Chapter 522: 480: Reap Some Benefits First_1

Watching Zhao Dingguang prepare to change clothes and go out, Lin Zhengxing spoke up: “Boss Zhao, at this time, Secretary Shi is likely already at rest. Now that they’ve been arrested anyway, it’s not urgent tonight. Jing Rong and Zhao Jie have been too outrageous, they should suffer for a night.”

Lin Zhengxing’s tone, however, exuded an aura of dominance. Even though Zhou Qingguo had said on the phone that the matter of release must be approved by Nie Zhenbang, Lin Zhengxing didn’t care at all.

Zhao Dingguang also calmed down at this moment. It was already one in the morning, and based on Shi Yiwu’s usual routine, he would already be asleep. Hence, Zhao Dingguang nodded and said, “It can only be so.”

Early the next day, before seven, Zhao Dingguang was already up. Beside him, two young bodies caused him to heat up again. However, considering that he had things to do today, Zhao Dingguang sat up, dressed neatly, left Hongyun Building and got into his car which was waiting for him. As soon as he got into the car, he immediately ordered, “Go to the residential area of the city party committee.”

By around half-past seven, Zhao Dingguang had already arrived at the city party committee.

Upon entering, Zhao Dingguang smiled and said, “Busy sister-in-law, is the Secretary at home?”

Zhao Dingguang was very familiar with Shi Yiwu’s house. As an old subordinate, Zhao Dingguang was brought up by Shi Yiwu himself. Entering Shi Yiwu’s home was like entering his own house.

Shi Yiwu’s wife, a kind and gentle woman, smiled and said, “You’ve arrived, Dingguang. Old Shi is having breakfast in the dining room, you can go in.”

When Zhao Dingguang walked into the living room, he heard a voice: “Yesterday, the traffic police brigade of our city deployed action against the long-term trouble of illegal racing. Four racers were caught on the spot.”

In the dining room, Shi Yiwu was sitting with a plate of bread and cake in front of him, a cup of milk, and a plate of fried eggs.

Zhang Xiaohai was standing nearby, reading the newspaper. It was Shi Yiwu’s habit to read the morning newspaper, especially the local one. This used to be done by Shi Yiwu himself, but as his position elevated, the task was handed over to his secretary. Nonetheless, the habit was retained.

Hearing these words, Shi Yiwu grunted, took a sip of milk, and said, “Didn’t the newspaper say who it was?”

Even before he finished, Zhao Dingguang stepped forward and said, “Old leader.”

Seeing Zhao Dingguang walk in, Shi Yiwu was surprised but nodded, “Come in, sit down.”

This remark made Zhao Dingguang very proud. The more approachable Shi Yiwu was, the more it proved his own stature in Shi Yiwu’s eyes.

As soon as he sat down, Shi Yiwu slowly said, “Dingguang, you’re here regarding last night’s incident, aren’t you? I have to say, Zhao Jie needs to be restrained.”

“Old leader, I…” at that moment, Zhao Dingguang’s face didn’t look too good. Shi Yiwu had brought it up before he even started.

After a moment of silence, Zhao Dingguang nodded and said, “Old leader, I admit my mistake. I’ve neglected in educating my children.”

“However, old leader, as you can see, Nie Zhenbang is obviously seeking personal revenge in this matter. I’ve also heard about what happened last night between Zhao Jie and Lin Jingrong. It’s said they were illegally racing, but in fact, it wasn’t that serious. They were just driving a bit faster, not too much over the speed limit. Nie Zhenbang did this mainly to retaliate against General Lin.” Zhao Dingguang, despite his hesitation, said again.

He had to say something, as now his son was arrested, Zhao Dingguang had already figured out during the drive that he was at a disadvantage with Nie Zhenbang. He couldn’t be tough in this situation. How about Yan the vice chairman before? His position at the deputy-national level, but Nie Zhenbang pushed him back hard. However, Zhao Dingguang was also utterly unwilling to bow to Nie Zhenbang. At this time, he could only pin his hopes on Shi Yiwu.

Shi Yiwu didn’t quite believe Zhao Dingguang’s words. What exactly constituted as car racing, Shi Yiwu didn’t quite understand. But a group of young people, running wildly on the road late at night, simply by speeding, obviously couldn’t be justified.

But, this matter had to be dealt with. After a moment of silence, Shi Yiwu also stood up. He nodded and said, “Let’s go to the Municipal Party Committee first.”

Two issues cannot be treated on an equal footing. Regarding the land auction, yesterday, Lin Zhengxing had also called Shi Yiwu about the plot of land in Moon Lake Bay. Lin Zhengxing’s intention was very clear. In a straightforward word, he needed to acquire the land.

Despite Lin Zhengxing’s arrogant tone and domineering attitude, Shi Yiwu had no choice. His own family’s trip abroad, it was Lin Zhengxing who had arranged it. The gifts and money he had received had also been arranged by Lin Zhengxing. Even the Bentley used as the Municipal Party Committee’s reception car, even though he was now using it, were all supported by General Lin. Adages held, “Once you accept someone’s favor, it’s hard to say no.” Now, when Shi Yiwu realized it, it was already too late. Shi Yiwu dared not gamble. He knew exactly what kind of person Lin Zhengxing was. He believed that Lin Zhengxing must have more cards in hand. This matter indeed had to be done. This issue can be discussed at the standing committee meeting. He believed that with his power, he could forcefully change the use of Moon Lake Bay land and then operate it. He also had a great confidence.

As for the matters of Zhao Jie and Lin Jingrong, these could only be privately discussed with Nie Zhenbang. However, this matter clearly entailed some cost.

The car stopped at the office building of the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government. As soon as he entered the door, many staff members stopped and greeted Shi Yiwu.

Shi Yiwu’s expression was serious. In the face of the staff from the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government, he usually showed a pleasant face. However, today, Shi Yiwu just nodded.

…

“Deputy Mayor Nie, huh? Ha-ha, this is Shi Yiwu.” As soon as he entered the office, Shi Yiwu picked up the phone on the desk and dialed Nie Zhenbang’s number.

Nie Zhenbang had been expecting Shi Yiwu’s call. His actions last night must have been reported to Shi Yiwu.

Lin Zhengxing would never come to him. As for Zhao Dingguang, even if he did come to him, it probably wouldn’t mean much.

Immediately, Nie Zhenbang also smiled and said, “Secretary Shi, you are a rarity. Why did you find the time to call me today? Any instructions?”

The words of Nie Zhenbang made Shi Yiwu quite annoyed. In Shi Yiwu’s view, Nie Zhenbang’s mouth was deserving a lesson. He ironically said things likes — you are a rarity — why did you call me — and what instruction do you have? These words were all sarcastic.

The Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee called a team member to show his care for the work. Not calling is being reserved. As a member of the team, you are supposed to report your work and thoughts to your leader at any time. You, Nie Zhenbang, have been in Wanghai City for a long time, but I never saw you report to me. As for the command – that’s even more of a joke. If the command were useful, I wouldn’t be so passive and call you myself?

After pondering for a moment, Shi Yiwu smiled and said, “Mayor Zhenbang, about the operation conducted by the third traffic police brigade against illegal racing last night. That’s good. The Municipal Party Committee has always been supportive of it.”

This old fox, thought Nie Zhenbang to himself. He gave a cold laugh. He cursed inwardly, “What support? If you really meant to support, would you be calling to tell me now?

Aren’t you subtly telling me that you will be making concessions in certain aspects? If I were a newcomer, I might indeed have been fooled by you, Shi Yiwu. But now, I am cautious and won’t take action without sight of my profits.”

If he let the two of them go now, then when the time comes, Shi Yiwu could just deny having made any promises. When that happens, who could I, Nie, go to for justice? Having learned this lesson, Lin Jingrong and Zhao Jie will likely lie low for a while. It won’t be so easy to find another opportunity again.

Immediately, Nie Zhenbang also smiled. The officialdom was just like that. When he first arrived, Shi Yiwu acted like he was the world’s most important person. He kept calling me Little Nie. Then, after topping him, making him unable to hold the stage, he changed his title to Deputy Mayor Nie. Now, Shi Yiwu needs my help, he affectionately started calling me Mayor Zhenbang. As for Shi Yiwu bypassing me and letting Zhou Qingguo take action, that’s not possible. If no one was watching, it would be very simple to let a person or two go. But now, I’m watching. If anyone dares to move, I dare to chop off their claws. The prestige I have established in front of Vice Chairman Yan is not something that just anyone dares to provoke. This is the advantage.

After pondering for a while, he slowly said, “Secretary Shi, I was preparing to report this matter to you. Last night, four suspects of illegal racing were arrested at the scene. This time, my intention is to deal with it strictly and harshly. We are preparing the materials and preparing to prosecute these four people. Their crime is endangering public safety by dangerous methods.”

Upon hearing this, Shi Yiwu’s face fell. After a while, Shi Yiwu smiled and said, “Mayor Zhenbang, the unity and stability of the team, as well as the overall situation of Wanghai City’s stability and development, these are important considerations. I heard that the incident involved the families of General Lin and Comrade Dingguang. Of course, impartial law enforcement is necessary. However, we also need compassion. These two young men, I have met them, and they are very measured in their actions. I suggest we downplay the people involved and resolve this incident by categorizing it as reckless driving.”

He paused for a moment, then Shi Yiwu smiled and said, “Xiao Shanming from the Municipal Public Security Bureau is quite capable. I think we can consider adjusting Xiao Shanming’s responsibility, by assigning him to oversee traffic control and public order throughout the city.” (