Official Career Storm
Chapter 426

Chapter 426: Chapter 426

Zhang Meilin was taken away by the ambulance.

Zhou Qian also got back into the car.

Seeing her somewhat distracted, Song Guanchao asked, "What’s wrong?"

Zhou Qian looked at him, "Should this video be released?"

"Yes."

Song Guanchao had already told her that it was all an act, and Zhang Meilin wasn’t really beaten.

As for why they had to stage this act, he didn’t say, and Zhou Qian, sensing his intentions, didn’t ask.

But now, Zhou Qian’s state of mind clearly wasn’t right.

"What’s wrong?"

Zhou Qian hesitated and then asked, "Are you planning to deal with Mayor Zheng?"

"Huh?"

Song Guanchao felt perplexed, "Why would I deal with Mayor Zheng?"

Zhou Qian stared into his eyes to make sure he wasn’t lying.

She handed over her phone, "See for yourself."

When she heard Zhang Meilin mention that he had just come from Mayor Zheng’s house, Song Guanchao was also stunned.

He immediately understood why Zhang Meilin had specifically chosen this location.

This guy was setting a trap for Mayor Zheng.

His tactics were no better than Song Guanchao’s own.

He chuckled and said, "Send me the video later, continue covering the news, but don’t mention Mayor Zheng for now."

"Oh."

Zhou Qian glanced at the time and said, "Where are you staying? I’ll drive you back."

"Take me to the bar; my car is still parked there."

"By the way, are you hungry?"

"Not... a bit hungry," Zhou Qian suddenly changed her answer.

"How about I treat you to barbecue?"

"Sure." Zhou Qian asked, "Just the two of us?"

Song Guanchao felt embarrassed, remembering the last time he suddenly invited Fu Ying.

"Just the two of us."

They went to a barbecue stall where spicy cumin-laced skewers were served.

The tantalizing aroma made one’s mouth water.

After eating and drinking their fill, Song Guanchao said, "You go back on your own; I’ll take a cab."

"I’ll take you," Zhou Qian insisted stubbornly.

Thus, she drove Song Guanchao to the bar and then drove away.

In the bar, several people were there.

But Li Zhijun and his two companions were now too sensitive to go out, so Song Guanchao made a phone call to order barbecue for delivery.

They nibbled on skewers and sipped beer.

Song Guanchao asked, "Madman, the last time I asked you to check on Xu Xin’s relatives, how did it go?"

"I haven’t had time recently," Lu Feng said, "One minute I’m doing this, the next minute something else; I just can’t keep up. I left a few brothers in the village to inquire."

"Right."

Lu Feng said, "About the car that tricked you, I found some information."

"Tell me."

"That was a swapped license car; the vehicle itself can’t be found now, probably dumped by the other side."

"But I did find out about the license plate."

"This license plate has been active in An County and the villages below, but who drives it, I couldn’t find out."

"An County?"

Song Guanchao sneered inwardly.

He really hadn’t wronged Mayor Zheng.

It really was this guy setting him up.

He distinctly remembered when the issue of who should be the County Party Secretary of Dujiang County came up, Wu Qiangwei had discussed it in a small meeting with Mayor Zheng, Secretary Lu, Minister Zhou, and Jiang Yuan.

At that time, Mayor Zheng’s recommendation was a certain County Magistrate Fu from An County.

This swapped license car was also from An County.

Song Guanchao didn’t believe this was a coincidence.

Moreover, he knew when he was reported, the first suspect was Zheng Bihui.

This also confirmed his suspicion.

After filling his stomach, Song Guanchao chatted for a while, then he left.

There was no one at home, and Liang Jiajia had been persuaded to go back.

After taking a shower, Song Guanchao leaned on the bed, pondering.

Hou Wen hadn’t transferred the funds, a point that baffled him.

He was now certain that Hou Wen must have known he was being targeted.

But why didn’t he transfer the funds?

No matter how much Song Guanchao thought about it, he couldn’t understand.

Moreover, if he didn’t plan to transfer the funds, his best course of action should have been to flee the country.

He hadn’t done either of those things.

It was too strange and unexplainable.

He could only assume that Hou Wen had other accounts.

The next morning,

while Song Guanchao was still asleep, a new storm was brewing in the city.

Zhang Meilin, the Secretary-General of the Municipal Government Advisory Council, had been assaulted last night and rushed to the hospital.

At just nine in the morning, Minister Zhou arrived at the municipal government, ignoring people greeting him and walked into the elevator with a grim face.

Those who shared the elevator with him felt the almost explosive anger emanating from him.

It was the first time they saw Minister Zhou with such an expression, like a volcano about to erupt, making everyone dare not breathe.

The elevator doors opened.

Someone noticed that Minister Zhou was heading towards Mayor Zheng’s office.

"Minister Zhou..."

Li Jun looked up and saw Minister Zhou’s grim face, somewhat astonished.

Before he could stand up, he saw Minister Zhou pushing open the office door forcefully.

Li Jun was surprised, wondering what was wrong with Minister Zhou.

Mayor Zheng was leaning back in his chair, reviewing documents.

The noise of the door made him look up.

"Minister Zhou, what’s..."

As Minister Zhou approached, Mayor Zheng also saw his effort to contain himself and stopped speaking.

Minister Zhou stood in front of the desk, eyes blazing with fury, "Zheng Bihui, give me an explanation!"

"Minister Zhou, what are you talking about?"

Mayor Zheng was confused, unable to comprehend Minister Zhou’s intentions.

Minister Zhou took a deep breath, but the twitching of his eyes and eyebrows let Mayor Zheng know that the emotional state of this high-ranking and influential local cadre was on the verge of erupting.

Clearly, he had provoked Minister Zhou.

But he was puzzled, when had he ever provoked him?

He had always been on good terms with local cadres like Minister Zhou and Jiang Yuan, never antagonizing them.

But Minister Zhou’s sudden demeanor was utterly inexplicable.

Minister Zhou glared at him and asked, "Did you meet with Zhang Meilin last night?"

"Zhang Meilin?"

"I did... he visited me last night."

"Good, I’m glad you admit it."

Minister Zhou questioned, "I’m unclear why Xiao Zhang visited you or what grievance exists between you. But whatever the grievance, settling it with violence in private crosses the line!"

Mayor Zheng’s mind buzzed, and he quickly stood up, "Minister Zhou, make yourself clear!"

"I have no grievance with Zhang Meilin; he came to me for personal reasons, and indeed there were some disputes, but I never laid a hand on him!"

"You didn’t lay a hand?"

"Bang!"

Minister Zhou slammed his fist onto the table, the loud noise making Li Jun unable to resist pushing the door open.

"Xiao Zhang is now lying in the ICU, and you tell me you didn’t lay a hand on him?"

"What?"

Mayor Zheng’s pupils abruptly constricted. Zhang Meilin was in the ICU?

He had been beaten?

At this moment, Jiang Yuan suddenly entered from outside and quickly approached.

He had just heard from his secretary that Minister Zhou had come suddenly, and his mood seemed very off, as if he was here to cause trouble for Mayor Zheng.

Coming over now and seeing Minister Zhou’s expression scared him too.

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