Nominal: The pinnacle of power began in the sixth province of Handong.

Chapter 150

After reporting to Xia Qing, Chen Hai routinely relayed Xia Qing's suggestions to Zhu Zhichao.

Zhu Zhichao and Xia Qing hit it off immediately and Zhu Zhichao instructed Chen Hai to make arrangements according to Xia Qing's plan.

Upon returning to the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Chen Hai immediately summoned Lü Liang and instructed him to conduct a covert investigation into the officials entertained by the Shanshui Group.

Lü Liang felt a great sense of responsibility and solemnly stated:

"Please rest assured, Director, I will do my best in this matter."

Then, Chen Hai called Hou Liangping, who had been idle since returning to work after the New Year.

"Liangping, as you know, you're the best at interrogation in our department."

Chen Hai said with a smile:

"You really have to break through Liu Xinjian's defenses. Anyone else would be unable to tackle this tough nut."

Hou Liangping was very pleased with the flattery and immediately patted his chest, saying:

"That's right. To be honest, among the anti-corruption officials in Handong, none of them are as good at interrogation as I am. Liu Xinjian's case is in my hands."

He left happily after saying that, unaware that Chen Hai was even happier than him.

On the other hand, Qi Tongwei has been having a very unpleasant time these past few days.

He had argued with Gao Xiaoqin more than once about the account books.

But Gao Xiaoqin insisted that there were no account books, leaving Qi Tongwei at a loss for what to do.

On one hand, the Economic Crime Investigation Division was dispatched to assist in the audit and prosecution, and to conduct an investigation into Huilong Group.

On one hand, there was leverage that Zhao Ruilong held over them.

Qi Tongwei was caught in the middle, in a dilemma.

At this moment, all he wanted was to get the account book from Gao Xiaoqin as soon as possible and hand it over to Zhao Ruilong.

Then, by using the ledger to lure out Du Bozhong, he could complete the Ministry of Public Security's orders and also get Zhao Ruilong to destroy the evidence.

That's how you get through the difficult time.

Thinking about all this, Qi Tongwei felt a surge of irritation.

Why is Gao Xiaoqin not being so sensible at this critical juncture?

Why do you have to make things difficult for yourself?

Wouldn't it be better for everyone to hand over the ledgers?

Just as he was lost in thought, Qi Tongwei's office landline rang.

After he answered the phone, Zhao Ruilong's cynical voice came from the other end:

"Hello, Brother Qi!"

Qi Tongwei gritted his teeth and lowered his voice, saying:

"Are you crazy! This is my office landline! If it's discovered that I've been in contact with you, I'm finished as the Director of the Public Security Bureau!"

Zhao Ruilong quickly said:

"Okay, okay, I'll call your cell phone next time, alright? Governor Qi is really hard to please."

"Speak quickly if you have something to say," Qi Tongwei said in a deep voice.

Zhao Ruilong then said:

"Brother Qi, you know the provincial authorities have been cracking down on me relentlessly lately. Could you do me a favor and ask the Economic Crime Investigation Division to be less rigid in their investigation?"

Upon hearing this, Qi Tongwei flew into a rage and said sternly:

"Zhao Ruilong! Do you expect me to instruct the Economic Crime Investigation Division to pull some dirty tricks right under Governor Zhu and Minister Xia's noses and deliberately obstruct the investigation?"

"That's your problem. We can't let my Huilong Group be breached before the account books are even found, can we? Governor Qi, we're counting on you!" Zhao Ruilong said, and then hung up the phone.

Qi Tongwei stared at the telephone receiver, a surge of anger rising within him.

He slammed the receiver down and cursed Zhao Ruilong dozens of times.

Since becoming the vice governor, who has dared to speak ill of him or give him attitude?

This vice governor is such a spineless coward!

But Qi Tongwei had no choice, because he had a fatal weakness that Zhao Ruilong had left behind.

He was terrified that the recording of the phone call that reminded Ding Yizhen to escape had been made public, completely cutting off his escape route and future.

Therefore, even if he was unwilling, Qi Tongwei had to carry out Zhao Ruilong's instructions seriously.

Filled with anger, Qi Tongwei picked up the receiver again and dialed the Political Department of the Public Security Bureau:

"Hey, this is Qi Tongwei. Listen up, come up with a plan for a case-handling experience sharing session within the department. Everyone has to participate! The experiences must be genuine, detailed, and accompanied by supporting materials! The Economic Crime Investigation Division? Of course they have to participate! The Audit and Procuratorate have tasks? Tell them that everything should prioritize the work of the department. Other units' matters can wait! Yes, that's all."

After making the arrangements, Qi Tongwei remembered something and called Cheng Du.

Cheng Du's voice came quickly from the other end of the phone:

"Brother Qi, this is Cheng Du."

Qi Tongwei relaxed slightly and asked, looking a little tired:

"Chengdu, how's Gao Xiaoqin doing lately? Have you found any clues about the account book?"

Reporting Guide:

"Not yet. These days, Mr. Gao has been staying indoors, so I haven't had a chance to conduct a thorough search of the manor."

This Gao Xiaoqin is really stubborn!

Qi Tongwei cursed inwardly, feeling that this woman was gradually drifting further and further away from him.

Qi Tongwei was trying his best to control his emotions; he didn't want to escalate the situation with Gao Xiaoqin to the point of a complete falling out.

Although the ledger could be forcibly seized, it would be better if Gao Xiaoqin handed it over voluntarily.

Qi Tongwei instructed Cheng Du:

"Keep an eye on it. If you find any clues about the ledger, try to bring it out."

"I understand, please rest assured," Cheng Du said confidently.

After hanging up the phone, Qi Tongwei leaned back in his chair.

Wasn't Zhao Ruilong's call to his office landline today a form of threat?

We need to find the ledger as soon as possible.

Qi Tongwei rubbed his temples and looked at the clock on the wall.

Then, he took a notebook and pen from the table, put them in his briefcase, and walked out of the office building.

The car is already waiting downstairs.

Qi Tongwei was going to the provincial party committee meeting room to attend an internal meeting of the leading group for the investigation of problems related to the Luzhou City Ecological Resort project, which was initiated by Governor Liu.

This was arranged for Qi Tongwei to participate in the investigation in Luzhou City when Governor Liu arranged for Qi Tongwei to send the Economic Investigation Detachment to participate in the investigation at the government office meeting a few days ago.

On the bus, Qi Tongwei was still somewhat confused.

Why was he required to attend this meeting, while Professor Gao was nowhere to be seen?

Upon arriving at the venue, Qi Tongwei had just entered.

Governor Liu was seated in the main seat, with Standing Committee members Zhu Zhichao, Tian Guofu, and Xia Qing sitting on either side.

Yi Xuexi was also there, which surprised Qi Tongwei.

Even so, Qi Tongwei was still a little nervous, as this was the first time he had sat on the stage as a participant rather than a presenter.

He sat down quickly, right next to Xia Qing.

Qi Tongwei greeted Xia Qing in a low voice as "Minister Xia," and Xia Qing immediately responded with a smile:

"Governor Qi, there's no need to be so polite! We'll follow your instructions."

Qi Tongwei nodded somewhat reservedly.

This is a meeting at the same table as Minister Xia, who has promoted him.

When will I be able to sit at the same table with Professor Gao and have a meeting?

Qi Tongwei was filled with anticipation.

Governor Liu gestured to the staff to close the door.

Then, looking at everyone, he said seriously:

"Comrades, let's skip the formalities today and get straight to the point. You all know what we're going to investigate, right?"

Everyone nodded.

Xia Qing discerned a deeper meaning from the personnel arrangements at this meeting.

Gao Yuliang is not trusted and has been temporarily excluded from the investigation team!