Chapter 112: Who Isn't an Actor?

Ning Weidong watched the departing car, a cold sneer curling the corner of his mouth.

He had known from the very beginning that Wang Kaifeng would not be easy to catch.

Either don't catch him, but once caught, it is absolutely impossible to let him out.

Therefore, since Chu Zhongxin came today, he had made full preparations and was not afraid of Wang Guoqiang coming to look for him.

At the same time, Wang Guoqiang, sitting in the car, was also thinking about this problem.

As an old bureaucrat with rich experience in struggle, he knew that with the arrest of Wang Kaifeng, this struggle had entered a white-hot stage.

Every step now was related to the final victory or defeat.

For the first time, he had intuitively witnessed Ning Weidong's methods of struggle.

Those who did not know the inside story might think that the one who forced him into this predicament was Li Weibing, but Wang Guoqiang knew clearly in his heart that the opponent was not Li Weibing at all, but the Ning Weidong he had ignored.

Originally, he felt that Ning Weidong was just a young man brought out by the Wang Family for a marriage alliance; if he had to say what characteristics he had, it was that he looked good, was tall and handsome, and quite spirited; as for the rest, he did not think a twenty-one-year-old young man could have any ability.

Therefore, when he received the request from above to sabotage this marriage alliance, he didn't take it to heart at all.

It just so happened that the General Assembly was about to assign a batch of tasks, so he wanted to take the opportunity to dig a pit and bury Ning Weidong in it.

Yet he didn't expect that a matter he thought was a sure thing would have such a huge blunder just after Ning Weidong was transferred over.

Following closely, in just three short days, the situation took a sharp turn for the worse and actually directly implicated Wang Kaifeng! This had shaken his foundation.

Even at this moment, Wang Guoqiang still couldn't figure out why things had developed to this point.

How could a mere young man suddenly burst out with such strong offensive power?

And the Wang Family, what were they thinking, to actually provide such great support for Ning Weidong?

Wang Guoqiang's face was gloomy as he watched the street trees flying backward outside the car window; although he had just contacted a connection at the Municipal Bureau, who happened to be Chu Zhongxin's direct superior, it could be said they were quite well-connected.

But he still had a bad premonition that this trip would likely not go smoothly.

Would Chu Zhongxin give him this face? If he didn't, what should be done? If he did, what price would have to be paid? One question after another flashed through Wang Guoqiang's mind...

Most of which had only questions and no answers.

Moreover, time waited for no one; with a "creak" of the brakes, a wave of inertia pushed him forward.

Wang Guoqiang's body swayed, bringing him back to his senses; he had already arrived at the Municipal Bureau.

Taking a deep breath, Wang Guoqiang wrapped his coat tightly around himself, pushed the door open, got out of the car, and walked straight toward the Office Building.

An appointment had already been made over the phone; just as Wang Guoqiang walked into the first-floor lobby along the steps in front of the door, a middle-aged man in a blue uniform happened to be coming down the stairs from inside.

This man was about forty-seven or forty-eight years old, similar to Wang Guoqiang; his hair was somewhat balding, but his eyes were very bright, and he wore a handlebar mustache.

Seeing Wang Guoqiang, this man hurried over a few steps and shook hands enthusiastically: "Old Wang! It's been a while since we two met."

Wang Guoqiang also had a face full of smiles and laughed: "Old Xu, you are a busy man of status; us old comrades-in-arms wouldn't dare to disturb you easily."

This Old Xu was precisely Chu Zhongxin's superior.

Old Xu laughed: "That mouth of yours! So it's still me who isn't sociable~"

It could be seen that the relationship between the two was quite good; even if, judging by the conversation, they didn't interact much in daily life, some friends were just like that—they might not see each other for a long time, but if something really happened and they gave a call, they would truly step up.

The two chatted and laughed for a moment, and Old Xu went to the guard room to say a word before bringing Wang Guoqiang inside.

Although Wang Guoqiang was anxious, he didn't speak outside, not until the two arrived at Old Xu's Office and sat down.

Old Xu poured a cup of tea and asked: "Old Wang, you didn't explain clearly on the phone just now; what exactly is the situation on your end?"

Wang Guoqiang sighed, and without hiding anything, immediately told him the whole story.

At the end, he said: "Old Xu, I had no choice but to come to you; if it weren't a matter of life and death, I wouldn't make things difficult for you. And this time... all in all, it's not my personal affair..." As he spoke, he stretched out his index finger and pointed upward: "This is the intention from that side; otherwise, you know the situation at our Manager, Li Weibing's age is what it is, even if he doesn't want to leave, he'll have to obediently give up his position in two years at most, why would I need to create extra trouble at this time."

Old Xu's brows locked tightly together.

He knew that what Wang Guoqiang said was not false, but the current situation was indeed a bit tricky.

Although Chu Zhongxin was nominally his subordinate, he was currently in charge of a Special Investigation Team, and as his direct leader, he couldn't just have the final say on everything.

What's more, Chu Zhongxin was not a nobody; he also had a background.

It was very clear that this arrest of Wang Kaifeng was not Chu Zhongxin's personal will, but involved a power struggle between two factions.

This was the most difficult part to handle.

Although Old Xu had a good relationship with Wang Guoqiang, he could not be counted as one of 'that person's' people, as Wang Guoqiang had implied.

If he really participated in the struggle between these two sides, the consequences would be hard to predict.

Old Xu could not help but fall into deep thought.

At this time, Wang Guoqiang did not make a sound to disturb him.

Being able to reach their current positions, they all had their own thoughts and would not be easily manipulated by others.

Anything said now could be interpreted as applying pressure, which would instead have the opposite effect.

So Wang Guoqiang simply kept quiet; he understood Old Xu's character, and since he had come today, there would definitely be an answer.

Sure enough, a few minutes later, Old Xu gritted his teeth and looked at Wang Guoqiang helplessly: "Old Wang, you aren't being kind this time."

Wang Guoqiang smiled bitterly: "If I weren't truly at my wit's end, I wouldn't come to make things difficult for you; just help me this one time!"

Old Xu gave a helpless smile, then became serious: "But I'll say the ugly words first: I can go and speak, but I can't guarantee it will succeed. You know the situation of this matter better than I do; I can only say I will try my best."

Wang Guoqiang hurriedly said: "Trying your best is enough, trying your best is enough~"

At the same time, on the other side, Chu Zhongxin was waiting in his Office.

Having brought Wang Kaifeng back early in the morning, he immediately handed him over to capable subordinates for interrogation; these matters did not require him to do them personally.

And he had more important things to do.

Arresting Wang Kaifeng would definitely pull on one hair and move the whole body; it would certainly invite a counterattack from Wang Guoqiang.

He had to withstand this wave.

Just a moment ago, when Wang Guoqiang's car entered, Chu Zhongxin already knew.

He even knew who had brought Wang Guoqiang in, and whose office he had entered afterward.

This gave Chu Zhongxin a bit of a headache.

When he had first become a Public Security officer, he had followed Old Xu; regardless of the considerations, Old Xu had been very good to him, and he owed him a debt of gratitude for his mentorship.

If Wang Guoqiang had truly invited Old Xu over, and Chu Zhongxin gave him absolutely no face, it would certainly ruin his reputation if word got out.

Just then, the office door was knocked upon.

Leaning back in his office chair, Chu Zhongxin could not help but close his eyes, feeling very helpless in his heart, knowing it was Old Xu who had come.

He hadn't even called him over by phone, but had come in person.

Following three knocks, Chu Zhongxin took a deep breath, pulled himself together, and said, "Come in."

Immediately, the door opened, and Old Xu and Wang Guoqiang entered from outside.

Chu Zhongxin acted as if he hadn't expected it, standing up with a look of astonishment: "Division Chief Xu, why have you come? If there was anything, you could have just called me." As he spoke, he looked at Wang Guoqiang but did not greet him.

Old Xu brought the person in and laughed heartily: "Zhongxin, Old Wang and I are old comrades-in-arms. There was a bit of trouble at their Manager today, and he wanted to find you to ask about it."

Chu Zhongxin nodded: "You two, please sit first." He turned to look at Wang Guoqiang and got straight to the point: "Factory Director Wang, you came for Wang Kaifeng, didn't you?"

Wang Guoqiang nodded: "Section Chief Chu, I still understand Comrade Wang Kaifeng; is there some misunderstanding here?"

Chu Zhongxin said: "Factory Director Wang, I already explained this matter to several of your Manager's main leaders early this morning. Factory Director Li called for you at the time, but you happened to be down at the Fourth Workshop and missed it..."

Wang Guoqiang choked, knowing the meaning behind Chu Zhongxin's words: there was no misunderstanding at all.

We gave notice before we made the arrest; if you didn't come when called, you can't blame me.

Wang Guoqiang could only look at Old Xu.

Old Xu, having accepted a request and being committed to the task, gave a light cough and said: "Zhongxin, that..."

Chu Zhongxin immediately spoke up to interrupt; he could not let Old Xu finish his sentence.

Some things, if left unsaid, can be treated as if they don't exist, but once they are spoken, one must make a choice.

Chu Zhongxin did not want to become enemies with Old Xu over this matter.

"Division Chief Xu!" Facing Chu Zhongxin's suddenly raised tone, Division Chief Xu was stunned for a moment.

Chu Zhongxin said in a deep voice: "Division Chief Xu, I am twenty-three. I followed you as soon as I came to the Bureau from the Ministry, and it could be said that you taught me everything by hand."

In truth, this was a bit of an exaggeration; Chu Zhongxin had his own master guiding him back then, and Old Xu was at most his superior.

However, everyone helps carry the sedan chair; saying it this way was not wrong.

Chu Zhongxin said earnestly: "I have always kept in my heart your kindness in recognizing my talent and your teachings. If it were any other matter, as long as you spoke, I would certainly have no objections. But this..."

Speaking to this point, Chu Zhongxin's acting skills went into overdrive, his face full of grief and indignation: "You know what case I have on my hands right now; are you sure you want to get involved?"

Old Xu was suddenly stunned, revealing an expression of shock.

He had not previously linked the arrest of Wang Kaifeng to the case Chu Zhongxin was in charge of.

He had thought that Wang Kaifeng was at most a point of leverage in the game between the two sides; as long as Wang Guoqiang was willing to pay a certain price, releasing Wang Kaifeng was not off the table.

Who would have thought he had been completely wrong!

With a "gulp," Old Xu swallowed a mouthful of saliva and said urgently: "Zhongxin, let's not joke around!"

Chu Zhongxin said: "Do you think I would dare to tease you with this kind of thing?"

Old Xu's face turned a shade of green and white, but without another word, he stood up abruptly and turned to leave.

Wang Guoqiang was dumbfounded, not yet understanding what was going on, as Old Xu had already reached the door. Because of the lack of information, he did not know what case Chu Zhongxin was currently in charge of, and naturally could not understand Old Xu's reaction.

He hurriedly stood up to call out: "Hey, Old Xu, this..."

Before he could continue, he was glared at by Old Xu as he turned his head: "Old Wang, you've killed me!"

Then, flicking his sleeves, he walked out quickly.

Wang Guoqiang stood where he was, looking at the silent Chu Zhongxin, knowing that he did not have much face with Chu Zhongxin, and without Old Xu, there was no way to negotiate; saying anything more would be in vain.

Moreover, Old Xu's reaction just now had also shocked him; he had to figure out exactly what was going on.

Wang Guoqiang hurriedly followed: "Old Xu, Old Xu~ wait for me!"

Old Xu acted as if he hadn't heard, returning to his office in one breath.

Wang Guoqiang followed him back, closed the door, and asked hurriedly: "Old Xu, tell me, what exactly happened?"

Old Xu picked up the white porcelain cup on the table and downed it in one gulp before looking at Wang Guoqiang and saying: "Old Wang, it's not that I don't want to help you, but this time I really can't. And I advise you, don't keep tossing and turning; be careful not to get yourself folded into this."

Wang Guoqiang did not understand.

Old Xu continued: "That Wang Kaifeng, are you sure you know everything about what is going on with him? Are you sure there isn't something unspeakable about him?"

Wang Guoqiang was even more confused, stamping his feet and saying: "I'm telling you, stop speaking in riddles; what exactly is going on?"

Old Xu thought for a moment and said: "I can only tell you that Chu Zhongxin is currently in charge of a very important case. Judging by his tone, Wang Kaifeng should be related to the case. I can only say this much; any more would be a breach of discipline."

Wang Guoqiang frowned; upon hearing Old Xu's explanation, his first reaction was that Chu Zhongxin was making a mountain out of a molehill.

In reality, it was exactly the same as the methods they used in the Fourth Workshop: using a big banner as a tiger skin.

Wang Guoqiang voiced his doubts.

Old Xu gave a light sneer: "And so what? Even if that were true, what could you do?"

Wang Guoqiang was speechless.

That's right~ even if he guessed correctly, what could he do? Looking at Old Xu's demeanor, it was obvious that the case in Chu Zhongxin's hands was of no small weight; just now, as soon as Old Xu heard it, it was as if someone had stepped on his tail.

Could it be that he, Wang, dared to push back hard and insist on getting Wang Kaifeng out?

Even if he had that determination, it was clear that Old Xu would not go down that path with him to the end.

Old Xu patted his shoulder, wanting to say something but stopping, and sighed: "Old Wang, we are old comrades-in-arms; take my advice and let this matter end here. If that Wang Kaifeng is truly innocent, there is no need for you to say anything; he will certainly be released. This is a matter of principle; Chu Zhongxin would not dare to overstep. If there is a problem..."

Old Xu did not continue, but Wang Guoqiang understood.

If Wang Kaifeng was truly involved in the case Chu Zhongxin was currently investigating, then it was no longer a question of whether or not to save Wang Kaifeng, but rather that he, Wang Guoqiang, needed to consider how to protect himself and escape unscathed.

But Wang Guoqiang really could not imagine what kind of case Wang Kaifeng could be involved in.

But there was no need for Old Xu to lie to him.

Could it really be that one can know a person's face but not their heart? Had Wang Kaifeng done something rebellious behind his back? At this moment, even Wang Guoqiang himself could not be sure.

……

On the other side, Chu Zhongxin sent Old Xu and Wang Guoqiang away and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Do not be fooled by how he had just handled the situation with ease, appearing completely relaxed.

The actual situation was far from as simple as it looked.

The moment Old Xu and Wang Guoqiang knocked on his Office door, Chu Zhongxin had been under immense pressure.

There was pressure from within the system, as well as pressure from outside the system.

It was a twist of fate; last time, Ning Weidong had Ning Wei keep an eye on Deputy Factory Director Liu, and they unexpectedly discovered he might be a spy.

This allowed Chu Zhongxin to use the opportunity to establish a Special Investigation Team under his charge.

Although this team was small in scale, with only six people including Chu Zhongxin, it was of very high importance because it involved the issue of spies.

It was precisely because of this title that Chu Zhongxin was able to pull off this bluff today when facing Division Chief Xu, forcing the other party to retreat in the face of difficulties.

In fact, Division Chief Xu was an insider; he knew exactly what was going on.

It was just that he did not want to get involved in this matter.

It was not that his friendship with Wang Guoqiang was lacking, but rather that this matter was truly fraught with big trouble.

Division Chief Xu had reached his current position; he was practically an old fox.

The arrest of Wang Kaifeng was a struggle between two factions behind the scenes. If it were just about competing for the Red Star Factory, it would be nothing, as such rigid means of production had always been the focus of competition between various factions.

Controlling this kind of means of production was equivalent to controlling resources, and controlling resources meant controlling people.

And a factory with ten thousand workers—that was power.

It was just that the situation at the Red Star Factory this time was clearly different; the Wang Family, as one side, only had a very shallow cooperation with Li Weibing of the Red Star Factory.

This left Division Chief Xu unable to understand why the Wang Family wanted to enter the fray at this time. Even if they could win this round at the Red Star Factory, the one who would ultimately reap the rewards would be Li Weibing.

Given Division Chief Xu's position and what he had access to, he could not see the true intentions of the Wang Family.

From Division Chief Xu's perspective, since he could not understand it, the most stable, safest, and least risky method was not to participate.

I don't understand it, so I won't play.

If I don't play, I won't lose.

Therefore, when Chu Zhongxin threw out the possibility that Wang Kaifeng might be related to Deputy Factory Director Liu's case, that was why Division Chief Xu put on that performance.

After all, who isn't an actor? He went with the flow, needing neither to offend Wang Guoqiang nor to be caught in the middle and troubled by Chu Zhongxin.

The final result was Wang Guoqiang's helpless departure.

……

On the other hand, in Li Weibing's office at the Red Star Factory.

Li Weibing had a serious expression, smoking cigarette after cigarette.

On the sofa, Li Peihang tried his best to control himself, but could not hide his restless and anxious emotions.

Conversely, sitting next to him was a young man of medium build, fair and clean, with a face seven or eight parts similar to Li Weibing's—this was Li Weibing's son, Li Ge.

Li Ge was calm and composed, brewing tea on the coffee table in a leisurely manner.

A moment later, he divided the tea from the large covered bowl into three small cups and said, "Dad, have some tea first."

Li Weibing gave an "un" sound, stubbed out the cigarette butt in his hand, turned to the coffee table, picked up a teacup, and took a sip.

The tea was steaming and a bit scalding.

Li Peihang also picked up a cup and took a sip, but he was distracted; he drank too much, got scalded, almost spat it out, and had to roll it around in his mouth several times before swallowing.

Li Ge glanced at him but said nothing, turning instead to look at Li Weibing: "Dad, what are you still worried about?"

Although Li Weibing had taken the opportunity at the meeting this morning to bring up Li Peihang, letting him act as the head of the Security Division.

But he still left some leeway there; he still did not want to completely tear his face off with Wang Guoqiang.

It was not that Li Weibing was timid, but that he was old and destined to leave.

According to the current situation, at most two years, and more likely by the end of this year, he would retire to the second line.

By then, it was almost certain that Wang Guoqiang would take over. If he really tore his face off with Wang Guoqiang at this time, it would be difficult for the remaining Li faction members after he left.

Li Weibing had to consider these things.

Li Ge, however, disagreed: "Dad, at this point, do you think it can still end well? I dare say, Wang Guoqiang won't be able to get the person back this time."

Li Weibing frowned and said: "How so? Wang Kaifeng is very important to Wang Guoqiang; he will absolutely not give up."

Li Ge said: "This isn't a question of whether he gives up or not, and it's not a matter of how much of a price he pays. I estimate they won't even negotiate terms with him."

Li Weibing remained silent. He had anticipated this kind of situation, but would things really reach that extent?

Li Ge continued: "The battlefield this time seems to be in the factory, but the key core is actually outside, at the First Pass of the Railway Bureau; that is the key..."

Li Weibing's heart skipped a beat, and he nodded slowly.

Li Ge analyzed further: "I estimate that if he fails this time, Wang Guoqiang should take the initiative to leave."

Li Weibing's expression became more serious, while Li Peihang was startled and said in surprise: "This... that can't be, right? Even if he loses a move, he is still the Deputy Factory Director. His base is still there; as long as he waits patiently..."

Li Ge took a shallow sip of tea and shook his head: "He can't afford to wait. He is Wang Guoqiang!"

Li Weibing agreed: "Yes! He has ambition and aspirations. Once he loses Wang Kaifeng, he will inevitably be in a weak position in the factory. Even if he waits for me to retire, he will still retain influence, making it impossible for him to fully control the factory, which runs counter to his plans. If it really comes to that step, he will never stay; he will likely apply for a transfer on his own."

Speaking of this, Li Weibing sighed and said: "It is precisely because of this that I don't want to push too hard. It is inevitable that I will retire at my age; there is really no need to leave you all with an enemy at this time. Besides, when I had him transferred here, it was for him to take my place. If I force him away, what will the leaders think of me?"

Li Peihang was silent.

Li Ge, however, said: "Dad, why is there the idiom 'things often go contrary to one's wishes'? Reality is often just like this; the more you want something, the less you can get it."

Having said this, Li Ge looked out the window, revealing a touch of helplessness: "You say you don't want to make enemies, but by trading with Wang Guoqiang previously to promote Brother Chu and giving up on Ning Weidong, you have already offended people."

Li Weibing frowned.

Li Ge sighed: "Dad, a while ago I asked Peihang to contact Ning Weiguo and Yuzhen, the couple, preparing to set up a gathering for everyone to connect, but yesterday Ning Weiguo called me and declined."

Li Weibing raised his eyebrows.

Li Ge said: "Although the wording was very tactful and he found a bunch of excuses that sounded good, a refusal is still a refusal."

Li Weibing said in a deep voice: "Does the Wang Family value that Ning Weidong so much?"

Li Ge said: "Since they agreed to represent the Wang Family in the marriage alliance with the Zhao Family, they must value him. What's more, this time, he went to the Fourth Workshop alone, cut through the Gordian knot, forced his way out, and even backhanded and removed one of Wang Guoqiang's right-hand men. Even if they didn't value him before, they have to value him after this performance..."

Li Weibing pursed his lips, clicked his tongue, and asked: "Then what do you think we should do next?"

Li Ge said in a deep voice: "Dad, at this point, we must change our original fixed ideas. First, we can no longer appease Wang Guoqiang; we must use this opportunity to put pressure on him and force him to leave quickly. At this point, anyone who comes to replace him would be better than him. Second, we must immediately pull Ning Weidong out of the Fourth Workshop; we cannot let Wang Guoqiang have the chance to retaliate and vent his anger before he leaves."

(End of chapter)