Chapter 0010: The Unspeakable Conspiracy

This is the corrupt officialdom, this is the ruthless officialdom

Although Chen Mingde's death is unrelated to Gao Tianhe and his associates, the sordid conspiracy surrounding Chen Mingde's death is certainly not any cleaner than their direct murder of him

Building 6 is adjacent to Cui Lake, separated by a stretch of water cypress; directly opposite is the main building of Nanyuan. At this moment, the setting sun is casting its glow on the deep coffee-colored sail-shaped rooftop of this tall building, illuminating the lake's surface with shimmering waves and a golden brilliance. Only the main building of Nanyuan is reflected in the water, resembling a dark cloud.

... ...

Shen Huai believes that Wu Haifeng should be able to discern some doubts, but given the current developments, Wu Haifeng is equally unable to escape the entanglements of local interests. He is also dissatisfied with Chen Mingde and the provincial government's excessive interference in the affairs of Donghua.

Indeed, you are correct. Secretary Wu intends to downplay the matter and will likely first unify the narrative. His failure to do so suggests that he has significant objections to the provincial decision to send Chen Mingde to Donghua. Should we now start to leak information?" Ge Yongqiu repeatedly affirmed, "Good... good, we will remain inactive for the time being

Although he was kicked out by the Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Shen Huai knew that he could not leave in a dejected manner. Even if he had to shamelessly stay behind to continue monitoring the developments of the situation, it would be better than just leaving without a word.

The girl with a ponytail spoke in a crisp voice, yet her words made Shen Huai's heart skip a beat: When Chen Mingde fell ill, Ge Yongqiu was in Nanyuan

The crisis faced by Gao Tianhe will not be easily resolved simply because of Chen Mingde's death

The two girls both have delicate features, but they were frightened by the events that occurred today. They didn't even dare to sit down for a while after arriving here at hetushu.com, and their faces were pale with fear.

They intend to assassinate the reputation of Chen Mingde in order to achieve their ulterior motives

The actual situation is not as such; Chen Mingde passed away suddenly due to illness. The provincial authorities could easily send someone else, such as "Zhang Mingde" or "Ge Mingde," to Donghua to take over Gao Tianhe's comprehensive management of Donghua's economic work

The death of Chen Mingde is officially classified as a work-related illness, but those who truly hold power in this world are always the unspoken rules lurking in the shadows

"Um, um..." Ge Yongqiu uttered a few "ums" and continued, "The South Garden does not have surveillance equipment. Although there were staff on duty in Building 6 during noon, they happened to be distracted and left for about an hour. Regarding whether anyone entered or exited during that time, it is certain that no one can clarify. The key issue is that Secretary Wu seems somewhat indecisive; he should be able to discern something. He is reporting this matter to the province alone in a small room, fearing that he might want to downplay the situation... The key issue is that Secretary Wu seems somewhat indecisive; he should be able to discern something. He is reporting this matter to the province alone in a small room, fearing that he might want to downplay the situation..."

Ge Yongqiu made a phone call and then returned to Building 6. Shen Huai also did not dare to stay in the car any longer, fearing that Ge Yongqiu would notice that he had overheard their earlier conversation

Wu Haifeng may even be intentionally leading Ge Yongqiu, Peng Yong, and others by the nose

It is said that with the sudden passing of Chen Mingde due to illness, the actual threat to the positions of the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee and the Mayor of Gaotianhe has been eliminated. They should not have resorted to underhanded tactics, risking the destruction of Chen Mingde's posthumous reputation.

The death of Chen Mingde is linked to the scandal, and the provincial leaders who initially supported Chen Mingde's move to Donghua University will also suffer a loss of face, even having to bear the responsibility for his recommendation.

Even if there are no women present, how can one believe that Chen Mingde, who was not at the municipal party committee or government office during the midday, died naked in a hotel room, is innocent

After the onset of autumn, the weather has become cool; however, Shen Huai, lying in the car, finds the air inside the vehicle to be both stuffy and hot, making it nearly impossible for him to breathe.

However, the deepest conflict lies between Chen Mingde and Gao Tianhe.

Before Shen Huai had much interaction with Mayor Gao Tianhe, he wanted to understand some of the intricacies, and also to grasp Gao Tianhe's ruthless and cold demeanor: he is truly a formidable and merciless character

Gao Tianhe and Ge Yongqiu's objective is precisely this: they regard Donghua as their territory to manage and are unwilling to see others interfere

Ge Yongqiu's overly cautious demeanor made Shen Huai more vigilant, so he lay there without moving, watching Ge Yongqiu standing outside the car, taking out his "big brother" mobile phone, which was as large as a brick, and leaning against the car door to make a call

By late September, the days began to shorten, and the sky gradually darkened without notice. It had been a long time since anyone had seen someone come out of Building 6

In the realm of officialdom, the enmity over seizing positions surpasses even that of killing one's father or taking one's wife

Shen Huai moved closer, observing their silence akin to that of cicadas in winter. Wishing to encourage them to speak, he first offered them some words of comfort

The two doctors who rushed over to participate in the rescue, along with the two attendants assigned to duty in Building 6 of the Nanyuan Hotel, were still in the lobby on the first floor

The implicit characterization of Chen Mingde's death ultimately determines the essence of the event

Who can imagine that within this seemingly warm and tranquil evening, hidden beneath the serene surface, there lies such perilous undercurrents

Originally, Wu Haifeng was a major figure in Donghua City and should have played a crucial role in determining the cause of Chen Mingde's death

In order to cover up this fabricated scandal, the provincial authorities may even deliberately avoid further investigation, but the污水 on Chen Mingde can never be washed clean

Shen Huai clenched his fist and quietly exited the hall.

The provincial government is quite dissatisfied with the economic development stagnation in Donghua over the years. They have appointed Chen Mingde as the Deputy Mayor of the Standing Committee in the hope that this stagnant situation in Donghua can be revitalized.

Having spent several years at the city steel mill, Shen Huai deeply understands that sometimes an excessive sense of pride is of no benefit; seeking a turning point in circumstances is what truly matters

Chen Mingde is knowledgeable but has a bad temper. He values efficiency in his work, which is in stark contrast to the bureaucratic style of the institutions in Donghua City. Armed with the provincial government's authority, he has come to Donghua and has been making sweeping reforms in the economic sector, inevitably leading to significant conflicts with local powers. Over the past six months, he has offended quite a number of people.

As Shen Huaigang was about to sit up, he noticed Ge Yongqiu's gaze sweeping in, seemingly checking if there was anyone in the car

He had just thought that there was something wrong with Ge Yongqiu, but hearing with his own ears Ge Yongqiu discussing the cause of Chen Mingde's death with Mayor Gao Tianhe still left him deeply shocked.

The conflict between Chen Mingde and the local faction represented by Wu Haifeng and Gao Tianhe is evident

Shen Huai bent down as he got out of the car and walked straight to the main building in the east. He confirmed that no one had seen him in the parking lot just now, and he let out a sigh of relief. However, he then thought: even if he could remain uninvolved, how much better could his situation be compared to that of - the - book?

... ...

Gao Tianhe and Ge Yongqiu have made a significant issue out of Chen Mingde's death, secretly targeting the provincial party committee and provincial government

Shen Huai had been feeling exhausted and worn out for the past four or five days. Even sitting felt overwhelmingly tiring, so he lay back in the rear seat of the car, holding his head and lost in thought. He did not know how much time had passed when he heard footsteps approaching.

Shen Huai did not go anywhere else, but turned to the parking lot in front of the small building, at this moment he could only sit in the car and ponder the issues.

Ultimately, they are afraid that Chen Mingde, who has the support of the provincial government, will find their Achilles' heel

Indeed, it was Mayor Chen who instructed not to disturb him during lunch. We stepped away for a moment at noon, who would have thought that such events would occur? Even Secretary Ge was at Nanyuan, and by the time the ambulance was notified to come, it was already too late

The first to arrive at the scene was Peng Yong, with no other staff present. Chen Mingde was indeed found dead in the bedroom, completely naked, with his clothes outside. Two young women subsequently went upstairs, but they were flustered and did not pay attention to the details in the room. I have already tidied up the washroom, and the signs of a shower do not appear very obvious. The provincial authorities sent someone down; as long as we can pinpoint Chen Mingde's strong objections to the lack of hot water supplied at Nanyuan during lunchtime—this is indeed something that can be verified—this will become a muddled account.

Ge Yongqiu is on the phone with Gao Tianhe, the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee and the Mayor

Shen Huai pondered quietly; initially, he did not understand why Peng Yong, the director of the municipal reception office and manager of the Nanyuan Hotel, deliberately stirred up trouble. However, upon learning that Chen Mingde had fallen ill and Ge Yongqiu was also at the Nanyuan, he began to grasp the situation.

After the call was connected, one could hear Ge Yongqiu reporting to the person on the other end of the line.

Ge Yongqiu merely glanced hurriedly to see if there was anyone in the front seat, but did not expect that Shen Huai was lying in the back seat.

Shen Huai suddenly thought of who the person on the other end of the phone was

The public qualitative assessment of an event requires support from factual evidence; whereas implicit qualitative assessment does not necessitate sufficient evidence, but merely needs to convince people of the existence of a certain matter

In the face of Chen Mingde's aggressive stance, the Gao Tianhe faction remained inactive for over half a year. Even when Shen Huai got into a serious altercation at the city steel mill today, Ge Yongqiu was still able to endure and refrain from bringing the matter to Chen Mingde's attention.

A cool breeze blew across the Emerald Lake, causing Shen Huai to shiver. Only then did he realize that his back was damp with sweat. He forced himself to calm down and began to contemplate the underlying causes and consequences.

Peng Yong's remarks were entirely orchestrated by Ge Yongqiu. They even tampered with the washroom, making it appear as though Chen Mingde had died in the room in the nude, provoking endless speculation from others

The provincial party committee and government will have to exercise considerable caution if they wish to assertively intervene in the affairs of Donghua in the future; even if they send officials to Donghua, these officials will find themselves constrained and unable to achieve significant results

... ...

Compared to the hidden dangers lurking behind this matter, Shen Huai felt that the pressure he faced at the municipal steel mill was rather trivial.

In Donghua City, anyone with a bit of insight can almost see that Chen Mingde has come to Donghua with the aim of targeting the position of Mayor Gao Tianhe

Mayor Chen missed the opportunity for rescue, which is very unfortunate. However, you cannot be blamed for this. When Mayor Chen was resting, if I had called, I might have also received a scolding. Do not be too upset...