Chapter 234

After Lu Fan was brought into the car, Wang Qing ordered the driver to go straight to Anbao County, convinced that nobody could escape capture.

Anbao County Committee Secretary Le Xueyi, following the elder brother's request, had the prepared "soft package" ready in advance, standing by with high secrecy; the Public Security Bureau chief provided full service, everything was set, and they were determined to capture Lu Fan.

Upon arrival at the destination, the interrogation began immediately, with the experienced Wang Qing personally conducting the questioning.

He looked stern and spoke harshly: "Lu Fan, you should know why you were brought here. I hope you can see the situation clearly! You surely know the relevant policies—confess and be lenient, resist and be strict. So please actively cooperate with the Discipline Inspection Committee's investigation and truthfully explain your violations! I advise you not to harbor any wishful thoughts; that would be futile."

After saying that, Wang Qing stared intently at Lu Fan, and the room filled with a tense, oppressive atmosphere, giving a sense of invisible pressure.

Now, Lu Fan's mindset had adjusted; his eyes were firm and calm, and he spoke evenly: "Director Wang, since I started working, I dare not boast of any great achievements, but I can guarantee I have always worked diligently and conscientiously, never engaging in embezzlement, bribery, extortion, or any illegal disciplinary acts! If you have evidence, go ahead and expel me from the Party, remove my public office, and hand me over to the judicial authorities!"

Wang Qing said: "I've seen plenty of slippery characters like you! Come on, tell me—how did a high school dropout like you get into the cadre ranks?"

Lu Fan replied: "The county had a recruitment plan; I was eligible to apply, so why couldn't I be admitted? As for the specifics, you can check with Guo Mingxiong, secretary of the Chengcang City Committee, and Li Guoquan, minister of the Provincial Organization Department—they were the county committee secretary and county chief of Ningyang back then!"

"What? Using leaders to pressure us? Don't worry, we'll verify what needs verifying! Tell me about your disciplinary issues at the Baishu Bay Township Government: our investigation found you had 158,000 yuan in unreasonable expenditures while serving as township Party committee secretary, 85,000 yuan in false invoices for reimbursement, and 50,000 yuan in maintenance funds with no trace!"

Lu Fan said: "So much time has passed that I couldn't possibly recall every expense in detail. I want to clarify: while working in Baishu Bay, all financial expenditures went through the township Party committee meeting, and there was a deputy township chief in charge of finance and the finance office director. Moreover, you haven't grasped that I was the township Party committee secretary, not the township chief—I had no financial authority; any issues you can verify with Township Chief Cui Mingliang."

"Who doesn't know that the township chief is the Party committee secretary's right-hand man? Doesn't the township chief have to listen to you?"

"Director Wang, you're mistaken. In my work I strictly followed the division of duties, never overstepping—you can investigate and verify that. So regarding the financial matters, please check with the relevant personnel; I have nothing to say."

"Alright, we'll verify each point! What about the Education Bureau? As its chief, you surely wouldn't ignore financial work—please explain these situations!" After saying that, the staff laid out the organized issues in front of Lu Fan.

After reviewing them item by item, Lu Fan said: "Too much time has passed; I'm not clear on many accounts. Please check with Deputy Bureau Chief Chang Qing, who oversees finance. In my work I generally respect deputies' opinions; I don't have time to micromanage their areas, especially after becoming deputy county chief, when I gave them great autonomy. If these accounts involve embezzlement or corruption, I am willing to bear leadership responsibility."

"Well, you're quite skilled at Tai Chi? Don't tell me none of these expenses were ordered by you."

Lu Fan nodded and said: "They were necessary expenditures for work needs; I trust my comrades' Party principles."

Wang Qing continued: "Recently, Ningyang passed the 'Double High and Double Universal' initiative and provincial key and demonstration project inspections. In this process, surely you didn't just 'go through the motions'? What do you say about these beginnings?" Another set of materials was placed before Lu Fan.

This time, Lu Fan was even more composed, calmly replying: "No comment! Or you can verify with Ningyang County Committee Secretary Hu and County Chief Bian."

Wang Qing angrily said: "Facing organizational review, you say 'no comment' on the left and 'no comment' on the right—do you really intend to oppose the organization?"

"Without solid evidence, I can only answer: no comment! Director Wang, some things aren't for me to decide personally; sometimes I have to follow the instructions of the top leadership."

"Okay, okay, okay—then what about this? What's the deal with 100 portions of mutton?"

Lu Fan glanced, then said: "No comment!"

"Lu Fan, I see you're stubborn as a dead duck! You must clarify this—100 portions of premium mutton, got it!"

"No comment!"

"Fine, not talking, huh? We have plenty of patience! Resistance is futile! I've seen plenty of your type!"

Wang Qing was a bit tired, so he switched to another group to continue the interrogation.

After returning to the room, Wang Qing called Deputy Secretary Lü Taichang of the provincial Discipline Inspection Committee; upon connection, he reported: "Secretary, this Lu Fan is very cunning; we can't get anything out of him for now. Moreover, according to our investigation, there is indeed no obvious corruption or bribery."

"I want results, not process! After over twenty years in the discipline inspection system, do I need to teach you the work methods? Don't you know what measures to take? Wang Qing, this case must be wrapped up as an ironclad case in the shortest time possible, to avoid complications and unforeseen problems."

"Okay, Secretary, I understand!"

"Don't let me down!"

Past midnight, the interrogation room remained brightly lit; at this moment, Lu Fan's body and mind were already exhausted, yet he still had to summon his strength to face this protracted battle.

When the hour hand pointed to midnight, Lu Fan finally got a brief respite; he collapsed onto the bed as if relieved of a heavy burden, and snoring began within a minute.

But the good dream didn't last; before ten minutes had passed, Lu Fan was ruthlessly awakened by staff and forced to continue the questioning.

As for this, Lu Fan had long anticipated it; after all, eight years ago he had undergone a similar ordeal—undoubtedly a dual test of perseverance and wisdom, and moreover a smokeless contest.

Zhang Tianmin was also one of the interrogators; he stayed up until six a. m. before going to rest.

Returning to his room, he secretly dialed the number of his "master" Wang Yujia; after a long wait, the call finally connected.

"Zhang Tianmin, are you sick in the head? What kind of call is this at this hour?"

Zhang Tianmin said, sneaking around: "Master, I just finished interrogating a case!"

"Again staying up to 'train the hawk'? Why are you bothering me? If you can't sleep, must I suffer too? When did you get so bold?"

"Master, do you know who I'm interrogating?"

"I don't know, and I don't want to know—have you forgotten the confidentiality rules?"

"If it were anyone else, I wouldn't say a thing. But this person is your friend; the last time I went to Ningyang with you, he even treated us to Du family chicken! Master, is there a problem?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Yujia instantly lost sleep, hurriedly sat up and asked: "Is it Lu Fan?"

"Mm!"

"What mistake did he make? How far along is the case?"

"Eh, I feel County Chief Lu has no problem; the complaint letter and evidence lack persuasiveness—this case is being blown out of proportion, our provincial Discipline Inspection Committee is just bored!"

"Alright, no more talk—let me know anytime you have news!"

At 6:30, Lu Fan began facing a new day of interrogation, with Wang Qing sitting opposite him again.

"Lu Fan, have you paid attention? Have you reflected? It's time to confess the issues!"

"Director Wang, what do you mean by that? I'm wondering: yesterday the entire county committee compound saw you take me away; if I have no problem, how should you restore my reputation? Moreover, placing a deputy county chief under double designation without evidence—I want to know whether your procedures are lawful and compliant."

"You won't give up until you hit the Yellow River, worrying over trivial matters! You should still consider how to explain your violations!" Upon hearing this, a surge of unnamed anger rose in his heart.

"I never imagined I had any problems; I dare swear on my chest, being worthy of the Party, worthy of the Ningyang people, worthy of my own conscience!"

"Evidence will be provided! Do you really think your deeds are flawless? Then you'll know how to write the two words 'regret'!"

Lu Fan simply closed his eyes to rest; seeing this, Wang Qing walked over, drew the curtains, and placed two extremely bright "illumination lamps" in front of Lu Fan.

The glaring light made Lu Fan involuntarily frown, and he said: "Director Wang, as the old saying goes, leave a line when dealing with people, so you can meet again in the future!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Qing's face instantly darkened, and he coldly said: "What do you mean by that? Are you threatening me?"

Lu Fan shook his head and said: "How dare I? I'm just telling you I have no problems; you will surely return empty-handed!"

As noon approached, the staff brought in a document.

After looking at it, Wang Qing immediately asked Lu Fan: "Explain how, in the 138 items of the Double High Double Popular program, you used power for personal gain and lined your own pockets!"

Lu Fan calmly said: "When one wants to accuse someone, excuses are never lacking!"

"Lu Fan, you can't just stay silent!"

"If you can't produce solid evidence, I have nothing to report!" Lu Fan truly was too lazy to bother with them and kept his eyes closed, resting.

Without warning, Wang Qing completely ignored work discipline, walked over without hesitation, shoved Lu Fan against the wall, and then forced him to begin a "penalty stand"!

"I think you were sitting too comfortably; now stand and reflect properly!"

Lu Fan was forced to stand there motionless; one standing lasted an hour.

While standing, Lu Fan's anger steadily rose, caring little about the ground beneath him.

However, two staff members immediately came over, pulled him up again, and forced him to continue the "penalty stand"!

By noon, Lu Fan was exhausted, his mind a bit fuzzy, and he was holding on solely by willpower.

Zhang Tianmin, taking advantage of a bathroom break, told Wang Yujia the interrogation details again.

Around two o'clock, Le Xueyi arrived at the hotel, chatted with Wang Qing for a while, and begged him to capture Lu Fan as soon as possible!