NOVEL NEXT Chapter 305 Investigation
The sycamore leaves rustled in the twilight, as Gu Zhenbang smoothed the wrinkles on his suit sleeve and lowered the car window in front of Building No. 7.
Security captain Old Chen's gaze swept through the car, and after spotting Gu Zhenbang's face in the driver's seat, he quickly scanned the back seat to confirm that Gu Zhenbang was alone before nodding slightly.
"President Gu, please."
Old Chen gestured for his subordinates to open the gate of the courtyard, watched Gu Zhenbang's car drive in, then returned to stand at the gate kiosk, gazing placidly at the empty road outside, as if nothing had happened.
Inside the clubhouse, a warm golden glow cascaded from the six-meter-high crystal chandelier, as Gu Zhenbang's Oxford shoes stepped over the Italian hard flooring, pausing momentarily in front of the whole wall Hainan huanghuali bookshelf.
From the corner of his eye, he glimpsed the glass cabinet where Zisha teapots were neatly arranged and recognized the exquisite teapot set at the top, which was a rare item withdrawn from last autumn's auction.
As he turned past the screen, the rich aroma of Chenpi Pu'er tea reached his nose, causing Gu Zhenbang's footsteps to pause momentarily before he took a deep breath and walked in solemnly.
Seeing a slightly hunched elderly figure, Gu Zhenbang's expression tightened as he respectfully hurried forward and said, "Leader."
Zhang Liquan sat in an Official Hat Chair, holding a rolled, yellowed "Building Regulations," and the Sheep Fat Jade Pixiu Paperweight on the book page was still stained with moist vermillion seal paste.
"You've come at the right time."
At the sound, Zhang Liquan removed his reading glasses, leaving shallow marks on his graying temples, "Take a look at today's news in the Tianhai Daily."
He tapped the tabletop with his fingers, where a newspaper showing signs of being flipped through was placed.
Gu Zhenbang casually placed the gift box he brought in the shadow next to the wall, glimpsing the Cultural Park Phase II and III blueprints hanging on the wall.
Picking up the newspaper, he softly read, "Celestial Sea Cultural Park development may pollute the underground water source; nearby residents have gone to the construction site demanding an explanation..."
"You did well this time, but the media you've engaged don't have enough influence, so I had the Tianhai Daily rush this report based on what your media released."
After hearing the other's unhurried explanation, a surprised expression flickered on Gu Zhenbang's face before he immediately responded respectfully, "As expected, leader, you're very thorough."
"I'm just adding the icing on the cake; you did well primarily this time."
Zhang Liquan slowly stood, walked to the Cultural Park blueprints on the wall, and faintly smiled, "With these issues, the Cultural Park is bound to have problems soon, and Hu Yongbo's company won't likely hold out for much longer..."
"It seems the company's boss behind the scenes is surnamed Li, while Wei Jia is merely the apparent manager." Gu Zhenbang replied.
"I don't care who the company's real owner is, just as long as their capital chain breaks, you find a way to acquire the company and take the opportunity to control the Cultural Park."
Zhang Liquan said indifferently, "Our greatest enemy is Hu Yongbo, and our main focus should be on him.
Since he cherishes his reputation so much and won't cooperate with me, I will see to it he becomes disgraceful, and ensure everyone realizes the consequences of opposing me!"
By the end of his words, his voice was particularly somber, causing Gu Zhenbang's expression beside him to involuntarily change.
"Leader, Hu Yongbo hasn't been in Tianhai for many years, but to completely bring him down might not be easy..."
"You don't need to worry about this; just follow what I say."
Zhang Liquan's mouth curled slightly, stretching the senior wrinkles on his face, "The municipal committee should already be receiving leads."
...
Municipal Committee Building, Third Floor Office.
"Xiaozhou, take a look at this."
A colleague hastily handed Zhou Li an anonymous letter of complaint, looking serious.
Zhou Li, puzzled, moved her hands away from the mouse and keyboard, reached out for the letter, and frowned as she read.
"Regarding Mayor Hu's Cultural Park Phase II construction's illegal operations..." Several large words immediately caught her eye, causing her hands to tremble slightly, her eyes widened in disbelief.
Mayor Hu was well-known in the city for being honest and upright.
He always dressed plainly, was diligent in his work, and treated his subordinates with great care. How could such a person be involved with breaches and violations?
Zhou Li furrowed her brows, filled with doubt.
Her mind conjured images of Mayor Hu's usual demeanor, bewildered, she muttered, "What is really happening here?"
What worried her even more was that this Cultural Park project was related to Li Jing.
Li Jing had previously mentioned to her that he was involved in investing in the Cultural Park.
Now that this matter has arisen, Zhou Li couldn't help but worry about Li Jing, fearing he might get entangled.
Thinking it might involve Li Jing, her heart tightened with anxiety as she paced back and forth in the office.
Moments later, she took a deep breath, decided to report the complaint letter first.
In the secretary's office, a middle-aged woman listened to Zhou Li's report, her expression serious. After pondering a moment, she said, "This matter is serious, it must be swiftly investigated."
Zhou Li's expression was sober, and considering Mayor Hu's character and Li Jing's situation, she resolutely said, "Leader, I apply to be responsible for investigating this case. I'm familiar with the relevant circumstances and surely can uncover the truth of the matter."
The middle-aged woman looked at Xiaozhou's determined eyes, hesitated for a moment, then nodded, "Alright, it's up to you, ensure to be fair and thorough, and you can approach me for any difficulties."
As Zhou Li was about to leave, she suddenly spoke again, "Wait.
This matter doesn't feel simple, during the investigation, have Xiaowu and Xiaozhu assist you, ensure to pay attention to personal safety."