1978: A Literary Giant Who Began His Military Service

Chapter 149 Military Region Representative! (Seeking monthly votes)
Zhou Xu first went to the municipal government building.

He was called in because of a meeting in the city. As the person in charge of the military this time, he naturally had the right to attend the meeting.

Otherwise, it seems that a deputy section chief like him would not have the opportunity to attend a meeting of this level.

Of course, this meeting had a small number of participants, just a few core members.

Mayor Li shook hands with Zhou Xu: "Comrade Zhou Xu! Hello."

"Mayor Li!?" Zhou Xu smiled and shook hands with him.

The mayor of a provincial capital city is different from that of a prefecture-level city; this is a step closer to the pinnacle, just one step away from taking the next step!

Therefore, Zhou Xu held this person in exceptional respect. Of course, his matter was still considered minor and did not alarm the real senior leaders; the mayor was probably the highest-ranking official.

"I really didn't expect you to have this kind of influence. Last time with 'Nanjing Photo Studio,' I was thinking of thanking you properly. I never expected that we would meet again because of this matter." Mayor Li chuckled.

Zhou Xu continued, "No need for thanks, the army has already awarded me a first-class merit!"

"oh oh!"

Mayor Li wondered to himself: Is this an implication for me?
This first-class merit is truly subtle. Mayor Li understood the unexpected meaning behind it: the military region was definitely protecting Zhou Xu, who was being trained as an inner disciple.

Moreover, he understood that Zhou Xu definitely harbored some resentment; after all, one couldn't write such an angry novel without resentment. Thinking of this, he continued:

"We also want to thank Comrade Zhou Xu for pointing out the problems in the city's urban construction; otherwise, we wouldn't have known about such a big incident!"

"Is it right for everyone to point out mistakes? I hope the future district government will pay attention to the email address!" Zhou Xu replied with a smile.

"..."

The district chief coughed lightly, and Zhou Xu looked up to see that the district chief Hai Sheng's face was already clouded with gloom.

Since the incident occurred in his jurisdiction, Hai Sheng spoke first, his tone apologetic: "I was away on a business trip at the beginning of this month, and when I heard about this incident in the district, I rushed back. Comrade Zhou Xu, I am truly sorry."

Zhou Xu was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "This has nothing to do with you, District Chief, right?"

The mayor immediately chimed in, his tone urging, "Haisheng, we're asking you, so hurry up and explain what happened!"

Hai Sheng's attitude became increasingly sincere. He knew in his heart that this matter had already affected him, and his future career would probably be difficult, but admitting his mistakes and correcting them was the key right now.

"The head of this urban construction company is an old friend of mine, and we've worked together for many years, but I really didn't expect him to be so audacious!" He spoke quickly, unable to hide his frustration.

“During my month-long business trip, I only instructed the relevant departments in the district to cooperate with him in advancing the urban construction project. I never imagined that he would do so many outrageous things for his own selfish desires. I misjudged him and was indeed negligent! I shouldn't have left him without making any arrangements!”

Zhou Xu nodded. He naturally couldn't afford to offend another group of people, even though he seemed to have already offended them, just not too much! That seemed like a pointless statement!

"District Chief, it's good that this isn't your problem. I was worried because similar issues have been reported throughout the district..."

Mayor Li looked at Zhou Xu: "You little brat, spouting nonsense all day long? If it weren't for the letter of introduction from the military region and the old political commissar in your hand, I would have kicked you out of the office right now."

However, Mayor Li dared not underestimate Zhou Xu. In the future, Zhou Xu would be at least at the same level as him. What's terrifying about this kind of person is not his rank, but his influence!

Just like when Ba Jin came, Mayor Li was still extremely respectful!
Cold sweat beaded on Hai Sheng's forehead. He knew perfectly well that this was no one's fault, but if even his link in the chain had slipped up, the entire city would be thrown into turmoil.

But he dared not argue, and could only reply with a wry smile, "Heh, it's my responsibility, it's definitely my problem!"

The mayor nodded slowly, his tone carrying an undeniable authority: "This is no small matter. Go back and write a profound self-criticism, apologizing not only to the families of the martyrs and the military, but also to the citizens of the entire city. Otherwise, you know the consequences yourself."

Hai Sheng quickly bowed and agreed, his tone urgent yet respectful: "Yes, yes, yes! I will definitely do as you say without fail!"

"Since we've decided to handle this seriously, we'll entrust this matter to Comrades Haisheng and Zhou Xu to take the lead." The mayor waved his hand, his tone crisp and decisive. "You can mobilize the people from the Discipline Inspection Commission and the public security system as needed; there's no need to hold back."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the relevant official from the Municipal Public Security Bureau immediately responded, "Mayor, rest assured, I have already notified the branch station chief. That kid is currently at home reflecting on his actions—his subordinates are also muddle-headed. When the Urban Construction Department sent a letter to coordinate, they didn't even bother to find out the truth and just assumed it was the station chief's idea, thus putting the matter on hold!"

He then changed the subject, adding, "Of course, mistakes must be punished. The director will be disciplined, and the entire station must rectify the errors. But for now, we won't delay anything. The deputy director of the district branch will fully cooperate with your work and await your orders!"

Deputy Director?

Zhou Xu's heart skipped a beat—that was a deputy division-level cadre!
How could I possibly command someone at the deputy division level?

Zhou Xu sighed inwardly: The allure of power is indeed captivating… In fantasy novels, this would be called a sect leader forcibly bestowing a power, allowing him to rampage and kill indiscriminately using his increased cultivation!
"How could I dare to give orders..."

"What do you mean 'dare' or 'don't dare'? If he dares to have any objections, I'll make him write a self-criticism along with me when we get back! Both of them are irresponsible and negligent!! Do they think they can put everything else aside once they've focused on the economy?" the leader of the Public Security Bureau said angrily.

Zhou Xu nodded: "Yes, you're right!"

"...As for the discipline inspection, we'll arrange for someone from the city to go to you! Han, Discipline Inspection Commission!" Mayor Li patted Zhou Xu on the shoulder.

When the name of the municipal discipline inspection official was called, the man immediately stood up. Han Shan was dressed in a clean and neat Zhongshan suit, but the brightness in his eyes was evident: "Mayor?"

"You will cooperate with Comrade Zhou Xu and, incidentally, guide Haisheng on how to work!" Naturally, there is a world of difference between a discipline inspection official and a deputy director. It's not Zhou Xu giving orders, but rather "cooperating." Of course, Zhou Xu doesn't have the guts to command a discipline inspection commission official.

Han Shan nodded: "Hey! Comrade Zhou Xu, it's a pleasure working with you!"

"Oh! It's a pleasure doing business with you!"

Because the case involves both job-related crimes committed by public officials of the urban construction company and criminal offenses committed by non-public officials, it will be handled jointly by the Discipline Inspection Commission, the Supervisory Commission, and the public security organs.

Zhou Xu was a third-party representative, representing the military.

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhou Xu said no more and turned to walk towards the door.

Han Shan followed closely behind, the hem of his Zhongshan suit swaying lightly with each step.

Hai Sheng wiped the sweat from his brow and quickly followed, his face full of seriousness.

The deputy director of the district branch was already waiting downstairs with two capable police officers. As soon as they saw the group come out, he stepped forward and saluted: "Comrade Zhou Xu, Secretary Han, District Chief Hai, the team has been assembled and is ready to depart at any time!"

The deputy director stood tall and spoke respectfully, showing no airs whatsoever of a deputy division-level cadre.

As Zhou Xu's gaze swept over the police officers and discipline inspection cadres lined up neatly downstairs, the excitement in his heart had not yet faded, but instead a heavy sense of responsibility had been added.

"Let's go to the Urban Construction Company!" Zhou Xu said in a deep voice, his tone carrying an undeniable decisiveness.

The convoy sped along, its police lights leaving striking streaks of light on the city streets.

Inside the car, Han Shan flipped through the preliminary clues in his hand and asked without looking up, "District Chief Hai, you're familiar with the urban construction company, right? The key people in charge should all be here now, right?"

Hai Sheng quickly replied, "They're all here. I've already had someone inform them to stay on duty and await the investigation. No one dares to leave their post."

Zhou Xu sat in the passenger seat, watching the street scenes rushing past the window.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart—as a representative of the military, he had a mission to uncover the truth and bring justice to the families of the martyrs.
More than half an hour later.

The sharp sound of police sirens grew louder as they approached, shattering the tranquility in front of the construction company's office building.

The urgent and authoritative sound grew closer, causing passersby to stop and look around. The security guards at the office building entrance changed their expressions and stood there helplessly, their courage to even approach and inquire disappearing.

Before long, more than ten police cars and special vehicles for discipline inspection and supervision arrived one after another, their red and blue lights flashing alternately, surrounding the entire impressive office building.

This building, once a benchmark enterprise in the district, now appears solemn and oppressive under the glow of police lights, having lost its former glory.

As the convoy came to a stop, Zhou Xu opened the car door and stepped out first, exuding an aura of righteousness.

Zhou Xu patted the deputy director on the shoulder: "Director Niu, please surround the area from all sides, don't let anyone escape!"

"Just leave it to me."

At this moment, Zhou Xu walked to the street corner first.

Because of the news about Zhou Xu, many young people took to the streets.

There are still hundreds of students and citizens gathered outside the gate.

Someone recognized Zhou Xu and shouted, "It's Comrade Zhou Xu!"

"Teacher Zhou Xu is here!"

Hai Sheng looked aggrieved. "We're both here to investigate, so why is it like you've become a hero?"

Zhou Xu stood at the door and shouted loudly, "Comrades! Comrades! Please be quiet for a moment."

Everyone stopped: "Listen to Comrade Zhou Xu, everyone stop arguing."

"Professor Zhou Xu is about to speak!"

"..."

Zhou Xu cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping over the crowd gathered outside the cordon. His voice was steady yet powerful: "Everyone has probably heard about the inaction of the urban construction company. This incident not only infuriates me but also chills the hearts of the martyrs' families, which is why I wrote this report to speak out."

"Of course, I want to thank you all on behalf of the old lady and on behalf of everyone who is hoping for justice! If it weren't for your appeals from the very beginning, urging the government to stand up for the people, perhaps the construction company would still be at large."

"But please rest assured," Zhou Xu changed the subject, his tone becoming increasingly firm, "I have just received instructions from the military region to work fully with Comrade Han Shan of the Discipline Inspection Commission to handle this matter. We will definitely get to the bottom of this and give everyone justice! You've all been busy for a long time and are tired, so why don't you go back and rest first? We will keep you informed of any further developments. If you want to stay here and watch the matter be resolved with your own eyes, we will not stop you."

As soon as he finished speaking, Hai Sheng stepped forward and bowed deeply to the crowd, his tone earnest: "Dear citizens, I am truly sorry! It is our negligence in supervision that has caused you all to suffer. We will fully cooperate with the investigation and will not shirk our responsibilities!"

(End of this chapter)