74: Chapter 74 Holding a Meeting

Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang took a deep breath and clutched the USB drive in his palm:

"Alright, I'll go right away."

The door to Xiao Bei's office was slightly ajar. Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang knocked, and heard a "Come in" from inside.

As he pushed the door open, he saw Xiao Bei reviewing documents; the morning sun outside cast a golden rim around him.

"Comrade Guoqiang, you're here so early."

Xiao Bei put down his fountain pen, his gaze landing on Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang's face. "It seems you didn't rest well last night?"

Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang offered a bitter smile and didn't respond.

He walked to Xiao Bei's desk and placed the USB drive on the surface:

"Secretary Xiao, here is the thing you need."

Xiao Bei raised his eyebrows slightly and picked up the USB drive, turning it over in his hand:

"Everything?"

"Everything."

Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang's voice was somewhat hoarse. "Including the accounting records of Town Mayor Sun Jiaming accepting dividends from the mine, copies of documents for the illegal approval of land, and... his dealings with certain leaders in the county."

Xiao Bei's gaze sharpened. He stood up, walked to the door, locked it, and then returned to his seat to insert the USB drive into the computer.

The blue light from the screen reflected onto his face, making him look exceptionally stern.

After a few minutes of silence, Xiao Bei let out a long breath:

"Comrade Guoqiang, these materials are critical."

He turned to Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang. "You took a great risk."

"Since I decided to work with you, I've left myself no way back."

Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang's voice was low but firm. "However, Secretary Xiao, there is something you must know—Town Mayor Sun Jiaming's backer in the county is not just a casual connection; County Head Xiahou Yang used to be his old superior."

A flash of surprise crossed Xiao Bei's eyes, but he immediately regained his composure:

"No wonder he is so emboldened."

He pulled out the USB drive and carefully placed it into his inner pocket. "Comrade Guoqiang, from now on, we are in the same boat."

Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang nodded. He suddenly felt the burden on his shoulders lighten significantly. For the first time in five years, he felt he could breathe freely.

"The Development Zone project is going to the Party Committee meeting next week."

Xiao Bei walked to the window, watching the crowds arriving for work in the Town Government courtyard. "Town Mayor Sun Jiaming will surely try to obstruct it with all his might. When the time comes, I need you to stand up and speak."

"I understand."

Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang stood up. "But Secretary Xiao, we must act with caution. Town Mayor Sun Jiaming is not alone; there is a web behind him."

Xiao Bei turned around, a meaningful smile curling at the corner of his lips:

"That is why we must first cut the edges of the web, and then slowly close it in. The Development Zone will be the first strike."

The two exchanged a look, a tacit understanding passing between them.

Outside the office, the Town Government courtyard broadcast began playing the morning news; a new day had officially begun.

After much deliberation, Xiao Bei decided that because this matter was of great importance, he had to report it to Secretary Qi Zhengming first and ask for his decision. He then called Secretary Qi Zhengming's secretary, Yu Fei.

"Hello, Secretary Yu, this is Xiao Bei. I have an important matter to report to Secretary Qi... Yes, the sooner the better. Thank you for your trouble."

After hanging up the phone, Xiao Bei stood before the office window. The USB drive in his hand felt heavy, as if it weighed a thousand jin.

Outside the window, pedestrians hurried along the streets of Bishi Town. No one knew that this peaceful little town was about to face a storm.

"Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang has truly staked everything on this."

Xiao Bei stroked the USB drive, his thoughts racing. He turned on his computer and carefully organized and categorized the files on the drive, making backups of the important evidence.

Recordings, photos, accounting records—these materials were enough to prove the power-for-money deals between Town Mayor Sun Jiaming and the Bishi mine.

The telephone rang suddenly, interrupting Xiao Bei's thoughts. It was the number for the County Party Committee office.

"Secretary Xiao, Secretary Qi has time this morning. Please arrive at the County Party Committee at 9:00 sharp."

On the other end of the line was Secretary Qi Zhengming's secretary, Yu Fei.

"Alright, I will be there on time."

Xiao Bei hung up the phone, took a deep breath, and then drove to the county seat.

On the way, he repeatedly thought about how to report to Secretary Qi.

Town Mayor Sun Jiaming's network of connections in the county was intricate and complex, especially his relationship with County Head Xiahou Yang. A single misstep could alert the enemy.

The County Party Committee building was solemn and imposing. Led by the secretary, Xiao Bei arrived at Secretary Qi Zhengming's office.

"Comrade Xiao Bei, sit."

Secretary Qi Zhengming pointed to the sofa. "I heard you've encountered some trouble in Bishi Town?"

Xiao Bei did not beat around the bush:

"Secretary Qi, I have discovered that Bishi Town Town Mayor Sun Jiaming is suspected of serious disciplinary and legal violations, involving improper economic dealings with the mine owner, General Manager Xiang Wenqiang."

As he spoke, he handed over the materials he had organized.

Secretary Qi Zhengming took the documents, his brow gradually furrowing.

The only sound in the office was the rustling of paper; the atmosphere was so heavy that one could almost hear a heartbeat.

"You people in Bishi Town really don't let anyone rest easy! Is this evidence conclusive?"

Secretary Qi Zhengming finally spoke, his voice low.

"It is conclusive. There are recordings, accounting records, and approval documents, as well as witness testimonies."

Xiao Bei replied, "Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang risked his safety to collect these materials."

Secretary Qi Zhengming stood up and walked to the window to ponder for a moment, then suddenly turned around:

"Who is behind Town Mayor Sun Jiaming?"

Xiao Bei's heart rate accelerated:

"According to Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang's report, County Head Xiahou Yang has a close relationship with Town Mayor Sun Jiaming."

"As I thought."

Secretary Qi Zhengming sneered. "County Head Xiahou Yang has been operating in the county for many years; his roots run deep."

He walked back to his desk and picked up the phone. "Xiao Zhang, have Secretary Yang from the Discipline Inspection Commission come to my office immediately."

After hanging up, Secretary Qi Zhengming said to Xiao Bei:

"This matter cannot be delayed. You are to hand these materials over to Secretary Yang of the Discipline Inspection Commission. Remember, do not mention our conversation today to anyone."

Xiao Bei nodded solemnly:

"I understand."

When he left the County Party Committee building, Xiao Bei felt the burden on his shoulders lighten, but he knew in his heart that the real battle had only just begun.

Three days later, in the Bishi Town Party Committee meeting room.

Xiao Bei sat at the head of the table, looking around at the Party Committee members present.

Town Mayor Sun Jiaming sat on his right hand side, legs crossed as usual, a faint, mocking sneer on his face. Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang sat opposite, his expression calm, but Xiao Bei noticed his hands hidden under the table were trembling slightly.

"The main topic of today's meeting is the establishment of the Development Zone project."

Xiao Bei got straight to the point. "After preliminary research, I believe this project is crucial to the economic development of Bishi Town, and I propose we advance it as soon as possible."

Town Mayor Sun Jiaming immediately chimed in:

"Secretary Xiao, I disagree. The site selection for the Development Zone involves a large area of land acquisition, which will incite public dissatisfaction. The disturbance last week is proof of this."

"Town Mayor Sun."

Xiao Bei looked directly at him. "The public disturbance was because someone spread rumors claiming that the land acquisition compensation would be embezzled. In fact, our compensation standards are even higher than what the county stipulates."

Town Mayor Sun Jiaming scoffed:

"Secretary Xiao is new here and does not understand the situation in Bishi. The common people here are stubborn; money isn't enough to satisfy them."

The atmosphere in the meeting room grew tense instantly. The other Party Committee members lowered their heads, not daring to interject.

Xiao Bei knew that most of these people had been co-opted by Town Mayor Sun Jiaming and were currently just watching from the sidelines.

"I support Secretary Xiao's opinion."

A voice suddenly broke the silence...