Chapter 125: Yang Dong Attends the Interrogation

For three whole days, Zhao Pengcheng, on his second interrogation, remained completely silent. Although it was Lin Liangming’s first time being questioned, he was no fool. When asked, he feigned ignorance; when pressed, he complained of headaches, discomfort, and high blood pressure, causing the first special investigation team’s work to stall once more.

Lv Yanqing realized that continuing the interrogation in this manner would only lead back to square one. He decided to seek help from Yang Dong.

Yang Dong had always thought that the first special investigation team’s interrogation methods were too conventional, too normal. Such tactics would hardly break through Zhao Pengcheng’s mental defenses. After all, Zhao was a seasoned fox who had worked in the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission; he wouldn’t fall for such tricks. As for Lin Liangming, convinced that Zhao would never speak, he stubbornly refused to cooperate. Both harbored a faint hope, which fueled their steadfast silence.

The only way to break them was to shatter that hope, forcing their psychological collapse and compelling them to confess. Although physical evidence had already been secured, confessions from the accused were essential. Without both, the case couldn’t be considered truly solved. This was the latest directive from higher authorities overseeing the Discipline Inspection Commission. Zero-confession cases were strictly forbidden, as such handling could lead to numerous future problems. If the supervising body caught wind of it, the consequences would be severe. After all, cases without confessions risked miscarriages of justice. Even if the investigation’s direction and outcome were correct, any procedural misstep would render the entire process flawed.

“Brother Lv, don’t take this the wrong way, but I think your interrogation approach is too conventional,” Yang Dong said cautiously. “Would you like me to join the interrogation?”

He preemptively clarified to avoid any misunderstanding—he did not look down on their skills but trusted Lv would understand his meaning. Besides, Lv was growing more anxious.

If the first special investigation team failed to close this case, Lv’s personnel transfer would be affected. Moreover, the other nine special investigation teams were competing to close the second case. The leaders of the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission were silently watching to see which team would secure the second closure, prompting the others to work frantically.

Yang Dong hadn’t expected his tenth team to conclude so swiftly that it stirred up a frenzy in the municipal commission. Although the term “involution” hadn’t yet come into use, his actions had indeed pressured the other nine teams. Still, he couldn’t control the others, only the first special investigation team, which he was mentoring and fully responsible for. Just to win over Lv Yanqing, deputy director of the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission’s Case Review Office, it was worth the effort.

“What did you say, Brother Yang? Can I blame you?” Lv Yanqing’s face stiffened as he sternly criticized Yang Dong’s mistaken mindset. “As Discipline Inspection staff, we work together on cases. What’s wrong with that? I must reprimand you, Comrade Yang Dong—this thinking is unacceptable. Our first special investigation team isn’t petty.”

After a few reproaches, Lv’s expression softened, and he smiled at Yang Dong. “Brother Yang, we truly need your help. Comrade Yi Keci told me your interrogation skills are exceptional. Show me what you’ve got.”

Yang Dong nodded. “Alright, I’ll do my best.”

Lv then led Yang Dong to room 101. Both wore the black Discipline Inspection uniforms, the national emblem prominently displayed on their chests.

Inside, Zhao Pengcheng sat listlessly, never imagining he would return here again, especially this time with no chance of leaving. The moment he was caught, he realized his downfall—this hunter had been pecked in the eye by his prey. He knew full well that the young officer supervising him, Xiao Li, had deliberately joined his side to dispel his suspicions and doubts. He had been so proud, thinking he had the Discipline Inspection staff under his thumb and was toying with the municipal investigation team. But it was all a trap.

He sensed that the trap was not set by the first special investigation team—they would have used such tactics long ago if they could. So, someone else must have been brought in, an outside expert—someone ruthless and cunning. When Yang Dong followed Lv Yanqing into the room, Zhao Pengcheng was almost certain that this expert was the young man before him, someone he had never met.

Yang Dong sat down, leaned back slightly, holding pen and paper, and glanced at Zhao Pengcheng.

“Zhao Pengcheng, how long do you plan to resist?” he began. “As a leader in the Municipal Party Organization Department, you should know that if the organization wants something done, nothing can stop it. You and Lin Liangming conspired to embezzle, manipulating personnel affairs in the city and counties. The evidence is all on the table. What are you hiding? And how long can you hide it?”

“Even if you’re stubborn, this isn’t the hill to die on. You’re fighting against the organization, opposing the Discipline Inspection’s work. Your fate won’t be good.”

Yang Dong’s opening words darkened Zhao Pengcheng’s expression further, yet he remained silent, refusing to admit to any violations. Such threats had been repeated countless times by the first special investigation team, all to no avail. He was immune to this approach.

Lv Yanqing shot Yang Dong a glance, signaling that this tactic had already been tried. That was why Yang Dong was invited—because he must have another method, a new angle. Yet, Lv’s hope wavered.

“Zhao Pengcheng, Lin Liangming has already confessed everything in the neighboring room,” Yang Dong continued. “Your resistance is pointless and will only increase your sentence. Lin Liangming will receive leniency because he voluntarily admitted his wrongdoing, and his punishment will be reduced accordingly. But you, Zhao Pengcheng, are opposing the organization, disregarding party discipline and state laws. For such a stubborn element, severe punishment is necessary.”

Yang Dong’s stern words intensified the interrogation’s pressure. The key was contrast. Even if two guilty parties agreed to remain silent, once one broke and confessed, the other’s resolve would crumble, forcing honest confessions. Otherwise, heavier sentences awaited.

Yang Dong was confident this method would work one hundred percent.