Official Career Storm

Chapter 1542 1542

Lin Wanqiu left the next morning, and Song Guanchao arrived early at the City Government, listening to Zhou Xingjian's report on the cafeteria poisoning incident.

At nine-thirty in the morning, Song Guanchao saw a familiar figure when he went to the restroom—Zhou Zheng.

"Secretary Zhou." Song Guanchao greeted with a smile.

Zhou Zheng smiled at him, acknowledging the greeting.

Song Guanchao was somewhat curious; was Zhou Zheng here to see Wu Qiangwei?

What matter couldn't be discussed over the phone?

If it required a face-to-face talk, shouldn't Wu Qiangwei be the one going over?

The only possibility for Zhou Zheng to come in person was that he needed Wu Qiangwei's help for what he wanted to discuss.

Feeling curious, Song Guanchao went back to his office and waited.

After about twenty minutes, his desk phone rang with the internal number from the Mayor's office.

"Director Song, the Mayor would like to see you."

"Okay."

Song Guanchao went to the office and entered through the door.

After Shu Xue brewed tea and left after closing the door, Wu Qiangwei said, "Secretary Zhou was just here."

"I saw him." Song Guanchao didn't bother to observe her reaction; his relationship with Wu Qiangwei had long surpassed that of a simple superior and subordinate.

If he wanted to know something, he could ask directly without pondering.

Wu Qiangwei said, "He pleaded on behalf of Zhang Yan, hoping the matter wouldn't become ugly and could be resolved peacefully."

Song Guanchao exclaimed "Wow," feeling surprised.

On one hand, he was amazed by Zhang Yan's quick reaction, anticipating Wu Qiangwei's move against her.

On the other hand, he was surprised Zhang Yan managed to persuade Zhou Zheng.

It seemed that during Zhou Zheng's tenure as Mayor, their relationship was quite good; otherwise, how could he be willing to step into such a mess?

"What did the Mayor say to him?"

"I didn't admit anything."

It was impossible for her to agree directly, nor could she refuse.

Agreeing wouldn't align with her strategic principles.

Refusing would utterly crush Zhang Yan's hopes.

Without hope, Zhang Yan's reaction would be unpredictable.

Not admitting was the best approach.

While not explicitly stating action against Zhang Yan, it would also give Zhou Zheng the illusion that his words had an effect.

"You need to get the evidence quickly." Wu Qiangwei said.

"I understand."

Song Guanchao said, "I'll contact Xu Chengcheng later and have him send the evidence over."

The matter couldn't be delayed.

Zhang Yan surely wouldn't pin all her hopes on Zhou Zheng; this was at most just a part of her plan.

Without a doubt, she's likely already transferring assets now.

And there's a very high chance she'll flee soon.

After leaving the office, he sent Xu Chengcheng a text, asking him to send over all evidence related to Zhang Yan by this afternoon.

Then, he left the City Government, got into his car, and called Secretary Tan of the Disciplinary Committee.

"Secretary Tan, are you in the office?"

"Yes, what's the matter?"

"Let's discuss it in person; I'm coming over now."

Song Guanchao rushed to the Disciplinary Committee, found Tan Miao's office.

Tan Miao had just brewed tea, and the temperature hadn't even dropped when Song Guanchao arrived.

He was somewhat taken aback but quickly realized that Song Guanchao must be here for something of importance.

As he was about to get up and pour tea, Song Guanchao stopped him, saying: "Secretary Tan, send some people to detain Zhang Yan."

"Who?"

"The Deputy Mayor, Zhang Yan."

Song Guanchao's expression was serious, not joking.

Tan Miao's face twitched: "Director Song, I'm just the Deputy Secretary. For summonses involving a Mayor-level official, you have to talk with Secretary Bao. Moreover, Mayor Wu has to come forward. And also, let me remind you, Secretary Zhou must be informed too."

"When Secretary Zhou and Mayor Wu are in agreement, they notify us at the Disciplinary Committee, and only then can Secretary Bao send people."

"That's the procedure that must be followed."

Just saying to detain the Deputy Mayor like that, Tan Miao really thought he was crazy.

He's essentially considered one of Wu Qiangwei's people now and doesn't mind offending someone.

But the problem is, you can't ask me to do something that defies procedure.

That's easily taken advantage of by others.

Song Guanchao glanced at the time; it was just past ten.

Xu Chengcheng hadn't replied yet; he'd taken a significant hit this time. He would certainly send the evidence, but he might deliberately delay to annoy him.

If the evidence didn't arrive in a timely manner, he couldn't arrest anyone immediately.

By the time the evidence arrived and arrests could be made, Zhang Yan might have already fled.

But Tan Miao didn't want to violate the procedure, fearing the consequences.

He truly couldn't push too hard.

Just then, his phone suddenly rang; it was Wu Qiangwei calling.

"Mayor... Noon? Alright, got it."

After hanging up, Song Guanchao said, "I'll find you later."

He turned and left, leaving a somewhat speechless Tan Miao.

To be honest, he was now regretting a bit.

He initially thought Song Guanchao was calm and composed, prepared for his actions.

But today, his performance was that of a bumbling fool.

Arresting a Deputy Mayor without following basic procedures.

Thinking Zhang Yan was a common person who could be arrested at will?

One must consider the consequences!

While grumbling inwardly, he could also feel changes in the city's political atmosphere.

Mayor Wu seems determined to completely crush Zhang Yan beyond recovery?

Is she confident in doing this?

If Zhang Yan isn't fully defeated, they could be put at a disadvantage when she retaliates.

Tan Miao was somewhat worried.

...

Wu Qiangwei had told him over the phone that Zhang Yan invited her for lunch at noon.

There was no doubt it was for reconciliation.

Suddenly inspired, Song Guanchao returned to the City Government and found Wu Qiangwei, revealing his plan.

His plan was very simple; just keep her steady.

He couldn't speak too openly to Zhou Zheng, but facing Zhang Yan alone, he didn't need to worry as much.

As long as he could keep her steady, even if it meant lying brazenly.

Wu Qiangwei hadn't done something like this before and was initially hesitant.

"Did Xu Chengcheng send the evidence to you?"

"Not yet." Song Guanchao replied: "I'll urge him."

"Then make it quick."

This lunch at noon was necessary.

And she could only follow Song Guanchao's advice, and try every way to keep her steady.

...

"I've scheduled a meeting with Wu Qiangwei for lunch at noon; you manage it yourself."

On the phone, Zhang Yan said.

"So sudden?" Fan Jie was unprepared.

"Lacking confidence?"

"I have!" Fan Jie replied: "Leave it to me, sister, rest assured!"

"Remember to record the process."

"I understand."

Zhang Yan didn't need to remind him.

Just as the call was about to end, Fan Jie suddenly asked, "Aren't you coming at noon?"

"I have matters to handle, and another reminder: Song Guanchao might come along at noon."

"He's coming too?" Fan Jie said, "Then how do I proceed?"

"That's your problem; this is the only opportunity I can provide you. You also need to think carefully whether to act. If you succeed, everything is fine. If not, Wu Qiangwei certainly won't spare you."

"I have other matters now; I'll hang up."