The departure of Lisson Group served as the initial spark that illuminated the underlying conflicts within the Chengzhou Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government, extending even to the entire Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government. Although Lisson Group was merely a catalyst, this small spark ignited significant changes in the overall landscape.

This situation presented both danger and opportunity. The core question in Jiang Xiaochuan’s mind was how to leverage this crisis to his advantage.

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Finishing a game of pool, he checked the time and realized it was nearly time.

Handing the billiard club back to the staff, he wiped his hands with a towel and headed towards the lounge area outside.

This establishment was just an average billiards room in the market, but it provided relatively high-end services, making it a preferred spot for individuals with moderate incomes.

Jiang Xiaochuan wasn’t particularly fond of the place but had to come today. It had been nearly a week since the Lisson Group’s abrupt exit. Yesterday, Xue Yan, a reporter from the city TV, who had been conducting a private investigation into the Rong Family’s Club murder case, had contacted him and arranged this meeting for today.

It was evident that Xue Yan wanted to discuss something important.

Jiang Xiaochuan compared his interactions with Xue Yan to dealing with an underground organization. The experience was unlike any he had with Rong Shaobai. Rong Shaobai was a cunning, secretive gangster businessman who concealed his intentions with a sly smile. He was the type who always had more going on beneath the surface than met the eye. Others might know he had ulterior motives, but Rong Shaobai never let his true thoughts become known.

Xue Yan, on the other hand, was straightforward and upfront. His motives were clear, and he often communicated them in plain terms. In some political climates, journalists who uncovered hidden truths were derogatorily referred to as “dung-rakers.”

The term illustrated the deep dislike politicians had for such journalists, including the President of the United States during that era.

However, Jiang Xiaochuan had learned that Xue Yan had been invited to work with the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, and his new workplace would be the municipal party committee building.

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After waiting for approximately ten minutes, Jiang Xiaochuan spotted Xue Yan entering with a black backpack.

As a gesture of respect, Jiang Xiaochuan offered a plain cup of tea and said, “Congratulations.”

Xue Yan casually placed his backpack down and replied, “Congratulations may not be the appropriate sentiment, Mayor Jiang. Aren’t you feeling uneasy?”

“It’s not Mayor Jiang who should be uneasy, Mr. Xue, but you. Congratulating you is probably uncomfortable, don’t you think?” Jiang Xiaochuan displayed remarkable composure, able to exchange jests with Xue Yan despite the latter’s mocking expressions and words.

Xue Yan, pondering for a moment, lifted the cup of plain tea that Jiang Xiaochuan had ordered for him. He examined it closely and wondered if Jiang Xiaochuan’s choice was intentional. Plain tea was typically the most affordable type.

After taking a sip, he stated, “In comparison to some others, your issues are relatively mild.”

Did this imply that Jiang Xiaochuan’s actions were less severe in a group of wrongdoers?

Yet, they were all still wrongdoers, weren’t they?

Xue Yan felt that the logic behind his statement was somewhat off. He twirled the simple glass tea cup, regretting the words he had spoken and possibly should not have. As an afterthought, he added, “But you aren’t necessarily a good person.”

“I’m not a good person.” Jiang Xiaochuan candidly admitted. He knew full well the transgressions he had committed. Regardless of whether he could atone for them in this life or be freed from the lingering shadows of his past, those memories still clouded his heart. He remained uncertain about when he would be cleansed.

“I’ve stumbled into this mess, and there’s no turning back now.” Jiang Xiaochuan replied, acknowledging the depths of this entanglement. While still internally calm, he understood that he was facing a situation filled with complexities that he couldn’t fully grasp.

Xue Yan’s revelation about the gathering of senior officials, soldiers, businessmen, and a gangster in the Rong Family’s Club had triggered a whirlwind of questions and concerns.

Who was this familiar high-ranking official?

What were they discussing in that suite?

And most importantly, why was Qiu Yi beaten severely for merely knocking on the door?

While he was contemplating these questions, Xue Yan had just handed over a notebook containing his investigation notes. Jiang Xiaochuan began to read the carefully compiled information. It was clear that Xue Yan had dug up facts beyond what the police had disclosed, indicating that his investigative skills were commendable.

As he absorbed the contents, Jiang Xiaochuan’s inner turmoil grew, though he retained his outward composure. He wasn’t ready to reveal his thoughts. After reaching the end of the notes, he slowly closed the notebook.

With his fingers interlocked and his elbows resting on his knees, he sat in a contemplative posture for an extended period. Eventually, he leaned back on the sofa and offered a genuine smile. “You’ve displayed impressive skills.”

Xue Yan couldn’t help but comment, “You’re quite unlike typical officials. It’s remarkable that you’d venture into such matters.”

Jiang Xiaochuan chuckled and replied, “You’ve seen a lot in your line of work, Mr. Xue. There’s no harm in acknowledging the world’s complexity and trying to navigate it.”

He was well aware that Xue Yan was looking for assistance or cooperation. Given the shocking information Xue Yan had provided, there was a high probability that Jiang Xiaochuan would be willing to engage. However, he had to choose his words carefully and avoid revealing too much of his own perspective or intentions.

Xue Yan, having heard Jiang Xiaochuan’s words, seemed to find some common ground and leaned back in his chair.

“Indeed, navigating it is the only way. Mayor Jiang, I believe you’ve already realized that this case is far from ordinary. The Rong Family’s Club case may just be the tip of the iceberg.”

Jiang Xiaochuan nodded and said, “Indeed, it seems like we’ve uncovered something much bigger beneath the surface. You know I’m in a delicate position right now. What do you suggest, Mr. Xue?”

Xue Yan’s eyes gleamed with anticipation as he replied, “I believe that we can work together to uncover the truth and, if necessary, expose the entire iceberg.”

Jiang Xiaochuan knew that working with Xue Yan had the potential to unearth critical information and shine a light on a deeper, more complex conspiracy. However, it also came with its own set of risks and challenges, as they’d be delving into uncharted territories. The offer on the table was both intriguing and daunting.

He leaned forward and extended his hand to Xue Yan, sealing their unofficial partnership, and said, “Then, let’s expose the iceberg together.”