Chapter 30: This is Shuanggui

Upon hearing that officials from the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection had arrived, Zhang Jun felt a secret thrill, thinking that what was destined to happen had finally come.

Zhou Wenbin hung up the phone and said to Governor Ma Hongqi, "Governor Ma, Deputy Secretary Zhao of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection is here and has asked me to go over immediately."

Ma Hongqi waved his hand. "Since Comrade Zhao Youjun is here, let’s go see him together."

The surrounding patients were astonished to hear that this man was Governor Ma. The group arrived at Zhou Wenbin’s office, where Zhao Youjun and his colleagues were already seated.

After entering, Zhou Wenbin forced a smile. "Greetings, Secretary Zhao."

Zhao Youjun and Ma Hongqi exchanged a brief nod of acknowledgment, then Zhao said expressionlessly, "Comrade Zhou Wenbin, we are here to verify some information. Please come back with us to the Commission for Discipline Inspection to assist in our investigation."

Zhou Wenbin’s eyes widened in shock. He stammered, "S-Secretary Zhao, what is this about? If you... if you ask me here, I will tell you everything I know."

Zhao Youjun signaled to his subordinates. Two men stepped forward, one on each side of Zhou Wenbin, to prevent any attempt at escape. Terrified, Zhou looked left and right, his legs turning to jelly. "Secretary Zhao, what is going on? What have I done?"

Zhao Youjun said sternly, "We are merely following procedure. Please accompany us for the investigation."

Zhou Wenbin’s teeth chattered. "Is... is this 'Shuanggui'?"

Zhao Youjun stood up. "You may think of it that way! Take him away!" His expression softened slightly as he turned to Ma Hongqi. "Governor Ma, we will take our leave first."

Ma Hongqi nodded and shook hands with Zhao Youjun. Zhou Wenbin could barely walk. Suddenly, water began to drip from his trousers. The man had wet himself in terror. The two men escorted him away.

Zhang Jun wondered if this satisfying outcome had been pre-arranged between his boss and Zhao Youjun. The speed with which the Commission had acted suggested that the problems at the Provincial People's Hospital were severe, or perhaps the reports Zhang Jun had handed to Ma Hongqi had finally taken effect. With the inspection delegation from the central government still in the province, these cases involving the hospital would likely be merged, potentially uncovering even more scandals.

By the time the commotion settled, it was five o'clock. Back at his office in the provincial government compound, Zhang Jun tidied up to head home. His phone chimed.

He pulled it out to see a message from Shen Xue: "Secretary Zhang, are you free for dinner?"

Zhang Jun had no plans for the evening, so he replied, "What kind of dinner?"

Shen Xue replied, "My treat. Just the two of us."

Zhang Jun pictured Shen Xue’s graceful figure and her delicate, rosy cheeks. Unable to resist the chance to see her, he replied, "Alright, where?"

"How about the West Pavilion? It's close to you, and the food there is good."

"That works."

After work, Zhang Jun dropped Ma Hongqi off at the guesthouse. Ma did not invite him in or ask him to join for dinner, so Zhang Jun took his leave and headed to the West Pavilion restaurant.

Shen Xue was waiting at the entrance. She wore a white chiffon dress and high-heeled sandals. Her straight, fair calves were flushed with a faint glow in the sunlight, like a stream flowing past. Her beauty was like a scattering of stars, too numerous to count. Her eyes, bright as constellations, were filled with deep affection, constantly drawing the gaze of others. Most striking were her cherry-like lips, slightly upturned like a blooming flower, leaving one lingering in thought. Her long, black hair hung naturally, exuding an elegant and effortless charm.

Seeing Zhang Jun, Shen Xue beamed. "Hello, Secretary Zhang."

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Zhang Jun said as he locked his car.

"I just arrived," Shen Xue said, stepping forward to shake his hand.

Holding her hand, Zhang Jun asked, "Any special occasion today? Why the treat?"

Shen Xue laughed. "Well, it’s been four days since I met you, so let’s call it an anniversary!"

Zhang Jun was amused by her wit. They walked into the West Pavilion and chose a small table in the main hall. Shen Xue let Zhang Jun order; he chose two dishes and a soup, which cost over a hundred yuan.

As she cleaned the cups and bowls, Shen Xue said, "I felt a kinship with you from the moment we met. Even when I haven't seen you these past few days, I've been dreaming of you."

*This woman is a master of flirtation,* Zhang Jun thought. He recalled Liu Zhengjie’s suggestion of introducing Shen Xue to Ma Hongqi. He wondered if the Governor could resist such a beauty.

But Zhang Jun could never play that role. Wouldn't that make him a pimp?

Wanting to probe her intentions, Zhang Jun asked, "Are you inviting me because you want me to introduce you to my boss?"

Shen Xue looked genuinely stunned. "Your boss? Governor Ma? What would I want with him? We have no connection whatsoever. Even if I did meet him, he wouldn't have time for me, don't you think?"

Zhang Jun chuckled. "How are the ratings for your program?"

Shen Xue shook her head helplessly. "Just average. I'm a newcomer; I'm lucky to have a show to host at all. I can't ask for too much. By the way, have you watched my show?"

Zhang Jun hadn't, but he lied, "I've caught it occasionally. It has a lot of style." It was a clever compliment—vague, but complimentary.

Shen Xue giggled. "Getting your approval gives me more confidence for the future."

Zhang Jun had an idea. "Are you on air tonight?"

"Yes, but it's still early," she said. "As long as I don't get drunk, I won't miss work."

Zhang Jun thought for a moment. "There's some news that just happened. If you report it tonight, it might cause quite a stir."

"Really? What news? Tell me!" Shen Xue leaned across the table, drawing closer. Zhang Jun could catch the faint fragrance emanating from her.

"Governor Ma was at the Provincial People's Hospital this afternoon..." He recounted the events. Ma Hongqi had visited to check on the welfare of the people, and immediately afterward, Zhou Wenbin was arrested. The public would draw their own conclusions about whether the two events were linked.

Shen Xue’s journalistic instincts kicked in. Her eyes brightened. "That’s a great story! I need to draft it immediately and report it to my superiors. I wouldn't dare air a story involving such high-level officials without approval."

Zhang Jun nodded in understanding. Shen Xue pulled out her phone, brushed a lock of hair from her chest, and made a call.

"The leadership says it's excellent material and is seeking approval from the Provincial Propaganda Department," she said with a smile. "I'm going to write the draft now. Secretary Zhang, you have to help me—how should I phrase this?"

She took out paper and pen from her bag, spread them on the table, and looked at him expectantly. Zhang Jun paused for a moment before helping her draft the report.