In May, on Cheng Suās birthday, just like in previous years, Qi Taiguo took some time to go with Cheng Su to that photo studio to take a picture, especially since Cheng Su was pregnant this year, she took a few more maternity photos as mementos.
After the birthday, with nothing to do in the Capital, Ning Ge returned to Qing City and first talked to Qi Taiguo and the others about Chiang Qingās matter.
"...I managed to trace it to Gao Hongboās side, but as for where the person is hiding, I didnāt dig any deeper." Ning Ge said blandly.
"Why? Is it difficult to deal with Gao Hongbo?" Qi Taiguo asked.
"Itās not that, but after all, this is a private matter, and using too many unnecessary connections and making a big fuss is not appropriate. Unless thereās a special directive from above, we wonāt go investigating someone for no reason; otherwise, things would be in a mess." Ning Ge explained vaguely.
Cheng Su chuckled, looked at Qi Taiguo, and said, "If we investigate like this, Iām afraid the whole system will be in chaos, and everything will come to light. By then, whether to investigate or not, neither would be the right choice. When the impact is large and far-reaching, you canāt just act recklessly."
Officials, officials, how many can withstand deep scrutiny and remain clean since ancient times? As long as itās not too excessive and generally acceptable, then let it be; otherwise, once itās brought to light, itās a whole bunch of people, and no one would know how to handle it.
Qi Taiguo listened and gradually understood.
"What about Chiang Qing..."
"Although weāre not investigating, we can still keep an eye on it," Ning Ge said. "Apart from getting Chiang Qing out, Gao hasnāt taken any other action. I think his intention lies with Chiang Qing."
Thinking about it, it really is disgusting, that old guy, already approaching sixty, but still has such desires.
Everyone felt a bit awkward.
Ning Ge cleared his throat and said, "I didnāt dig deeply, but I did find out briefly that Gao Hongboās wife is a rural woman. They have a son and a daughter, and their relationship canāt really be called affectionate. But as a high-ranking official, in front of outsiders, he has to maintain a good family image. So in front of outsiders, they seem loving, and Madam Gao is a full-time housewife who looks up to her husband for guidance."
Itās easy to imagine that someone like Gao Hongbo, if he has any affairs or mistresses, wonāt face any objections.
"Gao Hongbo himself is extremely cautious, and he hasnāt made any major mistakes over the years. Heās set to retire next year. So itās certain that he wonāt cause a big scandal over Chiang Qing!" Ning Ge said with certainty.
"Couldnāt Chiang Qing use her beauty tactics?" Cheng Su raised an eyebrow.
Ning Ge said, "For someone at his level, do you think Gao Hongbo hasnāt seen women more beautiful and charming than Chiang Qing? Donāt tell me heās in it for love. A sly old fox thatās been shrewd for most of his life, to ruin his reputation over an old romance before he retires, that would be laughable."
Cheng Su chuckled, thatās true.
"He brought Chiang Qing out, and nine times out of ten, itās just to satisfy his desires. Seeing as he doesnāt dare to bring Chiang Qing out publicly, itās clear he doesnāt want her to be seen. Besides, although the Jiang Conghe and Loo family case is over, the influence is still there. Gao Hongbo was quite close to the Loo family back then, and if he kept Chiang Qing by his side now, it might make people think. But heās so cautious, he wouldnāt make such a mistakeāheād be quick to distance himself."
Qi Taiguo and Cheng Su exchanged a glance, seeing the relief in each otherās eyes.