Chapter 1012: Is this really solid?

Zhang Jiangbo took the lead in setting this tone, so even if others had objections, they could not raise opposition; moreover, apart from Su Yang and a few others, everyone else was already eager to go to the Public Security Bureau.

The County Government is clearly not far from the Public Security Bureau; in fact, everyone could walk there, but Qi Guohui, this so-called smart guy, actually had people bring a minibus.

He also found a very suitable excuse for this: that riding together in the same vehicle would enhance mutual feelings, allow chatting about non-work matters, and also serve as a relaxation.

Everyone saw through his clumsy move, but this time Zhao Nanxing could be said to praise Qi Guohui abundantly.

This completely cut off Su Yang's retreat; he wanted to call the Public Security Bureau or make some moves, but there was no time.

Jiang Tao also patted Qi Guohui on the shoulder, making the meaning even more self-evident.

In their view, this had already become a situation of catching a dog in a closed door; even if Su Yang had a hundred mouths, he could not argue his way out.

Zhou Yanru and Hou Junlai's faces showed not only anxiety but also a hint of guilt; this matter was a favor Su Yang had indirectly given them, and it was their lack of discernment that led to this situation.

Up until the meeting this morning, they had not heard any rumors or received any other information; otherwise they would not have been so passive.

Especially Zhou Yanru, with a grim face, did not utter a single word.

When it comes to grassroots political struggles, he is in no way inferior to those present.

He could even foresee that when Zhang Jiangbo's knife came down, it would not only cut Su Yang, but also him and Hou Junlai.

Because once these two are interrogated face to face, if they actually experienced something they don't know about and blurt out that they are the real bosses behind those two earthworks projects, then he, Su Yang, and Hou Junlai would all be caught together.

Moreover, he still carries a demerit on his record; although the Geng Miao affair did not fully implicate him, one of his feet is still wet.

If we ask who most wants to know what's really going on here, he would certainly be the first to bear the brunt.

The spokesmen for his and Hou Junlai's earthworks projects are people he trusts deeply; theoretically, such problems should not arise, yet they happened precisely at this critical juncture.

This forced him to think seriously.

Su Yang then leaned back, narrowed his eyes into a doze; what was originally a seamless opportunity was forcibly turned by this bunch of smart alecks into a huge loophole.

Upon arriving at the Public Security Bureau, the two agents of Hou Junlai and Zhou Yanru had already been taken to the interrogation room.

Zhang Jiangbo said: "This time, since it involves our county's senior leaders, we don't need the Public Security Bureau's regular interrogation. Let County Magistrate Zhao and Secretary Qi do the questioning, especially Secretary Qi—you're a veteran comrade of our political and legal line, having spent so many years in the procuratorate facing all kinds of cadres; you should have no problem with ordinary folks like these. The rest of you can monitor the situation outside to ensure genuine transparency."

Having said that, he found a seat in the room outside the interrogation room, sat down, and tried to watch the interrogation footage.

Zhao Nanxing and Qi Guohui entered the first interrogation room one after the other.

At this moment, Qi Guohui's heart was bursting with excitement; finally he could put his specialty to use.

In the procuratorate, he had indeed seen all sorts of cadres; handling them was easy for him, let alone these two country bumpkins.

The person sitting in the chair was indeed Hou Junlai's man, and his expression was extremely panicked.

Qi Guohui didn't beat around the bush, getting straight to the point: "Did you give Su Yang 50,000 yuan to secure the project—that is, the Vice County Magistrate in charge of this project? How did you get to know County Magistrate Su? Who connected you? When did you transfer the money to County Magistrate Su's account?"

"I tell you, the crime you've committed is bribery; the punishment can be light or heavy, but ultimately how you're dealt with depends on your attitude. If you behave better, the Public Security Organs may treat you leniently, even let you go."

"But if you stubbornly resist, refuse to confess or deliberately conceal the fact of your bribery, you'll surely suffer in prison. And if you go in, think of your elderly mother, your wife, your children—how will you live afterward? A man is the pillar of his family; if that pillar is gone, I need not spell out the consequences."

The man's face rapidly changed color, his lips trembling slightly; evidently he was agonizing inside.

After a full half minute, he said: "Yes, I admit this was to secure the project; I transferred 50,000 yuan to County Magistrate Su. I asked him personally for his account number, and he told me. Originally I didn't know County Magistrate Su, but hearing about the road construction project, I went to his office to find him. I transferred the money on January 18."

Qi Guohui was delighted: "Good, good, it's fine that you confessed voluntarily." He then personally took the record he had made and had the man sign it.

As for the other person, his statement was almost exactly the same. They clearly understood what was really going on; they were merely nominal agents, the actual project did not belong to them, and the profits surely were not theirs either.

Still, they could pocket a little something, and the settlement of the project's final payment required no worry on their part; compared to ordinary contractors, they got less, but with no side effects whatsoever—this kind of project is something any contractor would love.

Yet they dared not offend Hou Junlai and Zhou Yanru.

That is why they chose this compromise statement.

Seeing this, Zhou Yanru and Hou Junlai were nearly exploding with anger.

They wished they could rush in themselves and ask what was really happening, why they had so easily become others' pawns.

Qi Guohui, holding those two men's confessions, walked out triumphantly and said before the crowd: "Secretary Zhang, comrades, I believe everyone has seen that they have already confessed, and the time and amount match up."

Afterwards he turned to Su Yang: "County Magistrate Su, I feel terrible; earlier I had suspicions, fearing someone might tamper with this process, worried that someone wanted to deliberately frame you and staged this. Now both personal and material evidence are in place—you owe everyone an explanation. If you clarify things, when the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission and relevant municipal departments come to investigate, we can all speak up for you."

"But if you can't make it clear, then no one can help you. Moreover, what's the story with your over three million yuan balance? This is something I think everyone present wants to know."

His excitement actually led him to take the initiative in questioning Su Yang, not giving Zhang Jiangbo a chance.

A flicker of displeasure crossed Zhang Jiangbo's eyes; at this moment, the person who should be in a position to dominate Su Yang from above ought to be him.

Qi Guohui's brain really isn't up to the task, but now the evidence is solid; Su Yang probably can't give a clear account.

However, at this point he deliberately ignored some issues, his mind full of how to bring Su Yang under control.

Had he been a bit clearer-headed, he wouldn't have been slapped in the face again later.