Chapter 1: An Unprovoked Inspection

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At the ribbon-cutting ceremony in the industrial park, Deputy Mayor Wu Bo was publicly apprehended by officials from the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission. The twelfth investigative team of the Provincial Commission had set up shop in the City Government Office, launching a thorough review of the projects overseen by Wu Bo.

The news was the hot topic in the cafeteria at noon, with many people deep in discussion. Those who had any connection to Wu Bo were in a panic, desperately seeking more information for fear they might be implicated.

Lin Hao, a deputy section chief responsible for project approvals in the Bureau of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, was also uneasy. Of the projects under investigation, two had his signature. If any corruption or embezzlement were discovered, or if the projects suffered delays or quality issues, he would be held accountable as the signatory. At the very least, any hope for promotion or favorable evaluations in the coming years would be dashed, and the bureau would surely consider the impact.

Such is the nature of project work: success brings accolades, failure brings disaster, and often, fate hangs on luck.

After lunch, Lin Hao gathered his documents, intending to return to his office to double-check everything, but nearly collided with someone coming his way, causing his materials to scatter across the floor.

“Oh dear, sorry about that. Section Chief Lin, how could you be so careless? Distracted, are you? Worried now that the Commission is coming to investigate? Afraid your secrets are about to be exposed?”

Lin Hao didn’t need to look up to know who it was—the grating voice belonged to Zhang Nan, deputy section chief of the Resettlement Housing Construction Department. Zhang Nan had once tried to get Lin Hao to loosen standards on project qualification approvals, but Lin Hao had refused him flatly. Afterwards, Zhang Nan was questioned by the Commission and had held a grudge ever since.

He opposed Lin Hao at every turn in the bureau, always taking the contrarian view. Even worse, he frequently spread rumors that Lin Hao accepted bribes and dined with businessmen. Yet, whenever confronted, Zhang Nan would deny everything, demanding proof.

With the bureau chief about to retire and disinterested in such petty squabbles—especially since Lin Hao was not popular—Zhang Nan had been free to stir up trouble. Now, hearing about Wu Bo’s downfall, he rushed over eagerly to mock Lin Hao.

Lin Hao couldn’t be bothered and turned to leave, but Zhang Nan persisted.

“Don’t go, Section Chief Lin! What’s the matter—feeling guilty or just scared? You always acted so high and mighty, refusing this or that—turns out you’re just harboring a huge stash of dirty money, aren’t you?”

“If you can’t control your tongue, I’ll rip it out for you,” Lin Hao replied coldly, fixing him with a steely gaze. But Zhang Nan only leaned in closer with a taunting grin.

“Go ahead, try it—kill me if you dare. Otherwise, you’re just my son.”

Their quarrel drew a crowd of amused onlookers. Colleagues watched with interest.

“Zhang Nan’s fired up today, huh?”

“Heh, with Wu Bo in trouble and Lin Hao as the project signatory, at the very least he’ll be blamed for poor oversight. Wouldn’t be surprised if he gets sent to guard a fish pond somewhere!”

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“Serves him right. Always acting so upright—couldn’t even go for a massage with the project manager if he was around. Now look at him.”

“Ha! Did he really think integrity alone would get him anywhere in the bureaucracy? Let’s see who stands up for him now.”

Sarcastic remarks flew from every direction—the fickleness of human nature laid bare in the world of officialdom.

Lin Hao kept silent, his heart heavy. Was it truly this hard to be a good official these days?

Petty men like Zhang Nan, cunning and generous with gifts, were indulged by the leadership, who turned a blind eye to his slander. Word was that Zhang Nan had already been earmarked for the next section chief position.

Promotion had become mere currency for power and money—what a farce.

“What’s wrong, lost your nerve? Coward! And put those documents down! Who said you could look at them?” Zhang Nan sneered, his face twisted in contempt.

Lin Hao clenched his fists so hard his knuckles cracked.

“Don’t go too far! You have no right to interfere!”

“Oh, I’m going too far? So what? Hit me if you’ve got the guts! Your projects are under investigation by the Provincial Commission—those are classified documents. Who knows if you’re trying to destroy evidence! I’ve already reported to the bureau chief and got his approval!”

With that, Zhang Nan snatched the documents away, looking triumphantly at Lin Hao.

Lin Hao’s face burned red with anger—he truly wanted to punch this petty man, but he knew he couldn’t. At such a volatile time, any rash action could have dire consequences.

“Don’t lose your temper, Section Chief Lin—anger is the enemy,” another colleague said, patting Lin Hao on the shoulder with feigned concern.

They all enjoyed watching Lin Hao’s frustration, knowing he wouldn’t dare strike back.

Lin Hao understood these people were just reveling in his misfortune; Zhang Nan was baiting him on purpose. Hit him, and the Commission would get involved; don’t, and he’d lose all authority—reduced to a powerless figurehead. Either way, it was a dead end. Zhang Nan was playing a clever game.

Taking a deep breath, Lin Hao returned to his office and shut the door. He had expected people to kick him while he was down, but couldn’t help feeling furious.

“I thought Lin Hao had some backbone, but he’s just a wimp. Let’s see how he survives here now.”

“How did an idiot like that become deputy section chief? Must have bribed his way in.”

Immediately, rumors exploded outside the office, laughter and jeers everywhere. No one took Lin Hao seriously now—he was less than a dog in their eyes.

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Inside his office, Lin Hao chain-smoked, silently praying the projects had no serious flaws.

As quitting time approached, people began to trickle out of the bureau, drifting off as the hour drew near. But Zhang Nan was waiting at the door again, as if determined to confront Lin Hao.

Just as Lin Hao was about to go out and face him head-on, a car pulled up at the bureau. Two officials from the Discipline Inspection Commission appeared in the compound, instantly drawing everyone’s attention. Those who routinely took kickbacks or stalled for bribes went weak at the knees, their minds racing over which of their actions might have left a trail, which might attract the Commission’s notice.

But the two men headed straight for Lin Hao’s office—clearly, they were here on a mission. Many people’s eyes lit up with relief.

When they reached Lin Hao’s door, he happened to be stepping out, meeting them face-to-face.

“Are you Lin Hao?”

“Yes. And you are?”

“We’re from the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission. Regarding the Tianzhong City government’s planning projects, we’d like you to assist us with our investigation. Please come with us.”

In a moment, all eyes were on Lin Hao—some relieved, some gloating, some sympathetic. Everyone in the bureaucracy knew these unspoken rules: if the Commission came to personally escort you, it meant serious trouble.

It could even mean a formal detention.

Lin Hao stood frozen, then nodded quietly. All he could do now was cooperate with the investigation. He believed in his own innocence and trusted the Commission wouldn’t wrong an innocent man.

But just as he was about to leave, Zhang Nan leaned in and whispered in his ear.

“Do you know why they’re taking you away? I reported you, Lin Hao. Tough luck this time—enjoy your stay in prison.”