Chapter Ninety-Five: Director Yuan

Huang Guangzong was naturally unwilling to concede defeat. As a domineering and formidable figure, he knew how to assess the situation and, more importantly, reflect on his own mistakes. This failure stemmed from severely underestimating Liu Jingye’s strength, overestimating himself, and also overestimating Zhao Xue’an. He had likewise overestimated the relationship between himself and the Japanese.

“The situation has completely turned against me. Luckily, I anticipated that the Japanese only recognize money, not loyalty, so I left a backup plan, hoping they’d prove more reliable,” the old fox sneered coldly.

Meanwhile, Zhao Xue’an was furiously pacing inside the car, cursing loudly into the phone at a certain woman. “It’s all your fault, you wretched woman! You said you’d always make me feel your tenderness, but you’ve caused me such a disgrace. That belt was your gift too—did you deliberately set me up? If I’m doomed, you won’t fare any better!”

After finishing, Zhao Xue’an angrily slammed down the phone. Then his phone rang incessantly. His face flushed crimson, his hair bristled with rage, but upon seeing the caller ID, cold sweat broke out all over him as he hesitated: “This is bad, the Party Secretary is calling. What on earth should I say...?”

Zhang He, his driver and advisor, also fell silent, equally overwhelmed. Both understood the gravity of the situation, aware that what was to come was unpredictable and potentially catastrophic.

The outside world was indeed thrown into a frenzy. In the Celestial Empire, the image of a leader was of utmost importance, and Zhao Xue’an’s thong scandal shattered people’s worldview, completely overturning the dignified image of a leader. The live footage from the news was frantically shared online, and within half an hour had gone viral across the entire internet, causing a nationwide uproar.

One hour later, the city government announced on its official website that due to Zhao Xue’an’s inappropriate conduct and attire, which seriously damaged the government’s image, the organization had decided to suspend all his duties. He was to be put on leave for reflection and await investigation, the results of which would be made public.

Zhao Xue’an was utterly finished, destined to become the most bizarre and absurd fallen official in history—without equal.

Numerous parodies of him flooded the internet, especially focusing on that infamous red thong, which became a hot topic, severely tarnishing his reputation.

While people excitedly discussed Zhao Xue’an and the red thong, a quietly posted denunciation emerged, accusing him of corruption, bribery, keeping mistresses, abusing power, and colluding with businessmen. Immediately, it drew widespread attention. In the past, such reports would have been promptly deleted, and people might have doubted their authenticity. But now, with a leader caught in such a scandal, no one believed in his innocence.

This act of kicking him when he was down sealed Zhao Xue’an’s fate—he had no hope of redemption.

“Well done,” Liu Jingye said, sitting before his computer, watching the denunciation post being shared and commented on wildly, genuinely giving Chen Yuxin a thumbs-up.

“Unfortunately, this incident didn’t affect the Japanese companies or Huang Guangzong, but it’s enough to keep them in check for a while,” Liu Jingye finally allowed himself to relax.

At that moment, Yuan Xiaoying called, directly asking, “Was it you?”

“Yes!” Liu Jingye admitted frankly.

“You’re ruthless,” Yuan Xiaoying chuckled. “But nothing is more satisfying than watching a corrupt official lose everything in disgrace. I can only say, you did a great job.”

Liu Jingye laughed quietly, “It’s easier said than done.”

Yuan Xiaoying didn’t want to say more and suddenly changed the subject: “It’s been several days since we last met. Have you missed me?”

Liu Jingye replied earnestly and decisively.

“Have your parents left?” Yuan Xiaoying asked cautiously.

“No...” Liu Jingye suppressed a laugh. This girl was afraid of meeting the in-laws and dared not barge in to block the bed.

“Why is it always me who has to find you? Can’t you ever come looking for me first?” Yuan Xiaoying suddenly complained. “Look at other guys—they see their girlfriends off to work every morning and pick them up every night, rain or shine. Why do you act like some grandee all the time?”

“I already married you, didn’t I?” Liu Jingye said.

“Do you even want to consummate the marriage or not?!” Yuan Xiaoying delivered her trump card.

Liu Jingye immediately asked, “Where are you? I’m coming to find you now!”

“At the HePing Road Police Station, director’s office!” Yuan Xiaoying said proudly.

Liu Jingye hung up and rode off on his scooter. His mind was a bit chaotic. Looking at the wildflowers blooming everywhere, he couldn’t help but smile wryly. His life was experiencing a sweet turmoil of blossoming romance.

“Yuan Xiaoying is my official girlfriend, Wei Xiaorou was my first woman,” Liu Jingye pondered with a furrowed brow. “Chen Yuxin is my matchmaker-arranged girlfriend, and things are going well. But my relationship with Wei Xiaorou happened under special circumstances, and she’s disappeared; I don’t know if she’ll come back.

“As for Yuan Xiaoying, she’s enthusiastic and proactive, and we’re about to start a passionate romance. But my parents have already gone to Chen Yuxin’s family to propose marriage.

“Fortunately, both girls are independent and strong-willed, and we met under dangerous circumstances. I wonder if I’m taking advantage of the situation or just juggling two boats?”

Liu Jingye was the worst at handling relationships, but luckily he had a big heart and decided to let things take their natural course.

“Dating at a police station—that’s definitely a first, right?” Parking his scooter at the entrance and looking at the police station’s gate, Liu Jingye smiled wryly.

The police station was the most grassroots government agency, directly serving the people. Besides maintaining public order and security, it handled many administrative tasks, such as household registration.

Therefore, the station was always busy. The courtyard was crowded with people—those applying for household registration, seeking temporary residence permits, some squat by the wall were recently caught pickpockets, while two people with bruised faces glared at each other, clearly having just fought.

Police officers busily came and went. The chief, as leader, was responsible for overseeing everything: organizing police training, conveying orders from higher-ups, and deploying work. He was a leader but also a cushy position.

Liu Jingye knocked on the director’s office door and heard Yuan Xiaoying’s voice: “Come in!”

Opening the door, he saw Yuan Xiaoying in her police uniform sitting on a chair, holding a red-headed document—an official directive about regulating special industries and public entertainment venues that might involve guns, bombs, or toxic substances.

“Director Yuan, you truly serve the people wholeheartedly. You must be working hard,” Liu Jingye immediately flattered.

“Oh, it’s you! You came fast,” Yuan Xiaoying sighed with relief, putting down the document and pulling out some snacks from the drawer, happily browsing her computer. “No need to flatter me. I’m definitely not going to consummate the marriage with you anytime soon.”

“That’s fine, I can wait,” Liu Jingye smiled and sat opposite her, watching her munch enthusiastically. “Isn’t this a bit unprofessional during work hours?”

“Yeah, I’m bored too. Let’s go grab something to eat,” Yuan Xiaoying tossed the snacks aside and stood up to leave.

“Aren’t you working?” Liu Jingye asked, surprised.

Yuan Xiaoying scratched her head. “The government says leaders should often go to the grassroots, mingle with the masses—not sit in the office all day holding meaningless meetings. So I’m going out to familiarize myself with my jurisdiction, understand the environment, help the people solve problems, and truly be among the people.”

Liu Jingye gave a thumbs-up. “But you just said you wanted to go eat something.”

Yuan Xiaoying replied, “If I buy something, I’m spending money and helping solve the people’s income problems.”

“You’re going to get promoted!” Liu Jingye said sincerely. “So young, yet you already understand how to be an official. Your future is boundless.”

“Enough chatter, let’s go,” Yuan Xiaoying said, walking over in her uniform and confidently linking her arm with his.

This girl was always so warm and uninhibited, leaving Liu Jingye at a loss each time.

“Is this appropriate, sister?” Liu Jingye earnestly suggested as they were about to leave.

Yuan Xiaoying glanced at the passersby and then at the two of them, nodding, “You’re right, this isn’t appropriate.”

Then, without hesitation, she took off her police uniform and white shirt right in front of Liu Jingye, standing there in just her underwear.

“Isn’t this inappropriate too?” Liu Jingye swallowed hard.

“Stop pretending to be innocent. You’re dying to look; your eyes are practically popping out,” Yuan Xiaoying said with a humph. “Besides, it’s not like you’ve never seen.”

But after saying that, she quickly changed into casual clothes—a dark green dress with her hair down—transforming instantly from a valiant policewoman into a youthful, radiant girlfriend.

She linked her arm with Liu Jingye again and walked out confidently in her casual wear. Whether out of pride or nervousness, she kept muttering, “Leaders have private lives too. I haven’t embezzled funds or kept a lover. You’re my legally wedded husband—what do I have to fear?”

“Yes, yes, legally wedded,” Liu Jingye echoed, though his heart pounded as he thought, “If you’re not afraid, I certainly am!”

He asked calmly, “With your position, you probably don’t usually get interviewed by TV reporters, right?”

“Probably not, but you never know,” Yuan Xiaoying said. “If there’s a big case, I’ll have to cooperate with the media. And the more exposure I get, the better my chances of promotion.”

“Fame breeds trouble. It’s best to avoid too many interviews,” Liu Jingye said, trying to minimize their meetings to avoid disaster.

“Enough, I get it. Let’s go—I’m starving,” Yuan Xiaoying said, dragging him out of the station by the arm.

The two walked down the street like a passionate couple—the man tall and imposing with an air of heroism, the woman slender, pure, and beautiful. Together, they turned many heads.

“Look at this magnificent land—it's all mine,” Yuan Xiaoying said dominantly, pointing at the skyscrapers around them. “Our police station’s jurisdiction covers over eighty square kilometers, with twenty-seven neighborhood committees, four administrative villages, and a population exceeding fifty thousand, plus thirty thousand temporary residents. It’s the city center, home to thirty-two major enterprises, hundreds of entertainment venues and shops—all rapidly growing... And all of this is my domain.”