"You're right, checking it won't take much effort. I happen to have a friend in Japan; I'll ask him to look into it for me first!"

Chang Feng said slowly, then immediately made the call right there.

He hadn't reported it immediately because he wanted to be more cautious. After all, Zhang Yang himself wasn't entirely certain yet; it wouldn't be too late to report it after getting confirmation.

However, if things were truly as Zhang Yang had described, this was quite a significant case. A foreigner scamming domestically, and a Japanese national at that—it would likely involve quite a few departments.

Regardless of who might be implicated, this case couldn't be handed to him; it wasn't his responsibility. But he still had to do what was necessary.

The call was brief. After hanging up, Chang Feng’s expression turned rather grim.

His friend, upon hearing what he was asking, immediately told him there was no need to investigate; he already knew it was a scammer. The Japanese Imperial Family rarely employed investment managers; their income mostly came from stock dividends—something many people in Japan were aware of.

Under Chang Feng's insistence, the friend reluctantly agreed to help inquire, specifically about this person, Toda Yamu.

In fact, after making that call, Chang Feng was already starting to believe Zhang Yang.

It was a pity that the era lacked Baidu; otherwise, a quick search could have clarified everything, eliminating the need to trouble connections.

Ten minutes later, Chang Feng’s friend called back.

Within the Japanese Imperial Family and among all those who served them, there was no such person as Toda Yamu. He had confirmed this. The Japanese Imperial Family had never harbored any intention of investing domestically. People over there had even asked him how he obtained such information.

This phone call basically served as complete verification of Zhang Yang’s claims.

Chang Feng hesitated no longer and immediately called the Provincial Department. The department was quite surprised to hear about a Japanese swindler potentially defrauding the government.

The department took the matter very seriously and promised to dispatch personnel immediately for an investigation. Within a few minutes, they called back, instructing Chang Feng to temporarily detain the Japanese national’s movements if necessary, ensuring he absolutely could not escape.

Having received the order, Chang Feng let out a slight sigh of relief.

There were still those within the Provincial Department who possessed some understanding; upon receiving Chang Feng’s report, they quickly identified several flaws in Toda Yamu’s story, which prompted them to issue that command to Chang Feng.

Leaving the private room again, twenty minutes had passed since the incident began. That Bureau Chief was still waiting outside.

Chang Feng glanced at Toda Yamu, who was still seated in the other room, and breathed a little easier. The Provincial Department was already investigating, and he was sure results would come soon. For now, he needed to stabilize this man.

"Dismiss everyone. I apologize for startling Mr. Toda; please return to rest for a while!"

Chang Feng smiled slightly, and finally returned the Bureau Chief's pistol. (1_1)

The Bureau Chief's face also relaxed, and he personally hurried back to the room to invite Mr. Toda, who appeared distinctly impatient. He complained again about the investment environment here.

Before leaving, he even harbored a sudden thought regarding Shandiang (Lightning), but this time he didn't demand it outright; instead, he offered to buy Shandiang's pelt.

This Japanese man wasn't foolish. He understood that there were influential people outside. Since the Bureau Chief was helpless, he temporarily had no other recourse.

He genuinely fancied Shandiang's pelt, not to present it to some Emperor—he wouldn't even catch a glimpse of the Emperor’s shadow. He had a woman he admired back in Japan. He saw Shandiang's beautiful pelt and wanted to use it as a gift to please her.

His demeanor caused Zhang Yang to shake his head slightly.

This fellow had no idea that disaster was looming, yet he still dared to covet Shandiang. Zhang Yang didn't know how much he had successfully scammed, but no matter the amount, he wouldn't succeed in donating the funds and escaping as he might have in a past life.

Annoyed by these people, none of them felt like continuing the meal.

Eventually, everyone left the restaurant and drove together toward the hotel.

Chang Feng couldn't leave; he still had to monitor this Japanese man while waiting for the personnel dispatched by the Provincial Department. A temporary task force from the Provincial Department was already en route.

As for the people from the Lieshan County Public Security Bureau, he trusted none of them, so he told them nothing.

Since Chang Feng wasn't leaving, the others couldn't either, so they could only follow along for now, putting their onward travel plans on hold.

Seeing the convoy of their vehicles, the local police officers' eyes widened in astonishment.

These were clearly a group of young masters from the city; every car was a luxury vehicle. No wonder these people were so formidable, able to strike their Bureau Chief and make him afraid to speak. Even the Bureau Chief now felt a pang of worry, deeply regretting his actions.

If he had known he would offend such a group today, he never would have come to dine here, nor would he have dared to offend someone he shouldn't over two roast chickens.

At this moment, he secretly resented Director Miao, blaming him for initiating the incident that led to this calamity.

The Bureau Chief failed to realize that his slap was the critical factor. He hadn't intended to show off in front of Toda Yamu, but striking someone outside had invited so much trouble.

That slap of his had indeed caused immense problems.

As soon as Zhang Yang and the others arrived at the hotel, Wu Zhiguo sought out Chang Feng.

The Bureau Chief dared to strike him, and Wu Zhiguo certainly wouldn't let it go so easily. He asked Chang Feng if he would help; if not, he would mobilize his family's influence.

The Wu Corporation also had robust official connections; dealing with a county-level Public Security Bureau Chief was hardly a problem.

This newly appointed Bureau Chief was already destined for tragedy.

The Provincial Department responded quickly. Just an hour later, they called Chang Feng back, confirming Toda Yamu’s identity.

He was nothing more than an ordinary farmer from Hokkaido, Japan, who had previously been arrested by the government for fraud and had served three years in prison.

He had been out for only a few years when he somehow met a Chinese businessman who told him how many places in China were eagerly recruiting investment and how many officials were blindly pursuing business.

This gave him an idea: he decided to come to China to make a fortune.

He sold his house in Japan, gathered some money, forged a batch of documents, and bribed an employee at a Japanese embassy to vouch for his identity.

It must be said that Toda Yamu possessed a certain audacity. After arriving in China, none of his forgeries were uncovered, and he was treated like a God of Wealth daily.

He was also clever, knowing that if he were to scam, he could only do so at the county level. In this era without the internet, only those who had been to Japan and were very familiar with the country could spot that something was wrong.

At the county level, there were few such people; many counties didn't even have individuals who could expose his identity.

Before visiting any location, he would quietly inquire about the local situation, ensuring there was no risk before showing up. Essentially, in places he targeted, problems rarely arose.

Lieshan was such a place; it lacked even a single Japanese exchange student, which explained why the Bureau Chief personally came to entertain him.

Had he not encountered Zhang Yang, he would have succeeded in his scam in Lieshan too, as he already had experience dealing with local governments in China.

Toda Yamu was unaware that his identity had been exposed. After resting briefly at the hotel, he asked the Bureau Chief to bring him a copy of the Annals of Lieshan County; he needed to investigate the local customs first.

Toda Yamu was skilled at putting on a show. His reason for examining the county annals was simple: since he would need local workers later, he naturally had to learn more about the local folklore to see if it met his standards.

The acts he performed had deceived many people, who truly believed he was preparing for investment.

Another hour passed, and Chang Feng received another notice from the Provincial Department.

Toda Yamu was indeed a fraud. Before Lieshan, he had successfully swindled a considerable amount of money from three other counties.

His methods of deception were varied. First, he would conduct an inspection, demanding preferential policies or land, then claim he would establish a small branch factory to test the waters, followed by securing bank loans.

To attract substantial investment, these counties exerted all their efforts to support him.

By setting up small factories and avoiding large initial investments, he successfully kept their hopes high, making them all believe he was genuinely scouting, all vying to secure the biggest prize for themselves.

This way, he stood to gain more benefits.

According to the Provincial Department’s preliminary investigation, within just a few months, Toda Yamu had extorted at least sixteen million yuan in assets from three counties through various means. Sixteen million yuan—that could have funded many Hope Primary Schools.

The department also assigned Chang Feng a task: until the Provincial Department’s task force arrived, he must maintain strict surveillance over this man and ensure he did not slip away.

The poor Bureau Chief was still clueless, leading his men while presenting the county annals to the swindler, offering explanations.

He was dreaming of pleasing this Japanese man, securing this investment, and achieving promotion and wealth.

His efforts served Chang Feng well by keeping the suspect occupied, allowing Chang Feng to relax and focus solely on awaiting the arrival of the task force.

Around five in the afternoon, the Provincial Department task force, consisting of over a dozen people, arrived in Lieshan County. Watching Toda Yamu being led away by the Provincial team, the Bureau Chief's eyes went wide with shock.

Upon learning that he was being taken away for fraud, the Bureau Chief felt as if struck by lightning; an indescribable emotion washed over him.

Putting other matters aside, one thing was crystal clear to him~~Shushu Net.

Not many days later, personnel from the Provincial Department’s Inspection Office arrived to investigate the incident where he had pointed his gun at people previously. This was a task personally ordered by Chang Feng, and the Inspection Office staff dared not show any slack.

The investigation proceeded smoothly, and the Bureau Chief confessed everything, revealing the altercation he had with Wu Zhiguo.

But all that was useless now. Wu Zhiguo had lawyers assisting him and was suing the Chief for intentional injury, abuse of power, and other charges. Ultimately, before his backside was firmly settled in his seat, this Bureau Chief met the same fate as his predecessor.

Strictly speaking, he fared even worse than the previous one; at least the former only resigned, whereas this one was expelled from the force, even serving three months in detention beforehand.

After his release, he could only leave to find work elsewhere; he couldn't remain locally.

These were matters for later. Wu Zhiguo had a good relationship with Chang Feng, and Chang Feng would certainly help redress Wu Zhiguo's grievances. Coupled with bringing the swindler into Lieshan, this Bureau Chief was already doomed.

As for the group, they only stayed in Lieshan for a single day. The next morning, they continued their journey towards Wild Man Mountain. This swindler was merely a minor interlude and did not affect their overall plan... Fifth update, next chapter expected around 8 AM. (To be continued...). RQ