Chapter 556: The bigwigs are at each other's throats!

"This matter cannot be approved!"

When Lin Dongfan spoke firmly and decisively, the air around grew much colder and heavier, truly creating an oppressive feeling that almost made one suffocate.

Chen Gang felt a severe headache.

On one side was the intangible pressure possibly transmitted through the air by Lv Yizhi; on the other side was Lin Dongfan's piercing gaze that could almost stab into one's heart.

Damn it!

It's tough being stuck in the middle!

"Dongfan, I understand your concerns." Chen Gang tried to assume a leader's demeanor, though this manner never worked well in front of Lin Dongfan: "But Ms. Jiang's request, after all, involves basic human rights and medical assistance; we cannot completely ignore it, as it concerns our prosecution organ's..."

"Image?"

Lin Dongfan voiced that little thought of his, pulling up the corner of his mouth in a smile devoid of warmth.

Directly hitting the nail on the head: "Chief Prosecutor Chen, now is not the time to talk about image. Why did Qiao Lianzhou commit suicide? Why did his wife not kick up a fuss earlier or later, but precisely when we discovered the organ source, she shows up with a consent form full of loopholes, demanding overseas treatment? This coincidence is so great it could write a mystery novel."

Jiang Lin is also sharp-eared.

After hearing the two's conversation, she immediately walked over to retort: "What loopholes full of holes! Black and white, Huang Xiuju personally pressed her fingerprint! Lin Dongfan, you're just retaliating! Seeing my husband collapse, you come to bully us widows and orphans! Chief Prosecutor Chen, do you mean you want to drive me to death?"

You think she's just loud-mouthed? No! Her tears flow as soon as she says them, and the appraisal report in her hand shakes with a rustling sound, as if she suffered a great injustice.

Chen Gang was worried sick.

He unconsciously glanced toward the door; although reporters were blocked outside, who knew which sentence might leak out.

He took a deep breath.

Chen Gang immediately resorted to his usual tactic of smoothing things over.

With a sorrowful expression and a solemn tone:

"Comrade Jiang Lin, we have heard your request. Comrade Lin Dongfan's concerns are not entirely without reason. Overseas treatment is no trivial matter; it involves a series of complex procedures such as suspect supervision, medical evaluation, international cooperation, etc., which I cannot decide on my own."

After a brief pause.

He saw Jiang Lin's expression about to erupt again.

Chen Gang immediately added: "Rest assured, we will definitely give high priority to Comrade Qiao Lianzhou's treatment issue! I will submit this for study and decision by the higher-ups, and will definitely give you a responsible answer."

A master is a master; his skill at smoothing things over has reached perfection.

The so-called "study and decision" appears to be actively responding, but in fact it just kicks the ball upstairs, perfectly embodying the essences of the "delay tactic" and "pass-the-buck tactic."

The key is to offend no one.

Jiang Lin still wanted to say something, but Chen Gang gave her no chance, gesturing to the staff: "Please take Ms. Jiang to the reception room to rest, comfort her, and record her request in detail."

After Jiang Lin was half‑persuaded, half‑escorted away by the staff.

Only then did Chen Gang turn to Lin Dongfan, lowering his voice: "Dongfan, I understand your point. But look at the situation—if we flat‑out block her request and it gets out, we'll appear callous toward life and lacking in human feeling. Let's first follow procedure and report it upward for the higher‑ups to decide; you shouldn't keep dwelling on it."

Lin Dongfan said nothing, but his eyes clearly said: "Old fox, just keep smoothing things over—I'll pass on greetings from the deceased to your mother and grandmother!"

The next morning, the diligent Prosecutor General Chen placed the hot‑potato "study application" on the higher‑level meeting table.

The meeting was chaired by Wang Daochen, with attendees Lv Yizhi and Song Changkang.

It must be noted that the old Song, now deputy provincial Party secretary and secretary of the Provincial Political and Legal Affairs Commission, has always been Lv Yizhi's imagined rival.

To vie for the second‑in‑command seat, the two have been secretly competing fiercely.

In the small meeting room.

Smoke lingered.

The atmosphere was even more solemn than yesterday's prosecutor's office hall.

Lv Yizhi adopted an imposing posture, tapping his fingers on the table, his voice deep, slow, and powerful, each word striking the beat of "rule of law":

"... Things are already clear: before the court hands down a final verdict, Qiao Lianzhou is merely a criminal suspect, not a criminal! This is the most basic legal principle, the bottom line of all our actions!"

His gaze swept over the few people present, finally landing on the expressionless face of Song Changgeng opposite.

He continued to sing in a high tone: "The constitution and laws grant every citizen basic rights that cannot be violated! The rights to life and health are even higher, core rights! No investigative need or procedural convenience can override these basic rights!"

His tone gradually became generous, carrying an unquestionable, righteous vigor.

Seated at the end, Chen Gang shifted his eyes left and right, observing the bigwigs' reactions. He saw Song Changkang smile without speaking, while Wang Daochen in the chief seat remained silent, waiting for Lv Yizhi to finish.

Lv Yizhi continued:

"Now, the suspect has lost consciousness and become a vegetative state. What personal danger could he pose? He can no longer harm society, cannot collude in testimony, and certainly cannot flee."

The core of our investigation is to ascertain the facts and recover illegal gains.

He now has no capacity for action; the investigation can fully revolve around his property and social ties, which in no way affects the fairness of the final judicial outcome.

In such circumstances, what reason do we have to deny a critically ill citizen the basic right to seek the best medical treatment?

If we do that, it's not just indifference—it's a betrayal of the spirit of the rule of law!"

Having said that.

Lv Yizhi's voice suddenly rose, filled with anguished indignation:

"I suggest we immediately approve the family's reasonable request! And, according to relevant regulations, simultaneously change his coercive measures to release on bail pending trial! This is not special favoritism toward an individual; it is practicing the rule of law, the most basic respect for citizens' fundamental rights."

Such a speech, flawless and lofty, could practically be carved into a monument and set at the courthouse gate.

The meeting room fell silent, smoke swirling; the attendees seemed to suddenly take a keen interest in the word "self‑reflection."

Silence is the prelude to smoothing things over.

Only Song Changgeng let out a light chuckle: "Old Lv, hearing your words makes my heart feel all warm and fuzzy."

Though his voice wasn't loud, it pierced the solemn atmosphere like a needle.

Song Changgeng unreservedly teased Lv Yizhi: "Your care for your prized disciple is truly meticulous, deeply moving."

Lv Yizhi's old face instantly flushed, and he angrily gripped his pen.

He gritted his teeth and retorted: "Old Song, your words make no sense! As a political‑legal cadre, you don't talk rule of law with me but instead bring up personal feelings—how is that appropriate? I support Jiang Lin's request not because I have private ties with Qiao Lianzhou—we don't! Anyone else, I'd do the same."

"Back when you were the Party School principal, Qiao Lianzhou went to study at the Party School, and you were his teacher. He was your disciple—this is a fact. Regarding this issue today, shouldn't you avoid a conflict of interest?"

Song Changkang's comment hit the nail on the head, making Lv Yizhi's face flush red on the spot.

Seeing the atmosphere at the scene, as tense as a drawn bow, continually escalate, Wang Daochen, who had always only listened and never spoken, spoke up in a decisive tone: "This matter is somewhat complicated; let's discuss it again at the expanded meeting."

Upon hearing that, Lv Yizhi could hardly hold back.

Lv Yizhi said solemnly: "Secretary Wang, we can delay, but can we delay Qiao Lianzhou's condition? Old Song just said I should avoid a conflict of interest—I don't think so! Back when I was principal, how many leading cadres in the province went for further study? Take a look around—everywhere are my students! If we had to avoid conflict of interest just because of a past teacher-student relationship, would I have to avoid everything big and small in the province? That makes no sense!"

As his words fell, the atmosphere on site grew solemn again.

Just as the big shots were attempting to break the stalemate,

"Bang!"

The meeting room door was pushed open from outside with just the right force—neither too light nor too heavy—announcing the arrival without being overly rash.

All eyes instantly turned toward him.

Lin Dongfan walked in, saying as he came: "Secretary Wang, sorry, there was a traffic jam on the way, so I'm a step late. However, that doesn't seem important either. What matters is that I firmly oppose Jiang Lin's request! Everyone here, is there anyone who wants to refute me? I'm all ears."