126: Chapter 126 The Dust Settles

Xiao Bei nodded: "And their methods were very sloppy, without even basic cover-ups. They were completely relying on the fact that no one would dare to investigate them. This is simply an unexpected gain. We must report this to Secretary Zhou immediately."

Team Leader Zhang Yining pushed the door open, holding a stack of documents in her hand: "The Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection has approved the search warrant. The comrades from The Court can go to audit the accounts of Mingyuan Trading tomorrow!"

She finished excitedly, only then noticing that Su Yun was also there: "Sister, you haven't rested yet?"

Su Yun smiled and shook her head: "Aren't you two also still awake?"

Early the next morning, Xiao Bei and the comrades from the Procuratorate accompanied a raid on the office of Mingyuan Trading. When the company accountant saw the search warrant, her face turned deathly pale, and she confessed everything before they could even ask.

"Mayor Zhang... no, Zhang Mingyuan sends people to collect money every month," the finance manager said, trembling. "Sometimes it's cash, and sometimes he makes us transfer it to designated accounts. We only handle the bookkeeping and never dare to ask questions."

"Do you recognize these accounts?" Xiao Bei pushed a list across the desk.

The finance manager glanced at it and pointed to one of them: "This is a company opened by Commissioner Zhang's nephew. There are frequent large-sum capital transactions."

At noon, Xiao Bei sent a report on the latest situation to Qin Ruoxi. Less than ten minutes later, Qin Ruoxi called.

"The evidence is very sufficient," her voice came through the phone, clear and firm. "I have already reported to the Provincial Party Committee. Zhang Mingyuan was just taken away by the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection. Thinking of climbing into my position? He must be tired of living."

Xiao Bei let out a long sigh of relief: "And County Magistrate Xuan Lingyu..."

"She is just a minor character. She was originally a victim, but because she coveted power and money, she became an active criminal. She will serve her sentence in the city."

Qin Ruoxi sneered: "She really is a sycophant to those above and a bully to those below, both fawning over Zhang Mingyuan and his group and exploiting ordinary employees. However, she also provided key testimony, which counts as a meritorious service."

"Indeed. Some employee representatives reported that whenever County Magistrate Xuan Lingyu saw a leader one rank higher than her, she would grin widely and speak extremely gently. Yet, whenever she faced subordinates or ordinary staff, she would put on airs. They all dared not speak out, only gaining the courage to do so after hearing she had been arrested."

Hanging up the phone, Xiao Bei walked out of the office and found Su Yun and Team Leader Zhang Yining waiting for him in the corridor. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden halo over them.

"Is it over?" Su Yun asked with a smile.

Xiao Bei nodded: "It's over. Zhang Mingyuan has been arrested, and Zhang Qimin has added another charge to his list of crimes. The teachers' money will be recovered through legal procedures."

Team Leader Zhang Yining cheered, then remembered something: "What about County Magistrate Xuan Lingyu?"

"What awaits her is the judgment of the law," Xiao Bei looked out the window. "But compared to Zhang Mingyuan and his group, her crimes are much lighter. She didn't get much money, and she didn't climb very high in office; most of it was just gained by sleeping her way up."

Su Yun gently took Xiao Bei's hand: "You did it."

Xiao Bei squeezed her hand back, feeling the warmth from her palm.

These hands of Xiao Bei had once slammed tables and shouted in indignation in the Discipline Inspection Commission's interrogation room, and had once flipped through evidence in the office late at night. Now, they could finally relax for a moment.

"Let's go," he said to the two ladies. "I'll treat you to a meal. This time, it's a real celebration."

The three walked out of the government building, the setting sun stretching their shadows long, blending them together until they couldn't be distinguished. In the distance, a banner of gratitude spontaneously organized by the teachers swayed gently in the wind, with the words: "Thank you to the government for acting in the interest of the people."

Another day passed.

Sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting mottled shadows on the desk. Xiao Bei rubbed his sore eyes and placed the final document into the folder for review. The clock on the wall pointed to eleven in the morning, an hour before the lunch break.

Since the case that unraveled this whole chain within the education system had settled, the work rhythm of the Jinhe County Government had finally returned to normal. The withheld wages of the teachers were being gradually returned, and the newly established Education Supervision Committee had begun operations. Everything was moving in a positive direction.

The phone on the desk vibrated, and the screen lit up.

"I made the braised pork ribs you love today. Delivering them at twelve o'clock sharp. — Su Yun"

The corners of Xiao Bei's mouth lifted involuntarily. Since the case ended, Su Yun seemed to have found a new focus in life—studying various recipes. She said she wanted to make up for the regrets of not cooking properly before, and Xiao Bei became the direct beneficiary.

"County Magistrate Xiao, this is the information on Zhao Lixin, the newly transferred Deputy Director of the Education Bureau." Team Leader Zhang Yining knocked and entered, placing a file on the table. "Secretary Ma said to let you take a look."

Xiao Bei opened the file, his brows furrowing slightly: "Transferred from Cangyang District?"

"Yes. It is said that he has strong capabilities and performed outstandingly while in charge of infrastructure projects at the Cangyang District Education Bureau." Team Leader Zhang Yining paused. "However..."

"However what?"

"I looked into it, and the Cangyang District Education Bureau had three infrastructure projects that went severely over budget last year, one of which was the responsibility of this Deputy Director Zhao."

Xiao Bei's fingers tapped lightly on the file: "Interesting. Does Secretary Ma know about this?"

"He knows. Secretary Ma said that things are not necessarily as they appear on the surface, and that we should observe for a period of time."

Xiao Bei closed the file: "Hmm. By the way, are the materials for this afternoon's meeting ready?"

"They are all ready." Team Leader Zhang Yining checked her watch. "It's time for you to eat. What delicious food did Sister Su Yun bring you today?"

"Braised pork ribs." Xiao Bei stood up and stretched his stiff shoulders. "Do you want to join?"

Team Leader Zhang Yining smiled and shook her head: "No thanks, I don't want to be a third wheel. Besides, I have a date with my boyfriend."

Xiao Bei raised an eyebrow: "When did this happen? How come I didn't know?"

"Just... the week before last, Xiao Wang from the traffic police squad." Team Leader Zhang Yining's face flushed. "You are too busy; I wouldn't dare disturb you with such trivial matters."

"That's a good thing! You're impressive; even as busy as we are, you didn't let it stop you from dating."

"Great Leader Xiao, aren't you the same?" Team Leader Zhang Yining responded, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Xiao Bei patted her shoulder: "Bring him over for me to see another day."

The office door was knocked on lightly, and Su Yun walked in, carrying an insulated lunch box. She was wearing a light blue dress today, and her sexy wavy hair was simply tied into a ponytail, making her look fresh and capable.

"Yining is here too." Su Yun greeted with a smile. "I made a lot; would you like to eat some together?"

"No, no, I have an appointment." Team Leader Zhang Yining winked at Xiao Bei and quickly slipped out of the office.

Su Yun opened the lunch box layer by layer, and the aroma immediately filled the entire office. The top layer was crystal-clear white rice, the middle was bright red braised pork ribs, and the bottom layer was stir-fried seasonal vegetables and a bowl of seaweed and egg drop soup.

"Try it, it's a new recipe I learned." Su Yun handed over the chopsticks, her eyes full of anticipation.

Xiao Bei picked up a piece of rib; the meat was tender and fell off the bone, melting in his mouth, with the sweet and salty sauce just right. "This is delicious."