Chapter 3: The Trial

“Ah?”

Lin Hao was momentarily stunned. Why ask him such a thing? Didn’t the Discipline Inspection Commission have any sense of their own authority?

Just as he was about to speak, he caught the earnest look in Zhou Ya’s eyes, and a sudden suspicion arose in his mind.

Could it be that someone behind the scenes who was protecting him had given him a chance? Was this a test?

If he could uncover the crux of this case, might he be transferred to the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission?

In an instant, Lin Hao’s breathing quickened.

Though the Discipline Commission's work was harsh and exhausting, promotions came swiftly.

If he could get involved in this case and claim a share of the credit, his future would be limitless.

Only by wielding absolute power could he make Xu Qian and Xu Fei, that treacherous pair, pay the price they deserved.

Otherwise, a mere disciplinary issue would be too easily resolved by Xu Fei in his position as deputy head of the Organization Department, and it was even possible they would twist the accusation back on him, branding him a slanderer and sending him to detention.

Countless ordinary people who reported forced demolitions ended up labeled as troublemakers.

Those who demanded their wages were accused of maliciously seeking payment. Power in these hands had become a tool for abusing personal authority.

After a moment of silent thought, Lin Hao spoke decisively.

“The embezzlement is real, but this matter is driven by someone behind the scenes. It’s factional infighting as well as a setup. This trap was laid long ago.”

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flickered across Zhou Ya’s face, her eyes revealing a measure of appraisal.

No wonder the secretary said to test him. Zhou Ya had initially thought it was excessive. What insight could a mere deputy section chief have? Since someone was protecting him, they could just clarify the facts and have him cooperate with the investigation. Now, it seemed she had underestimated the complexity.

Indeed, those who rise to leadership are no ordinary people; such discernment was beyond the common.

“Explain in detail.”

“Executive Deputy Mayor Wu Bo and Deputy Director He Huan of the Provincial People’s Congress used to be superior and subordinate in the same county. Director He retired just last month. Without restraint, those people naturally made their move.”

Zhou Ya pushed up her rimless glasses, her gaze tinged with admiration.

“Then why do you believe his embezzlement is true?”

“To frame a mere deputy section chief like me requires such a lengthy setup and the co-opting of someone close to me to carry it out silently. To design a trap against an executive deputy mayor, how low must that official’s political savvy be to be so perfectly ensnared that even the Provincial Discipline Commission can’t uncover it?”

“Comrade Lin Hao, you really are full of surprises,” Zhou Ya couldn’t help but applaud.

Ordinary people entering the Discipline Commission would be overwhelmed. To remain calm after seeing one’s wife and elder brother betray him and to deduce the truth from subtle clues—something even her investigation team couldn’t achieve—that was truly exceptional.

“So, guess why, knowing you are innocent, we still arrested you and revealed the inside story?”

This was, in truth, a trap; the answers to the two questions were not the same. It was a test of acuity.

“They arrested me for show. The Provincial Discipline Commission had already begun investigating the embezzlement case but couldn’t reveal it, so they had to arrest me to go through the motions. By telling me the inside story, they intend to use me as a stepping stone or to recruit me into the investigation team.”

Lin Hao’s mind finally settled, and he analyzed the situation calmly.

Wu Bo was arrested just yesterday; he was reported today. Even the likes of Zhou Ya couldn’t have completed the investigation in such a short span.

The evidence must have been obtained beforehand; someone vouched for him, and the investigation found he lacked the means for embezzlement.

Moreover, Zhou Ya had left him waiting here so long to send a signal outside that an inquiry was underway.

Even if he was released later, those involved would remain unsuspecting.

Zhou Ya’s breathing quickened slightly, her eyes beneath the glasses burning with intensity.

Her shirt’s collar was unbuttoned by two, revealing snow-white skin, delicate and dotted with tiny beads of sweat.

A woman in her thirties was at the height of her charm, especially one like Zhou Ya—a mature yet intellectual woman whose allure was deadly to men.

She gradually approached Lin Hao, and a faint, elegant fragrance wafted into his nostrils.

“You really are incredibly intelligent. How about working with me?”

In an instant, Lin Hao felt a flicker of temptation.

He was a normal man; it would be a lie to say he wasn’t stirred. But he pinched his thigh hard, and his dazed eyes quickly cleared.

“Team Leader Zhou, let’s continue discussing the case.”

Seeing Lin Hao unmoved, Zhou Ya nodded with satisfaction and lounged back lazily, a faint smile playing at the corner of her lips.

“Not bad. Looks like you won’t be easily bribed in the future.”

Indeed, Lin Hao silently congratulated himself. He had known this was part of the test. If he had lost control, there would be no second chance.

Places like the Discipline Commission were riddled with temptations; only those with steady character could be accepted.

“All right, if there’s nothing else, you may leave.”

Zhou Ya tidied her things and prepared to leave.

Lin Hao was a bit bewildered. Was it over so soon? Shouldn’t he get the appointment letter after the test, transferring him to the Discipline Commission to make a difference?

Watching her about to exit, he couldn’t resist asking, “Team Leader Zhou, when should I report to the Discipline Commission?”

“That’s not for me to decide. Go back to your usual work for now. When leadership has news, I will contact you.”

Her words left Lin Hao feeling a little deflated. Could it be that his performance wasn’t good enough? But judging by Zhou Ya’s expression, it was a perfect score.

Oh well, it was better than endless scrutiny by the Discipline Commission.

On the way home, Lin Hao felt no relief from surviving the ordeal. Thoughts of the treacherous couple at home stirred his anger anew.

He and Xu Qian had been college classmates, a golden couple.

After graduation, he returned to the Tianzhong City street office, while she was arranged by her family to work at a bank.

They married two years ago when he was promoted to deputy section chief, but their relationship steadily cooled.

Xu Qian’s father was a small contractor. Lin Hao had tried to help him secure projects, but the man looked down on him, insisting on government contracts despite lacking any licenses or qualifications—a nonsense request.

Lin Hao stood firm on principles and refused to grant special favors, which steadily worsened their relationship over the past two years until contact was minimal.

Rumors circulated that Xu Qian was entangled with some wealthy men.

Though Lin Hao suspected it, he had no proof. A year ago, Xu Qian suddenly became attentive and caring, stirring his guilt and making him feel he should not have doubted her.

He was also deeply grateful to Xu Fei; otherwise, his family might have collapsed.

Yet, unexpectedly, he was betrayed and still thankful.

Unconsciously, Lin Hao arrived at his doorstep.

Anger urged him to storm inside and beat the treacherous pair soundly, but reason reminded him that patience was key to his greater plan. Whether he could join the Provincial Discipline Commission depended on the coming days. If he acted rashly, his chance would be lost entirely.

“Brother Xu, I’m counting on you to handle my brother’s work.”

At that moment, Xu Qian’s coquettish voice drifted from inside, softening the mood.

Xu Fei’s tone was teasing and somewhat dissolute.

“No problem, but how will you thank me?”

“Annoying, Brother Xu, how do you want me to thank you?”

Xu Qian’s tender laughter drew closer to the door.

“Little temptress, next time Brother Xu’s coming to eat you up, don’t secretly see him behind my back when Lin Hao’s not around.”

“Oh, Brother Xu, my body belongs only to you. I haven’t let that useless Lin Hao touch me for a long time.”

Lin Hao remained silent. No wonder Xu Qian often said she was unwell and devoid of desire—she was remaining chaste, but unfortunately, not for him.

The moment the door opened and their eyes met, an awkward silence fell.

“Husband... you’re back?!”

Xu Qian exclaimed in disbelief.

“What’s the matter? You don’t look like you wanted me to come back?”