Hu Bingyang arrived quickly and dragged Zhong Te away with a dark expression.

Zhang Cheng and his group were also taken away by Zhao Daming. Before leaving, Section Chief Niu gave them a final instruction: "This matter ends here; don't cause any more trouble."

After leaving the police station, Zhang Cheng asked Zhang Jianhao and the others to go to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy sacrificial offerings.

Zhao Daming looked at Zhang Cheng's blood-covered face and said, "I'll take you to the hospital first."

“Brother, no need. I have to rush back to the village to see Shengzi off on his final journey.”

"It's not a big deal. Listen to me, bandage it first."

"Okay then."

Just as Zhang Cheng got on the back of Zhao Daming's motorcycle, Zhong Te, who had been pulled away by Hu Bingyang, suddenly returned, panting as he rushed up to him.

Zhao Daming quickly stepped in front of Zhang Cheng, frowning: "Deputy Director Zhong, what are you trying to do now?"

Zhong Te bypassed Zhao Daming, staring intently at Zhang Cheng, his teeth grinding together: "Zhang Cheng, you've got guts! I'll say it again, I'm keeping an eye on you! You better not fall into my hands again, otherwise..." He didn't finish his sentence, but the resentment in his eyes was almost overflowing.

Zhong Te made a harsh statement, then turned and quickly left.

Zhao Daming frowned.

"Brother, what are you standing there for? Let's go to the hospital." Zhang Cheng smiled, seemingly not taking Zhong Te's threat to heart.

Zhao Daming started his motorcycle and arrived at the hospital seven or eight minutes later.

Zhang Cheng's forehead injury was only superficial; after disinfection and bandaging, he was fine.

"Secretary Liu has a good impression of you. Why don't you find an opportunity to apologize and ask him to help you resolve the situation with Zhong Te?" Zhao Daming asked with some concern.

Zhang Cheng shook his head: "How could I trouble Secretary Liu with such a trivial matter? No matter how capable Zhong Te is, as long as I don't break the law, what can he do to me?"

The Party Committee building, fourth floor, secretary's office.

Secretary Liu is reviewing documents.

The office door was suddenly pushed open from the outside.

Secretary Liu raised his eyelids, looked at Zhong Te who had barged in, and remained silent.

As soon as Zhong Te stepped into the office and met Secretary Liu's calm and unwavering gaze, the raging anger in his heart inexplicably dissipated by more than half, replaced by a sense of inexplicable tension.

He slammed the door shut and stood in front of the desk like a child who had done something wrong.

Secretary Liu continued to look down at the documents; the office was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

He didn't know how much time had passed, maybe an hour, maybe less, but Zhong Te felt that every second was incredibly long.

Finally, Secretary Liu put down his pen, leaned back in his chair, and looked at Zhong Te. His voice was calm but carried an undeniable authority.

"Ah Si, tell me, in your eyes, who is more important, you or the Party discipline and the law?"