Rebirth of Corrupt Officials

Chapter 8

Rong Shaobai had arrived at the scene. Jiang Xiaochuan, who had been speaking with the old man on the rooftop, noticed his arrival. Frowning slightly, Jiang Xiaochuan continued reassuring the old man, “Please don’t be anxious. I’ll have someone locate Xue Yan for you.”

He subtly signaled the negotiator to keep the situation under control while he turned to address the matter with Rong Shaobai. The implications of a public security incident involving an underworld figure, particularly one related to a journalist, were extremely severe.

Rong Shaobai, dressed in a light gray-green shirt with two of the middle buttons loosely fastened, glanced dispassionately at the unfolding situation. He was holding a slender mobile phone, evidently discussing the situation on the phone.

Such events were seemingly routine for him, and the frequency of their occurrence was no surprise. He recognized the seriousness behind Jiang Xiaochuan’s demeanor despite the casual attire.

As Jiang Xiaochuan approached him, Rong Shaobai’s interest was piqued, but he refrained from making hasty judgments. He exchanged a brief greeting, “Mayor Jiang.”

“President Rong.” Jiang Xiaochuan’s words were succinct. He glanced back at the ongoing situation with the elderly man and saw Lu Xiu and his team were already in the process of contacting the TV station, which reassured him.

“President Rong, we need to address this matter,” Jiang Xiaochuan said.

Rong Shaobai turned his gaze from the security chief to Jiang Xiaochuan, sensing an unusual tone in the mayor’s voice. He considered laughing but understood that it wasn’t an appropriate time for a joke. Nevertheless, he maintained a composed expression as he responded, “Certainly, let’s discuss it.”

Jiang Xiaochuan followed Rong Shaobai to a spot near the staircase corner but didn’t proceed further. He positioned himself so that he could maintain a view of the rooftop situation at a glance. With a stern expression, he continued, “President Rong, if you cannot provide a clear explanation for this incident...”

The details of the matter had been relayed to Rong Shaobai by the club’s manager. He was well aware of the ins and outs of the situation. Certain actions might be considered routine within their club, but to outsiders, they appeared shocking.

Rong Shaobai didn’t appear fazed by Jiang Xiaochuan’s stern tone. He understood that any new mayor would be irate when confronted with such a problem upon taking office, particularly one involving Rong Family’s Club. Although the previous administration had bestowed the “model enterprise” designation upon the club, everyone knew the nature of the establishment. Now that a situation like this had arisen, Jiang Xiaochuan’s reaction was entirely understandable.

“This incident isn’t the club’s fault. We are simply following our usual protocols. In fact, Mayor Jiang, you’re well aware of the club’s operations. Often, we dare not explain everything explicitly.” Rong Shaobai responded directly. He wore a silver ring on his index finger, appearing quite nonchalant as he held his phone.

Jiang Xiaochuan directed his focus toward Rong Shaobai, but his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Xue Yan. He had finally identified the underlying issue. Turning his attention back to Rong Shaobai, he asked, “If the government doesn’t step in and I request you to handle this matter, how would you handle it?”

Rong Shaobai found Jiang Xiaochuan’s question somewhat perplexing. He noticed the depth in Jiang Xiaochuan’s eyes and sensed that he might have chosen the wrong partner. Rong Shaobai offered a straightforward answer, “We have our methods, which would involve silencing the old man outside permanently. It’s a simple and crude approach.”

Jiang Xiaochuan couldn’t help but laugh at Rong Shaobai’s response. He extended a hand to pat Rong Shaobai on the shoulder.

Rong Shaobai was taken aback by the physical contact. He wasn’t comfortable with it, as it triggered a sense of danger associated with his past life in organized crime. However, he acknowledged that Jiang Xiaochuan was the deputy mayor, not an adversary from the underworld.

Just before he confessed about Yue Qingci, he had asked someone the same question. He recalled that the young man from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection had responded vehemently – “Of course!”

Jiang Xiaochuan stumbled, his face paling, his gaze unfocused. He felt a wave of dizziness and took a step back, only to be caught by someone.

Rong Shaobai was there to steady him, his eyes fixed on Xue Yan, a sudden intensity in his gaze.

Xue Yan, a seemingly ordinary young man with a somewhat rigid and dogmatic appearance, walked past Jiang Xiaochuan. He glanced at the pale deputy mayor, then at Rong Shaobai, and headed toward Uncle Qiu on the rooftop.

Before Rong Shaobai could comprehend the situation, he realized Jiang Xiaochuan was pushing his hand away.

Jiang Xiaochuan gritted his teeth, using his own strength to regain composure, and followed Xue Yan with unwavering determination.

He couldn’t answer the question honestly – he was not a good official. Not yet.

Rong Shaobai whispered, “Is it so crucial to be a good official?”

Jiang Xiaochuan rubbed his forehead, fighting to regain his calm. After being reborn, he was still adjusting to this new life, often affected by remnants of his previous one.

Why did Xue Yan ask this question?

Could he have discovered something with his journalistic instinct?

Jiang Xiaochuan understood that he was not unjustly labeled a corrupt official. He had indeed deserved his fate. It was ironic to encounter the person responsible for his downfall in this reborn life, simply upon hearing Xue Yan’s name.

Yet, with Xue Yan’s words, did Rong Shaobai also view him as a good official?

Jiang Xiaochuan turned to Rong Shaobai, who wore a nonchalant expression. He contemplated this matter silently, and a slight smile graced his lips.

Being a good official was not necessarily the most important thing; what truly mattered was not betraying one’s own conscience.

With newfound courage and clarity, Jiang Xiaochuan realized that there was nothing to fear.