Urban Crisis [Full Text] - 19

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Chapter Fifty: The King of Kings, Hidden in the Deepest Places,

Names Shallowly Engraved on the Inner Walls. The prosperity of China's sex industry, from the Tang Dynasty to the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, was characterized by its
small-scale establishments named with simple terms like "fang,
" "qu," "guan," "lou," "tang," and "yuan." After the reform and opening up, the names became increasingly grandiose, incorporating the word "city." "City" and "city" were everywhere; even signs for "foot massage cities" appeared,
though these were merely two storefronts—the audacity of the establishments was

truly boundless. While the use of "city" to name sex establishments might be seen as an exaggeration in the style of "ambitious writing," it
wasn't entirely excessive. Every city has its mayors and district heads, and many mayors and district heads frequented these "cities" for prostitution and pleasure
, so the names were somewhat fitting. High officials and commoners shared the pleasure—a scene of prosperity.

He Ke parked the Cherokee in front of a place called "Great Roman Sauna City," pulled Chen Hu out of the car, and swaggered
inside. After the two had steamed, soaked, and massaged themselves, He Kedai told Chen Hu

what he knew in the sauna's lounge . In He Qizhang's study, he called his son over. He opened the safe and took out a stack of crisp new US dollars. "Kedai, write down the numbers." He Kedai flipped through the dollars. "Dad, you mean copy down the numbers?" "Yes. It won't take you more than a few minutes. They seem to be consecutive numbers. Check them; if they are indeed consecutive, just write down the numbers from so-and-so to so-and-so." "Dad, what's the use of writing them down?" "Don't worry about that. If I weren't busy, I wouldn't have called you. I've already finished writing them down in the time it takes to explain." He Kedai wrote the numbers down on a piece of paper. "Dad, I'm done." "From so-and-so to so-and-so?" He Qizhang sat at his desk reading documents, asking without turning his head. He Kedai recited a set of numbers. He saw his father write these numbers down in a black leather notebook. “Kedai, put the money back in the safe. Remember, you can’t touch this money.” “When have I ever used your money? I won’t touch it.” “It’s not that I’m afraid you’ll spend it, I suspect there’s something wrong with it, and I’m afraid you’ll get into trouble if you use it.” “Dad, where did this money come from?” He Qizhang didn’t answer, still looking at the documents. After a while, he turned around and said: “Kedai, have you ever heard of someone called Wang Zhongwang?” “Never heard of him. Wang Zhongwang, that’s definitely a nickname, probably the nickname of some underworld boss.” He Qizhang shook his head and said: “Doesn’t seem like it. People in the underworld don’t have that much power, they can’t do that much. I guess it’s definitely someone in the legitimate world, their administrative rank is only higher than mine, not lower. If you haven’t heard of this person, that’s fine, don’t tell anyone. In the future, if you happen to run into this person directly or indirectly, don’t pay any attention to him, don’t get close to him. I think this person is going to get into trouble sooner or later.” He Kedai became interested. "Dad, do you know Wang Zhongwang?" "No. Maybe I know someone I've met, or at least someone I've seen. But I don't recognize the name. Smell, you can go now. This is none of your business." He Ke added a piece of sugar to his coffee. "I've told you everything I know." Chen Hu didn't add any extra flavor to his coffee; he prefers bitter coffee. "So, your father knew those dollars were counterfeit?" "He didn't say that. He only said he suspected there was something wrong with the dollars. He didn't say what the problem was." "What's the connection between the counterfeit dollars and Wang Zhongwang?" "My dad didn't say there was any connection. My dad is a very meticulous person; he never talks nonsense." "After that, did your father mention Wang Zhongwang to you again?" "No, just once." "Did you really see your father write down the dollar serial numbers in his black leather notebook?" "He definitely wrote them down. I don't know how I kept the piece of paper with the serial numbers; I later gave it to Jiao Xiaoyu." "Who did you mention the nickname 'Wang Zhongwang' to?" “ Besides you, I haven’t told anyone else.” “Think again, who did you mention it to casually, like your friends? I know you’re not as meticulous as your dad.” “Yes, if I were meticulous, could I tell you about this? Let me think, don’t rush… Oh right, I might have told Jiang Yuexiu. We almost got married, we talked about everything.” Chen Hu became wary. “How did you mention it to Jiang Yuexiu?” He Ke lit a cigarette and smoked silently. Suddenly, he said as if he had just realized something: “Damn, I remember now. It wasn’t me who told Jiang Yuexiu, she brought it up herself. I said I needed a better car for the wedding, a Lexus 400. I said it had to be imported, the tariffs were too high. Jiang Yuexiu said she had a way, and I asked her what it was. She said to find Wang Zhongwang, getting a Lexus would be a piece of cake.” "It startled me. I remembered my dad telling me to stay away from Wang Zhongwang, so I didn't say anything or ask any further questions. Less than three months later, my dad died, and my relationship with Yuexiu was called off because her father strongly opposed it." Chen Hu initially judged that Wang Zhongwang was related to smuggling. "Ke Dai, are you and Jiang Yuexiu completely broken up?" "She slept with Jiao Dongfang, how could I want her? Luckily, she and Jiao Dongfang didn't end up together either. Her dad only knew how to climb the social ladder. If she had really married Jiao Dongfang, she would have been a widow." "Think again, did you bring up Wang Zhongwang or Jiang Yuexiu?" "No need to think. It must have been Jiang Yuexiu. I don't even know who Wang Zhongwang is, why ? However, there are many people with the same nickname. I don't know if the Wang Zhongwang that Jiang Yuexiu mentioned and the Wang Zhongwang that my dad mentioned are the same person. Even if there really is such a person, you can't find him. And even if you do, there's nothing you can do about it." "Director Chen, you should know when to stop. Do you want to arrest all the corrupt officials in China? Then you 'd need to build another thousand prisons!" "Ke Dai, do you have a pedicure place here?" "Yes, all the staff are from Yangzhou, and their skills are superb." " Then I'll get my pedicure done. My left big toe has a fungal nail infection, and it hurts a lot when I walk." He Ke Dai waved to the waiter and said, "Give my buddy a pedicure. If it's good, I'll double the tip. If it's bad, I'll be sent back to my hometown." Chen Hu glanced at He Ke Dai. He chuckled inwardly; this guy, even if he ends up begging on , will never let go of his privileged upbringing.

His thoughts quickly shifted from He Kedai to Jiang Yuexiu. Involving the daughter of the police chief, without
solid evidence, even interrogation would be difficult. What to do? Could he ask Tao Tieliang for help? He was quite
familiar with Jiang Yuexiu. Chen Hu recalled the time he first met Jiang Yuexiu at the police station entrance when he gave Tao Tieliang a photo of Yang Ke
meeting . Yes, he would ask Tao Tieliang for help.

Tao Tieliang and Chen Hu each drove their own cars to the parking lot of the Forget-Me-Not Electronics Mall.

"We're here. This is Jiang Yuexiu's mall, isn't it impressive?"

Chen Hu looked around with interest at the mall, which, although only two stories high, occupied an
area the size of a football field. It was magnificent, with the parking lot alone able to accommodate over a hundred cars, and its location on the outskirts of the city made it
very . The large, three-dimensional sign for the Forget-Me-Not Electronics Mall was on the second floor. The three characters for "Forget-Me-Not" were blue-purple,
while the words for "Electronics Mall" were red, making it very eye-catching.

Chen Hu's heart skipped a beat. The name "Forget-Me-Not" reminded him
of the woman who gave the old man tending the grave two thousand yuan so he would often place forget-me-not flowers in front of He Qizhang's tombstone—the woman He Kedai described as his father's
confidante . He exclaimed, "Forget-Me-Not, what a strange name!"

Tao Tieliang shook his head dismissively. "Jiang Yuexiu, she always comes up with odd ideas. I also think the
name is strange; she's probably trying to attract old customers."

"It seems like it just opened recently?"

"Only a month or so. I was dragged here by her to support it when it opened. Let's go in; she's
waiting for us in the manager's office."

"Tieliang, let's wander around and broaden our horizons."

Chen Hu and Tao Tieliang entered the mall, seemingly browsing aimlessly. Various models of televisions, DVD
players, stereos, Walkmans, camcorders, and VCRs were on display; there were also cameras, computers,
watches, motorcycles, mobile phones, microwave ovens, refrigerators, and small household appliances from various brands. Chen Hu noticed that almost
all the latest products from around the world could be found here, and the prices were lower than in other shopping malls.

"Tie Liang, things here aren't expensive, almost all of them are imported!"

"Pick a few things, I'll ask Yue Xiu to give you a bigger discount. She can't make money off us, right? Actually,
a lot of her stuff is grey market goods, the cost price isn't high to begin with."

"Tie Liang, in the cases you've handled, is there anyone nicknamed 'King of Kings'?"

"King of Kings? Strongest of the strong? You can tell it's fake just by the name. If you were using an advertising slogan, that would be more accurate.
Come on, let's go upstairs. Watch your words, the bureau chief's daughter has become too wealthy, and her temper has grown too. Now she doesn't listen to
ordinary people ."

Jiang Yue Xiu's office was luxurious and grand, entirely furnished with imitation Ming dynasty hardwood furniture.

A fragrant aroma wafted over from afar. Chen Hu felt that Luo Yue Xiu was a completely different
person than he had ever met before; she was like a capable professional woman, much less of the spoiled young lady.

“Yuexiu, you know her, right? I don’t need to introduce you.”

“Of course,” Jiang Yuexiu extended her hand, “Director Chen, what’s the use of bringing you here?”

“Hello, you should be called General Manager Jiang.” Chen Hu shook Jiang Yuexiu’s hand and said.

Tao Tieliang waved his hand like an elder, “No General Manager Jiang, just call her Yuexiu. No matter how much money she makes,
I’ve watched her grow up.”

“Right, right, I have no temper in front of the two of you. Director Chen, what can I do for you?”

“He wants to buy a few things from you. You have to give him a discount, no need to say anything.”

“Of course. Sit, please sit.”

After sitting down on the sofa, Jiang Yuexiu found a thick Japanese version of an electronics catalog and placed it on the coffee table.

“Director Chen, this is part of the catalog. Take a look, circle whatever you like, it’s yours.”

Chen Hu flipped through the catalog, which mainly featured photos.

"Do you have all the products listed here?"

"Almost. If not, that's okay, I'll order them for you. You're Tie Liang's best friend, how could I neglect you?"

"Thank you. Thank you." Chen Hu said while flipping through the catalog, "I only have one room now, there's nowhere to put them if I buy them.
I wanted to ask you to exchange some US dollars for me."

"Exchange US dollars?" Jiang Yuexiu's voice was somewhat surprised.

“If it’s inconvenient, then forget it. Tie Liang said you have many connections, so it doesn’t really matter whether you exchange it or not.”

“How much do you want to exchange?”

“How much can I exchange? At most, ten thousand US dollars. The bank won’t exchange it, and I’m afraid of being scammed by currency exchange brokers if I exchange it outside
. Can you help me?”

Tao Tie Liang chimed in,

“Yue Xiu, my buddy’s RMB didn’t come easily. If you can help, try to lower the exchange rate a bit,
don’t be so greedy with currency exchange brokers.”

“Is it urgent?”

“No rush. If it’s inconvenient, then forget it.”

“If it’s not urgent, I’ll try. Ten thousand US dollars isn’t much. Should it work?

” “When will I send you the RMB?”

“I can afford to exchange ten thousand US dollars in RMB. Let’s talk about it after I get the US dollars. Once I get them, I’ll
call you and tell Tie Liang.”

“Then thank you in advance. Hey, Yue Xiu, after Tie Liang and I retire,
what’s the name of your place?”

“Forget-Me-Not. Forget-Me-Not Appliances Mall.”

“Good name. I can work as a security guard at your Forget-Me-Not Mall, is that alright?”

“Director Chen,” Jiang Yuexiu tossed her long hair, “Don’t be ridiculous. My dad said that as soon as Zhou Senlin retires, you
’ll take over his position. I’m afraid that once you become the head of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, you wouldn’t even dare to offer your humble abode. Isn’t that right,
Tieliang?”

After saying goodbye to Jiang Yuexiu, Chen Hu said unhappily,

“Did you tell her about whether I’ll take over or not?”

Tao Tieliang smiled and said,

“Do I need to tell her? Yuexiu is Director Jiang’s daughter; she has more information than either of us. Hui,
has the Municipal Party Committee’s Organization Department talked to you?”

“Nothing like that happened at all. What talk? Don’t spread rumors.”

"Okay, okay. Spreading this before the official announcement is bad for you. Maybe someone leaked the news first,
just to get in your way. That's how things are in China; they release rumors about who's going to be in charge, but in the end,
it almost never happens. Anything that's all talk and no action is something they don't really want to do. Things they really want to do
are kept under , and when the news finally comes out, everyone's stunned—you'd never even think it would be their turn. Your
promotion to bureau-level is a bit far-fetched. Damn it, I don't know who's blocking your way. No wonder you've offended..."
" There are too many people."

"I didn't even take this to heart. Tieliang, if any counterfeit dollar cases happen, keep
an eye out for me. Counterfeit money won't be just a small amount. Once banknotes are printed, they'll circulate; if they don't
appear here, they'll appear somewhere else. Why print them if you don't need them?"

"Okay, I'll remember that. Have you noticed anything wrong with Yuexiu?"

"No. She's He Kedai's fiancée. How could she be completely uninvolved in He Kedai's affairs? I
ca single her out. The counterfeit dollars were found in He Qizhang's safe, and He Kedai knows about it. Jiang Yuexiu
almost married He Kedai back then; she should know something."

"I'll say it again, be careful. The daughter of the police chief is not someone to mess with. If things go wrong, even I might
get caught up in this mess." That night, Tao

Tieliang was called to a nightclub by Jiang Yuexiu, who arranged for him to meet a tall, slender
woman. Tao Tieliang was particularly pleased; he especially liked women with slim waists.

The woman poured a lot of alcohol into his drink, making him dizzy and lightheaded.

Jiang Yuexiu came over and told the woman to go sing. She put a slice of watermelon in Tao Tieliang's mouth.

"Sober up. If the woman gets you drunk, you won't even have the energy to go to bed. It's not good for her."

"I... I'm not drunk. Let her come over, what's the point of singing... drinking."

"She'll come over to keep you company after she finishes singing. Tieliang, why did Chen Hu come today?"

"He... to exchange US dollars..."

"Damn it, you two dare to set me up? You're my dad's top disciple. If you mess with me, you'll regret it
. Tell me the truth, what bad stuff is Chen Hu trying to pull?"

"Really... to exchange US dollars..."

"I'm really angry. Exchange US dollars? Don't even mention exchanging ten thousand, he can't even come up with a thousand." "Everyone knows
that kid's a clueless, penniless bastard. Tell the truth!"

"It really has nothing to do with you... Ah, Ke Dai's family has... very much... You're his girlfriend...
Chen Hu is at most... I know a little about the situation... He's not here for you..."

Jiang Yuexiu paused, then pouted and said,

"For something like this, he could have just asked me directly, why beat around the bush? I have nothing to do with He Ke Dai anymore
. I know nothing about his affairs. Never mind, I'll have the young lady come back to keep you company."

That night, Tao Tieliang and the young lady checked into a hotel room that Jiang Yuexiu had booked for them. Even the young lady's
fee was paid by Jiang Yuexiu. The next morning, Tao Tieliang went to work at the Municipal Bureau.
He couldn't remember a single thing he had drunkenly said to Jiang Yuexiu the night before.

Tao Tieliang went back to the Municipal Bureau to get the interrogation documents and drove to Anling Prison. There, a wanted criminal who had robbed a
bank . The prisoner was shot in the head while resisting arrest; the bullet came from Tao Tieliang's gun barrel.
After emergency treatment, the prisoner regained consciousness and was out of danger. Due to inadequate security measures at the hospital, the prisoner was
transferred to Anling Prison. Tao Tieliang was to go and interrogate him.

Tao Tieliang, accompanied by another member of the special task force, arrived at Anling Prison, presented the interrogation documents, and entered cell one.
The armed robber was being held in cell number 5, separated from Jiao Pengyuan by only two doors.

The prisoner was still in bed, so Tao Tieliang had to interrogate him directly in his cell.

Tao Tieliang only asked two simple questions, but the prisoner's speech was unclear, and he couldn't understand what Tao Tieliang was saying. The prison doctor
accompanying the interrogation shook his head, signaling to stop the interrogation.

Afterwards, Tao Tieliang asked the prison doctor when the prisoner would regain his senses. The answer was
uncertain ; the prisoner's brain injury hadn't healed yet.

Just then, Tao Tieliang saw the door to cell number 8 open, and a person walked out. He immediately recognized him—
it was Secretary Jiao, whom he had called out countless times.

This moment deeply shocked Tao Tieliang. He truly felt that Jiao Pengyuan's physique
had shrunk by two sizes, from head to toe. The man was still the same, but shorter, with a smaller head and a thinner frame
. Was it true that a person's life depended entirely on their willpower, and that without that willpower, a person would become deformed?

Jiao Pengyuan seemed to see him as well, and even nodded at him. Tao Tieliang knew that Anling Prison had a strict system;
even the guards and armed police were not allowed to have formal contact with people or matters unrelated to their duties.

Tao Tieliang hurriedly left, sighing inwardly: This ordinary old man before him
was completely different from the municipal party secretary who used to be surrounded by sycophants! He felt that the state apparatus he belonged to was truly unbelievable;
the reputation and status it had bestowed upon a person over decades could be taken back overnight!

Since being imprisoned in cell number 8, no one had questioned him. Every morning, noon, and evening, a ladle would be passed through the food delivery opening in the iron
gate , pouring food into his small plastic basin before the gate closed.
From 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the iron gate and the outer wooden door would open, and Jiao Pengyuan would come out for some fresh air under the supervision of two
armed police officers .

He watched Tao Tieliang's back disappear, not because he had any special feelings for Tao Tieliang—he couldn't even
remember Tao Tieliang's name—but because
the image of this young police officer evoked memories of his past power and dispelled some of the loneliness in his heart.

Jiao Pengyuan descended a few steps from the passageway to an open-air garden in the center of the U-shaped building. Low apple trees, tall poplars and elms, and lush weeds on the ground added a deeper layer of solitude
to the desolate courtyard .
Without the company of these silent lives, the prisoners exercising here would only feel
desolate ; with this boundless greenery, they could perceive the poignant cycle of life and death.

Therefore, after three days of confinement, when Jiao Pengyuan was first allowed to exercise in the garden, he
couldn't adapt to the green surroundings; the sense of freedom it brought felt helpless.

The garden didn't belong entirely to the prisoners; it was divided into sections by brick walls so that prisoners could exercise simultaneously,
but they couldn't talk to each other because of the walls. These open, four-walled sections without roofs were called "wind circles."
One prisoner walked back and forth in each circle. Armed police officers on higher ground could effectively monitor the prisoners in the circles.

Jiao Pengyuan entered his designated circle. There was a tall ginkgo tree, an apple tree, and
an elm tree, and the ground was covered with wild grass. Magpie nests were in the elm tree; it was a sparrow's paradise. Jiao Pengyuan cherished the scenery within the
circle , so much so that he refused to see it all. He divided the wind circle into four areas, as if
they were four districts. He appointed the ginkgo tree as the district head of the ginkgo district; the apple tree as the district head of the apple district; and the elm tree as the elm tree.
The district head; a wild jujube tree became the district head of the wild jujube district. He limited himself to visiting only one district each day,
observing every detail before moving on to the next. His footprints were densely packed across the four districts.
Now, he didn't know which district to visit next. Perhaps he should hold a joint meeting of the four districts to
coordinate work, but he couldn't think of a major topic, so he had to postpone the meeting.

Suddenly, his gaze turned to the four walls. How could he have overlooked the walls? Since there were
four , let's assign each wall to one of the four districts, each brick seam as a street,
and each brick as a citizen.

Jiao Pengyuan found his district division interesting; this administrative system with four districts was basically
complete, all that remained was the allocation of cadres.

He walked to the north wall, carefully observing the different spots on each brick.

Suddenly, his nerves were jolted, and he softly uttered an "Oh."

He saw many names on the brick surface of the wall. Those were marks carved by prisoners who used to be kept watch in this enclosure,
taking advantage of the guards' inattention to carve them into the bricks with the sharp edges of small stones.

The names were carved at different times, some so blurred they were illegible. Almost every brick bore
a name, some even with the date.

These carvings differed from the "So-and-so was here" graffiti left by tourists at historical sites; the prisoners seemed to be leaving
their names on the walls of the enclosure as historical testimonies.

Jiao Pengyuan discovered over twenty very familiar names in the "sign-in book" on the wall.

These people's arrests were a result of a decision made by the municipal party committee standing committee he chaired; realizing this gave
him a jolt.

He remembered these names vividly, having repeatedly recounted
their . He later heard that some had been released after serving their sentences, some had gone to the United States, and some were
serving time in labor camps.

To his utter surprise, Anling Prison wasn't deserted. After the prisoners who had carved their names
left , he was the one who entered this vortex,
standing there blankly, staring at the names he had cursed a thousand times.

He lowered his eyes; seeing those familiar names again, he couldn't bear the thought of them
belonging to this vortex alongside his own.

Anling was a high-ranking prison, meant for high-ranking figures like him, not for ordinary people,
for inexperienced children. These names hadn't appeared suddenly; they tormented the last vestiges of his sense of power. He didn't
know what the "high-ranking" aspect of being a high-ranking prisoner would manifest in. Perhaps, the Imperial Clan Court of the Emperor was still
better; though imprisoned, at least the title of Imperial Clan member remained.

He didn't know how long he stood there blankly facing these names; all he knew was that he would have to endure
day after day, year after year, helplessly facing the mockery and resentment of these names within this vortex.

He found a pebble in the grass and used it to carve his name on a piece of unmarked gray brick wall
: Jiao Pengyuan.

Did Jiao Pengyuan also want to leave his name as a witness for history? It's unknown. Humans create history, whether
with benevolent impulses or malicious revenge. Humans create history, but they are not history itself; they are merely
footnotes. What can Jiao Pengyuan's name possibly say about history?

While Jiao Pengyuan faced dozens of familiar names on the gray wall, his historical perspective tormented, in
a room in Anling Prison, Ge Mengmeng was undergoing her seventh interrogation since her arrest overseas. Her
confession was one of the key pieces of evidence against Jiao Pengyuan's criminal activities. She noticed that,
apart from Zhou Senlin, who was present but remained silent, the interrogators changed frequently, and the questions never overlapped. This made her wonder
how many departments and personnel her special task force actually consisted of.

At this moment, the four people sitting behind the table were strangers again; the only familiar face was Zhou Senlin. She
couldn't guess what questions they would ask her today.

“Ge Mengmeng, answer truthfully. With which domestic entities and individuals did you fabricate how many
false export contracts and customs declarations, and how much tax refund did you fraudulently obtain? You must explain each one clearly.”

“Two…maybe three, I can’t remember.”

“Is that so?” The questioner was a woman around forty years old, named Qiao Ying, a
capable . She picked up three sheets of paper from the table and waved them. “I have an incomplete statistic here, eighteen cases. I
believe there are more. Don’t you want to see your record?”

The police officer took the three sheets of paper and handed them to Ge Mengmeng.

The pages trembled in her hands, her eyes burning from the rows of numbers. She hadn’t expected the special
investigation to be so thorough, even uncovering events from three years ago. After reading them, she admitted in her heart that one of the eighteen cases
was unrelated to her, the other seventeen were supported by solid evidence, and there were two more cases not listed, which the special investigation team might
not yet know about.

The police officer took back the three sheets of paper and put them back on the table.

“Ge Mengmeng, these few sheets of paper have helped you recover your memory, haven’t they? What I’ve shown you is merely the case index;
each case already has hundreds of pages of files and dozens of witness testimonies. Whether you confess or not, the irrefutable
evidence we have can convict you. Giving you a chance to confess is giving you a chance to redeem yourself. Have you thought
it through?”

Ge Mengmeng was in a state of utter confusion. She wasn’t resistant to confessing, but because her thoughts were so numerous, she didn’t know where to begin. Under the arrangement of
Jiao Pengyuan and He Qizhang, she went to Hong Kong. Her “business” mainly involved using the convenience of being overseas to plan and
implement one case after another of using fake trade import contracts and fake customs declarations to collude with some large domestic companies
to defraud the state of export tax rebates and other smuggling activities.

“Ge Mengmeng, will you confess or not? Our patience has its limits.
This single crime of fraudulently obtaining export tax refunds involves party and government organs in twelve provinces and cities, sixteen companies, and
a total of $126.8 billion!
Officials from border control, customs, quality inspection, banks, and the government have all participated. You can't deny it. Besides, you also organized and carried out the smuggling of crude oil,
chemical raw materials, plywood, and palm oil. You know very well how serious your crimes are.”

“I… I’m not deliberately resisting. I’ve already truthfully confessed to other issues; there’s no need to hide anything here.
As time goes on, I don’t know where to begin.”

After a moment of silence, Ge Mengmeng heard Qiao Ying's sudden question:

"Who is Wang Zhongwang?"

Wang Zhongwang? Ge Mengmeng shuddered.

"I don't know him."

"You don't know him? You don't know Wang Zhongwang, who played a key role in the tax fraud case? These eighteen
cases of yours..."

"I'm sorry, not eighteen, seventeen. One case has nothing to do with me."

"If you didn't do it, it won't be pinned on you. These cases of yours are relatively independent,
and there aren't many overlapping individuals. He Qizhang and Jiao Dongfang are involved in multiple cases.
There's another important figure, Wang Zhongwang, who is involved in almost every case.
How could you not know such an important person? If you don't know him, how did he help you overcome all the obstacles?"

"I really don't know this person." Ge Mengmeng's eyes revealed helpless sorrow. “I’ve always suspected
that such a person doesn’t really exist. The so-called King of Kings is just a shadow; no one has ever seen him. Even
He Qizhang, who has connections everywhere, hasn’t seen him. Once, when He Qizhang came to Hong Kong, he specifically asked me, ‘Who is King of Kings
?’ Clearly, he didn’t know either. I’ve always suspected that King of Kings isn’t a specific person at all, but
a small organization.”

Zhou Senlin’s heart skipped a beat when he heard the phrase “a small organization.” His past intuition told him that whenever
his heart skipped a beat, it usually meant important information. But he remained silent; he didn’t have
the right .

“Ge Mengmeng, tell me, why do you feel that King of Kings isn’t a person’s name, but a small organization?”

Zhou Senlin felt that Qiao Ying was very vigilant.

“I can’t really explain it. Please give me a glass of water.”

The policeman poured Ge Mengmeng a glass of mineral water in a disposable cup. After finishing her drink, Ge Mengmeng said,

"Thank you. I don't think Wang Zhongwang is a single person, because normally people's power is limited, but Wang
Zhongwang seems to have boundless power, nothing can stop him. He's across industries, regions, and even countries, his presence
is everywhere. I'm just speculating, there's no basis for it."

"Hmm. So how did you contact Wang Zhongwang?"

"Usually through email, stamped documents, or mail, or someone bringing them,
or he'd suddenly and inexplicably appear at my house. The various funds deposited into my account came from different
places, some domestic, some American, some European. Anyway, it was quite mysterious, I didn't dare
to inquire ."

"Okay, then, explain your contact with Wang Zhongwang, item by item, transaction by transaction."

Ge Mengmeng talked for three hours.

Ten hours after Ge Mengmeng was summoned, in the same house, at 11 pm that night, members of Hao Xiangshou's
task force interrogated him. Qiao Ying was also an important member of this task force.

The Jiao He case and related cases entered a critical stage. For the convenience of interrogation, Jiao Pengyuan, Jiao Dongfang, Hao Xiangshou
, Ge Mengmeng, and other prisoners were transferred to Anling Prison. However, the prisoners were unaware of each other's identities, and the strict
isolation prevented them from knowing that their fathers, superiors, sons, and lovers lived in the same compound.

Zhou Senlin silently accompanied the interrogations. His duty was to supervise the interrogations, ensuring that the prisoners were not subjected to
forced confessions , verbal abuse, or beatings. After the interrogations, he supervised the special investigation team to
seal the fingerprinted confessions in manila bags. The team only allowed the confessions to be taken away after signing his register.

Hao Xiangshou's physical condition had noticeably improved compared to his time on the run. Among the prisoners, he
was the most reassured that his crimes did not warrant the death penalty. Sometimes, he would even
improvise some theories based on the questions asked by the special investigation team, trying to elevate his status in their eyes. Qiao Ying suddenly asked,

"Hao Xiangshou, I'll only ask you one question today: do you know Wang Zhongwang?"

"I've heard of that name, and I've seen it, but I don't know anyone named Wang Zhongwang."

"Then tell me, how did you hear about and see this name?"

"The first time I heard of it was from He Qizhang. It was in the spring of 1991. Tian Xing, then the deputy
director came to me. She said there was a problem with an export contract for refrigeration machines assembled from imported original parts for the Heavy Machinery Plant;
customs wouldn't release them. She asked me to find He Qizhang, who was in charge of foreign trade, to find a solution. He Qizhang said he couldn't solve the
problem ; only Wang Zhongwang could. I asked him who Wang Zhongwang was. He said he didn't know, but he could
connect with Wang Zhongwang through Jiao Dongfang. Later, I went to the Horizon Hotel and found Jiao Dongfang…"

The Horizon Hotel's small stage was so small that it only had five single sofas and a
small stage that could only accommodate four or five actors at most. But its walls were upholstered, and the sound and lighting were very professional.

Hao Xiangshou felt that being allowed to enter the small stage to watch the show was his greatest honor. He knew
this was Jiao Dongfang's private domain, and only a very few people would be invited here.

To the strains of melodious Arabic music, two foreign women in thin shirts, their bellies exposed, danced
belly dance on a small stage. This dance, originating from the Sultan's court, was incredibly sensual, and Hao Xiangshou really wanted to touch those magical bellies
and their wildly swaying hips. But he dared not make a move, silently watching the performance.

Ten minutes later, the middle-aged man left, and Jiao Dongfang rose to see him off. The two foreign women on the small stage also
disappeared behind the curtain; Hao Xiangshou guessed there must be a back door there.

Jiao Dongfang returned from seeing his guests off and stood at the doorway, turning on the lights.

"What's up? You're

really in for a treat." "Yes, yes, it's a real feast for the eyes. Dongfang, how did you get these two foreign girls?"

"I specially brought them from a foreign nightclub at a high price."

"You're trying to get involved in cultural performances?"

"I don't have the time for that. I'll just watch them myself, get tired of them, buy a plane ticket, and send them back.
You guys have such strict censorship for cultural performances, would you even approve them?"

Hao Xiangshou spat out,

"No, no. Our ***'s cultural front can't possibly be
open to such vulgar and low-class art."

"Vulgar?"

"Of course not, not vulgar at all, very sophisticated. We can't let ordinary people watch it, their level is too low,
they can't ."

"I'm busy. What is it? Tell me quickly."

After explaining his original intention, Hao Xiangshou solicitously lit a cigarette for Jiao Dongfang.

"Dongfang, Vice Mayor He said that you need to find Wang Zhongwang to help Tian Xing with her matter, she's afraid of being investigated by customs."

After listening, Jiao Dongfang pondered for a long time before saying,

"Don't listen to He Qizhang's nonsense. There's no such person as Wang Zhongwang. However, regarding Tian Xing's matter,
I immediately recognized it as a fake export scheme to fraudulently obtain tax refunds. A woman has gotten involved in finance. I don't know Wang Zhongwang,
but if you get Tian Xing to hand over 50% of the tax refund, I'll find someone to smooth things over for her."

"So, after all this talk, you still want to find someone? Wang Zhongwang?"

"Who I find is none of your business. There's no such person as Wang Zhongwang, but there is such a force at the highest levels—call it a
party within a party, or Wang Zhongwang, it's an objective reality."

"Dongfang, how have you confused me? Is there some
other ?"

Jiao Dongfang crossed his legs, rhythmically swaying his toes from side to side as he spoke.

"Old Hao, don't let your status as a bureau-level cadre, your worldly experience, and your status as a theorist fool you . You
still lack understanding of our system. Actually, this isn't hard to understand. If everything were handled by the normal power institutions of the Party and
the government , how could corruption cases be so rampant? How could state-owned assets be lost
overseas? How could money from banks end up in private pockets? Let me ask you, which transfer of state-owned assets is
purely a personal act? It requires dozens or even hundreds of official seals! Therefore, what truly determines
the fate is not the normal power institutions of the Party and the government, but
an invisible power institution composed of people who wield power in different areas. Perhaps this is what they call a party within a party, a king among kings. In
the eyes of those in this circle, the institutions of the Party and the government are nothing more than metal wrenches in their hands, mere tools.
In a certain sense, it is these people who drive the wheels of history."

Hao Xiangshou's hair stood on end. He had never heard such a statement before. But his intelligence made him suddenly
enlightened .

“Profound, profound. Dongfang, I never expected you to have such profound thoughts. I suddenly understand.
In other words , what you mean by ‘party within a party, king within a king’ refers to politics behind politics, economics behind economics,
and power behind power. This is generally referred to as a vested interest group. Am I right?”

Jiao Dongfang smiled and patted Hao Xiangshou on the shoulder.

"That's why my dad praises you so much for being so smart, you understand everything so quickly."

"Brother Dongfang, so... you're also one of the Kings of Kings?"

"Me? At most, I'm just close. I have no interest in a political career, so no one wants me. I want to make full use of the superiority of
the socialist system and the power of the Communist Party, otherwise it would be a waste of resources.
As for what will happen to the Communist Party in the future, that's none of my business, and I can't control it. That's
where . They have a strong sense of political responsibility and mission, while I have none at all! I'm sure
I'll disappoint my dad; I have absolutely no passion for politics. Who knows how I, who grew up in the political circle, could
become such a good-for-nothing."

Hao Xiangshou said with great respect:

"You're too modest. What you just said, 'Make full use of the superiority of the socialist system and
the power of the Communist Party, otherwise it would be a waste of resources,' is practically a political textbook, a political maxim. You're
truly a son of a general, your words are extraordinary!"

"Later, He Qizhang told me that Tian Xing had received his export tax refund and the customs was no longer investigating. As for
whether Tian Xing gave Jiao Dongfang money, I don't know, and it wasn't convenient to ask at the time."

The stenographer quickly recorded Hao Xiangshou's statement. Qiao Ying asked again:

"Hao Xiangshou, you said you saw the name 'Wang Zhongwang,' where did you see it?"

"The black notebook. I saw it in He Qizhang's black notebook. I gave the original black notebook to Jiao Pengyuan, and I
made a copy. I told him last time that it was stored in a personal safe deposit box in a Hong Kong bank. The triads kidnapped me to Cambodia to
retrieve the black notebook. I suffered a lot to protect this important evidence, and
I finally managed to preserve it intact. This is my contribution to the Party. I remember that in the latter half of the black notebook,
there was a page with the words 'Wang Zhongwang' written on the bottom line, followed by two question marks."

"When you were belly dancing on the small stage of the Horizon Hotel, did you
see the face of that other middle-aged man clearly ?"

"No, I didn't see it clearly. " "But I can guarantee I've never seen this person before. If it were someone I knew, I
'd recognize them even without seeing their face."

"That's all for today. Take a look at the interrogation record. If it matches what you said, put your fingerprint on it."

Hao Xiangshou finished reading the interrogation record and obediently and skillfully placed his fingerprint on each page. He then aligned the two pages
along the seam and pressed his palm print on them.

He took the tissue the policeman handed him, wiping the red ink from his hands as he said,

"Could you extend my daily exercise time by two hours? This little garden is so beautiful."

Zhou Senlin spoke his first words during the interrogation:

"Go back now. We can consider your request." Zhou

Senlin deduced from Qiao Ying's interrogations of Ge Mengmeng and Hao Xiangshou, which all revolved around
the questioning , that Qiao Ying's involvement was aimed at investigating Wang Zhongwang. Qiao Ying's ability to intervene in different cases indicated that she had been
granted special privileges.
Chapter 51: Two Pieces of Steel, The King's Sword, A Fire, A Thousand Pieces of Gold Turned to Ashes

. Zhou Senlin's eyes were sunken. A voice in his heart told him that if he continued this exhausting campaign, he would soon be
dead .

But he couldn't escape the entanglements of his duties. He had to
accompany . Sometimes the interrogations went on until two or three in the morning, sometimes from the early morning until noon. Special task forces came and
went, but he alone had to participate in every single interrogation of every prisoner. He knew this was... The organization trusted him
implicitly ; he was practically the only one with complete knowledge of the case details. Because the cases didn't overlap or involve cross-referencing,
they all relied on him.

Worried that his health wouldn't allow him much longer, he repeatedly asked Fang Hao to expedite Chen Hu's promotion
to deputy director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau so that Chen Hu could succeed him as director after his retirement in two months.

Fang Hao replied that the Municipal Party Committee's Organization Department had agreed in principle to appoint Chen Hu as deputy director of the Municipal Anti-Corruption Bureau and
a member of the Municipal Procuratorate's Party Committee, but it still needed approval from the Central Organization Department and the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

Zhou Senlin's biggest concern was that before the Central Organization Department and the Supreme People's Procuratorate approved Chen Hu's appointment, this immature successor
might cause trouble, rendering all the efforts to promote him futile.

Today, after reporting to Fang Hao about the interrogation of Hao Xiangshou, Ge Mengmeng, and other prisoners at Anling Prison by various task forces
, he returned to the Anti-Corruption Bureau and immediately summoned Chen Hu.

"Chen Hu, any progress on the investigation into the counterfeit dollars?"

"Some progress, but not much. We can now rule out any connection between He Kedai and the counterfeit dollars. It's basically
certain that the counterfeit dollars were intentionally placed in his safe, but
it's still unclear from whom He Qizhang obtained them."

"Good, proceed cautiously. My biggest worry right now is that you'll cause some trouble that could affect my promotion.
My health is deteriorating, and I really want you to take on this responsibility as soon as possible. You have to live up to my expectations."

"Okay, I'll try my best not to cause you any trouble. Director Zhou, during the investigation of the counterfeit dollars, I unexpectedly discovered something that
could be significant."

"What is it? I get scared whenever I hear the word 'significant'." "

He Kedai mentioned a man named Wang Zhongwang. He said he heard his father
, He Qizhang, mention this name. He also recalled that Jiang Yuexiu had mentioned Wang Zhongwang to him, saying that Wang Zhongwang could help get a
Lexus 400." A new car. According to He Kedai's confession, he suspected that Wang Zhongwang might have some connection with the counterfeit US dollars.
He had no evidence, only speculation. "Director Zhou, shouldn't this situation draw our attention?"

Zhou Senlin was secretly shocked. How did Chen Hu's investigation into the counterfeit US dollars also involve Wang Zhongwang? The interrogations at Anling Prison these past few days have all revolved around the question of who Wang Zhongwang is. This is a highly confidential investigation
directly controlled by the central government . Chen Hu was obviously unaware of this, but he had unexpectedly come across the edge . This was terrifying. If Chen Hu investigated Wang Zhongwang at the grassroots level and on the periphery, it would inevitably disrupt the central government's plans, and the consequences would be very serious. If the higher-ups investigated, they might even think that I violated investigative discipline and leaked secrets! He remained calm. He absolutely could not tell Chen Hu that the special task force was closely monitoring Wang Zhongwang, because Chen Hu had no right to know. But he also had to stop Chen Hu from acting on his own initiative. "What King of Kings? Don't listen to He Kedai's nonsense. Stop this pointless behavior immediately. If you mention the words 'King of Kings' again, I'll give you disciplinary action. You're just spouting nonsense!" Chen Hu, unaware that he had unintentionally started the operation to capture the main peak, argued, "It doesn't seem like just random talk. I think it's a valuable clue." "Chen Hu, besides me, have you mentioned the King of Kings matter to anyone else?" "That day, I asked Tao Tieliang to accompany me to the Forget-Me-Not Electronics Mall to find Jiang Yuexiu. She's He Kedai's fiancée, and I suspect she has some connection with counterfeit US dollars. Tao Tieliang is very familiar with Jiang Yuexiu, so I had him accompany me to investigate ." "Why didn't you ask permission beforehand to see Jiang Yuexiu?" "There's no such rule." Zhou Senlin suppressed his anger. “There are no regulations, and Jiang Yuexiu isn’t a civil servant, but she’s Director Jiang’s daughter. Director Jiang is a member of the Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee; you have to be careful when dealing with his daughter, you have to ask for permission beforehand.” “When we met, I didn’t say anything. I just asked her to help me exchange some US dollars. We were both very polite.” “Chen Hu, Chen Hu, how can your brain be so simple that all you do is eat! Would Jiang Yuexiu not tell her father? Director Jiang has been a policeman his whole life, do you think he wouldn’t see through your little scheme of exchanging US dollars? What impression would he have of you? Your appointment depends heavily on Director Jiang’s vote! Don’t forget, he’s still a member of the Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee!” Chen Hu breathed a sigh of relief and said, “Director Zhou, is this something you need to worry about? I never even considered a promotion. Whether Director Jiang objects or not, I don’t care. Besides, if Jiang Yuexiu really has a problem, I can’t just turn a blind eye .” “Fine, fine, you don’t care, but I do. What did you say to Tao Tieliang?” "I asked Tao Tieliang if he had ever heard the name 'Wang Zhongwang' in any of the cases he handled. He said he hadn't . I told him to keep an eye out for clues about Wang Zhongwang in the future. That's all I said." Zhou Senlin slammed his fist on the table and stood up, angrily shouting, "Chen Hu, you've caused a huge disaster! Alas, this brat is not worth discussing things with, not worth discussing things with!" Zhou Senlin clutched his chest and sat down in his chair. Since He Qizhang's suicide, he had been overworked and under constant stress, and coronary heart disease had crept up on him. Chen Lu had never seen Zhou Senlin so furious, and his heart condition flared up again, making his own heart pound . "Director Zhou, Director Zhou..." Zhou Senlin swallowed nitroglycerin, and after his condition improved, he sighed deeply, "Alas, my body is beyond repair. Although you are in good health, you are not worth discussing things with. If this continues, the Anti-Corruption Bureau will be even more besieged on all sides. I'm afraid that in the future, we will both end up dead without a burial place." " Director Zhou, if I did something wrong, just scold me. Don't make me so angry." "I'm fine, much better. Chen Hu, to be honest, if you were my son, I'd make you resign. Anything be better than anti-corruption. You're upright by nature, not suited to be an official within the system. The way of an official is to use seven-tenths of your energy to maintain good relationships with superiors and subordinates and to balance the interests of your neighbors; otherwise, your three-tenths of energy will be wasted on your work . When we speak ten sentences, three-tenths should be official jargon, two-tenths empty talk, three-tenths lies, and if you can speak two- tenths of the truth, that's already quite good. If you don't speak official jargon, what kind of official are you? If you don't speak empty talk, how can you maintain interpersonal relationships? If you don't lie, how can others tolerate you? You seriously lack these two qualities; can you be a good official? With your temperament, you might be able to get by in the Sports Commission, but not well. But you're in the anti-corruption line of work. What does anti-corruption even mean?" Anti-corruption is like snatching a cub from a wolf's den, pulling teeth from a tiger's mouth; it's like challenging the powerful, arresting people in ; it's like blocking the path to wealth for high-ranking officials, stripping them of their official hats and plumes. We've encountered tough opponents; how can we avoid being attacked from both sides and surrounded? That's why I'm constantly on edge, trembling with fear, walking on thin ice ! Before we can even take the lives of corrupt officials, they'll take ours first—how can we fight corruption then? You, young and impetuous, with only reckless courage, how can you accomplish great things? I wholeheartedly hope you'll succeed me to ensure policy continuity ; I also have selfish motives—at least you won't target me. If someone from the system we've offended sends to succeed me, they'll target me first, accusing me of undermining policy, violating the constitution, and persecuting good cadres, so they can exonerate me one by one. Chen Hu, over the years, I've seen far too many successors become gravediggers.

"Some people come in with shovels for digging pits from the very beginning. The officialdom is treacherous!"

Zhou Senlin felt a pang of pain in his chest again. Chen Hu brought him a glass of water.

"Director Zhou, speak slowly. Even if I'm stupid, I can't just sit and wait for someone to dig a pit and bury us."

Zhou Senlin smiled bitterly and said,

"You think the pit they've given you hasn't been dug yet? Don't even mention you; even with my cautiousness, they've
already dug the pit for me. Take the matter of Wang Zhongwang, for example. Let's not even talk about whether he exists or not; at least you have no evidence to prove he
does. Under such unclear circumstances, you dare to inquire recklessly? Let's assume Wang Zhongwang exists. Since he's called
Wang Zhongwang, his power is extraordinary. If you inquire recklessly, won't you alert him? Wouldn't Wang Zhongwang
immediately cut off all clues unfavorable to him and hide himself even deeper? Wouldn't he set a trap for you to fall into? If
things aren't kept secret, they won't succeed. This is basic common sense; don't you understand?" Asking Tao Tieliang is the same as asking Director Jiang
. He'll definitely report to Director Jiang, just like you're reporting to me. Director Jiang has intricate connections with
the municipal party committee , and we can't afford to be careless. Every word I say to you today, right
or wrong, you must keep to yourself. Remember, don't tell Secretary Fang. I
can't tell him about your investigation of Wang Zhongwang because he didn't assign you that task. If he finds out,
he might reconsider your promotion, which would be detrimental to both of us. But I want you to immediately stop your
unfounded investigation into Wang Zhongwang—put it on the brakes. There's another thing I have to tell you. Do you
think Tao Tieliang anything just because he's your old classmate, your close friend, and you've worked well together
? Absolutely not. From an organizational perspective, they are the police, and we are the procuratorate. The procuratorate's function inherently
includes supervising and restraining the police's power, so you can't just say whatever you want. From a personal perspective
, you also need to be careful with your friends. As the old saying goes, "One should not have the heart to harm others, but one should not be without the heart to guard against others." I
don't want to gossip about your old classmate and friend, but I know he's different from you. He's good at being an official and will blindly follow his
superiors . Such a person probably has some issues with integrity and loyalty to friends.
When faced with a choice of interests, he will only choose his career, not his friends. Chen Hu, be careful your friends don't betray you."

Chen Hu smiled and said,

"Director Zhou, I won't be an official, and you don't like me. You said Tao Tieliang is good at being an official, so it seems you don't like him either.
Isn't that a contradiction?"

"It is a bit of a contradiction. However, at its core, I still prefer people with good inner qualities. Good people and
bad people both tell lies, speak empty words, and speak official jargon; on the surface, there's no difference. Good people do this out of necessity;
while bad people do it for ulterior motives. I'm tired, I'll lie down for a while. You can go now. Remember, immediately stop
the investigation into Wang Zhongwang, regardless of whether this person exists or not."

"Okay, I'll obey, I promise."

Chen Hu walked out of the bureau chief's office with mixed feelings. Back

in his own office, he was surprised to see Jiao Xiaoyu sitting in his chair.

"Xiaoyu? Why are you discharged?"

"You wanted me to suffocate in the hospital? I only just realized that Director Zhou set me up and locked me
in."

"Impossible. It's because you're not feeling well."

"Don't try to cover for Director Zhou. I asked to be discharged, but the doctors absolutely refused. Later, they couldn't persuade
me anymore and said that Director Zhou arranged for me to be hospitalized, and that I had to stay for three months. I need Director Zhou's permission to be discharged. Tell me
, didn't Director Zhou set me up?"

"Director Zhou is doing this for your own good. Don't wrong an innocent person."

Jiao Xiaoyu smiled gently. Chen Hu felt that Jiao Xiaoyu's spirit and health were much better than before.

"Director Zhou is a good old man. I really miss him. Chen Hu, I came back to handle the transfer procedures; the transfer
order has already arrived." Secretary Fang agreed to my transfer, saying I hadn't escaped his clutches anyway. "Please
help me, this is my first time being transferred, I don't know what to do."

Chen Hu felt a pang of sadness. From then on, his office would no longer hold the image of his beloved girl,
he would no longer hear her voice, smell her fragrance, or feel her youthful energy; the oppressive
office would forever lack warmth.

"You're in such a hurry to transfer?"

"Vice Minister Ji told me to transfer there quickly to help him prepare for a large-scale anti-smuggling conference. Chen Hu, once I'm gone,
no one will bother you anymore, aren't you happy?"

Jiao Xiaoyu winked playfully. The new job brought her new life. Chen Hu felt that Jiao Xiaoyu
was as full of energy as when she first reported to the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

"Xiaoyu, you flew away like a little bird, leaving me all alone here, and even mocking me. You
're really heartless." Jiao Xiaoyu

's delicate emotions were stirred by Chen Hu's self-deprecating humor. She liked men with a sense of humor. Recalling the unforgettable yet painful memories of her time with
Chen Hu , a bittersweet feeling welled up in her heart. She coldly
replied,

"Escaped your clutches, and I'm covered in scars too. You'll have to wait a thousand years to see me again
. Chen Hu, wouldn't you say I survived a calamity?"

Chen Hu scratched his scars and said,

"I don't think you survived a calamity. You should say you survived a tiger's jaws."

Jiao Xiaoyu giggled.

"Yes, yes, I survived a tiger's jaws. You're so clever, so witty. You're the tiger, of course I survived
a tiger's jaws ."

"Xiaoyu, I still need to discuss your transfer with Director Zhou. The organization also needs to write an evaluation of your performance in the Anti-Corruption Bureau
, and we'll have to hold a small farewell party, right?"

Jiao Xiaoyu quickly waved her hand.

"Okay, okay." "Let's skip the farewell party. It's already a huge favor if you don't kick me out."

"Alright, I'll go with you to find Director Zhou and discuss how you're leaving. His health is getting worse, don't upset the
old man. Just now, he almost drove me crazy."

"Sigh," Jiao Xiaoyu sighed, "Before I was hospitalized, I also had a huge argument with Director Zhou. Chen Hu,
with has enough to handle. We have one thing in common: we specialize in bullying honest
people. Thinking about it now, I really regret it. Please, in the future, make amends for me."

In the director's office, Chen Hu hadn't even sat down before Zhou Senlin told him to leave.

"Chen Hu, I know why Xiaoyu came. You go ahead, I'll have a good talk with Xiaoyu. Don't
get in the way ."

Chen Hu scratched the scar on his face and took his leave.

"Xiaoyu, are you feeling better?"

"Director Zhou, thank you for the arrangements. But if I stay in the hospital, I'll really get sick from worry." "

You look much better. Even though you're being transferred, we'll still be colleagues. Combating smuggling is
an important part of anti-corruption, and we'll still cooperate in the future."

"Director Zhou, actually, I still have a lot of affection for the Anti-Corruption Bureau. You cared for me like a father. Chen Hu
loved me like an older brother. And Lao Bao, he gave his life to save me. I really hate to leave you all.
But staying is difficult too..."

Jiao Xiaoyu shed tears, tears filled with longing for Bao Baozhu, the sorrow of parting from her love, and the
loneliness of losing family.

Zhou Senlin, his face full of sorrow, said emotionally,

“The Jiao He case has made things most difficult for two people: me and you, Jiao Xiaoyu. My difficulty
lies in the fact that everything is happening to me, and I have to carry out everyone’s orders. Your difficulty lies in the
fact that everything is bearing fruit for you, and all sorts of consequences are a blow to your spirit… We’ve both suffered
. You’ve suffered more than me. Xiaoyu, it’s not easy for you to get through this. And now that you’ve gotten through it, it’s time to
part ways .”

Jiao Xiaoyu’s shoulders trembled, and she sobbed uncontrollably.

Zhou Senlin didn’t try to stop her; he just let Jiao Xiaoyu cry her heart out. He let her release all her worries, grievances,
misfortunes , pain, and regrets with her tears, leaving them in
the same old place where those worries, grievances, misfortunes, pain, and regrets originated.

After Jiao Xiaoyu calmed down, Zhou Senlin asked casually,

"Xiaoyu, have you made up your mind about Chen Hu?"

"I'm afraid there's no hope for us. We'll never escape this shadow."

Zhou Senlin walked to the metal filing cabinet, unlocked it, and took out a two-foot-long sword. The silver alloy
scabbard was inlaid with many artificial rubies, and the hilt was shaped like a cross, exquisitely crafted, perfectly
showcasing medieval European style.

"You're leaving, and I don't have anything to give you. This souvenir, called the King's Sword, symbolizes
law and justice. Look at it, isn't it beautiful?"

Jiao Xiaoyu accepted the King's Sword with both hands; it felt heavy.

"It's truly majestic, worthy of being called the sword of a king."

"Xiaoyu, I'm giving you the scabbard as a keepsake. I plan to give the sword to
Chen Hu . But don't tell him I gave you the scabbard. Let fate decide. If you two are destined to be together, the sword and scabbard
will naturally reunite. If you're not, then let the sword and scabbard forever cherish their mutual
longing. Xiaoyu, will you accept the scabbard?"

Jiao Xiaoyu nodded silently, tears welling in her eyes.

Zhou Senlin flicked a spring button on the hilt, and the sword sprang out an inch. Then, he drew the gleaming
steel sword and handed the scabbard to Jiao Xiaoyu.

"Xiaoyu, even when I'm lying in an urn, I hope to hear the sound of the sword returning to its scabbard."

Jiao Xiaoyu took the scabbard, murmuring, "The sword of a king… the sword of a king."

The document appointing Chen Hu as deputy director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (deputy bureau level) was sent to every department of the procuratorate. On
the same day, Jiao Xiaoyu was transferred to serve as a secretary at the deputy minister's side, holding the rank of section chief.

Some in the procuratorate said Chen Hu's career was on a roll; he had been promoted to deputy director, and his fiancée, Jiao Xiaoyu, had become the deputy minister's secretary
—they were mutually benefiting, and their futures seemed limitless.

Hearing these rumors, Chen Hu couldn't help but feel worried, thinking that the saying "the taller the tree, the more the wind blows" was indeed true.

Zhou Senlin asked Chen Hu to move into his office. Chen Hu was reluctant, but he moved in anyway.

Zhou Senlin spent most of his time assisting the special task force at Anling Prison, and the director's office needed someone to lead it,
so he obeyed. Then, rumors spread that once Director Zhou stepped down, Chen Hu would immediately take over, becoming
the top official in the anti-corruption bureau. He clearly felt that he had become the target of everyone's attention, and a chill ran down his spine.

Although Chen Hu temporarily held the position of head of the investigation department, his colleagues no longer called him "Director Chen," but "Director Chen."

Tao Tieliang called and invited Chen Hu to dinner. Chen Hu initially didn't want to go, but fearing that refusing would cause Tao Tieliang to misunderstand and
think he was putting on airs after only a few days in office, he agreed. This was the first time he had done
something against his will since being promoted to deputy director, and he worried that he would have to attend more and more social events against his will in the future.

As soon as Chen Hu entered the private room of the restaurant, a round of applause broke out. He hadn't expected that Tao Tieliang had invited two tables,
nearly twenty people. There were seven or eight of Tao Tieliang
's friends in the Municipal Public Security Bureau, as well as friends from the court, industry and commerce bureau, tax bureau, municipal government, district committee, and customs. Chen Hu knew some of them, and some he didn't. But everyone applauded to
congratulate him on his promotion to deputy director.

Tao Tieliang introduced his friends to Chen Hu, exchanged business cards, and exchanged pleasantries.

Chen Hu keenly realized that the corrupt network of the power organs might be formed through repeated banquets.
As the deputy director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau in charge of investigation, his position was undeniably important, and he naturally had the right to enter the inner circle and
become a member of the network. He knew perfectly well what was going on, but feigned ignorance, shaking hands with everyone with a smile and repeatedly saying,
"Thank you. Thank you. Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you."

Tao Tieliang pushed Chen Hu to the seat of honor. Chen Hu couldn't refuse and had to sit down, thinking to himself, corruption has already begun, and
some people will eventually turn to crime, perhaps initially out of a sense of obligation.

"Chen Hu, don't be like that, I'll call you Director Chen now," Tao Tieliang placed three glasses filled with wine
in front of Chen Hu, "Tonight, all sorts of dignitaries have come for you, to celebrate your good fortune. Please drink three glasses first." "

Alright," Chen Hu stood up, picked up the glass, "I'll drink first as a sign of respect, thank you all for your hospitality."

Chen Hu drank all three glasses in succession. A round of applause followed. He remained calm, knowing that alcohol fueled his inflated ego
.

"Good! A hero's capacity for power!"

The flattery had begun, Chen Hu thought to himself with a smirk.

Tao Tieliang placed three cups of wine in front of a deputy director surnamed Zhang from the Industry and Commerce Bureau and said,

"Old Zhang, you lost this bet, didn't you? You said I couldn't get Director Chen to come, but now I have. The real god is standing right
in front of you. So, accept the punishment!"

Deputy Director Zhang stood up, bowing with a beaming smile and saying,

"I accept the punishment, I accept the punishment. I heard from my buddies at the Procuratorate that the newly promoted Director Chen is difficult to petition, a very aloof person,
which is why I said you couldn't get him to come. But after meeting Director Chen, I realized he's actually very easygoing. Director Chen just drank three cups in a row; I
think we two brothers definitely hit it off. I'll down these three cups in one go!"

Deputy Director Zhang downed three glasses of liquor, turned the glass upside down, and said,

"Change to a bigger glass. Director Chen and I will drink until we drop."

Tao Tieliang stopped him, saying,

"You step aside for a moment. Director Chen can't let you handle everything alone. Everyone's waiting to offer a toast."

All the guests took turns toasting Chen Hu, saying almost the same things: "Director Chen, you're Tieliang's
friend , so you're my friend too. If you need anything, just say the word, and it'll be done. Come on, cheers!"

Chen Hu felt that after drinking the liquor, it was as if they had signed a contract.

Even though it was low-alcohol Wuliangye, after drinking more than twenty glasses, Chen Hu still felt a bit dizzy.

The sirens of fire trucks came from outside the window, one after another. Tao Tieliang ran to the window and saw more than a dozen
fire trucks drive by.

"I wonder where there's a fire. It looks like a big one. The fire department will be busy this time. Come on,
let's keep drinking."

Deputy Director Zhang of the Industry and Commerce Bureau leaned in front of Chen Hu and warmly offered him a Zhonghua cigarette.

"Director Chen, you're truly a hero! You've downed more than half a jin and you're still unmoved. I'm impressed. There's something
I need your help with, not too big, not too small. You're Tie Liang's friend, and there's no one else here. This matter can only be handled by
you."

"What is it? Tell me."

"Come, let's talk outside."

In the corridor, Deputy Director Zhang lowered his voice and said,

"You must know about Lantian Investment Company."

Chen Hu certainly hadn't forgotten that dirty case involving a disguised brothel.
The investigation into Jin Sheng, the legal representative of Lantian Investment Company, wasn't over yet; he was involved in too many people and things.

"I know."

"Of course you know, it's the case you handled. Jin Sheng had his lawyer say that if his
case could be closed, he'd pay this much."

Deputy Director Zhang held out his hand. Chen Hu coldly asked,

"Five hundred thousand?"

"No, five million. The one who tied the knot must untie it, so I'll have to trouble you!"

Chen Hu thought to himself, tonight's trip was worthwhile. He couldn't help but wonder what role Tao Tieliang was playing.
He casually asked,

"Does Tieliang know about this?"

"I begged him. Tieliang said he couldn't handle it because it's a case directly handled by the procuratorate. I heard there haven't been
any charges yet. If charges are filed, there's hope. I know Jin Sheng's case is involved with the municipal party committee; it
won't be easy to completely eradicate it. It'll have to go to court at least. My friends in the court said the key is how your
indictment is written. If it's too severe, the court can't do anything. If the sentence is too lenient, they're afraid of being caught, and they're afraid the procuratorate will appeal.
I'll handle things with the court. As long as you give me a token, I'll have them send half the money. Same old rule,
no receipts, absolutely no cash. So, Director Chen, can you help?"

Five million! Chen Hu's mind immediately cleared. He'd only been in office for a few days, and someone was already willing to give him five million!
It seems the position of anti-corruption bureau chief is very valuable; it's practically a money tree. Interesting. Those who are corrupt can get money, and
those who fight corruption can get money too. No wonder corruption within the public security, procuratorate, and court systems is deepening; they can't resist temptation!

He still said coldly,

"It's difficult."

"Not difficult. Can someone really afford five million? Nobody's money grows on trees. We're all officials;
we know all the tricks. Chinese law is flexible; you can go either way and it's all legal and reasonable.
Our ancestors laid out the rules long ago: turn big problems into small ones, and small problems into nothing. It's not that difficult."

"So, how do you handle things at the Industry and Commerce Bureau?"

"Director Chen, you've hit the nail on the head. For Industry and Commerce matters, come to me. I can handle even the biggest problems..."

Suddenly, the door was kicked open, and Tao Tieliang rushed out with seven or eight people from the Municipal Public Security Bureau, running out without even
saying goodbye . Chen Hu saw a policeman's hat fall to the ground, picked up by another policeman, who then
ran after him.

Deputy Director Zhang asked anxiously,

"What happened? What happened?"

Someone answered,

"Director Jiang called Director Tao, saying the Forget-Me-Not Appliance Store is on fire, and Director Jiang's daughter is
trapped inside!"

The fire was an order. Chen Hu gave chase.

He rushed out of the restaurant and saw Tao Tieliang and his friends driving their cars onto the highway. He
jumped into his Cherokee and followed closely behind.

Twenty minutes later, Chen Hu saw from inside the car that the entrance to the Forget-Me-Not Appliance Store was cordoned off,
allowing only fire trucks and related vehicles to enter; all other vehicles were to detour. Clearly, the fire was serious, and
fire trucks had to be allowed unimpeded passage.

Chen Hu attached the siren to the roof of his car and followed Tao Tieliang's convoy, successfully navigating several restricted
intersections .

After driving for thirty minutes, he could see flames reddening the night sky in the distance.

It was a vast sea of fire. Flames were shooting out of every window of the Forget-Me-Not Appliance Store, from the first to the second floor.
Nine water hoses rushed towards the inferno, but they were completely unable to stop its spread.

Tao Tieliang drove his car directly to the command vehicle, jumped out, and rushed to the fire chief. The city's Public Security Bureau
Chief, Jiang Dabing, was talking to the fire chief.

"Chief, I'm here," Tao Tieliang saluted Jiang Dabing.

Jiang Dabing looked anxious, seemingly bewildered by the inferno.

The fire chief, his voice hoarse from shouting, pointed at the fire and said,

"This fire..."

Tao Tieliang abruptly interrupted.

"Don't talk to me about the fire. I only have one question for you: where is Jiang Yuexiu?"

"She's probably in her office on the second floor. We've organized several rescue attempts, but the fire blocked the door, we couldn't get through
..."

Tao Tieliang turned and ran to the fire truck, shouting,

"I'm going in! Quick, get me wet! Quick!"

A water hose lashed out at Tao Tieliang, the high pressure knocking him to the ground, sliding several meters.

Tao Tieliang scrambled to his feet, grabbed a helmet handed to him, put it on, and charged into the inferno alone.

Several detectives who followed him also rushed in, soaked to the bone.

Chen Hu witnessed it all. He felt that Tao Tieliang, who had fearlessly plunged into the flames, was a completely
different person . Without time to think, he too got soaked and rushed into the fire.

Clusters of flames blocked all the passageways inside the mall. Shelves collapsed, and explosions echoed everywhere. Chen Hu
trudged up the scorching hot stairs to the second floor to help Tao Tieliang rescue Jiang Yuexiu.

Suddenly, a burning beam fell, knocking down a detective. Chen Hu and another detective struggled to
pull the injured man out. He shouted, "Help him out! Otherwise, he won't be able to get out!"

Chen Hu turned and rushed into the second-floor corridor, which was now blocked by flames. At that moment, his biggest worry was that Tao Tieliang
wouldn't be trapped by the fire.

The door to Jiang Yuexiu's office had become a wall of fire. Chen Hu held his breath and rushed in; the fire inside was
smaller than at the door. In the firelight, he saw Tao Tieliang lying on the ground, pinned down by a burning wooden plank. The dark figure beneath
Tao Tieliang must be Jiang Yuexiu. Chen Hu rushed to Tao Tieliang's side, forcefully lifted
the plank, and found Tao Tieliang engulfed in flames, blood flowing from

his head. Chen Hu first extinguished the flames on Tao Tieliang's body, then helped him up and held him close. At this moment, he noticed
a metal safe where Jiang Yuexiu had fallen, its door slightly ajar. He deduced that Jiang Yuexiu
was trapped inside the fire while trying to retrieve something from the safe.

"Tieliang! Tieliang!" Chen Hu shouted to Tao Tieliang in his arms, but there was no response.

At that moment, Chen Hu's instinctive alertness made his gaze fall upon the safe. He saw two metal plates inside.
What were these? He reached into the safe and pulled out one metal plate. He was shocked to see it was
a template for printing US dollars!

He put the template in his pocket, with a small portion still sticking out. Just as he was about to take out the second template, two
criminal police officers and a firefighter rushed in, forcing him to stop. He shouted,

"Quick! Tao Tieliang is injured! "

The three men rushed over. Tao Tieliang, now conscious, grabbed the still-unsure whether Jiang Yuexiu was dead or alive and cried out
, "Yuexiu! Yuexiu!"

Chen Hu stood up and shouted, "Quick, let's get out!" "

A policeman and Chen Hu supported Tao Tieliang, while two others carried Jiang Yuexiu, rushing out of the doorway blocked by the fire
.

The fire was growing increasingly fierce. Chen Hu directed them down the stairs and out of the mall's main entrance. All of them
were engulfed in flames, but a water hose swept across them, extinguishing the flames.

An ambulance immediately took Tao Tieliang and Jiang Yuexiu to the hospital.

Chen Hu watched the ambulance speed away before letting out a long sigh of relief.

Jiang Dabing walked over, surprised, and said,

"Chen Hu, what brings you here?"

"Well, Tieliang and I were having dinner when we heard about the fire, so we came along."

"Did you help Tieliang rescue Yuexiu?"

"It's nothing. Director Jiang, you don't need to put out the fire. Go to the hospital and see Yuexiu."

Tears welled up in Jiang Dabing's eyes as he grasped Chen Hu's hand and said,

"Thank you, thank you so much. It's all thanks to Tieliang..."

Chen Hu helped Jiang Dabing to his car.

"Director Jiang, please go to the hospital quickly." Yuexiu was badly burned.

Jiang Dabing got into his car, an Audi, and sped away to the hospital.

Only then did Chen Hu realize he was completely exhausted.

The fire at the Forget-Me-Not Appliances Mall was still raging. Chen Hu stared at the flames, pondering: How did the fire start?

Chen Hu drove back to the Anti-Corruption Bureau from the fire scene, put his burnt clothes and the US dollar printing plates into a metal
filing cabinet, changed into a suit, and drove to the hospital.

The unexpected discovery of the US dollar printing plates in Jiang Yuexiu's safe made him even more concerned about her safety.
If Jiang Yuexiu had died, it would mean the end of an important lead.

People from the Municipal Party Committee, the Municipal Government, the Public Security Bureau, and the Fire Department crowded into the corridor of the emergency room. There, Chen Hu
received definitive information: Jiang Yuexiu had already died of asphyxiation at the scene of the fire. Tie Liang suffered only minor injuries and
is currently receiving oxygen due to excessive smoke inhalation; visits are not permitted at this time.

It was already 2 AM when Chen Hu returned home. Despite extreme fatigue, excessive excitement made it difficult for him to fall asleep. He
smoked one cigarette after another, his thoughts constantly focused on the dollar printing plates and the process.

Before locking the dollar printing plates in the metal filing cabinet in his office, he carefully examined them and was certain they were
the front printing plates for the hundred-dollar bill. They had been deformed from the intense heat; whether they had been used still required expert technical
verification. He judged that the other plate, which he hadn't had time to retrieve, must be the back printing plate for the hundred-dollar bill, which must
have been found during the cleanup of the fire scene.

Currently, there is no evidence to prove that these two plates are undoubtedly counterfeit hundred-dollar bill printing plates and
the counterfeit ones in He Qizhang's safe. There is a connection between the US dollars, but this connection cannot be ruled out.

The crux of the matter is that the presence of the US dollar printing plates in Jiang Yuexiu's safe is itself unusual
; and the fact that she is the daughter of the Public Security Bureau Chief and a member of the Municipal Party Committee makes the situation even more complicated.

Chen Hu considered that, including Tao Tieliang, no one knows that he secretly took the front printing plate of the hundred-
dollar bill , and even the back printing plate in Jiang Yuexiu's safe has not yet been discovered.
Should he report this to Zhou Senlin and Fang Hao?

Reporting it might lead to the matter being suppressed. Not to mention that Jiang Dabing used his position as Public Security Bureau Chief
to , it's unclear what connection Jiang Dabing has with this matter; whether investigating the cause of the fire or
the US dollar printing plates, according to... It's within the Public Security Bureau's jurisdiction, and the Anti-Corruption Bureau can't easily intervene without evidence proving the matter is related to corruption
. Zhou Senlin might also be unwilling to investigate; he's too cautious and nearing retirement,
not wanting to cause too much trouble.

So what about the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government's attitude?

With the cases of Jiao Pengyuan, He Qizhang, Tian Xing, Hao Xiangshou, and Li Haoyi still under investigation,
it seems the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government can't withstand another shock. If the Public Security Bureau Chief also gets into trouble, it would be
adding insult to injury .

Not reporting, secretly investigating? Chen Hu dismissed this idea. Doing so would not only clearly violate organizational
discipline, but as a law enforcement officer, concealing evidence would itself be a violation of the law.

Chen Hu thought about this in a daze, and then fell asleep in a daze.

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