Chapter 109: I’m Thinking of You

"Zhou Ming, you actually went so far as to report to Yang Lao in the conference call?" Du Peng asked Zhou Ming, stunned.

Facing Du Peng's question, Zhou Ming nodded naturally. After the phone conference with Yang Lao, he was asked to leave the meeting room. With nowhere else to go, he ended up in Du Peng's reception room. Since Du Peng was probably impatiently waiting, as soon as Zhou Ming entered, Du Peng immediately pounced on him to ask about the phone conference. Zhou Ming recounted everything that had just happened, and Du Peng felt as if he was going to go crazy.

Actually, Zhou Ming had already informed Du Peng yesterday that he planned to report to Yang Lao in the conference call. That was why Du Peng had insisted on coming along today. Even so, Du Peng had thought that Zhou Ming would only hint at his intention in a subtle way, but from what Zhou Ming described, it seemed he had been very direct with Yang Lao.

Although Du Peng had long known that Zhou Ming was unconventional, hearing the confirmation still felt like a shock.

"So, Yang Lao wasn't angry? He actually instructed Secretary Lu to investigate the matter?" Du Peng asked again.

"Yes," Zhou Ming replied, "I've already told you. Whether it's the closure of our dance hall and KTV or the potential criminal activities involving Zhou Hu, Yang Lao instructed Secretary Lu to handle both."

Du Peng stared in disbelief for a long moment before giving Zhou Ming a thumbs up, saying, "You're incredible, Zhou Ming. I can't think of any other way to describe you."

Zhou Ming laughed heartily, "Thanks for the compliment."

Although Zhou Ming spoke lightly, the reality was far from simple. Just as Du Peng couldn't believe it, Yang Lao wasn't a school teacher—how could he just believe whatever complaints were made? Zhou Ming had raised questions about the securities market to make Yang Lao take him seriously.

Without those preliminary doubts, even if Zhou Ming had reported his concerns to Yang Lao, Yang Lao might have just dismissed it with a laugh, instead of giving such clear instructions.

Moreover, Zhou Ming had also brought up potential criminal activities involving Zhou Hu. He knew that Yang Lao had recently addressed the link between economic reform and anti-corruption. By introducing both issues, Zhou Ming aimed to gain Yang Lao's attention.

In addition to these factors, there might have been a bit of luck, like Yang Lao being in a good mood. Regardless, Yang Lao had taken action on Zhou Ming's report.

A while later, the door to the reception room was pushed open, and Mayor Chen Yunfei hurried in, sitting down in front of Zhou Ming and Du Peng. Seeing Chen Yunfei's solemn and stern expression, Du Peng felt a sudden tightness in both his face and his rear.

"Comrade Zhou Ming, explain to me exactly what happened today. Didn't I repeatedly advise you before the meeting to be cautious and not speak recklessly in front of Yang Lao? But look at what you did?" Chen Yunfei said angrily, "Not only did you initially criticize Yang Lao's policies, but you also reported Secretary Lu's misconduct in front of him. Do you think you're so impressive that you can do anything you want?"

Zhou Ming patiently listened to Chen Yunfei's reprimand before responding, "Mayor Chen, to be honest, I came here today with the intention of reporting on Vice Secretary Lu. I couldn't let my establishment be closed without explanation."

Chen Yunfei expected Zhou Ming to back down or admit fault but was taken aback when Zhou Ming firmly defended himself. Chen Yunfei's anger flared up, but Zhou Ming's next words stopped him from further scolding.

"Mayor Chen, actually, my reporting today was also to help you," Zhou Ming said.

Chen Yunfei found Zhou Ming's claim absurd, "Help me? You're really full of yourself. How exactly are you helping me? What can you possibly do for me?"

Zhou Ming didn't answer immediately. Instead, he asked, "Mayor Chen, what do you think of the Public Security Bureau, the Procuratorate, and the Courts? Are these organs important?"

"Public security, prosecution, and the judiciary are crucial for maintaining social stability. They are very important from any perspective," Chen Yunfei replied.

"During the meeting, did Secretary Lu give any direction on this matter?" Zhou Ming asked.

Chen Yunfei didn't answer, understanding Zhou Ming's point without needing further clarification.

Clearly, Zhou Ming's implication was that after this incident, Lu Zhengrong would no longer oversee the judicial and legal leadership group. This group would have to be separated, and since the public security organs were a crucial part of the municipal government, once judicial power was removed from Lu Zhengrong's hands, Chen Yunfei, as the mayor, could legitimately advocate for economic development.

Realizing this, Chen Yunfei looked at Zhou Ming and asked in a deep voice, "Do you really believe that Lu Zhengrong will definitely have problems?"

Zhou Ming shook his head, "I don't know if Lu Zhengrong will find any issues, but there will definitely be problems with the company Shen Zhou. I've heard that this company is involved in dubious activities, and there's a manager named Zhou Hu who is likely involved in serious crimes."

Hearing the term "execution," Chen Yunfei's eyelids twitched. He quickly said, "Zhou Ming, you shouldn't speak so recklessly."

Zhou Ming understood Chen Yunfei's concern, "Mayor Chen, whether I'm speaking recklessly or not, the investigation results will tell."

Chen Yunfei took a deep breath. With the ongoing reforms, death penalties had become much stricter. Only those who committed serious crimes were sentenced to death. If Zhou Ming's claim were true, Lu Zhengrong's mistakes would be severe. Normally, Lu Zhengrong might survive if he made some efforts, but with Yang Lao's attention, no one could protect him. The judicial work he managed would definitely be taken away.

If Lu Zhengrong lost his judicial powers, Chen Yunfei could then seize the opportunity to consolidate some power for himself.

Thinking this, Chen Yunfei felt very pleased but didn't show it. Instead, he asked Zhou Ming, "So, you've been planning this for a while?"

Zhou Ming smiled awkwardly, "There was no other choice. Since you've been so kind to me, I had to do something beneficial for you."

Chen Yunfei waved his hand dismissively, "Enough with the flattery. By the way, since you've done so well, why didn't you consult with me beforehand? You know how sudden your report in front of Yang Lao has left us all in a difficult position?"

Zhou Ming knew exactly what to say, "I'm sorry, Mayor Chen. I didn't consider this properly and caused you trouble."

"That's better. Young people need to be corrected. Being fearless is good, but it can also lead to recklessness and trouble," Chen Yunfei said, feeling both impressed and perplexed by Zhou Ming. He could be so considerate yet so audacious, even to the point of challenging Yang Lao's policies and reporting Lu Zhengrong's misconduct in front of the entire municipal leadership.

Chen Yunfei concluded in his mind: This person is truly a phenomenon!

As Chen Yunfei rubbed his temples and prepared to leave, Zhou Ming said, "Mayor Chen, please take good care of this matter."

Chen Yunfei snorted, "Don't worry. Secretary Lu has already set the tone for this. The investigation will be conducted promptly. Your establishment will be reopened by tomorrow at the latest. As for Zhou Hu, if he is indeed guilty, he will be arrested and dealt with severely."

With the mayor's assurance, Zhou Ming felt relieved, "Thank you, Mayor Chen."

"Let's leave it at that. But don't forget your promises to Yang Lao. Secretary Lu has also set a direction in the meeting. The municipal government will soon set up a team to prepare for the securities market. You can't avoid this," Chen Yunfei said before leaving the reception room.

During this time, Du Peng remained motionless, like a wax statue.

Seeing Du Peng's reaction, Zhou Ming couldn't help but laugh and asked, "Du Peng, what's with you? Did you get hit by a spell or something?"

Du Peng didn't answer but asked Zhou Ming in disbelief, "So, that's it? Just like that, everything is resolved?"

"Well, what did you expect? Should I have scolded Mayor Chen, and then we'd leave South Jiang and move somewhere else to develop? That would be crazy," Zhou Ming said.

In the end, Du Peng could only say, "Well, you've never been someone who can be analyzed by conventional logic."