As the party newspaper of Jianghai Province, Jianghai Daily's influence in Jianghai Province is beyond doubt. Not only ordinary people will read it, but more importantly, the leaders of the party and government organs of Jianghai Province will also pay attention to it. The 'Focus on Jianghai' column of Jiangcheng Daily has been a well-known column that has been open for many years and has a good influence. Xia Bo, the member of the Standing Committee of the Jianghai Provincial Party Committee and the Minister of Publicity, once praised the 'Focus on Jianghai' column in public, making the column's reputation greatly increased.
The provincial newspaper and Jiangcheng Daily reported the accident of a Ferrari sports car hitting a person at the same time, which also caused a huge reaction in a small county like Ximen County. Although the people living in the shantytown had long known about the accident that happened two days ago, and some had even seen the scene with their own eyes, when the newspaper report came out, some people still talked about it. The person who was killed was called Tao Ying. He was the eldest in his family. He had several brothers and sisters in his family. His wife and children were now orphans and widows. When today's report came out, Tao Ying's house was immediately crowded. Many of his fellow villagers who lived in the shantytown came to talk about it.
Old Niu, now that the newspaper has reported it, many people are paying attention to it. Maybe you can help your brother get justice. His name was Zhang Sheng. At this moment, he was at Tao Ying's house. The person he was talking to was Tao Ying's second brother, who worked at the same construction site as him. The two of them had a good relationship. He was one of the people who caught Li Mingbo that day, and he was also one of the people who were arrested by the Public Security Bureau the next day. Fortunately, Chen Xing arrived in time, and they were spared. Otherwise, who knew how many more days of suffering they would have to endure. At this moment, not only was he at Tao Ying's house, but several of his brothers who worked at the construction site were also there. Everyone worked at the same place and were very familiar with each other.
Tao Niu squatted on a stone next to the patio with a sad face. He held a tobacco pipe in his hand and kept smoking. Next to him was his third brother, Tao Nong, known as Tao Laosan. He was also squatting silently, looking down at the ground. No one knew what he was thinking.
I say, don't be like this, the person who died is your brother. Why are you all so silent? Another person beside Zhang Sheng said.
If you don't stand up, do you expect the women to stand up for you? Even if you don't think for yourselves, you have to think for your big brother. He was knocked to death just like that, leaving behind a wife and two children. Think about it, it's not easy for a woman to take care of two children by herself. If you stand up for them and fight for more benefits for them so that they can have a place to settle down for the rest of their lives, you won't be letting down your big brother in the underworld, right? "Zhang Sheng could vaguely guess what the Tao brothers were thinking. He said," Old Niu, I know what you two brothers are thinking. The other party is rich and powerful, and you're afraid that you won't be able to win against them. Instead, you might end up having a hard life in the future. But you have to think about it, the situation now is different from before. Previously, no one helped us, and we couldn't win against them. If we fought to the death with them, we would only be harming ourselves. But now that there are newspaper reports and people are paying attention to it, if you two brothers don't stand up for yourselves, others won't be able to help even if they want to. The key is that you two brothers need to have an attitude.
Well said. As soon as Zhang Sheng's voice fell, a cheer came from the door. Who else could it be other than Jiang Feng and Wang Chen? Accompanying them was Chen Xing's secretary, He Qi. Jiang Feng strode in, his hands still wrapped in gauze.
Jiang Feng strode in with his hands wrapped in gauze. Haven't you two brothers ever thought about your deceased eldest brother? He died in an unexpected disaster, leaving behind an orphan and a widow. Do you think it's easy for a lonely woman to take care of two children? You two brothers have your own families, and you still have to take care of your own families. Do you think you have the energy to take care of your sister-in-law and nephews in the future? Even if you have the intention, it depends on whether you have the ability to do so. How much income do you have in a month? After deducting your own household expenses, how much do you have left? Even if you are willing to take out the remaining money to take care of your sister-in-law and nieces, what will your wives and children think? No matter how generous a person is, he or she will have a selfish side. You can take care of them for a while, but you can't take care of them forever. As time passes, even if you don't feel anything, your wives and children will definitely think about it. After all, it's your hard-earned money. If you take it out and give it to your sister-in-law and nieces, will your wives and children not have any objections? Do you want to cause a ruckus in the house?
Jiang Feng stared fixedly at the Tao brothers. Every word he said hit the nail on the head. They had already been chased out by the Tao brothers yesterday, but Jiang Feng and Wang Chen didn't give up and came to visit again. When they arrived at the door, they heard what Zhang Sheng said. Jiang Feng couldn't help but cheer loudly.
Why is it you guys again? Get out, get out. When Tao Niu saw that it was the people who came yesterday, he immediately stood up and pushed Jiang Feng and the others out of the door. Then, he closed the old and somewhat dilapidated wooden door.
Old Tao, who are they? Zhang Sheng looked strangely at the agitated Tao Niu.
They are reporters. Tao Niu shook his head, picked up his cigarette, and took a deep puff.
Then why did you chase them out? They can help you. Zhang Sheng said anxiously.
I know they can help, but I don't want them to help. They will only make things worse. Tao Niu said bitterly. They came once yesterday, and then someone came to warn us again. They said that if we dared to say anything, our whole family can forget about living peacefully in Xi Men.
They are really lawless. Is there no law in this world? Zhang Sheng was furious. He suddenly stood up and cracked his knuckles. Sigh, Old Zhang, it's not like you haven't seen it.
Sigh, Old Zhang, it's not like you haven't seen it before. In broad daylight, they even dared to bring us to the Public Security Bureau and torture us. What else wouldn't they do? They have power and the Public Security Bureau's people are also on their side. Do you think a few ordinary people like us can fight against them? I'm not asking for more compensation. I just hope to live a peaceful life in the future. Old Zhang, do you think I'm wrong to do this? Tao Niu was a man of steel, but his voice was already choking.
Everyone fell silent. Third Brother Tao, who had been squatting without saying a word, lowered his head even more. He clenched his fists so tightly that his veins were clearly visible. His nails were embedded into his flesh, and blood was seeping out. Third Brother Tao didn't feel anything.
Are you two brothers still men? As long as you are willing to stand up, the murderer will definitely be punished by the law. You can also fight for more compensation for your sister-in-law's child. They will have someone to rely on for the rest of their lives. Are you two so selfish to watch your brother die with grievances and watch your sister-in-law's child suffer for the rest of their lives? Jiang Feng slammed on the wooden door and shouted loudly.
Jiang Feng was really unwilling. Apart from the little bit of conscience and justice in her heart, Jiang Feng was also holding back her anger. She couldn't bear to see people like Li Mingbo run amok in this world so arrogantly without being punished by the law.
Old Niu, tell me the truth. How much did that bastard pay you guys for bumping into him? Zhang Sheng frowned slightly when he heard the conversation outside the door.
How much money could he possibly have? He only gave us 30,000 yuan and asked us not to report it to the higher-ups or tell anyone about it. Tao Niu whispered.
You want to buy a human life with thirty thousand yuan? These days, human lives are really f * cking useless!
Mom was worthless. Zhang Sheng said angrily.
Outside the door, Jiang Feng was still knocking persistently. Wang Chen looked at the tightly shut wooden door and frowned as well.
Are you reporters from the province? A few men walked out of the alley.
Who are you? Jiang Feng looked at them warily. With yesterday's lesson in mind, Wang Chen and He Qi were even more on guard. At an angle that the men in front of them did not notice, He Qi gently waved his hand behind his back.
You don't have to be nervous. Someone wants to see you. Can you come with us? One of the men smiled politely.
Jiang Feng and Wang Chen looked at each other and hesitated for a moment. Jiang Feng nodded. Sure.
Jiang Feng, Wang Chen, and He Qi followed the men into the car. The men drove a big van that could fit eight or nine people. Just as Jiang Feng and the others got into the van, another two men followed behind them. The two of them watched the van leave and got into the car while talking on the phone. These two men were sent by Lu Ming to protect Jiang Feng and Wang Chen according to Chen Xing's instructions.
The van stopped at the Cheng Gong Building in the center of the county. Jiang Feng and Wang Chen had a look of doubt in their eyes. However, they were completely relieved. This was the downtown area. The other party had no ulterior motives for choosing such a place to meet them.
They are waiting for you in room 305 of the hotel on the third floor. You will know when you go up. One of the men said to Jiang Feng and Wang Chen. Just as He Qi was about to follow them, he was suddenly stopped by the man beside him. You can't go up.
Why can't I go up? He Qi was stunned.
Because you are not a reporter from the provincial capital. The man said with a smile.
He Qi looked at the men carefully. They did not look like ferocious gangsters. Instead, they looked more like factory security guards. Obviously, they knew that He Qi was from Ximen County. He Qi looked up and did not insist on following them. Since they dared to meet them in such a place and even told them the room number, it meant that there was no danger.
He Qi stood there and waited. He secretly winked at the two policemen behind him, indicating that there was nothing wrong. Upstairs, Li Mingbo was alone in the private room, waiting for Jiang Feng and Wang Chen to arrive.
Both of you, welcome, welcome. The door was pushed open from the outside. Jiang Feng and Wang Chen walked in one after another. Li Mingbo immediately stood up and greeted them with a smile.
You are? Jiang Feng looked at Li Mingbo in confusion. Neither she nor Wang Chen had really met Li Mingbo. They only knew his name. Now that Li Mingbo was standing in front of them, they did not recognize him.
You two, please take a seat. Li Mingbo warmly invited them to sit down. He sat opposite them and looked at them with a smile. I am the person you are looking for.
The person we are looking for? Wang Chen and Jiang Feng exchanged a look. Both of them were a little surprised.
You are Li Mingbo? Suddenly, Jiang Feng came to a realization.
Yes, I am Li Mingbo.
I don't think we are looking for you. Jiang Feng's face turned cold. She pulled Wang Chen out of the door.
The two of you, the two of you, why are you so angry? Isn't it better for us to sit down and talk calmly? Li Mingbo hurriedly went to the door and stopped them.
Is there anything to talk about between us? Wang Chen glared at him coldly. The ribs in front of his chest were still hurting.
If they did not sit down and talk, how would they know that there was nothing to talk about? Li Mingbo laughed. Both of you, I'm very sincere in wanting to talk to you today. Would the two of you give me face?
Jiang Feng and Wang Chen hesitated for a moment. Then they turned around and sat down. What do you want to say? We are listening. Jiang Feng opened his mouth indifferently.
Hehe, as long as you two are willing to sit down and listen to me. Seeing that the two of them sat down, Li Mingbo's face lit up. You two are big reporters from the provincial capital. Ximen County is a small place and there are no decent hotels. This is the only decent one. You two don't need to be polite with me. Just order whatever you want to eat. I think you two haven't had lunch yet, right?
No, if you have something to say, just say it. There is no need to waste our time. If there is nothing else, we will leave. Jiang Feng did not appreciate it at all, while Wang Chen looked indifferent.
Li Mingbo's expression changed slightly as he stared at Jiang Feng and Wang Chen. Immediately after, a smile appeared on his face. Since the two of you like to be direct, I won't beat around the bush. Since the two of you already know who I am, I'm sure you can guess why I've summoned you here today. Li Mingbo said while observing the expressions of Jiang Feng and Wang Chen. Yes, I called you here today because of the car accident. I believe that today's newspaper report was written by you two, right?
Li Mingbo picked up a copy of Jianghai Daily. It is undeniable that your goal has been achieved. When this newspaper report came out, it had a great impact on me. Both of you are knowledgeable and elegant people. I am just a vulgar person who does not know how to beat around the bush. I will tell you the truth. Can you two stop paying attention to this matter? Don't continue to follow the report in the newspaper.
After saying this, Li Mingbo shot a glance at the two of them. When he saw that the two of them still did not move, Li Mingbo smiled and said, "Of course, I will not make the two of you come here for nothing. As long as the two of you agree to not meddle in this matter, you can name a price. As long as I can afford it, I will satisfy the two of you even if I have to sell everything I have."
Are you done? Jiang Feng sneered. If you haven't finished, you can continue. If you are done, then let me tell you now, we don't care about your stinky money. Don't think that just because you have some money, you can do whatever you want. I can tell you clearly right now, even if you have money and power, you can't be above the law.
Jiang Feng looked indignant. Old Wang, let's go. Sitting with this kind of scum is simply tarnishing ourselves.
You two, what benefits does reporting this matter bring to you? Yes, you are the big reporters of the provincial capital. You have a glamorous identity, but people live for fame and profit. If you don't report this matter, not only will you not suffer any loss, but you can also get a huge sum of money. Why do you two have to make things difficult for me? I promise here, as long as you two no longer pester this matter, I am willing to immediately pay you two one hundred thousand each. Also, as long as you can promise to publish another report in the newspaper, saying that the previous report was wrong, then I am willing to pay you two four hundred thousand each. Li Mingbo said with a calm face.
Five hundred thousand each? Jiang Feng sneered. How generous, spending one million just to shut our mouths and make us change our minds. I really didn't expect that the son of the county's deputy secretary could be so rich. How much is your father's annual salary? How many years will it take to earn one million?
You two, we are only talking about the car accident, why do you have to talk about other things? Li Mingbo's expression changed.
Since we are only talking about the car accident, let me tell you now, my answer has not changed. Jiang Feng sneered and continued to walk out with Wang Chen.
Are you two really going to make things difficult for me? Li Mingbo stared at the backs of Jiang Feng and Wang Chen. Seeing that they didn't seem to stop, Li Mingbo was extremely angry. The corner of his mouth twitched and he was a little hysterical. You two, if I don't have a good life, I won't let you go. Don't push me too hard, it won't do us any good.
Are you threatening us? Jiang Feng suddenly stopped and turned to stare at Li Mingbo.
So what if I am threatening you? If I go to jail, don't think about having a good life. Li Mingbo's expression was ferocious.
Well, you can threaten me. The thing I am least afraid of is threats. I am looking forward to your threats. Goodbye. Jiang Feng shrugged his shoulders with a smile, looking indifferent.
Watching the figures of the two disappear, Li Mingbo's body trembled with anger, especially the disdainful look on Jiang Feng's face, which made Li Mingbo feel a kind of naked contempt.
The next day, as if in response to Li Mingbo's threat, the second page of Jianghai Daily and the "Focus on Jianghai" column of Jiangcheng Daily once again followed up on the case of a Ferrari collision in Ximen County. The headline on the second page of Jianghai Daily was written with a striking headline, "The family of the victim was locked up in the Public Security Bureau and tortured." The title was a bit cliché, but it was also a more objective description of the facts. The content of the report was a series of questions: Is the public security organ the law enforcement agency of the country, the protector of the people, or a gang of gangsters? Is it in collusion with the perpetrator?
In this report, Jiang Feng and Wang Chen finally mercilessly pointed out the identity of the perpetrator. The owner of the Ferrari sports car who caused the accident was the son of the deputy secretary of the Ximen County Party Committee.
Jiang Feng, under the pen name of Master Leng, asked sharply in the column: Can a mere deputy secretary of the County Party Committee use public power for private purposes and be above the law? What are the Public Security, the Procurator, and the Judiciary doing?
Today's news was even more shocking than yesterday's, and the public's focus was on the driver of the car and his father, who was the Deputy Party Secretary of the County's Party Committee. How could the son of a Deputy Division Chief afford a Ferrari sports car? How could he get away scot-free after killing two people in a row? Why did the Public Security Bureau do nothing about it? They even horribly cooperated with the car owner to arrest the relatives and friends of the deceased and bring them to the Public Security Bureau for physical torture.
Although the content of the news was still subject to authoritative verification, in any case, as soon as the provincial newspaper disclosed it, the car accident was like a hurricane, blowing a huge storm in Jianghai Province, arousing strong attention and indignation of the people.
Huang Kunming, the secretary of the Municipal Party Committee of Haicheng City, received a call from the relevant provincial leaders in the morning, expressing their concern about this matter. They ordered the relevant departments of Haicheng City to investigate this matter and issue an investigation report as soon as possible to give an explanation to the people.
In Ximen, Wang Dongchen, the secretary of the County Party Committee, who had ordered his secretary to send the newspaper to his office as soon as possible, was a little stunned after reading the report. Then there was a loud noise. It was Wang Dongchen's big palm slapping the table angrily. The sound was so loud that Chen Jun, the secretary in the next room, could hear it clearly and even spread far away.
Wang Dongchen stared at the phone on his desk in a daze. He had a hunch in his heart. If there was no accident, the call from the city would come again. Wang Dongchen felt a little weak at this time. He didn't know how to explain to Huang Kunming, the secretary of the Municipal Party Committee. Although the matter had nothing to do with him directly, he, as the monitor of the leadership team of Ximen County, had to bear some responsibility.
The phone rang. Wang Dongchen said in his heart, "It's coming." He subconsciously sat up straight and respectfully picked up the phone.
"Comrade Dongchen, this is Huang Ping. Secretary Kunming attaches great importance to the content of today's newspaper report. He has instructed the Municipal Political and Legal Committee to transfer personnel from relevant departments to form an investigation team to your county. I hope your county can cooperate with the investigation team."
Wang Dongchen was relieved. It was not Huang Kunming, the secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, who called. But when Huang Ping's following words came out, Wang Dongchen's heart immediately tightened. The investigation team from the city actually came down?
Wang Dongchen didn't have time to think about it and hurriedly asked, "Secretary Huang, is this the meaning of Secretary Kunming?"
Yes, this is the meaning of Secretary Kunming.
When Wang Dongchen hung up the phone, he stood straight in place for a long time. Finally, he called the secretary next door and asked him to inform Li Shaotong to come to his office.
At this moment, Li Shaotong, who was also paying attention to today's newspaper, was so angry that he picked up the phone and angrily scolded his son Li Mingbo. Until there was a knock on the door, Li Shaotong angrily hung up the phone.
Knowing that it was Wang Dongcheng who called him over, Li Shaotong was not surprised at all, but his gloomy expression became more terrible.
"Wang Dongchen looking for me, I'm afraid it's not a good thing." Li Shaotong's face was gloomy. Thinking that Wang Dongchen told him yesterday that Huang Kunming, the secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, had already paid attention to this matter, Li Shaotong's heart was even more worried. Today's report could be said to hit the nail on the head. The words were several times sharper than yesterday. It also put him, the deputy secretary of the county committee, in the eye of the storm. Li Shaotong knew in his heart that this would be a hurdle in his career, and it was the biggest hurdle he had encountered since he entered politics. It was very likely that he would fall on this.
After calming down his mood and making his expression look calm, Li Shaotong turned around and walked towards Wang Dongchen's office.
"Secretary Shaotong, you must have read today's newspaper." In the office, Wang Dongchen said to Li Shaotong with a dignified look.
"Secretary Wang, I have read it." Li Shaotong's voice was low. "Secretary Wang, I know that this matter was caused by my good-for-nothing brat, but now that this matter has become so big, it will even have a negative impact on the image of our Xi Men. It will also make the leaders above have a bad opinion of our Xi Men's cadres. Since things have reached this point, I also have a few words to say."
"Secretary Shaotong, if you have anything to say, you can say it directly." Wang Dongchen calmly glanced at Li Shaotong.
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