In the office, Qu Xiangru, Wu Qiangwei, and Song Guanchao.

They held a small meeting.

Song Guanchao briefly talked about the things he needed to do next.

This matter definitely has to be handled by him.

Only he has the ability to do so.

After a simple discussion, Wu Qiangwei suddenly asked, "Should we report it to the province?"

This was directed at Qu Xiangru.

Qu Xiangru nodded.

Song Guanchao frowned and said, "Is it necessary to do so?"

The money can definitely be recovered, and the person has long been under his control.

He just needs to go through the motions.

In his opinion, there's no need to let the province know.

But what Qu Xiangru considered was clearly different from his.

"Such a major matter can't be hidden, nor can it be kept hidden."

She looked at Song Guanchao, then towards Wu Qiangwei: "Moreover, if the province doesn't know, how can the Mayor position be vacated?"

Song Guanchao was stunned for a moment, then immediately understood her meaning.

She intended to take this opportunity to bring down Zheng Bihui.

Qu Xiangru continued, "This opportunity is rare; we can not only bring down Zheng Bihui but also take over several core departments of the city government."

"Moreover, Jiang Yuan will also be affected this time. When Zheng Bihui steps down, you're the most suitable for the Mayor position."

The words were quite clear.

Wu Qiangwei could seize this opportunity to become Mayor!

Additionally, she could gain control of several municipal departments.

Even when she goes to the city government, she can still compete with Jiang Yuan and won't be a puppet like Zheng Bihui.

Wu Qiangwei looked at her quietly for a few seconds, nodded, which was considered acquiescence.

After leaving Qu Xiangru's office, Wu Qiangwei returned to her own office, closed the door, and then asked, "What do you think Secretary Qu wants to do?"

"Hmm?" Song Guanchao didn't understand the meaning of her words.

Wu Qiangwei was somewhat worried, "Secretary Qu seems to be paving the way for me, but why is she doing this?"

Indeed, this is an excellent opportunity.

But Qu Xiangru uncharacteristically offered all the benefits to herself.

While she herself hasn't mentioned wanting to take over any department.

This is completely different from her previous style.

After hearing this, Song Guanchao reacted, Qu Xiangru indeed seemed a bit off.

Such a good opportunity, yet she hasn't asked for any benefits.

Previously, the Fengmen Building project was also directly handed to Wu Qiangwei.

Really strange.

...

District Chief Li and Du Lingchun are currently being investigated in the hotel.

Secretary Wang personally conducted rounds of questioning.

Both of them knew what had happened.

District Chief Li's mind was buzzing.

This big boss from Hong Kong Island turned out to be a fraud!

This big fraud even fooled Zheng Bihui into blowing up the building where he worked!

District Chief Li felt a chill down his spine.

He knew he was finished.

This was a major error!

Zheng Bihui did bear the greatest responsibility, but his culpability was also significant.

Moreover, he'd facilitated transactions for the bank and received tens of millions in kickbacks.

These things will certainly be uncovered.

When Du Lingchun learned of this, he sank into the chair, his face turning deathly pale.

Fifty billion, gone!

He hardly dared to imagine what would become of him.

...

Early the next morning.

City Committee, small meeting room, several standing committee members gathered once more.

The protagonist today was Song Guanchao.

The two Mayors felt somewhat anxious inside.

They actually guessed that Song Guanchao likely had confidence.

If he hadn't, this meeting wouldn't be happening.

But Song Guanchao had yet to speak, as if he was deliberately keeping them on edge, causing the two to be quite displeased.

Zheng Bihui was no longer his usual composed self and asked directly, "Secretary Song, can the money be recovered?"

Song Guanchao shook his head.

Zheng Bihui's heart sank.

"I can't guarantee it," Song Guanchao said, "All I can say is, I'll do my best."

"If Mayor Zheng trusts me, I can give it a try, but I need some support."

"What do you need?"

"I need the cooperation of the City Criminal Police Team. During the recovery efforts, the Criminal Police must act under my orders."

"No problem." Zheng Bihui asked, "Approximately how long will it take?"

"Such things are unpredictable, and I can't provide a definite answer. After all, it's already been four or five days."

"Also, we don't know where these scammers are currently, I need to find the people first, then the money."

Still need to find the people...

He thought Song Guanchao would use some technical means to get the money back.

"Let me say a few words."

Qu Xiangru drew their attention and said, "Secretary Song is in charge of recovering the funds, but other matters must also be continued."

"As for District Chief Li of Tongchi District, temporarily suspended, Vice Mayor Liang Hao will temporarily act as District Chief of Tongchi District to handle related affairs."

Hmm?

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan's heart sank.

Liang Hao is one of Wu Qiangwei's people.

At this juncture, Qu Xiangru's use of him equals a declaration to everyone that she and Wu Qiangwei are aligned.

The relationship between the two secretaries of the city committee is more harmonious than he imagined.

Qu Xiangru continued, "This swindler's successful con proves that some departments of the city government have serious issues."

"When these scammers registered the company, did the business sector fulfill its due diligence?"

"In the matter of borrowing fifty billion from the bank, did the tax authority act with proper oversight?"

"And also the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Assets Bureau! With such a large project, how did the National Assets Bureau approve it?"

"Secretary Wang, you need to thoroughly investigate these!"

Jiang Yuan's heart sank again.

Indeed, it started.

He originally thought that Qu Xiangru and Wu Qiangwei at most wanted the business and tax authority.

Unexpectedly, their appetite was so large!

They even wanted to touch the National Assets Bureau and the National Development and Reform Commission!

Minister Zhou was secretly shocked, this Secretary Qu's methods are rather ruthless.

Right off, targeting four core departments.

Secretary Wang didn't immediately respond, but looked at Jiang Yuan.

He knew Qu Xiangru was negotiating with Jiang Yuan.

Now, it depended on whether Jiang Yuan was willing to concede.

Jiang Yuan said, "Secretary Qu is right; the business and tax areas did have some irresponsible work this time. My personal suggestion is to hold the deputy directors responsible!"

"As for the National Assets Bureau and the National Development and Reform Commission, although they share some responsibility, the main responsibility still falls to the city government. After all, Mayor Zheng handled things specially and bypassed some procedures."

He compromised, but not completely.

He could abandon the business and tax departments.

After all, the directors of these two departments were already Wu Qiangwei's people, and insisting wouldn't have any point.

But the National Assets Bureau and the National Development and Reform Commission, he couldn't give up.

He felt that he had already made enough concessions that Qu Xiangru should know when to stop.

However, Qu Xiangru didn't stop there.

Qu Xiangru's face slightly darkened, and she said, "Mayor Jiang means, if the Mayor creates an autocracy, even if unreasonable, the directors below can only comply and not oppose?"

"The crux of this incident is still Mayor Zheng being too arrogant! Too eager for success, too quick to seek progress!"

"But if the National Assets Bureau and the National Development and Reform Commission strictly followed project approval rules, this wouldn't have happened!"

"If Mayor Jiang thinks I'm exaggerating, let the provincial authorities decide."

"..." Jiang Yuan's face turned sour, as Qu Xiangru ironically brought up the provincial level to pressure him.

But Jiang Yuan found himself unable to refute.

Because she was absolutely correct.

If the National Assets Bureau and the National Development and Reform Commission had followed the normal procedure, this project wouldn't have been approved.