dkrc Chapter 68 is here!
Chapter 68 is here!
Cheng Zheng didn't even lift his eyelids in the face of the other party's provocation.
They completely ignored the other person.
Enraged, Captain Zhou kept snorting and pounding his chest. "Show-off!"
You're playing dead, you bastard!
A few minutes later, hurried footsteps came from the other end of the corridor.
A slightly overweight man in his fifties, wearing a white police uniform, walked quickly with a stern face, followed by the officer who had just delivered the message.
It was Zhao Jianguo, the director of the Xicheng Public Security Bureau.
"What's going on? Who's causing trouble here—"
Zhao Jianguo was speaking when his gaze passed over his son-in-law Zhou Dayong and landed on Cheng Zheng.
His angry expression froze instantly, and he abruptly stopped in his tracks.
"Xiao Zheng?!"
Cheng Zheng nodded slightly: "Uncle Zhao."
Zhao Jianguo put on a kind smile. "You came without even letting anyone know. How has the old man been feeling lately?"
"fine."
"That's good. It's been a long time since I've had a chance to play chess with the old man. I'll visit him another day."
Cheng Zheng gave a faint "hmm".
Zhou Dayong, who was standing nearby, paused slightly when he saw Cheng Zheng getting along so well with his father-in-law.
What does that mean?
Does this guy know his father-in-law?
But even if we know each other, so what? He's still Zhao Jianguo's son-in-law!
Regardless of personal relationships, Zhao Jianguo still sided with him!
Zhou Dayong immediately called out to Zhao Jianguo with a boastful tone, "Dad!"
Then he gave Cheng Zheng a smug look, as if to say, "You call me Uncle Zhao, and I call you Dad. It's just a matter of who has a stronger relationship!"
As a result, Zhao Jianguo didn't even glance at Zhou Dayong. Instead, his gaze swept over Cheng Zheng with concern, then looked at Lin Shuyao, who was being protected behind him and whose eyes were red-rimmed, and said nervously:
"Xiao Zheng, did something happen? Are you alright?"
Before Cheng Zheng could even speak, Zhou Dayong immediately raised his eyebrows, accusing the villain of first making a accusation:
"Dad, that kid is incredibly arrogant! He kicked down the lock on our interrogation room and insisted on taking away the female colleague who was being questioned. I tried to reason with him and get him to cooperate with the investigation, but he just attacked me! Look at my wrist, he's the one who pinched it!"
As he spoke, he stretched his reddened wrist forward, his mouth rattling like a machine gun.
"I brought you up, but he completely disregarded you and even had the audacity to tell you to come see him! Look at his arrogant attitude! You absolutely can't let him get away with this!"
"Shut up!"
Zhao Jianguo finally seized the opportunity to interrupt him, first glaring at him fiercely, then turning to the young officer beside him: "Xiao Li, you tell me, what happened?"
Xiao Li stammered, glancing awkwardly at Zhou Dayong and then at Cheng Zheng.
Zhao Jianguo immediately understood. "Xiao Li, tell the truth, don't hide any details!"
As if he had received some kind of get-out-of-jail-free card, Xiao Li took a deep breath and truthfully recounted the whole story.
The more Zhao Jianguo listened, the more ashen his face turned.
By the end, cold sweat had broken out on his forehead. He raised his hand to wipe his temples, then suddenly turned his head, his gaze like a quenched knife shooting towards Zhou Dayong. He raised his right hand high and delivered a resounding slap to Zhou Dayong's face!
Snapped!
"You damned bastard!"
"Who gave you the audacity to handle this case like this?! Illegally detaining the victim? Coercing a settlement? And you're even using my name to bully people! You've completely disgraced me!"
Zhao Jianguo's eyes blazed with fury, his chest heaving violently as he pointed at Zhou Dayong's nose and berated him angrily.
Zhou Dayong's cheek burned with pain from the beating, and his ears were ringing. His previous arrogance, which had been so fearless, vanished instantly, leaving him only with utter embarrassment and shame.
He covered his face, staring at his father-in-law in disbelief:
"Dad? You actually hit me in public for the sake of an outsider?! Who is your son-in-law anyway?!"
Zhao Jianguo laughed angrily, "You still have the nerve to call yourself my son-in-law! Look at the mess you've made! Do you even respect the law? You think that just because you're wearing this police uniform and have some power, you can do whatever you want? Let me tell you! This is a law enforcement agency, not your private playground to show off your power and abuse your privileges!"
Zhou Dayong shrank back at the shout, then retorted defiantly, "Dad, he's just a stinking soldier, what's so great about him? You're the bureau chief, why are you afraid of him..."
"Shut up!" Zhao Jianguo slapped him again, his fingers trembling with rage. "Idiot! You're asking for trouble! You'd better apologize to Comrade Cheng Zheng and Comrade Shen Qing right now!"
This blow was even heavier than before. Zhou Dayong staggered, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, his breath filled with the taste of rust.
He spat out a mouthful of blood, his neck stiff as he glared at his father-in-law: "I won't apologize!"
Make him apologize to that stinky soldier and that girl from out of town?
How is he supposed to get along in the bureau after that?!
Absolutely no apology!
"Go ahead and kill me if you dare!"
He refused to believe that Zhao Jianguo would dare to kill him in public. His wife was Zhao Jianguo's own daughter. If he died, his wife would become a widow. Just for that reason, Zhao Jianguo would have to protect him!
The commotion was so loud that all the colleagues around were attracted and gathered around Zhou Dayong, who was eager to watch the excitement.
Zhou Dayong's face was covered in slap marks on both sides. The more arrogant he was usually, the more humiliated he felt at this moment.
All sorts of gazes and whispers were like needles pricking him. He gritted his teeth, clenched his fists, and glared fiercely at Cheng Zheng.
He had an expression that said he wished he could kill Cheng Zheng.
Seeing Zhou Dayong's stubborn and oblivious attitude, Zhao Jianguo's patience finally wore thin. He grabbed Zhou Dayong by the collar, half-lifted him up, and gritted his teeth, uttering each word with venom:
"You arrogant fool! Listen to me carefully, Cheng Zheng's grandfather is a retired military officer! His father is a high-ranking officer in the General Staff! I'm only able to get a foothold in the public security system because of Old Master Cheng's promotion! If you utter another word, I'll personally rip you off and send you to jail without anyone else lifting a finger! Do you understand?!"
These words were like a bucket of ice water poured over Zhou Dayong's head in the dead of winter, instantly chilling him to the bone.
It's over...it's all over...
He really messed up this time.
His grandfather and biological father, either one of their titles alone could crush him.
He actually went and provoked others, completely oblivious to his own mortality.
He even used his father-in-law title to pressure people.
Realizing what he had done, Zhou Dayong's face turned deathly pale, his legs went weak, and he collapsed to his knees. Forgetting all about face and dignity, he crawled to Cheng Zheng's feet on his knees.
"Comrade Cheng! Comrade Shen! I'm so sorry, so very sorry. I was blind and didn't know what was good for me. Please, please be magnanimous and don't hold a grudge against someone as petty as me! I beg you to show mercy and let me go!"
His voice was trembling uncontrollably, choked with sobs, and incoherent.
As he spoke, he actually raised his hand and started slapping himself.
The slapping sounds were clear and jarring in the corridor.
Cheng Zheng frowned slightly, but he was not moved by the ugly scene in front of him, only feeling disgusted.
He knew perfectly well that Zhou Dayong didn't know he was wrong; he was just afraid of those in power. Today, he had just happened to run into him and had no choice but to admit his mistake. But when facing the vulnerable, he would be just as arrogant and domineering.
Such people will never truly change.
He turned slightly to the side, his voice indifferent: "Your problem will be handled by the organization and the law."
"Xiao Zheng is right!"
Zhao Jianguo nodded immediately, his tone resolute. His gaze towards Zhou Dayong was devoid of any warmth, replaced by a cold, businesslike demeanor. He turned and instructed the officer beside him, "Take him away, lock him in solitary confinement, and keep him under strict guard! Furthermore, immediately organize a team to thoroughly investigate all of Zhou Dayong's actions during his tenure, especially his alleged misconduct in handling cases, abuse of power for personal gain, and acceptance of bribes. The evidence must be conclusive; compile it into a report and report it to me as soon as possible!"
These words were tantamount to sentencing Zhou Dayong to death.
If the problem is confirmed, losing your job is the least of your worries; you might even end up in jail!
"Dad! Dad! No!"
Zhou Dayong struggled violently, tears streaming down his face, trying to lunge at Zhao Jianguo and grab his trouser leg, but was held down firmly by two officers.
"Dad! I know I was wrong! I really know I was wrong! You can't be so heartless! I'm your son-in-law! For Xiaomei's sake, please forgive me this time! I beg you!"
When he mentioned his daughter, Zhao Jianguo's facial muscles twitched, and a trace of pain flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly covered by a deeper disappointment and resolute determination.
He turned his back, no longer looking at Zhou Dayong, and waved his hand, his voice tired but undeniable: "Take him away."
Without further hesitation, the two officers forcefully dragged the crying and struggling Zhou Dayong deeper into the corridor.
The cries for mercy and the screams gradually faded away, eventually disappearing in the dull echo of the iron door closing in the solitary confinement cell.
The corridor returned to silence.
Zhao Jianguo turned around, his face showing exhaustion and apology, and said to Cheng Zheng, "Xiao Zheng, today's incident is due to my lax management and a disgrace to our family. I'm sorry you had to witness this. Don't worry, I will deal with it seriously and will not tolerate it!"
Cheng Zheng nodded, then turned to look at Lin Shuyao: "Is this a good solution?"
what?
Lin Shuyao was a little flattered, not expecting him to ask for her opinion.
A sweet feeling welled up inside her, knowing that he was standing up for her.
Lin Shuyao nodded without saying much. As long as the law is followed, the judgment should be made as it should be. She would not accept a settlement.
Seeing that she was satisfied, Cheng Zheng replied to Zhao Jianguo, "Uncle Zhao, thank you for your trouble. We'll head back now."
"I'll see you out." Zhao Jianguo escorted the two to the door, bowing and scraping.
Then he returned to the office, exhausted.
"Director Zhao, what about Captain Zhou's matter..." A trusted aide came in to ask for instructions.
I thought he was just putting on a show for outsiders, all bark and no bite, and that he picked it up heavily but put it down lightly.
Zhou Dayong is, after all, his son-in-law.
To everyone's surprise, Zhao Jianguo waved his hand dismissively, his face cold: "Do the truth as it is, don't worry about me."
"Director Zhao..."
"Can't you understand human language??"
"No, it's just that Zhou Dayong said he wants to see a family member, to see Xiaomei... your daughter."
Zhao Jianguo snorted, "See him? My foot! Don't pay him any attention. As long as I'm in power, even if my daughter is married twice or three times, there will be plenty of men vying to marry her. Does he think I really need him as my son-in-law? What a joke! I've long disliked those poor relatives of the Zhou family. They're always using my name to swindle and cheat people, showing off their power. Today I've got a chance to crush them!"
"I understand. What about Liu Dazhu's case..."
"Do I even need to say it? Didn't you see how protective that Cheng family kid was of that girl? They must investigate this thoroughly. Liu Dazhu is also a relative of the Zhou family; check if he's done anything else, and try to get rid of him too."
The person who came in to report nodded and went to follow up.
Lin Shuyao and Cheng Zheng left the police station.
Lin Shuyao only realized how powerful Cheng Zheng's background was after hearing what Director Zhao and Zhou Dayong were talking about. She had thought the Cheng family was just an ordinary family with power and influence, but she never expected that even the police chief would give them face.
I felt a sense of admiration for Cheng Zheng. It wasn't for any other reason than that if it were an ordinary family with such a strong background, they would have been arrogant and domineering long ago, just look at Zhou Dayong. But Cheng Zheng was quite low-key. He didn't reveal any of his family background at the factory. He was also very conscientious at work, arriving early and leaving late. Whenever he went to the office to report, he was either looking at materials or inspecting the workshop.
Lin Shuyao tugged at his sleeve. "Comrade Chengzheng, thank you so much for today. If it weren't for you, I'd still be locked up in the interrogation room, not knowing what to do. You're amazing! You took care of them with just a few easy moves."
Her eyes sparkled with admiration, and her cherry-red lips curved into a sweet smile.
His small, fair hands gently tugged at his sleeve.
Her body swayed slightly, and she looked delicate, beautiful, and incredibly pretty.
Cheng Zheng stared at her face for two seconds, then looked away and swallowed slightly: "In the future, if you encounter something like this, don't confront it head-on. Just do whatever he says. First and foremost, make sure you're safe."
"Mmm!" Lin Shuyao nodded vigorously, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. "I...can I treat you to dinner today? I want to thank you...I saw a famous roast duck restaurant on the street when I came here..."
Cheng Zheng glanced at his watch. "Don't you need to rush back to the expert kitchen?"
Lin Shuyao hummed in agreement. "Comrade Ivanov is having lunch with his Soviet friends today; he won't be eating lunch or dinner at the factory. So, you…"
Lin Shuyao opened her almond-shaped eyes, her red lips pursed nervously, and looked at Cheng Zheng expectantly.
Cheng Zheng should have refused; he hadn't forgotten what he promised his mother. But when he met her expectant and affectionate gaze, he couldn't bring himself to say no.
I finally agreed.
He pushed the bicycle that was leaning against the bike shed over, and after he sat down, Lin Shuyao jumped onto the back seat, her snow-white arms naturally wrapping around his waist, her face pressed against his back, her two slender legs dangling by the side of the bike, swinging back and forth. "I'm all set, Cheng Zheng, let's go."
Before Cheng Zheng stepped onto the pedal, he glanced down and saw her fair little hands tightly gripping his abdomen in such a natural and affectionate posture that his Adam's apple bobbed, and he suddenly felt a surge of heat throughout his body.
On the way, Lin Shuyao admired the street scene while casually sharing with him, "Cheng Zheng, look over there... Cheng Zheng, look over there..."
After pressing my left cheek against his back, I switched to my right cheek.
Her chest was bulging and would always inadvertently squeeze him.
Cheng Zheng's entire body was like a string stretched to its limit; he could sense even the slightest breeze or movement, and would automatically imagine the scene.
My heart was pounding the whole way, feeling like it was going to jump out of my chest, and my ears were burning red.
He finally arrived at the roast duck restaurant and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
As soon as Lin Shuyao got out of the car, she noticed: "Hey, why are your ears so red?"