178: Chapter 178 Reactions from All Sides After Wang Hongtai's Unexpected Death (Part 1)

"Boss, there is new news from Old Xiao." Wang Ming's voice came through the phone, sounding slightly tense, with a trace of relief in his breathing. "Secretary Wang has taken all the blame upon himself. As for Vice Mayor Qian, it seems he is safe for the time being."

Zhao Lintai heard this, a flash of satisfaction crossing his deep eyes. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly, outlining a smug arc. He nodded slightly and replied steadily, "Hmm, you did well. Remember to properly reward Old Xiao; do not treat him poorly." Speaking of this, his tone shifted, and his brows furrowed slightly. "By the way, is there any new situation regarding Wang Hongtai?"

Wang Ming paused on the other end of the line, his voice sinking. "Just received news: Wang Hongtai had an accident on the way to being escorted back to the Modu Municipal Bureau. A speeding dump truck that ran a red light hit him. By the time the ambulance arrived, there was nothing to be done. The three police officers in the car were also injured to varying degrees."

"Oh? Such a coincidence?" Zhao Lintai's brows locked tighter, his tone revealing a trace of doubt.

Wang Ming responded with emotion, "Who is to say? However, the police have not given a final characterization of the accident yet, so it cannot be determined if it was man-made or truly a coincidence."

Zhao Lintai was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, "Then keep a close watch on this matter. As soon as the police have a result, tell me immediately. It seems that we are not the only ones eyeing Hongtai Construction. We must figure out what other forces are hiding behind this."

Wang Ming replied, "Yes, Boss. Now that Wang Hongtai is gone, the only person left on the surface who knows the inside story is his Secretary Wu. Do you think we need to take some action to handle it urgently?"

Zhao Lintai pondered for a moment and shook his head. "Do not move for now. The scandal about Hongtai Construction has not reached a conclusion yet. If the chairman and his secretary meet with accidents one after another, it will inevitably arouse excessive speculation from the outside world, which is not conducive to our future development. However, a warning is still necessary! Contact Secretary Wu and remind him to keep his mouth shut."

"Understood, Boss," Wang Ming replied.

Zhao Lintai remembered something else. "Hmm, by the way, is there still no news from A-Mo?"

"Not yet, Boss," Wang Ming answered. "However, according to informants, the publicity department of the Modu Municipal Bureau has invited many media reporters tonight, saying there will be a press conference tomorrow. Although the specific content is unclear, judging by the timing, I guess it might be related to the Underground Bank case."

"Hmm, then continue to follow up on this news. As soon as there is any new progress, notify me immediately," Zhao Lintai said in a deep voice. Afterward, he sighed deeply, his gaze becoming profound as he continued, "With the exposure of Hongtai Construction's scandal, plus the news of Wang Hongtai's death, the path to Hongtai Construction going public is completely blocked. I guess Hong Kong Island should be making some moves too!"

Wang Ming did not know if his boss was talking to him or to himself, so he nodded and spoke cautiously, "The boss is right. I have an immature idea, I do not know if I should say it."

"If you have something to say, just say it. Why are you being so coy?"

"Uh, it is like this. I am thinking that you already hold forty percent of the shares in Hongtai Construction. If Hongtai's listing is blocked, the investment institution from Hong Kong Island will hold forty-nine percent, and Wang Hongtai's son, Wang Hao, still holds ten percent, with the rest belonging to some small shareholders. I am thinking, if we can win over the ten percent stake in Wang Hao's hands, your equity will reach fifty percent, making you the absolute controlling shareholder."

Zhao Lintai could not help but sneer upon hearing this. "What would I do with so many shares? You do not really think I plan to run the business honestly, do you?"

"Uh," Wang Ming was choked by these words, stunned for a moment in embarrassment, then laughed sheepishly. "Hehe, it seems my consideration was lacking."

Zhao Lintai shook his head slightly, the expression on his face softening. "However, what you said makes sense. The investment institution from Hong Kong Island will definitely be eyeing that ten percent stake in Wang Hao's hands. You can try to contact Wang Hao first to see his attitude. If he is willing to join our camp, he can keep his shares and continue to enjoy dividends. After all, Hongtai Construction is his father's life's work. Now that his father is gone, it is only right that he inherits the family business. This will also give the outside world an explanation and prevent those media from writing nonsense."

Wang Ming nodded, indicating he understood. But he could not help asking, "Then what if he is unwilling?"

A glimmer of cunning flashed in Zhao Lintai's eyes. "Unwilling? Hmph, do not forget, there are still more than twenty days until the gambling agreement expires. Once Wang Hongtai dies, his shares will naturally be inherited by his son, Wang Hao. At this time, if the tax department goes to check the accounts of Hongtai Construction, I believe they will find many interesting things. As the first legal heir, he will naturally have to shoulder the responsibility!"

Hearing this, Wang Ming felt a chill in his heart, then chuckled. "Boss, you are truly brilliant. I know what to do."

"Hmm, then that is it for now." Zhao Lintai nodded and slowly closed his eyes. "Continue to follow up on Vice Mayor Qian. If there is any movement, report to me immediately!"

"Yes, Boss. Then I will not disturb your rest." Wang Ming said, then hung up the phone.

Zhao Lintai closed his eyes, the mobile phone slowly rotating in his hand, his brows furrowed as he pondered the next step in his plan.

Meanwhile, in the solemn conference room of the Modu Municipal Government building, Vice Mayor Ji, who was in charge of politics and law, suddenly received a call from Shen Zhendong of the Modu Municipal Bureau. He listened in a low voice, his expression gradually becoming heavy. After hanging up the phone, Vice Mayor Ji stood up abruptly, walked hurriedly to the side of Secretary Zhong, and whispered a few words in his ear.

Secretary Zhong's originally calm face gradually became clouded with the whispers of Vice Mayor Ji. He furrowed his brows, his eyes revealing an indescribable seriousness.

A moment later, Secretary Zhong looked around at everyone in the conference room, his gaze cold and stern. He said in a deep voice, "Everyone, I have just received unfortunate news. Wang Hongtai, the chairman of Hongtai Construction Co., Ltd., encountered a serious car accident on the way to being escorted back to the police station. Wang Hongtai has unfortunately passed away, and three police officers were seriously injured!"

This sudden news was like a bombshell, causing an uproar in the conference room. Everyone was shocked, and whispers rose one after another. Secretary Zhong's sharp gaze swept across everyone's faces, finally settling on Vice Mayor Qian. "Old Qian, what do you think about this matter?"

Vice Mayor Qian's body trembled slightly upon hearing this. He quickly adjusted his state and said sternly, "This accident is indeed heartbreaking. As an important private enterprise in our Modu, Hongtai Construction has made significant contributions to urban construction over the years. I believe that whether it was an accident or man-made, the public security organs must investigate it to the end! Especially since there have been frequent scandals about Hongtai Construction on the internet, we need to give society a clear explanation as soon as possible to quell the public opinion storm. Otherwise, it will cause immeasurable adverse effects on the business environment of our Modu." Speaking of this, he looked up at Secretary Zhong, his eyes firm. "Secretary Zhong, this is my view."

"Good!" Secretary Zhong slapped the table and said decisively, "Vice Mayor Qian's opinion is very pertinent. Regarding the matter of Hongtai Construction, we must act quickly and give the public an explanation! I propose to immediately establish a Joint Investigation Team, with Old Ji as the team leader. Old Ji, just say which units you need to cooperate with, and I will approve it! We must investigate the matter of Hongtai Construction to the bottom!"

After saying this, Secretary Zhong stood up, glanced at the people in the conference room, and said, "Alright, now that the person involved in the incident has unfortunately passed away, let's end today's meeting here. Meeting adjourned!" After speaking, he strode out of the conference room.

With the departure of Secretary Zhong, the tense atmosphere in the conference room immediately eased. Vice Mayor Qian slowly stood up, stretched his stiff waist, and turned to Vice Mayor Ji with a bitter smile. "Old Ji, the heavy burden has fallen on you this time."

Vice Mayor Ji shook his head helplessly, his brows furrowed as if the burden on his shoulders had become heavier. "What can I do? The leaders have ordered it, so I can only bite the bullet and follow through. But Old Qian, this matter will inevitably trouble you. After all, most of the revelations about Hongtai Construction online are about problems in municipal construction. You must support my work."

Hearing this, Vice Mayor Qian immediately straightened his back, a firm expression appearing on his face. "That is a must. Old Ji, do not worry! Whatever support you need, just ask; I will definitely support you with both hands and feet. Sigh, to be honest, I did not expect Wang Hongtai to be so bold and have his hands reach so far. Fortunately, this matter was exposed, otherwise, who knows what kind of chaos it would have caused!"

Speaking of this, both of them could not help but sigh. Vice Mayor Ji patted Vice Mayor Qian's shoulder and said earnestly, "Yes, it is terrifying to think about! Judging from the news from the Procuratorate, at least a dozen officials will be punished this time. Old Qian, you also need to strengthen the management of the cadre team. Did you not see how ugly Secretary Zhong's face was just now? It was simply overcast!"

After hearing this, Vice Mayor Qian's expression also became solemn. "Yes! I will go back and hold a good meeting for the people under me. I must make them control their hands; such things must never happen again!"

The two walked out of the conference room while talking. At this time, Secretary Zhong's secretary hurried up and said to Vice Mayor Ji, "Vice Mayor Ji, Secretary Zhong invites you to his office for a talk."

Vice Mayor Ji nodded, shook hands with Vice Mayor Qian to say goodbye, and left with the secretary. Vice Mayor Qian watched their retreating figures, the smile on his face gradually disappearing, replaced by an imperceptible anger.

After leaving the office building and getting into his car, Vice Mayor Qian took out an old Nokia phone from his bag. He took a deep breath and dialed a number. After a few rings, the call was finally answered.

"Hello, I am Qian Jiang. May I ask if this is Young Master Zhao Lintai?" Vice Mayor Qian tried to make his voice sound as calm as possible.

"Oh, so it is Mayor Qian! Young Master is too much; just call me Little Zhao or Lintai." Zhao Lintai's voice came from the other end of the phone, sounding very polite.

"Not at all, not at all." Vice Mayor Qian breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "Today's matter was really thanks to Young Master Zhao's help! I am extremely grateful, extremely grateful!"

Zhao Lintai smiled. "Haha, Mayor Qian is too polite. Is your meeting over? Any results?"

Vice Mayor Qian pondered for a moment and said, "Cough, what results can there be now that Wang Hongtai is dead? Who present is not a shrewd person? How can they talk about something with no proof? However, Secretary Zhong is preparing to set up a Joint Investigation Team to thoroughly investigate the matter of Hongtai Construction." Speaking of this, he paused and added, "Vice Mayor Ji will serve as the leader of this investigation team."

Zhao Lintai did not have much of a reaction after hearing this, just said lightly, "I see. However, it is also within expectations. Since the matter has happened, someone has to stand up and take responsibility."

"Yes, that is right," Vice Mayor Qian echoed. "The change in the forty percent equity in your hands, Young Master Zhao, will likely be targeted by the investigation team soon. You must be careful to deal with it."

Zhao Lintai laughed, his tone revealing confidence and composure. "Haha, thank you for the reminder, Mayor Qian. I have it in mind, do not worry."

"Hmm, that is fine. Then I will not disturb Young Master Zhao's rest. Let us find a time later to sit down alone?" Vice Mayor Qian said politely.

"Sure, I will be waiting for Mayor Qian anytime." As he spoke, a glimmer of cunning flashed in Zhao Lintai's eyes.

Meanwhile, Secretary Zhong stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window of his office, his hands behind his back, his deep gaze watching the official cars slowly driving out of the municipal government building. His face was covered with a heavy shadow, as if a storm was brewing.

"Old Ji," Secretary Zhong finally spoke, his voice low. "Do you think Wang Hongtai's death was an accident or man-made?"

Vice Mayor Ji stood aside, slightly bowing his body, his hands clasped in front of his abdomen. He frowned, showing a hint of hesitation. "This... this is really hard to say. After all, dump trucks speeding and running red lights at night happen from time to time, but hitting a police car this time is indeed a bit suspicious."

Secretary Zhong slowly turned around to face Vice Mayor Ji. His eyes were as sharp as knives. "Once Wang Hongtai dies, those who have received benefits from him should be secretly rejoicing now, right? With no proof, they can rest easy."

Vice Mayor Ji smiled bitterly helplessly and nodded. "Indeed. No one expected Wang Hongtai's death to be so sudden. But it is foreseeable that countless scapegoats will be pinned on his head next."

"I heard he has a son, right?" Secretary Zhong changed the subject and suddenly mentioned Wang Hongtai's family. "After Wang Hongtai's death, the heir to Hongtai Construction should be his son, right?"

Vice Mayor Ji was stunned for a moment, then replied, "Uh, it seems so. But as far as I know, his son does not seem to be very promising. Although he also holds company shares, compared to his father, his ability and prestige are far behind."

Secretary Zhong heard this, the corners of his mouth hooked into a meaningful arc. "Hmph, no matter how incompetent his son is, he is now the object of our key investigation. Once the problems of Hongtai Construction are exposed, it will definitely involve a series of corruption cases behind it. We must have an explanation to let those businessmen see our government's determination and attitude!"

"Yes, I understand, Secretary," Vice Mayor Ji nodded heavily and promised.

"Hmm, it is getting late, you go and rest first." Secretary Zhong said, looked at the time on the clock, and after pondering for a moment, continued, "At ten o'clock in the morning, I want to see the list of the Joint Investigation Team and the follow-up work plan! No problem, right?"

"Do not worry, Secretary, no problem. I guarantee to complete the task!" Vice Mayor Ji said, a firm expression appearing on his face.