Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 473 - 474: Fight for a Place for You

Chapter 473: Chapter 474: Fight for a Place for You

Zhao Chuo and Xiao Liu stood in the corridor with trepidation, watching Song Xiaodong emerge. The two exchanged glances before approaching him.

Stammering, Zhao Chuo said, "Mr. Song! I apologize for the offense earlier, please do not take it to heart." He had regained the ability to speak, though it was unclear when.

Song Xiaodong looked at him and Xiao Liu indifferently, saying, "Everyone must take responsibility for their actions, especially when wielding the power in their hands."

"Mr. Song, we truly realize our mistake, please let us go," Zhao Chuo implored, dropping to his knees. Now that even Vice Mayor Su had been taken away by the disciplinary committee, it was needless to say what could happen to them as minor police officers; thus, they could only beg Song Xiaodong for mercy.

Song Xiaodong let out a cold laugh, "I haven’t crippled or ruined you, sparing you already, and now simply holding you accountable for your actions is letting you off easy."

After speaking, Song Xiaodong continued walking forward.

At that moment, Liu Yuqing shouted, "Take those two away and investigate the details of the incident thoroughly. We absolutely cannot tolerate those who abuse their power for personal gain within our Public Security System."

Zhao Chuo and Xiao Liu slumped to the floor, knowing that their lives were ruined. At this point, they didn’t resent Song Xiaodong; they understood that if they were brought into the station and beaten like this, they wouldn’t have forgiven the other party either. The only person they resented now was that bastard Su Yawei who had duped them both.

Yet they failed to reflect on themselves, not recognizing that if they hadn’t sought to curry favor with the powerful, or if they had taken their responsibilities to the emblem on their caps seriously, none of this would have happened.

"Mr. Song, let’s chat upstairs," Liu Yuqing invited, realizing the gravity of the situation unfolding in his precinct and eager to understand Song Xiaodong’s intentions.

Song Xiaodong did not refuse; at least this Director hadn’t irritated him, and he understood well the struggle of those in Liu Yuqing’s position, to comply or defy—either choice could contradict regulations and principles or offend higher leadership.

"Mr. Song, are you really from the... disciplinary committee?" Liu Yuqing ventured the question as they both sat on the sofa in his office.

Song Xiaodong gave a slight smile, "No, you’re overthinking it."

Liu Yuqing, puzzled, asked, "Then how... how did you know so much about Vice Mayor Su’s situation?"

"To keep something a secret, one must never do it at all. Many believe that only heaven and earth know of their deeds, thinking no one else is aware, but that’s merely self-deception—there’s always someone who knows."

Seeing that Song Xiaodong did not want to answer the question, Liu Yuqing refrained from pressing further, "Regarding this incident, it happened in our bureau, and we certainly have responsibility. As the Director, I cannot shirk the blame."

"Director Liu is being too modest; I understand your predicament. The main issue here are those two officers. I don’t wish to pursue it further with the others. How to manage your team well is up to you," Song Xiaodong replied.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Song."

After some small talk, Song Xiaodong took his leave, and Liu Yuqing, having seen him out, pondered Song Xiaodong’s performance that day.

"This young man is really something, having everything under control, and speaking with the air of a military leader, particularly one accustomed to strict discipline," Liu Yuqing mused, sensing a military demeanor in Song Xiaodong derived from his own years of military service.

Upon leaving the Public Security Bureau, Song Xiaodong immediately called Shen Dongyang, who answered after just one ring.

"Kid, you’re pretty impressive, taking down Old Su just like that!" Shen Dongyang didn’t hide the excitement in his voice.

"Uncle Shen, I didn’t intend to take him down; he just went too far. However, the disciplinary committee sure was quick," Song Xiaodong responded.

Shen Dongyang laughed heartily and said, "Ah, that’s not something I could do. The internet made such a harsh accusation that it even alarmed the city’s Party Secretary. If they didn’t investigate him, it would be impossible to explain to the whole city. Haha, your move was really ruthless."

"It was out of necessity. I can only blame them for taking a hard line with me. If they had just sat down and talked with me, I would’ve at most fined them. But they thought that having power in their hands meant they could do whatever they wanted, so they had to pay the corresponding price."

"Well said. Many of our officials think that having some power means they can act lawlessly. We need to deal with such people firmly; they don’t realize that this power is bestowed by the people, and it should be used to serve the public, not to oppress them."

"Uncle Shen truly is a good leader," Song Xiaodong couldn’t help but praise, then said, "With Vice Mayor Su stepping down, have you considered moving up a step?"

"Of course, I have!" Shen Dongyang replied without hesitation, "If I join the executive committee, I’ll be able to implement my ideas more freely."

"Alright, then I’ll give it a try. Let’s see if I can help Uncle Shen secure this position."

"This... don’t push yourself too hard. I’m someone who just wants to do practical work; I’m not that enthusiastic about power."

Song Xiaodong smiled slightly and said, "The higher the position, the more you can do. I’ll do my best; success or not, let’s leave it to fate."

"Good!" Shen Dongyang didn’t refuse this time. He was a determined person and knew what to fight for and what not to fight for.

"By the way, Little Yue said you’re coming to our house for dinner this weekend, don’t forget."

Song Xiaodong smiled and said, "I’ll definitely be there. I’d like to play a couple of games of chess with Uncle Shen."

Shen Dongyang laughed heartily and said, "Alright, I love playing chess with you; it’s always enjoyable."

After hanging up the phone, Song Xiaodong pondered for a moment and dialed a number.

"Little Song, is that you?" a deep voice of an elderly man came from the phone.

"It’s me. How have you been feeling lately?"

"Great! Very great. Ever since the last time you treated me, I’ve been feeling wonderful. Little Song, you are truly divine."

"It was a trifle. I need a favor, and I was wondering if you could help."

"What is it? You rarely ask for help."

"Here’s the thing: I have a friend who is the Vice Mayor of Tiannan City, named Shen Dongyang. I feel he is an upright official. Now that there is a vacancy, I would like to help him secure the position."

"Personnel changes at that level are not simple."

"I know, that’s why I’m calling you. In a few days, I’ll come over and give you another physical treatment."

"Man, you’re bribing me, haha. But I must admit, it’s quite a temptation. Alright, I’ll go and find out more about this Shen Dongyang. If he really has the ability, then I’ll take care of this matter."

In the eyes of the average person in Tiannan City, they wouldn’t comprehend the significance behind Song Xiaodong offering to give a physical treatment, but to certain people at a certain level, receiving such treatment from Song Xiaodong was indeed considered an extraordinary blessing.