Director Wang paced at home, He Yuan’s warning echoing in his mind. The more he thought about it, the more he felt He Yuan was right. Although Lao Guai was temporarily under control and Zhao Dezhu had run away, there was no guarantee other accidents wouldn’t happen.
Those shady account books and transaction vouchers were like timed bombs; they had to be destroyed as soon as possible.
He truly couldn’t rest easy without destroying that evidence.
Late at night, when everyone was presumably sound asleep, Wang Youcai furtively brought out a small, locked metal box. It contained the core evidence of his misdeeds over the years, far more damning than what he kept in the office. He had originally planned to dispose of it when the pressure intensified, but now it seemed he couldn’t wait a moment longer.
Carrying the metal box and a shovel, he slipped out of his house and headed straight for the small grove behind it, a place usually deserted.
He intended to dig a deep pit, burn the contents, and bury them.
The moonlight was obscured by clouds, plunging the grove into pitch blackness, with only the wavering yellow beam of his flashlight cutting through the dark.
Wang Youcai found a spot under an old locust tree, deemed it sufficiently hidden, and started digging furiously. Sweat beaded on his forehead, his movements growing increasingly frantic.
Just as he was digging, out of breath, and about to open the metal box to check its contents before burning them, several blindingly bright light beams suddenly shot at him from all directions, pinning him squarely in their centers!
Dazzled by the intense light, Wang Youcai’s heart plummeted. The shovel in his hand clattered to the ground.
“Wang Youcai, what are you busy with here so late?” A cold, familiar voice rang out.
Wang Youcai, his eyes barely adjusted to the light, saw with horror that He Yuan stood before him, accompanied by several stern-faced individuals. He was no longer the fawning He Jianshe. His posture was erect, his gaze sharp, and an aura of authority radiated from him, accentuated by his military uniform.
“He… He Jianshe? You… you all…” Wang Youcai’s face turned ashen, his tongue tied. He instinctively tried to kick the metal box, attempting to cover it with soil.
He Yuan stepped forward swiftly, effortlessly snatching the metal box. He weighed it in his hand and said with a cold laugh, “Caught red-handed. Director Wang, anything left to say?”
“Who… who are you, really?!” Wang Youcai roared in despair, his last shred of hope utterly shattered.
A soldier beside him barked sternly, “Show some respect! This is Regimental Commander He of our special investigation team!”
“Reg… Regimental Commander?”
Wang Youcai’s legs gave way, and he collapsed on the edge of the freshly dug pit, his whole body trembling. Only then did he fully understand that he had been manipulated from the very beginning. That speculative, wheeling-and-dealing “He Jianshe” was nothing but the King of Hell coming to claim his life! He thought of his previous attempts to win He Yuan over with promises, finding it utterly, laughably foolish.
He Yuan, no longer willing to witness his pathetic state, signaled the soldiers to secure Wang Youcai. He opened the metal box, illuminating the documents inside with his flashlight. A quick scan made his brow furrow tighter. The evidence inside was far more shocking than anticipated…
“Wang Youcai, you have quite the nerve,” He Yuan said, closing the box, his voice laced with suppressed anger. “Take these, along with the testimonies of Zhao Dezhu and Lao Guai, back with us!”
…
At almost the same time, Ji Shuyu, weary from her journey, hurried back to the garrison. Without a moment’s rest, she went directly to the senior leadership and solemnly handed over the items provided by Zhao Xiaocui.
“Sir, the records inside are extremely detailed. Commander He is still on the island, conducting further investigations and controlling key personnel.”
The leader flipped through the account book, his expression growing increasingly grave. “Good! Comrade Shuyu, you’ve worked hard! This evidence is crucial; it completely matches the information Comrade He Yuan previously sent back!”
Soon, a joint investigation team was rapidly established.
He Yuan’s actions had been clean and efficient. With both witnesses and material evidence secured, a complete chain of evidence was formed.
Faced with irrefutable proof, Wang Youcai’s psychological defenses completely collapsed, and he confessed to all his crimes.
The copy of the account book that Ji Shuyu brought back, which Zhao Xiaocui had risked preserving, became the final straw that broke the back of Wang Youcai and his gang. It further verified the accuracy of the intelligence He Yuan had gathered, making the evidence chain impeccable.
A few days later, the corrupt elements were eradicated root and branch. When the news spread, the island’s residents clapped their hands with joy.
After the matter was resolved, Zhao Xiaocui, having cooperated actively, did not face severe punishment. Lin Fang also received a corresponding sentence reduction.
The couple had made significant contributions in this affair. Political Commissar Qi looked at them with deep emotion, repeatedly saying, “The younger generation is to be taken seriously.”
Ji Shuyu took leave from the research institute and rested at home for several days. After all, the original plan was a relaxing trip; who would have thought they’d end up accomplishing such a major task?
“Sister Shuyu! Wonderful news! The material from our research has been put into use!” A secretary joyfully came to tell Ji Shuyu. This material was extremely useful for the reconnaissance company.
Ji Shuyu, of course, was also very happy.
…
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