Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 821 - 822: It Feels So Good to Curse

Chapter 821: Chapter 822: It Feels So Good to Curse

Everyone’s gaze was intently fixed on Jiang Xueliang, especially Sun Zheng’s stern look, which carried the fury of a leader.

If it were before, Jiang Xueliang would definitely have apologized, but today, having had a bit to drink and having made up his mind, he faced his immediate superior, Sun Zheng, with a slight smile, saying, "I cannot offer that apology."

"What did you just say?" Sun Zheng’s face became even uglier.

"Director Sun, at work, you are my superior, and if I make a mistake, you can criticize me, and I will definitely apologize, but... now it’s the weekend, my off-duty time, my personal time, and I am only accountable to myself for my own actions."

"Well said!" Song Xiaodong praised loudly, now that’s what you call a man with a backbone.

Liu Qingyuan immediately spoke up: "Bureau Chief Sun, you see, this guy is just a thorn in the flesh, showing not the slightest respect to you as a senior leader."

Sun Zheng’s face turned ashen, but under the watchful eyes of everyone present, he, as the bureau chief, truly had no immediate way to deal with Jiang Xueliang.

At this moment, Liu Qingyuan’s heart was exhilarated. With Jiang Xueliang offending Sun Zheng to death, Jiang would certainly suffer a lot in the Culture Bureau from now on. Shaking his head, he said, "You really are a tough nut to crack."

Jiang Xueliang gave a faint smile, saying, "Someone who only knows how to fawn and flatter could never comprehend the meaning of integrity and principles."

Liu Qingyuan huffed, saying, "Director Sun, it seems we really can’t be too lenient anymore. I think he’s no longer suitable to be a section chief; I suggest that when you go back, you should strip him of his position and relegate him to a mere clerk."

Jiang Xueliang laughed out loud, saying, "Section Chief or Clerk, what difference does it make? Ha ha..." Then he strode towards the door.

Cui Ying sighed and hurried to follow him out.

Song Xiaodong, however, did not leave immediately. Li Sijie stood beside Song Xiaodong and whispered, "Dongzi, what do we do now?"

Song Xiaodong smiled slightly, saying, "Don’t forget what we said, we won’t bite a biting dog, but we could turn it into stew." Then he gave Liu Qingyuan a meaningful glance.

Liu Qingyuan, knowing that Song Xiaodong was in cahoots with Jiang Xueliang, immediately glared when he heard Song Xiaodong’s words, as he realized the implication was aimed at him, and snapped, "Kid, who are you talking about?"

Song Xiaodong looked at Liu Qingyuan and said, "Everyone knows who I’m talking about. As humans act, heaven watches; when you seek to harm others, I hope you remember the consequences that come with it."

"Kid, who are you to speak to me?" Liu Qingyuan flaunted his official authority, shouting loudly.

Song Xiaodong’s eyes narrowed, replying, "How do I qualify to talk to you? At least I am a human being; you’re nothing but a dog."

Liu Qingyuan was actually called a dog to his face, which enraged him so much that veins popped on his forehead as he exclaimed, "You... you have quite the nerve. Do you even know who I am?"

Song Xiaodong lightly chuckled, saying, "I needn’t bother knowing what breed a dog is."

"You... you..." Liu Qingyuan was left gasping for air by Song Xiaodong’s insults, accustomed to intimidating others with his official stance, yet now finding it ineffectual, he was at a loss for how to respond.

At that moment, Sun Zheng bellowed, "You impudent brat, insulting a public servant! Call the police right now and have him arrested."

"Public servant? You mean you represent the leadership?" Song Xiaodong asked with narrowed eyes.

"Nonsense!" Sun Zheng, too, was infuriated. He had just been disrespected by Jiang Xueliang, and now a youngster was daring to talk back to him—unbearable.

"Oh, since you represent public servants, is it proper for public servants to come out for lunch at midday and even drink alcohol? Isn’t the outright ban from the higher-ups supposed to have some deterrent effect on you?"

Song Xiaodong’s last words were passionate and forceful.

Liu Qingyuan and Sun Zheng were so frightened by his statement that they involuntarily took a step back. Song Xiaodong had indeed thrown a heavy accusation, and the implication was daunting; after all, there were orders forbidding alcohol consumption, and if they were found drinking alcohol as public servants, it would be quite troublesome to deal with.

Liu Qingyuan hurriedly said, "No, it’s the weekend. We are just friends gathering for a meal. Stop pinning labels on us."

Song Xiaodong’s gaze hardened as he retorted, "If you’re not public servants, then what gives you the right to throw your weight around? Are you trying to pick a fight because you’re in larger numbers?"

"I... we..." Liu Qingyuan was rendered speechless, unable to respond to Song Xiaodong’s rhetorical question.

Jiang Xueliang and Cui Ying had initially left the restaurant, but realizing that Song Xiaodong and Li Sijie hadn’t followed, they returned just in time to see Song Xiaodong loudly chastising Liu Qingyuan, who was utterly dumbfounded and unable to retort—a sight that was deeply satisfying to witness.

Jiang Xueliang truly wanted to commend him, but in the end, he refrained, motioning to Song Xiaodong and Li Sijie to leave with him.

Liu Qingyuan and Sun Zheng, no longer willing to embarrass themselves further in the restaurant, quickly left, and as soon as they got into the car, Liu Qingyuan, red-faced with anger, said, "Director Sun, this Jiang Xueliang is utterly lawless."

Sun Zheng snorted, "Hmph, too arrogant...such a person must be dealt with."

Liu Qingyuan nodded, agreeing, "Exactly, he must be dealt with. Someone like him is a rotten fish that stinks up the whole pot."

Having been very angry before, Liu Qingyuan now felt a secret thrill knowing that he had successfully roused Sun Zheng’s anger, which meant that Jiang Xueliang’s career in the Culture Bureau would no longer prosper.

Sitting in Song Xiaodong’s car, Jiang Xueliang said, "Dongzi, the way you scolded them just now was so satisfying."

Song Xiaodong chuckled lightly, "People like them deserve to be scolded."

Cui Ying shook her head and sighed, saying, "You two, one confronts head-on, and the other curses directly. Now, not only Liu Qingyuan but even Sun Zheng have been thoroughly offended."

Jiang Xueliang swiftly said, "So what if they’re offended? As for leaders like them, do you think I would bother to appease them? Conflict was bound to happen sooner or later."

"But... your career..." Cui Ying sighed deeply.

Song Xiaodong replied, "Don’t worry, those people can’t touch my uncle. Uncle, rest assured, you will soon return to work, and you might even be promoted."

Jiang Xueliang, of course, took Song Xiaodong’s words as mere consolation and didn’t believe them. He laughed heartily, very carefree, and said, "It doesn’t matter, promotion or not. I’m not concerned about such matters. I’ve had a great time today; that’s all that counts."