Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 417 Scapegoat

"Dad, what I mean is, we can't tear it all down. If we tear it all down, it will make us look guilty."

It's a certainty that the videos of Chen Jimin and Deng Haidong were leaked from the villa.

If we remove all the cameras, it would be like protesting too much, making people suspect we've done something else shady.

Liao Chenggong asked, "That makes sense. So what's your solution?"

"My idea is to find a scapegoat."

With so many people at the resort, finding a suitable one shouldn't be difficult.

They claimed that an employee secretly filmed the videos and sold them on the dark web for profit.

Hotels and guesthouses are frequently exposed for this kind of thing; it's nothing new.

We are victims too; we were betrayed by an internal employee.

Liao Chenggong nodded: "That's a good idea. But we need to choose the right person. He has to be willing to take responsibility, but he can't betray us afterward. Also, he has to have a reasonable motive for committing the crime."

Liao Jinshen was prepared and said, "Song Hui from the logistics department is responsible for the daily maintenance and repair of guest room equipment. He has convenient access to the guest rooms."

I know his family situation. His mother is bedridden for many years, and the medical expenses are like a bottomless pit. His son is in college, and the tuition and living expenses are a huge burden. His wife doesn't work, and the whole family relies on his meager salary, so they often have to borrow money.

We can give him a considerable sum of money and promise to arrange a job for his son; he will definitely agree.

Installing hidden cameras to secretly film people is not a big deal.

Even if we get a prison sentence, we can find someone to pull strings and get a suspended sentence.

If you handle your relationship with the police well, the worst you'll get is a few days of detention.

Liang Dongming, Deng Haidong, and Chen Jimin absolutely did not want to escalate the matter.

Liao Chenggong asked worriedly, "Can he withstand police interrogation? What if he lets something slip...?"

Liao Jinshen said, "We can train him in advance and make the story more believable for him."

Where did the camera come from? Which online channel? How was it installed? What content was it secretly filmed? How was the buyer contacted? How much did it cost? Where did the money go?

Liao Chenggong nodded: "A scapegoat is one solution. But that alone is not enough."

It is crucial to know who the police are investigating.

If the person who comes is unyielding and incorruptible, even if we bring up Song Hui, he can still trace the clues and suspect that we were behind it.

We need to know who will investigate, spend some money to prevent them from conducting a thorough investigation, and just set the tone according to our plan.

Liao Chenggong had been operating in Qingyan for many years and had many friends.

He learned that the person in charge of the investigation was Zhao Lei, the captain of the Criminal Investigation Brigade of the County Public Security Bureau.

Liao Chenggong's face lit up with joy: "Jin Shen, Zhao Lei is a criminal investigation expert, his professional skills are beyond question."

But he was greedy and lecherous. He had come to the villa a few times before, and although he didn't leave any evidence, he wasn't exactly a good person.

Upon hearing this, Liao Jinshen understood: "As long as he has desires, he will have weaknesses."

Dad, let's take a two-pronged approach: make arrangements for Song Hui on one hand, and for Zhao Lei on the other.

As long as Zhao Lei gives the green light and the case is closed by Song Hui, everything will be fine.

Liao Chenggong nodded.

Liang Dongming wouldn't make a big fuss, because he had already taken 500,000 yuan in cash and a golden Buddha statue from him as soon as he arrived.

The reason Liang Dongming allowed the police to investigate was ultimately to intimidate him—to prevent him from saying or doing things he shouldn't have.

Liao Chenggong made the final decision: "That's settled! You go talk to Song Hui, and I'll handle Zhao Lei's side."

Liao Jinshen made a phone call and summoned Song Hui to his office.

"Mr. Liao, you wanted to see me?" Song Hui felt uneasy when he saw Liao Jinshen's stern face.

Liao Jinshen did not hold a significant position in the Daling Group; he was the deputy director of the Key Project Construction Bureau. However, as Liao Chenggong's son, he effectively managed the group's affairs.

Employees are used to calling Liao Jinshen "General Manager Liao," and Liao Jinshen enjoys this dual identity of being both an official and a businessman.

"Master Song, you've been working at the resort for four or five years now, haven't you?"

"Yes, four years and five months."

"Yeah, you're a long-time employee. I remember when you first came here, your son was still in junior high school, right? Now he's in college. Time flies."

Liao Jinshen sighed, then changed the subject, "Master Song, I know a little about your family situation. It hasn't been easy for you."

"Yes, thank you for your consideration, Mr. Liao."

"It's only right to take care of employees. If employees are in trouble, the company will definitely help if it can."

However, if an employee does something that harms the company's interests, or even violates laws and regulations, then the company can't help them. Not only can they not help, but they will also have to hold them accountable. Don't you agree, Mr. Song?

Song Hui was startled and stammered, "President Liao, I... I've always been honest and upright, and I've never done anything to betray the company!"

"Really?" Liao Jinshen stared at Song Hui. "Then let me ask you, where did the five thousand yuan difference in price for that batch of repair equipment we purchased last month go?"

Song Hui was shocked. He thought he had done a perfect job, but he never expected that everything was under Liao Jinshen's control.

"President Liao...I...I was wrong! I was confused for a moment, my family is really in trouble, I..." Song Hui stammered.

Liao Jinshen waved his hand, interrupting him: "Master Song, don't be nervous. In the past, my dad and I turned a blind eye to these little things because you are a long-time employee and your family is indeed in financial difficulty."

This shows that our Liao family values ​​old friendships and human relationships.

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Master Song, the company is facing a small problem and needs someone to step up."

This matter might cause you some distress, but if you're willing to do the company a small favor, everything from the past will be wiped clean. And the company will definitely not treat you unfairly.

"Mr. Liao, what's the matter? I'll do my best to help if I can."

"Hehe, it's not a big deal." Liao Jinshen chuckled. "Some hidden cameras were installed in the resort, and they filmed some officials indulging in pleasure. Now it's leaked, causing trouble."

The police are coming to investigate. We need someone to take the blame for this.

You should say that because of financial difficulties, you were blinded by greed and secretly installed cameras to film guests and then sell them for money…

"Mr. Liao, secretly installing hidden cameras is illegal. Will I go to jail?"

"No, we will try our best to handle this. If you really go to jail, you will still receive your salary, plus a monthly allowance of 10,000 yuan."

In addition, we will give you 50,000 yuan in one lump sum. After your son graduates from junior college, he will work for our group and will not be a factory worker.

As you know, it's extremely difficult for college graduates to find a management position with a decent salary.

Liao Jinshen took a sip of water and added, "The possibility of going to jail is extremely low; the most likely outcome is a few days of detention. Don't worry, we will rescue you."

Song Hui was tempted.

I'm guaranteed a minimum of 50,000 yuan, and my son will be offered a job. If I go to jail, I'll receive an additional 10,000 yuan per month. This is much better than working a regular job.

"Mr. Liao, I'm willing, but I'm afraid I won't be able to handle the police interrogation..."

"Don't worry, we'll take care of the police. Just follow my instructions."

Liao Jinshen took out five bundles of banknotes from his office drawer, each bundle containing ten thousand yuan.

Fifty thousand yuan might just be the cost of one night at a nightclub in other people's eyes, but for Song Hui, who was desperately short of money, it was undoubtedly a huge sum of money.

"President Liao, I'm willing!" Song Hui had no reason to refuse.

These conditions are too tempting.

Liao Jinshen trained Song Hui.

After several training sessions, Liao Jinshen said, "Master Song, let's do a drill. I'll play the police officer. Don't panic."

Of course, it's understandable that you would panic when real police interrogated you.

Song Hui nodded heavily.

Liao Jinshen asked, "Song Hui, when did you buy the camera?"

"Last August."

"Where did you buy it?"

"Online."

"What website?"

Pinduoduo.

"How many did you buy?"

"Three?"

"How much did it cost?"

"1,500 yuan."

"How many rooms were installed?"

"Three rooms."

When did you install it?

"I don't remember the exact date. It was installed while the room was being repaired."

"How was the camera mounted? What tools were used?"

"Use tape to stick it inside the air conditioner vent."

How do you know that location is well-hidden and unlikely to be discovered?

"I learned it online; someone taught me."

Which guests were secretly photographed?

"I don't remember. I took pictures of a few people, but I don't know them."

I only care if the videos sell, I don't care who they're about.

"How much do you sell it for?"

"Through the dark web."

What is the URL for the dark web?

"I don't remember. It was always through a link."

Who is the buyer?

"I don't know them. We contacted each other online."

"How much did you sell it for?"

"In total, it sold for about 40,000 yuan."

"Where did the money go?"

"I paid for my mother's medical treatment, my child's tuition, and paid off debts. The rest was spent on daily expenses."

……

At a teahouse in the county town.

Liao Chenggong invited Zhao Lei to have tea.

Zhao Lei asked with a smile, "Mr. Liao, you didn't invite me out just for tea, did you?"

Liao Chenggong smiled and handed a black plastic bag to Zhao Lei.

"Captain Zhao, I know you're facing some difficulties at home. Take this 100,000 yuan and spend it first."

We're old friends, and it's only natural for friends to help each other out.

Zhao Lei smiled slightly: "President Liao, I can't accept a reward without merit. So, what is it?"

Liao Chenggong didn't answer directly, but instead asked, "Captain Zhao, how much do you know about Liang Dongming and Wu Zhiyuan?"

Zhao Lei shook his head: "They are county leaders. I haven't had the chance to meet them. They haven't been in Qingyan for long, so I don't know them very well."

Liao Chenggong continued, "Liang Dongming is Wu Bao's former secretary. He came here to gain experience, but he won't stay in Qingyan for long before leaving."

Wu Zhiyuan is Lin Xue's man; he is young, ambitious, and eager to get things done.

It's impossible to say for sure who will win or lose in this battle of wits between the two.

But one thing is certain: regardless of who wins, Qingyan is still Qingyan. Ordinary people still have to live their lives, businesses still have to operate, and certain things still need to be done.

Liao Chenggong took a sip of tea and continued, "Captain Zhao, you're a smart man. I won't beat around the bush with you."

Liang Dongming asked you to investigate the matter at the resort, and you definitely have to.

But the extent of the investigation, the method of investigation, and the conclusions reached are all open to interpretation.

Zhao Lei stared at Liao Chenggong: "Mr. Liao, do you want me to handle the case the way you want it to be?"

"It's not that I wanted to, it's just that this case was supposed to be like that." Liao Chenggong said unhurriedly, "Captain Zhao, let me ask you, do you really think I installed those cameras?"

"I, Liao Chenggong, have been working in Qingyan for so many years. What kind of storms haven't I weathered? Do you think I'd install cameras on my own turf and wait for someone to come and check? Do you think I'm that stupid?"

Zhao Lei remained silent.

"Captain Zhao, I've found out. It was an employee of the resort named Song Hui who did it."

He was short of money, his mother was sick, and his children were in school. When he saw that some people were collecting these kinds of videos online, he got the idea to do something wicked.

I also bear responsibility for this; my poor management allowed others to take advantage of the situation.

But if you say I ordered it, then you're really wronging me.

Liao Chenggong pushed a black plastic bag containing 100,000 yuan in cash in front of Zhao Lei. "Captain Zhao, investigate the case as you see fit. I won't interfere."

But I hope you can be realistic, not wrong good people, and not let bad people go unpunished.

Song Hui should be arrested and sentenced as appropriate; I will fully cooperate.

But let's leave it at that and not dig any deeper into this matter.

Actually, as you know, Liang Dongming checked the security cameras just to stand up for Deng Haidong and Chen Jimin, and incidentally to give me a warning.

Liang Dongming and I are actually quite close. Some things are best left unsaid. Captain Zhao is a smart man; he understands immediately.