Chapter 2680

"Ye Sis!" Seeing Ye Zhen here, Zhou Andong was quite surprised: "You're also coming to the symposium?"

Ye Zhen smiled and said: "Can't I come?"

"Of course you can." Zhou Andong raised his hand and gestured: "On this vast land, where is there a place you, Ye Sis, cannot go?"

When Ye Zhen appeared, Liu Xiangchun and others noticed her. After all, such a beautiful and elegant woman would catch any man's eye, stirring improper thoughts.

Moreover, this woman came with Cao Zhenyu; seeing their positions, they were not superior-subordinate, likely friends. Now, with Zhou Andong's words, they immediately realized that the woman Zhou Andong called Ye Sis was no ordinary person.

Ye Zhen chuckled, truly bewitching, making a group of old men's hearts flutter. Know that these people are today's business elites, wealthy and prestigious, having seen all kinds of beauties. Yet seeing Ye Zhen's outstanding demeanor, they still couldn't help but feel stirred.

"Director Zhou, saying this in public, you're putting me on the spot."

"I wouldn't dare put Ye Sis on the spot." Zhou Andong stood up, took a chair from beside him: "Everyone, shift over, make room for Ye Sis."

Everyone hurriedly stood and moved their chairs; with the screech of chair legs on the floor, two spots opened beside Zhou Andong.

Zhou Andong set down the chair: "Ye Sis, please sit."

At this moment, Liu Xiangchun also picked up a chair from beside him and brought it over: "Director Cao, please sit."

Ye Zhen did not sit, but stepped forward, standing beside Zhou Andong: "Dongzi, let me introduce you—this is Cao Zhenyu, Director of the Township Enterprises Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture."

Ye Zhen's "Dongzi" startled everyone, even Cao Zhenyu's eyes flickered. Such an intimate address meant their relationship was certainly not just ordinary friends.

Zhou Andong extended his hand and said: "Director Cao, hello."

Before Zhou Andong, Cao Zhenyu dared not act arrogantly. Though their ranks were equal, in other fields, Cao Zhenyu's achievements could not match Zhou Andong's—whether in status, position, or connections, Cao Zhenyu fell short.

"Director Zhou, since the end of last year, I've wanted to meet you, to seek your advice, to discuss the revitalization and development of township enterprises. But I never found a suitable moment, always busy, so this kept getting delayed."

Saying this, Cao Zhenyu laughed: "Now, I finally get my wish to meet you. After the evening meeting ends, I'll host—we can eat and talk."

Zhou Andong hesitated: "I have an appointment with Liu Zong and others tonight—what if we all go together?"

"Really?" Cao Zhenyu readily agreed: "No problem, it's better if we all sit together and chat."

"Come on!" Zhou Andong said: "Don't stand—meeting starts in half an hour, let's eat first."

Everyone reseated, eating and chatting. After ten or so minutes, most had eaten their fill, when Liu Xiangchun suddenly lowered his voice and asked Cao Zhenyu.

"Director Cao, I heard that Director Chen of the Development and Reform Commission is going to be sentenced?"

Hope Group had been established as early as 1982, mainly incubating chicks, raising quail, developing feed, and last year became the nation's richest person. So, he also has considerable connections in Jingcheng, and knowing certain things is no surprise.

Upon hearing "Development and Reform Commission" and "Director Chen," Zhou Andong immediately pictured a man with a corrupt belly and a Mediterranean bald head, appearing at Yao Jun's wedding.

"Liu Zong!" Zhou Andong couldn't help but ask: "The Director Liu you mentioned—could it be Chen Zhaoru?"

Zhou Andong's question didn't surprise Liu Xiangchun—he knew the news, so how could Zhou Andong not know?

"Exactly!" Liu Xiangchun nodded: "Last night, drinking with a friend, he told me Chen Zhaoru might face the death penalty."

Zhou Andong was very surprised: "You're saying Chen Zhaoru will get the death penalty?"

Liu Xiangchun lowered his voice again: "It's not just corruption—during those special years, he also had blood on his hands."

"Damn!" Zhou Andong couldn't help cursing: "If that's true, then I really did rid the people of a scourge."

"Huh?" Hearing Zhou Andong's words, everyone was startled. Ye Zhen poked his arm, curious: "Is Chen Zhaoru's case also related to you?"

What happened at Ye Jun's wedding is no secret—hundreds saw it, including Cheng Dandan and Deng Changli, so a little inquiry reveals it. Thus, Zhou Andong didn't hide it, simply briefly explained.

Hearing Zhou Andong's words, everyone's expressions turned remarkably vivid.

Ye Zhen couldn't help but remark: "Did Chen Zhaoru have water in his brain? A private boss marrying—whether lavish or wasteful, what's it to him?"

Everyone also couldn't fathom: what Chen Zhaoru had in his head wasn't water, but manure. To what extent must one be infected to do such a thing?

"This is typical official-centric thinking at work." Zhou Andong sneered: "People like Chen Zhaoru always put officials first, officials supreme, only officials matter, only superiors are followed—bureaucratic style runs deep in their bones.

There are many like Chen Zhaoru—they seek high office, not great deeds; in position, they don't govern. To hold office one term, mountains and rivers remain unchanged, appearance unaltered, economy stagnant.

Just like Chen Zhaoru causing trouble at my brother's wedding, saying my brother was extravagant—this has nothing to do with him. Yet he still went looking for trouble, stirring up issues—really, it's bureaucratic style at work."

Everyone pondered, especially Cao Zhenyu, who after reflecting on Zhou Andong's words nodded: "Director Zhou's words are truly spot-on, and they've sounded an alarm in my mind. Not only must I hold myself to higher standards, but I must also remind my colleagues and subordinates—official-centric thinking must not be tolerated."

Liu Xiangchun asked Cao Zhenyu: "Director Cao, are you unaware of Chen Zhaoru's situation?"

Cao Zhenyu softly said: "I know Chen Zhaoru went to Jiangzhou for inspection, and later was recalled by the Discipline Commission and placed under detention—I know that. But other matters, I haven't specifically looked into, so I'm not clear."

Ye Zhen coldly said: "People like Chen Zhaoru—execution by firing squad is too lenient. In ancient times, he should have been drawn and quartered or sliced to death."

"If possible, I'd really like to see Chen Zhaoru's trial." Zhou Andong said with a smile, then raised his wrist to check the time: "About time—let's head to the venue."