Chapter 6: Reactions

After hanging up, Ma Guoliang could not calm down. A county chief doubling as police chief was unheard of in peacetime. Such arrangements had been made in the early years of the nation to make administration easier. The higher-ups must be deeply dissatisfied with Gaoshan. Were they planning to govern the county through the police?

So what if they were? As long as Ma Guoliang was there, no one could touch so much as a blade of grass in Gaoshan without his say-so. Whatever Lin Ying’s background, she would have to do as he said. Police chief, acting county chief and deputy county Party secretary? He would see whether she had three heads and six arms.

In the county Party committee’s work chat, an explosive announcement shook the committee, the government office and the public security system. Everyone was bewildered. All three major arms of the county administration were in an uproar.

Almost everyone sensed something unusual.

“Holy crap, that’s some appointment! Who is this person?”

“Exactly. She’s got both the county government office and the police bureau in her hands. What a powerhouse!”

“I hear she’s a woman, and she transferred from the military.”

“Since when do military transfers get positions like that? Didn’t they used to take a lower rank in civilian jobs? Are they all in demand now? If I’d known, I would’ve joined the army a few years ago.”

“Quit joking. I hear she came out of special forces and was an instructor. Apparently she was in the South China Military Region’s special operations unit.”

“Damn, that’s intimidating. Everyone from that military region is supposed to be tough. Is she coming to hunt tigers in Gaoshan?”

“Watch what you say!”

The person who had made the remark quickly withdrew the message. This was a work chat, after all. The leaders might not be in it, but who knew whether their trusted people were?

The news soon spread throughout Gaoshan County. Everyone was curious about the incoming police chief, but a few people could not sit still.

Liu Yixiong lit one cigarette after another until his room reeked of smoke. He felt terrible. The newcomer was both acting county chief and police chief. Everyone knew what that meant. There had never been an appointment like it in all these years. The higher-ups were sending a signal, a frightening one.

They were deeply dissatisfied with both the Gaoshan police and the county government. Neither he nor Zhao Yuma had been promoted. Surely the authorities had their eyes on them.

Liu was frightened. After so many years in Gaoshan, he should have moved up long ago. Yet he was still deputy director, the eternal number two. Even he was tired of sitting in that seat, but the higher-ups had never given him a chance. Now it looked as if they never would.

Were they really coming for him this time?

Unable to settle his nerves, he called Ma Guoliang again. “Secretary, have you turned in?”

“Not yet. I’ve just left the office. What is it?” Ma sounded tired. He didn’t want to go home tonight.

“Secretary, about the police chief also serving as acting county chief…”

“Don’t read too much into it. Think of all the storms we’ve weathered over the years. Whatever the higher-ups are thinking, we shouldn’t speculate. Do our jobs and maintain peace and stability in Gaoshan. That matters more than anything. Understand?”

“Yes, I understand, but…” Liu hesitated and fell silent. Ma knew what he wanted to say.

“I made inquiries. It was the province’s decision.”

Liu shuddered and nearly dropped his phone. His heart raced. The province? How could that be?

“It doesn’t matter whether it came from the province or the city. Yixiong, don’t dwell on it. It won’t do us any good. Understand?”

Ma didn’t actually like Liu much, but the man was a veteran police officer with more than twenty years’ experience. He was careful and thorough, and having him around made many things easier.

For now, Ma couldn’t give him up. Nor did he know whether Liu held anything over him. After so many years working together, he would have to find a chance to ask.

After the call, Ma’s car pulled into an upscale residential complex. A young, beautiful woman came out to greet him, her face full of delight.

Zhao Yuma was in no better shape. When he saw the conspicuous announcement—police chief, acting county chief and deputy county Party secretary—his heart nearly leaped into his throat. What kind of extraordinary appointment was that?

How could one person hold those posts together? She would control Gaoshan’s two major centers of power. Was she planning to turn the world upside down?

He had served two terms as deputy county chief. Couldn’t he be promoted yet? Why not?

Zhao wanted to ask the leaders of the Baiyun City Organization Department what they meant by it. He had devoted himself to Gaoshan, yet in the end he couldn’t even get a top post.

So frustrated he could have spat blood, he considered calling Ma, then thought better of it. If Ma had been able to promote him, he would have done it long ago. Zhao could see it clearly now: Ma simply lacked the power.

He picked up his phone and dialed another number. Ma Guoliang wasn’t the only person he could rely on for advancement.

“Hello, Secretary Chang? I hope I haven’t interrupted you while you were resting.”

“Ah, Deputy Chief Zhao. What is it?” Chang Yukun sounded impatient. What was going on in Gaoshan? None of them would leave him in peace.

“There’s something I’d like to consult you about. If it’s convenient, I’d like to report on Gaoshan’s work in person and thank you for all the support and help you’ve given us over the years.”

Chang was no fool. A personal thank-you meant Zhao wanted a significant favor.

“This weekend. I’ll be home Saturday. Come over; I’ll send you the address.”

“All right, all right. Thank you, sir!” Zhao was excited. If Chang Yukun was willing to help, he was sure to move up.

At the hotel, Lin Ying had someone open the USB drive. It had come from Gao Lan’s liaison, and she naturally wanted to see what was on it.

But it was encrypted. She turned to Fatty Xu.

“I’ll do it. Easy.” Xu Pang stepped up to the computer and got to work. After a long while, however, his brow furrowed and his face reddened slightly.

“There’s something strange about this password.”

“What do you mean?” Duan Fei asked, puzzled.

“Whoever set it is a top-class hacker.”