A Mitsubishi SUV halted in front of the Haizhou Pharmaceutical Group headquarters. Clad in police uniforms, Li Xinjian and Qiang Min alighted and entered the building. Following protocol, they filled out a visitor log at the security desk and were escorted to the elevators by the guard.
Guo Xiaopeng's office was a suite. At that moment, he was seated in his private study and lounge, a modest room with iron-rust-colored walls, shelves, furniture, carpet, and ceiling creating a unified palette. His bookshelf held collections like the "Twenty-Four Histories" and "Thick Black Theory," alongside beautifully bound foreign books in one corner. Behind him, a display case featured three categories of items: a stone carving of Jesus's crucifixion, a taxidermy eagle catching a bird mid-flight, and a small sunflower in a bronze vase. Above the cabinet hung a plaque inscribed with "Fighting with people is endless joy," the powerful brushstrokes emphasizing the word "fight." Guo, elbows on the desk and chin in hand, was deep in thought. His mother's portrait on the desk watched over him with a gentle gaze. The phone's sudden ring startled him. He answered with a terse acknowledgment and said, "Send them in." Rising slowly, he walked out and firmly shut the door behind him.
Li Xinjian and Qiang Min, led by the secretary, walked through the thick-carpeted hallway into the chairman's office. Guo Xiaopeng rose from behind his large desk to greet them, "I wasn't informed of your visit, so I couldn't welcome you properly. Please, have a seat." Li Xinjian and Qiang Min sat on the sofa. Li Xinjian started, "Sorry to interrupt your work without notice, Chairman Guo." Guo Xiaopeng settled into his chair, "Unannounced visits are never for trivial matters. Please, tell me what's on your mind." The secretary brought in two cups of fragrant Dragon Well tea before bowing and exiting.
Qiang Min glanced around the opulent office, "Your security here is tighter than at the police station." Guo Xiaopeng replied, "Every enterprise, public or private, has its own characteristics. The demands on my time are endless, often leaving little room for reflection." He gently swiveled his high-backed leather chair, "What brings you here?"
"Routine procedure," Li Xinjian cut to the chase, "We're investigating a drug case involving the Haizhou Tower under your group. Are you aware of the incidents there?" "Not much," Guo Xiaopeng responded, "What's happened at Haizhou Tower?"
"Are you saying you're unaware of the recent events there?" Qiang Min queried.
"I'm truly not clear on the details," Guo Xiaopeng leaned forward, "Please, enlighten me." Li Xinjian smiled, his tone firm, "From the murders of Yang Qiu and Lu An to the bust of Lu Hui's underground factory, many clues point to Haizhou Tower and possibly some backgrounds of Haizhou Pharmaceuticals. We felt it necessary to inform you in advance."
Guo Xiaopeng stood up, maintaining his composure, "Thank you for your trust. I will fully cooperate with the investigation. Excuse me, I have a department managers' meeting shortly. If there's nothing else—" Li Xinjian stood, "Thank you for your support, Chairman Guo. We might have to disturb you frequently in the future." He abruptly changed the subject, "By the way, does Haizhou Pharmaceuticals use ephedrine as a raw material in any of its products?"
Guo Xiaopeng remained unfazed, "Haizhou Pharmaceuticals produces dozens of medications. Some neurological drugs might use ephedrine as an ingredient. Even if we need these raw materials, we procure them through official channels. Ephedrine is a controlled substance."
Li Xinjian extended his hand, "Thank you very much. No need to see us out."
As Guo Xiaopeng escorted them to the door, he added, "For matters related to Haizhou Tower, you can directly contact General Manager Wang Jingfei. The board has authorized her to handle all affairs related to Haizhou Tower. Goodbye."
After Li and Qiang left, Guo Xiaopeng's expression darkened as he swiftly returned to his office and ordered his secretary via intercom, "Summon Mr. Fei, Ms. Wang, Assistant Liu, and Assistant Lin to my office immediately!"
In the chairman's office, Fei Jingwei, Liu Mei, Wang Jingfei, and Lin Xiaoliang sat upright, listening to Guo Xiaopeng's admonishments.
Guo Xiaopeng paced angrily, "Haizhou Pharmaceuticals is a leading private enterprise in Haizhou and the province, a model of excellence in the medical sector. As chairman and CEO, I scrutinize my actions daily, often with extreme caution. Despite my efforts, the police are now targeting us!"
Fei Jingwei looked tense, while Wang Jingfei and Liu Mei remained composed. Lin Xiaoliang appeared indifferent. Guo Xiaopeng's sharp gaze turned to Liu Mei and Lin Xiaoliang, "How did that troublemaking drug dealer Lu An infiltrate our company, even becoming deputy general manager of Haizhou Tower, causing immense reputational damage? This is intolerable and a serious dereliction of duty on your parts! Wasn't Lu An nominated by you, Ms. Liu? And wasn't he your close friend, Mr. Lin? Is this how you assist me as CEO? From now on, you two are suspended, reflecting on your actions and cooperating with the police to clear our name. All future matters will be handled by General Manager Wang Jingfei!" Wang Jingfei spoke up, "I understand your concerns, Chairman, but I believe the police do not yet have conclusive evidence against Haizhou Tower regarding drug crimes. We should remain calm, observe developments, and protect our reputation."
Guo Xiaopeng nodded slightly in approval, a special emotion in his eyes.
As Li Xinjian and Qiang Min exited the elevator on the 18th floor, they walked toward the copper-clad door they had thoroughly investigated. Li Xinjian pressed the video doorbell, which rang several times before receiving a response. Lin Xiaoliang's gruff voice came through the intercom, "Who's there? Knocking at my door in the middle of the night!"