Zhen Jingcai didn't know how long he had been in this room. The light was dim, and the windows were tightly covered with curtains. He had no idea what was happening outside, and he wondered if he would ever have the chance to leave. For the first time, he felt the power of the authorities.
He was not a saint. Although he could speak confidently about his economic achievements, it didn't mean he was invulnerable. If someone really wanted to find fault with him, there were a hundred ways to ruin his reputation. However, he felt bitter that they were trying to smear and undermine him through this incident.
He was不服 (unwilling to accept it), but he had no choice. Once his freedom was restricted, he realized that many things he was proud of were insignificant.
If your connection to the outside world is cut off, even the greatest abilities are useless.
These dozens of hours were like a nightmare from which Zhen Jingcai couldn't wake up.
The investigators had questioned him several times, and Zhen Jingcai could recite every word they asked and every word he answered.
They kept asking from different angles, scrutinizing every detail, which made Zhen Jingcai fearfully realize that they might have a real purpose.
Finally, the door opened, and the man surnamed Pan, who had only appeared twice, came in. He always asked key questions, and Zhen Jingcai had to think carefully before answering, fearing he might fall into a trap.
"Alright, Director Zhen, our investigation of this case is basically over. You can leave now," the man surnamed Pan said with a smile, extending his hand. "I apologize if there were any shortcomings in our work. We hope you can understand and be lenient, Director Zhen."
"Can I leave?" Zhen Jingcai looked at him, feeling lost and disbelieving.
When that damned crystal ornament was taken from his office and placed in front of him, Zhen Jingcai had already thought he wouldn't be able to leave for three to five months. Especially when the man surnamed Tang kept hinting and warning him that they had other evidence about his personal conduct, Zhen Jingcai felt a chill run down his spine. He never expected such an outcome.
"Have you investigated everything I said?"
"We have our own methods and criteria for investigating and determining issues. We have verified what you said, and it is basically true. As for other issues, they are not within the scope of this investigation," Pan smiled. "What, are you not happy? Don't want to leave? We have already communicated the situation with the Changjiang Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission and your factory's party committee. If you have any specific issues, you can discuss them with the relevant leaders."
"Director Pan, can I ask one more question? I was brought here for investigation without any clear reason, and now I'm leaving without any clear reason. What is the nature of this incident?"
Zhen Jingcai gradually calmed down. Since they were letting him go, even though he didn't know the reason behind it, he believed that asking a few more questions wouldn't change anything.
"In terms of nature, it can be ruled out as bribery, but you did have some negligence in your work. As a party leader..." Pan smiled slightly. Everyone needs face, and it's understandable. After all...
When he left the unremarkable guesthouse, Zhen Jingcai was still pondering the man surnamed Pan's last meaningful remark, "Your daughter's boyfriend is quite good."
Zhen Jie didn't have a boyfriend. She said she wanted to focus on finishing her master's degree and wouldn't consider dating before that.
And although Zhen Ni was dating Lu Weimin, their relationship was not yet clear. Zhen Jingcai himself didn't think much of their relationship, especially since Lu Weimin was unlikely to stay in Changzhou.
Could Lu Weimin really be worth such a comment from the man surnamed Pan? That would be a real joke.
Zhen Jingcai was completely puzzled. It wasn't until he saw Zhen Jie and Lu Weimin waiting for him by a taxi that he began to understand.
From the taxi ride home to visiting Gu Yingliang, Zhen Jingcai remained in a state of shock and confusion. He couldn't imagine how this had all happened.
Indeed, he had been open and honest during the Central Discipline Inspection Commission's investigation, but that didn't mean he was flawless. Not turning over the item to the commission immediately was enough for someone to blow it out of proportion, even though many people were themselves corrupt.
The man surnamed Pan was very accurate in saying that he had acted improperly, but it didn't rise to a certain level. There were still other minor issues.
The man surnamed Pan even hinted at his personal conduct, which made Zhen Jingcai break out in a cold sweat. If they really wanted to take him down, he wouldn't have been able to leave the guesthouse so easily.
Lu Weimin had gone to great lengths to bring the investigators to Guangping County to find Zhang Shengyun to testify for him, which was crucial in clearing his name. However, Zhen Jie mentioned that before that, Lu Weimin had taken her to Gu Yingliang's house to report the issue and had made a long-distance call, which seemed important.
The role of this call in his case was unknown, but Zhen Jingcai clearly felt a change in the investigators' attitude and focus from the first day to the second.
The man surnamed Pan probably thought Lu Weimin was Zhen Jie's boyfriend, which explained his meaningful comment.
The phrase "quite good" coming from the man surnamed Pan was not just "quite good." It had deep implications. Zhen Jingcai couldn't understand why, if Lu Weimin had any special background, he would be so determined to join the factory.
After returning home, Lu Weimin had a good sleep. He had done what he could, and Zhen Jingcai was safe. Although some rumors had already spread, when Zhen Jingcai reappeared at the factory, full of energy, all the rumors were dispelled. Gu Yingliang would also need to comfort Zhen Jingcai.
He had gained a lot. Before going to sleep, Lu Weimin reflected on the past two days.
He had successfully solidified his position in the Zhen family. After this incident, Yao Ping would find it extremely difficult to challenge his position, especially since Zhen Jingcai's standing had also prevented Yao Zhibin from becoming the deputy factory director. The potential impact was immeasurable.
He had met Pan Fang, a deputy section chief of a certain department of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission, and also connected with the Cao Lang family. There would be more opportunities in the future. This was the biggest gain. Pan Fang was very curious about him, and he had left a good impression.
He had left a deep impression on people close to Zhen Jingcai, such as Gu Yingliang and Guo Zheng. The 195 Factory produced many cadres, and there was frequent exchange with cadres in Changzhou City and Changjiang Province. In Lu Weimin's memory, Guo Zheng was transferred to serve as a vice mayor of Changzhou City in 1995. However, after this incident, the historical trajectory of the 195 Factory had shifted, and it was unclear if it would follow the same path.
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