57: Chapter 57 Strategic Planning

"Director Lu, you are practically Zhuge Liang reborn; you predict things with divine foresight."

He Yunqiao gave Lu Zheng a thumbs-up and continued:

"There were indeed people following us at first, but less than half an hour after we got on the highway, they gave up on their own."

At this point, he gnashed his teeth:

"I bet they wouldn't dare move against the Criminal Investigation Detachment, otherwise..."

He didn't finish the sentence, but everyone understood his meaning.

If they were attacked and the situation escalated, it would surely shock the whole country.

Not just Tongan, but the entire Jianghan Province would experience a massive upheaval.

Every big fish and small fry in Tongan City would be thoroughly screened.

"Don't worry, Director Lu. We drove for an hour before exiting the highway and only returned after changing the license plates. I was worried since there's no one here to protect you."

"Thank you, Chief He," Lu Zheng expressed his gratitude sincerely.

With the suspect in custody now, it was like holding a hot potato; they absolutely could not do without police protection.

"The illusion that the suspect is being escorted to the provincial capital has been created. Tell Luo Jinghui to keep the secret."

After instructing He Yunqiao, Lu Zheng was still uneasy. His brows furrowed as he paced incessantly in the corridor.

Zhao Yang was also feeling waves of alarm; it was fortunate that Lu Zheng was there to take charge.

If he had been leading this entirely on his own, Zhou Zhiqiang's body would likely be cold by now.

Suddenly, Lu Zheng stopped, opened a room door, stepped inside quickly, and immediately closed it.

He picked up the phone, found a number, and dialed it quickly.

In the corridor outside the interrogation room, Jiang Nan moved closer to Zhao Yang and whispered:

"Zhao Yang, eat something first."

It was already dark, and Zhao Yang had only eaten a few slices of watermelon since morning. He was famished.

Jiang Nan had been busy all day, so she likely wasn't doing much better.

He quickly said, "You eat first. I'm not hungry."

Unexpectedly, Jiang Nan held out a plastic bag containing braised red sausages to him, stubbornly refusing to take it back.

Zhao Yang looked down and saw that half the sausages were eaten; Jiang Nan had specifically saved this half for him.

His heart warmed. He took the bag, opened it, and took a bite.

Delicious!

While chewing vigorously, Zhao Yang quietly took Jiang Nan's hand and mumbled:

"Jiang Nan, thank you."

Having such a caring girlfriend made Zhao Yang feel warm inside despite his exhaustion.

Gao Yan watched the two of them with a face full of envy.

Is there something wrong with this couple?

In front of so many people, they're just publicly flaunting their affection.

Inside the room, Lu Zheng dialed several times before the call finally went through.

"I was in a meeting just now. Director Lu, tell me what's on your mind."

From the other end of the line came the voice of Gong Chengze, a member of the Jianghan Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee and Secretary of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection.

The voice was steady, carrying a hint of fatigue.

"Secretary Gong, Zhao Yang has made a major breakthrough. The perpetrator of Tongan City's June 11 Case is now under our control."

"How was it so fast? Are you sure it's him?" Gong Chengze stood up from his seat in excitement, phone in hand.

"Confirmed. The evidence is irrefutable."

Lu Zheng's answer was firm, and he then recounted the process of the events in detail. "While transferring the suspect, the Provincial Criminal Investigation Detachment's police car was followed."

After hearing this, Gong Chengze's anger flared, and his voice rose slightly:

"Utterly lawless! To dare follow even the Provincial Corps' police car—where do they get the nerve? Tongan City's social climate and public security have actually deteriorated to this extent! Drastic measures are needed. Whatever help you need, just ask."

On this end, Lu Zheng could even hear the sound of a table being slammed through the phone.

He had already made his plans and spoke in a deep voice:

"Secretary Gong, my biggest concern is security. Do you think it's possible to request the Provincial Armed Police Corps to dispatch a squadron in the name of the Provincial Committee and Provincial Government to provide protection, including the daily meals for the suspect and the core investigators?"

If someone were to poison Zhou Zhiqiang to silence him, all leads would be cut off.

The current situation was complex, and Lu Zheng had to think one step ahead.

Gong Chengze's reply was decisive: "You've considered this very thoroughly. I'll arrange it immediately. Until the armed police arrive, you must ensure your safety."

After hanging up, Gong Chengze immediately had Secretary-General Xu Weizhou draft a report to be submitted to the General Office of the Provincial Committee at once.

After reporting the situation to the Provincial Party Secretary, Gong Chengze finally sighed in relief.

Initially, when Sun Zhendong recommended Zhao Yang to him, he had been skeptical.

How could a young man who only graduated three years ago be so extraordinary?

Even after Zhao Yang joined the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection, he had never met him once.

Despite his doubts, he had followed his old superior's arrangements.

To his surprise, this fellow had truly brought him an unexpected delight.

When there was an opportunity, I must meet this young man and see just what kind of extraordinary abilities he actually possesses.

After some calculation, he picked up the phone with a relaxed expression.

"Old Superior, that young man Zhao Yang has brought the murderer to justice. The suspect is now in our custody."

On the other end, Sun Zhendong was delighted and slammed his fist on the desk in excitement:

"Good lad, I really didn't misjudge him! Chengze, you've gone to a lot of trouble this time."

Gong Chengze smiled slightly. "No need to be so polite, Old Superior. We're all on the same side. Do you have any suggestions for the upcoming investigation?"

Sun Zhendong pondered for a moment and said:

"Zhao Yang had a lot of contact with the case in the early stages and is quite familiar with the Tongan public security system. I suggest letting Zhao Yang participate throughout the entire process."

This time, as long as Zhao Yang could crack the suspect's mouth and clarify the origin of the 300,000 yuan in cash, Sun Hongwei's suspicion would be completely cleared.

The organization would provide an accounting for the injustices that he and Sun Hongwei once faced.

When that time came, he would definitely find the right opportunity to deal a fatal blow to his opponent.

His daughter-in-law couldn't have died in vain, and his in-laws' tears couldn't have been shed for nothing.

At the thought of this, Sun Zhendong's blood boiled, and he clenched his fists tightly.

...

Small conference room, Tongan Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection Integrity Education Center.

Zhao Yang looked at He Yunqiao, a glint of craftiness in his eyes:

"Chief He, the main culprit of the June 11 Case has been caught and the biggest hurdle is cleared. When do we start handing out rewards?"

Theoretically, the Special Investigation Team had basically completed its mission.

Even if there were further matters, they would just be minor details.

He Yunqiao pointed a finger at Zhao Yang and chuckled:

"Are you really in such a hurry, kid? I've noted down your girlfriend's contributions."

Zhao Yang said, "It's not just Jiang Nan, but also Captain Xu and He Ping. Without them, it would have been impossible to preserve so much evidence at the start of the June 11 Case."

He Yunqiao shook his head and sighed. "Well then, it seems our Provincial Corps has become a bunch of good-for-nothings."

Everyone in the room burst into laughter.

Zhao Yang smiled brightly and added a ruthless finishing blow:

"Now that I think about it, that's actually true."

He Yunqiao grew anxious, his face turning red as he stepped one foot onto the back of a chair:

"Don't get too cocky, kid! I'm going to file a report right now to transfer your girlfriend to the Criminal Investigation Detachment just to shut you up for good!"