

Whoever makes the mistake must take responsibility.

I can try to inquire about your son's situation and see if I can get him to help, but if that doesn't work...

I hope you can take responsibility for your own work.

Don't worry, your parents and their comrades will take good care of them. Do you understand what I mean?

Tong Daochi trembled all over as he listened, his eyes reddening. He was unwilling to give up and tentatively asked, "Old Secretary, the problem hasn't gotten that serious yet, has it?"

Besides, I might not be able to handle it all by myself…”

"Comrade Daochi! Think of your parents, they're over eighty years old. There are some things I don't want to say a second time!"

"Old Party Secretary, I..."

"Okay, it's settled then."

I don't want to hear any of your explanations.

"Let me try to contact them now and see if I can get your son released. I hope it's just a misunderstanding..."

After saying that, Luo Baolin hung up the phone.

In the Sanya Municipal Party Committee building, in the secretary's office, Tong Daochi trembled as he put down the phone.

"Using me as a shield... Luo Baolin, I only have one son. If I go down in the mud, do you really think you can escape?"

In the silence, Tong Daochi couldn't help but sigh.

As night deepened, Luo Baolin was at home in Whale City, smiling as he answered the phone.

"Secretary Sun, this is Luo Baolin!"

"Oh, Comrade Baolin, what's up with calling me? I'm quite busy with work right now, I only have a few minutes, so please get to the point."

"After all, you've stepped down to the second line now, while I'm still holding the position of full-time deputy secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission."

"Ahem, it's like this, Secretary Sun, I have some things I'd like to consult with the comrades from the National Security Bureau."

However, I don't have Comrade Guoan's contact information, so I can only try to contact you, Secretary Sun.

"National Security? I say, Comrade Baolin, you're the deputy director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress, right?"

Seeking advice from comrades in the National Security Bureau... Could it be that you've discovered a spy?

There are quite a few such spies among overseas Chinese.

"You're getting old; why not let younger people do such dangerous work?"

"Yes, yes, Secretary Sun, your words are profound. When people get old, they have to accept it. It's been a long time since we last met."

Give me your contact information first, and I'll treat you to a nice drink in a couple of days!

"No need for a drink. I'm busy with work, unlike you who has free time every day. As for how to contact me, I only have the phone number of Comrade Long Yan, the Deputy Minister of National Security."

I sent it to you. By the way, remember to be polite. Don't underestimate him just because he's only a deputy provincial-level official. You know how important the National Security Bureau is without me having to explain.

And that was it, he hung up.

Having finally obtained their contact information, Luo Baolin felt unhappy instead. He was increasingly aware of the sadness of being forgotten once the person left.

Before his transfer, he was a powerful regional official, and everyone gave him face. But now, even a full-time deputy secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission dares to openly criticize him like this.

He shook his head, suppressing the bitterness in his heart for the time being; he still had things to do.

Taking a deep breath, Luo Baolin dialed Long Yan's number.

The phone rang several times before it was finally answered.

"Who are you!"

Hearing the serious tone, Luo Baolin quickly explained, "Minister Long, hello, my name is Luo Baolin."

Seemingly feeling that this wasn't enough, Luo Baolin added, "The former secretary of Hai Province has just been transferred to the Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress as its deputy director."

"Deputy Director Luo, is there something you need?"

"There's something very small, it's like this..."

Luo Baolin quickly recounted the situation of Tong Daochi's son.

Upon hearing this, Long Yan laughed in anger.

"Deputy Director Luo, I know about what you're talking about."

"Oh? That's great!"

Minister Long, it's just that the child is ignorant and caused this trouble. Don't worry, Comrade Tong Daochi will definitely be disciplined more strictly in the future!

"Ahem, I just wonder when they'll release them?"

"Release them? Ha, Deputy Director Luo, are you drunk?"