The Strongest Dandy in the City-Chapter 158: Fury

Du Jin was not the least bit frightened by Li Tangming’s threats, considering the Lis had offended Chief Zhu’s friend. They recklessly went to see Chief Zhu, who would surely not give them a happy reception!

"Hmph," Du Jin snorted coldly from his throat and barked, "I’m not meddling in the Lis’ affairs anymore. You want to see Chief Zhu, don’t you? He’s in his office; you may go now."

Du Jin hoped that once the Lis entered the chief’s office, a conflict would flare up again with Ye Chenfeng and others, providing him with an opportunity to intervene. Perhaps by intervening in front of Ye Chenfeng, he could persuade Ye Chenfeng to look the other way. The more he thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. Watching the indifferent Li Tangming and others, he cast aside any camaraderie they had once shared over drinks, "Why are you not going to the chief’s office? You wanted to see Chief Zhu, right? If you have what it takes, let Chief Zhu revoke my position as the captain of the squad. Then, I, Du Jin, will wholeheartedly respect the Lis."

"Fine, fine, fine," Li Tangming said three times in a row, his face flushing red with anger. He was incensed by Du Jin’s sudden madness, leaving behind a remark as he walked towards the inside of the police station, "Captain Du, remember what you just said."

Watching the Lis enter the police station, Du Jin finally breathed a sigh of relief, "I really wonder what kind of expressions you’ll have when you find out that the young man is Chief Zhu’s friend. It must be quite a sight!" With that thought, Du Jin’s mood improved considerably, even revealing a smile at the corner of his mouth.

Du Jin’s abnormal behavior puzzled the Lis. Li Shouchun said, "Dad, I think Du Jin is up to something strange. Is it possible that something unexpected has happened? Otherwise, why would Du Jin treat us like this?"

"Dad, the eldest brother is right. Du Jin is very greedy. He certainly wouldn’t offend our family unless necessary—that would mean cutting off a source of wealth. There must be something fishy going on," Li Shouxia pondered deeply before speaking.

Li Tangming nodded silently, agreeing with his eldest and second sons. He wondered, "Could it be that the kid really has some backing? Impossible! I haven’t heard of any big Ye families in Tianhai?"

Since the situation had come to this point, Li Tangming decided not to be superstitious and to meet Chief Zhu first. After all, they had been giving gifts for so many years; surely Zhu Maode would show some respect for the Lis?

Having made up his mind, Li Tangming spoke in a deep voice, "Once we’re in the chief’s office, none of you should speak out of turn. Let me answer any questions."

After all, Li Tangming had been battling it out in Tianhai’s business circles for most of his life. His ability to think on his feet and his meticulousness were much stronger than both his eldest and second sons. As for his third son, Li Shouqiu, he was simply ignored; he was considered the least capable and thus had been overlooked for years, along with his wife, Fang Qin, and son, Li Pangzi. They had not received the attention in the Li family that they ought to have.

...

Inside the chief’s office.

After fully understanding the situation, Zhu Debang started chatting with Ye Chenfeng, "I say, Brother Ye, so the secret formula for Quick Beauty was actually created by you? These days, Quick Beauty has been selling like crazy in Tianhai and several nearby cities. I heard there are even people queuing up overnight to buy it! It seems I can’t afford to treat you next time; compared to you, I’m practically a pauper!"

Ye Chenfeng did not mind Zhu Debang’s attempts to cozy up to him, for he would be staying in Tianhai for quite some time. Having his own network in Tianhai was definitely a good thing, as it’s not every matter that can be resolved with violence, right?

Moreover, the current Ye Chenfeng was not yet so powerful that he could disdain all rules, so often he still had to abide by the rules of this world.

"Brother Zhu, if you’re looking for a meal, I, Ye Chenfeng, am always willing to welcome you. I’m just afraid that Brother Zhu is too busy every day to get away!" Ye Chenfeng churned out the pleasantries with ease, knowing they cost nothing; it wasn’t like he’d lose a piece of flesh after saying such things.

"Ye little brother, I just can’t stand words like that. As long as it’s a dinner hosted by Brother Lin, even if I’m sleeping, I’d get up immediately to attend," Zhu Maode actually found Ye Chenfeng quite congenial. His face was full of smiles as they chatted. If one didn’t know better, they’d really think this Director Zhu had a preference for the same sex! Just look at the way he’s grinning like a thieving rat now; any normal man would feel queasy inside.

"Thud, thud, thud" Just as Zhu Maode was chatting merrily, the office was rudely interrupted by knocking.

Zhu Maode could only stand up to open the door, and the remaining smile on his face vanished completely when he saw the Lis. He asked coldly and without politeness, "Li Tangming, what brings you here?"

Li Tangming, the elder of the Lis standing at the forefront, clearly sensed Zhu Maode’s unfriendly demeanor, but still braved himself to say, "Director Zhu, we were assaulted by a group of thugs today. The thugs have been taken back to the police station by Captain Du, but just as we were about to enter the police station, Captain Du beat my two grandsons with a baton unprovoked. I’d like to hear your thoughts on these two matters."

Zhu Maode’s eyes became venomous as he said, "Li Tangming, what are my thoughts on these two issues? Do I need to report to you? Mind your language; this is the director’s office, not the street. You cannot yell and scream here."

Li Tangming’s face shifted slightly, as he calmly said, "Director Zhu, I was too rash. Won’t you invite us in to sit down?"

Zhu Maode was about to refuse when Ye Chenfeng’s voice came from the office, "Big brother Zhu, since they want to come in and sit, why stop them?"

Hearing this, Zhu Maode walked back into the office without inviting Li Tangming and the others in, nor did he issue an order to leave, tacitly allowing the Lis to enter the office.

The Lis had found the voice coming from the office somewhat familiar. As they entered, they were stunned; not only were Ye Chenfeng and the others not locked in an interrogation room, but they were also leisurely sipping tea in the director’s office. The scene in front of them sent their minds racing.

Zhu Maode introduced Ye Chenfeng indifferently to the Lis, "This is my friend, Ye little brother. I’ve heard about what happened between you today."

The implication in Zhu Maode’s words couldn’t have been clearer. By highlighting that Ye Chenfeng was his friend, he hoped the Lis would get the hint and back off. After all, Zhu Maode had received plenty of gifts from the Lis over the years. This was the least he could do for them now.

The faces of the Lis all looked exceedingly unsightly, except for Li Shouxia and Fang Qin. Since their son Li Pangzi and Ye Chenfeng had joined forces, naturally, they hoped to lessen the significance of the incident and let it pass without consequence.

Li Tangming was furious, feeling as though the money he had spent over the years currying favor with the police might as well have been thrown into the Yellow River. Then, seeing Ye Chenfeng sitting on the sofa, along with Li Pangzi, his rage amplified. So what if they had a district police chief on their side? Tianhai was full of officials greater than a district police chief. Li Tangming refused to believe he couldn’t find someone to trump Zhu Maode. He was convinced that with enough money, any relationship could be bought.

Having come to this realization, Li Tangming no longer hesitated and sneered, "It seems Director Zhu is prepared to stand against the Lis. I advise you not to be impulsive over people who don’t matter much. After all, Tianhai is full of influential people."

Zhu Maode could clearly hear the threat in Li Tangming’s words. But who was Ye Chenfeng? He was the man who, three years ago, was bailed out by a direct phone call from the city’s Party secretary. And rumor had it that after the new year, the Party secretary was due to move up to the provincial level. What did that imply? That foolhardy Li Tangming was actually daring to threaten him at a time like this?

This angered Zhu Maode thoroughly. He had kindly given Li Tangming a warning, only to be met with such a response. There was no need to consider the Lis any longer; his previous warning had been more than generous. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian.com to vote your support with a recommendation ticket or a monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation.)