Chapter 56

Liu Handong had not yet responded, but Song Shuang's eyes lit up first: "Liu Handong is a great driver and has excellent skills. It's a waste for someone like him not to be a police officer. Secretary Shen, when can he put on a police uniform?"

Shen Hongyi smiled: "The administrative quota is very strict now. Liu Handong only has a high school education, so it's not easy for him to become a police officer. The department is considering recruiting a batch of riot police at the beginning of next year, after this batch of veterans are discharged. The threshold is lower, and although it's only a hired position, it's much better than being a temporary auxiliary police officer. We can work on it gradually."

The implication was clear: with Director Song's protection, getting a formal position would not be a problem.

Liu Handong did not refuse and nodded: "Thank you, I will consider it."

Song Shuang was also very happy: "You hate evil and injustice, being a police officer is the perfect job for you."

"Thank you." Liu Handong was not a fool. He knew that if it weren't for Song Shuang, such a good opportunity would not have come his way. Although being a police officer was not his ideal job, it was a good job recognized by society. His mother, Ma Ling, and Ma Ling's mother would all be pleased. For their sake, he would accept it.

Sister Mei held Little Yan and squatted far away, not daring to speak to them because she could sense that their status and position were worlds apart from hers.

Before long, Nana, Xiaoya, Xiaoli, and Lan Huanxi were brought in by the police, all wearing orange vests and looking down.

When they heard the news that they could be released early, they could hardly believe their ears. However, seeing Liu Handong there, they believed it. Brother Dong was powerful and had many connections; he could even get people out of detention.

The procedures were quickly completed. Officially, these women were being sent back to the police station for further investigation, but in reality, they were free.

Secretary Shen took their statements in the car, mainly asking about what happened at the Water Capital Hotel. After this ordeal, Sister Mei naturally told the truth, revealing Zhao Yufeng's role as a pimp and admitting that she had taken Huanxi to sell her virginity but had a change of heart and stopped the transaction. This was consistent with what the police already knew, so Sister Mei was not lying.

Back at Huahuo Police Station, Secretary Shen reviewed the case files and immediately noticed something amiss. These women had been detained and fined, and even applied for labor re-education, while the johns were left unscathed. This was clearly entrapment.

However, Secretary Shen did not say anything. He was just the secretary of a provincial department leader, not a police inspector. But his expression made Meng Xianguo and Hu Tiejun very nervous. A single word from Shen Hongyi could make them strip off their uniforms, and this was no joke.

"Summon Zhao Yufeng," said Secretary Shen.

At that moment, Zhao Yufeng was playing cards at Huabao's company. Ever since he had offended Jiao Shihong, his brother-in-law had been picking on him, criticizing his incompetence. Jiao Shihong was a major benefactor, and even a small favor from him could mean millions of yuan. To offend him was to offend money.

In the past few days, Huabao had been trying to mend his relationship with Director Jiao, even bringing a 14-year-old girl from the countryside, a fresh catch. But before he could pass the message, Director Jiao was taken down.

When the news came, Huabao sighed: "These days, being a leader is a high-risk job. Either they fall from grace or jump from buildings. Fortunately, the bastard was taken down early, or the money would have been lost."

One thing at a time, Huabao had to deal with Sister Mei, who had embarrassed him. He had already arranged for her to be sent to labor re-education for a year or two, and then he would deal with her when she got out.

For Huabao, this matter was now over.

The police station called, asking Huabao to notify Zhao Yufeng to come to the station. Meng Xianguo's tone was firm, and Huabao sensed trouble. He personally brought Huabao and Zhao Yufeng to the station, only to see Sister Mei and the others, who should have been in detention.

Meng Xianguo announced that Zhao Yufeng was suspected of introducing prostitution and would be detained.

Huabao tried to offer cigarettes and plead for leniency, but Meng Xianguo was stern and refused.

Hu Tiejun pulled Huabao and Huabao aside and whispered: "No sense of propriety, the provincial department leader is here."

Huabao was puzzled: "The one in the police uniform is a provincial department leader? He's too young."

Hu Tiejun said: "Damn, he's the secretary of the top leader in the department, a deputy division-level official. If he were transferred, he could be a bureau chief. Is he not a leader?"

Huabao was even more confused: "Why is he here?"

Hu Tiejun wanted to kick him: "Damn it, it's your fault. Now it depends on the leader's mood. If he's not in a good mood, we're all in trouble."

"Is it that serious?" Huabao still didn't understand.

"Damn, Mei Ruo's three-year-old daughter was almost starved to death at home. If she had died, Meng and I would not only lose our jobs but also go to jail!"

Now Huabao finally understood the gravity of the situation.

"How did the news get out?" Huabao asked cautiously.

"How the hell should I know? It's your fault. By the way, do you know Jiao Shihong?"

"Not well, just some business connections."

"Not just a little. Jiao Shihong hired someone to kill, almost killing Director Song's daughter. Now the higher-ups are furious, and many people will suffer. Jiao is finished. Secretary Shen is here to investigate his prostitution, and it looks like they're going to go all out, not letting any crime go unpunished."

Huabao swallowed hard. Zhao Yufeng had arranged for girls for Jiao Shihong under his instructions. This could be considered bribery, and he might be implicated.

"Director Hu, please take care. Let me know if anything happens." I'll leave now. Huabao said, pulling Huabao away quickly.

Getting into the car, Huabao instructed: "I'm going to lie low. Contact me by phone if anything happens."

"Brother, is it that serious?" Huabao looked serious.

"Just to be safe." Huabao sighed. This was really a bad year.

"Also, don't provoke those women. The higher-ups are paying attention." Huabao added.

Huabao nodded vigorously: "Brother, I understand."

"I'm leaving now. Take me to the train station." Huabao said.

The BMW drove straight to the train station.

...

Sister Mei and the others were freed and returned to the salon, feeling as if they had just had a nightmare.

Ling Zijie and the others also came to interview Sister Mei. As a benefactor, Sister Mei naturally spoke freely, starting from her tragic childhood. Ling Zijie recorded everything on his phone, asking questions from time to time. These were rare first-hand materials.

Seeing that the matter was settled, Liu Handong was about to leave but was stopped by Song Shuang: "Wait, the stuff will be here soon."

Ten minutes later, a small truck arrived at the door. In the truck bed, tied with ropes, was a powerful and imposing military green two-wheeled motorcycle, a Jialing JH600.

Liu Handong circled the truck several times, praising: "An iron horse."

He had been a communicator in the army and had driven this type of motorcycle, though the military version was different from the civilian version. Getting a civilian version was still good, especially a 600CC motorcycle with city plates. The plates alone were priceless, and money couldn't buy them.

Liu Handong found a wooden board to place on the truck bed, pushed the motorcycle down, started it, and listened to the engine's joyful sound. He couldn't resist riding it around, clearly smitten.

Song Shuang was pleased; she had chosen the right vehicle.

"Here are the registration, certificate, and purchase tax. It's in my name, but it can be transferred in a minute." Song Shuang handed over all the documents.

"Thank you." Liu Handong took the documents and called Ma Ling on his phone: "Hey, I got something good. Come see it when you're off work. Never mind, I'll come to you later."

Song Shuang felt uncomfortable, guessing that Liu Handong was calling his girlfriend.

But what could she do about it?

"I have something to do. I'll leave first." Liu Handong revved up the motorcycle and drove off.

...

Liu Handong rode the new Jialing 600 to the 520 bus terminal, waiting for Ma Ling's bus. When it arrived, he showed off the motorcycle. Ma Ling, also a motorcycle enthusiast, pushed Liu Handong aside and took it for a spin, commenting: "The power is good, but it feels like something is missing, not as good as imported ones."

Liu Handong pushed her off: "You're being xenophilic. Sit behind me, hold onto my waist, and I'll take you for a ride."

Finding a wide, straight road, Liu Handong revved the throttle, and the Jialing 600 sped forward. The wind blew through his hair, and Ma Ling held onto his waist, her face pressed against his back, enjoying the thrill.

Suddenly, Ma Ling felt something wet. Liu Handong's shoulder wound had started bleeding. She patted his shoulder to make him stop.

"Your wound is bleeding. Let me drive." Ma Ling took over, driving much slower, through the countryside, with lush grass and trees on both sides. The autumn sun was high, and the wind was warm.

"Ma Ling, I have something to tell you."

"Good news or bad news?"

"Good news."

"Tell me."

"I might become a police officer."

Ma Ling slammed on the brakes and turned around: "Really?"

Liu Handong said: "It shouldn't be a lie. I acted bravely yesterday, saving the daughter of a provincial department leader. They said they might recruit a batch of riot police next year and asked me to apply. It should be a sure thing."

Ma Ling was overjoyed: "That's great. Being a police officer is a good job, though it's tough and dangerous, the benefits are good. Do you have a formal position?"

"Secretary Shen said it would start as a hired position, and we can work on it gradually."

"That's still great. Many people can't get in. Why aren't you excited?"

Liu Handong smiled bitterly: "I'm not unhappy, just not that excited. I served in the army for eight years and have had enough of uniforms."

Ma Ling hit him: "Don't be picky. What's wrong with wearing a uniform? At least you can officially meet my parents."

Liu Handong laughed: "That's practical."