Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1189 - Chapter 1189 Chapter 1145 The Unexpected Phone Call

Chapter 1189: Chapter 1145: The Unexpected Phone Call Chapter 1189: Chapter 1145: The Unexpected Phone Call “`

“Blocked? What happened? How could the Traffic Police Headquarters let this happen?” In an instant, Liu Zhentao had risen to his feet, his face set in a solemn tone as he spoke.

Ever since that moment in the meeting, from the time he made his stance clear in front of Chen Tao, Liu Zhentao knew very well that he was now tied to Nie Zhenbang. Especially regarding the investigation into Li Hongyi’s cause of death. Tied together completely. From the four major development projects Nie Zhenbang had proposed, it was clear that their fates would continue to be intertwined in the future.

At that moment, hearing this news, it was inevitable for Liu Zhentao not to be nervous. The driver was the most crucial figure in this accident investigation, the sole person with knowledge of the events. Should an accident befall him, the entire investigation would likely come to a halt. That would be the end of it.

Nie Zhenbang also furrowed his brows. With Li Hongyi’s sudden accident, Nie Zhenbang was still somewhat at a loss. Why was he, for no apparent reason, at a standoff with Chen Tao? Insisting on his own opinion,

What benefit did that bring him? Li Hongyi was not his man, so why pursue an investigation just because the circumstances were fishy?

Wouldn’t it be better just to close the case? Was there a need to complicate matters so much? If the case were closed, couldn’t he devote himself more fully to economic development?

But now, Nie Zhenbang had understood. It wasn’t only because of Li Hongyi’s case. Deep down, he had a bad premonition. If there was someone so audacious within Longxi Province, then development would surely be reduced to empty talk. When billion-dollar projects were proposed in the future, such a person would swoop in like a shark smelling blood.

After a moment of reflection, Nie Zhenbang slowly said, “Comrade Yue Guang, such a crucial patient transfer, and you did not make all necessary preparations? You didn’t arrange for traffic control vehicles?”

Nie Zhenbang’s tone, though calm, implied a reprimand, causing Liu Yueguang to look somewhat embarrassed. Such an oversight under his watch was an undeniable display of his incompetence.

Moreover, he was under the dual pressure of the Party Secretary and the Governor.

“Secretary, Governor, the Public Security Department has been derelict in its duties. I request that the organization criticizes me,” Liu Yueguang said sincerely, admitting his fault.

At such a time, the more he argued, the worse it would be. Liu Yueguang understood this principle very well. He did not even attempt to defend himself. His first words were to admit the error and ask for criticism.

He chose his words carefully, not asking for a self-imposed penalty, but merely for criticism. There’s a clear difference between criticism and a formal penalty.

Criticism? It’s just a few words of scolding at most. While it’s not great for one’s dignity, in the presence of just the Party Secretary and the Governor, it’s not a big deal. As for the leaders and his own secretary, Liu Yueguang chose to ignore them. They wouldn’t dare to speak out even if they had the guts.

But a penalty is different; it would go on the record. Carrying a penalty in one’s history means, at some key moments, when in competition with others, one would be at a disadvantage.

“Alright, Secretary Yue Guang, let’s not talk about criticism or penalties. The urgent matter at hand is to ensure the safety of the individual’s life. Arrange immediately for full efforts to clear the traffic. If necessary, turn back to the hospital. In any case, ensure the person’s survival. He is the sole participant and informant in Comrade Hongyi’s accident. His importance need not be elaborated on, as I believe you understand,” Liu Zhentao said seriously.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang interjected with a raise of his hand, “It’s too late now. If my guess is correct, the road is seriously blocked, with both sides jammed. It’s simply not possible to clear a path.”

As his words fell, Liu Yueguang wiped the sweat from his brow and nodded, “Secretary, you are wise. After the accident involving the collision of two large trucks, about a kilometer behind the ambulance, another accident occurred involving a rear-end collision of a train, causing vehicles to overturn. Currently, the road is completely blocked.”

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang’s heart actually eased.

Yes, it was indeed such a situation. Before, regarding the entire matter, Nie Zhenbang had only a premonition, a guess. But now, hearing this, he was almost certain that this was definitely a premeditated murder.

The world doesn’t have such coincidences. On the highway from Linzhou City to Ancient Capital City, apart from this five-kilometer stretch to get on the expressway, the rest is highway. And to have two accidents occur so coincidentally, this was undoubtedly a murder with intent, an attempt to prevent the driver from regaining consciousness.

“`

“Heh, Lingxiao Coal Mine? Lingxiao and Ling Baodong. They really have some nerve. Attempting to murder a senior official and now trying to cover up the truth. They must think they can cover the sky with one hand? I’m curious to see what kind of tricks they can pull off.”

Nie Zhenbang sneered inwardly and then said, “In this situation, the traffic is completely blocked. More talk is useless. In that case, Comrade Yue Guang, you must immediately notify our personnel over there. They must ensure the safety of the injured. Also, arrange for someone to quickly clear a temporary landing spot near the ambulance. I will contact the military district and arrange for a helicopter to go there.”

At that moment, Zhenbang’s grandeur and resolve shone through. To call for a helicopter was a move only Secretary Nie could make due to his vision.

Watching Liu Yueguang’s departing figure, the two had unconsciously walked to the entrance of the provincial party committee and government building; it was just past one o’clock, the time for a lunch break. Inside the office building, there were not many staff coming and going.

Stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for the tenth floor, Nie Zhenbang turned to Liu Zhentao and said, “Zhen Tao, it seems now that Lingxiao Coal Mine is a prime suspect.”

By this time, with such an incident, coupled with the fact that this was a private conversation, Nie Zhenbang had few reservations in what he said.

Liu Zhentao nodded solemnly and said, “What exactly did Li Hongyi discover at Lingxiao Coal Mine that led to Lingxiao taking such drastic measures? Ling Baodong is really regressing with age. Such brazen behavior as if he’s above the law.”

Liu Zhentao, at fifty-three, was about the same age as Ling Baodong, and they were peers. To call Lingxiao a child was not at all incorrect. Nie Zhenbang’s generation was caught in the middle, somewhat awkwardly positioned.

Smiling, he said, “Old Liu, never mind Ling Baodong for now. Just think about our own children. How much have we managed them? It’s the family who’s in charge. I’ve heard that Ling Baodong’s wife has always been overly protective. It’s no wonder Lingxiao grew up to be so arrogant.”

At this point, Nie Zhenbang’s expression suddenly changed, and his tone grew serious, “However, no matter how Ling Baodong raises his child or how domineering Lingxiao is, first and foremost, he is a citizen who should abide by the law. No one who breaks the law can escape punishment. Now, as the top leader of Longxi Province, in my jurisdiction, I will not tolerate any class that thinks it stands above privilege.”

Nie Zhenbang’s words were charged with a lethal determination that even made Liu Zhentao feel slightly alarmed. Secretary Nie was set on making an example out of Lingxiao, and it had to be said, it was Lingxiao’s own doing. First and foremost, plotting to kill a high-ranking official was a red line that no one could cross. Moreover, this was a good way for Secretary Nie to establish his authority. At this moment, Liu Zhentao could see that, from the perspective of Secretary Nie, none of the provincial committee members meant much to him. For a confrontation, it had to be with someone at an equal level. Without a doubt, Lingxiao had walked right into the line of fire. Thirdly, Lingxiao’s actions undeniably could affect the overall development of Longxi. In Liu Zhentao’s view, such a significant project would definitely stir interest among those heavy hitters in Jingcheng and their circles.

Nevertheless, Liu Zhentao did worry for Nie Zhenbang. Clashing with Ling Baodong was dangerous; the slightest misstep could lead to mutual destruction.

Liu Zhentao did not sit for long before getting up to leave. Just after two o’clock, as the workday was beginning, Nie Zhenbang’s cell phone suddenly rang. It was a private number. As soon as he answered, he heard Ling Baodong’s voice, “Heh, little brother Zhenbang. Hello there. It’s Ling Baodong.”

Nie Zhenbang wasn’t surprised to receive a call from Ling Baodong. He had estimated this would be the time the military district’s helicopter would have taken away the injured. He was sure that Lingxiao must have received some news by now. The kid was clever, knowing he couldn’t hold on and now seeking help from his family.

Although clear-headed about it, Nie Zhenbang remained composed, smiling as he spoke, “Secretary Baodong, hello, hello. What brings you to call me today?”

“Hey, little brother, you’re being too formal. What’s our relationship? My old man also served under Elder Nie back in the day. Heck, when I was at the General Equipment Department’s courtyard, I used to follow old brother Guowei around. To speak like that now would be too estranged.”

Hearing Ling Baodong’s words, Nie Zhenbang was somewhat caught between laughter and tears. What twisted logic was this? Calling his own father ‘old brother’ and himself ‘little brother,’ wouldn’t that turn them into brothers? At this point, Ling Baodong seemed to have no bounds.

“Haha, Secretary Baodong, you’re right. Next time I’m in Jingcheng, I’ll treat you to a meal,” Nie Zhenbang said, laughing.

As soon as he finished speaking, Ling Baodong chuckled and replied, “Little brother, no need to put yourself out like that. Don’t bother going to Jingcheng. The Western Region Development Summit is going to be held in Ancient City soon, and I plan to lead the team there myself. We’ll have a good chat then.”

Nie Zhenbang wasn’t surprised that Ling Baodong didn’t mention his son Lingxiao. If Ling Baodong lacked even this basic decorum and subtlety, he couldn’t have secured his position in Yu State. Going directly to the point would lead to a complete fallout if Nie didn’t play along. At the moment, Ling Baodong was making a probe. The real confrontation would likely happen in three days at the Western Region Development Summit.(To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets at Qidian. Your support is my greatest motivation.)