"Director Jia, are you in? Knock, knock, knock!"
Early in the morning, just as Jia Zhengqing arrived at his office, someone knocked on the door.
"Yes, come in!"
A person pushed the door open, and Jia Zhengqing saw that it was Wu Daoning.
"It's you, what's up?"
"What's up? Something big!" Wu Daoning grumbled impatiently.
Jia Zhengqing knew what was going on; this was a complaint about his work not being done well. The materials were only finished in the middle of the night yesterday, and he submitted them as soon as he got to work today.
However, Director Wu had asked him to wait for news.
There was nothing he could do about it; everything had to follow procedures. Moreover, for matters like this, someone of his rank could hardly make the final decision.
"Tell me, what's going on?"
Jia Zhengqing was prepared. Only by letting Wu Daoning vent his anger could his mood be calmed. Moreover, he needed to understand why he was so angry.
Wu Daoning didn't stand on ceremony and poured out everything about Wang Guihua's family accepting money from Jia Shuqing.
"This..."
Jia Zhengqing's expression was a little flustered, but on his already dark face, it was imperceptible.
If the situation was as Wu Daoning described, then the united front they had just formed would be shattered. If this matter was not resolved, it would definitely dampen everyone's confidence. In that case, the outcome of this turmoil would be unimaginable.
"I told you long ago that a featherless girl's words can't be relied upon, but you wouldn't listen. Now look! This feud has escalated, how will we ever resolve it?"
Recalling how Bai Suxiang had spoken so confidently, only for things to turn out this way, he grumbled with frustration.
Jia Zhengqing understood that this was not something that Bai Suxiang, a young girl just starting out in society, could decide. It was somewhat unfair to put such a burden on her.
"Old Wu, don't be anxious. As long as you two hold firm, there's still a chance. I'll follow up closely and get the investigation document processed as quickly as possible, then we won't have anything to fear!"
Jia Zhengqing said, patting Wu Daoning on the shoulder to comfort him.
Although Wang Guihua's family had temporarily defected, there were reasons for it. However, taking money did not mean they had not suffered harm from Jia Shuqing. As long as others held firm, they would surely be able to bring her down one day.
...
On Wu Guozheng's desk were the materials that Jia Zhengqing had sent early in the morning. Because Jia Shuqing had informed him about Wang Guihua's family the previous night, he was not worried at all and seemed to be in a good mood.
This had also resolved one of his concerns, and he no longer worried that the matter could proceed smoothly.
Jia Zhengqing, as the director of the street investigation bureau, did not have the authority to report directly to higher authorities.
And the matters assigned by higher authorities must be passed down through him.
Therefore, whether some matters could get out from him also depended on his mood.
The higher-ups couldn't control him, and he couldn't control those below him. This feeling sometimes made Wu Guozheng feel incredibly good!
As Wu Guozheng had expected, just after lunch, Jia Zhengqing called, inquiring about the materials.
"Old Jia, it's not that I want to say it, but what did I tell you last time? I told you to improve it, meaning to solidify the facts. Now look, what is this 'Wang Guihua's family' thing, what's going on?"
Wu Guozheng said, feigning anger. On the other end of the phone, Jia Zhengqing dared not speak loudly.
"Alright, quickly improve what needs to be improved. This matter cannot afford any more trouble, otherwise, you will be held accountable!"
After speaking, Wu Guozheng hung up the phone. His meaning was clear: you must handle this matter, and handle it well. If you mess it up, you will be responsible for it, it's that simple.
As the saying goes, "A higher rank can crush a person," and it is not an empty phrase. At critical moments, it is a powerful tool for shifting blame.
Despite this, to ensure the matter was handled better, Wu Guozheng still instructed Jia Shuqing to quickly pacify the remaining holdouts. It was just a matter of money, and wouldn't they earn it back after it was settled?
Jia Shuqing was also a shrewd person. After the previous incident and the success with Wang Guihua's family, she was even more confident.
If things went well, then even the ten million she spent would be worth it.
As for Jia Zhengqing, the united front he had just established had suffered a heavy blow. He constantly reflected: "Was it really wrong to gather everyone to handle matters last time?"
He was unwilling to let the matter fail at the last hurdle. No matter how difficult it was, he had to persevere.
He thought of Bai Suxiang and decided to talk to her. Perhaps, as an outsider, she could persuade or understand the thoughts of others, as she was also a participant in this matter.
Jia Zhengqing's position was sensitive, especially approaching her at this time. If there was even a slight oversight, the matter would be irreversible.
When Bai Suxiang received Jia Zhengqing's call, she took some time off to go to his place.
Upon returning to the office, Liu Sandao asked her, "How did things go?"
"Alas, don't even mention it! Just like you saw the other day, Jia Shuqing is now bribing others everywhere. If this continues, it's impossible..."
Bai Suxiang, who was always optimistic, now showed a hint of pessimism.
Liu Sandao quickly understood. The united front she spoke of had been easily broken. This matter, in the final analysis, was the result of a game between both sides.
But where was the key to the problem? It should be the definition of the matter.
If the higher authorities defined it, then she would have no escape; if the higher authorities did not define it, then you couldn't do anything to her.
"Hahaha, the game has just begun, and you're already about to lose?"
Fu Ruhai, who had appeared at some unknown time, interrupted their thoughts with a single sentence.
It's said that people shouldn't get stuck in a dead end. Liu Sandao suddenly thought of an idea.
"They are attacking your defenses, why don't you burn their backyard?"
"This? What do you mean?"
Bai Suxiang didn't understand what Liu Sandao was referring to. What front line, what backyard?
"You don't even understand this? It means you should investigate their so-called background connections, such as collusion for mutual benefit, private dealings, etc. In short, anything that is beneficial to you!"
Fu Ruhai said naturally, as if he were a master of palace intrigue.
In fact, he had watched too many palace intrigue dramas, and a fixed pattern had formed in his mind.
Actually, most people who speak like this are confused. The reason they say this is because analyzing other people's affairs is clear and logical; when they themselves are deeply involved, they become confused, like a fool.
However, this still gave Bai Suxiang some ideas. She decided to collect some evidence, which might be useful later.
"Oh? I didn't expect you to have such skills. I can help with collecting evidence!"
Liu Sandao had intended to tease Fu Ruhai with a casual remark, but Bai Suxiang unexpectedly roped him in.