Official Career Storm

Chapter 1597 1597

Chairman Qiao's business was thriving, with officials from other cities visiting her every month, hoping she would invest.

She thought these two were the same.

However, when Song Guanchao spoke, she realized their intentions were not simple.

Surprise flashed across her eyes briefly, and Chairman Qiao shook her head: "I'm a businesswoman, clearly Song Guanchao has contacted the wrong person."

Though she was curious why Song Guanchao, a director, was investigating corruption, this was not typically her responsibility.

Curiosity was curiosity; she wouldn't ask outright.

She did not want to get involved in such matters.

Song Guanchao wasn't surprised by her reaction: "I heard Secretary Xue's son had pursued Chairman Qiao. If I'm not mistaken, Chairman Qiao must be considering relocating your company?"

Chairman Qiao lightly smoothed the creases of her dress and slowly stood up, politely saying, "I have some matters to attend to."

This was a dismissal.

Song Guanchao didn't get up but continued, "Reporters from the Ministry of Propaganda are in Pinghai City investigating corruption cases, currently detained by local officials. Chairman Qiao, I hope you can cooperate; if you don't cooperate..."

Chairman Qiao asked, "What if I don't cooperate?"

Song Guanchao shook his head: "If you don't cooperate, I won't force you. But I believe our positions align—we both hope to solve Pinghai's corruption problems. Moreover, I only want to verify some things with you, no need for you to exert effort."

"If Chairman Qiao is unwilling to assist, I won't insist, I may just have to visit more places and ask more people."

Upon finishing, he placed the teacup down, stood, and offered her a friendly smile, "Sorry for bothering you, Chairman Qiao. Mayor Fu, let's go."

"What do you want to ask?" Chairman Qiao asked.

Her change in attitude didn't surprise Song Guanchao.

Since he only intended to find her to confirm some things, it wouldn't pose any risk.

"I received a letter of accusation, which stated..."

He elaborated on the corruption issues in Pinghai City from the accuser's information.

Then asked, "Are these allegations true?"

Chairman Qiao nodded.

With her corroboration, the last trace of doubt in Song Guanchao's mind vanished, fully confirming the corruption in Pinghai City was genuine.

Everything the accuser said was true.

"Thank you."

Song Guanchao nodded his thanks but didn't leave, instead saying, "So, let's discuss another matter."

Chairman Qiao was puzzled.

Song Guanchao asked, "Chairman Qiao should have considered moving the company to another city, right?"

Chairman Qiao understood; he wanted her to move to Jiangzhou.

"You want me to go to Jiangzhou?" She asked directly.

"Yes." Song Guanchao quite liked her straightforwardness: "If Chairman Qiao has any requests, feel free to mention them."

Chairman Qiao asked, "Can I really name any request?"

"Within reason." Song Guanchao quickly clarified.

Can't just let you ask me to kill someone, and I would blindly do it.

"There is indeed one request..." Chairman Qiao paused for a moment, glancing at Fu Ying.

Fu Ying stood up, "I'm going to the bathroom."

Song Guanchao's curiosity was piqued, wanting to know what her request was that required Fu Ying to leave.

"I can move the company to Jiangzhou, but I need you to help me remove the company shareholders." Chairman Qiao directly stated her request.

Song Guanchao was stunned.

This request... was too outrageous!

What grudge, what resentment, would drive her to such thoughts?

While some company shareholder relationships might not be perfect, it shouldn't reach this extent, right?

Moreover, she talked about removing shareholders without specifying one, two, or all... But saying it this way, it likely meant removing all.

This can be viewed as personal discord between her and other shareholders.

It might be possible her decisions impacted shareholder interests and led to conflicts...

Song Guanchao didn't trouble himself, directly asking, "Why?"

Chairman Qiao replied, "As you said, Pinghai City has serious corruption issues. Secretary Xue even hinted about taking over company shares."

"My stance is firm, and since my company is large, I have some influence online; Secretary Xue hasn't moved on me for now."

"But as far as I know, Secretary Xue hasn't given up, meeting privately with company shareholders, reaching some agreements. I don't know the agreement details, but their aim is to take over the company."

"This is something I can't tolerate."

"I built this company from nothing, and I won't allow anyone to take over, even just holding shares!"

"Since these shareholders aren't willing to stand with me, they must be removed."

After explaining, she looked at Song Guanchao: "If Director Song agrees to help me, I will move the company to Jiangzhou."

Song Guanchao frowned, "How do you want me to help? To arrest people, a reason is needed, right?"

"A reason?" Chairman Qiao smiled lightly, "What reason do you want? I can provide any."

"..." Song Guanchao's mouth twitched slightly, saying, "Okay, I agree."

He wasn't a pushover, and besides, for this company, uncontrolled shareholders easily lead to internal corruption, further dragging down the entire company.

Chairman Qiao's abilities are undeniable; the company is her child, she would never do anything harmful to the company.

What he wants is a company that can provide job opportunities and boost economic vitality, not one plagued by internal battles, siphoning assets into personal pockets.

Chairman Qiao extended her hand, "Pleasant cooperation."

"Pleasant cooperation."

After shaking hands, Song Guanchao stood up, took a few steps, then stopped, turning back to ask, "Is the inspection team in Pinghai City, does Chairman Qiao know?"

"I know."

"Has Chairman Qiao interacted with the inspection team?"

"Last week Secretary Xue invited me to dinner; members of the inspection team were present."

"Oh?" Song Guanchao asked, "What's your observation of the inspection team's relationship with Secretary Xue?"

"Quite good." Chairman Qiao quickly responded, "There seems to be a chain of interests between them."

Song Guanchao had speculated there was a possibility the inspection team was corrupted by Secretary Xue.

However, without substantial evidence, speculation was just speculation.

Chairman Qiao's words offered deeper insight into the inspection team.

Although she also speculated about the inspection team having entanglements with Secretary Xue, her tone of certainty likely stemmed from certain considerations.

This conclusion's reliability is indeed higher.

"Thank you." Song Guanchao opened the door and left the office.

The information obtained in this meeting exceeded expectations.

Outside the company, Fu Ying approached, eyes asking: How did it go?

"Let's talk outside." Song Guanchao proceeded to the elevator lobby.

A few minutes later, they left the building, and Song Guanchao stood outside, saying, "The inspection team has issues."