The Strongest Master Venturing Urban

When the plane landed, Chen Bin immediately found the flight attendant from earlier and said coldly,

"Give me back my phone!"

The latter sneered, "Sir, please refrain from making phone calls on the plane in the future. This is for your own safety."

Taking back his phone, Chen Bin glanced at the name badge of the other party.

On it were three large characters: Geng Like.

As he exited the airport, the person driving over to pick him up was Shen Xue.

Chen Bin instructed her to head directly to Xintai and was briefed on the latest developments regarding the accident.

Upon learning that three more people had died, Chen Bin's mood grew even heavier.

When they reached the destination, many police officers were maintaining order at the scene.

Chen Bin only glanced briefly from the car window before instructing Shen Xue to head to the Provincial Committee.

Entering the office of the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Committee, Li Lu repeatedly confirmed with Chen Bin.

Whether the latter had engaged in any illegal activity in relation to this matter.

After all, with fatalities and so many injured, the province would certainly launch a thorough investigation.

If any corruption issues were uncovered, Chen Bin's political career would likely come to an abrupt end.

However, once Li Lu was assured of Chen Bin's innocence, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Meanwhile, in Zeng Pengchao's office, Governor Pang Nianke was speaking sternly.

"Such a major accident at Xintai—Chen Bin, as the station head, must be severely punished!"

Zeng Pengchao replied in a calm tone, "The cause of the accident hasn't been clarified yet. Acting against Chen Bin at this point seems a bit premature, doesn't it?"

"What's there to clarify? Chen Bin is the station head, the primary person in charge of building Xintai. Now that such a major issue has occurred, I think the Provincial Disciplinary Inspection Commission should be brought in to investigate, to prevent any corruption problems."

"This matter definitely needs to be investigated, but only after the assessment results are out. We need to figure out why the building suddenly collapsed."

"Then let's suspend Chen Bin first. We owe the people of the province an explanation!"

"Chen Bin is indeed the station head, but construction is the contractor's responsibility. If there are no financial ties between the two parties, why should we saddle Chen Bin with the contractor's responsibilities?"

"Secretary Zeng, why does it sound like you're trying to shield Chen Bin?"

"I'm merely acting in accordance with the law. Whether Chen Bin bears responsibility for this accident will only become clear after the investigation results are in. I won't wrong a decent person, but I also won't let any wrongdoer go!"

The following week, Chen Bin was under constant investigation.

His mood was at an all-time low.

Although the accident had nothing to do with him, as the station head, he would likely bear some vicarious liability for such incidents.

When the incident went viral online, many people expressed concern under his Weibo posts.

Of course, there were also plenty of harsh criticisms.

With the overwhelming number of messages, Chen Bin chose not to respond.

The investigation results came out quickly: the accident was caused by the construction team cutting corners.

For those looking forward to seeing Chen Bin's downfall, the result was greatly disappointing.

Such a serious accident caused the Xintai project to be put on hold.

It wasn't until late September that construction gradually resumed.

At this rate, it seemed unlikely that Xintai would be completed on schedule.

That evening, in a private room at the Yanxi Hotel, Chen Bin had dinner with Mao Bocheng at the latter's invitation.

Mao Bocheng was the first to speak, "That accident must have scared you badly, huh?"

Chen Bin replied calmly, "I'm personally fine. After all, a clear conscience fears no accusation. However, I am deeply saddened for those who were affected."

After clinking glasses, Mao Bocheng asked again,

"How's Zhu Lang performing recently?"

"Quite well. He's diligent and ambitious. I'm very satisfied with him."

"Good to hear. I told you, he's a talented individual."

Hearing this, Chen Bin cursed inwardly.

If not for the leverage the other party held over him, Zhu Lang, that useless fool, wouldn't even have qualified to enter the Provincial Station.

As the dinner neared its end, Mao Bocheng spoke again.

"Since you also think the person I recommended is doing well, could you help arrange one more?"

Forcing a smile, Chen Bin asked, "Who is it this time?"

"A friend's son—an outstanding graduate from abroad. He could've developed his career overseas, but he returned to Tianhai for his parents' sake. Someone so capable and filial, I'd feel most assured entrusting him to you."

"Thank you for your trust, Secretary Mao. But unfortunately, there's no suitable position available at the station right now. Considering your friend's son is a high achiever, wouldn't placing him in a more fitting department make better use of his talents?"

Frowning slightly, Mao Bocheng's expression grew visibly displeased.

"Fine. I'll let him handle it himself then."

"Thank you for your understanding, Secretary Mao. If a good position opens up later, I'll definitely find a way to help arrange it."

Just when Chen Bin felt relieved, a few days later, he received another call from Mao Bocheng.

"I have a complaint letter about you here. The video content is not in your favor. If this isn't dealt with promptly, you could be in big trouble."

"Secretary Mao, I've been a bit busy these past few days and forgot to inform you. The station recently opened up a vacancy. Which department would your friend's son like to join?"

Hearing Chen Bin's submissive tone, Mao Bocheng's voice softened significantly.

"I'll hold off on the complaint letter for now. Isn't there a construction office at Xintai? Just make him the deputy office director."

"No problem. I'll follow your instructions."

After hanging up, Chen Bin grabbed the water cup from his desk and smashed it fiercely on the floor.

The glass shattered instantly, scattering across the floor.

After his anger subsided, he called the director of the Xintai Construction Office.

"There will be a deputy director joining you in the next few days. Make sure he doesn't take on any responsibility. Whether he wants to show up for work or not, that's up to him. Just don't let him handle anything. Got it?"

"Understood, Station Head Chen. Don't worry!"

Hearing the fearful voice on the other end, Chen Bin abruptly hung up the call.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

After entering the office, Tao Qian immediately noticed the shattered glass on the floor.

Widening his eyes slightly, he quickly grabbed a broom from a corner to clean it up.

Once the shards were cleared, he approached with a smile and said,

"Godfather, today's my birthday. I'd like to invite you to my place for dinner tonight. Would you be able to come?"

Taking a deep breath, Chen Bin asked in response, "Will there be anyone else there?"

"No, just the two of us."

"Alright, go ahead and prepare. I'll come over after work."

After Tao Qian left, Chen Bin immediately asked Shen Xue to help order a birthday cake.

That evening after work, Chen Bin brought the cake to Tao Qian's house.

Seeing Chen Bin arrive with the cake, Tao Qian was deeply moved and expressed his gratitude repeatedly.

Once inside, Chen Bin began to survey the surroundings.

The apartment was two bedrooms and one living room, a moderate size.

It was neatly organized, seemingly not the home of a single man.

However, after a detailed inspection, Chen Bin found no trace of a woman's presence.

It appeared that Tao Qian was living alone for now.

Sitting at the dining table, there were four dishes and a soup laid out, and the aroma was quite appetizing.

Tao Qian opened a bottle of red wine, pouring a glass for Chen Bin as he spoke gratefully,

"Thank you for taking the time to celebrate my birthday, Godfather. Your guidance at the station is something I'll never forget in this lifetime."

Chen Bin didn't say much, simply raising his glass for a toast.

"Happy birthday!"

The two chatted over food and wine.

Chen Bin was the first to ask, "You don't have a girlfriend?"

"Not at the moment."

Nodding slightly, Chen Bin probed further,

"Why? Don't tell me you still have feelings for Lan Hui?"