After listening to several reports from the police officers at the police station, Hu Haidong felt a chill run down his spine.
He was originally from the army, and had carried a gun during the Southern Song Dynasty. He used to be Liu Changhe's guard platoon leader.
He cursed himself for being foolish, for so easily believing Xiao Feng's words and using police force to arrest people without conducting a proper investigation.
He knew Xiao Feng's character very well. If it weren't for the fact that his younger brother couldn't afford the machinery for his fishpond, he wouldn't have come into contact with this man.
But it was too late for regrets. He knew Liu Changhe's temper. If he hid and refused to see him, his old boss would definitely come knocking on his door, and he would be even more embarrassed.
Therefore, upon receiving the report, he immediately rushed over.
Peeking inside, he saw Liu Changhe playing with a pair of babies, looking quite pleased with himself, which put him at ease.
"Reporting to the commander, Hu Haidong, the guard platoon leader of the XXth Regiment of the XXth Division, is here to report for duty. Please give instructions."
Hu Haidong straightened up again and reported loudly.
Just as Hu Haidong observed, Lao Liu was in a very good mood today.
The two little children I just adopted are so well-behaved it breaks my heart.
He glanced back at Hu Hai and said coldly, "Come in. This isn't the military base. Why are you making so many rules here?"
She was still peeling candy wrappers for her two young children.
"Come on, open your mouth and taste the candy your godfather bought. Is it delicious?"
As he spoke, he stuffed the candy into Xiao Yue's little mouth.
"I want one too! I want one too!"
Xiao Jiang excitedly raised his little hand, staring at the milk candy in his godfather's hand.
"Okay, this one is Xiao Jiang's."
Old Liu peeled off the candy wrapper with a broad smile, his eyes almost squinting shut.
Hu Haidong's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as he walked into the room; this was the first time he had ever seen his old leader with such a kind expression.
Is this still the same Commander Liu who killed without blinking an eye on the battlefield?
"Um, sir..."
Liu Changhe glared at him.
"What, you've come to arrest someone? Come, come, this is Xiao Weiguo, the one you're looking for. He's the elder brother of my godson and the savior of my mother. Hurry up and tie him up. If you don't have enough, tie me up too."
Hu Haidong was sweating profusely, so anxious that he didn't know what to say.
He kept waving his hands.
"Commander, please listen to me..."
Liu Changhe slammed his fist on the table and stood up. He roared, "What are you talking about? You've become a lousy police chief and you don't know who you are anymore? You dare to arrest people without investigating properly? Do you have any respect for discipline?"
Hu Haidong lowered his head and didn't dare to say a word.
The police officers went back and explained Xiao Weiguo's situation to him; it certainly didn't constitute the crime of speculation and profiteering.
At this moment, he had already cursed Xiao Feng and his ancestors for eighteen generations in his mind. He was implicated because of him, and he would definitely stay far away from that bastard from now on.
The atmosphere inside the room was very somber, so Xiao Weiguo quickly came out to smooth things over.
"Uncle Liu, please don't be angry. I believe Director Hu was also misled by slanderous words. Now that everything has been investigated and clarified, it's all good that everything is alright."
"Director Hu, please sit down and talk. Have a smoke."
"Shanshan, pour me another glass of water."
As Xiao Weiguo busied himself with the preparations, he pulled out the already opened box of cigarettes.
With a pang of regret, he pulled out a cigarette and handed it to Hu Haidong. Seeing Liu Changhe staring wide-eyed, he helplessly pulled out another cigarette and lit it for Liu Changhe.
"Director Hu, how about trying this cigarette?"
He showed the unbranded cigarette pack to Hu Haidong and said in a low voice.
"It was specially supplied by Minister Liu."
Hu Weidong's eyes lit up, and he quickly took out a match to light a cigarette. He took a deep drag, a look of rapture on his face.
"Sizzle, haha~"
He exhaled a puff of smoke, looked at the cigarette in his hand, and moved closer to Liu Changhe.
"Old Chief, is there any more?"
Liu Changhe was furious. He plopped down on a stool and went back to playing with his two young children.
Damn it, didn't you see I was just mooching off his cigarettes? Besides, even if I had some, I wouldn't give it to you.
Actually, when Liu Changhe scolded him, Hu Haidong was not afraid at all; on the contrary, he calmed down.
Having followed the regimental commander for so many years, he knew Liu Changhe's temperament all too well.
If he's jumping up and down cursing, it means there's not much of a problem. The real danger is when he doesn't utter a sound and just puts on a long face; that's when he's about to go all out.
"Xiao Xiao, I'm sorry. This is my responsibility. I sent people to arrest you without investigating the matter properly. I apologize and hope you won't take it to heart."
Xiao Weiguo smiled calmly and said, "Since it's a misunderstanding, it's best to clear it up. I'm fine, aren't I?"
Then, he changed the subject, pouring water for Hu Haidong as he said, "Since my story is false, then the person who provided you with the information..."
He didn't say anything more, but just smiled and glanced at Hu Haidong.
Hu Haidong put down his teacup and said seriously, "If the whistleblower fabricates facts to falsely accuse and frame others with the intention of subjecting them to criminal prosecution, it may constitute the crime of false accusation and framing if the circumstances are serious."
"Comrade Xiao, rest assured, we will not arrest a single innocent person, nor will we let a single guilty person go free. I will definitely give you a satisfactory explanation for this matter."
"Ah, haha, I was just asking casually. Director Hu, don't take it to heart. We ordinary folks can endure a little grievance. We'll just get through it."
Xiao Changsuo's family had been plotting against him behind his back, so how could Xiao Weiguo let them off so easily? Since they hadn't managed to bite him this time, wasn't it his chance to bite back?
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