Chapter 239 Heavy Fist (Part 2)
The police officer looked at Hou Weidong with suspicion, then fixed his gaze on the mobile phone on the desk, which was emitting a piercing ringtone. He reached into his drawer, pulled out his address book, flipped to the page for Director Shang Guanghua, and then picked up the phone to check the caller ID.
It was Director Shang calling.
Upon confirming the caller, the officer’s expression shifted into a complex smile. “You should take this. It’s Director Shang.”
Hou Weidong took the phone and stood up naturally. “Director Shang, hello. This is Hou Weidong. The signal was poor just now.”
Director Shang Guanghua’s voice came through the receiver: “The Public Security Bureau has located Gou Yong’s girlfriend in Lingxi, but we have not yet apprehended Gou Yong himself. We are intensifying our interrogation efforts.”
“If we can catch Gou Yong, that would be ideal,” Hou Weidong replied.
“Since the case has not been fully resolved, I will not rush to report to Secretary Zhu. If Secretary Zhu has any specific requirements regarding the case, please have Secretary Hou convey them to us promptly.”
After hanging up, Hou Weidong no longer played hide-and-seek with the officer. “My name is Hou Weidong. I work at the County Party Committee Office.”
Just then, the phone rang again. It was Ren Lindu. “I’m at the entrance of the police station with Old Liu and Guo Lan. Do you need me to call Director Shang?”
“I’ve already contacted Director Shang. Everything is under control. Tell Old Liu to head back; we can’t let this delay his official business.”
The officer from Chengguan Town understood the situation clearly. Seeing the distinct handprint on Hou Weidong’s face and the dried blood on his nose, he looked embarrassed. “My name is Xiong Li. The civil patrol officer used force earlier; I sincerely apologize.” He then turned to the short civil patrol officer and snapped, “What are you staring at? Go to Dr. Liu’s clinic next door and get some alcohol and cotton swabs immediately.”
Hou Weidong said, “Officer Xiong, the situation today is straightforward. My friend Zeng Xian’s new store just opened. About ten people showed up demanding protection fees and started smashing the place. A conflict ensued.”
Xiong Li’s face twisted with anger. “Those thugs are utterly lawless. I’ve wanted to deal with them for a long time, but as a low-ranking police officer, I have the will but not the power. Since you are Secretary Zhu’s secretary, you should advise the leadership to launch a strict crackdown in Yiyang. We need to root out these pests in one go.”
He added, “Your friends fought bravely. Four or five of them beat up ten thugs wielding knives, scattering them like chickens. It was satisfying to watch.”
At that moment, the civil patrol officer returned with cotton and alcohol. He placed the supplies on the desk, took two packs of Hongtashan cigarettes from his pocket, and pressed them into Hou Weidong’s hand. “Leader Hou, I’m truly sorry. The thugs on the streets are vicious, and seeing them makes me angry, so I lost my temper. Please forgive me.”
Hou Weidong replied, “I understand your frustration, but please avoid using physical force in the future.”
The thin civil patrol officer nodded repeatedly. “I will definitely remember your instruction, Leader.”
Xiong Li said to Hou Weidong, “Please wait here a moment. I will report this to the station chief.”
A few minutes later, a middle-aged police officer in his forties walked in. He glared at the short civil patrol officer and roared, “You always like to use your fists. If you do it again, you can pack your bags and go home.”
Xiong Li introduced him: “This is Director Tan.”
Director Tan extended a large, bear-like hand and gripped Hou Weidong’s tightly. “Secretary Hou, the situation today is clear. A group of petty thugs caused trouble. Rest assured, I have given orders. These rascals will not dare to disturb the store again.”
Hou Weidong smiled warmly, but inwardly he thought: Director Tan appears enthusiastic, but his words carry hidden meanings. Does he want to settle this matter ambiguously?
Hou Weidong responded with equal subtlety: “I trust Director Tan will handle the case impartially. Once the case is closed, I will ask the Public Security Bureau’s office to draft a briefing for the County Party Committee’s Key Information Reference. I’ve even thought of a title: ‘Public Security Organs Strike Hard to Safeguard Enterprises in Our County.’”
Director Tan and Hou Weidong shook hands and laughed heartily, like old friends. Releasing his grip, Director Tan instructed Xiong Li, “Take statements from Secretary Hou’s friends shortly. Afterward, let them return home. The eight troublemakers will be detained for public order violations. We will address the civil compensation once the hospital invoices are available.”
After leaving the police station, Hou Weidong withdrew twenty thousand yuan from the bank and headed straight to the hospital. Zeng Xian’s injuries were not severe; he could be discharged after suturing. Qin Gan, however, required hospitalization. Hou Weidong helped Qin Gan complete the admission procedures. It was nearly two o’clock when Zeng Xian and the others emerged from the police station and arrived at the hospital. Hou Weidong then hurried back to the County Party Committee Office.
As he entered the office, Ren Lindu asked, “Secretary Hou, what happened to your face?”
Hou Weidong went to the restroom and looked in the mirror. He saw a red mark on his face and some blood on his nose. It looked quite stark. He soaked a towel in cold water and applied it as a compress, hoping to reduce the swelling. Reflecting on the fierce fight at noon, he felt a chill of fear. “I was too impulsive today. If I had been slashed, I wouldn’t be able to explain myself to Secretary Zhu.”
“The thugs in Yiyang are becoming too rampant. We must find a way to eliminate these pests for the citizens of Yiyang.”
At that moment, Hou Weidong deeply felt the importance of power. Although he was situated in the center of power in Yiyang County, he possessed no authority of his own. His will could only be translated into action through Zhu Yan. Without Zhu Yan, his words were worthless. He made a silent resolution: “One day, I will be like Zhu Yan.”
At that time, Su Ming arrived at the ground floor of the County Party Committee compound. He was filled with suppressed anger. As he climbed the stairs, he called Hou Weidong. “Township Head Hou, this is Su Ming. Is Secretary Zhu available? I have urgent matters to report.”
“Secretary Su, please don’t rush. Come to the office first.”
When Su Ming entered the office, Hou Weidong had already prepared the tea. Su Ming smiled. “No wonder they say an extra friend means an extra path. Without Brother Hou, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy this cup of hot tea.”
Ren Lindu joked, “Secretary Su is too modest. Even if Hou Weidong weren’t in the office, I know the rules. I would still serve you this cup of hot tea.”
Su Ming and Ren Lindu had interacted before. He sighed, “The County Party Committee really knows how to select people. They have gathered the most outstanding talents in the committee office. Both of you young men have limitless prospects.” He suddenly noticed the red handprint on Hou Weidong’s face and asked in surprise, “Township Head Hou, what happened to your face?”
Hou Weidong had just finished explaining the incident at noon when Su Ming slapped the desk. “That is exactly why I am here to see Secretary Zhu. Yesterday, Huang Yishu, the Vice President of Qingda Group, came to Shangqinglin to inspect the factory site. In the evening, he went to sing at the karaoke hall in Yiyang Hotel. A group of thugs beat him up and extorted over one thousand yuan from him. After Huang Yishu reported the incident to the police station, the station’s attitude was ambiguous. Now, Huang Yishu is furious. He claims that Yiyang’s investment environment is problematic and threatens to withdraw his capital. He left Yiyang early this morning.”
Hearing this, Hou Weidong thought to himself: It’s like falling asleep and finding a pillow. He said enthusiastically, “Secretary Zhu is attending a symposium for young talents at four o’clock. He should still have time.” He added, “Secretary Su, Zeng Xian is also a resident of Qinglin Town. Please report his experience at the city store to Secretary Zhu as well. As a party to the incident, it is not appropriate for me to speak on it.”
Su Ming agreed readily. “No problem.”
Hou Weidong said, “I will go check on Secretary Zhu’s office now.”
Su Ming said, “Wait a moment. Yang Dajin from the Planning Commission also knows about this. Let him report it to the Secretary.” He dialed Yang Dajin’s number. Just as he dialed, a phone rang in the corridor. Yang Dajin, holding his phone, walked into Hou Weidong’s office.
After listening to the reports from Su Ming and Yang Dajin, Zhu Yan’s expression turned grim. “How could such a thing happen? Did Huang Yishu and his group commit any illegal acts at the time?”
Yang Dajin explained, “A cadre from our commission was with them. They were singing at the Dongfanghong Karaoke Hall in Yiyang Hotel. The sound system there is the best, so the business is relatively good. Huang Yishu and his group were singing properly. Out of nowhere, a group of thugs targeted them. Huang Yishu was hit on the head with a plate.”
Zhu Yan was burdened with many affairs and was already angry. He suppressed his temper and said, “I am aware of this matter. Yang Dajin, you will personally go to Lingxi to convey the condolences of the Yiyang County Party Committee and Government to Huang Yishu. I will also call Zhang Mushan. Secretary Su, after you return, continue to do the groundwork well. We cannot let this incident affect the project progress.”
Su Ming nodded. “Rest assured, Secretary Zhu. The people in Shangqinglin are very supportive of the work, and the relocation is proceeding smoothly.” He added, “Secretary Zhu, I have a suggestion. We should thoroughly address the social security issues in Yiyang. A village committee director from Shangqinglin opened a store in the city. It just opened this noon. A group of thugs came to collect protection fees. When negotiations failed, they started smashing the store. A fight broke out on the street.”
Seeing Su Ming mention this, Hou Weidong said, “Village Committee Director Zeng Xian is a close acquaintance of mine. Old Liu and I went to celebrate his opening. We happened to witness the fight.”
Zhu Yan’s face turned iron-gray. “This is a sign that righteousness is weak and evil prevails.” He turned to Hou Weidong. “After attending the symposium for young talents, invite Secretary Cai Heng of the newly arrived Political and Legal Affairs Commission to my office.”
Hou Weidong was secretly pleased. All efforts have not been in vain. Secretary Zhu has finally attached great importance to social security issues.
(End of Chapter 239)