Chapter 62

"Wh-What's going on here? Why are there so many people..." Chen Tianpeng pretended to be surprised, his eyes scanning everyone present, finally landing on Xu Qingsnow, forcing a smile: "Director Xu, why are you here too..."

"Director Chen, take a look at what your son has done..." Before Chen Tianpeng could finish, Xu Qingsnow had already thrown a freshly prepared statement onto the table in front of him.

Chen Tianpeng, as the Chief of the District Public Security Bureau, was not ignorant in matters other than his own lust and his muddled approach to his son's education. He had already understood the situation from the old police officer's call on his way here. The only thing he couldn't figure out was why Xu Qingsnow would come to the bureau in the middle of the night and her attitude towards this matter.

Now, seeing Xu Qingsnow throw the statement with a cold, frosty expression, and his son and his usual companions all hanging their heads in dejection, Chen Tianpeng knew that Xu Qingsnow had already intervened, and her anger seemed considerable. Despite his son's bruised and swollen face, which pained him, he didn't even glance at him. Instead, he walked directly toward Xu Qingsnow with a smile.

"Director Xu, you've worked hard!"

"Director Chen, you flatter me." Although Chen Tianpeng was one rank higher than Xu Qingsnow, the saying goes, "A higher rank can crush a person," but Xu Qingsnow had never been afraid of him. The Xu family's background was well-known, and Chen Tianpeng genuinely feared their influence. If not for this, with Xu Qingsnow's beauty, she would have long been subjected to his advances.

Moreover, Xu Qingsnow now had a hold over Chen Tianpeng. If she insisted, Chen Kai's actions would constitute a public security offense, leading to administrative detention. Although the matter was not serious, it would have a significant impact on Chen Tianpeng's campaign for Deputy Chief of the City Public Security Bureau.

So, Xu Qingsnow coldly and unceremoniously replied, "As a public security officer and Deputy Chief, these are my duties. What do you mean by 'worked hard'?"

Chen Tianpeng naturally understood Xu Qingsnow's temperament, which was as upright as her father, Xu Yongqian. Despite his annoyance at her attitude, he didn't show it. He needed her to show leniency in this matter. So, he forced a smile and turned to his son, his face darkening as he demanded, "Xiao Kai, what's going on here?"

Initially, Chen Kai was delighted to see his father, thinking he had come to save him. However, seeing his father, the Chief, lose his usual authority in front of Xu Qingsnow, he remembered his father's past warnings. Indeed, Xu Qingsnow had a strong background, and offending her was no joke. If he didn't behave well, even his father might not be able to save him. Thus, when Chen Tianpeng spoke, Chen Kai spilled out the entire story.

Chen Tianpeng knew his son was mischievous and often got into trouble, but he had never taken it seriously, thinking it was just young people playing around. Today, he was shocked to realize how far his son had gone. After hearing the story, he couldn't help but pick up the statement on the table and start beating his son's head, shouting, "I'll beat you to death, you lawless brat!"

"Dad, stop, I'm sorry, I won't do it again," Chen Kai cowered, covering his head.

Seeing Chen Kai being beaten by his father, Cui Wei and the others were all terrified, their faces pale, and their fear of Xu Qingsnow grew. Now they truly understood the formidable power behind her. Xu Qingsnow, however, remained seated, watching coldly.

As Deputy Chief, Xu Qingsnow could see that Chen Tianpeng was putting on a show for her, hoping she would let it go for the sake of appearances. However, she deeply despised Chen Kai and his lawless friends, especially since this involved Wang Xiaoqiang. So, she let Chen Tianpeng perform for a while.

Chen Tianpeng had only one son, whom he had always spoiled. Today, the situation was special, and he had to put on a show of discipline, half-true and half-false. As the Chief, he expected Xu Qingsnow to give him some face, but she ignored him, making him both angry and embarrassed. He suddenly kicked his son to the ground, saying, "Aren't you going to apologize to Director Xu?"

Chen Kai, now wiser, immediately got up and ran to Xu Qingsnow, bowing and apologizing.

"There's no need to apologize to me. You should apologize to the victim."

Despite his reluctance, Chen Kai had to walk to Wang Xiaoqiang, bow deeply, and apologize, "Wang Xiao... no, Brother Wang, I'm blind and have offended you. Please be magnanimous and forgive me this time..."

Wang Xiaoqiang coldly ignored him, turning to look at Xu Qingsnow. He could see that Xu Qingsnow's authority came from her strong backing, but her rank was below Chen Tianpeng. Considering they would have to work together, it wouldn't be good to make things too difficult. So, he decided to leave the matter to Xu Qingsnow.

"Director Xu, Xiao Kai has been spoiled by his mother, which is why he's so lawless. You see, I've already beaten and scolded him... Of course, I will discipline him further when we get home. As a parent, I will also apologize to Comrade Wang Xiaoqiang and his girlfriend for the harm they've suffered. What do you think, shall we..." As Chen Kai bowed and apologized to Wang Xiaoqiang, Chen Tianpeng stepped forward, putting on a humble face to plead for his son.

Seeing Chen Tianpeng's low stance, Xu Qingsnow was momentarily at a loss. Although she could insist on proper punishment for Chen Kai and his friends, Wang Xiaoqiang hadn't suffered any real harm. In fact, Chen Kai and his friends were the ones who had been hurt. If she insisted on legal procedures, they would only face administrative detention. But doing so would likely cause a complete rift with Chen Tianpeng. Although she wasn't afraid of him, they had to work together, and things would be difficult if they became too strained.

"Director Xu, I think we should let it go. After all, no one was seriously harmed, and the victim doesn't want to pursue it. However, young people do need to be properly disciplined. Otherwise, they might cause real trouble, and it will be too late to do anything about it." Xu Qingsnow looked at Chen Tianpeng.

"Director Xu is right. I will discipline this boy when we get home. I also thank Director Xu and Comrade Wang Xiaoqiang for their magnanimity. To show my gratitude, I will treat you both to a meal at Yipinzhai tomorrow. I hope you will honor me with your presence." Chen Tianpeng felt relieved that Xu Qingsnow had finally relented, and his tone became even more humble.

"Xiaoqiang, what do you think?" Xu Qingsnow didn't agree immediately; she wanted to hear Wang Xiaoqiang's opinion. If he agreed to the meal, she would join. If he refused, she had no interest in dining alone with the notorious womanizer.

"Let's skip the meal. We farmers are too busy to spare the time."

This response left everyone in the room feeling extremely frustrated. Wang Xiaoqiang was indeed a farmer, but no one had ever heard of a busy farmer. They thought this young farmer was too arrogant, refusing the Chief's invitation without giving any face.

However, no one dared to show their displeasure.

Seeing this, Xu Qingsnow laughed and said to Chen Tianpeng, "Director Xu, since Xiaoqiang is busy, I think we should skip the meal. I'm sorry!"

Chen Tianpeng's facial muscles twitched, and he forced a smile, "No problem, we can do it another time when it's more convenient."