At those words, Tian Zhengbing relaxed a little, nodded, then asked without betraying his feelings, "What do Director Zhou and Comrade Shicheng think?"
The question was addressed to both men, but Tian Zhengbing's gaze remained fixed on Deputy Department Director Zhou's face.
He knew perfectly well that Feng Shicheng's opinion did not matter. What counted was what Zhou Yi thought and intended to do.
"Personally, I certainly trust Comrade Gou Hongtao, but we can't ignore the allegations in the complaint letter. Doing nothing would violate procedure and principle, and it would also damage Comrade Hongtao's reputation. So I think we should investigate and clear Comrade Gou Hongtao's name!"
Deputy Department Director Zhou spoke with a slight frown, looking somewhat troubled.
Feng Shicheng immediately nodded in agreement. "Director Zhou is right. We really should investigate and verify the allegations. We can't let Comrade Hongtao suffer an injustice."
Their double act nearly made Tian Zhengbing laugh in anger.
"Clear Gou Hongtao's name"? "Suffer an injustice"? As if I don't know whether Gou Hongtao is innocent!
Even leaving everything else aside, there's no explaining away the Little Golden Dragon and the hetian jade!
So, Zhou, you're trying to destroy Gou Hongtao?
No, it's not that simple!
Who in the Public Security Department doesn't know Gou Hongtao is my man?
Going after Gou Hongtao means going after me!
Yet when he met Deputy Department Director Zhou's clear gaze, which seemed to say, So what if I am going after you?, his furious heart gradually cooled.
His deepest involvement with Gou Hongtao consisted of the Little Golden Dragon, the hetian jade, and those three hundred thousand yuan. As long as he returned them, he could walk away unscathed.
Besides, he was Secretary Hou's trusted confidant. Secretary Hou would surely protect him.
That thought reassured Tian