Special Forces Medic-Chapter 869 - 842: Do You Know Who It Is?

"Secretary Luo, is it true that rumors arise because there's some truth behind them? Isn't that why they exist?" Wang Zhanting tapped his fingers on the table leisurely. "After all, everyone here is your elder; you should understand their feelings. Secretary Hua is our strong supporter. If he indeed has any issues, how should we juniors face the crisis? We're in the middle of a major overhaul in the Northern District. Prolonging a leaderless state will negatively impact the area, which is a concern for everyone. If Secretary Hua is indeed out of the province on an inspection, shouldn't he wait until things here are settled before taking such actions?"

"Minister Wang, are you implying that Secretary Hua's actions are inappropriate?"

"Ah, Secretary Luo, that's not a pleasant way to put it. We didn't mean it that way. As you said, either call Secretary Hua back to chair the meeting, or we'll wait patiently."

"Yes, Secretary Luo, it's hard to feel at ease with such an important meeting in Secretary Hua's absence. The rumors outside will become even more credible because of today's meeting."

"You already said they're just rumors. Secretary Hua is doing fine right now. You're making it sound like something's wrong with every word, are you cursing him?"

"Ha ha ha, Secretary Luo, you seem a bit excited today. I think we should call off today's meeting and hold it once Secretary Hua is back. Going out of the province for an inspection shouldn't take long, shouldn't it?"

Secretary Luo stared at Wang Zhanting. Perhaps the stronger objections at the meeting were related to the recent assassination attempt. Could it be you?

"Is everything in turmoil just because Secretary Hua is absent? What are you city committee officials doing?" A loud and authoritative voice came from the lounge.

"Who dares eavesdrop inside with such audacity!"

Secretary Luo moved aside and exhaled quietly. "Who are you? Are you the one stirring things up here?" Xiao Zhenfeng emerged from the lounge. He had intended to stay longer to observe but thought these people acted too hastily, assuming that without him around, they could reveal their true colors. This city's committee needed a change in atmosphere.

As soon as Wang Zhanting saw Xiao Zhenfeng, his brow immediately furrowed. He rarely interacted with him, but he could tell immediately who this was just by looking at the formation. He stood up and approached Xiao Zhenfeng. "Xiao..." Unsure how to address him by title, he paused after saying the first character.

"Do you know who I am?" Xiao Zhenfeng scrutinized Wang Zhanting, who was a head shorter. From the other's perspective, his lowered gaze formed a unique angle of overlooking and looking up.

Though Wang Zhanting was the Minister of the Organization Department in the city's committee, with the Wang Family's influence, no one dared to shout at him. Naturally, he formed his little faction in the city committee, living a thriving life with a power base strong enough to rival Hua Muyun. Presumably, those who opposed just now were his people. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"Yes!" Seeing Wang Zhanting show such respect to this sudden figure, the suspicious voices of condemnation were suppressed.

"If you feel that nobody by Secretary Hua's side is qualified to host this meeting, am I qualified?"

"You've misunderstood; it's not about Secretary Luo not being qualified, it's just..."

"Just what? I heard what you said earlier, hmph!" Xiao Zhenfeng snorted coldly. "Lacking a secretary means no decorum. What are you doubting? Let the person who shouted the loudest stand up." Everyone looked at each other, but no one spoke. "Why are you all mute now? You neglect serious matters to discuss baseless rumors at such an important meeting; is this what you city committee leaders should be doing?"

A loud scold put the entire meeting into silence. In terms of presence, Xiao Zhenfeng clearly overshadowed Hua Muyun. His irresistible presence made those with doubts not dare to shout them out.

"Elder Xiao, please calm down; everyone is just concerned about Secretary Hua's safety." Wang Zhanting found a suitable address but felt inappropriate saying it, as the man looked the same age as himself. It seemed he was calling him old.

"Secretary Luo, connect with Secretary Hua; this meeting can't proceed without them keeping quiet. You've failed in your duties as a secretary, unable to handle such a small thing."

"Yes, Mr. Xiao!" With no room for refutation from Xiao Zhenfeng, Secretary Luo dialed Hua Muyun's phone. As the tone beeped on speaker, Hua Muyun's voice came through.

"Secretary Luo, isn't it meeting time now?"

"Yes, Secretary Hua, Mr. Xiao wants to speak with you, please hold on." Secretary Luo cautiously handed the phone to Xiao Zhenfeng, lowering his head, not meeting the expressions of those below.

"Lao Hua, shouldn't you reorganize this city committee? Some people who can't handle their positions should be persuaded to leave. I'm quite dissatisfied with the review on the transfer this time, and I'll report this to the Central Committee. It's full of people who occupy positions and do nothing."

"I understand. Since Mr. Xiao is here, could you please preside over this meeting for me? I need a few more days to return."

"Mm! Rest assured, I'll watch things for you." Xiao Zhenfeng said no more and hung up. "Does anyone else doubt?"

"Mr. Xiao, please have a seat here." Secretary Luo led Xiao Zhenfeng to sit at Secretary Hua's position, while Wang Zhanting followed him to his seat.

"Minister Wang, let today's meeting be hosted by you!" Xiao Zhenfeng spoke nonchalantly before Wang Zhanting sat down. "Secretary Luo has already laid out today's proposal for discussion. Now it's up to you to oversee the situation."

"Mr. Xiao, how could I dare to speak in your presence? It's better if you host it."

"What? Weren't you quite assertive just now? My main task coming down this time is to inspect. Your performance here is naturally of utmost importance and will be part of the performance evaluation. I expect you all to speak up, and Secretary Luo will take notes."

"Yes!"

"If Minister Wang understands, you may begin now."

The parliamentary discussion was quite simple, focusing on regulating the current management methods and models in the Northern District. With eyes closed, Xiao Zhenfeng wondered if these people were too intimidated by his presence to think creatively or lacked the capability. The discussions centered around who would manage the Northern District, with heated debates over official positions. Yet, not a word about actual construction for the Northern District.

A clearing of the throat abruptly halted the discussion, and everyone turned to Xiao Zhenfeng in unison. "I've listened to everyone's speeches, and I have a lot of feelings."

The words made it clear even to a fool that he was speaking sarcastically. "Has anyone among you visited the Northern District to examine the environment there?" Only one person raised their hand. "Minister Wang, have you inspected the area yourself?"

"Uh no, I have some connections with Yao Zheng from before; we graduated at the same time, so we had some interactions." Wang Zhanting initially wanted to say yes, but the words changed at the last moment. Knowing Xiao Zhenfeng's demeanor, none of his words or questions would be thrown out lightly; admitting honestly avoided falling into traps.

"Mm, now that you mention it, I remember, you and Yao Zheng were in the same class. So, share your views on the Northern District."

"I still believe that having a capable leader can drive local economic benefits. The exploration of the sex industry in the Northern District clearly takes the wrong economic path, and local infrastructures have not kept pace, leading the populace to live in relatively impoverished conditions. Therefore, I believe our city committee should elect a suitable leader to oversee and redevelop the Northern District."

"Ah, so you're endorsing their idea as well?"

"I believe it's an urgent proposal. Without a leader, there can be no order."

"Ladies and gentlemen, do you think there is a need for the Northern District to exist?"

No one answered, which was expected by Xiao Zhenfeng. He stood up, placing his hands behind his back, and paced around the table.

"The Northern District was once a highly regarded area by the Central Committee, with vast lands and academic institutions attracting knowledge. But it has been divided into two different cultural sites. Do you know how many students cross the central lake daily to reach Red Street in the Northern District?

Earlier, Minister Wang mentioned the sex industry in the Northern District. Though it earns money, bolstering the hotel business, who condoned this industry's existence? I suppose you all have heard about events in the Northern District. Could an entirely mature underground industry, if not for permission from a higher authority, continue running?"

Xiao Zhenfeng placed a hand on Wang Zhanting's shoulder. "Among you, many believe Hua Muyun's decision to handle Yao Zheng, Yuan Da, and other senior officials was unwise. So, which among you would resist the temptation of money if assigned there?"

"Answer me: is there anyone who dares to claim they would not be tempted by the profits from contraband drugs or the sex industry if sent to the Northern District? I'll appoint whoever can say this as the district head." Xiao Zhenfeng firmly patted Wang Zhanting's shoulder. He loudly questioned everyone before pausing, seeing only lowered heads in silence. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my biggest motivation.)