Even with all Cui Zhonghua's experience, his eyes flickered when Qin Siyang struck straight at what was on his mind.
But he still gave no answer.
Qin Siyang had yet to dispel his concerns.
Seeing Cui Zhonghua remain silent rather than deny it, Qin Siyang knew his guess was right.
The others had also picked up on the clues. They silently marveled at Qin Siyang's keen observation and quick thinking, their curiosity piqued as they waited to see whether he could really reconstruct what had happened from so little evidence.
Qin Siyang continued his analysis. "He Kui's third disciplinary violation was allowing large numbers of people from Other Districts to enter and leave his zone in breach of management regulations. Since that was what gave Ma Liangdong leverage over you and He Kui, those outsiders from Other Districts entering and leaving Zone 14121 must be the key."
Cui Zhonghua remained silent.
"I grew up in Zone 14121," Qin Siyang said. "I know it better than anyone. Within the Safe Zone, Zone 14121 is a godforsaken backwater. Why would large numbers of people from Other Districts go there? After thinking it over, I can see only one possibility-"
"The staff I assigned to distribute food in State No. 14."
Cui Zhonghua's eyes filled with profound shock, but he still did not answer.
Beside them, Ma Liangdong's mouth fell slightly open, his eyes full of disbelief, as though he had never expected Qin Siyang to deduce this much.
"My staff entering and leaving Zone 14121 was what made District Chief He choose death over revealing the secret."
Qin Siyang continued, "So I'm guessing Ma Liangdong threatened that if you refused to cooperate with his questioning, he would 'ban food distribution in Zone 14121' or 'prevent people from Other Districts from entering Zone