Chapter 445: Chapter 422: Proposal of the Dragon Soul
"Dragon Soul!"
Many present were not unfamiliar with this name. As an important organization for national security, Dragon Soul has always existed with an aura of mystery. There are many legends about this organization, and its members are stationed all over the world. Most of them live as civilians, while those remaining at the Dragon Soul Headquarters lead reclusive lives.
They never easily reveal their identities, and their style of work is swift and decisive, with authority greater than any city-level official. They hold the power to act before reporting, and importantly, no mission entrusted to Dragon Soul has ever ended in failure. The nation’s trust in them and the strong backing from research organizations provide a deep foundation for Dragon Soul.
"Indeed! Dragon Soul." Qin Weiguo nodded. This organization was something he had only heard of but never truly encountered. "When I was working in the northeast, I was fortunate to meet someone from Dragon Soul handling a significant smuggling, murder, and hostage case in the area. I have absolute trust in their efficiency, provided..."
"Secretary Qin!" Wang Zhanting stood up from his chair. Many did not understand his actions.
"Dragon Soul was established as an organization with national responsibility and exists independently, not belonging to any department. This organization is above the City Committee." Wang Zhanting’s explanation seemed to mock Qin Weiguo’s naivety and ignorance: "Ask yourselves, who among us can command such an organization?"
Wang Zhanting’s words overturned Qin Weiguo’s suggestion. In fact, Dragon Soul was indeed not an organization that the City Committee could assign. No matter how well the plan was conceived, it was of no use. "I rather think that relying on others, we should first let the municipal bureau intervene and investigate. After the upper-level report has been approved, any other organization can take over. We should trust in the capabilities of the municipal bureau’s investigators. After all, the major criminal cases that occurred in Yanjing have been resolved by them. Therefore, I personally feel it’s more appropriate to let Lin Zhifang handle this matter."
"Secretary Qin’s proposal, I think, is not bad. The municipal bureau has its tasks, and the military district cannot involve itself too much in civil cases just yet. Once the victim’s identity is confirmed, the military district can handle the personnel involved. Before that, letting Dragon Soul take care of it is a good suggestion." Hua Muyun approached Wang Zhanting after the murmurs stopped, patting his shoulders with both hands: "Minister Wang’s concerns are not misplaced. Dragon Soul is indeed not someone we can assign. I will handle the social aspect; you can rest assured." He gently pushed the standing Wang Zhanting back into his seat with a long sigh: "Yixing, do you have any objections to letting Dragon Soul handle this matter?" Hua Muyun turned to Lu Yixing, who was sitting on Wang Zhanting’s right.
"I’ve dealt with people from Dragon Soul as well. If they handle this matter, Lao Lu has no objections."
"All right, let’s do that." Hua Muyun returned to his seat, lifted the tea freshly brewed by Secretary Luo, blew away the leaves on the surface, and enjoyed the tea’s aroma. He felt this was the liveliest meeting he had ever conducted. Having observed thoroughly, he had gained significant insights. Glancing at Wang Zhanting, Hua Muyun narrowed his eyes without revealing much: "It’s getting late. Everyone, go back and complete your tasks. Secretary Qin, when can your planning report be submitted?"
"Three days!" Qin Weiguo pondered, initially wanting to say a week, but changed his mind.
"I’ll give you two days to submit the Western Suburb rectification plan and a suitable candidate list."
"Yes, okay, Secretary Hua." Qin Weiguo was grateful for changing a week to three days, or else he would have lost face. As someone without much real power in Yanjing, he wouldn’t miss such an opportunity. Especially during the internal election period, holding onto Hua Muyun could help him remain in Yanjing and possibly even expand his opportunities.
"Submit the report to my office in two days."
"Secretary Hua! It’s about time." After Secretary Luo whispered a few things in Hua Muyun’s ear, he led him out of the conference room, leaving behind those still silent and regretful.
"Secretary Qin, your performance today was truly remarkable." Wang Zhanting paused beside Qin Weiguo as he walked past: "Keep up the good work."
Qin Weiguo watched Wang Zhanting’s back with no sense of oppression, but the underlying threat in his words left him startled. The apparently calm words had a hint of menace.
Was he overthinking? The rumors of discord between the Wang and Hua families seemed true. This election meeting was essentially a covert battle between the two families’ forces. To avoid being caught in it, everyone tried to guard their little turf to avoid being swept away by the storm.
Walking alone down the hallway, Qin Weiguo couldn’t help feeling frightened by his impulsive behavior at the meeting. But now that things had reached this point, he could only proceed step by step, carefully guarding against Wang Zhanting. Keeping silent is no longer possible. After careful consideration, it seemed Hua Muyun simply wanted to use this meeting to observe their moves.
The situation in the Western Suburb was already settled. There was no need for further exposition. Was it just a ruse to stir internal conflict and find someone suitable for his tastes? If that’s the case, Wind Discipline Commission’s Liao Jiali and Military District’s Commander Lu Yixing stood on Hua Muyun’s side.
Earlier, Liao Jiali had privately discussed the Western Suburb with him. It seemed a premeditated scheme.
Standing by the window, Hua Muyun watched various black cars drive out of the City Committee Building and lit a cigarette.
"It seems Elder Chen is in a good mood today." Secretary Luo organized today’s meeting minutes, binding them and placing them on the desk. Hua Muyun had the habit of reviewing every meeting’s notes, which greatly aided his analysis of each attendee’s speech and actions during the meeting. For those who thought they’d talk less and avoid risks, this was a crucial drawback.
"Xiao Luo!" Hua Muyun exhaled a puff of smoke, commenting blandly that the Panda cigarette wasn’t as enjoyable as the Soft Zhonghua: "Prepare Soft Zhonghua for me next time; this cigarette lacks strength."
"Elder Chen, you forget the doctor’s advice. You can’t smoke excessively. I’ve already taken liberties by preparing cigarettes for you. If Elder Chen knew, he would scold me." Secretary Luo took the second cigarette Hua Muyun lit, extinguishing it in the ashtray: "Just one a day, no more than that; it’s not good for your health."
"Ah, with you as my secretary, my freedom is even more limited." Hua Muyun didn’t blame Secretary Luo for overstepping; he naturally accepted his actions. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit for recommendations and votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)