Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 105 In Silence

Xu Youwei turned his gaze to the heads of the economic crime investigation and technical investigation departments: "Do you have anything to add? Do you have any new leads in the analysis of fund flows and in tracking Peng Dafu's whereabouts?"

The head of the technical investigation team reported: "Secretary Xu, we are conducting an in-depth analysis of Peng Dafu's communication records and social relationships before the incident, but we have not yet found his exact hiding place."

This person has strong counter-surveillance capabilities. After the incident, all commonly used communication methods were shut down, as if he had vanished into thin air.

However, it can be basically concluded that he did not leave the country, unless he crossed the border illegally.

Other department heads also gave reports.

After listening to the reports from all sides, Xu Youwei said, "Comrades, I have listened carefully to the reports from Comrade Jinbao and everyone else."

I understand there were difficulties, obstacles, and the case was complex. Thank you all for your hard work!

However, understanding the difficulties does not equate to accepting the status quo. Apprehending Peng Dafu and recovering depositors' losses to the greatest extent possible is a mandatory task, not an optional one!

Xu Youwei then put forward several requirements.

Lin Keke, as the deputy head of the public security detachment, was also present at the meeting.

She sat at the back of the hall, dressed in a police uniform, her posture upright and her demeanor dashing, a stark contrast to her gentle and tender image from the previous night.

Several times, her gaze unexpectedly met Wu Zhiyuan's furtive glances.

After the meeting, Lin Keke sent Wu Zhiyuan a message: "Want to come to my place tonight?"

Wu Zhiyuan replied: Come, you must come.

……

After leaving the Municipal Public Security Bureau, Xu Youwei went to the Municipal State Security Bureau according to the established schedule.

His visit to the Municipal State Security Bureau was not only for research and to offer condolences, but also to see his old classmates.

The bureau chief was Han Weidong, Xu Youwei's college classmate.

Both of them graduated from a university specializing in political science and law. After graduation, one joined the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, and the other joined the national security system.

However, it is clear that Xu Youwei has progressed much faster and is already at the level of a full-fledged department director, while Han Weidong is at the level of a full-fledged division director.

The National Security Bureau is a classified agency with no official website, and there are very few news reports about it online.

Even some bidding information, etc., are code-named Unit 9059.

The vehicle drove into a street and finally stopped in front of a courtyard with no unit signage except for a bronze plaque that read "Longcheng Chenfeng Trading Company" hanging at the entrance.

This is the Longcheng City State Security Bureau, a mysterious and low-profile place in the eyes of outsiders. There are security guards in uniform at the entrance.

Wu Zhiyuan had actually walked this road more than once, but he never thought, nor would he have imagined, that this was the office address of the Municipal State Security Bureau.

It's estimated that the public wouldn't know what Chenfeng Trading Company actually does.

Han Weidong and others were already waiting at the entrance of the office building inside the compound.

Upon seeing Xu Youwei arrive, he quickly stepped forward and said politely, "Welcome, Secretary Xu, to inspect and guide our work."

Although the two are old classmates, Xu Youwei is conducting research and providing guidance in his capacity as the municipal party secretary this time.

Vertically managed units, including tax and customs, although they have the authority of the central government, are still located in Longcheng and require local support for many of their tasks. Therefore, no vertically managed unit dares to disregard the local party committee and government.

After taking his seat in the conference room, Han Weidong began to report on his work.

"Secretary Xu, the national security situation in Longcheng is generally under control, but the risks and challenges it faces are becoming increasingly complex and severe."

Longcheng not only has key national defense research units like Institute 942, but also many important classified units such as garrison troops and military airports.

In recent years, foreign intelligence agencies and various hostile forces have been very active in infiltrating, subverting, and stealing secrets from China, constantly innovating their methods and making them more covert and targeted.

Han Weidong listed several cases of leaking and stealing secrets that the Municipal Bureau had cracked in recent years.

Then he continued, "It can be said that Longcheng faces enormous pressure in preventing theft, infiltration, and subversion."

Our adversaries are insidious and constantly evolving their methods; the few cases we've solved are just the tip of the iceberg.

Faced with a severe and complex situation, our existing resources, especially our professional investigative capabilities, are still somewhat lacking.

Recently, based on soliciting individual opinions, rigorous evaluation, and organizational needs, the Provincial Department selected a group of politically reliable, professionally competent, and promising individuals from other units such as the public security system to strengthen the frontline national security team.

The sense of mystery and mission associated with national security work—the ability to work silently and safeguard national security on the covert front—strongly attracted Wu Zhiyuan.

Although the Municipal Party Committee Office is in a central position, it mainly coordinates and provides services. While the Discipline Inspection Commission can punish evildoers, it mainly investigates and deals with cases after they happen.

His work in national security is more like a preventative, proactive "night watchman" role, directly engaging in a battle of wits with the most cunning opponents in the shadows, which seems to suit his personality better.

He couldn't help but think that if he had the opportunity to join the covert front in the future, he would have no regrets even if it meant sacrificing his life.

Of course, at least for now, it's just a thought.

Xu Youwei delivered a brief speech, fully affirming the work of the Municipal State Security Bureau, stating that the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government would fully support the work of state security, and instructing Han Weidong and his comrades to continue to maintain high morale and build a solid security barrier for Longcheng.

After the report, accompanied by Han Weidong, Xu Youwei and his entourage visited the internal honor exhibition hall.

Han Weidong's face was somber: "Some comrades sacrificed their lives heroically while being stationed overseas."

Look, this female comrade was ordered to infiltrate a foreign spy organization. She remained undercover for many years, transmitting a large amount of crucial intelligence and making immortal contributions.

His identity was eventually exposed, and he was brutally murdered by the enemy. His body has never been recovered.

Some comrades, while on missions overseas, encountered war or terrorist attacks in their host countries and tragically perished, their ashes unable to return to their homeland…

The room of honor was completely silent.

Wu Zhiyuan was deeply shocked, like never before.

For the first time, he felt so directly the immense weight of the words "national security," which was forged from such silent sacrifices and ultimate dedication.

These heroes fought not on the front lines amidst the smoke and fire, but in the shadows, where a far more brutal struggle took place; their victories went unchallenged, and their sacrifices were met with silence.

This kind of perseverance, which can achieve great things in silence and accomplish extraordinary feats invisibly, requires an iron will and absolute loyalty to one's beliefs.

Xu Youwei's expression was solemn. He slowly raised his right hand and solemnly saluted the wall of honor.

The accompanying personnel also stood at attention to pay their respects.

At this moment, no words are needed.

……

That evening, Wu Zhiyuan knocked on Lin Keke's apartment door.

Lin Keke was wearing a silk burgundy slip dress, the hem of which just covered her thighs, outlining her graceful curves.

Under the soft light, her skin glowed with a crystalline sheen, her hair was damp and draped over her shoulders, and she smelled faintly of perfume.

As soon as the door opened, Lin Keke stretched out her arms and wrapped them around his neck, saying sweetly, "Darling, you're finally here. I missed you so much."