Chapter 1436: Chapter 228: Investigation (2)_3
"But if this case isn’t handled well, we might really lose the lawsuit!"
"I know."
Director Qi wanted Han Yu to ask the city leaders for help, requesting them to speak with the court. He whispered, "What do we do now?"
Han Yu pulled up a chair and sat down, saying, "Since there’s a problem with our accident determination, we should comply with the first trial’s verdict and correct it promptly."
"Admit defeat? How can I explain this to the bureau and team leaders?"
"I’m the deputy director in charge of firefighting. If the superior needs an explanation, let them hold me accountable."
Who would hold you accountable, and who could actually hold you accountable!
Director Qi suddenly realized that having Han Yu take the blame was appropriate. But after thinking, he furrowed his brows and said, "The issue now isn’t just to redefine accident responsibility or apologize to the ship owner. We need to bear the litigation costs. The bureau’s account only has tens of thousands, where will I find five hundred thousand for the litigation fee?"
Without hesitation, Han Yu said, "Borrow."
Director Qi asked awkwardly, "From whom? Which bank would lend to us?"
Everyone knows the Changhang Bureau is Binjiang Port Group’s internal security; if Binjiang Port doesn’t pay the bureau’s salaries, everyone at the bureau will starve. It’s indeed difficult to get a bank loan.
Han Yu regretted transferring back from the Smuggling Crime Investigation Bureau and said helplessly, "The Water Firefighting Association’s account has tens of thousands, and the Rescue Boat Team’s account has over thirty thousand. If nothing works, I’ll have to abuse my authority and misuse public funds once."
"Sorry to have you encounter such a tricky situation right after transferring back."
"This money must be repaid!"
"Don’t worry, I won’t default, but it must be in installments. Otherwise, we won’t even have money to pay the police and auxiliary salaries."
This role of a director is really suffocating. Even the litigation fees have to be borrowed by subordinates. Director Qi looked at Han Yu, afraid he might not repay, and suddenly realized Han Yu was more like a director.
"Installments are fine, but it must be repaid within a year." Han Yu took a deep breath and continued, "Also, better late than never. We need to strengthen legal education and avoid such issues again. Otherwise, no amount of funds will be enough to cover lawsuits."
"I know, I’ve discussed with Old Dong. We’ll organize training in a few days, inviting legal experts to speak thoroughly."
"I’ll be off then."
"Go ahead."
...
After work, Han Yu decided to take the blame for the Fire Brigade, and the impending compensation and defeat news spread throughout the bureau.
Li Guangrong held the just-off-work Han Yu who was preparing to go home and said calmly, "Secretary Han, you have courage and responsibility!"
"Director Li, don’t joke. This is a forced decision. Rather than being enforced by the court, it’s better to admit defeat voluntarily."
"No one can enforce us, even the court."
"Although you say that, we are law enforcers; we can’t knowingly violate the law. If we stubbornly refuse the ruling, the plaintiff won’t agree, and it would cause a terrible impact!"
"You’re right; in such matters, prolonged pain isn’t as good as short pain. The key is not everyone has your level of responsibility. Only you dare to act decisively."
"Who else is there to manage firefighting? I should’ve drawn lots during division duties; whoever draws the Fire Brigade takes this mess."
"Hahaha, it’s too late to regret now."
Li Guangrong was amused, glanced behind him, then leaned in and said, "Secretary Han, I almost forgot to say: You’re not just courageous and responsible, but also wealthy. Without money, courage and responsibility would mean breaking and discarding the broken jar, and the messy yarn wouldn’t be easily cut."
He had to admit that Old Li’s words made sense.
Admitting defeat comes with costs; without five hundred thousand, one can’t even voluntarily surrender.
Realizing that nothing gets done without money, Han Yu stopped walking: "Director Li, the litigation money is borrowed, and since it’s borrowed, it must be repaid. I’m leaving the day after tomorrow, and I plan to arrange inspections for the Fire Brigade to conduct a comprehensive maritime firefighting safety check at each police station before I go."
Earlier, it was agreed to let Li Guangrong oversee the Fire Brigade during Han Yu’s escort captain duties for the outgoing delegation.
Li Guangrong could sense Han Yu’s hidden message and asked in surprise, "Serious action? No matter the unit, penalties for any discovered fire hazard?"
"Heavy penalties! For repeated offenders, the maximum penalty!" Han Yu took a deep breath and added, "For those who don’t cooperate, related personnel should be administratively detained as per regulations!"
The district has many units, either large state-owned like Binjiang Port Group or Sino-foreign joint ventures like Cosco Kawasaki.
Li Guangrong said with a bitter face, "Secretary Han, you’re roasting me over the fire!"
"New officials take firm action, creating some movement will make you known, Director Li."
"I don’t need recognition. If people do come to me, I’ll push it back on you, claiming you ordered it all."
"Pushing it back on me is fine." Han Yu wiped his sweat and whispered, "As the weather heats up, we’re entering a high-fire-accident period. Strict inspections and penalties are beneficial."
As an old Changhang police officer, Li Guangrong understands the importance of maritime firefighting management. But he knows the Fire Brigade has created a big financial hole for the bureau that must be filled soon. After hesitating, he clenched his fists and said, "Rest assured, I’ll try to repay the borrowed money before you return."
Indeed, as old classmates from party school, they have a tacit understanding.
Although Han Yu thought the same, he still said solemnly, "Fines are a means, not the end."
"I understand. I’ll be mindful of handling it."
"Thanks."
"Don’t mention it. When are you leaving? I’ll drive you to the airport."
"No need to see me off. I’ll go with my wife’s investment delegation to Guangzhou; she has a car there."
