"Xiao Qin, forget it! It's not a big deal, just let it go!" The man with the thin, sharp face, who had been standing still, finally spoke up, clearly feeling that it might not be appropriate to let this situation escalate further.
As the secretary of the county magistrate, whether he was the current or former one, anyone who could connect with the county magistrate was not to be underestimated. Moreover, from the other party's demeanor, it seemed they were not intimidated. Their words were layered, trying to entangle them in the situation, and it was clear they were not afraid of trouble.
Nantang County was a small place, with intricate relationships. Qin Lei, relying on his uncle's connections, had become somewhat overconfident. He didn't want to get involved in this mess, but if he didn't stop it today, any future trouble would make the bureau's leadership blame him.
"Forget it?! Brother Tong, what do you mean?" Hearing this, Qin Lei immediately flew into a rage. "Are you making fun of me? Fine, you go, I don't need you to back me up. I have my own brothers to support me!"
"Xiao Qin, you've had too much to drink. Let's talk about it tomorrow, let's just call it a night." The man who had stepped forward grabbed Qin Lei's shoulder and said to Lu Weimin, "Young man, it's nothing. My brother has had too much to drink. I'm sorry, it's all over, you can go."
"Go to hell! Tong Lizhu, who do you think you are?!" Qin Lei, already enraged, violently pushed away the hand on his shoulder, his anger intensifying. "Are you deliberately trying to embarrass me? Who do you think you are?! Get lost! My business is none of your concern!"
Caught off guard, the man hadn't expected such a lack of respect. Pushed off balance by Qin Lei, a flash of anger crossed his face, but he remained silent, perhaps realizing the situation was difficult to handle.
Seeing that the two police officers in uniform, who had hesitated for a moment, were now advancing, clearly intending to teach him a lesson, Lu Weimin knew this matter would not be easily resolved.
If it came to a physical fight, Lu Weimin was not afraid. He had always been fond of martial arts and had been in many fights, both at Nantang Middle School and at the 195 Factory School. A faint scar on his forehead, a memento from his high school days at the 195 Factory School, was a testament to his past.
Once, in a fight with students from the notoriously bad 19th Middle School in Changzhou, he was hit hard on the head with a bamboo stick, causing a deep gash and bleeding profusely. The other party didn't fare well either, as he tackled them with a reverse back throw, resulting in a mild concussion.
Fortunately, the fight ended with everyone dispersing, and no one sought further trouble. However, Lu Weimin still received a severe beating from his father after getting his wound treated at the factory clinic.
However, facing three police officers in uniform, Lu Weimin was not so confident. The police in this era were known to use force, and his actions, which had offended their authority, coupled with the other party's background, meant that if they caught him, he would be in serious trouble.
Ma Tongcai had never expected to encounter such a situation. It seemed inappropriate to leave, but standing there helplessly also seemed wrong.
He knew Qin Lei well, who had become the deputy captain of the county police force's criminal investigation team before the age of thirty, thanks to his connections. His father was the former director of the county grain bureau, now retired, and his uncle, Qin Haiji, was the county party secretary, a formidable figure.
"Captain Qin, what's going on? Is it a misunderstanding? It must be a misunderstanding! This is..." Ma Tongcai noticed Su Yanqing protecting the girl beside him. Her sharp gaze almost forced him to step in.
Ma Tongcai was deeply regretful. Qin Lei had a poor reputation and a narrow mind, not even respecting his colleague, Deputy Captain Tong Lizhu. If he intervened, it would likely be futile, but if he didn't, the girl might humiliate herself in front of Lu Weimin, which could be detrimental if Lu Weimin then humiliated him in front of Shen Zilie.
"Misunderstanding my ass! Old Ma, don't try to smooth things over for me. Tonight, no one can stop me. This bastard, who didn't even tighten his belt, dared to challenge me. I'll make him understand who he's messing with!" Glancing at Ma Tongcai, Qin Lei hadn't expected this man, who was familiar with his uncle, to be there. He guessed the young man in front of him might be a cadre from some government department, but in his rage, he didn't care. The crowd watching, especially Tong Lizhu, made him feel he had to act to save face. If he backed down, it would spread like wildfire in the bureau, and he couldn't afford to lose face.
The crude words reignited Lu Weimin's anger, especially in such a public setting. Even with his two lives of experience, he found it hard to contain his urge to teach the other party a lesson.
Seeing Lu Weimin's face turn ashen and his fists clench, Ma Tongcai sighed inwardly and whispered, "Director Lu, this is Captain Qin of the criminal investigation team, the nephew of County Secretary Qin. He's drunk, don't take it personally."
Qin Haiji's nephew? Lu Weimin was taken aback. No wonder he was so arrogant. In his mind, Nantang was his territory, where he could do as he pleased.
Lu Weimin didn't want to have any conflicts with Qin Haiji, who likely had no good feelings toward him. Shen Zilie's sudden rise to power had probably left the local power players, especially Qin Haiji, feeling resentful. With Cao Gang already showing some reservations, Lu Weimin wanted a period of stability to help Shen Zilie solidify his position in Nantang.
However, this didn't mean he would let everything happen. He didn't seek trouble, but he wasn't afraid of it. This was his nature in his previous life, and he wouldn't lose it in this one. Especially when it involved his colleagues, the other party's actions were too much, and Lu Weimin couldn't back down.
Before Lu Weimin could think further, the other party lunged at him, hands reaching down to grab his head, while the two other police officers moved to grab his arms from either side.
"Stop! Stop it! Qin Lei, did you hear me? What's going on?!" A heavy voice called out from behind, "Stop it, all of you!"