"Director, Secretary Deng called and demanded his immediate release. I really didn't dare refuse," Executive Deputy Director Hu Chunqiu said with a miserable expression.
"Enough. We already discussed Zhang Hao's case at a meeting and reached a unanimous decision. I understand the pressure you were under, but that is absolutely no excuse for openly defying the leadership's resolution and committing such a serious error."
Director Zhou's dark gaze swept back and forth between Hu Chunqiu and He Baoyong, making both men squirm.
They had prepared themselves beforehand. With the secretary backing them, they certainly wouldn't be removed from their posts or dismissed. At worst, they would go through the motions of receiving Party disciplinary and administrative sanctions. Even so, they couldn't help feeling uneasy.
Because the man standing before them was no ordinary public security director. He was Director Zhou, the man known as the Officialdom Killer.
"Given the seriousness of your error, I will propose at the Party Committee Leadership Meeting that you be suspended from all duties under your supervision and responsibility. I will also report this matter to the higher authorities for further action! Do either of you have any objections?"
Hu Chunqiu and He Baoyong hurriedly shook their heads. "No, none."
Suspension pending investigation was something they had expected. There was no escaping that step, however much they might want to.
Director Zhou gave a slight nod, some of the anger fading from his face. He seemed reasonably satisfied with their willingness to accept the situation.
Thus, the leadership meeting approved the decision to suspend Hu Chunqiu and He Baoyong pending investigation without any resistance. Responsibility for the SWAT Officers Detachment, previously under Hu Chunqiu, was transferred to Deputy Director Chen Gang, while Political Commissar Liu Yide temporarily took charge of the Criminal Investigation Detachment.
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