Most people who venture into the political arena can see the role of power and status. It's like a tree that can provide shelter from the wind and rain when needed. Even if you don't show off, there will always be people who seek refuge under its shade.
Wang Xiaolu's appointment as Wu Daguang's driver was no easy feat. Back then, Wang Xiaolu was just a temporary police officer. Once, when Wu Daguang's father was hospitalized, Wang Xiaolu went to visit him with a group of people. While everyone was asking about his condition, Wang Xiaolu quietly picked up the basin under the urine bag and naturally walked out to dispose of it, then returned and stood there silently. This scene deeply moved Wu Daguang. After his father was discharged, Wu Daguang went to great lengths to secure a permanent position for Wang Xiaolu.
Wang Xiaolu was deeply grateful to Wu Daguang. Though he was his driver, he secretly handled many of Wu Daguang's personal matters. However, the young man was very modest and never boasted. He also knew his place in front of Wu Daguang, which earned him more trust and reliance. All the sharp-eyed people in the police system looked at Wang Xiaolu with new respect, treating him like a brother and being very friendly.
After arriving at the police station, Wang Xiaolu greeted Cheng Jemin and then went to the duty room.
A few minutes later, Wang Xiaolu came out quickly. Behind him were a middle-aged police officer and a few people, including Sun Ermen. At this moment, Sun Ermen and the others looked like defeated roosters, heads down and silent. Under the office lights, Cheng Jemin noticed that their clothes were torn and some had bloodstains.
"Xiaolu, if you hadn't come personally, I wouldn't have let them go. You don't know, they actually fought with Mu Laowu, who was planning to keep them in the station for the New Year!" the middle-aged police officer said, trying to flatter Wang Xiaolu.
Wang Xiaolu was very adept at socializing. He smiled and said, "Brother Niu, I'll remember this favor. You know, I can't control my time, but when the boss is free, I'll treat you to a drink!"
"Oh, I wouldn't dare to trouble you, Brother. Just remember my kindness!" the middle-aged police officer replied.
Wang Xiaolu shook hands with the middle-aged police officer and said he would contact him when he had time, then walked over to Cheng Jemin and the others. Just then, someone called from behind, "Chief Niu, my brother asked us to invite you for a drink!"
Cheng Jemin turned around and saw two people who had come in from outside, one of whom had whistled at Gu Xixi when they entered.
"Chief Niu, what's going on? It looks like you're about to release them?" The man's face changed when he saw Sun Ermen and the others, and his voice became stern.
Chief Niu quickly approached the young man and said, "Wu Zi, it's not a big deal. Look, the driver of the city bureau chief, Brother Xiaolu, came personally. Let it go!"
Wu Zi's eyes widened, ready to get angry. The man standing next to him pulled his arm and said, "Brother Wu, our big brother is waiting for Chief Niu to have dinner!"
"Damn it, Chief Niu, I'll give you this one!" As he spoke, he bounded over to Sun Ermen and cursed, "F**k, get back to your village, don't try to steal my business here! Otherwise, I'll beat you up every time I see you!"
As he spoke, Wu Zi slapped Sun Ermen's face. Although he didn't hit hard, it was a clear act of humiliation in front of everyone.
Sun Ermen clenched his fists but couldn't fight back. Being in this unfamiliar city and spending time in the police station had left him bewildered.
Just as he was about to endure it, the hand that was supposed to slap him again didn't come down. Sun Ermen couldn't help but turn his head and saw that Wu Zi's hand had been grabbed by Cheng Jemin.
"F**k, you want to show off, huh!" Wu Zi raised his hand to slap Cheng Jemin's face. Clearly, this guy had never been humiliated and was very arrogant.
As he raised his hand, Cheng Jemin's other hand caught his arm. Already annoyed by this guy's behavior towards Gu Xixi, Cheng Jemin used his strength, and Wu Zi let out a pig-like scream.
"Damn it, you dare to touch Brother Wu!" The young man who came with him kicked Cheng Jemin without a word. But before his foot could land, he was kicked back by Wang Xiaolu.
Chief Niu, seeing this, quickly said, "Brother Wu, Brother Xiaolu, you two are making things difficult for me!"
Chief Niu, a smart man who had been in the system for years, quickly came to Cheng Jemin's side and said, "Brother, this is a police station. For my sake, let it go."
Cheng Jemin looked at the grim-faced Chief Niu and gently released Wu Zi's arm. After all, this was a police station, Chief Niu's territory.
"Kid, you wait and see." Wu Zi glared at Cheng Jemin and stormed off.
As soon as they left the police station, Wang Xiaolu whispered, "Brother Cheng, this Wu Zi is Zhen Zhigang. His brother, Zhen Zhiqiang, is a well-known figure in our city. They control two major fruit markets, and half of their subordinates are under their control." He added in a low voice, "Zhen Zhiqiang has a close relationship with the city bureau chief, Hu. They are sworn brothers."
Cheng Jemin nodded and said, "Xiaolu, thanks for your help. Otherwise, my friends would have suffered."
"Brother Cheng, it's nothing. Don't mention it. Don't worry about Zhen Laowu. I'll call his brother, and this matter will be over. Where are you going? I'll take you!"
"Xiaolu, you go ahead. My friends haven't eaten yet. I'll take them back myself."
Wang Xiaolu was chatting with a bar girl and was eager to continue. He didn't argue with Cheng Jemin and drove off in a hurry.
"Brother Cheng, thanks to you, or else Brother Sun Ermen and the others wouldn't have been released!"
Cheng Jemin looked at the people who were eagerly watching him, seeing in them the image of his brother and father. If they had left their hometown to work, would they have found someone to help them?
"Don't mention it. Have you all eaten? There's a noodle shop ahead. Let's go eat." Cheng Jemin pointed to the noodle shop and said solemnly.
As he spoke, a man rushed over, his face full of surprise. "Xiao Zhu, is everything settled?"
"Brother Zhihai, I met Brother Cheng, and he got Brother Sun Ermen and the others out of the police station!" Sun Xiaozhu said loudly to Sun Zhihai.
Sun Zhihai grabbed Cheng Jemin's hand and said, "Director Cheng, thank you so much. Without your help, I wouldn't know how to face the people back home."
Sun Zhihai was genuinely worried. Although he mainly operated in Tianyuan City, his roots were in Sunjiagou. This time, he had arranged the apple sales for the village, but he hadn't made much money, and a few villagers had ended up in the police station. He would be too ashamed to return home.
This time, he didn't go to the stall because he had some business to attend to. By the time he got there, Sun Ermen and the others had already been taken to the police station. He knew a few people in Tianyuan City, and he found out that the people who fought with Sun Ermen were Zhen Laowu's men.
He had heard of Zhen Laowu. Such a powerful figure was not someone he could afford to offend. Moreover, Zhen Laowu had said that this matter wasn't over!
This news made Sun Zhihai feel cold all over. Although he was well-connected, he had no way to deal with the Zhen brothers, who dominated the fruit market.
Even though he couldn't think of a solution, he had to check the situation. On the way, he had been racking his brain, and seeing the current situation, he was overjoyed.
Cheng Jemin and Sun Zhihai took Sun Ermen and the others to the noodle shop and ordered several large bowls of beef noodles. The noodles came quickly, and in the large white porcelain bowls, the green scallions, yellow noodles, and the fragrant beef looked delicious. Just looking at them made one's mouth water.
But Sun Ermen and the others didn't touch their chopsticks. After a moment of silence, Sun Zhihai said, "Ermen, Xiao Zhu, why aren't you eating? Eat quickly, the noodles won't taste good when they get cold!"
Xiao Zhu hesitated for a moment and finally picked up his chopsticks. Encouraged by him, Sun Ermen and the others started eating, but the atmosphere at the table was heavy.
"Clack!" Sun Ermen threw his chopsticks on the table.
"Ermen, why aren't you eating? Not spicy enough?" Sun Zhihai, taken aback, picked up the chili and handed it to Sun Ermen.
"Brother Zhihai, I'm not afraid of hard work, but I can't stand being bullied! I'm going home tomorrow."
Sun Zhihai hesitated for a moment, then suddenly grabbed the vinegar and poured it into his bowl, drinking half of it in one gulp.
Wiping his mouth, Sun Zhihai said loudly, "Sun Ermen, I know you're upset, but if you go home now, you'll feel good, but have you thought about the apples we still have? Your family is worried. If we don't sell more now, they'll all rot by spring! The villagers are counting on you to bring good news. If you leave because of this, do you have the face to go back?"
Sun Ermen's head drooped, his throat choked with emotion. Real men don't cry, but only when they are truly heartbroken.
PS: During the Spring Festival, I will keep updating to thank all the brothers for their support and attention. I wish everyone a happy and enjoyable holiday. Don't forget to vote after reading!