Era of Magic and Martial Arts

Chapter 613 - 588: The Warden’s New Candidate

Of course, Li Hanyu was not easy to deal with either, and Du Changle couldn’t just rush to the hospital and speak out; people would think he was insane.

He needed to find the right moment to see Li Hanyu again.

Du Changle’s mind was racing, his fingers sliding quickly over the screen as he dialed another number.

As the call connected, he instructed in a deep voice:

"Send someone to secretly investigate Wang Cong and Feng Mu. Find out their true backgrounds. Be cautious; these two are very dangerous!"

He wanted to emphasize a few more points, but another call came through; it was from Member of Parliament Wang Xinfa.

Du Changle hurriedly hung up and switched to the Member of Parliament.

"Member of Parliament, you—"

The voice on the other end was eerily calm,

"There’s been a problem at the Second Prison, you need to come over immediately."

...

Seventh floor of the Executive Government, Conference Room No. 3.

The thick soundproof carpeting swallowed all extraneous noise, leaving only the low, rhythmic hum of the central air conditioning system.

The long conference table was made from a single piece of dark walnut, polished to a shine, reflecting the cold white light from the ceiling’s recessed lighting and the varied expressions of those gathered around it.

Lou Duan sat on the left third chair, his gaze sharp and penetrating.

The meeting was chaired by Liu Bo, sitting at the head, his gaze behind silver-rimmed glasses was calm and unperturbed.

"Everyone is clear on the situation."

Liu Bo’s voice was low as he surveyed the high-ranking officials of the prison system,

"Qian Huan’s condition is not looking optimistic, but the Second Prison cannot go without a leader for even a day. Celestial Light Investment has already submitted their recommended candidate."

He paused, his gaze scanning the crowd, catching even the slightest change in their expressions, then slowly uttered a name—"Du Changle."

The Second Prison, due to the intricate interests entangled behind it and its special "cooperation" model, requires joint approval for the appointment of a warden, or rather a balance of power.

However, the recent series of incidents surrounding the Second Prison had nearly pushed the prison system to a point of concession.

Therefore, today’s meeting felt more like a formality.

Everyone present was well aware, regardless of whether Celestial Light Investment recommended Du Changle or any Tom, Dick, or Harry, any resistance they could muster would be negligible.

"Du Changle?"

After a brief silence, a slightly hesitant voice was heard,

"He’s neither from our prison system nor an employee of Celestial Light Investment. Procedurally, isn’t this somewhat inappropriate?"

He deliberately emphasized the word "procedurally," representing the last bit of stubbornness and dignity of the prison system.

However, before Liu Bo could respond, a senior member of the prison system sitting across from him spoke softly:

"Du Changle, I’ve heard of him. Isn’t he one of Mr. Wang’s people?"

Liu Bo then added:

"Yes, Secretary Hou sent the list, and it’s said that Mr. Wang treats Qian Huan like his own son."

The atmosphere in the conference room grew increasingly oppressive.

The person who had questioned earlier froze momentarily, then leaned back in his chair.

He tugged at his tie, his Adam’s apple bobbed twice, ultimately staying silent.

Procedure?

What even is that!

Liu Bo took it all in but remained unfazed.

He had no desire to get involved in the murky waters of the Second Prison; the dire situation Qian Huan was in, along with the recent bloodshed at the Second Prison, made him sharply aware of its unsettling depth and danger.

Steering clear of the vortex and protecting oneself was the best strategy.

"Since no one has any other opinions,"

Liu Bo picked up his pen, ready to sign and stamp the document,

"then, let’s appoint Comrade Du Changle as warden of the Second——"

"Wait a moment!"

All eyes immediately turned to where the voice came from—it was Lou Duan.

"Ahem..."

Lou Duan cleared his throat forcefully, interrupting with a grave voice:

"Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t think Du Changle is suitable."

Liu Bo’s hand, holding the pen, stopped mid-air; he turned slightly to look at Lou Duan, showing clear and visible astonishment for the first time.

The other high-ranking members of the prison system also looked at him as if he had lost his mind.

To reject Du Changle was tantamount to slapping Member of Parliament Wang Xinfa in the face, and Wang Xinfa’s influence within the Executive Government had been rising in recent years, making him a leading candidate for the next Chief Member.

Lou Duan also felt as if he had lost his mind, but it was Li Hanyu who drove him to it.

If he had any other options, he would never dare to confront Member of Parliament Wang Xinfa. However, whenever he closed his eyes, he was haunted by the image of two white petals... and the watering sound.

He had no choice but to act recklessly now!

Lou Duan suddenly stood up, the chair legs scraping against the carpet with a grating noise, and he placed both hands on the conference table:

"The Second Prison has recently experienced a series of serious incidents, with many colleagues sacrificing themselves, proving that the situation in the Second Prison is extremely complex and dangerous."

"In such circumstances, promoting someone with no experience in prison work is irresponsible to the thousands of inmates in the Second Prison, irresponsible to the entire staff of prison guards, and shows blatant disregard for Du Changle’s personal safety!"

Lou Duan took a deep breath and said harshly:

"Therefore, I oppose this appointment and urge General Manager Liu and my colleagues to reevaluate this decision."

The conference room fell silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Liu Bo slowly put down the pen in his hand, leaned slightly forward, and with his hands clasped on the table, remained silent for a full three seconds.

"What is your suggestion?"

Liu Bo finally spoke, his voice eerily calm.

Lou Duan met Liu Bo’s gaze and braced himself, speaking firmly:

"I believe the position of warden for the Second Prison should ideally be promoted from within the Second Prison."

"From within the Second Prison?"

Liu Bo’s tone did not change as he directed his gaze towards the others, seemingly seeking their input.