Nominal: Energy sector enters Handong, breaking the deadlock

Everyone turned their heads at the sound.

Chung Cheng-mian felt that he really didn't look at the almanac before going out today, and why was it so annoying?

At the side door with its carved wrought ironwork, an elderly man dressed in retro linen casual wear walked slowly. He was easily recognizable as Director Chen, a well-known director in China.

His reputation is renowned both at home and abroad, and the films he starred in have made a number of male and female celebrities famous.

Two assistants followed him on either side, each carrying a bag.

Director Chen nodded to Song Yunhui and slightly raised his chin as a greeting.

Although I'm friends with Song Yunhui, there are some things I can't say right now.

Hou Liangping's pupils contracted slightly, and he subconsciously straightened up.

Hou Liangping actually lived a very frugal life, handing his bank card over to his wife, Zhong Xiaoai.

I want to go to the cinema to watch a movie, but I don't want to buy a ticket.

Watching TV series and movies at home is one of my few hobbies.

I've watched some classic movies over and over again, and I know almost every one of Director Chen's masterpieces by heart.

The director in front of us, Director Chen, is a top figure in the industry with connections spanning entertainment, government, and business circles.

I recognized it at a glance.

If it weren't for a case, I would definitely beg Director Chen to sign my autograph.

But a signature is worthless.

Inspecting the villas is the most urgent task.

That said, if something is found inside the villa, Director Chen will be ruined and his reputation will be tarnished; he might even have to work as a sewing machine.

I also need a bird's autograph.

There is absolutely collusion between officials and businessmen.

Director Chen is definitely using his position to obstruct the investigation.

Zhong Zhengmian gave him a look that made his meaning clear: Liangping, it's your turn. Go for it.

Hou Liangping understood immediately, stepped forward, and showed his identification and documents. "Director Chen, according to a report filed by a member of the public, this villa is suspected of containing embezzled funds and evidence of illegal activities by Zhao Dehan, a section chief from the Ministry of Energy and Resources. We are conducting a search in accordance with regulations."

Just like that, hey, he's suddenly righteous and full of confidence.

Director Chen, what can you do to me!

Director Chen raised an eyebrow, lightly rubbed his chin with the back of his hand, and turned his gaze to Zhao Dehan standing to the side. "You mean Zhao Dehan? I don't believe it!"

Chung Cheng-mian never expected that Director Chen would stand up for Zhao Dehan.

He nudged Qin Siyuan's arm and whispered a few words in his ear.

Qin Siyuan walked over to Director Chen and explained, "Director Chen, you are highly respected and have a great influence both at home and abroad. Your appeal is extraordinary."

However, I hope you will not interfere with our Anti-Corruption Bureau's investigation.

First, elevate the person's status and flatter them, then set the bottom line—a standard, template-like rhetoric.

Director Chen chuckled and spread his hands. "Director Qin, I'm just protecting my own real estate rights, so why are you accusing me of interfering with the investigation?"

Don't forget, I'm not only a director, actor, and businessman, but also a representative of the people.

Even the dean showed me some respect when he met me.

Qin Siyuan, you're trying to use your power to oppress people.

Using someone else's strength against them, bringing in the dean seems like a reasonable strategy.

Qin Siyuan almost cried; he'd really run into a tyrant. "Director Chen, I didn't. I was just stating the facts."

Director Chen said coldly, "Fine, there's a symposium for artists next month. How about I let the dean listen to the current recording?"

Hearing this, Qin Siyuan shut up.

Director Chen's recording is perfectly normal.

Upon hearing this, the dean realized he was Barbie Q!

Besides, it would only make things more difficult for yourself.

Director Chen is so difficult to deal with, he's not easy to handle at all.

Actually, with Director Chen getting involved, Chung Cheng-mian was a little apprehensive.

Is it a trap, or are they afraid of being investigated?

I can't figure it out.

Ding Yizhen's disappearance indicates that he definitely has problems, which means Zhao Dehan is definitely not clean.

Chung Cheng-mian pointed outside and said, "Director Chen, let me say something fair."

The property management's surveillance footage serves as evidence that Zhao Dehan entered and exited the villa.

We extracted the video footage of Zhao Dehan entering and leaving last night.

The officers from the investigation department also took photos.

It is true that you are a representative of the people.

However, since the public has raised this issue, I, Zhong Zhengmian, cannot sit idly by.

After his second uncle said that, Hou Liangping instantly felt much more confident.

They kept a close eye on Zhao Dehan, afraid he would run away.

Lu Xiaola smiled faintly, remaining silent throughout.

Song Yunhui's expression was calm and composed; he too remained silent, watching quietly.

As expected, Chung Cheng-mian, being a minister, is quite knowledgeable.

They're not that easy to fool.

Zhao Dehan's hands clenched slightly, panic and fear flickered in his eyes, and his shoulders trembled slightly.

He acted so convincingly, yet remained as calm as a rock.

Director Chen put on the hat his assistant handed him. "Prosecutor Chung, do you mean we have to search the villa today? Can you give this old man a break and not search it today? There are our props inside."

Chung Cheng-mian was certain there was something wrong. Unable to contain his excitement, he took a step forward and said, "Director Chen, we must investigate the villa today."

We must also abide by discipline when handling cases.

The only thing I can tell you is that an official from another province who is connected to Zhao Dehan has already fled. Do you think we should investigate him?

Director Chen shook his head. "What does it have to do with me that officials from other provinces are being investigated?"

Chung Cheng-mian stared directly at Director Chen, his blood boiling, and he was about to explode. "Director Chen, if you insist on obstructing the search of the villa involved and protecting the people involved, believe me or not, I will lead a team to your film and television group tomorrow, and call on the industry and commerce, fire department, and tax department to investigate all your companies thoroughly."

As soon as I said it, I regretted it.

It's difficult to investigate Director Chen's companies; many of them have state-owned capital investment.

It's still too addictive.

Director Chen sighed dramatically, rubbed his temples, and said with feigned helplessness, "Prosecutor Chung, you're absolutely a professional at bullying ordinary people."

I can't afford to mess with them, we'll see.

"Fine, investigate if you want, investigate all you want."

Hou Liangping was delighted; it really was his second uncle.

My second uncle's actions were extraordinary.

Next time something happens, if you need to call for help, call your second uncle.

Chung Cheng-mian felt the result was pretty good, and he finally managed to save some face. "Director Chen, thank you for your cooperation."

He then waved his hand, signaling to begin the search.

The door had just been opened when Hou Liangping was about to lie in ambush.

"Wait, don't rush in." Director Chen shouted. "I've already said that I occasionally film here, and there are many sets and props inside. If you law enforcement officers enter and bump into or damage props or trigger set mechanisms, causing any personal injury, it has nothing to do with me."

If any property is damaged, compensation will be required at its original price.

To absolve themselves of all responsibility in advance.

Hou Liangping turned his head and gave a wicked smile. "Director Chen, after all this back and forth, it's still just a roundabout way of obstructing the search. Tell me, can't you come up with a fresh excuse?"

Feeling that the other party was deliberately on guard, he became increasingly convinced that something was amiss in the villa.

Director Chen took the waiver of liability agreement from his assistant and had Zhao Dehan distribute it to everyone.

"I'm not trying to make things difficult for you, lest I be extorted. You may enter only after everyone has signed."

Otherwise, turn right after exiting.

Chung Cheng-mian was about to speak up and refute it as a blatantly unreasonable treaty.

Song Yunhui picked up the pen and signed his name and pressed his fingerprint at the bottom of the agreement. "Director Chen, I apologize for disturbing you so late at night. I, Song Yunhui, hereby sign. I believe Zhao Dehan is innocent, and I trust my subordinate."

Lu Xiaola followed suit and signed, and Qin Siyuan, Hou Liangping, Zhong Zhengmian and others also signed.

Therefore, the so-called disclaimer agreement took effect immediately.

Director Chen stepped to the side and raised his hand in a welcoming gesture, "Please, esteemed leaders."

Whether you're welcome or not, you've all come.

Then I'll just be more magnanimous.

The assistant led the way and turned on the lights.

The group entered the living room on the first floor of the villa. The entire house was decorated in a light luxury and minimalist style, with neat and clean soft furnishings that did not feel extravagant or out of place.

Hou Liangping walked straight to the double-door refrigerator and pulled it outwards.

With a loud crash.

Stacks of banknotes slowly slid down.

Scattered all over the ground, it has a strong visual impact.