Chapter 882

Gao Yicheng was suspended, and Huang Jintang and others were also forcibly taken away by Political Commissar Zheng.

The atmosphere at the Zhufeng Police Station also became considerably heavier, as if shrouded in gloom. The few officers there were also panicked, too afraid to discuss the rights and wrongs of the matter.

Not long after.

A black Audi slowly drove into the Zhufeng Police Station.

After driver Lao Ba got out, he warily scanned the surroundings. Only after confirming safety did he open the rear door and invite Mayor Lin to get out.

"Mayor Lin, you've arrived."

Seeing Lin Dongfan get out and walk over, Gao Yicheng hurriedly stubbed out the half-smoked cigarette in his hand and jogged forward to meet him.

Lin Dongfan asked: "Has the interrogation been finished?"

"Mayor Lin, you're a step late." Gao Yicheng gave a wry smile: "Just now Political Commissar Zheng took the people away, and I was also suspended on the spot."

"Suspended?"

Lin Dongfan furrowed his brows.

Gao Yicheng explained gloomily: "He used the pretext of torture to extract a confession to suspend me on the spot. Mayor Lin, I swear to heaven, today's detention and interrogation were absolutely lawful and compliant."

"I'm sorry you've been wronged."

Lin Dongfan patted Gao Yicheng's shoulder in a comforting manner.

The specific reason.

No need to ask further; it's obvious.

Lin Dongfan further inquired: "How much did Huang Jintang confess?"

"He admitted to rioting and intentionally injuring people. He knew he wouldn't get the money, but he still had to cause trouble. When asked why, he kept silent, saying he wanted to tell you in person…" Gao Yicheng briefly stated the facts, then added: "Now all the interrogation records have been taken by Political Commissar Zheng."

"Your City Bureau really is a place where dragons and tigers lie hidden."

Lin Dongfan's laughing remark was full of sarcasm.

The head of the City Bureau, Luo Zhiwei, took sick leave at a critical moment, clearly wanting to stay on the sidelines. The number two, Zheng Congwen, seized the chance to jump up and down! Does this surnamed Zheng not fear death?

In this world, there are no bureaucrats who aren't afraid of death.

Lin Dongfan guessed that Zheng Congwen and Wang Qigang's interests were too deeply intertwined! When you're on a boat, you have to share fate with those aboard.

"Mayor Lin, I have something I don't understand."

"Speak."

"Political Commissar Zheng's timing was too perfect. I just finished calling you, and he arrived right after. This time gap is so precise—don't you find it strange?"

"What are you trying to say?"

"Today I brought Huang Jintang here for interrogation, and I made meticulous arrangements so no one could leak information under my nose. Otherwise, Political Commissar Zheng would have shown up earlier and wouldn't have given me the chance to interrogate Huang Jintang. I suspect someone is monitoring your every move, so as soon as you got my call, the news leaked."

"……!!!"

Gao Yicheng's speculation instantly plunged Lin Dongfan into thought.

Lin Dongfan lit a cigarette.

He puffed slowly.

This time he wasn't smoking out of loneliness; he was giving his brain fuel for thought.

According to some research of questionable scientific validity:

Nicotine not only binds to acetylcholine receptors on neurons, causing neuronal excitation; it also boosts adrenaline secretion, thereby enhancing reaction speed and alertness in the short term.

After Lin Dongfan inhaled this puff, whether he felt excited or not didn't matter; his alertness definitely increased.

I feel Gao Yicheng's analysis is spot on.

As the number two of the City Bureau, Zheng Congwen, if he truly harbored ill intent, monitoring Lin Dongfan would not be difficult, given that the Zheng faction holds public security resources.

Lin Dongfan patted Gao Yicheng's shoulder: "Go rest first; don't think about anything these days, just treat it as a vacation—eat what you should, drink what you should."

The implication was to tell Gao Yicheng to relax and treat the suspension inspection as a benefit.

Gao Yicheng's indignant heart also eased; he nodded and replied, "Thank you, Mayor Lin. If you need me, just call."

This time Gao Yicheng also got a taste of the meat, fiercely experiencing the happiness of having a backer.

4 p. m.

City Bureau.

Zheng Congwen sat contentedly in his office, holding a cup of freshly brewed hot tea, the smug smile on his face impossible to hide.

Just now Secretary Wang called, affirming his decisive and efficient approach.

Suddenly came a knocking sound.

Zheng Congwen shouted: "Come in."

The person who pushed the door open was veteran detective Xu Jialiang.

"Political Commissar, you were looking for me?"

"Old Xu, have a seat."

Zheng Congwen set down his tea cup and pointed to the chair opposite.

Xu Jialiang sat down, his back ramrod straight, but his eyes kept watching Zheng Congwen's expression.

"You handled today's affair well."

Zheng Congwen praised with a smile: "Gao Yicheng and you are old partners; today he went against the organization, yet you stepped up to catch this hot potato, showing your party spirit is still strong."

"Political Commissar, you overpraise me; it's all due to your good leadership. Being able to assist you is a sign of your confidence in me."

Xu Jialiang's flattery skills are also top-notch; a few words had Zheng Congwen beaming with delight.

Zheng Congwen asked with a smile: "Old Xu, you've been in criminal investigation for over ten years, right?"

"Fifteen years already." Xu Jialiang replied: "When I graduated from the police academy, I was fortunate to be assigned to the criminal detective squad, and I've been at it ever since."

"Fifteen years is no short time; you're also someone who has undergone trials." Saying this, Zheng Congwen lifted his tea and took a sip.

He asked again with deep meaning: "Deputy Brigade Commander, do you have confidence to handle that position well?"

Hearing that, Xu Jialiang was startled, his heart skipping a beat.

Xu Jialiang composed himself, still feeling a bit overwhelmed: "Political Commissar, Deputy Captain Gao has just been suspended. If I take over his position now, I'm afraid..."

Afraid people will gossip?

Seeing Xu Jialiang's solemn face, Zheng Congwen smiled indifferently and said: "Just now I said you're someone who has endured trials; can't you even withstand this bit of gossip?"

If you keep being overly sentimental, a major problem will arise.

Xu Jialiang quickly rose to his feet, snapped to attention and saluted Zheng Congwen, his voice ringing like a bell: "I will firmly follow the organization's arrangements; please give your instructions, Political Commissar!"

Sit.

Zheng Congwen waved his hand.

After Xu Jialiang sat down, Zheng Congwen went on: "Gao Yicheng has stirred up such a huge issue this time; even suspension would be lenient, and it's doubtful he can keep his job. The Deputy Brigade Commander position will surely become vacant sooner or later."

I never thought Deputy Captain Gao would knowingly break the law.

Xu Jialiang nodded in deep agreement.

He added a flattering remark: "Regarding his use of torture to extract confessions, it has indeed caused a negative social impact and severely damaged the image of our police force."

Hehe, I'm glad you recognize that.

Zheng Congwen lifted his tea and blew away the floating scum.

He went on: "As long as you settle the Huang Jintang case, I'll recommend you for merit. Then I'll promote you to Deputy Brigade Commander; I believe Bureau Chief Luo won't have any objections."

Bang!!!

Before Zheng Congwen could finish painting his big pie, someone kicked the office door open.

The tremendous impact shook the whole room, the door panel slammed hard against the wall and bounced back—what a powerful kick!

Zheng Congwen and Xu Jialiang both jumped to their feet in shock.

The two stared, and suddenly felt like they'd seen a ghost—the person who kicked the door in was Lin Dongfan! A mayor, and he's throwing away his image!