Attacking me, the director, right off the bat? Heh... How brave.

"You have some nerve! How dare you lay a hand on Director Zhao? Do you have any idea what you're doing?" Tang Ke, dutifully playing his part as the driver, rushed over immediately. He pointed at Yang Hu and snarled, "Get the hell out of here, or you won't be able to handle the consequences!"

Yang Hu simply raised his hand and slapped him across the face.

SLAP!

The crisp sound echoed as Tang Ke staggered back several steps before plopping onto the ground.

Tang Ke was completely stunned by the slap. He shook his head a few times before clutching his stinging cheek and glaring at Yang Hu with a venomous look. "You're finished. You actually dared to strike Director Zhao."

"And Director Zhao is exactly who I'm hitting," Yang Hu replied with a smirk, sparing him a glance.

Zhao Zijian remained relatively calm. Adopting the principle that a wise man doesn't fight a losing battle, he said calmly, "Who are you people? As far as I'm aware, there's no enmity between us."

"Director Zhao has done so many bad things. It's perfectly normal to forget one or two," Chen Yang said, flipping open a folder as he sat on the hood of the car. "You've been director for eight years. In that time, you've accepted over one hundred illicit payments and acquired more than twenty properties."

"And this woman, Tang Sanmei... I assume she's a relative of your driver, Tang Ke?"

Zhao Zijian's expression remained unchanged, but a flicker of panic flashed deep in his eyes. He said coolly, "I don't know what you're talking about. Also, if you're from the Patrol and Arrest Team, I'll need to see your identification."

"Don't panic, Director Zhao. I'm not with the Patrol and Arrest Team. I'm just an ordinary citizen."

Chen Yang flipped a page in the folder and continued, "These records show that you, Director Zhao, visit Green District three times a week. And yet, you live in government-assigned housing."

"Could it be that you're keeping a mistress in Green District, Director Zhao? Or is that property in Green Mansion where you stash all the money?"

"Don't you dare spout such nonsense here!" Zhao Zijian said in a low, stern voice. "I have always been an official of integrity, clean and uncorrupted. How dare you try to smear my name?"

"Let's put that aside for now." Chen Yang closed the folder and lit a cigarette. After taking a long drag, he said lightly, "Let's talk about why you ordered Qin Corporation to halt operations for a three-month restructuring."

Zhao Zijian's gaze hardened. He finally understood that these two were here for Qin Corporation. Realizing this, he couldn't help but let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Zhao Zijian said calmly, "I acted on a report I received. As a matter of fact, Qin Corporation does have significant environmental issues. According to regulations, they must halt operations and undergo restructuring for three months."

He sounded righteous and his reasoning seemed solid.

But Chen Yang just smiled. "Was the report from Du Dingshan? Did he just happen to file it right after his partnership negotiations with Qin Corporation fell through?"

"The informant's identity is confidential," Zhao Zijian replied smoothly.

"In that case, Director Zhao, please enlighten me: what specific environmental hazard are we talking about? As far as I know, no one from your department has visited that pharmaceutical plant recently. If no one even went there, how could you possibly determine there was an environmental hazard?" Chen Yang asked with amusement. "Or does it only take a single word from someone else for you, Director Zhao, to send an official order straight to my wife's office?"

Zhao Zijian was speechless. That was indeed the truth. But the question was, how did this guy investigate everything so thoroughly? He glowered and said in an ominous tone, "Kid, what is it you want?"

"What I want is very simple." SNAP. Chen Yang snapped his fingers. "Withdraw the order. Then, kneel before my wife and apologize."

Zhao Zijian laughed out loud. "Heh... Kid, I admire your audacity, but do you have any idea of the consequences? Do you not understand what happens to people who oppose me?"

Withdraw the order? And I have to kowtow in apology? The nerve of this kid. Utterly ridiculous.

Yang Hu sneered, "Quite the superiority complex you've got there."

"Those are the facts," Zhao Zijian said, straightening his sleeves. He then asked, "Is there anything else to say?"

"Nope," Chen Yang said with a shrug.

The only reason he'd said so much was that he was genuinely curious about this type of person. After their exchange, he realized that men like this were far more dangerous than the rich bullies on the streets. Their capacity to cause harm was immense. Those young masters just had money and enjoyed throwing their weight around. This man, however, wielded true power. A single sentence from him could bankrupt a company. This kind of evil was the true, great evil. Absolutely unforgivable!

"So, Director Zhao, when are you planning to go kneel and apologize to my wife?" Chen Yang asked.

As soon as Chen Yang spoke, both Zhao Zijian and Tang Ke froze. Is this guy an idiot? After everything that's been said, not only does he not get it, but he's still harping on about this impossible demand?

Zhao Zijian's expression visibly darkened. What an ignorant mutt who doesn't know what's good for him!

But just then, Tang Ke's phone suddenly started ringing. BRRRING!

Zhao Zijian instinctively glanced over. A smug grin spread across Tang Ke's face as he answered, "Captain Lin."

"Tell him to get over here immediately!" Zhao Zijian snapped, his patience completely worn out. Du Dingshan still has that new tea waiting for me.

"Yes, Director!" Tang Ke nodded. He shot Chen Yang a menacing sneer before pressing the answer key. "Captain Lin, why aren't you here yet?"

"Director Zhao has been assaulted in your jurisdiction. Is that a responsibility you think you can bear?" Tang Ke demanded, his tone hostile as he immediately leveled a heavy accusation.

The twenty-minute deadline is almost up, and he's still not here. Does he think I'm a pushover? I'll have to show him some teeth.

"Tang Ke, did Director Zhao offend someone he shouldn't have?" Lin Yang asked nervously from the other end of the line.

"Huh?" Tang Ke was clearly taken aback. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I'm just asking."

"What is there to ask? The issue right now is that Director Zhao has been assaulted! I'm ordering you to bring your men over here and make an arrest immediately!" Tang Ke seethed.

Does this guy not understand plain language? After this is over, I'm definitely having a word with Lin Yang's superior. With an attitude like this, he's completely unfit to be a captain.

"I'm sorry, I can't come! Because this area is..."

Before Lin Yang could finish, Tang Ke exploded. "Are you dead?! Do you not have legs? How can you not come?!"

"The Martial Department has people posted at both ends of the street," Lin Yang said, his voice laced with alarm. "If I'm not mistaken, the entire area you're in has been completely locked down by them!"

Tang Ke was speechless.

"What in the world is going on?" Zhao Zijian demanded in a low voice.

Tang Ke looked up, his face blank. "He... he said this area has been completely locked down by the Martial Department."

Zhao Zijian was silent. Then, both men turned their heads in unison, staring intently at Chen Yang.

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