The investigators from the procuratorate had visited the day before, and President Sun naturally recognized them. Seeing them arrive with Chen Qi again, President Sun's eyelids twitched.
Chen Qi saw President Sun and felt as if he had found a lifesaver. "President Sun, they're going to investigate me!"
President Sun looked at Xing Zheng, who had a cold expression as if he had foreseen this outcome. President Sun then recalled Xing Zheng's earlier words, "Your time should be spent dealing with Chen Qi's matters," and it dawned on him, finally understanding Xing Zheng's intent.
Chen Qi's investigation by higher authorities was likely Xing Zheng's doing. He was determined to avenge Lin Mei. After what Xing Zheng had said earlier, President Sun dared not provoke him further.
President Sun asked the procuratorate investigators, "Is this also an irregular investigation?"
"Not only that, but also the rule-breaking of interns and improper relationships with subordinates within the department. The evidence has already been sent upstairs. President Sun, you'll have to accompany us."
President Sun immediately panicked. He looked at Xing Zheng, but Xing Zheng didn't even glance at him. President Sun then asked, "Why do I have to go today? Yesterday, the higher-ups didn't ask me to go for Lin Mei's case."
The investigators replied, "Yesterday, Lin Mei's case had no evidence of violations and was still in the investigation stage, with no formal charges filed. For today's case, the informant has submitted all the evidence, and the higher-ups have already filed charges, so we need your cooperation."
President Sun looked at Chen Qi, his face as if he had eaten a fly. Chen Qi had assured him yesterday that there were no loose ends from their past actions and that nothing could go wrong. Yet, just a day later, he was proven utterly wrong. If he had known this would happen, he wouldn't have made the decision to strongly support Chen Qi!
Xing Zheng lightly gripped his tie with his slender fingers and took a few steps forward, stopping near President Sun. "Since President Sun needs to cooperate with the investigation, I'll be leaving now."
Seeing Xing Zheng about to leave, President Sun quickly stated, "Mr. Xing, let's discuss this further. I will fulfill your requests!"
President Sun knew very well that his fate was now in Xing Zheng's hands. If Xing Zheng refused to let him off, he would surely be implicated in Chen Qi's affair.
Xing Zheng understood President Sun's words. He curled his lips into a mocking smile. "Is that so? Then I look forward to President Sun's decision."
He left with only a vaguely worded remark, but President Sun largely understood his meaning. He wouldn't be able to protect Chen Qi during this investigation.
Chen Qi, who had been gloating about Lin Mei's investigation yesterday, was taken away by higher authorities today, dragging President Sun along with him.
The bank was now in an uproar, with discussions about the matter spreading from top to bottom.
Everyone speculated whether Lin Mei and Chen Qi had broken up and were now biting at each other, concluding that neither of them was clean.
Lu Qi sat in his office, hearing the surrounding colleagues excitedly discussing the matter. He held his phone, lost in thought, spinning it and pursing his lips.
Xu Yuan, a colleague close to Lu Qi, shuffled his chair over and gossiped, "Manager Lin is really going head-to-head with Chen Qi. Who do you think will win?"
"Lin Mei," Lu Qi replied without hesitation.
Xu Yuan scoffed, "You're blinded by love. Manager Lin was taken away yesterday, and the result was suspension pending investigation. I don't think it looks good."
Lu Qi played with his phone. "Are you blind? Who was taken away with Chen Qi today?"
Xu Yuan replied, "President Sun."
Lu Qi continued, "The higher-ups took Old Sun to investigate alongside Chen Qi. What do you think that signifies?"
Xu Yuan processed this for a moment before exclaiming, "Holy crap! Are you saying that the higher-ups might already have evidence of Chen Qi's violations?"
Lu Qi said, "Be more confident, and drop the 'might'."
Xu Yuan asked, "Was it Manager Lin who provided it? Manager Lin is amazing, truly sharp-minded."
Lu Qi smiled along with Xu Yuan's praise and began to text Lin Mei.
Lin Mei had just returned from a walk with her parents when she received Lu Qi's message. Upon seeing its content, she was greatly surprised.
Lu Qi informed her that Chen Qi was being investigated by higher authorities, and that they had taken away not only Chen Qi but also President Sun. The implication was clear; the higher-ups would not have involved President Sun without substantial evidence.
As Lin Mei was expressing her surprise, another message from Lu Qi arrived: [Well done. You can't go soft on scum like that.]
"Well done?" Hearing Lu Qi's tone, she wondered if he thought she was responsible for this.
Lin Mei replied, explaining, [I just found out about this news too.]
Lu Qi responded with surprise: [It wasn't you?]
Lin Mei: [No.]
If she had such capabilities, she wouldn't have been suspended pending investigation.
The news from Lu Qi led Lin Mei to start speculating about the mastermind behind this affair. Her first thought was Ming Zhou.
Ming Zhou had indeed promised not to let Chen Qi off the hook, and Ming Zhou's connections and background certainly possessed such capabilities.
Lu Qi sent another message: [Where are you now?]
Lin Mei: [At the hospital, taking care of my father.]
Lin Mei didn't chat much with Lu Qi. After a few exchanges, she went to help Xiao Yue with her tasks.
Lin Mei had informed Lan Lan and Feng Feng about her suspension pending investigation that morning. The two friends came to the hospital as soon as they finished work. Lin Mei booked a restaurant near the hospital, and they sat down to eat.
Lan Lan, with her fiery temper, began to curse loudly after hearing the details of the situation: "What a piece of trash! This kind of person should rot in jail. Whoever reported him is getting their just deserts!"
Feng Feng, though angry, did not curse as Lan Lan did. Her focus was on: "Your president was taken away for investigation as well. The higher-ups must have evidence. Do you know who reported him?"
Lin Mei shook her head, unable to answer with certainty, and could only say, "I suspect it was Senior Ming Zhou."
Lan Lan exclaimed, "That's great! Acting at the critical moment. That's the kind of person who's reliable."
After this incident, Lan Lan's impression of Ming Zhou improved significantly. "Lin Mei, consider Senior Ming Zhou."
Lin Mei replied with an "Mm," but it was unclear if she had taken it to heart. "Let's talk about it after this passes."
Feng Feng didn't comment on this. Like Lan Lan, she also thought Lin Mei and Ming Zhou would be a good match.
As the three of them were chatting, Feng Feng received a call from Shen Su, seemingly arranging to meet at a hotel that evening. Lin Mei became curious and, after Feng Feng hung up, she inquired, "Are you and Shen Su together?"
Feng Feng replied, "Scheduled needs." Feng Feng spoke of it as if it were a business transaction, and her gaze was extremely calm, showing no hint of affection for Shen Su.
Lin Mei greatly admired Feng Feng's clarity and felt a tiny bit envious.
Lan Lan also said, "To deal with men, you have to be like Ms. Feng. I need to learn from you."
As the three were finishing their meal, Lin Mei received a call from the hospital's nursing station. "Is this Lin Zhengde's family? Someone in your ward is causing trouble. Please come as soon as possible!"