Not to mention the onlookers, Xu Zhengyang himself hadn't vented his anger yet.
In a single ward at Anping Central Hospital.
Xu Zhengyang sat by the hospital bed, holding his phone and talking to Li Ruiqing on the phone:
"Second Uncle, this matter must be severely punished, and the investigation must be carried out thoroughly to find out who is backing Mu Zigang and how he can be so lawless. As the deputy director of the local public security department, he dares to collude with criminal gangs and accept bribes. He is utterly wicked... Moreover, he must have powerful connections. These are all potential cancers that must be eradicated..."
"Zhengyang, this matter cannot be investigated and clarified in a short time, so don't worry."
“If the investigation reaches a stalemate, or if you encounter any difficulties, I can help you,” Xu Zhengyang said.
Li Ruiqing said, half-laughing and half-crying, "I'll be thankful if you don't cause any more trouble. Alright, let's leave it at that. Don't get involved anymore."
"Alright. I'll leave this matter alone for now." Xu Zhengyang's voice deepened as he said, "You said someone has been watching me. Who are they? And why are they watching me?"
"You should go back to Beijing; it's hard to explain over the phone."
Xu Zhengyang thought for a moment and said, "Okay."
Xu Zhengyang absolutely could not pursue the matter of Ye Jun arranging for the shooting of Chen Chaojiang any further. In fact, given his temperament, he was determined to take legal action and pursue the matter further, believing that everyone is equal before the law. The problem was, Chen Chaojiang was unwilling, and the Li family also disagreed, their attitude unusually resolute.
According to Li Ruiqing, Ye Jun has already been punished, so we shouldn't make a scene any further.
Xu Zhengyang thought about it and gave up. Ye Jun's identity was too special. If Ye Jun had to be sent to prison, it would obviously cause even more trouble.
Alas, there are always some things in this society that leave us helpless.
...
Volume 5, Spirit Official, Chapter 258: Who's the spectator?
When the incident in Anping City proceeded with a lightning-fast and fair investigation, people from all sides suddenly realized that Xu Zhengyang, whom they had initially regarded as an actor performing on stage, had suddenly moved behind the scenes, leaving them to clean up the mess he had created.
Now, Xu Zhengyang simply shook his head and left cleanly and neatly.
As for how this matter would develop and to what extent, Xu Zhengyang seemed to care completely. However, everyone knew that this trivial matter would cause disputes between various factions.
It's not about protecting anyone, or having to get rid of anyone.
Rather, the best outcome would be for everyone to express their stance through this incident, and for the Li family's power to be challenged as well.
As for the fate of Mu Zigang and the others trapped inside, who would care? There's no point in dwelling on it anyway. However, they're not going to be thrown into the abyss immediately; instead, they're left suspended in mid-air, the powerful forces of both sides using them like leeches in a tug-of-war. They're being torn and pulled.
They lived in constant fear and agony, yet remained bewildered and unable to see the final outcome.
Yes, Li Ruiqing's side can't really go all the way and investigate thoroughly, let alone conduct a surprise investigation and quickly close the case. Because they need to avoid reactions from various forces, going too far would easily lead to mistakes, and mistakes would give others more leverage.
Meanwhile, the other two parties are also paying attention and trying to get involved.
First, they must ensure that the final outcome of this incident is not entirely decided by the Li faction. By casually rescuing some officials who might be implicated, they can gain some support for their side. Second, they must also be careful to prevent the Li family from seizing any leverage against them, because in this matter, the Li family is on the side of justice and fairness, and reason prevails. Who would dare to protect criminals?
Hmm...
Xu Zhengyang remained uninvolved and left gracefully, just as he had quietly arrived in the dead of night.
Even the brothers Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing were left speechless, finding the actors' performance absurd. They'd managed to force the audience onto the stage, only to find themselves sitting below, watching the show. And it seemed this audience member was carrying a rocket launcher on their shoulder – whoever messed up the performance, whoever didn't like it, they'd blast them!
However, Xu Zhengyang, the troublemaker whom everyone secretly cursed, never thought that way.
He doesn't have that kind of mindset, nor that kind of high spirit, and he certainly doesn't have the mood to watch a show...
Three days after the incident, Xu Zhengyang drove Chen Chaojiang to Beijing and admitted him to a military hospital for the best treatment and examination.
Chen Chaojiang said, "Once the bullet is removed by surgery, there's no need to stay in the hospital anymore. Even if we do need to stay in the hospital, we'll go back to Fuhe City."
Xu Zhengyang said, "Nonsense, you better stay put and live there properly. Don't you want Ye Wan to come see you?"
"Yes, I don't want her to know."
"We won't let her know the truth, but we have to let her know that you're injured, right?" Xu Zhengyang said with a smile.
Chen Chaojiang remained silent. He, too, longed to see Ye Wan soon; it had been some time since they last met! However, while he was grateful to Xu Zhengyang for avenging him in his anger—severing Ye Jun's arm as punishment and to even things out—he worried about the pain and distress Ye Wan would feel if she knew.
It's obvious.
Now that Xu Zhengyang had said that, Chen Chaojiang felt a little comforted. It was best that Ye Wan didn't know; at least she couldn't know for now.
Ye Wan didn't know the truth; all she knew was what she had witnessed. She was right there when her brother, Ye Jun, self-harmed; she watched helplessly. No one forced him to do anything, let alone deliberately hurt him. Although the incident was indeed bizarre and hard to believe, that was truly how it was. Who could you blame?
The most frustrated and annoyed person was Ye Jun.
After he was injured, he had been suspecting that Xu Zhengyang was behind it all, because he had spoken to Xu Zhengyang on the phone before he hurt himself. During the call, Xu Zhengyang explicitly told him: "Didn't you want to teach Chen Chaojiang a lesson? Okay, then I'll teach you a lesson too. Be careful later, don't hurt yourself too badly, just make it even with Chen Chaojiang's injury..."
Ye Jun was puzzled at the time, thinking that what kind of nonsense Xu Zhengyang was talking about was?
However, not long afterward, he did something stupid and ridiculous that made people laugh out loud.
Therefore, Ye Jun suspected that his loss of control at the time was definitely related to Xu Zhengyang, but how did Xu Zhengyang do it? It was obvious that Xu Zhengyang was in Anping City at the time, and... Ye Jun did indeed do it himself. His sister wouldn't lie to him, nor would the security guards in the community or the people living in the villas.
What frustrated Ye Jun the most was that he couldn't voice his doubts. He couldn't very well say that he had to harm himself to appease Xu Zhengyang's anger because Old Li's son-in-law had threatened him, could he?
How can I explain my reasons for doing this to others?
Ye Jun remained silent, speechless with anger.
When his family in Jiangnan heard the news, they called one after another to ask what had happened. He was too lazy to explain, and just said that he was confused at the time, and there was really no other way to explain.
At first, Ye Wan felt guilty, wondering if she had upset her brother. But after thinking about it, she realized that was impossible.
And so, the matter was left unresolved for the time being.
Those who know the truth include Li Ruiyu and his wife, Li Bingjie, Chen Chaojiang, and Xu Zhengyang. Li Chengzong and Ye Jun also guessed that it was related to Xu Zhengyang.
No one will tell anyone about this.
...
Inside the heavily guarded villa area.
Xu Zhengyang sat in Li Ruiyu's study this time, and there were some things he wanted to say that were not convenient for anyone to hear.
The study is decorated simply and in a rugged style. There are no bonsai trees or paintings or calligraphy. There are two brown bookshelves against the wall, and two armored vehicle models on the windowsill. There are two single black leather sofas, and a round coffee table in the middle with an ashtray, a pot of hot tea, and two teacups.
Li Ruiyu sat behind a desk of average size, his expression stern, his eyes deep, a cigarette between his fingers, and said calmly, without a hint of complaint, "There's no need to do everything yourself; it doesn't look good."
Xu Zhengyang gave a simple, honest smile and nodded.
However, to Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing, that憨笑 (simple-minded smile) seemed so artificial and uncomfortable. Well, no matter how well you pretend, even if it's genuine, which of us elders would dare treat you as a junior?
“Zhengyang, this time… well, let me give you a heads-up.” Li Ruiqing took a sip of tea and smiled, “You can’t resort to violence so easily in the future. It’s never good to leave a rough impression, right?”
"I had no other choice either," Xu Zhengyang said with an embarrassed smile.
Li Ruiyu glared and said, "No way? With your and Chen Chaojiang's skills, what can those thugs do to you? They'd probably beat everyone to a pulp..."
“If we don’t cripple them, they’ll never be finished,” Xu Zhengyang said matter-of-factly.
Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing were speechless. How could they possibly persuade Xu Zhengyang? Whatever he said seemed reasonable, and it was indeed the truth. What the Li brothers really wanted to say was that as sons-in-law of the Li family, they should consider the family's reputation. For a member of a political family to act like a lowly thug, constantly getting into fights, was disgraceful and laughable.
Xu Zhengyang naturally understood this, and he said with an embarrassed smile, "I'll definitely be more careful in the future."
"Let's not talk about that anymore." Li Ruiqing smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Zhengyang, the case in Anping City is quite troublesome to handle and may take a long time. Don't be impatient and interfere."
"Yes, yes, as long as it's handled seriously." Xu Zhengyang nodded. Then he said, "Um, Dad, Second Uncle..." Xu Zhengyang smacked his lips awkwardly, "Is everything... alright at home?"
Li Ruiyu was stunned, not knowing what Xu Zhengyang was talking about.
Li Ruiqing realized and said, "What could possibly happen? It's just a bit troublesome. Try to keep a low profile in the future and don't cause any more panic."
"I don't want to get involved in this matter, nor do I want to ask any more questions." Xu Zhengyang sighed, no longer pretending to be an honest son-in-law, and said calmly, "If it really comes down to it, you two should be frank with them and stop letting them keep watching me and harping on my affairs all the time... It makes me very uncomfortable, and I feel very insecure with my relatives and friends. Really, if this continues, who knows what outrageous things they might do or if I notice something is wrong, something bad will happen. I've always... disliked this."
Xu Zhengyang naturally didn't mention his own safety, because he didn't want anyone to know that he actually had a fatal weakness, and that his physical body couldn't withstand any blows.
"You don't need to worry too much, they have no intention of harming you." Li Ruiyu said calmly, "Just like you said, even if they keep a close eye on things, can they still figure out your identity? Let them have their suspicions."
Li Ruiqing shook his head and said, "I think we should arrange two guards around Zhengyang, just in case."
Xu Zhengyang frowned slightly, seemingly deep in thought and hesitant, but in reality he was secretly pleased. With two more people protecting him, his physical safety would be guaranteed. As long as they weren't there to monitor him, that was fine.
"Hmm." Li Ruiyu nodded. "Zhengyang, what do you think?"
Of course, Xu Zhengyang's consent is required. This guy doesn't like being watched and followed. If he thinks he's being monitored, that would be bad.
"Alright." Xu Zhengyang nodded lightly.
Well, judging from this, it seems like they're really trying to curry favor with him by arranging two bodyguards for him.
However, Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing were still pondering Xu Zhengyang's words. Given the current situation, it really was necessary to speak frankly with certain individuals.
For example, the Ye family.
Volume 5, Spirit Official, Chapter 259: Is He the Chief?
Reality is rarely as one wishes. Even gods cannot achieve perfection.
For example, Chen Chaojiang was shot and, as instructed by Xu Zhengyang, stayed at the best military hospital in Beijing for a week of treatment. Wasn't Xu Zhengyang's original intention to arrange for Chen Chaojiang and Ye Wan to meet? After all, both had been shot, and Ye Wan had also suffered a lesson. Plus, Ye Wan was in the wrong in this matter; he couldn't very well prevent Ye Wan from seeing Chen Chaojiang, could he?
Well, Ye Jun didn't stop him, and there was no need for him to stop him.
Because Ye Wan herself had promised to return to Jiangnan, she felt a deep sense of guilt and self-reproach regarding her brother's injury. Even though the circumstances were unclear and somewhat strange, Ye Wan still believed she bore an undeniable responsibility. However… she was genuinely worried about Chen Chaojiang and longed to see him. How was he? Was he feeling better? Did he miss her?
Anyway, the little thoughts and feelings of young men and women when they are in love are basically the same, that's all.
Unfortunately, on the day Chen Chaojiang and Xu Zhengyang arrived in the capital, Ye Wan and her brother returned to Jiangnan.
In the past few days, the two had only spoken on the phone a few times. Chen Chaojiang felt a little regretful, but no matter what he did, he couldn't bring himself to say those mushy words. Ye Wan was the same way, though it wasn't that she couldn't say those things; rather, her straightforward and blunt nature meant that the tender and affectionate words coming from her lips wouldn't sound like they were spoken by a demure, dependent woman.
Free-spirited, forthright, passionate, and unpretentious.
However, the barrier between the two is something that cannot be eliminated in a short time.
If it were any other matter, such as when Ye Jun had someone shoot Chen Chaojiang, Xu Zhengyang would retaliate without hesitation. However, when it comes to matters of the heart, Xu Zhengyang cannot offer much help. As the saying goes, forced relationships are never sweet.
This whole marriage drama isn't just about Ye Wan; it involves her family too. A family can't be treated like two separate entities in the future.
All Xu Zhengyang could do was try to elevate Chen Chaojiang's status as much as possible, and also prevent the Ye family from using unconventional methods to persecute Chen Chaojiang and Ye Wan regarding their relationship, especially ensuring that Chen Chaojiang's person was not harmed. No matter what, we must be reasonable and fair, right?
Chen Chaojiang was fully aware of this and naturally felt no dissatisfaction.
Fortunately, it seems their contact hasn't been restricted, and Jiang Lan has even offered to help them by speaking to the Ye family. This is naturally because Ye Wan complained to Jiang Lan during their time in Beijing, which led the now completely understanding Jiang Lan to offer this kind suggestion.
Before they knew it, it was already mid-February, and with just over half a month left, Xu Zhengyang and Li Bingjie's wedding day would arrive.
Although Chen Chaojiang has not fully recovered, there is no need for him to stay in the hospital any longer.
So Xu Zhengyang and Chen Chaojiang returned to Fuhe City, planning to rest and recuperate at home. After all, a broken bone takes a hundred days to heal, so it's not something to rush.
This time, Jiang Lan and Li Bingjie also went back to Fuhe City together.