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Chapter Fifty-Three: The Clash at the Dining Table
Wang Guodong continued to shake his wine glass, smiling slightly as he said, "This matter has already been resolved. I have discussed it with your uncle, and we will compensate your father's medical expenses and lost wages."
In conclusion, Wang Guodong added, "You know that both your uncle and I are in a difficult position. This matter involves the directors of the Public Security Bureau, so our handling of it will be extremely cautious to ensure fairness."
Zhang Qiu scoffed dismissively, while Liu Fangfei, fearing that Zhang Qiu might be at a disadvantage, quickly interjected, "Since Director Wang has said so, the compensation must be delivered promptly."
"Of course," Wang Guodong raised his glass to signal Liu Fangfei.
Liu Fangfei lifted her glass lightly in response.
"The relocation is a matter for the county committee and government to manage; urbanization is an inevitable trend, and I agree with that. However, during this process, can't you handle things in a more 'peaceful' manner?" Liu Fangfei emphasized her point.
Wang Guodong smiled without speaking.
Liu Fangfei continued, "Let's talk about the issue I reported. My focus is not on the relocation but on Liu Xiaolong's assault. Moreover, this person is your brother-in-law; why does he feel so untouchable?"
As soon as Liu Fangfei spoke, the atmosphere at the dinner table turned icy. Zhou Guanghai was sweating profusely on his forehead, his eyes darting back and forth between Wang Guodong and Liu Fangfei.
Wang Guodong did not shy away from the topic: "He is indeed my brother-in-law; that is true. However, there is already a solution to this matter. Just now, Liu Journalist, you mentioned ensuring that the compensation arrives quickly. I believe we have reached a consensus on this issue."
"Up until now, my family has not received any compensation, while Liu Xiaolong continues to live freely."
A sudden remark caused the situation, which had been developing towards a resolution, to take a sharp turn again. Zhang Qiu had already heard from He Jun about Liu Xiaolong being released and agreeing to compensation, but despite all this time passing, his family had not received a single cent. He didn’t care who he was confronting; some people only dared to act recklessly because they faced little opposition.
Liu Fangfei immediately felt that Zhang Qiu was indeed the right person to have at the dinner. Although Zhang Qiu rarely spoke, every time he did, it made Wang Guodong uncomfortable. It was amusing for Liu Fangfei to see a dignified director being put in such a position by a high school student.
Wang Guodong's expression darkened as he coldly said, “I’ve discussed it with your uncle. If Xiao Long hasn’t given you anything, I will. Do you think I would be short of this little money?”
“That’s wonderful! Of course, as a distinguished director, you wouldn’t be lacking in funds,” Zhang Qiu teased.
Liu Fangfei added, “Then Director Wang, I’ll leave the money issue to you. After all, Zhang Qiu’s father is still injured, and his mother is managing the household alone; it’s really not easy for her.”
“This matter will be settled as soon as possible,” Wang Guodong could only deflect the issue for now and changed the subject. “Liu Journalist, as soon as I heard you were taken away, I immediately arranged for someone to pick you up. Today, we mainly want to help ease your worries.”
Liu Fangfei smiled slightly and said, “The only thing that can truly reassure me is something that only Director Wang can do.”
“What is it?” Wang Guodong asked.
“Allow me to report freely. Of course, I will ensure that the facts are presented to the readers. If I really spread rumors, Director Wang can take legal action against me instead of handling it like this time,” Zhang Qiu thought bravely; if he could be so courageous, what was there for her to worry about? Being a journalist had always been Liu Fangfei’s dream, and she was willing to fight for it.
Wang Guodong's temples throbbed with veins, causing the flesh on his cheeks to quiver. This Liu Journalist was indeed difficult to deal with; he had never faced such sharp questions during press conferences or interviews. He wanted to explode in anger but had to hold back. According to his own investigation, this girl’s father was actually a high-ranking official in the province and known for his integrity and high reputation.
Zhou Mi timely stepped in to ease the tension: “Liu Journalist, Director Wang sent me immediately to pick you up as soon as he learned that you were taken by his subordinates. Today's dinner is also Director Wang's way of expressing his apologies; a down-to-earth director like him is quite rare.”
Zhou Guanghai's words alleviated the awkwardness while also flattering Wang Guodong. Zhang Qiu watched from the side and couldn’t help but admire the cleverness of those in officialdom.
Zhang Qiu was smiling internally when he heard Zhou Guanghai continue, "Director Wang instructed me to order some of our county's specialty dishes. Liu Journalist has been away for a long time and rarely gets the chance to eat them, so make sure to eat more." The advantage of a meal meeting is that when the conversation turns awkward, one can simply eat or raise a glass, which greatly alleviates the discomfort for both parties.
Director Ma from the detention center also chimed in, "Director Wang personally called me and told me to take good care of you, ensuring that you are not bullied inside." His presence at the table was also due to this consideration. Having a high-ranking official present was a significant gesture. If it were an ordinary person, just a few words could easily lead them astray.
Under the continuous flattery from Zhou Guanghai and Director Ma, Liu Fangfei began to have doubts. She had heard about the darkness within the detention center. When she first entered, she was terrified, but aside from being slapped twice, no one had done anything to her. Could it really be because of Wang Guodong?
Liu Fangfei pondered for a moment and shook her head vigorously. No, she could feel the care from the Female Warden. But her arrest must have been ordered by Wang Guodong. If he wanted to take care of her, why would he arrest her in the first place? Wang Guodong's current behavior likely stemmed from knowing her father's identity.
Then who else could it be? Liu Fangfei glanced at Zhang Qiu sitting steadily beside her. Could it be him? After all, his uncle was also a deputy director, but could a marginalized deputy director reach into the detention center? Liu Fangfei was puzzled; as for the real reason, perhaps only the Female Warden knew, she thought quietly.
The entire meal was filled with undercurrents, with everyone leaving the dishes untouched. Zhang Qiu was eating on his own, occasionally inserting a comment that made the atmosphere serious. Having developed a habit of eating after class at six o'clock, Zhang Qiu was already hungry since it was past seven now. With so many dishes he had never tried before, how could Zhang Qiu not eat? He ate while secretly marveling at how nice it was to have power and money.
At that moment, Zhang Qiu would never have imagined that in the future he would grow tired of such food and instead prefer his family's simple meals.
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