189: Chapter 189 The Arrogant Qi Heng

When Director Qi Heng walked out of the Luyuan Hotel, it was pitch black outside.

He stood at the entrance, lit a cigarette, and took a deep drag. The smoke dispersed under the streetlights, blurring his face.

He glanced back at the window that was still lit, the corners of his mouth curling slightly.

He tightened his belt a notch, got into the car, and started the engine.

Su Bainian was curled up on the bed, pulling the quilt up to her chin. Her whole body was still trembling; her tears had dried up, and her eye sockets felt so dry they were about to crack.

On the bedside table lay a room key card and a stack of cash, which Director Qi Heng had tossed down before leaving.

She didn't look at the money, only stared at the room key card.

Her phone vibrated, and the screen lit up. It was a text message from Director Qi Heng, containing only one sentence.

"From now on, be on call at all times. Don't let me be unable to find you."

Su Bainian shoved the phone under her pillow, closed her eyes, and covered her head with the quilt.

The next morning, Director Qi Heng appeared on time in the Public Security Bureau conference room.

The bureau's Party Committee meeting was held once a week, without fail.

Director Qi Heng sat at the head of the table with a thick folder in front of him. He twirled a pen in his hand, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.

Deputy Director Li Zhongmin sat opposite him, also with a folder in front of him, but it remained closed, and his expression was grim.

Political Commissar Zhou Jianguo sat to Director Qi Heng's right, his hands folded on the table, maintaining a neutral posture.

The other deputy directors each had their own thoughts; some were looking down at their notebooks, some were slowly sipping from teacups, and others were leaning back in their chairs with their eyes closed, resting.

Director Qi Heng opened the folder and cleared his throat. His voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable authority.

"Comrades, today's agenda is very important. The special campaign for the Crackdown on Organized Crime has entered a critical stage. The provincial and city levels are increasing their efforts, and we cannot fall behind."

He pulled a sheet of paper from the folder and held it up for everyone present to see.

"This is the distribution of organized crime forces in the county and a list of key individuals, which I had the Criminal Investigation Brigade compile. Everyone, please pass it around."

Political Commissar Zhou Jianguo took the paper, glanced at it, and passed it to Director Li Zhongmin next to him.

Director Li Zhongmin took it, and as his gaze landed on the first line, his pupils contracted slightly.

What was written there was not organized crime forces, but the names of several KTVs and bathhouses in the county, along with their owners, the number of employees, and their approximate revenue—all written out clearly.

He had heard of these establishments; many of the owners ran legitimate businesses and had nothing to do with organized crime.

He continued reading, and the further he read, the worse his expression became.

The paper listed over a dozen establishments. He recognized several of them; the owners were acquaintances of his from Hukuang Township who ran legitimate businesses, paid taxes on time, and never caused trouble.

Director Li Zhongmin looked up at Director Qi Heng, his gaze filled with something undefinable.

"Director Qi, I've looked at this list. As far as I know, some of the establishments on it have nothing to do with organized crime."

"The owner of Jinbi Huihuang KTV is surnamed Wang. He's been open for seven or eight years and has never had a criminal record."

"The owner of Shuiyunjian Bathhouse is surnamed Zhang. He used to run a restaurant and is also a legitimate businessman. Is there some misunderstanding about including them on the Crackdown on Organized Crime list?"

The air in the conference room instantly froze, and everyone's eyes were fixed on Director Qi Heng and Director Li Zhongmin.

Some were nervous, some were gloating, and some were waiting to see a good show.

Director Qi Heng leaned back in his chair, stopped twirling his pen, looked at Director Li Zhongmin, and remained silent for a few seconds.

"Deputy Director Li, are you questioning me?"

Director Li Zhongmin met his gaze without backing down. "I am not questioning you; I am being realistic."

"There are clear standards for the Crackdown on Organized Crime; not just any establishment can be thrown into this basket."

"Director Qi, who provided this list? Has it been verified?"

Director Qi Heng's smile vanished. He sat up straight, his voice low.

"Comrade Li Zhongmin, you have worked in the Public Security Bureau for so many years; you should know the sensitivity of the Crackdown on Organized Crime."

"These establishments were only included on the list after the Criminal Investigation Brigade conducted long-term investigation and repeated verification."

"You say they are legitimate business people; what evidence do you have?"

Director Li Zhongmin frowned. He tapped his finger on the paper, his voice low but clear. "Director Qi, the owner of Jinbi Huihuang was named an outstanding individual business owner in the county last year, and the county television station even reported on it."

"Boss Zhang of Shuiyunjian donated fifty thousand yuan to the township primary school the year before last, and the Education Bureau even issued him a certificate of honor."

"These things are in the newspapers and can also be found online."

"Can an organized crime force get positive coverage on the county television station? Can an organized crime force donate money to a primary school?"

Director Qi Heng's face darkened, and he tapped his fingers on the table twice.

"Li Zhongmin, are you teaching me how to handle cases?"

Director Li Zhongmin leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, and said in a neither humble nor pushy tone, "I am not teaching you how to handle cases; I am reminding you that the Crackdown on Organized Crime should not be expanded indiscriminately."

"The central government has repeatedly emphasized the need for precise strikes; we cannot treat general illegal acts or even legitimate business activities as organized crime."

"Some of the establishments on this list clearly do not meet the criteria for being identified as organized crime."

"If we arrest people according to this list, what will the public think of us when word gets out? What will our superiors think of us?"

Director Qi Heng slammed the table, his voice exploding in the conference room. "Enough!"

Everyone was startled, but Director Li Zhongmin sat opposite him, motionless, his expression unchanged.

"Li Zhongmin, I'll give you one chance: retract what you just said."

Director Qi Heng's voice was very low, but everyone could see the rage in his eyes.

Director Li Zhongmin looked at him, shook his head after a few seconds, and said in a calm voice, "Director Qi, every word I have said can withstand the organization's scrutiny."

"If you think I am wrong, you can report it to our superiors."

"But before I sign this list, I must reserve my opinion."

The conference room was silent for a few seconds. Political Commissar Zhou Jianguo quickly tried to smooth things over. He stood up, walked between the two, looked from one to the other, and said in a very soft tone, "Old Qi, Old Li, this is all work-related. Why can't we discuss it properly?"

"Don't get excited, don't get excited."

"Old Qi, Old Li's opinion also makes sense. Should we verify it again?"

"Old Li, Old Qi is also doing this for work. With a matter as big as the Crackdown on Organized Crime, there is nothing wrong with being cautious."

Others joined in the persuasion. Someone stood up to pour tea for Director Qi Heng, someone pulled Director Li Zhongmin to sit down, and others changed the subject. The atmosphere in the conference room slowly eased.

Director Qi Heng picked up his teacup and took a large gulp. His expression remained grim, but he didn't lose his temper again.

Director Li Zhongmin leaned back in his chair, eyes closed, not wanting to say another word.

Director Qi Heng picked up the list and turned a page. His tone returned to that of official, business-like indifference, but every word carried an unquestionable arrogance.

"Before we adjourn, I will clarify the tasks. The establishments on this list will be inspected in three batches."

"The first batch begins next Monday, led by the Criminal Investigation Brigade with the assistance of the Public Security Brigade."

"Whoever is responsible must carry it out; don't make me urge you."

After saying this, he stood up, picked up the folder, turned around, and walked out.

The sound of the door closing was heavier than usual, echoing in the hallway like something had been shattered.

Director Li Zhongmin sat in his chair without moving. He looked at the list in front of him, at those familiar names, feeling a complex mix of emotions.

Since Director Li Zhongmin was transferred to the county bureau as deputy director, he rarely took the initiative to visit Xu Weidong.

Without Xu Weidong, Director Li Zhongmin would not be where he was today.

He would remember this kindness for the rest of his life.

That afternoon, Director Li Zhongmin sat in his office for a long time, staring at the list on his desk, his ashtray piled high with cigarette butts.

He folded the list, put it in his pocket, picked up his coat, and left.

As his car drove out of the Public Security Bureau compound, he glanced through the window at Director Qi Heng's office window.

Xu Weidong's office was on the fourth floor of the County Government building, at the end of the hall, the room with the best sunlight.

When Director Li Zhongmin arrived, the secretary said that County Magistrate Xu was meeting with a guest and asked him to wait a moment.

He sat on a chair in the hallway and waited for about fifteen minutes. The door opened, and out came the director of the Finance Bureau, Zhou Lihua.

The other man's expression was not very good; he nodded when he saw Director Li Zhongmin and walked away quickly.

Director Li Zhongmin stood up and knocked on the door.

"Come in."

Xu Weidong was leaning back in his chair with a file spread out on the desk in front of him. Seeing Director Li Zhongmin, the corners of his mouth curled slightly, and he pointed to the chair opposite him.

"Comrade Li Zhongmin is here? Sit."

"County Magistrate Xu, I am here today to report something to you."

Xu Weidong leaned back in his chair, watching him, waiting for him to continue.

Director Li Zhongmin took the folded list out of his pocket and spread it out in front of Xu Weidong.

The paper was wrinkled, and the edges were frayed, but the handwriting on it was neat and clear.

It listed the names, addresses, owners, and business scales of over a dozen establishments.

"This is the key investigation list for the Crackdown on Organized Crime that Director Qi Heng issued at the bureau's Party Committee meeting the day before yesterday."

"He said it was the result of long-term investigation by the Criminal Investigation Brigade, and the establishments on it were all included in the scope of the Crackdown on Organized Crime."

Director Li Zhongmin pointed to a line on the list with his finger. "The owner of Jinbi Huihuang KTV has been open for seven or eight years and has never had a criminal record. He was named an outstanding individual business owner in the county last year, and the county television station even reported on it."

His finger moved to another line. "Shuiyunjian Bathhouse, owner Zhang Yongnian, donated fifty thousand yuan to the Hukuang Township primary school the year before last, and the Education Bureau issued a certificate of honor."

"Such establishments were also included on the Crackdown on Organized Crime list."

Xu Weidong's gaze fell on the list. He didn't reach out to take it, but his brow furrowed slightly.

Director Li Zhongmin continued, his voice even lower. "I raised an objection on the spot at the Party Committee meeting and had an argument with Director Qi Heng."

"He was very angry, but later, with the persuasion of the Political Commissar and other deputy directors, the meeting ended."

"But in the end, the list was issued as is, without any modifications."

Xu Weidong flicked the ash from his cigarette. His voice was not loud. "You came to see me today; what do you want me to do to help you?"

Director Li Zhongmin looked up at him. "County Magistrate Xu, I am not here to ask for your help; I am here to report a situation to you."

"Director Qi Heng has issues."

Xu Weidong did not speak, waiting for him to continue.

Director Li Zhongmin took a deep breath, as if having made a major decision. "After the Party Committee meeting that day, I was eating at a restaurant in the county in the evening and happened to run into Director Qi Heng, who was also eating at that restaurant with some people."

"The one hosting the meal was the owner of one of the bathhouses on the list. The next morning, the name of this bathhouse was crossed off the Crackdown on Organized Crime list."

"The people from the Criminal Investigation Brigade said that after further verification, the establishment did not have any organized crime issues."

Xu Weidong's brow furrowed even tighter. He stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and took a sip from his teacup.

"Are you saying that Director Qi Heng is using the name of the Crackdown on Organized Crime to target establishments that do not provide him with benefits, and then removing them from the list after receiving bribes?"

Director Li Zhongmin nodded. "I suspect that is the case, and it hasn't been just for a day or two."

"Since the special Crackdown on Organized Crime campaign began, I have carefully reviewed the case files of the several so-called organized crime groups that the county bureau has taken down."

"Some of the evidence is very vague, and some of the testimonies are contradictory, but none of it could withstand Director Qi Heng's pressure. In the end, those who should have been sentenced were sentenced, and those who should have been arrested were arrested."

"Some of the owners' family members came to the bureau to report the situation, but they were blocked outside and couldn't even get through the door."

Xu Weidong stood up and walked to the window, his back to Director Li Zhongmin, looking at the grey sky outside.

He thought of his father, Xu Tianhua, and remembered his speech at the Public Security Crackdown on Organized Crime mobilization meeting.

"The Crackdown on Organized Crime is a major decision and deployment of the CPC Central Committee; it is a major political task related to the stability of state power, social peace, and the people's ability to live and work in peace."

Xu Tianhua had been involved in this for so many years, and what he hated most were those who engaged in corruption under the banner of the Crackdown on Organized Crime.

"For Director Qi Heng to do this is simply disregarding the power the people have given him."

Director Li Zhongmin did not speak, sitting in his chair, watching Xu Weidong's back.

The grey daylight from outside the window fell on Xu Weidong, casting a layer of coldness over his dark jacket.

The office was very quiet, so quiet that one could hear the ticking of the clock on the wall.

He looked at Director Li Zhongmin, his gaze returning to its usual calmness, but with a trace of subtle, sharp coldness.

"Comrade Li Zhongmin, I know about this matter now. Leave this list with me; I'll take a look."

He reached out and picked up the folded list, placed it in a folder, and looked at Director Li Zhongmin again.

"As for Director Qi Heng, continue to observe him."

"Whatever other violations he has, whether it's accepting bribes, abusing his power, or issues with his personal conduct, record them all and report to me promptly."

Director Li Zhongmin nodded, his voice firm. "County Magistrate Xu, rest assured, I will keep a close watch."

Xu Weidong leaned back in his chair, tapped his fingers on the desk twice, and his voice deepened. "Comrade Li Zhongmin, you know that although the personnel authority for the Public Security Bureau director lies with the County Party Committee, it still requires the approval of the City Public Security Bureau."

"Director Qi Heng's position as bureau director was decided when the previous County Party Committee Secretary, Secretary Yang, was in office. At the time, they used connections at the City Public Security Bureau, and the county just went through the motions."

Director Li Zhongmin's eyes lit up, but he quickly returned to calmness.

Xu Weidong flicked the ash from his cigarette, took a sip from his teacup, and his tone returned to its usual indifference.

"After you go back, work as usual."

"Don't let anyone see anything."

"As for Director Qi Heng, report work when you should, and cooperate when you should; don't let him become suspicious."

"However, you must keep a record of every outrageous thing he does."

"Time, place, people, and the sequence of events—the more detailed, the better."

Director Li Zhongmin stood up, his back straight, his gaze firm. "County Magistrate Xu, rest assured, I will handle it well."

Xu Weidong nodded and did not speak.

Xu Weidong sat in his chair, looking at the list on the table for a long time.

Then he picked up the phone and dialed County Magistrate Bai Weijun's number.

"County Magistrate Bai, hello. There is something I would like to report to you regarding Comrade Director Qi Heng of the Public Security Bureau."

County Magistrate Bai Weijun was silent for a second on the other end of the line, his voice steady. "Go ahead."

Xu Weidong briefly recounted the situation reported by Director Li Zhongmin, without adding any embellishments or exaggerating, simply stating the events as they were.

After listening, County Magistrate Bai Weijun was silent for a few seconds. His voice remained steady, but with a trace of coldness. "Understood. Do not mention this matter to anyone else. I will handle it."

Xu Weidong acknowledged and hung up the phone.