When Yang Li saw the handsome face in front of him, along with the trace of disdain and contempt in those eyes, he felt a surge of anger in his heart. In all his years in Star City, no one had ever dared to show him such sarcasm or act so arrogantly, let alone a mere brat like this.
Being ridiculed by Xu Ze like that, coupled with the memory of how his own son had been left in such a state by Xu Ze, and then seeing the scornful look in Xu Ze’s eyes, Yang Li felt a rush of blood to his head. He couldn’t help but snort angrily, throwing all dignity and composure to the wind as he roared, “You little bastard… you really think that just because you have someone backing you, you can do whatever you want in my territory? Let me tell you… in front of me, you’re nothing at all!”
Seeing Yang Li so furious, Xu Ze was actually taken aback. He hadn’t really meant any harm; he had just let his mental focus slip a little, and maybe a bit of that disdain showed in his eyes. Who knew Yang Li would react so strongly, exploding with curses right at the entrance of the city government office building?
Yang Li’s shouting was naturally loud, and there were six or seven people entering the building at the time, many of them government staff. Everyone looked at Director Yang in shock, their faces full of surprise.
Usually, no official ever cursed like that at the entrance of the city government office building. But here was Director Yang, set to be promoted to vice mayor in just a few days, yet throwing a tantrum like this.
These were all people of notable status who cared about their reputation. On normal days, no matter how much they might dislike each other, they still maintained a basic level of courtesy. A public shouting match like this was unheard of—it was truly a sight to behold.
Xu Ze sighed helplessly, shook his head, and looked at the red-eyed Yang Li, saying, “Director Yang… you’re about to become vice mayor, so why are you acting like this today? It’s really undignified… Judging by your behavior, it seems like this vice mayor position won’t be easy for you after all.”
“You—” Yang Li finally snapped back to reality. He looked around and saw so many people staring at him in shock, causing his face to flush with embarrassment as he realized how out of line he had been. Forcing himself to suppress his anger, he shot Xu Ze a fierce glare, then waved his hand angrily and left with his two subordinates.
Watching Yang Li’s flustered expression, Xu Ze let out a cold laugh and then headed to Tang Guorui’s office on his own.
When Xu Ze arrived, Tang Guorui’s secretary didn’t even announce him and simply let him in directly.
Mayor Tang had made it clear that morning: he wouldn’t see anyone else, but if Xu Ze came by, he should be let in right away.
The secretary found it quite strange. Even though Xu Ze was Mayor Tang’s nominal nephew, Tang Guorui never mixed personal matters with work—let alone cancel all his meetings just to wait for someone.
Xu Ze entered the office, and Tang Guorui, hearing his footsteps, looked up with a smile and said, “You’re here? Did you bring it?”
Xu Ze nodded and replied with a smile, “Yes, I brought it.”
With that, he handed over the document bag and said, “Everything is inside. Take a look, Uncle Tang.”
Tang Guorui took the bag from Xu Ze, carefully opened it, and pulled out the stack of documents. He flipped through them attentively. The documents weren’t many—just three or four pages—but as he read, a hint of joy gradually appeared on his face, and he began nodding approvingly.
Looking at these materials, Tang Guorui finally felt relieved. Over the past few days, he had heard bits and pieces about the conflict between Xu Ze and Yang Li. At first, he had been annoyed with Xu Ze for stirring up trouble for no reason. But now he understood that Xu Ze had been confident all along. With this evidence, it turned out that Xu Ze had actually solved a major problem for him.
“Well done, Xu Ze… you’ve got some real skill.” Tang Guorui looked at Xu Ze with a very different expression than before. Previously, he had seen Xu Ze as just a somewhat accomplished junior. But now, Xu Ze’s standing in his eyes had significantly risen. He was no longer just a young man who relied on the Tang family’s connections. Tang Guorui smiled and nodded, saying, “I never thought you could get your hands on this kind of information. Excellent, just excellent.”
Seeing Tang Guorui’s reaction, Xu Ze also felt reassured. He knew that after receiving these documents, Tang Guorui would surely have the confidence to take down Yang Li.
Xu Ze smiled faintly but didn’t respond. After all, he didn’t want to explain where these documents came from. He simply nodded and said, “Uncle Tang, I’ve delivered the documents, so I’ll take my leave now.”
Seeing that Xu Ze chose to avoid the question, Tang Guorui wasn’t surprised. Everyone has their secrets, and obtaining such sensitive documents must have involved unconventional methods. Regardless, the fact that Xu Ze could provide this evidence was enough to make Tang Guorui take him seriously. So, he didn’t stop him and just nodded with a smile, saying, “Alright, go ahead. Leave the rest to me.”
Hearing this, Xu Ze nodded and left. There was nothing more for him to do. Since Tang Guorui had said that, he would handle the matter quickly.
The next day was the day of the meeting for Yang Li’s promotion. Yang Li was in excellent spirits, dressed in a suit and tie, as he entered the city government building. Along the way, he greeted people politely, brimming with confidence.
And how could he not be happy? The situation was already settled. In two hours, he would become vice mayor, a city-level leader. This would be a turning point in his political career—moving from the police system into the political arena, breaking free from the narrow confines of the police world. From now on, his future was bright.
“Mayor Yang… congratulations, congratulations!” Along the way, many well-informed people in the city government gathered around him, flattering and offering their congratulations, making Yang Li feel a bit giddy. Smiling, he cupped his hands in return and said, “I’m hosting a small banquet at Baorui today. Everyone, please come join the celebration.”
“Of course, of course!” Everyone nodded with smiles and agreed.
Surrounded by people seeking his favor, Yang Li felt incredibly pleased. It was truly a double blessing—his son would be released tomorrow, and today he was being promoted to vice mayor. Life couldn’t be better.
But before he could finish smiling, three people walked toward him from outside. Yang Li focused his gaze and saw that they were from the Procuratorate. He had dealt with them quite a few times before, though the Procuratorate and his police bureau had always been somewhat at odds. Still, he was secretly delighted. Now that he was about to become a city leader, he was curious to see how they would react.
The expressions on the faces of the three from the Procuratorate were indeed quite serious as they walked toward him.
Yang Li smirked smugly, stepped forward, and said cheerfully, “I’m hosting a banquet at Baorui today. You three must honor me with your presence.”
Seeing Yang Li’s smug expression, the three exchanged glances. Then the one in the front chuckled and said, “Director Yang, I’m afraid we won’t be able to make it to your banquet.”
“Oh, how can that be? You three must come. Without you, the event would lose so much of its luster!” Yang Li laughed heartily, then added, “You have to come, you really do. I’ve booked many tables today, and everyone is looking forward to drinking my good wine.”
Watching Yang Li’s arrogant display, the three couldn’t help but smile faintly. The leader said apologetically, “Sorry, Director Yang, but I’m afraid they’ll be disappointed. No one will be drinking your wine today.”
“Why not?” Yang Li was clearly a bit too excited and didn’t immediately grasp the meaning behind the other man’s words.
The leader smiled faintly and then said, “I’m sorry, Director Yang, but you’ll have to come with us.”
“Come with you?” Yang Li stared at the three in disbelief, and then a chill shot up his spine. His face turned pale in an instant.
But he was a seasoned police officer after all, so he quickly managed to compose himself. Taking a deep breath, he stared at the three and asked, “What do you mean by that?”
“Director Yang, we have been ordered to invite you in for an investigation.”
At those words, the entire area fell silent. Everyone stared at Yang Li, their faces full of shock, unable to understand what was happening.
But they all knew—if they were coming for him at a time like this, then Yang Li was probably finished.
Yang Li’s hand trembled slightly, and then he suddenly erupted in fury, pointing at the three and shouting, “Are you joking? I’m about to become vice mayor, and you pull something like this now?”
“I’m sorry, Director Yang. Please cooperate with our investigation,” the leader said, motioning to the two people behind him. They quickly stepped forward and took Yang Li by the arms.
Realizing that he was now being restrained, Yang Li’s face twisted with rage. He panted heavily but gradually calmed down. He now fully understood the situation. If they were coming for him at such a critical moment, they must have solid evidence. His face turning ashen, he allowed himself to be led away by the two men.
The crowd that had been surrounding Yang Li, offering congratulations and flattery, now stood there, looking at each other in bewilderment.
Indeed, the world of officialdom is truly bizarre.
Upstairs in the top-floor conference room, many people had already gathered. Tang Guorui walked in solemnly and announced, “Today’s meeting is canceled.”
Hearing this, everyone was stunned. Two of the vice mayors exchanged glances, then asked in surprise, “What’s going on? This meeting is very important—how can it just be canceled?”
Looking at the two vice mayors, who were now on high alert, Tang Guorui chuckled inwardly. Then he said gravely, “Police Director Yang Li has just been taken away by the Procuratorate. The agenda for today is now meaningless, so the meeting is canceled.”
