Absolute power in officialdom

Lin Keke said sternly, "Everyone, step back! Sit properly! Attacking a moving vehicle is a crime endangering public safety! Do you want to go to jail?"

Her police officer status and powerful aura had a deterrent effect, and the two men at the front stopped moving.

But the crowd behind them was further enraged, shouting at each other, "What more do you want after you've already lied to us!"

"This is a diversionary tactic! What are you trying to do by bringing us to this desolate place?"

"If we don't make this clear today, nobody's going to have a good time!"

Wu Zhiyuan stepped forward and said loudly, "Fellow villagers! Please be quiet! Let me say a few words from the bottom of my heart!"

You say I lied to everyone, and I admit that I used this method to invite you all here.

But from another perspective, why should we do this?

Think about it, if you really knelt in front of Secretary Sha's car today, what would await you? Forced removal by the police! Potential detention!

Lin Keke added: "I want to make it clear to everyone that disrupting the order of important meetings, especially intercepting the motorcade of the provincial party committee's main leaders, will be punished according to the Public Security Administration Punishment Law, ranging from a warning and fine to detention!"

If it causes serious consequences, it could even lead to criminal charges! This isn't meant to scare you; this is the law!

Wu Zhiyuan continued, "What was Secretary Xu's reaction after receiving the news? Did he order the police to arrest you?"

No! His first thought was how to protect everyone!

He repeatedly warned me: "Zhiyuan, you absolutely must not escalate the conflict, and you absolutely must not easily use police force to arrest people! The public is upset because we haven't done our job properly!"

Wu Zhiyuan's voice softened: "Secretary Xu has good intentions! What he doesn't want to see is you going from being right to being wrong, from being victims to being lawbreakers because of a moment of impulse!"

That's why we came up with this solution, which isn't really a solution.

By asking everyone to leave that dangerous place, the meeting proceeded smoothly, and everyone was protected, thus avoiding a completely foreseeable conflict and punishment. Isn't this a form of protection?

Seeing the skeptical looks on some people's faces, he pressed on, "Moreover, I wasn't lying when I said there would be leaders to meet us! The vice mayor in charge of finance, and the leaders of the Financial Affairs Office and the Letters and Visits Bureau are indeed waiting ahead."

We arranged this communication in the hope of having a calm, non-confrontational environment to frankly discuss the situation with everyone and promote a solution to the problem.

Isn't this a hundred times better than everyone engaging in a doomed, or even potentially illegal, protest in a state of heightened emotion?

"And then what? They took us back?" someone asked.

"After the meeting, we arranged for everyone to visit the nearby scenic area. This is a small token of appreciation from the municipal party committee and government for everyone's cooperation today, and also to help everyone relax."

There are no costs involved. Just consider it a free half-day trip.

After the tour, we will safely take everyone back.

Wu Zhiyuan played the good cop, and Lin Keke played the bad cop: "Now, please everyone return to your seats! The vehicle will continue to the reception point!"

If anyone attempts to storm the driver's cab again, we will take enforcement measures in accordance with the law!

"Whether you go to talk to your superiors or go to the police station, the choice is yours!"

The crowd quieted down.

In the afternoon, the on-site meeting concluded successfully, and Secretary Sha returned to the provincial capital.

When Wu Zhiyuan safely delivered the two vehicles full of petitioners home, he breathed a long sigh of relief.

Finally, it was just the two of them again, Lin Keke and I.

Wu Zhiyuan said, "Coco, you've really worked hard today. Your voice is almost hoarse from shouting."

"What do you want to eat tonight? It's my treat, a little something to reward you. You treated me last time, so it's my turn to return the favor."

Lin Keke didn't refuse, and stretched: "Okay, let's just eat something, we'll find a quiet place."

"Coco, there's a Western restaurant up ahead. It's nice and quiet. Let's go there."

The restaurant is located on a relatively quiet street, with elegant decor, soft lighting, and soothing jazz music playing softly.

Compared to the hustle and bustle of the daytime, this place feels like another world.

The two chose a booth by the window and sat down.

After ordering, Lin Keke took a sip of lemonade, looked at Wu Zhiyuan, and said with a hint of teasing, "Secretary Wu, your skills in coaxing, deceiving, and intimidating me today have truly broadened my horizons."

Wu Zhiyuan smiled wryly and said, "Keke, please don't make fun of me. It was the only way out; I had to bite the bullet and go for it."

If it weren't for you keeping things in check today, I probably would have been kicked off the bus by now, just by my mouth.

Your question, "Do you want to go to jail?" was incredibly intimidating!

Lin Keke said with a smile, "We're even. You play the good cop and I play the bad cop, and we cooperate quite well."

However, this matter is not over yet; capturing Peng Dafu is just the beginning.

"Yes..." Wu Zhiyuan was about to say something when suddenly, a familiar figure walked over.

It's none other than the beautiful reporter Ye Xiaoman!

She wore a well-fitting off-white dress, with exquisite makeup and a fresh and elegant demeanor.

She was accompanied by a girl of similar age.

Ye Xiaoman also noticed Wu Zhiyuan, and was both surprised and delighted.

However, when she saw a beautiful gaze on Wu Zhiyuan's face, her expression quickly dimmed, showing surprise, disappointment, and even thoughts of running away.

Ye Xiaoman tried to pretend she hadn't seen it and turn to leave, but it was too late.

Wu Zhiyuan stood up and greeted her, "Xiaoman? What a coincidence, you're eating here too?"

Ye Xiaoman had no choice but to turn around, forcing a smile, but her eyes flickered: "Section Chief Wu, it's you? What a coincidence! I came here to have dinner with a friend."

Ye Xiaoman introduced her female companion: "This is Ye Keyun, a reporter from the city radio station."

Ye Keyun has bright eyes and white teeth, and is youthful and beautiful.

Wu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "You all have the surname Ye, are you related?"

Ye Keyun smiled gracefully and said generously, "No, but we were one family five hundred years ago."

Lin Keke also stood up and greeted the two reporters.

Wu Zhiyuan introduced them naturally: "These are two reporters, Ye. This is Lin Keke, the deputy head of the Public Security Bureau's Security Detachment."

Captain Lin and I have worked together many times and are good friends.

After exchanging pleasantries, Ye Xiaoman seemed eager to end the chance encounter as soon as possible, pulling Ye Keyun along as she prepared to leave: "Then we won't disturb Section Chief Wu and Captain Lin's meal any longer."

Wu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "Since we've run into each other by chance, why don't we sit down together? It's on me, and we can chat."

Upon hearing Wu Zhiyuan's invitation, Ye Xiaoman's face flashed with panic, and she quickly waved her hand, "No, no! I really don't want to bother you!"

Ye Xiaoman pulled Ye Keyun away.

Instead of going to other booths, they walked out of the restaurant.

"Zhiyuan, I noticed that this reporter Ye seemed a bit unnatural just now."

Seeing me sitting across from you, your eyes showed a mix of surprise and disappointment. Could it be that my presence has caused some misunderstanding? Did you think we were on a date?

Lin Keke's words seemed casual, but they were actually a test. A slight misstep could hurt her.