Chapter 36: The Cold Case at the Chemical Plant!

In the spacious and bright office of the County Magistrate, Du Chengfeng stood before a planning map, lost in deep thought. He would occasionally cup his chin, then pace back and forth. His gaze remained locked on the location of Pinghu, his fingers tracing arcs in the air.

Du Chengfeng recalled the phrase, "the younger generation is to be feared." To have gained such high-level appreciation at such a young age, the young man truly possessed extraordinary qualities. Tang Ye had been promoted to Pinghu Town by Zhou Chengwu, the Secretary of the Municipal Committee. Shortly after, Zhao Disheng’s inspection team had arrived in Pinghu for a site survey. Then, at the signing ceremony for Aio Electric, Zhou Chengwu himself had made an appearance. Connecting these dots, it was clear that Pinghu held immense potential.

Tang Ye opened his laptop and typed out the title: "Several Suggestions for the Economic Development of Tianling County." Since Du Chengfeng had assigned this "homework," he needed to submit it as soon as possible. The quality of his work would directly affect how closely he could align himself with Du Chengfeng in the future.

There was a saying that the best way to bribe someone was not with beauties, luxury cars, villas, or antiques, but with political achievements. Why was Jiang Jinpeng a guest of honor for local governments? It was because his team acted as a think tank, using professional methods to help the government identify problems and formulate reasonable solutions.

Tang Ye had a clear assessment of his own abilities. He was unlike the current crop of officials; he possessed a different understanding and judgment of the government and the world. To a leader capable of recognizing talent, he was a rare and valuable asset. Everyone knew that society was in an era of transformation, but no one knew how to break the stalemate. Tang Ye happened to possess the ability to see through the mist and grasp the essence beneath the surface.

When Chen Zhiyuan had been drinking, he had complained to Tang Ye that despite being the second-in-command in Pinghu, he felt like an official without a protector. When his backing was secure, people fawned over him; once that was gone, even a street thug dared to kick down his office door. Although Tang Ye had some roots in the city, they were far removed from Tianling County—a case of "distant water failing to quench immediate thirst." Successfully aligning himself with Du Chengfeng would be beneficial for his work in Pinghu.

Tang Ye spent two hours writing the outline. Suddenly remembering something, he dialed Wan Ming’s number. "Old Wan, how is the investigation into that old chemical plant case going?"

Wan Ming chuckled. "Do you still doubt my efficiency? Through my contacts, I’ve found that the accident from years ago is highly likely linked to Shang Dayong, the village chief of Houhe Village. That man is a spineless coward. After being cuckolded by Xu Jie, he tried to make a scene at Boman, only to have his leg broken by Xu Jie, after which he became Xu Jie’s lackey. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, he hides out gambling all night, making room for 'Er Luzi' (Second Donkey). You can tell if he’s home just by checking if there’s a red string hanging on the clothesline under the loquat tree at his door."

Tang Ye had heard this gossip from the proprietress of the breakfast shop. His tone grew grave. "Keep a close watch on him."

...

Xia Haiqiao walked into Xu Yiping’s office. Xu Yiping was smoking, his face ashen. Xia Haiqiao’s heart skipped a beat. "Secretary Xu, what happened?"

Xu Yiping exhaled a plume of smoke. "How much money is left in the account for the nursing home construction project?"

Xia Haiqiao looked at Xu Yiping, confused. "About two hundred thousand. After everyone took their cut, there’s hardly anything left. Besides, isn’t the project finished?"

Xu Yiping’s expression darkened. "You need to fill that gap. Today at the county meeting, Chen Zhihua submitted a proposal to County Magistrate Du, suggesting that the Pinghu Town nursing home be expanded into a large-scale facility serving multiple townships. I just received word that the county audit team is going to send people to check the accounts!"

"That bastard actually dared to bring this up again! Is he tired of living?" Xia Haiqiao felt his scalp tingle. According to their original plan, they intended to just patch up the nursing home, build a wall, give it a fresh coat of paint, and add a few beds and chairs to bluff their way through. But if an audit team was sent from above, it would be difficult to handle.

Xu Yiping sighed, his expression complex. Xia Haiqiao was still looking at the problem too superficially; his opponent wasn't Chen Zhihua, but the man hiding in the shadows: Tang Ye.

"Cut the crap! You must find a way to plug this hole," Xu Yiping commanded impatiently.

Xia Haiqiao felt as if he had swallowed a fly. So many people had taken a cut of the money; why should he be the one to clean up the mess? "Where am I supposed to find that much money on such short notice? Secretary Xu, help me think of a way!"

Xu Yiping was silent for a few seconds. "I will manage to come up with one hundred thousand. You find the other hundred thousand."

Xia Haiqiao knew Xu Yiping well; there was no point in arguing. He left, crestfallen. Passing by Tang Ye’s office, Xia Haiqiao didn't knock. He barged in, leaving the door open, paced around the room, pulled a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and sat on the sofa with his legs crossed, staring at Tang Ye while blowing smoke rings.

Seeing his lack of decorum, Tang Ye saw no need for courtesy. He picked up his cup, took a sip of water, and went back to typing on his computer screen. After waiting for a long time without Tang Ye paying him any mind, Xia Haiqiao finally couldn't hold back.

"The nursing home project was your idea for Chen Zhihua, wasn't it?"

Tang Ye knew that bringing this up again would touch some people's interests. "Township Mayor Xia, you overestimate me. Where would I have that kind of ability?"

Xia Haiqiao took a deep drag of his cigarette, exhaled, stubbed it out, and said viciously, "Let’s stop beating around the bush. I know you have backing in the city, but even a rabbit will bite when cornered. If you don't know when to stop, no one can stop me from doing whatever it takes!"

Tang Ye didn't expect Xia Haiqiao to bring the conflict out into the open so bluntly. He smiled faintly. "Township Mayor Xia, you don't look like a rabbit. You look more like a fawning, vicious watchdog."

Tang Ye had been disgusted with Xia Haiqiao for a long time.

Xia Haiqiao was instantly enraged. He rolled up his sleeves, slapped the coffee table, and shouted, "Watch your mouth, kid!"

Tang Ye stood up, unbuttoned his collar, loosened his belt, pulled out the hem of his shirt, and looked at Xia Haiqiao fearlessly. "How about we trade a few blows?"

Xia Haiqiao looked at Tang Ye, who was half a head taller than him, and instantly wilted. He knew that the kid could catch thieves and subdue human traffickers; he was no match for him. Still, he wouldn't admit defeat verbally. "If I were ten years younger, I’d definitely pin you to the ground and beat you to a pulp."

Without waiting for Tang Ye to respond, he turned and left.

Coward!

Watching his retreating back, Tang Ye adjusted his collar, a look of disappointment on his face. He picked up a pen and wrote neatly on a clean sheet of paper:

"A great man, in his actions, must discard thoughts of luck. He must forge himself like steel through a hundred refinements and accumulate strength second by second, only then can he astonish the world with a single sound!"

...

Xia Haiqiao returned to his office, sat in frustration for a long time, and dialed Shang Dayong’s number.

"Get me one hundred thousand. It's urgent!"

Upon hearing the amount, Shang Dayong panicked. "Township Mayor Xia, if it were a thousand or eight hundred, I wouldn't even blink. But one hundred thousand is no small sum. You’re forcing me to rob a bank!"

Xia Haiqiao slammed his desk in anger. "Shang Dayong, I’m not discussing this with you; I’m giving you an order. I know you have money. Have you forgotten how you became the village chief of Houhe? Do you believe me if I say that with one word, a pile of people would want to replace you? You’ve made plenty of profit as village chief for all these years!"

Shang Dayong didn't dare to defy Xia Haiqiao and gave a bitter laugh. "You have to give me time to figure out a way!"

Xia Haiqiao said unhappily, "I want to see the money tomorrow morning, or bear the consequences yourself."

Knowing Xia Haiqiao’s temper, Shang Dayong could only sigh helplessly. "You’re my father, I’ll listen to you. As soon as the bank opens tomorrow, I’ll go withdraw the money."

Hanging up, Shang Dayong cursed, "Xia Haiqiao, you son of a bitch, do you think I’m your personal money bag?" He kicked over a water bottle in the corner in anger.

Hearing the commotion in the living room, Luo Xiaocui rushed out and pointed at Shang Dayong’s nose, scolding, "You good-for-nothing! It’s enough that you gamble away money every day, now you’re smashing things when you get home? Do you not want to live a decent life?"

Shang Dayong couldn't be bothered to argue with her. He changed his shoes and left immediately. "I’m going to drink!"

"Every day it’s either gambling or drowning yourself in booze! I must have been blind to marry you! I’m divorcing you!" Luo Xiaocui chased after Shang Dayong, cursing him for half the length of the village.