Nominal: The Handong Game, the Energy System's Counterattack

Zhou Chuyi transmigrated to this world and spent more than 20 years working his way up from a junior staff member to the position of director.

He knew the system's operating rules all too well, and he was acutely aware of the program's importance.

The Ministry of State Resources is a crucial department of the state.

The Resource Development Division is the most crucial of all, possessing core data and classified information on the exploration, development, and allocation of resources nationwide.

The Project Office is a core department under the Resource Development Division.

Every document and project I handled involved sensitive information related to national energy development and security.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau ordered a search without warning.

They didn't even bother to say hello before barging into the workplace with their people. What kind of behavior is that?

Do they treat organizational procedures like a joke? Do they disregard departmental discipline?

There was another deeper question that Zhou Chuyi was particularly concerned about—how exactly was the search warrant in Hou Liangping's hands approved?

According to legal procedures, a search warrant application requires preliminary evidence and cannot be issued arbitrarily based solely on an anonymous tip.

Even within the anti-corruption system, such searches involving key departments are rare.

It must also go through a very careful approval process and notify the superior authority of the unit being searched.

Hou Liangping was able to obtain these three search warrants either because someone gave him special permission or because he used some kind of "special channel".

It is obvious that Hou Liangping was able to do this because he was Zhong Mingguo's son-in-law.

The key point is that, to his knowledge, this wasn't the first time Hou Liangping, the son-in-law, had done this.

A cold glint flashed deep in Zhou Chuyi's eyes.

He stood up, straightened his dark gray executive coat, and pinned the Party emblem neatly above his left breast pocket.

His movements were unhurried, and every detail revealed a composure and confidence cultivated from long-term high-ranking positions.

Pushing open the office door, a blast of cold air from the corridor hit me.

Lin Xiaofeng was standing at the door, his young face filled with unease.

This young man, who was just transferred from the secretariat of the ministry, is 28 years old and graduated from the School of Public Administration of Renmin University.

He is very capable, but he is young and has never seen anything like this before.

"Director." Lin Xiaofeng quickly stepped forward and said in a low voice.

"The person was right at the entrance of the project site. Director Hou said he would start the search immediately. Our people stopped them, but the other party was very aggressive."

Zhou Chuyi nodded slightly and, while walking towards the project site, gave a concise and clear instruction: "Xiao Lin, go and do three things."

"First, notify all personnel present at the project site to remain in place and not to leave without authorization."

"Second, call the department's administrative office to report the situation here."

"Third, and most importantly, immediately arrange for personnel from the Ministry's Discipline Inspection and Supervision Office and Confidentiality Office to be present, bringing audio and video recording equipment."

"The entire process is recorded simultaneously, including both sound and video; not a single detail can be missed."

Lin Xiaofeng was taken aback for a moment, then realized what he meant: "Director, you mean..."

"We will cooperate with the investigation in accordance with the law and regulations, but all processes must be documented."

Zhou Chuyi's tone left no room for argument: "This is about being responsible to ourselves, and also to the comrades in the Anti-Corruption Bureau."

Lin Xiaofeng nodded heavily, then turned and walked away quickly.

Zhou Chuyi walked downstairs alone and headed towards the project site.

The corridor was long, and the fluorescent lights overhead illuminated the entire corridor brightly. His leather shoes made a crisp, rhythmic sound as they stepped on the marble floor.

The sound echoed in the empty corridor, like some kind of silent declaration.

The project office is at the end of the corridor.

From a distance, Zhou Chuyi could see a group of people gathered there.

Several strangers in dark jackets stood at the door, their work badges pinned to their chests reflecting the light.

Several young staff members from the project office blocked the entrance, their faces showing a mixture of tension and stubbornness, as if to say, "No one is allowed to enter without the director's order."

At the very front of the crowd stood a young man of medium build and handsome features.

He was holding a folder in his hand and speaking slowly and deliberately.

He was wearing a brown casual jacket, his hair was neatly combed, and he exuded a sharp and capable aura.

Hou Liangping.

Zhou Chuyi recognized him at a glance.

The first time I saw this character in a TV series in my past life.

Even though I'm not very old, I still admire him quite a bit. I think he's energetic, responsible, and unafraid of authority.

But now, when this person is standing on his own turf, searching his subordinate's office, Zhou Chuyi's feelings are completely different.

"Director Zhou... Director..."

As Zhou Chuyi walked forward, the onlookers made way for him.

Hou Liangping had obviously also noticed the person walking from the depths of the corridor.

His gaze swept across the crowd and landed on Zhou Chuyi, his pupils contracting slightly.

He had done his homework before coming and knew that Zhao Dehan's superior was Zhou Chuyi, the director of the Resource Development Department, a middle-aged cadre with an excellent reputation in the ministry.

It is said that this person is extremely capable and has a seasoned skill set.

He was highly regarded by Minister Sun and Minister Shen within the ministry, was recognized as a promising talent, and was also an elite promoted by the energy sector.

Although Hou Liangping was bold in his actions, he still maintained a facade of respect when facing this kind of person.

He stepped forward directly, extended his right hand, and said, "Director Zhou, I am Hou Liangping, Director of the Investigation Division of the Anti-Corruption Bureau of the Supreme People's Procuratorate."

Zhou Chuyi reached out and clasped his hand.

The force applied by both hands was neither too light nor too heavy, just right, like some kind of silent probing and confrontation.

"Director Hou, you're too kind." Zhou Chuyi withdrew his hand and looked at the other person calmly.

"I was working overtime in the office when my secretary told me that someone came to search Comrade Zhao Dehan's office."

"Why didn't you inform our department beforehand about something this big?"

Hou Liangping's smile remained unchanged as he pulled out three documents stamped with a bright red seal from the folder.

"Director Zhou, we have received a report that Section Chief Zhao Dehan is suspected of corruption."

"This is a search warrant issued by the Supreme People's Procuratorate, which is used to search Comrade Zhao Dehan's residence, office, and related locations in accordance with the law."

"The matter was urgent, and there was no time to give prior notice. We ask for Director Zhou's understanding and cooperation."

Zhou Chuyi took the search warrant and examined it carefully.

His gaze swept over the formatted legal texts, finally settling on the date of issuance and the signature of the issuer.

The date of issuance is today, and the signatory's signature is flamboyant, but the three characters "He Zhenren" can still be vaguely discerned.

He Zhenren is an ordinary deputy chief prosecutor at the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

Just then, people from the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Office and the Confidentiality Office hurriedly came over with audio and video recording equipment.

Zhou Chuyi nodded, and the leader on the other side also gave a slight nod, indicating that the audio and video recording had been started as agreed.

Zhou Chuyi handed the search warrant back to Hou Liangping, his expression revealing no emotional fluctuation.

"Director Hou, it's not that I'm not cooperating with your work, but there's something I'd like to ask you."

"Director Zhou, please speak."

"Did you notify our department leaders in advance of this search operation? Did you notify Minister Shen?"

"Or rather, has there been any form of communication or reporting between your Supreme People's Procuratorate's Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Ministry of State-owned Resources and Social Security?"

Hou Liangping frowned slightly, but quickly relaxed.

"Director Zhou, we possess a valid search warrant in accordance with the law."

"We have the right to search relevant locations without prior notice to the superior authority of the unit being searched."

"So, you mean, no?" Zhou Chuyi looked coldly at Hou Liangping.