Chapter 150: The Resistance Arrives!

How could Yang Dong not understand what Lü Yanqing meant? Even if Lü Yanqing hadn’t said anything, Yang Dong knew full well there were deep undercurrents here. The fact that Zhao Pengcheng and Lin Liangming hadn’t disclosed certain cadres suggested their backgrounds were truly extraordinary.

But how extraordinary could those backgrounds really be? If these were truly omnipotent officials, would they even need to rely on Zhao Pengcheng’s connections? If that were the case, they might be linked directly to the head of the Municipal Organization Department or even to other members of the Standing Committee.

Therefore, Yang Dong disagreed with Lü Yanqing’s speculation. These deputy section-level cadres might have some influence, but certainly not much. Moreover, Guan Mushan had sent him to Kaiyang County not just to handle the nineteen cadres. If it were that simple, the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission’s leadership could have made a final decision and Yang Dong would only need to come and announce it. Why go through such trouble with a sudden decision—acting first and reporting later?

This indicated that Guan Mushan had higher expectations of him, likely wanting to expand and solidify the Zhao Pengcheng case. Guan, the municipal Discipline Inspection Secretary, had been in Lingyun City for over a month and needed achievements—an impressive case to secure his position and satisfy relevant provincial Discipline Inspection leaders.

Previous cases, like Tian Guanghan’s, were too large and complicated for Guan to control, and the Gu Santong case was similarly entangled in local political dynamics. Only the Zhao Pengcheng case was suitable as a typical example—serious in nature but not beyond control, fully within Guan’s grasp.

Yang Dong was certain Guan would protect him; Guan would not easily discard such a valuable asset. If Guan, such a senior leader, resorted to betraying those who served him, who would dare work for him in the future?

Yang Dong’s boldness was not solely due to his innate sense of justice but also stemmed from profound calculations. Within the system, no one acts recklessly without assurance. What seems like recklessness is always backed by confidence.

“Brother Lü, I’m the team leader of the working group. If anything goes wrong, I take full responsibility,” Yang Dong said firmly. He had no time to explain further, and every extra word risked more danger.

As the team leader, he demanded absolute compliance from his subordinates—not bargaining, which would undermine his authority and status. A leader must be assertive and must never show weakness or indecision, or else they would accomplish nothing.

Seeing Yang Dong was resolute about expanding the case, Lü Yanqing decided not to persuade him further. Still, Yang Dong showed courage and responsibility. Just from his willingness to take responsibility for any problems, his leadership was evident and trustworthy.

“We’re colleagues and comrades; I’ll stand by you through it all!”

At that moment, Lü Yanqing also made up his mind: hesitation leads to chaos. Now that he was on the same boat as Yang Dong, whether the case grew big or stayed small, it had to have a good outcome. He was willing to take the risk alongside Yang Dong. Risks might bring greater rewards but also harsher falls—that was the price of daring.

At 5:30 p.m., Jiang Hu knocked again, signaling that another official had arrived for questioning. This time, it was Hai Bin, director of the County Industry and Commerce Bureau—a department head directly under the county government.

Yang Dong nodded to Jiang Hu and allowed Hai Bin in. Within two minutes, Hai Bin appeared before him. She was a female official—a rarity in the system, and with the uncommon surname Hai.

At 48, Hai Bin was sharply dressed, sporting the short hairstyle typical of female cadres. Her round face and slightly plump figure exuded vigor. She wore a pristine white female cadre uniform, neat and immaculate.

“Hello, Team Leader Yang. I’m Hai Bin from the Industry and Commerce Bureau,” she said calmly, showing no change in expression despite the swirling rumors outside—that the municipal Discipline Inspection working group led by Yang Dong was intent on cracking down hard on Kaiyang County, and that everyone on the cadre list would ultimately face disciplinary detention.

Nonetheless, she came punctually for the interview. She understood the consequences of resisting the organization, especially as a deputy section-level cadre.

“Please have a seat, Director Hai,” Yang Dong said politely, his tone softening as he regarded Hai Bin, who was about his mother’s age.

Hai Bin nodded and sat down on the sofa. Before Yang Dong could speak, she broke the silence.

“Team Leader Yang, I will be honest with the organization. Three years ago, because of my son’s attempt to enter the civil service, I had to follow Zhao Pengcheng’s path,” she confessed.

“My son is about your age and currently works in the Municipal Organization Department as a clerk in the comprehensive office.”

“Three years ago, when my son took the civil service exam and entered the department, Zhao Pengcheng helped facilitate it. I paid 50,000 yuan.”

“I won’t deny or deflect responsibility. I await the organization’s decision.”

Her reasons for confessing remained unknown, but her honesty was commendable.

Yang Dong nodded; her statement matched what Zhao Pengcheng had disclosed.

“Director Hai, please wait for the outcome,” Yang Dong said, concluding their conversation in less than five minutes.

Lü Yanqing was surprised by Yang Dong’s gentle treatment of Hai Bin. Was it because she was a woman that Yang Dong showed leniency? Could that be a weakness of his?

After Jiang Hu escorted Hai Bin out, Yang Dong watched her retreating figure and then turned to Lü Yanqing.

“It’s not leniency. Director Hai truly has no major issues. I know her well,” he explained. “Ten years ago, she was deputy mayor of Xia Shui Town, responsible for our Xiao Yang Village. Everyone there knows her work ethic and dedication.”

“Her marriage fell apart ten years ago; she divorced, and her husband died in a drunk driving accident. She raised her son alone.”

“If Director Hai has any weakness, it’s her son—that’s her only vulnerability.”

Yang Dong understood Hai Bin not only now but also from a previous life. After he was sent to the countryside by Tian Guanghan, Hai Bin, who had by then retired, would occasionally visit to counsel him and help summarize work experience. When his parents passed away, she was also there to help.

Personal favors should never be reported officially. But the fact remained: no major problems meant no need to fabricate a large case indiscriminately.

“I see,” Lü Yanqing nodded in understanding.

Just then, Lü Yanqing’s phone rang abruptly in the suddenly quiet office. The ringtone sounded conspicuous.

Yang Dong’s instincts told him this was no good news.

Lü Yanqing’s expression changed instantly; he felt the hairs on his body stand on end.

“What should we do?” Lü Yanqing asked, holding the phone tightly and looking up at Yang Dong.

“Answer it!” Yang Dong pointed to the phone firmly. No matter what, the call had to be taken. Not answering would be a sign of fear.

“All right,” Lü Yanqing nodded reluctantly, glanced at the number, and pressed the answer key.