Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 384 Spy Within a Spy

Wu Zhiyuan laughed: "The sun sets beyond the mountains?"

Liao Shanshan laughed too: "Yuan Jin cleverly applied the line 'The sun sets beyond the mountains,' isn't that quite talented?"

But Jiang Xiaohua had been slept with by Yu Jinxing several times without getting anything in return, which made Yuan Jin very angry.

Wu Zhiyuan asked, "Later, Jiang Xiaohua let you get close to Jin Xing?"

"Yes, I rose from a hotel waitress to the deputy manager mainly because of Jiang Xiaohua's support. She was very kind to me."

Although I now realize that Jiang Xiaohua was just using me, that's what I thought back then.

Official receptions in the county are usually held at the Qingyan Hotel.

After a while, I became acquainted with Yu Jinxing.

One night, I sent him a message saying I'd send him some late-night snacks. He agreed.

That night, he drank. I could tell from the way he looked at me that I was close to success.

He asked me how old I was, and I said twenty-eight, and that I was married.

He said that 28 is the best age for a woman.

I was sitting on his living room sofa. He initially sat on a chair opposite the sofa, and then he also sat on the sofa, very close to me.

He said his eyes felt uncomfortable and he didn't know if it was from insects or sand. I offered to take a look at his eyes.

Actually, there was nothing in his eyes. As I looked into his eyes, one of his hands, as if by magic, slipped into my chest. I took the opportunity to hug him.

What followed was perfectly logical. I got Yu Jinxing, or rather, Yu Jinxing got me.

Yu Jinxing is very gentle with me, unlike Yuan Jin.

Afterwards, he hugged me and asked if I had any difficulties at work or if I needed any help at home.

He wasn't just being perfunctory; he was genuinely listening to me.

Wu Zhiyuan asked, "How did you manage to find evidence against Yu Jinxing regarding her lifestyle?"

"Hidden camera. County Chief Wu, as you know, the temporary housing that Yu Jinxing lives in is the same one you're living in now."

Jiang Xiaohua initially planned to secretly take photos with her phone, but Yu Jinxing was too vigilant and she failed. Later, Yu Jinxing simply ignored her.

Jiang Xiaohua came up with a plan: to take advantage of the house repairs to have someone install a hidden camera in the bedroom, in a very concealed location.

After the camera was installed, every time Yu Jinxing and I were in the bedroom, it was filmed clearly.

After Jiang Xiaohua obtained the videos, he didn't immediately hand them over to Yuan Jin, but waited. He waited for the most opportune moment.

When Yuan Jin and Yu Jinxing's battle reached its fiercest point, when both sides had no way out, these videos became the final straw that broke Yu Jinxing's back.

Wu Zhiyuan asked, "Do you know how those videos ended up in the hands of the Discipline Inspection Commission?"

Liao Shanshan shook her head and said, "I don't know the specifics, but it was probably Yuan Jin who instructed someone else to report it."

Wu Zhiyuan asked, "How did Yuan Jin know that the construction company owner bought a house for Yu Jinxing's brother-in-law?"

Liao Shanshan paused for a few seconds, then said, "This matter is still related to Jiang Xiaohua."

The owner of that construction company was named Sun Deming. He had been working on construction projects in Qingyan for over ten years and was familiar with many leaders in the county.

But his relationship with Jiang Xiaohua was much deeper than most people imagined.

Sun Deming initially made his fortune thanks to Jiang Xiaohua.

Jiang Xiaohua met Sun Deming when she was a waitress at Qingyan Hotel.

Later, Jiang Xiaohua climbed the ranks step by step, and Sun Deming's business also grew bigger and bigger.

Jiang Xiaohua facilitated many of the county's construction projects.

In return, Sun Deming also gave Jiang Xiaohua plenty of benefits.

Wu Zhiyuan asked, "You mean Jiang Xiaohua already knew about Sun Deming buying a house for Yu Jinxing's brother-in-law?"

"It's not just that I know. I suspect that Jiang Xiaohua orchestrated this from the very beginning."

Of course, this is just my suspicion. The truth remains unknown.

"What do you mean?"

"Yu Jinxing's brother-in-law is named Lin Jianping. He is nominally in the building materials business, but in reality, he gets jobs in Qingyan by relying on his brother-in-law's connections."

Sun Deming knew him; they were indeed high school classmates, but the two had not been in contact for many years.

It was Jiang Xiaohua who acted as a go-between, bringing them back together.

Liao Shanshan paused for a moment, then continued, "As far as I know, Jiang Xiaohua arranged several dinners for Sun Deming and Lin Jianping to drink and discuss business together."

Lin Jianping is an average person, but he is very ambitious and has always wanted to make his mark in Qingyan.

Sun Deming was a prominent construction boss in the county, and Lin Jianping was eager to establish a connection with him.

Wu Zhiyuan asked, "Why did Jiang Xiaohua do this?"

"Two lines. The first line is to plant mines on Venus."

Jiang Xiaohua had a good grasp of Yu Jinxing's personality.

Yu Jinxing doesn't value money much, but she values ​​her family very much.

Lin Jianping is his wife's younger brother, and the younger brother his wife loves the most. Yu Jinxing can't possibly ignore him.

As long as Lin Jianping and Sun Deming get involved, trouble is bound to happen sooner or later.

The second line of reasoning was to leave Jiang Xiaohua a way out.

Sun Deming owes Jiang Xiaohua too many favors. If Jiang Xiaohua needs him in the future, Sun Deming will be a card in her hand.

This card can be used for exchange at crucial moments, or it can be pushed out as a scapegoat in the most dangerous situations.

Wu Zhiyuan remained silent.

If what Liao Shanshan said is true, then Jiang Xiaohua is even more terrifying than he imagined.

She is not merely Yuan Jin's tool; she is weaving a vast web herself.

This network contains officials, businessmen, and all sorts of vested interests.

She was at the center of this web, manipulating everything without making a sound.

Wu Zhiyuan said in a deep voice: "So, it was Jiang Xiaohua who induced Lin Jianping to accept the property given by Sun Deming, and then conspired with Yuan Jin to bring down Yu Jinxing, and reported this information to Yuan Jin."

Then Yuan Jin passed the clues to the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection, thus completing the fatal blow against Jin Xing?

Liao Shanshan said, "County Chief Wu, the two points of inducement and tip-off should be like this."

I have no idea how Yuan Jin specifically carried out the operation.

Yuan Jin is a cautious person and won't tell me the truth. I'm just his plaything.

But there's no doubt that Yuan Jin and Jiang Xiaohua are in cahoots. Yuan Jin trusts Jiang Xiaohua implicitly.

Sun Deming eventually couldn't withstand the pressure from the Discipline Inspection Commission and confessed quickly, which was probably related to the pressure exerted by Yuan Jin or Jiang Xiaohua.

Sun Deming is a businessman; he understands the importance of weighing pros and cons. He knows who to protect and who to abandon.

Wu Zhiyuan stood up and paced back and forth in the living room with his hands behind his back: "In other words, every step of Yu Jinxing's downfall, from seduction and secret filming to real estate and confession, was carried out under the instruction of Yuan Jin and the specific operation of Jiang Xiaohua."

The goal was to eliminate Yu Jinxing, this disobedient and defiant individual.

Liao Shanshan chimed in, "Yes, after Yu Jinxing fell from power, Yuan Jin held absolute power in Qingyan."

The county government is temporarily being overseen by Executive Deputy County Head Chen Jimin, but everyone knows that Chen Jimin is Yuan Jin's confidant, and in reality, Yuan Jin calls the shots on all matters, big and small. Until you arrived.

Wu Zhiyuan said solemnly, "My arrival has disrupted a certain balance and disturbed the interests of some people."

So they're eager to drag me down with them, or find something to use against me.

If we can't get involved or hold them back, then like we did with Venus, should we try to eliminate them?

"Yes, so they made me the bait to lure you, but I know you're not that kind of person."

County Magistrate Wu, my coming here tonight, to put it bluntly, is to betray you; to put it more politely, it's to repent and turn over a new leaf.

"I'm willing to follow you. I'll do whatever you ask me to do."

"Manager Liao, thank you for your trust in me. There's no turning back now."

Once I accept your surrender, there's no turning back. Are you really sure?"

Liao Shanshan said firmly, "County Chief Wu, this is a decision I have made after careful consideration."

I don't want to be complicit with them and do bad things anymore.

"Since you have made up your mind, I also believe that the pledge of loyalty you brought is sincere."

But you need to understand that I don't need you to do anything that violates principles or crosses the line.

What I need is information—information that, without arousing suspicion from Yuan Jin and Jiang Xiaohua, you can learn as much as possible about their movements, plans, and shady dealings.

"I understand, Magistrate Wu. I will proceed with caution and try my best to obtain useful information."

However, Jiang Xiaohua is still waiting for me to take your results. For the time being, I can lie and say that I haven't succeeded.

But if she doesn't succeed for a long time, she'll become suspicious and might even change her strategy against you. What should I do?

"Don't worry about that, I have my own way. When Jiang Xiaohua contacts you recently, just tell him that you haven't succeeded yet."

"County Chief Wu, I will do as you say. As long as you don't mind, I will do anything for you without any regrets."

I know I have a dirty past and am not good enough for you.

But if you don't mind that I'm dirty, I can...

Liao Shanshan didn't finish her sentence, but her meaning was clear: she wanted to be Wu Zhiyuan's mistress.

"Manager Liao, what I need are comrades-in-arms, people I can trust and fight alongside, not anything else."

Having worked at Qingyan Hotel for so many years, you know more about the personnel relationships and power struggles in the county than I do.

This is your most valuable asset, and it's what I need you for most.

You are capable and intelligent; you just took the wrong path before.

If you want to turn back now, I'm willing to lend you a hand.

But you have to walk this path yourself.

What you gain by depending on others or by selling yourself is ultimately unreliable.

"County Chief Wu, I understand. You're right. What you gain by relying on others is ultimately unreliable. I will prove it to you with my own abilities."

Liao Shanshan was somewhat disappointed. She said this, but her mind was racing with thoughts.

She had met many men, some greedy and lustful, some hypocritical and cowardly, and some like Yuan Jin who appeared dignified on the surface but were filthy inside.

But Wu Zhiyuan is different.

She thought to herself: What woman wouldn't be tempted by a man who is so capable, has such a good background, and is so handsome?

He might be saying this now simply because he doesn't trust me, or the time isn't right yet.

As long as I perform well, truly become his confidant, and make contributions for him, I can let him see my value and my sincerity.

Perhaps one day, he will accept me. Even if only occasionally, she doesn't want any formal status...

Although Jiang Xiaohua was a veteran of the pleasure quarters, Liao Shanshan still agreed with one of her points:

Every woman will go crazy for a man at least once in her life. Not for money, not for power, just simply wanting to be close to him.

Perhaps every woman who frequents the world of pleasure harbors an impossible dream deep in her heart.