Chapter 2 - Chapter 2: Organize your thoughts

Liu Changqing used to be a coal miner. Later, when the state-owned enterprises underwent reform, he teamed up with eighteen other workers and pooled funds to contract the Dongshan Coal Mine. He happened to ride the wave as China joined the WTO—when there was a power shortage and coal prices soared. Liu Changqing struck it rich, completed the privatization of Dongshan Coal Mine, and later discovered a new coal seam in the neighboring mountain.To expand production, he needed approval paperwork. Coincidentally, Li Bing was in charge of old city redevelopment, land allocation, and mineral resource integration. Through his connections, Liu Changqing tried to befriend Li Bing, even attempting to offer some benefits. But Li Bing was clean and upright, disliked all the flattery and gift-giving, and asked Liu Changqing to go through proper channels for the approval process. As for the solid gold horse that became a piece of evidence—it was only received by his secretary under pressure and was casually placed in his office."So, it was Liu Changqing who reported you under his real name? The only evidence is his statement? And the only physical proof is a photo and that pure gold horse statue sitting in your office?" After reviewing the details, Li Yuanlang felt a little dizzy. This chain of evidence was too flimsy—anyone with half a brain could see this wasn't a real corruption investigation! This was just an excuse to probe Qu Jiang through an economic issue.A little effort would reveal the full picture. It wouldn't cause much damage, and certainly wouldn't shake the big picture. At its core, it was just a dirty move meant to disgust—an idle maneuver. If Li Bing didn't jump off a building, at most it would slightly tarnish Qu Jiang's reputation. But if Li Bing did commit suicide, then the accusation of bribery and corruption would be confirmed, and Qu Jiang would at least be branded as someone with poor judgment in people!What kind of leader deserves to rise to a higher post if he can't even see through the motives of his own secretary?Li Yuanlang frowned. Looking at Li Bing's pale face, he suddenly asked, "Why? Why were you thinking about dying to prove your innocence?""The investigation team came to question me. Then, my secretary Xiao Wu admitted fault on his own—said he didn't do his job well and had affected my reputation. Then he started threatening suicide..."Li Bing paused mid-sentence, suddenly realizing something was wrong.There was something very off about Xiao Wu. And it was something serious!A brass-plated ornament couldn't have magically turned into pure gold. Someone must have entered Li Bing's office and switched the two items. The only one with motive and opportunity was Xiao Wu!Li Yuanlang thought even deeper. If it was just verbal suggestion, it wouldn't have pushed Li Bing to such an emotional extreme. If Xiao Wu really was compromised, then..."Have you noticed anything unusual lately? Mentally, physically—any symptoms?" Li Bing furrowed his brow: "I've had insomnia, but I also feel overly energetic... My teacup—where's my teacup?"To have risen to the role of Executive Vice Mayor, Li Bing clearly wasn't lacking in intellect. His logic was sound—just momentarily clouded by circumstances. Once he broke free of the trap, his mind cleared up quickly.Li Yuanlang scanned the room, then pointed to a nearby thermos cup: "This one?"Li Bing picked up the cup and studied it carefully: "There's definitely something wrong with the tea. Every time I drink it, I feel my heart race, then I can't sleep, and my mood crashes..."Everything started to make sense!Li Bing didn't choose the extreme path solely because of suggestion—it was also the effect of drugs. If none of this was a coincidence, then...Li Yuanlang recalled something from his past life. The person who investigated Li Bing back then was Qu Zifeng, a Section Chief from the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection. He also happened to be Qu Jiang's nephew—his blood nephew!What a filthy setup. If this mess wasn't cut through quickly, given time, it would be like mud splashed into your pants—no matter how you looked at it, it'd still look like crap!"Let's go! We're going to talk to the task force and lay it all out!" Li Yuanlang sounded confident, as if this tough situation could be resolved with ease.Li Bing said nothing. He just quietly followed behind his son, looking at the tall, broad-shouldered figure. He suddenly realized his son had grown up—no longer a child needing protection, but someone who could shoulder burdens.The Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection's conference room had been temporarily repurposed as the Provincial Task Force's office. After receiving the report, Qu Zifeng had personally arrived—first conducting side investigations, then Liu Changqing came forward to confess, admitting he had gifted Mayor Li Bing a pure gold horse statue weighing 20 kilograms.Qu Zifeng had his doubts—until they actually found the golden horse in Li Bing's office!Then came the interview with Li Bing. His thoughts were a mess. He spoke in fragments, sometimes even sounding bitter and cynical...According to procedure, they could have taken measures against Li Bing based on the current evidence. But Qu Zifeng didn't.Because he wanted to give Li Bing time to regain composure, to explain things clearly. After all, this was a critical moment—one that could define future promotions. So, Qu Zifeng chose leniency.Then, Li Bing arrived—with his son, Li Yuanlang!"Hello, Director Qu. The reason I came with my father today is because his emotional state has been very unstable. I have reason to believe someone drugged him!"As Li Yuanlang finished, Li Bing placed the teacup on the table in front of Qu Zifeng."I've been overly energetic, sleepless, and emotionally low. I thought it was just stress. But after Yuanlang pointed it out, I suspect someone tampered with the tea leaves."Qu Zifeng nodded silently, but he eyed Li Bing with a look of scrutiny. The suspicion was plausible—but it wasn't concrete evidence. After all, the teacup had already been opened. The one who drugged it might've been someone else—or it could be an act by Li Bing himself.Until it could be proven that Li Bing had been framed, Qu Zifeng would remain skeptical.As if reading his mind, Li Yuanlang added, "The tea is right here. Just test the liquid inside, and we'll know the drug content.""Then trace the purchase records of the drug—you'll definitely find something. If someone really planted evidence, it had to be done hastily. There will be traces... As long as we investigate seriously, we'll find the fox's tail.""Investigate? Easy to say. But doing it will take time! If we can't get to the bottom of this within a week, even if we eventually uncover the truth—we'll lose the opportunity..."There's an old saying that fits the moment: Win without victory, lose without defeat.Now, the truth is important—but so is a baseless accusation. If Li Bing's innocence isn't proven before the appointment decision is made, it will affect Qu Jiang's promotion.No one would take a risk promoting a "tainted" official.Even if, over time, the truth cleared Li Bing's name, Qu Jiang would've already lost!Li Yuanlang remained confident: "I heard there's a photo among the materials used in the report. Could I take a look?"