Official Career Storm

Chapter 1547 1547

Secretary Lu and the others could hear Zhou Zheng's anger and also noticed his determination to protect Zhang Yan.

However, one shouldn't judge things by appearances. Zhou Zheng's rage was not solely due to his rapport with Zhang Yan.

His actions were mainly to maintain his position, ensuring absolute authority as the leader.

As they stood up, ready to leave, Wu Qiangwei said, "Please sit down, everyone. It's better to listen together to certain matters."

Zhou Zheng's expression turned grim as Wu Qiangwei publicly embarrassed him.

The others were equally astonished. Privately, Wu Qiangwei and Zhou Zheng could argue heatedly without it being an issue.

But Wu Qiangwei's behavior was a bit inappropriate in front of everyone.

Yet they relished the spectacle and sat back down.

Wu Qiangwei said, "Today at noon, Mayor Zhang invited me for lunch..."

She recounted the events of this noon smoothly and eloquently.

The listeners became increasingly shocked; the usual calm demeanor was completely gone.

Zhou Zheng's expression was the most telling.

He initially wanted to hear what reasons Wu Qiangwei would give, but the outcome was...

Zhou Zheng's anger boiled inside; he felt betrayed by Zhang Yan.

I pleaded with Wu Qiangwei for you, and you did this kind of thing!

No wonder, within just half a day, Wu Qiangwei changed her stance from this morning when we discussed and became so aggressive.

Can't blame her for this.

Wu Qiangwei grabbed some files and said, "Mayor Zhang's situation is known to Secretary Zhou. You spoke to me about it this morning, and I also believe things shouldn't be taken too far."

"Coincidentally, Mayor Zhang asked to meet at noon, and I thought I'd discuss it thoroughly with her, trying to resolve things peacefully."

"But now, peaceful coexistence clearly seems impossible."

"My idea is simple, to proceed legally. Whatever thoughts you have, feel free to propose for discussion."

Secretary Bao suggested, "Let's first invite Mayor Zhang over for a face-to-face conversation."

He still hoped to avoid escalating the matter.

Minister Wang smiled and said, "Mayor Zhang indeed went overboard."

Though he didn't specify how to handle the situation, his words implicitly supported Wu Qiangwei.

Secretary Lu remained silent as the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Committee and naturally sided with Zhou Zheng.

Though he was eager to see Zhou Zheng entangled in this matter, he wouldn't act rashly unless it was certain that Zhou Zheng would step down.

Zhou Zheng took out his phone and, in front of everyone, dialed Zhang Yan.

However, the phone was turned off.

A sense of foreboding emerged in his mind.

Angered earlier, he hadn't thought it through, but calming down now made him realize Zhang Yan must have prepared for a complete withdrawal since she dared to act this way.

Fearing she might already be out of Jiangzhou, perhaps even out of the country!

Suspecting Zhang Yan might flee abroad made Zhou Zheng start feeling anxious.

A Deputy Mayor of a provincial capital city transferring assets and escaping abroad—once it gets exposed, the impact on him would be the most significant.

Others listening to the busy sound from the phone began to realize this too.

Zhou Zheng would be the most affected, but they too would be affected.

"Director Liang, go to the City Government and invite Mayor Zhang over," Zhou Zheng said.

Liang Jianfeng shook his head, "Mayor Zhang has already left the country."

Zhou Zheng's restless heart sank to the bottom.

The suspicion was confirmed.

"Additionally, Mayor Zhang's cash assets were transferred. Only a few real estate assets remain."

"Oh, yes, several of her cars were sold yesterday."

Zhou Zheng's complexion turned pale and blue.

The office fell silent, everyone's expression solemn.

This matter was no longer just Zhou Zheng's issue; it required the entire leadership team to consider how to minimize the impact.

After a long pause, Secretary Bao asked, "Secretary Zhou, what should we do now?"

Zhou Zheng remained silent for a while and said, "Do not publicize this matter."

"Director Liang, first have people look into all the real estate under Zhang Yan's name. Then contact banks to trace the whereabouts of the transferred funds. If the money is still in the country, find a way to freeze it!"

"Okay." Liang Jianfeng asked, "Anything else?"

Zhou Zheng shook his head, slowly stood up, and looked at Wu Qiangwei, "Mayor Wu, go to the Provincial Committee with me."

With a Deputy Mayor embezzling public money and fleeing, he couldn't hide it nor could he keep it a secret; he had to immediately report it to Secretary Gao.

Wu Qiangwei nodded in agreement and walked outside.

Secretary Pan watched the leaders exit, stood up to see them off, and noticed their unusual demeanor.

As they completely left the City Committee Building, Secretary Pan realized Secretary Zhou wasn't intending to return and seemed to be heading out, so he quickly followed.

Zhou Zheng waved his hand, "No need to follow me."

With that, he got into the car.

Provincial Committee.

Secretary Gao and Lu Zhizhong listened to Zhou Zheng's report and their previously expressionless faces gradually showed a trace of seriousness.

Secretary Gao asked, "To which country did Zhang Yan go? What flight did she take? Did she leave using a passport or a foreign green card?"

Zhou Zheng shook his head, "Still under investigation."

Secretary Gao said, "You are dismissed."

Zhou Zheng trembled; he hadn't expected Secretary Gao would immediately remove him from the position.

Dismissal wasn't a severe punishment; it's only a temporary removal from current duties, and you'll be reinstated once the related incident concludes.

He knew it must be because of his relationship with Zhang Yan in this matter, making Secretary Gao believe he might influence the case.

"Okay." Zhou Zheng didn't plead his case or find excuses. He only hoped the case would be resolved soon.

"Governor Lu, what do you think should be done about this case?" Secretary Gao had already heard about the Xu City incident.

Even with his vast experience, he found it a bit baffling.

After all, when he and Governor Hou selected Lu Zhizhong, they'd reviewed his file thoroughly several times.

They knew better than anyone that Lu Zhizhong was just an ordinary person, without any connections or backing.

Yet reality proved magical; he indeed had connections, and significant ones at that.

It seemed most appropriate to assign him to handle this matter.

Lu Zhizhong contemplated and said, "This matter should not be exposed; first, file a case. Later I'll understand the specifics before deciding."

Secretary Gao nodded, "Then this case, leave it to Governor Lu."

"Alright." Lu Zhizhong felt some pressure inwardly.

This was his first major assignment in name since taking office as Governor.

If it's handled well, his reputation would rise further.

If it's unmanageable, the mysterious background he possessed would seem less impressive.

After the meeting ended, Zhou Zheng returned to the City Government and temporarily assigned his tasks to Secretary Lu.

Learning that Zhou Zheng was rendered inactive, Secretary Lu couldn't have been happier.

Though he'll return eventually, at least during his absence, as Deputy Secretary, he would oversee the City Committee.

Ensuring no missing tasks, Zhou Zheng left the office, exiting the City Committee Building.

He got into the car, found Zhang Yan's WeChat, and sent a message: I have been dismissed.