Chapter 809 - 685: Deal_2

Chapter 809: Chapter 685: Deal_2

Hou Wendong’s heart suddenly skipped a beat, and his back instantly broke out in a fine layer of cold sweat.

He understood that the Member of Parliament was truly enraged this time, intending to go to war with Member Zhang Deming, to the death.

Hou Wendong felt both anxious and under immense pressure, but he knew he had no choice but to nod heavily and assertively respond:

"Understood, Member. Rest assured, Li Shang is a smart person and knows what to do."

Wang Xinfa added:

"By the way, since [Mask] appeared at the Jade Garden, have Li Shang dig deep and find out exactly how [Mask] knows the Special Commissioner’s residence, and how he’s managed to escape capture time after time. Is there someone secretly informing him or providing assistance?"

Hou Wendong had already predicted that the Member would take this action. He had subtly hinted this to Li Shang before he arrived. Now, the only thing he needed to clarify was:

"Then, Member, who do you suspect?"

Wang Xinfa was silent for a moment, then leaned back into his chair and closed his eyes to ponder.

If this were the past, he would never state things so clearly. Some things were meant for subordinates to understand themselves, leaving room for maneuver at all times.

But today, he was truly infuriated by Zhang Deming and Zheng Geng, he paused briefly and replied:

"Today, Zheng Geng falsely accused Li Shang at the meeting, in front of the many Members of Parliament. I suspect he isn’t just vying for power but intends to impede the investigation.

Could it be that he’s afraid of Li Shang’s ability to solve the case and intends to shelter the real culprit?"

Hou Wendong thoroughly understood now, and strongly agreed, he immediately replied:

"What you said makes sense, Member. I will have Li Shang keep a close watch on Zheng Geng."

Wang Xinfa’s expression eased slightly, and he continued:

"Not just Li Shang, but you too. Keep a 24-hour watch on Zheng Geng, his family—parents, wife and children, siblings—not a single one should be missed.

If Zheng Geng truly has issues, if he’s really colluding with [Mask] or any other faction, there must be contact between them, sure signs will emerge!"

Then will [Mask] come into contact with Zheng Geng or his family?

Hou Wendong met Wang Xinfa’s icy, deep gaze and felt the answer rise clearly in his heart:

"He can! And... he must!"

He humbly lowered his eyes and assuredly said:

"Don’t worry, Member, I will arrange it immediately."

Wang Xinfa finally added:

"Assign a few people to protect Li Shang 24/7. He can’t afford any mishap right now."

Thanks to Zheng Geng and Zhang Deming’s assistance, Wang Xinfa’s emphasis and "concern" for Li Shang had been forced to reach an unprecedented peak.

For quite a long time to come, he was going to trust Li Shang as if he were trusting himself.

At the same time.

On the other side, in Member Zhang Deming’s office.

The light inside was soft, and the expensive mahogany shelves were filled with hardcover books and ornaments, a faint mix of cigar and old book fragrance permeating the air, silently narrating the owner’s status and experience.

"Have a seat, Special Commissioner Zheng."

He spoke warmly, pointing to a large sofa nearby.

Zheng Geng didn’t stand on ceremony, taking a seat as requested, back ramrod straight.

Zhang Deming likewise sat on the sofa, with a smile on his face, personally made a cup of tea, and handed it to Zheng Geng.

Just as Zheng Geng seldom smiled, Zhang Deming seldom personally made tea for others.

The temperature of the tea was not perfectly controlled, slightly cooler, failing to bring out the aroma of the tea leaves, imparting instead a noticeable astringency.

Zheng Geng didn’t mind, took the tea cup, without even looking carefully at the clear tea soup, threw his head back with a "glug," draining the entire cup of tea in one go, swallowing a few expanded tea leaves as well.

Zhang Deming’s smile remained unchanged, seeming to appreciate this "guzzling," asked, "How’s the tea?"

The tone sounded casual but seemed to be probing something.

Zheng Geng raised a hand, wiped the water stain from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, his voice still cold and hard, with no trace of emotional fluctuations.

But compared to the aggressive "mad dog" stance in the meeting room, this finally revealed a hint of the proper respect, though it appeared exceedingly rigid and superficial.

He praised, "Good drink, it quenches thirst."

Zhang Deming’s smile deepened somewhat due to this, yet inwardly he evaluated:

"Though rumored to have a bad temper, his performance in the meeting room resembled an utter madman, devoid of etiquette or hierarchy...

But at least he knows to lower his head when seeking favors, knows when to retract his claws, haha, he’s not really entirely unreasonable."

Zhang Deming also gracefully sipped another cup of tea, then slightly frowned and placed the tea cup back on the table, only then saying leisurely:

"Special Commissioner Zheng, you purposely lingered at the door earlier, walked this path with me, this was for Wang Xinfa to see, wasn’t it? Now, Member Wang will likely harbor resentment towards me for this as well."

Zheng Geng knew he was being underhanded but felt no guilt in his heart.

Or rather, since Zhang Deming saw through this yet still chose to accompany him "all the way," wasn’t he also happy to see Wang Xinfa harbor this misunderstanding?

Everyone was merely taking what they needed, playing along.

Zheng Geng wanted Zhang Deming’s support, Zhang Deming wanted Zheng Geng to be his dog.

What’s on the inside isn’t important, as long as outsiders see there is, then neither loses.

Zhang Deming broke it down at this moment, mainly to remind Zheng Geng, stressing, "You deliberately utilized me, yet I kindly cooperated to help you," hinting that Zheng Geng should be "grateful."

Zheng Geng understood clearly, this was the typical arrogance of a Member.

He immediately replied bluntly:

"Do you care about Member Wang Xinfa’s resentment? The more he resents you, the happier you are, aren’t you?"

Zhang Deming gave Zheng Geng a deeply significant look. Though justa few words, with his vast experience, he immediately read Zheng Geng’s true character.

In short, this person is inherently rebellious, ambitious, courageous, not one to be easily subdued and turned into an obedient dog.

A cold glint flashed in Zhang Deming’s eyes, but his face maintained a gracious smile, even chuckling twice:

"Haha, indeed, you’re right, that’s the rationale."

He swiftly shifted the conversation, with a trace of "care" stating:

"However, though I may disregard Wang Xinfa’s resentment, for you, a small Special Commissioner in the Mechanical Department, with no foundation, being utterly resented by such a powerful Member of Parliament... the days ahead... are dangerously fraught."

These words were both a reminder and pressure.

To say Zheng Geng wasn’t afraid at all would be self-deceptive. Yet he showed not a trace of fear on his face, all emotions tightly locked under a cold exterior.

He solemnly spoke directly on his intent:

"Thus, I want to make a deal with you, Member. I hope, before the kidnapping case of the Special Commissioner at Jade Garden is fully concluded, you can... protect me."

Zhang Deming slightly reclined his body, leaning against the comfortable sofa back, revealing a face of intrigue:

"Oh? A deal? Why should I do that? Special Commissioner Zheng, what can you offer me?"

Zheng Geng’s reply was equally direct, even somewhat blunt, carrying a sanguinary tone:

"I can act like a true mad dog, trying everything possible, fiercely bite Member Wang Xinfa, until he is thoroughly dead and shredded, posing no threat to you ever again."

Zhang Deming however shook his head, faintly laughed dismissively:

"Just you? Special Commissioner Zheng, I must admit, the mad energy you showed today indeed rendered Wang Xinfa embarrassed and unable to hold his ground.

But that’s mainly because you caught him off guard today, he utterly didn’t expect you to challenge him.

But now, you’ve fully entered his sights, become a target of his ’focused attention.’

Based on my understanding of him, he won’t give you another chance to attack him face-to-face.