Chapter 909: Chapter 909

Huang Jianbin stared at Chang Zhiguo for a while, trying to glean some information from his face. But Chang Zhiguo's expression maintained a faint smile throughout, revealing no abnormality. This only deepened Huang Jianbin's confusion.

"As far as I know, Ye Qing operates more than twenty nightclubs in Shenchuan City and has had dealings with several previous criminal factions there. Moreover, he himself has been involved in numerous criminal activities. The previous murder cases in Shenchuan City are all inseparably linked to him!" Huang Jianbin said, "This information is enough for us to suspect that Ye Qing is already involved in organized crime!"

"Vice Secretary Huang, your claims are all based on possibilities and suspicions. Do you have any concrete evidence?" Chang Zhiguo shrugged and said, "Our country operates on the rule of law, and everything requires evidence to speak for itself. If you're basing your accusation of Ye Qing's criminal involvement purely on unsubstantiated rumors, isn't that being a bit too arbitrary?"

Huang Jianbin furrowed his brow and said in a deep voice, "According to Governor Chang's perspective, are we supposed to assume Ye Qing is innocent simply because we lack evidence, even when we know there's a possibility he's involved in organized crime?"

"I've always been someone who respects facts!" Chang Zhiguo said, "Everything at present indicates that Ye Qing has neither committed a crime nor is involved in organized crime. While he does operate nightclubs, these are legitimate businesses and aren't inherently wrong. Furthermore, his nightclub operations do not conflict with his decision to run the orphanage and care for those children."

"How could there not be a conflict? Those nightclubs are dens of vice. What right does Ye Qing have to educate and care for those children while running such places?" Huang Jianbin said, "Our laws demand special protection for minors. Taking in these orphans isn't just about providing for their basic needs. The most critical aspect is instilling in them the correct values, worldviews, and outlooks on life. Learning from Ye Qing offers no benefit for the children's growth whatsoever!"

"Oh, really?" Chang Zhiguo chuckled lightly, staring at Huang Jianbin, "I heard that your younger son, Vice Secretary Huang, is quite fond of visiting those nightclubs. Given how strictly disciplined your household supposedly is, I'm sure your son has developed the correct values, worldviews, and outlooks on life. But tell me, who actually taught your younger son those habits?"

Huang Jianbin's expression shifted instantly. His younger son behaved much like Huang Boxiong, frequently indulging in visits to nightclubs. He had scolded him for it several times, but to no avail — this issue had become a sore spot for him. Faced with this jab from Chang Zhiguo, he had no comeback.

"Governor Chang, the purpose of our meeting today isn't to discuss personal matters," Huang Jianbin said in a deep voice, "What's most important is that the provincial decision has already been made. Ye Qing's orphanage must be closed as soon as possible. Therefore, I hope progress here can be expedited, starting by properly arranging placements for the children."

As he spoke, Huang Jianbin cast a side glance at the Deputy Governor, making it abundantly clear who the comment was directed at.

"Alright, alright, no problem at all," the Deputy Governor quickly nodded and said, "Vice Secretary Huang, you can count on me for this matter. Within two days, I'll have it taken care of."

Huang Jianbin nodded in satisfaction, casting a provocative glance at Chang Zhiguo. He could see that Chang Zhiguo intended to help Ye Qing. But since the Deputy Governor was his own ally, once the demand was made, there was little Chang Zhiguo could do to alter the outcome.

Chang Zhiguo, however, remained composed, smiling faintly as he said, "Deputy Governor Zhou, let's temporarily pause all matters regarding the Shenchuan orphanage. Both the closure and the arrangements should be suspended for now."

The Deputy Governor glanced at both Chang Zhiguo and Huang Jianbin, awkwardly replying, "Governor Chang, the directive to close the orphanage was… was a decision from the Standing Committee. I… I'm merely following provincial orders. I'm afraid… afraid it's not something I can just pause."

Huang Jianbin sneered coldly, "Governor Chang, you were present during the Standing Committee meeting, so you're well aware of its intent. While you may be the Governor, we've got to adhere to established principles in our decision-making. Since the matter is already resolved, we should proceed as per the regulations."

This statement was clearly laced with sarcasm, but Chang Zhiguo displayed no anger. He merely smiled and addressed the Deputy Governor, "Deputy Governor Zhou, I'm not exactly requesting your cooperation. I'm here to demand that all actions regarding the Shenchuan City orphanage be postponed."

"Oh, my, what a commanding presence Governor Chang has!" Huang Jianbin immediately retorted with a mocking laugh, "Governor Chang, is this really a request? Or is it an order? Are Governors now entitled to overrule Standing Committee resolutions?"

"Of course, I can't alter Standing Committee decisions. But…" Chang Zhiguo shot a glance at Huang Jianbin and said, "The order to postpone the orphanage closure comes from the Capital!"

"What!?" Huang Jianbin's expression shifted dramatically. The Deputy Governor was equally stunned, never imagining that this directive came directly from the Capital.

Chang Zhiguo smiled faintly and said, "Authorities in the Capital have taken an interest in Ye Qing's private orphanage project, considering it unique and worth studying. They intend to conduct an assessment to determine if the private orphanage model could be feasible nationwide. Therefore, the directive from the Capital is to suspend all actions relating to the Shenchuan orphanage until further evaluation is complete."

After a brief pause, he added, "As for the earlier resolution passed by the Eastern Province Standing Committee, it is now officially null and void!"

Huang Jianbin and the Deputy Governor exchanged stunned glances, their faces reflecting disbelief and shock. Especially Huang Jianbin, who took a long moment to regain his composure before nervously asking, "Governor Chang, why… why would the Capital take notice of this? Why was I completely unaware?"

Chang Zhiguo maintained his faint smile and explained, "In recent years, countless issues have emerged within public orphanage systems, drawing sustained attention from the Capital. The proposal for private orphanages has existed for over three years but hasn't advanced to implementation. Ye Qing's private orphanage venture in Shenchuan City has been on the Capital's radar for some time. The higher-ups see it as a potential pilot project to test private orphanage operations. If successful, private orphanages could receive full authorization in the future, revolutionizing the orphanage model."

"This… this… this is impossible!" Huang Jianbin said in agitation. "An orphanage is no place for experimentation! These are children we're talking about. How could such matters be entrusted to private individuals? What happens if something goes wrong?"

"As if nothing ever goes wrong in public orphanages!" Chang Zhiguo shot back. "Public systems come with their flaws as well. That's precisely why this experiment is being pursued by the Capital. They've already discussed the matter with Secretary Gu, who fully supports the decision, which is why I'm here today to communicate this to Deputy Governor Zhou. For now, the plan to close Ye Qing's orphanage is officially on hold!"

He turned to the Deputy Governor with a faint smile, "Deputy Governor Zhou, do you have any objections?"

Hearing it was the Capital's directive, the Deputy Governor dared not object. Besides, with Secretary Gu, the highest-ranking official in the Eastern Province, on board with the decision, his own objections would hold no weight. He could only express agreement.

But Huang Jianbin remained in shock. He would've never dreamed that the Capital would pursue such an audacious plan. This was an immense opportunity for Ye Qing. Not only was his orphanage now safe, but with the Capital's attention, taking action against him would become infinitely harder.

"Vice Secretary Huang, do you have any further objections?" Chang Zhiguo asked with a faint smile, clearly to provoke him.

Huang Jianbin quickly raised his hand in surrender, replying, "No objections."

"Good." Chang Zhiguo nodded, then turned to the Deputy Governor and said, "That settles it. Deputy Governor Zhou, I'll leave you to handle it. Vice Secretary Huang, feel free to visit me sometime."

With a smile, Chang Zhiguo stood, bid the pair farewell, and left the Deputy Governor's house.

As soon as Chang Zhiguo was gone, the Deputy Governor turned to Huang Jianbin and said, "Secretary Huang, how… how did this happen? What do you think—"

Before he could finish, Huang Jianbin abruptly waved his hand and said, "I have some urgent matters to attend to. We'll talk later!"

With that, he stood up and left, leaving the Deputy Governor standing dumbfounded in the room, unable to make sense of Huang Jianbin's sudden urgency.

Huang Jianbin indeed had every reason to be alarmed. He had to urgently warn Huang Jianan to halt any plans against Ye Qing. Previously, with only Zhou Bolong and Liu Changping backing Ye Qing, targeting him still seemed achievable. But now, with the Capital's direct involvement, Huang Jianan had to tread carefully. If the Capital leaders were provoked, not only would Huang Jianan face repercussions, but Huang Jianbin himself might get caught up in the fallout.

For Huang Jianbin, Ye Qing had transformed from someone he was reluctant to provoke into someone he absolutely couldn't afford to provoke.

Meanwhile, Ye Qing remained unaware that barely moments after he'd left, two of Dongzhou's top leaders had clashed over the orphanage issue. At this time, Ye Qing had just returned to Shenchuan City, hailing a cab to return to Tian Sheng.

This trip to Dongzhou had brought Ye Qing substantial gains. He'd dealt with Huang Boxiong, avenged past grievances, and captured two mercenaries. But these were secondary. The most significant development was the newfound hope for his orphanage project.

If Liu Changping's guess was correct and Su Kaicheng was indeed the son of that high-ranking official, then there was no longer any doubt about the orphanage's future. Though Su Kaicheng had mentioned an assessment from the Capital, given the current state of the orphanage, Ye Qing felt no fear of the evaluation whatsoever.