Chapter 233: The Confrontation (Part 2)
Hou Weidong noticed that Gao Zhiyuan no longer recognized him and thought to himself, “It seems Gao Zhiyuan has forgotten me. Er Niang’s words had no effect.” But then he reconsidered: “Gao Zhiyuan is the Director of the People’s Congress in Shazhou City, while I was merely a low-level township cadre stationed in the village back then. The gap in our status was too vast. Without special connections, it would be difficult for our paths to cross, so it is quite normal for him to have forgotten me.”
Zhu Yan introduced him, saying, “This is my secretary, Hou Weidong. He used to work in Shangqinglin.”
Gao Zhiyuan pointed at Hou Weidong and smiled. “I remember now. You are the university student who helped build the roads in Shangqinglin back then.” He praised him, “There are not many university students nowadays who can settle down and do practical work. No matter what post you hold in the future, you must maintain this down-to-earth style.”
Gao Zhiyuan was a seasoned veteran who knew that if Zhu Yan, as the County Party Secretary, had come in such a hurry, there must be urgent matters. He said, “Old Zhu, couldn’t you have discussed this over the phone? Why make the trip personally?”
Zhu Yan smiled. “I still know how to stand at attention and relax.”
The Yiyang Native Produce Company had once been famous. During his tenure in Yiyang, Gao Zhiyuan had often brainstormed ideas for the company. Upon learning that the company was now insolvent, he remarked, “The lifespan of our enterprises is too short. It took only about ten years for the Native Produce Company to go from glory to ruin. In Western countries, there are many century-old shops, but we have very few in our country. What is the reason? It is a systemic issue. Unclear property rights are the main obstacle to enterprise development. The Yiyang Native Produce Company is a special case; we can use it as a pilot for reforms such as establishing a joint-stock system.”
He added, “I have shared this view with Ma Youcai as well. Your County Party Committee and County Government must dare to break through old frameworks.”
When the conversation turned to the poisoning and arson cases, Gao Zhiyuan appeared shocked. It took him a moment before he finally said, “I never expected such things to happen in Yiyang.”
“The County Party Committee and County Government attach great importance to this matter. The public security organs are concentrating their efforts on investigating the case, and we have obtained some leads.”
Gao Zhiyuan knew that Zhu Yan’s relationship with Ma Youcai was tense, so he did not take a clear stance. Instead, he said, “Once the case is solved, send me a report. I want to see who is so bold.”
Zhu Yan knew that Ma Youcai had once been Gao Zhiyuan’s subordinate, which was why he had made the special trip to Shazhou. He wanted to thoroughly explain the situation regarding the Yiyang Native Produce Company in advance, to prevent Gao Zhiyuan from being misled by one-sided accounts and forming a negative impression. Now, he felt this objective had been achieved.
Zhu Yan and Gao Zhiyuan had a good personal relationship. After discussing business, Zhu Yan asked, “Director Gao, are you free tonight?”
Gao Zhiyuan waved his hand. “Secretary Zhu has a strong tolerance for alcohol. I heard you got the Mayor drunk. I dare not challenge you one-on-one.” He continued, “I don’t have time tonight. The People’s Congress delegation from Lingxi is inspecting Shazhou, and I need to accompany them for dinner.”
“In that case, we will have to reschedule.” Zhu Yan showed a regretful expression. “Old leader, I brought ten dried wild pheasants from Shangqinglin. They are authentic local delicacies, specially purchased by Xiao Hou from Wangri Village.”
Gao Zhiyuan smiled. “It is rare for Secretary Zhu to be so thoughtful. Thank you.”
After leaving the People’s Congress building, Zhu Yan instructed, “Go to the Shazhou Hotel.”
The Shazhou Hotel had been newly renovated, and the lobby looked noble and elegant. Hou Weidong noticed that Zhu Yan seemed intent on staying there and tentatively asked, “Secretary Zhu, do we need to book a room?” Zhu Yan had been looking thoughtful. He said, “Let’s stick to the old standard.”
“What is this ‘old standard’?”
Hou Weidong walked to the front desk, pondering the matter. At that moment, Old Liu had just parked the car and entered the lobby. Hou Weidong quietly asked him. Old Liu replied, “Usually, Secretary Zhu stays in the suite on the fifth floor, and the two of us stay in a standard room on the fourth floor.” Hou Weidong glanced at the price list. The suite on the fifth floor cost 888 yuan per day, but he managed to settle the accommodation procedures for 488 yuan.
Hou Weidong helped Zhu Yan carry his briefcase and escorted him to the suite on the fifth floor, while Old Liu went directly to the fourth floor.
Familiar with the suite’s layout, Zhu Yan went straight to the reception area and made a call on his mobile phone: “Standing Committee Member Huang, this is Zhu Yan. Do you have time tonight? I’d like to report on my work.”
The Standing Committee Member Huang was Huang Zidi, the Secretary-General of the Shazhou Municipal Party Committee. He had always followed Comrade Zhou Changquan, the head of the Municipal Party Committee, moving from the town office to the county office, and then to the Shazhou Municipal Office. Now, he was a member of the Municipal Standing Committee and the Secretary-General. Due to his special relationship with Zhou Changquan, Huang Zidi held a transcendent position within the Shazhou Municipal Party Committee. In the eyes of many, he carried more weight than the other deputy secretaries of Shazhou.
Huang Zidi had just finished his tasks when he received Zhu Yan’s call. He spoke directly: “It’s the weekend. Let’s gather two people tonight and play a round of mahjong.” Zhu Yan laughed, “I have been seriously studying mahjong strategies lately, ready to repay the favor of the arrow.”
Note: The original text cuts off mid-sentence here ("repay the favor of the arrow…"). The translation continues based on the context of the next paragraph.
“Let’s go to Old Kong’s turf to play. I’ve already given him a heads-up.”
After hanging up, Zhu Yan said, “Prepare ten thousand yuan. Follow me to the Finance and Taxation Hotel.”
According to Ji Haiyang’s instructions, whenever Hou Weidong left Yiyang with Zhu Yan, he had to carry at least twenty thousand yuan in cash for emergencies. In addition to public funds, Hou Weidong also carried a bank card with fifty thousand yuan.
He took out ten thousand yuan in cash from his leather bag and thought to himself, “I only gave ten dried wild pheasants to Gao Zhiyuan of the People’s Congress, but this Standing Committee Member Huang receives ten thousand yuan in cash. The ways of the world are indeed hard to understand.”
Upon arriving at the Finance and Taxation Hotel, as they got out of the car, Old Liu said to Hou Weidong, “I’ll go back to sleep. Call me if you need the car.” As a veteran driver for the County Party Committee Office, he knew clearly which events he could attend and which he had to avoid. His mind was as clear as a mirror. On occasions like this, Zhu Yan usually only brought his personal secretary, so Old Liu voluntarily withdrew.
A welcome lady in a qipao stood at the entrance of the Finance and Taxation Hotel. Seeing the license plate, she knew the visitors were VIPs awaited by Director Kong. She walked over with graceful charm, smiling and bowing slightly. “Leaders, please follow me. Director Kong has already arrived.”
The welcome lady led Zhu Yan and Hou Weidong into a very discreet elevator. The interior facilities were new and exceptionally clean. She explained with a smile, “This is the VIP-only channel.”
The elevator was of high quality, rising quickly with little noise. Hou Weidong thought to himself, “It seems I have gained Zhu Yan’s approval and am beginning to integrate into his circle of life.”
As soon as they entered the hall, they saw a short, fat man scolding someone. The person being scolded was nearly 1.8 meters tall, keeping his head lowered as much as possible, afraid to meet the short man’s gaze.
“The disbursements for this month must be controlled. Every department is asking for money. I will not sign any unplanned requests.” The short man took the pen, signed a few characters with swift, dragon-like strokes, and said, “I’m giving you face today. Don’t let it happen again.”
The short man had now noticed Zhu Yan. He threw the pen to the tall man and extended his hand. “Secretary Zhu, welcome. Today, we are at the Juxian Pavilion.”
Inside the Juxian Pavilion, there was already a middle-aged man with very fair skin, his expression cold. He shook hands with Zhu Yan and then sat back down.
Zhu Yan, Old Kong, and Old Fang sat on the sofas in the Juxian Pavilion living room, chatting casually while waiting for Huang Zidi, the member of the Municipal Standing Committee and Secretary-General.
Hou Weidong and another man in his thirties wearing glasses did not sit with them. They stood to the side. The man with glasses proactively extended his hand. “I am Lv Dongqiang, Director of the Office of the Finance Bureau.” Hou Weidong introduced himself, “I am Secretary Zhu’s secretary.” Lv Dongqiang smiled, “Consider us acquainted today. In the future, if you come to the Finance and Taxation Hotel for meals or accommodation, you will always get half price.”
After chatting for a while, the door of the Juxian Pavilion opened gently. The person at the front was about forty years old, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, with an extraordinary demeanor. Zhu Yan, Old Kong, and Old Fang all stood up as he entered.
Because Huang Zidi often appeared on television, Hou Weidong recognized him at a glance. He thought to himself, “The real person is actually even more handsome than on TV.”
Huang Zidi held the highest status and was therefore the most casual. Upon entering, he said, “No drinking tonight. Let’s eat and then have a good game of mahjong.”
Old Fang said, “A banquet is incomplete without wine. We must drink.”
Huang Zidi said, “Old Fang, your public security organs need to strengthen their case investigation forces. Three major criminal cases this year have not been solved, and Secretary Changquan is already somewhat dissatisfied.”
Old Fang hurriedly explained, adding, “Besides the aforementioned special reasons, there is another important factor: the equipment of the Shazhou Public Security Bureau is too poor. The Criminal Investigation Division is the fist department of the police, and its equipment is considered the best, but they are still using old Jeeps. Other technical investigation equipment is also stuck at the 1980s level.”
Huang Zidi said, “Old Kong, this is your responsibility.”
Old Kong, who had been stern and severe when scolding earlier, now had a face full of smiles. “Heaven and earth are my witnesses. How much have public security funds increased in recent years? Today, the finance department allocated exactly ten million yuan more than last year.”
Zhu Yan stood up. “I will take ten minutes of Standing Committee Member Huang’s time to report on an important matter privately.” Huang Zidi smiled. “What matter requires a private report?”
The two went into a private room. Zhu Yan briefly explained the cause and effect of the Yiyang Native Produce Company incident. He added, “I am worried that some people might use this matter to make an issue out of it. Standing Committee Member Huang, can you arrange a time? I would like to report on Yiyang’s work to Secretary Changquan.”
Huang Zidi nodded. “I am aware of this matter. I will try to arrange for you to report to Comrade Changquan once in the near future.”
Having received this promise, Zhu Yan chuckled twice. “I leave this matter in your hands, Standing Committee Member Huang.” As he spoke, he handed over the ten thousand yuan. “This is for the mahjong stakes tonight.” Huang Zidi did not decline. He put the money in his pocket and said, “Last time, you and Old Fang lost. Today, it’s a hard clash. Let’s see whose luck is better.”
Insisted upon by Huang Zidi, only one bottle of Moutai was opened for dinner. After the meal, Zhu Yan, Huang Zidi, Old Fang, and Old Kong went to the rooftop chess and card room. The rooftop room featured floor-to-ceiling windows. Sitting by the window, one could look down upon the urban area, giving a feeling of being high above others.