Chapter 1677: Chapter 1677:
Sub-bureau, interrogation room.
Song Guanchao looked at Director Zhang, who sat before him with a mocking smile, clearly dismissive of his authority, and said amiably, "Director Zhang, I received a report that you are playing the role of a protector for others, accepting bribes..."
He enumerated some formulaic crimes.
With his discerning eye, and given Director Zhang’s illegal actions against Chairman Qiao, he could ascertain that this guy had definitely been involved in dirt.
If someone wants to investigate, they can certainly find something wrong.
Director Zhang was not a system novice. Hearing this, he knew he was bluffing: "Director Song, you’re impressive—being an office director in Jiangzhou City, you still managed to receive a report about me?"
Song Guanchao smiled warmly, "Indeed, I also wonder why someone would report you to me?"
He then glanced at Director Ma beside him: "Director Ma, why do you think this is?"
Director Ma cooperated: "There are two possibilities. First, the report is fake. Second, Director Zhang dominates Feng City so thoroughly that local victims can only seek help elsewhere."
Song Guanchao asked again: "Oh? Which possibility do you find more likely, Director Ma?"
Director Ma said: "Director Song assisted the police in solving several cases in Lingjiang, earning a solid reputation; I think the second option is more likely."
Director Zhang’s face turned green; these two worked in tandem, speaking so righteously that it truly seemed someone had reported him.
This scene was ironically familiar—he employed similar tactics against disobedient individuals in Feng City, slapping a label on them arbitrarily, arguing whether they committed crimes was for him to decide, not them.
Unexpectedly, someday someone would use this tactic against him.
"Song Guanchao, what do you mean? Are you trying to oppose me?" Director Zhang had no consciousness of being a prisoner, squinting and glaring at him with vicious eyes.
Song Guanchao ignored him and said: "Director Ma, interrogate him thoroughly. If he refuses to speak, keep interrogating until he does."
He wouldn’t use coercion, but apart from force, interrogation had other methods.
Like depriving one of sleep, water, or confining to a dark room—just enough to break down psychological defenses.
Director Ma nodded and only opened his notebook and picked up a pen after Song Guanchao left: "Name."
"..." Director Zhang chose to keep his mouth shut, refusing to cooperate.
Director Ma remained unrattled, unusually calm: "Zhang He, since we have a report, I still hope you cooperate. Of course, if you refuse to speak and don’t wish to cooperate, that’s okay—we can slowly investigate."
Director Zhang gritted his teeth: "Do you understand what you’re doing? I am the Public Security Bureau Chief of Phoenix City—you apprehended me without filing a report; this action is against regulations!"
"Against regulations?" Director Ma was surprised: "So you do know the police service regulations."
"You..."
"Haha, cooperate; don’t think that by not speaking, we won’t find anything. Asking you is merely giving you a chance to show merit. Don’t count on Feng City speaking on your behalf—your actions against Lizhi Company’s chairman severely violated service regulations. I will report to the chief, who will report to the provincial department, which will further report to the ministry."
"The report’s content might need time to verify, but witnesses and evidence for this matter are complete. Even if the mayor steps forward, once the ministry confirms it, it’ll be futile."
Director Zhang’s face finally changed; he didn’t believe the opposing side dared take such action, given the incident’s alleged insignificance.
But he knew if the opposite side truly wanted, they could execute it.
Don’t say reporting to the ministry; as soon as Jiangzhou City files the case, the whole situation would be irreparable.
"You... Director Ma, what exactly do you want?" Director Zhang’s tone softened slightly.
"Nothing, just hope you’ll cooperate."
Director Ma saw his psychological defenses were already weakening.
...
When Song Guanchao returned to the city government, he coincidentally ran into Sun Jiajun coming out of the building.
The two exchanged glances, and Song Guanchao stepped forward to greet: "Mayor Sun."
"Hmm." Sun Jiajun, showing no intention of speaking, nodded and headed towards the parking lot with his secretary.
Song Guanchao looked back at him briefly, unbothered by his attitude.
After Sun Jiajun got in the car, he closed his eyes. Secretary Ma Hongyuan quietly reported, "There are many reports concerning the chemical park, primarily focusing on air pollution and sewage discharge."
Sun Jiajun asked, "Who is in charge of the industrial park?"
Ma Hongyuan replied, "It’s Deputy Mayor Chang Hai."
Sun Jiajun made a sound of acknowledgment and said nothing further.
This morning, the deputy mayor of the High-tech Zone, Xiao Chenlei, called him to say that some pollution incidents recently occurred in the high-tech zone’s industrial park, and many residents reported it, posting numerous videos online.
Though the heat was suppressed, the issue still persisted.
Initially, Sun Jiajun did not understand why he was informed of these matters.
Pollution issues and reports exist; just handle them—why tell me?
As Xiao Chenlei subtly revealed some statements, he understood.
Xiao Chenlei wasn’t unwilling to resolve the issues but had no way to do so.
Because the matter was suppressed.
And the one suppressing it was none other than the deputy mayor in charge of the industrial park, Chang Hai.
Chang Hai was not only deputy mayor but also the high-tech zone area’s mayor and the party secretary, director of the Chemical Industrial Zone Management Committee.
This deputy mayor held significant real power, implementing a tight grip over his jurisdiction.
Furthermore, Chang Hai was adept at governance and economics, originally making him the most likely candidate for the deputy mayor position.
Sun Jiajun realized this was an excellent opportunity, a chance to win over Chang Hai.
The chemical park’s pollution is a difficult issue any city could face and struggle to resolve.
Such problems can be major or minor, depending on how the leadership defines them.
If Chang Hai showed prudence, he could help suppress these issues.
If he remained unwise, Sun Jiajun could seize the occasion to remove Chang Hai and replace him with someone prudent.
For instance, the high-tech zone’s deputy mayor, Xiao Chenlei.
After the pollution incident, Xiao Chenlei was the first to contact him, revealing his relationship with Chang Hai was not amicable.
Moreover, Xiao Chenlei bypassing Chang Hai to contact him inherently suggested snitching.
Sun Jiajun quickly calculated in his mind and devised a plan.
Forty minutes later, the car drove into the High-tech Zone Government.
The secretary quickly followed behind as Sun Jiajun entered the district government.
Upon reaching the office, the secretary knocked on the door.
"Knock knock."
Inside, a voice followed, "Come in," prompting the secretary to open the door.
Sun Jiajun walked in, and Xiao Chenlei immediately stood from his seat, extending a hand while approaching: "Mayor Sun, what an honor; welcome, welcome, please sit, I’ll make tea."
