Chapter 1902:

Chapter 1902: Chapter 1902:

The meeting ended, and Song Guanchao called Zhou Xingjian, asking him to contact these executives and make arrangements for the industrial park entry.

After hanging up, Song Guanchao found Cai Zixiang’s number and dialed it.

Cai Zixiang, as the secretary of Mr. Gu from Hong Kong Island, was capable and well-networked.

Having him facilitate the introduction of the foreign supermarket and sit down for negotiations was the most suitable choice.

Just as his finger landed on the dial button, a call came in ahead of him; it was Director Ma.

"Director Ma, has the situation in Lishan County been handled?" Song Guanchao casually asked.

The issue of malfeasance and misconduct by Lishan County’s deputy secretary had already passed over half a month, and Song Guanchao had almost forgotten about it.

Director Ma’s tone was grave: "The situation in Lishan County is very serious. Does Director Song have time? I need to report to you face-to-face."

From his voice, Song Guanchao sensed the seriousness and asked, "Are you back?"

"On the way, about an hour away from the City Government."

"I’ll be waiting for you in the office."

After hanging up, Song Guanchao glanced at Cai Zixiang’s number again, decided to handle the current matters first, then contact him later.

An hour later, Director Ma arrived.

Song Guanchao poured him a cup of tea: "What’s going on?"

A deputy county secretary’s misconduct, no matter how serious, how much worse could it be?

Director Ma said, "On my second day in Lishan County, I detained Deputy Secretary Qi Siming, Director Zhu from the county bureau, and the museum’s curator. Initially, they wouldn’t admit their crimes. As I collected evidence, I continued the interrogation. At the end of last month, facing the evidence, they finally confessed."

Song Guanchao asked, "Is the reported content all true?"

"It’s true," Director Ma said. "The most heinous is the gang rape case; the three culprits, all second-generation elites, have been caught. We feared retaliation against the victim and assigned police for 24-hour protection."

Song Guanchao asked, "Are the parents of these elites causing trouble?"

Director Ma said, "They tried, also tried pulling strings, but businessmen in that county are limited in influence. The case is under city bureau supervision; they can’t stir up much trouble."

Upon hearing this, Song Guanchao was puzzled.

In this case, what did he mean by "serious" on the phone?

Director Ma sipped his tea and continued, "During our interrogation, the museum curator Hao Rongguang, seeking meritorious conduct for lesser punishment, reported an incident."

"According to Hao Rongguang’s confession, there is criminal activity involving cultural relic theft at the Jiangzhou City Museum."

Song Guanchao’s expression tightened: "Is there evidence?"

"Only confessions," Director Ma said before falling silent.

Though only confessions exist, the theft of cultural relics, once investigated, will undoubtedly be uncovered.

After all, determining the authenticity of cultural relics is quite easy.

The issue lies in whether Song Guanchao wishes to investigate.

Originally, Song Guanchao sent him to Lishan County expressly to prevent the situation from escalating.

But who would have thought this fire would spread to Jiangzhou City?

If mishandled, it could easily become a major news story.

Director Ma refrained from making any suggestions, quietly waiting for his decision.

"You go handle your business first; wait for my call." Song Guanchao did not make a direct decision.

"Alright." Director Ma stood up and left.

Song Guanchao also sought out Wu Qiangwei; this matter is too serious, beyond his authority, and must be determined by Wu Qiangwei whether to proceed with the investigation.

If following Song Guanchao’s nature, he would definitely investigate, regardless of who might be involved.

But he was no longer a newcomer to the system, had passed the impulsive stage.

Especially as it might affect Wu Qiangwei, he must be careful and prudent, wholly unable to act on impulse.

Therefore, after explaining the situation to Wu Qiangwei, he did not express his opinion.

Upon hearing, Wu Qiangwei wore a grave expression, along with some annoyance.

Even though the only evidence is Hao Rongguang’s confession, it’s almost certain the matter is true.

Moreover, whether to investigate isn’t solely her decision.

Hao Rongguang dragged the Jiangzhou City Museum into this to seek meritorious conduct for lesser punishment.

Even if they don’t investigate, the matter will inevitably come to light.

When that happens, they might receive a penalty for concealment.

Rather than turning a blind eye to influence, it’s better to personally expose the issue.

"Invite Mayor Liang over," Wu Qiangwei said.

"Do we need to go to the City Committee?" Song Guanchao asked.

He thought it might be better to drag Zhou Zheng into it as well, to share the burden if issues arise.

Wu Qiangwei asked, "Are you sure he’s not involved?"

Song Guanchao froze for a moment, realizing why he subconsciously believed Zhou Zheng was unaware?

What if he is one of the participants?

Song Guanchao said nothing further, contacted Liang Jianfeng, and invited him to come to the city bureau.

"Also call Secretary Tan over," Wu Qiangwei said.

Song Guanchao then called Tan Miao.

About twenty minutes later, Tan Miao arrived first.

Upon entering, he noticed Wu Qiangwei’s solemn expression and Song Guanchao being mute.

"Mayor Wu, Director Song." He had a bad feeling that being called over was certainly no good affair.

"Secretary Tan, have a seat, we’ll wait for Mayor Liang," Wu Qiangwei said.

Shu Xue served tea, placing it before him.

Holding the teacup, Tan Miao glanced at Song Guanchao with a hint of inquiry.

Song Guanchao smiled at him, signaling him not to fret.

Tan Miao felt like cursing; how could he not be anxious?

Each time he’s called, it’s bad news.

After about fifteen more minutes, Liang Jianfeng arrived.

When he walked in, Wu Qiangwei immediately asked, "Has Director Ma reported the Lishan County case to you?"

Liang Jianfeng nodded: "He reported."

Whenever there’s progress from Director Ma’s side, both Song Guanchao and Liang Jianfeng are immediately informed.

Wu Qiangwei asked, "You’re aware of the museum issue?"

"Yes," Liang Jianfeng said. "I was planning to come over in the afternoon."

Wu Qiangwei asked, "What’s your take?"

Tan Miao quickly interjected: "Mayor Wu, what is the matter?"

He was left speechless; the room had four people, yet he was the only one unaware, and they had no intention of explaining to him.

Then what was the point of calling him over?

Wu Qiangwei was momentarily stunned, remembering the unknowing Tan Miao.

"Let me explain," Song Guanchao quickly briefed him on the situation.

Once Tan Miao heard, he sighed, although he anticipated bad news, the severity exceeded his expectations.

The Provincial City Museum stealing cultural relics!

He could only hope that no leaders from the city were involved, or else things would become grave.

Liang Jianfeng said, "Hao Rongguang’s report definitely requires investigation; it can’t be hidden."

Song Guanchao said, "I also suggest investigating."

Wu Qiangwei looked at Tan Miao, who felt exhausted, wondering why she was looking at him; he was merely the Disciplinary Committee Deputy Secretary, not a police officer.

Feigning seriousness, he said, "I think Mayor Liang and Director Song make sense. Hao Rongguang’s report for meritorious conduct can’t go uninvestigated."

After a brief pause, Wu Qiangwei said, "Whether it’s arresting or investigating, do it discreetly. For now, don’t let too many people know."

Liang Jianfeng and Song Guanchao almost immediately understood Wu Qiangwei’s intention.

Only Tan Miao, baffled, looked around, not understanding why Wu Qiangwei wanted to do this.

He felt he couldn’t keep up with the pace of these people.