Chapter 435: Putting Oneself Into the Game

Seeing the way Lu Cheng voluntarily extended both hands, Wang Fengshi didn't understand at first.

"What do you mean, Lu Jingzhang? I'm not here to arrest you; this time you offended the Ministry of Public Security on behalf of our Railway Bureau, and the railway staff along the line have heard about you and can't thank you enough."

Every time the educated youth cause trouble along the railway, it gives people a headache and seriously disrupts work.

Lu Cheng has met the educated youth three times; the story has been passed around internally and is almost becoming a celebrated tale.

Lu Cheng smiled and said, "Of course I know you're not here to arrest me, but this time I voluntarily asked to be arrested."

Wang Fengshi still didn't understand, but he knew Lu Cheng had a mind full of schemes; facing this Ministry of Public Security's crackdown, he must have thought of another way to respond.

"What kind of words would you say when you get on the car back to the bureau, only to have handcuffs put on you in the street?"

It really wasn't something that could be explained in a single sentence, so Lu Cheng could only nod, then got into the car and headed to the Railway Bureau.

Upon entering the office, Lu Cheng didn't hold back; he looked around and started searching.

He made Wang Fengshi laugh, pouring tea while teasing, "We're just a tiny Railway Branch, not like Captain Lei's place which has special-issue cigarettes."

Lu Cheng indeed didn't find anything valuable, clapped his hands and said, "Wang Bureau Chief, that's not right. No matter how small the branch is, you're now the top leader, and your words carry weight."

That was indeed true. Wang Fengshi handed over a cup, and Lu Cheng took it: "Thank you, Wang Bureau Chief."

Wang Fengshi gestured to the chair: "Don't keep calling me 'Wang Bureau Chief' over and over. Back when we were comrades in the same trench, I still prefer you call me 'Director Wang'."

Lu Cheng knew Wang Fengshi was genuinely being courteous. He pulled a chair, sat down, and said, "I'm not being courteous at all; otherwise, after passing several branches I wouldn't have gotten off the car, coming straight to your branch. It's been a while since we met, so I thought I'd take the chance to see you, Wang Bureau Chief."

Wang Fengshi also missed the comrades from Beijing Station, and seeing Lu Cheng made him feel especially friendly.

"Then what else is there to say? Since Captain Lei told you not to return to Beijing yet, just stay at our Guesthouse for a few days; you don't have to worry about meals or anything."

Lu Cheng was silent for a moment and said, "Thank you, Wang Bureau Chief, but I'll skip the Guesthouse; I'll stay at the Detention Center instead."

Wang Fengshi smiled: "Now that we're both in the bureau, we're on the same side. I know you must have thought of a way to handle this; just say whatever you have in mind directly."

Lu Cheng nodded: "Exactly. I'm thinking the Ministry of Public Security this time won't be lenient with me…"

Wang Fengshi couldn't help interrupting: "When you get to that point, I was puzzled. We had already coordinated everything; even if we forcibly took someone away, the Ministry of Public Security wouldn't need to arrest you again. I feel this matter is being overly harsh on your part by the Ministry."

They're brother units, usually they accommodate each other, but this time it's clear they won't make an exception.

Wang Fengshi's intuition was still spot on; Lu Cheng had to speak frankly: "If it were someone else, this probably wouldn't have happened today. It's mainly because of Section Chief Qin; the two of us are a bit at odds."

I see, so that's using the position to vent personal grievances intentionally.

Wang Fengshi thought for a moment: "So what do you mean? Although I haven't spoken with Captain Lei, I'm sure he won't ignore you. Perhaps now we should go to the Ministry of Public Security to negotiate, but as for the outcome…"

Lu Cheng shook his head; he didn't think any result could be negotiated.

Section Chief Qin Shou was worried he couldn't get a hold on him; taking this opportunity, he certainly wouldn't let go without holding him accountable.

"Wang Bureau Chief, if Captain Lei goes over there, it's inevitable he'll be asking for help. He's quite old, and you know his temperament—when has he ever asked anyone for help?"

Wang Fengshi didn't deny it; after so many years as a secretary, he naturally knows Lei Zhan'ge's temperament best.

Whether in work or conduct, in duties or life, Lei Zhan'ge always displays a hardline attitude in everything.

But this time, to prevent Lu Cheng from being taken away, he may have to lower his head.

Because Wang Fengshi knows Captain Lei especially likes that youngster Lu Cheng; he intends to cultivate him as a successor.

"So, Wang Bureau Chief, I could never let such an elder who has made outstanding contributions to the country grovel and beg; otherwise, I'd rather be arrested myself."

Lu Cheng's temperament, Wang Fengshi also knows; in certain matters he is resolutely uncompromising, a trait similar to Lei Zhan'ge's.

"You want me to arrest you? Is it to prevent Captain Lei from negotiating with the Ministry of Public Security? Or to stop Captain Lei from begging?"

"Exactly that… Since the Ministry of Public Security deems me guilty, then consider me guilty; the Railway Bureau can directly arrest me, and we'll judge the guilt ourselves."

Wang Fengshi suddenly understood and laughed, calling Lu Cheng downright cunning.

When the Railway Bureau arrests Lu Cheng, we'll interrogate our own offenders ourselves; that way, if the Ministry of Public Security tries to demand someone, we can dismiss them using this as an excuse.

As for interrogating Lu Cheng, it's merely a show for the Ministry of Public Security.

Lu Cheng called in Railway Troops to seize people, which had the General Bureau's implicit consent; therefore the Railway Bureau could not possibly find Lu Cheng guilty, as that would mean the General Bureau is also guilty.

Wang Fengshi smiled and nodded at Lu Cheng: "You, as always, have many ideas; either Captain Lei values you, or you just don't take the usual path."

A method like this, putting oneself into the situation, only Lu Cheng dares to think and act.

"But… does Captain Lei know?"

"He doesn't know yet; I've been on the train all this time, so it's hard to reach him."

Wang Fengshi pointed at the phone: "Perfect, I'll give the old man a call."

Lu Cheng lifted his cup to drink tea, while Wang Fengshi had already connected the call.

"Captain Lei, it's me, Xiao Wang, yes, it's me. I've been quite busy lately and worried about disturbing your work, so I haven't called you…"

"Captain Lei, how's your health lately? Please don't overwork yourself; go to the hospital for a check‑up. If it doesn't work out, I'll go back to serve as your secretary…"

Lu Cheng, listening from the side, found it funny; even he thought Wang Fengshi's words were a bit nagging, and Captain Lei, who likely dislikes hearing that, looked even more sullen.

It was exactly as Lu Cheng imagined; Wang Fengshi's call came at a perfect moment—Lei Zhan'ge had just finished breakfast, saw the time was about right, and was about to go to the Ministry of Public Security to negotiate Lu Cheng's matter.

Hearing Wang Fengshi's nonstop talk through the handset, Lei Zhan'ge couldn't help but furrow his brows.

"I'm telling you, Wang Bureau Chief, when you were with me before, you were quite brisk, so why after a few days as bureau chief have you become like a woman!"

When Lei Zhan'ge scolded him, Wang Fengshi even shouted the three words "Wang Bureau Chief," yet he wasn't in a hurry at all; rather, as if he hadn't heard them for a long time, he seemed to take it in stride.

"Captain Lei, if you're in a bad mood, go ahead and criticize me; as long as you're pleased, I'll gladly stand here all day."

Since it was a caring remark, Lei Zhan'ge softened his tone: "Tell me what's up quickly; I'm a bit pressed for time and can't waste it chatting nonsense!"