Chapter Six: The Deal

The Investment Promotion Seminar of Lanning City was being held in the newly renovated multifunctional hall of the municipal government. Mayor Lan Jianguo, dressed in a crisp white short-sleeved shirt with not a hair out of place, had just finished delivering an important speech. Amidst the enthusiastic applause, Lan Jianguo, whose upright demeanor was softened by his kindly humility, stood up once more, bowing politely to over two thousand representatives seated before him.

Born in the impoverished mountain regions of central Gui, Lan Jianguo revealed from childhood a tenacious and indomitable spirit, paired with keen intelligence. He completed high school by collecting firewood and weaving bamboo baskets, then excelled in his exams to gain admission to Southwest University of Political Science and Law. Upon graduation, he resolutely returned to his hometown to become a high school teacher. Three years later, thanks to his outstanding teaching abilities, he was transferred by the county government. Over the following five years, he rose from a junior official to township head, then deputy county chief. Wherever he served, he brought tangible benefits to the people, advancing step by step and accumulating a record of solid achievements.

Notably, during his tenure as Party Secretary of Duning County, he was the first to implement the enlightened policy of “adapting measures to local conditions and attracting investment.” In just three years, in a county where stone outweighed soil, he drew in both capital and talent, establishing over twenty leading enterprises: a large-scale stone quarry and processing plant, a two-million-ton cement factory, a hydropower station on a tributary of the Redwater River, an Xuan paper manufacturing company, a wild grape winery, among others. He also organized farmers into integrated breeding and processing enterprises. In a few short years, Duning County, long mired at the bottom, leaped into the ranks of the five richest counties in Guangxi. Lan Jianguo thus became a rising political star. Additionally, his Zhuang ethnic background perfectly fit the central government's policy of ethnic autonomy. After a special promotion and a year at the Party School, Lan Jianguo was appointed executive deputy mayor of the provincial capital, and last year was elected mayor during the leadership reshuffle.

The public’s support for Lan Jianguo stemmed from his illustrious record, his boldness, decisiveness, and sense of responsibility. Throughout his career, he had never been implicated in corruption, moral misconduct, or factionalism, leaving an enduring impression of integrity and fairness. Even his wife remained a modest official in the Bureau of Industry and Commerce.

Facing more than two thousand attendees, Lan Jianguo lowered his head to carefully review the relevant reports. At that moment, his secretary, Song Min, quietly approached and whispered in his ear. Instantly, Lan Jianguo stiffened in his seat; his ruddy complexion turned deathly pale, and at some point, the red-and-blue pencil in his hand had snapped in his palm.

He made a slight gesture behind him, and Secretary Song discreetly withdrew.

Lan Jianguo pulled a checkered handkerchief from his pocket to wipe the blood from his palm, his deeply set eyes growing moist. After a long silence, he looked up, composed himself, and with unflinching calm, excused himself to Deputy Mayor Han Geng, then exited the hall as if nothing had happened.

In the mayor’s office, Police Chief Jiang Shangwu and Political Commissar Shen Tiejian sat before cups of exquisite Xishan Maojian tea, unable to enjoy a sip, nervously discussing the case in hushed tones.

When Lan Jianguo hurried in, both men immediately stood to attention. After signaling his secretary to close the door, Lan Jianguo seated himself across from them as Jiang Shangwu presented him with the case file.

Lan Jianguo carefully perused the materials. When he came to the stack of photographs depicting the tragic fate of his beloved son, his hands began to tremble, and at last, two streams of tears traced down his resolute face.

Jiang Shangwu spoke gravely to console him: “Mayor, please accept our condolences. We will crack this case as swiftly as possible, punish the culprit severely, and bring comfort to Comrade Lan Tao’s spirit.”

Political Commissar Shen Tiejian, worry etched on his face, interjected: “Mayor, this case is complex and may involve certain individuals within our ranks. From the latest interrogation reports, there may be a connection between this murder and the death of an emergency patient at the affiliated hospital earlier this morning. I suggest we immediately establish a special task force to investigate.”

“Old Shen, I don’t believe the case is as complicated as you imagine,” Jiang Shangwu promptly objected. “With thorough crime scene analysis, diligent interrogation, and evidence collection, the truth will soon come to light. There’s no need to alarm other leaders or even the provincial department over a single homicide.”

Lan Jianguo, now calm, set down the materials and said impassively, “I agree with Comrade Shangwu’s view. With Hong Kong’s return imminent, all of you are carrying a heavy burden. Furthermore, the National Sanitary City inspection team will arrive in three days, so we must keep the case’s impact as limited as possible. I’ll inform the propaganda and organizational ministers shortly—stability and unity are paramount!”

Seeing that Shen Tiejian still wished to speak, Lan Jianguo raised a hand to stop him. “Comrade Tiejian, since the unfortunate passing of Secretary Xia Yu last month, the organization has asked me to serve as Party Secretary as well. I also expect you to obey the organization’s decisions and prioritize the bigger picture. We must thoroughly investigate the case, leave no criminal unpunished, and never wrong an innocent person. That’s settled. Comrade Tiejian, you’re to return and convene an expanded meeting of the bureau party committee. Emphasize the critical timing of Hong Kong’s return and the city’s key ‘Three City Initiative’ tasks. Convey the municipal party committee’s instructions accurately, unify thought and action, and focus everyone’s attention on essential work. Do not mobilize a large-scale operation just because the victim is my son—such rumors would be most damaging. Comrade Shangwu, stay behind and brief me on the case.”

With no choice, Shen Tiejian rose to take his leave.

Once Shen had gone, Lan Jianguo stood, moved behind his desk, and gestured for Jiang Shangwu to sit opposite him. “Shangwu, what are your thoughts on the case?”

Jiang Shangwu, somewhat uneasy, presented everything known so far. “The suspect, Kang Ning, is in custody at the South District station. Old Shen wanted to transfer him to headquarters, but I refused. The other parties involved, Chen Junhua and Liu Fei, are both from the Lakeside Police Station—Chen Junhua is the chief. Both are still in the hospital receiving treatment. The fourth individual, known as Old Four, is Lan Tao’s driver, Huang Kebin, who is also badly injured. I’ve placed him under protection and ordered that statements from all three be postponed until I receive your instructions before proceeding.”

A glint flashed in Lan Jianguo’s eyes before he regained composure. Staring at the ceiling, he spoke softly, “Thank you for your efforts, Shangwu. Handle this case well, always mindful of the bigger picture. Maintain social stability and prevent any escalation or rumors. I have full confidence in your abilities and the committee’s judgment.”

Jiang Shangwu easily understood the mayor’s unspoken message. If he didn’t earn a promotion this year, there would be no more chances. With the political and legal affairs secretary set to retire at year’s end, he knew opportunities were running out. This case was a rare opening—missing it would mean a lifetime of regret.

He stood, visibly moved, to pledge, “Rest assured, Mayor, I will make this a watertight case and not betray the trust of the leadership and the organization!”

Lan Jianguo looked at him approvingly, rose to shake his hand, and encouraged him warmly, “Shangwu, you’ve worked almost thirty years—it’s time for a post that better matches your abilities. With such rich experience and unwavering loyalty, the organization is confident entrusting you with great responsibility. Reform requires both courage and wisdom. On behalf of the party and city government, you have our full support!”

Jiang Shangwu quickly gathered the files, saluted, and departed at a brisk pace.

Hearing the heavy door close, Lan Jianguo sank, exhausted, into his high-backed leather chair. With trembling hands, he opened a drawer and took out a delicate photo frame—a family portrait from a year ago, taken when he became mayor.

He gazed at his beloved daughter standing behind him, then at his wife, and finally at his son—handsome, bright, and smiling warmly. A surge of grief overwhelmed him, and tears streamed down his face like rain.