Reborn in 2000: I'm the Boss's Driver

It was the 23rd day of the first lunar month, at 9:00 AM.

Emergency meeting of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee.

The meeting had only one agenda item: to hear a progress report on the medical corruption case and to discuss possible solutions.

Lin Fan, as the director of the leading group's office, attended the meeting and sat in the back row taking notes. He could sense that the atmosphere in the meeting room was more tense than last time.

Secretary Chen Jianguo sat in the main seat with a calm expression, but the frequency of his fingers tapping lightly on the table betrayed his inner turmoil.

Governor Li Zhenghua sat on the left, flipping through the report materials in front of him, his brows furrowed.

Chu Weimin, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Sun Zhentao, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission; Zhao Zhiqiang, Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission; Wang Jianjun, Minister of the Organization Department… all the members of the Standing Committee were present.

"Let's start the meeting," Chen Jianguo said, his voice low but powerful. "Comrade Wenyuan, you can give your report first."

Zhou Wenyuan stood up and walked to the podium. Today he was wearing a dark suit and a dark red tie, making him look particularly serious.

"Distinguished members of the Standing Committee, comrades. Since the provincial party committee's enlarged meeting on the sixteenth day of the first lunar month decided to launch a special campaign to address prominent issues in the medical field across the province, the leading group and the twenty working groups have made significant progress after seven days of continuous hard work."

He paused, then looked around the room: "To date, we have discovered 387 leads on various issues, involving 63 hospitals in 14 cities across the province. Among them, three hospitals are suspected of illegal organ trafficking, 52 hospitals are suspected of drug and medical device kickbacks, 31 hospitals are suspected of insurance fraud, and almost all hospitals are suspected of excessive medical treatment and arbitrary charges."

A slight commotion arose in the conference room.

This number is astonishing.

"Let me give you a key report on the progress of the organ trafficking case." Zhou Wenyuan opened the folder in front of him. "The investigation revealed that, using the 'Light of Life Charity Foundation' as a platform, and with Chen Zhiqiang as the ringleader, they colluded with Zhang Mingyuan, the former president of Yong'an City First People's Hospital, Li Zhenhua, the former vice president, Wang Zhiguo, the former president of Pingzhou City First People's Hospital, and others to form a tightly organized criminal network with a clear division of labor."

He brought up the projector and displayed the chain of evidence.

"These are the seized ledgers, which record the financial transactions between the foundation and three hospitals over the past three years, totaling more than 50 million yuan."

"This is the surgical record, which shows that a total of 58 illegal organ transplant surgeries were performed in the past three years, including 39 kidney transplants, 12 liver transplants, and 7 corneal transplants."

"These are bank statements showing that Chen Zhiqiang and his associates transferred more than 80 million yuan overseas through underground banks."

"This is the confession of the doctor involved, which details the division of labor in the surgery and the proportion of the spoils."

One after another, the photos of evidence appeared on the big screen, shocking to behold.

When the last photo appeared, everyone in the conference room held their breath.

It was a handwritten list titled "List of Beneficiary Clients." It listed more than twenty names, each followed by their job title, type of transplanted organ, surgery date, and cost.

Several of the names were familiar to everyone present.

There were provincial-level officials from other provinces, well-known entrepreneurs, and even a retired senior leader.

"This list was found in a safe at one of Chen Zhiqiang's secret residences." Zhou Wenyuan's voice was calm, but every word struck like a hammer blow. "According to preliminary verification, most of the people on the list did indeed undergo organ transplant surgery at the hospital involved in the case. The surgery costs ranged from 500,000 to 2 million."

Chen Jianguo's expression finally changed.

He took off his glasses and rubbed his temples vigorously.

"Comrade Wenyuan," Governor Li Zhenghua began, his tone serious, "has the authenticity of this list been verified?"

"We are verifying it," Zhou Wenyuan said. "We have sent people to the relevant areas and units, but it will take time. However, based on the bank transfer records, surgical records, and testimonies of medical staff that we have so far, the authenticity of the list is very high."

"If it's true..." Li Zhenghua paused, "the nature of this case would be completely different."

Everyone understands what he means.

If it's just an ordinary wealthy businessman buying and selling organs, that's a criminal offense. But if it involves leading cadres, then it's a political issue, a matter of corruption.

"I suggest," said Sun Zhentao, the secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission, "that the cadres from our province listed be immediately placed under detention. For those from other provinces, the local discipline inspection and supervision commissions be notified."

"I agree." Zhao Zhiqiang, secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, nodded. "At the same time, we must strengthen the interrogation of the medical staff involved in the case and thoroughly investigate the chain of interests behind each surgery."

"And then there's Chen Zhiqiang," Sun Zhentao added. "A red notice has already been issued, but it's not enough. I suggest that a joint fugitive pursuit team composed of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Provincial Public Security Department be formed to go to Singapore to carry out the work and make sure to bring Chen Zhiqiang to justice."

Several members of the Standing Committee expressed their views, and their attitudes were all very firm.

But Chen Jianguo remained silent.

Only after everyone had finished speaking did he put his glasses back on and slowly ask, "Have the former leaders mentioned on the list been verified?"

Zhou Wenyuan: "It has been verified. That former leader did indeed undergo a liver transplant at the First People's Hospital of Yong'an City three years ago. The surgical record shows that the liver was 'voluntarily donated,' but we found a related record in Chen Zhiqiang's ledger—the former leader's son paid 1.8 million yuan to the foundation through an intermediary."

The meeting room was deathly silent.

That former leader, although retired, still wields considerable influence in the province and even in Beijing.

"Was the surgery successful?" Chen Jianguo asked a seemingly unrelated question.

"It's a success," Zhou Wenyuan said. "The old leader has recovered very well."

Chen Jianguo nodded and said nothing more.

This reaction left many people puzzled.

"Comrade Jianguo," Li Zhenghua looked at Chen Jianguo, "what is your opinion?"

Chen Jianguo remained silent for a long time.

Everyone was watching him, waiting for his decision.

Finally, he spoke: "This case is extremely serious in nature and has had an extremely negative impact. My attitude is very clear—no matter who is involved, we will investigate to the end and show absolutely no leniency."

This statement brought a sigh of relief to many people.

But then Chen Jianguo changed the subject: "However, we must also pay attention to the methods we use. Especially the older leaders on the list, he is over eighty years old and in poor health. If handled improperly, it could lead to serious consequences."

"So you mean..." Sun Zhentao frowned.

"What I mean is that we must act in accordance with the law, but also consider the actual circumstances," Chen Jianguo said. "For serving officials, they should be detained or placed under investigation if necessary. But for retired officials, especially those in poor health, we can take a more prudent approach. For example, we can first conduct a conversation to verify their situation. If they admit their mistakes and return the embezzled funds, we can consider leniency."

This statement made the atmosphere in the meeting room quite delicate.

Everyone could tell that Chen Jianguo was speaking up for that old leader.

"Comrade Jianguo," Zhou Wenyuan suddenly spoke up, "I understand your concerns. However, everyone is equal before the law. We cannot allow special treatment based on rank or seniority. If we open this door, how will we investigate cases in the future? How will we gain the public's trust?"

These words were very direct, almost a direct rebuttal to Chen Jianguo.

The air in the conference room froze instantly.

Everyone looked at Chen Jianguo, waiting for his reaction.

Surprisingly, Chen Jianguo was not angry.

He nodded instead: "Comrade Wenyuan is right. Everyone should indeed be equal before the law. My previous considerations may have been a bit too 'humanitarian.' How about this—"

He looked at Sun Zhentao: "Comrade Zhentao, your discipline inspection commission should first send someone to talk to the veteran comrade and find out the situation clearly. If he is indeed involved in the case, then proceed according to procedure. But in terms of approach, you can be a little gentler, after all, he is getting old, and his health is the most important thing."

This compromise solution provided a way out for both sides.

Sun Zhentao nodded: "Okay, we will handle it carefully."

"Furthermore," Chen Jianguo added, "I need to make an explanation regarding the issue of Chen Zhiqiang."

Everyone's attention was focused on it.

"Chen Zhiqiang is my wife's nephew, I don't deny that relationship." Chen Jianguo's voice was calm. "I am heartbroken and ashamed that he is involved in the case. As the provincial party secretary, I failed to manage my relatives properly, and I bear responsibility."

He paused, his tone becoming even more serious: "Here, I want to state my position—first, I support the lawful pursuit and severe punishment of Chen Zhiqiang. Second, my family and I will fully cooperate with the investigation. Third, if the investigation finds that I have engaged in any acts of harboring or condoning wrongdoing, I am willing to accept disciplinary action from the organization."

This statement is exemplary.

It acknowledged the relationship while drawing clear boundaries; it assumed responsibility while also stating its stance.

"Comrade Jianguo is a man of noble character and integrity," Li Zhenghua said first.

"We should learn from Comrade Jianguo," Sun Weimin also said.

The other standing committee members echoed this sentiment.

But Zhou Wenyuan's brows furrowed slightly.

He knows Chen Jianguo too well. This leader never says anything in public that he's not certain about. His statement today, seemingly a selfless act of betraying a family member, is actually an attempt to seize the moral high ground and gain the initiative for himself.

Sure enough, Chen Jianguo continued, "However, I have a suggestion. This case is no longer a simple criminal case; it involves too many aspects and has too great an impact. I suggest that a higher-level leading group be established, headed by Comrade Zheng Hua and with Comrade Wen Yuan in charge of specific tasks, to coordinate the investigation and handling of the case."

This suggestion is very clever.

On the surface, it was about raising the bar and strengthening leadership. But in reality, it was about changing Zhou Wenyuan from "leading" to "being specifically responsible," and adding Li Zhenghua above him.

Li Zhenghua is known for his prudence and his emphasis on "balance" in his work.

Zhou Wenyuan immediately understood Chen Jianguo's intention—to use Li Zhenghua to check and balance him, and to control the pace and scope of the case investigation.

"I agree," Li Zhenghua readily agreed. "Such a big case definitely needs better coordination. Comrade Wenyuan is working very hard on the front line, so I'll share some of the coordination work so he can concentrate on the case."

The words were beautifully spoken, but the meaning was quite clear.

Zhou Wenyuan looked at Chen Jianguo, who was also looking at him.

Their eyes met in the air, and although they didn't speak, they both understood each other's meaning.

This is a game of strategy.

Chen Jianguo used a strategy of retreat to advance, and took the initiative to express his opinion in exchange for control.

If Zhou Wenyuan does not accept this, he will be disregarding the overall situation and being unreasonable.

If accepted, the investigation of the case may be "safely" dropped.

"I will obey the organization's arrangements," Zhou Wenyuan finally said.

He had no choice but to comply. At the Standing Committee meeting, Chen Jianguo was the top leader, and his proposals, unless they concerned matters of principle, were usually approved.

"Alright, it's settled then." Chen Jianguo made the decision. "Comrade Zhenghua will take the lead, Comrade Wenyuan will be in charge of specific tasks, and Comrades Zhentao and Zhiqiang will assist. The leading group should report its progress to the Standing Committee regularly. Also—"

He looked at Zhou Wenyuan: "Comrade Wenyuan, there's one more thing. The special rectification campaign in the medical system shouldn't just focus on finding problems; it should also promote rectification. I suggest that while you're investigating cases, you also begin to study and formulate a reform plan for the medical system. For example, how to regulate the procurement of medicines and medical equipment, how to prevent over-treatment, how to improve doctor-patient relationships... all of these need to be considered."

"Okay." Zhou Wenyuan nodded.

He knew that Chen Jianguo was shifting the focus—from "investigating the case" to "rectification," and from "holding people accountable" to "establishing rules and regulations."

That's a brilliant move.

The meeting lasted another hour, during which some specific issues were discussed.

After the meeting, Zhou Wenyuan was stopped by Chen Jianguo.

"Wen Yuan, stay behind for a moment."

After everyone else left, only Chen Jianguo, Zhou Wenyuan, and Lin Fan, who was taking notes, remained in the meeting room.

"Close the door," Chen Jianguo said.

Lin Fan closed the door and stood in the corner.

Chen Jianguo lit a cigarette and took a deep drag.

"Wenyuan, did you have a problem with me at the meeting today?"

That's a very direct question.

Zhou Wenyuan was silent for a few seconds: "Secretary Chen, I have no personal opinion. I just feel that this case must be thoroughly investigated."

"I agree that the investigation should be thorough," Chen Jianguo said. "But how to investigate, and to what extent, requires a strategic approach. Have you considered how much of a shock it would cause in Beijing if that senior leader really got into trouble? If all the other officials on the list were punished, how many people throughout the province and even the whole country would be filled with anxiety?"

He flicked his cigarette ash: "I'm not trying to protect anyone. I just feel that the fight against corruption must be politically sound and consider the overall situation. Our most important task right now is to develop the economy and improve people's livelihoods. If one case paralyzes the entire province's medical system and demoralizes the cadres, is it worth it?"

Zhou Wenyuan looked at Chen Jianguo: "Secretary Chen, I understand your considerations. However, if we don't investigate thoroughly this time and give the people an explanation, who will trust the government in the future? Who will trust the law? Corruption in the medical system harms the vital interests of ordinary people. Today we can let some people go for the sake of the 'big picture,' but tomorrow more people will follow suit, and corruption will only get worse."

The two people have fundamentally different viewpoints.

Chen Jianguo was considering "stability" and the "big picture".

Zhou Wenyuan was considering "justice" and "the will of the people".

There's no right or wrong, just different perspectives.

"Wen Yuan," Chen Jianguo sighed, "you're still young, energetic, and principled, which is a good thing. But you need to know that politics is an art, not just black and white. Sometimes, taking a step back is to take two steps forward."

"That depends on what we're retreating from," Zhou Wenyuan said. "If it's about principles, about the bottom line, then we can't back down from this step."

The conversation had gotten a bit awkward at this point.

Chen Jianguo stubbed out his cigarette and stood up: "Alright, since you insist, I won't say any more. Continue investigating the case, but I have two requests."

"Please speak."

"First, be mindful of your approach and try to avoid causing a social uproar. Second, report any major matters to Comrade Zhenghua and me."

"clear."

Chen Jianguo is gone.

Only Zhou Wenyuan and Lin Fan remained in the conference room.

"Xiao Fan, what do you think?" Zhou Wenyuan suddenly asked.

Lin Fan thought for a moment: "Secretary Chen has a point, but you also have a point. The key is how to strike a balance."

"Balance..." Zhou Wenyuan smiled bitterly, "Sometimes, balance is impossible. This case has involved the interests of too many people. Every step we take forward will affect a group of people. They won't sit idly by and wait to be killed."

"Should we still investigate?"

"Investigate." Zhou Wenyuan said decisively. "Not only investigate, but investigate more deeply and thoroughly. However, we need to adjust our strategy."

"How do I adjust it?"

"On the surface, as Secretary Chen requested, the focus shifted to 'rectification' and the study of medical reform plans. Secretly, the investigation into key figures and crucial evidence was expedited. Chen Zhiqiang, in particular, must be apprehended as soon as possible. Once he speaks, many mysteries will be solved."

Lin Fan nodded: "I understand. A feint to one side while secretly advancing another."

"Yes." Zhou Wenyuan patted his shoulder. "Xiao Fan, the work ahead will be more difficult and complicated. We may face not only corrupt officials, but also internal resistance. Are you afraid?"

"I'm not afraid," Lin Fan said. "As long as we're heading in the right direction, we'll keep going no matter how difficult it is."

Zhou Wenyuan laughed: "Alright. Then let's work together to thoroughly stir up this muddy water."

Outside the window, the sun is shining brightly.

But Lin Fan knew that beneath the sunlight, undercurrents were still surging.

The real contest has only just begun.