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

Chapter 116 The Brainless and the Unhappy

That day, in Sha Ruijin's office.

On Sha Ruijin's desk, there was a thick pile of documents.

He sat in his seat, his face ashen, without uttering a word.

Beside him stood Tian Guofu, obediently.

After a long silence, Sha Ruijin took a deep breath and slowly spoke:

"Comrade Guofu, is this all the work your Discipline Inspection Commission has accomplished in the past week? Qi Tongwei, not a single problem?"

Tian Guofu said with a mournful face:

"We used to have something on Qi Tongwei, but two months ago, he went crazy for some reason. He liquidated all his shares in Shanshui Manor, dismissed all the relatives he had arranged to work with illegally, and cut off all his unclear connections with the outside world... Now he's completely clean..."

"Bullshit! If Qi Tongwei is really that clean, then Ding Yizhen would be a model of integrity!" Sha Ruijin pointed at the document, glared at Tian Guofu, and said coldly.

"His past actions couldn't possibly have gone undocumented! Dismissal, layoffs, and cutting off contact—is that all? He's already left a stain on his record! Didn't your disciplinary committee seize these opportunities?"

Tian Guofu was about to cry, and reported to his supervisor with a wronged expression:

"Secretary Sha, what you're saying is really nothing at Qi Tongwei's level. Even if he could handle it himself, Gao Yuliang and Xia Qing could easily take care of it for him... Also, to be frank, if we keep harping on Qi Tongwei's trivial matters, Gao Yuliang and Xia Qing will probably apply the same standards to everyone in our party... And that's the Political and Legal Affairs Commission and the Organization Department, after all..."

Sha Ruijin was taken aback.

The next instant, he stood up abruptly and pushed all the documents on the table to the ground like a typhoon passing through!

Folders and documents were scattered everywhere, piled up on the carpet.

Sha Ruijin was breathing heavily, his eyes bloodshot.

I'm so angry.

So hateful.

This is so fucking powerless!

Sha Ruijin finally realized just how precise, efficient, and complete Gao Yuliang's counterattack was!

It can be said that Gao Yuliang not only hit Sha Ruijin's weakest point, but also did a perfect job of defense, making Sha Ruijin's moves impossible to execute!

This is the true strength of the third-ranking provincial official who has been deeply involved in Handong for decades.

The pressure from this opponent was suffocating!

Sha Ruijin suddenly felt that his proud fighting methods were somewhat like showing off his skills in front of Gao Yuliang, a professor-turned-official.

At that moment, a wave of dizziness washed over Sha Ruijin.

He suddenly felt unwell and hurriedly sat down.

Tian Guofu noticed that something was wrong with Sha Ruijin and said anxiously:

"Secretary Sha, you've just finished your convalescence, you absolutely mustn't get angry!"

Sha Ruijin gave Tian Guofu a tired and disdainful look.

If it weren't for this idiot who had all the leverage over Chen Yanshi's shareholding and Qi Tongwei's affairs, and kept it hidden.

Why did things have to come to this?

Good cards are meant to be played, not held onto to collect interest!

Especially when facing an opponent like Gao Yuliang!

How could Tian Guofu not understand such a simple truth?

Sha Ruijin rubbed his aching temples and asked in a deep voice:

"So, you're saying we can't touch Qi Tongwei?"

Tian Guofu nodded helplessly:

"You could say that."

Sha Ruijin closed his eyes and said nothing more.

He still remembers how spirited and ambitious he was when he first arrived in Handong.

Back then, it was Gao Yuliang who was forced into this situation.

How come I've become the one who's always on the defensive?

It's all because of Xia Qing...

This organization minister is terrifying.

Sha Ruijin was confident that he could handle ten Wu Chunlins.

However, Xia Qing subtly and quietly reversed the situation in Handong.

He was like a true master of internal martial arts, without any sharp edge, always kind and gentle in his dealings with people, and respectful to those of talent.

What he did was completely legal and compliant; you couldn't find any flaws.

When you try to make a move against him, he always manages to deftly deflect your attacks and ultimately deliver the final blow.

By the time they realized what was happening...

Xia Qing has already established his own faction in Handong!

To be honest, the Han University gang is indeed gone.

Because even their mountain stronghold, Gao Yuliang, had all gone to Xia Qing's place.

Xia Family Gang?

Or is it Xia Qing's gang?

Which name is better...?

"Secretary Sha, Secretary Sha?"

Tian Guofu's urgent voice snapped Sha Ruijin out of his reverie.

He then realized that he had fallen asleep from exhaustion while leaning back in his chair.

Could it be a lingering effect of fainting during the last democratic event?

Looks like I need to get a medical checkup...

Sha Ruijin composed himself and said coldly:

"Well, luckily I had a backup plan... I've already arranged for Qi Tongwei to investigate Chen Yanshi's shareholding."

Tian Guofu was initially puzzled.

Gradually, he figured out the mystery!

Sow discord between Qi Tongwei and Chen Hai, and divide the two major forces controlled by Xia Qing: the public security bureau and the procuratorate.

Let's attach another time bomb of illegal investigation to Qi Tongwei!

Tian Guofu couldn't help but slap the table in admiration.

How come I didn't think of such a great idea?

Tian Guofu immediately praised him:

"Secretary Sha, you are truly brilliant! My admiration for you is as boundless as a surging river..."

"Stop, I've already asked Secretary Bai to ask Qi Tongwei how things are going." Sha Ruijin reached out to stop Tian Guofu from continuing his flattery.

At that moment, the landline rang. Sha Ruijin glanced at the number; it was Secretary Bai's. He confidently turned on the speakerphone and said:

"Xiao Bai, how's it going?"

"Secretary Sha, something terrible has happened! Qi Tongwei didn't even bother to investigate!" Secretary Bai said hurriedly.

"He said Governor Liu arranged for him to learn about investment promotion, and he's been receiving investors these days!"

"What!" Sha Ruijin slammed his hand on the table and stood up. He hadn't expected Qi Tongwei to disobey his orders.

But what can we do?

The investigation of Chen Yanshi was commissioned privately by Qi Tongwei; no official document was issued, and no meeting was held. Whether Qi Tongwei actually did it or not, who knows?

Qi Tongwei's reason was also quite plausible; the vice governor was indeed going to be involved in attracting investment, but the timing was just too coincidental.

Could it be that Qi Tongwei saw through the mystery and intentionally avoided trouble?

Impossible. Given Qi Tongwei's political acumen, he could never have imagined things that deeply.

It could only be Gao Yuliang or Xia Qing who gave him guidance!

Thinking of this, a bead of cold sweat trickled down Shari's forehead. He began to feel uneasy about these two people.

Tian Guofu said in a panic:

"Secretary Sha, what should we do? It seems Qi Tongwei hasn't fallen for it..."

"No, this is just a coincidence, absolutely a coincidence! I'll call him now and order him to start investigating immediately..." Sha Ruijin forced himself to calm down, picking up the phone as he muttered:

"It's alright. As long as we keep the scope of knowledge under control, even if we can't defeat Qi Tongwei, we can at least protect Old Chen..."

Just then, a commotion arose outside the secretary's office.

Secretary Bai tried to stop him but couldn't. A man in uniform, looking energetic and spirited, headed straight for the secretary's office!

"Director Hou, Secretary Sha has work to do; you can't just go in..."

"Secretary Bai, please don't stop me! Secretary Sha told me that I don't need an appointment to report to him; I can just go directly to him!"

Hou Liangping pushed aside Secretary Bai, carrying a file folder, walked into the office, and loudly addressed Sha Ruijin:

"Good morning, Secretary Sha! This is Hou Liangping, Deputy Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, reporting to you!"

Sha Ruijin's finger froze in mid-air as he pressed the button. He exchanged a glance with Tian Guofu, forced a smile, and said:

"Ryohei, what is it? Do you have to say it now?"

"Reporting to Secretary Sha, this is extremely urgent! But without solid evidence and a breakthrough, I would never dare to bother you!" Hou Liangping handed over the file bag with both hands, his voice booming.

"After a week of intensive investigation, the entire Anti-Corruption Bureau has finally confirmed that Chen Yanshi's shareholding in Dafeng Factory is a done deal!"