"Immediately abandon all businesses in Huaining County, leave none behind."
Liu Zhaolong specifically called his son over and said in a deep voice, "If you don't want to go to jail, do as I say!"
"Dad, Yu Xuewen...he's really been taken away?"
Liu Jin couldn't believe it. That was the county party secretary, the top official in the county! Given Yu Xuewen's qualifications, how could they really take him down?
More importantly, there wasn't a single hint leaked beforehand. That was terrifying. His father, an executive vice mayor, along with Mayor Qiu, had considerable connections in the province. How could there not have been a whisper of it?
If only there had been some information leaked, he could have prepared in advance.
"Nonsense!"
"The Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection acted directly, without even consulting the city."
Liu Zhaolong's face was grim as he coldly said, "Mayor Qiu tried to plead for Yu Xuewen and gather intelligence, but he was severely criticized by the provincial leaders. The situation is serious now. We only hope Yu Xuewen can recognize reality and take responsibility. If he tries to make false accusations, everyone will be in danger."
Hearing this, Liu Jin's heart pounded even harder.
This was the first time he had seen worry in his father's eyes. Since becoming the executive vice mayor, his father had always been radiant, calm and composed in any situation, never showing any panic.
But this time, because of Yu Xuewen's matter, he was clearly flustered.
"Did you hear what I said? Immediately abandon all business in Huaining County and don't go there again, understand?"
Liu Zhaolong reminded him again.
"Okay, I know what to do. I'll give up all the business over there."
Liu Jin readily agreed. He wasn't stupid. Without Yu Xuewen's protection, he wouldn't have any business in Huaining. Getting out quickly was the right thing to do.
"Ring ring..."
Just then, the doorbell rang. The housekeeper went to open the door, and four figures rushed in.
"What are you doing? This is Vice Mayor Liu's house!"
The housekeeper panicked, trying to stop them, and quickly introduced Vice Mayor Liu.
"Aunt Wang, who is it?"
Liu Zhaolong frowned and asked.
"Vice Mayor Liu, hello. We're from the Provincial Public Security Bureau. We want to speak with Liu Jin to ask some questions."
Before the housekeeper could speak, several uniformed police officers had already entered the lobby, getting straight to the point.
What?
Looking for Liu Jin?
Liu Jin, sitting to the side, was already somewhat flustered.
"Dad…"
Liu Jin frantically winked at his father, even walking over and standing behind him.
Despite his usual arrogant demeanor, he was just as afraid when faced with trouble.
His only reliance was his father's power.
"What did he do?"
Liu Zhaolong composed himself and asked.
"He's involved in some economic crimes and needs his assistance in the investigation. Here are the documents; you can take a look."
The lead policeman handed over the materials.
Liu Zhaolong glanced at them; all the paperwork was complete, and he couldn't find any fault.
"I know Director Song of the Provincial Department. Could you make an exception and let me speak with my son alone for a few minutes?"
Liu Zhaolong pondered for a moment, then invoked the name of a high-ranking official and asked.
"Vice Mayor Liu, please forgive me, but this won't do."
The lead policeman shook his head, saying sternly, "We ask for your cooperation. If you insist on making things difficult, we will have no choice but to take forceful measures, and the entire process will be recorded."
"Vice Mayor Liu, I think you wouldn't be so irrational at this juncture, would you?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Zhaolong's expression changed slightly.
This was a warning not to get involved, otherwise, the consequences would be severe.
"Currently, Yu Xuewen has only identified your son, not you. If you continue to cause trouble, you won't have a good outcome."
The lead policeman suddenly leaned closer and whispered in Liu Zhaolong's ear, "I was sent by Director Song. You'd better cooperate!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Zhaolong's eyes widened in surprise.
That short sentence had indeed revealed a great deal to him.
Yu Xuewen only identified his own son, not anyone else. All he could do was distance himself from his son; otherwise, he would be implicated.
This was understandable.
Since they were all arrested, if they didn't identify one or two people, the Discipline Inspection Commission and the Public Security Bureau wouldn't be satisfied.
The person identified became the key.
Identifying a low-level clerk or minor official wouldn't be believed by the Discipline Inspection Commission and the Public Security Bureau; identifying a high-ranking official would cause a major upheaval in Jiangzhou, implicating even more people.
Identifying Liu Jin was interesting. This young man wasn't a government official, but he happened to be the son of Liu Zhaolong, the executive vice mayor.
This identity could be considered important, or it could be considered unimportant.
It occupied a very delicate position.
"Liu Jin, you go with this officer. Cooperating with the investigation is every citizen's duty."
Understanding the implication, Liu Zhaolong turned to his son and said this.
Huh?
He's sending me?
Liu Jin was speechless. His own father wouldn't even try to help him out?
At least make a phone call, try to find some connections!
"Dad, can't you ask someone to talk to me? Don't make me go!"
Liu Jin pleaded.
"Nonsense!"
Liu Zhaolong reprimanded sternly, "You're told to go, so you go. It's your duty. When you get there, only say what you did. Be truthful, don't make things up, understand?"
Ah…
Should I understand that?
Liu Jin was completely confused, unsure what his father meant. Did he want him to say everything, or nothing at all?
"Go!"
Liu Zhaolong impatiently shoved Liu Jin towards the group of police officers.
"Vice Mayor Liu, thank you for your cooperation!"
The lead officer thanked Liu Zhaolong and then led Liu Jin out of the Liu family home.
Watching them leave, Liu Zhaolong immediately called the mayor.
"Mayor, Liu Jin has just been taken away."
"I suspect Yu Xuewen did it intentionally, sacrificing Liu Jin for our safety."
"There's nothing I can do about it. Maybe it's a good thing for Liu Jin to get some experience. That's it!"
...
After hanging up, Liu Zhaolong pondered for a moment, then made a few more calls and gave instructions. Now that his son was in jail, his priority was to cut ties swiftly.
At least, he couldn't afford to give anyone any leverage!
As the executive vice mayor, what hadn't he experienced over the years?
Besides, his son would only get a few years at most, it wouldn't affect anything. The only right thing to do was to preserve his own power.
As long as he retained power, his future wouldn't be bad; without power, he was truly finished.