Official Career Storm

Chapter 1598 1598

He relayed the earlier conversation to Fu Ying.

Fu Ying felt it was quite tricky because it involved the inspection team.

This meant that if they wanted to continue targeting Pinghai City's corruption issues, there was a significant possibility they would encounter resistance from the inspection team.

"What do you plan to do?"

"Let's head back first." Song Guanchao had no good ideas for the moment.

They returned to the car. Just as Jiang Yiren was about to ask a question, Song Guanchao said, "Let's grab something to eat first."

During the meal, Song Guanchao briefly explained the situation to Jiang Yiren and Lin Wanqiu.

Learning that Secretary Xue had good relations with the inspection team, both women felt a sense of foreboding.

Song Guanchao's phone rang; it was Wu Qiangwei calling.

"Hello, Mayor... Mm, okay, I also have some things to report to you. I'll head back after eating."

At 1:30 PM, they returned to the guesthouse. Song Guanchao knocked on Wu Qiangwei's door and informed her of the findings from the morning's investigation.

They had discussed the inspection team issue before, and Song Guanchao had been worried that Secretary Xue might bribe the inspection team.

So, she was somewhat mentally prepared and didn't react as strongly as the other women.

"What's your take?" Wu Qiangwei habitually asked for his opinion.

Song Guanchao said, "I suggest we first contact Governor Lu."

Wu Qiangwei shook her head, "Governor Lu has no authority over Pinghai City."

Pinghai is a prefecture-level city under Wu Province, while Governor Lu's jurisdiction only extends to Nanjiang Province and can't reach here.

Song Guanchao said, "Previously, when I was arrested across provinces, it was Governor Lu who got me out. At that time, Governor Li from Wu Province also made an appearance."

Wu Qiangwei was momentarily stunned, but then quickly understood what he meant.

But she still had some concerns, "Even if Governor Li gives Governor Lu face, without evidence, he can't be fully persuaded just by a few words from Governor Lu."

"After all, Pinghai City's corruption is catastrophic. Without sufficient and compelling evidence, Governor Li wouldn't rashly make arrests."

Making arrests requires legitimate reasons.

For someone to become a governor, they must possess considerable political wisdom and the ability to think independently.

It's practically impossible to persuade Governor Li to make arrests without evidence or understanding of the situation.

Song Guanchao smiled and said, "You're overthinking it. I only suggested having Governor Lu inform Governor Li, not make arrests."

Arrests need thorough planning and sending someone for on-site investigation, which can't be completed in a short time.

These principles, how could Song Guanchao not understand them?

"Once Governor Li knows, if he directly sends people, it would certainly alert the local officials. That's when we come into play."

"We're here for investment promotion, so the local officials won't suspect us. It naturally gives us an advantage for investigation."

"Once we have the evidence, Governor Li can openly send people to make arrests."

Listening to his plan, Wu Qiangwei thought carefully, confirmed there were no issues, and nodded, "Then you make the contact."

"Alright."

Song Guanchao immediately called Lu Zhizhong. In front of Wu Qiangwei, he couldn't assume an equal tone with Lu Zhizhong, or Wu Qiangwei would certainly sense the abnormality.

He reported the situation there to Lu Zhizhong as a subordinate.

At the same time, he casually mentioned that Wu Qiangwei was right beside him.

With Lu Zhizhong's keen perception, he would understand what he meant.

"I understand." Lu Zhizhong said in a flat tone and hung up the phone.

Song Guanchao said, "Next, we must find a way to engage with the local officials."

Collecting evidence is not easy. It can't be done through visits and investigations alone.

To obtain evidence of these officials' corruption, the most effective way is to infiltrate them.

For most people, infiltrating these corrupt officials and obtaining evidence is very difficult.

But for Song Guanchao, it's just a bit troublesome, but not impossible.

Wu Qiangwei asked, "Who do you plan to approach first?"

"Director Chen of the City Government Office." He attended the banquet specifically to connect with Director Chen.

Moreover, the key figure in Pinghai City is Secretary Xue, making direct contact with the City Committee risky and prone to exposure.

Contacting the City Government is relatively easier and poses less risk.

Wu Qiangwei said, "Do you need me to do anything?"

"Let's wait first," Song Guanchao said, "I'll meet with Director Chen tonight, have a meal, and get a feel for what kind of person he is."

Knowing oneself and the enemy is key to formulating a specific strategy.

He stood up, "I'll head back for a nap first."

Wu Qiangwei raised an eyebrow, expecting that Song Guanchao might linger.

Realizing her emotional confusion, just as he was about to turn, he paused and walked over, pulling her into a hug and giving her a good squeeze.

Her heart raced, and she gasped softly, "It's been busy these days. We'll have a good time when things settle down."

He said this while pinching the soft flesh of her round behind.

"I'm heading over now." Song Guanchao released her.

Back in his room, he immediately called Lu Zhizhong.

He knew that Lu Zhizhong was surely waiting for his call.

Earlier, in front of Wu Qiangwei, many things were inconvenient to say.

If not for this reason, he couldn't bear to leave so soon.

"What's the situation over in Pinghai?" Lu Zhizhong asked.

Song Guanchao carefully explained the situation again, and Lu Zhizhong asked, "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

"This is a bit difficult," Lu Zhizhong said, "Even with you involved, Governor Li might not be willing to step in."

"There's no need for him to step in, just to let him know about this issue. I will collect the evidence."

"But you must tell Governor Li that you deserve half the credit for Pinghai City. Later, I will also hand over this evidence to you."

Lu Zhizhong laughed, "The personal favors I owe you are piling up."

The favors are so many that he didn't know how to repay them.

To be frank, his stable position as Governor, with a certain degree of influence, is entirely due to relying on Song Guanchao.

Without him repeatedly making himself prominent and allowing himself to shine in public, he wouldn't have this "mysterious background" today.

"Governor Lu, your position is stable; I only benefit from your shine."

"I'll contact Governor Li shortly." Lu Zhizhong didn't engage in any idle talk. After all, he was already bound to this ship with Song Guanchao and had never planned to jump ship halfway.

Moreover, whether he can advance further in the future all depends on Song Guanchao.

Unless he's a fool, he would only draw closer to Song Guanchao.

After ending the call, Song Guanchao found the number for Director Chen of Pinghai City Government and dialed it.