Chapter 64

The riot continued for nearly two hours before it was finally suppressed by the new Deputy Warden, Li Wei, who personally intervened with a forceful approach.

However, such an incident couldn’t be easily covered up. The news quickly reached the Prison Administration Bureau, then the Shenchuan City Council, and eventually the provincial government of Haidong Province.

“How could something like this happen? What were you all in PR even doing? How did this story get leaked to Haixi Province, and how did it even get reported on their state TV channel?” Liu Ming slammed his hand on the desk, fuming, while the leaders of the Prison Administration Bureau stood silent, not daring to respond.

“Investigate! I want a thorough investigation! Someone must be behind this! Find that person!” he demanded. “Interrogate those inmates who started the riot—someone among them definitely knows the inside story. And you—where is Qiu Peng after all this time?”

Zhou Zhenguo, head of the Shenchuan Public Security Bureau, answered helplessly, “He’s gone overseas, and we don’t have jurisdiction there.”

A calamity out of nowhere, Zhou Zhenguo thought, feeling the weight of impending trouble. He was close to retirement and had hoped to avoid any major scandals, especially those that might follow him beyond retirement. His subordinate, Wang Tiejun, had already been troublesome enough, often stirring up problems that required Zhou to clean up after him.

Liu Ming remained unrelenting, “So he’s abroad, and you’re at a loss? What about his ex-wife and child? Did you question them? There must be a lead somewhere!”

“We did,” Zhou replied. “They’ve been divorced for years, and his son doesn’t acknowledge him as a father. They probably don’t know anything.”

“That’s all on the surface! Can’t you see that? Investigate thoroughly!” Liu Ming was almost shouting. “Criminals don’t act predictably! Find something concrete! This Qiu Peng is infuriating!”

After venting, he dismissed the crowd with a wave, “Go! Get out of my sight!”

As soon as the office door closed, Liu Ming calmed down. Small-minded people see details; influential people see opportunities. With the scandal at the prison, anger wouldn’t solve the issue. What mattered most was what Liu Ming could gain from it.

“This sly old fox Han Jianyu… Qiu Peng was his man, wasn’t he? Yet he’s stayed so calm, hasn’t said a word this whole time… Interesting. Qiu Peng is obviously shady, which means this old fox must have skeletons in his closet as well…” Liu Ming pondered for a moment before finally picking up the phone.

—

The inmates who led the riot were all sentenced to three days of solitary confinement, including Zhao De. Upon release, Zhao De, still somewhat bewildered, immediately sought out An Xiaohai.

“Hey, Brother Hai, how did you know Haixi TV would report that news? Tell me your reasoning.”

“I guessed.”

“…”

After the Qiu Peng incident, prison leaders kept the scandal under wraps, announcing it only to a small circle. Zhao De, dissatisfied with the lack of reaction, vented his frustration to An Xiaohai, lamenting that the world truly seemed to protect the powerful. An Xiaohai suggested that if Zhao wanted justice, he should try leaking the story as a tip to the TV stations—if they reported it, the news would be widespread.

Excited, Zhao ordered his associates outside to contact the media. However, as expected, local stations in Haidong and Shenchuan ignored the tip. Zhao grew even more frustrated, his resentment toward society intensifying.

This didn’t surprise An Xiaohai. He knew that TV stations had strict workflows. Journalists might seem to have great freedom, but each story had to go through several layers of approval before it aired. A scandal involving someone like Qiu Peng would never make it to air locally unless the leaders had a serious falling out.

But outside the province, things might be different! As long as the news was true and the outside officials had no ties to Haidong, they might be delighted to report on a scandal in another region.

Thus, An Xiaohai suggested Zhao try Haixi Province instead. This time, it worked. After verifying the story, Haixi TV not only praised Zhao’s informant but also gave him a 100-yuan reward! Apparently, Zhao said his contact was thrilled, claiming he might have found a new way to make money, which made Zhao nervous. If he spread the story further, it could cause major problems for Zhao.

In the end, though, Zhao felt relieved. Qiu Peng was doomed—what a thrill! With a solemn expression, Zhao turned to An Xiaohai.

“I told you, if you dealt with Qiu Peng, I’d publicly acknowledge you as my brother. Just wait until tomorrow morning!”

With no alcohol allowed, it would be a toast with water instead, but Zhao hoped An Xiaohai wouldn’t mind.

The next morning, as people cleared out of the cell block for breakfast, Guo Xiangshui lingered, straightening An Xiaohai’s shirt.

“Is this really necessary, Uncle Shui?” An Xiaohai asked, feeling uneasy.

“It is, Ah Hai. Today isn’t just about Zhao De acknowledging you—it means he’s recognizing your status. With his endorsement, other leaders here will recognize you too. Today, you officially have a title. This is big!”

So that was it! An Xiaohai finally understood. He’d somehow become a boss without even realizing it! He couldn’t help but wonder what expression Wang Tiejun would have if he ever heard this news…