Zhong Mao of the County Bureau was stunned by the sight, only snapping out of it when Sun Da called his name.
"Zhong Mao!" Sun Da shouted. "There was no need to mobilize so much police force just to grab a snot-nosed brat who hasn't even grown his first hairs, was there?"
Sun Da straightened his posture and looked into the distance, his eyes brimming with smugness. Zhong Mao tilted his head, completely baffled. When he arrived, he had brought every officer he could possibly scrape together. Even if a few more could have followed, it shouldn't have amounted to such a massive display. Sun Da, failing to notice Zhong Mao’s confusion, continued to preen.
"You handled things well," Sun Da said. "Since when did the police station recruit so many men? I knew I hadn't misjudged you back then, though this is a bit of an overkill—no need for so many people. Anyone who didn't know better would think I was planning to arrest the entire village. It’s too flashy; it’s bad, very bad."
As he spoke, he looked absolutely delighted, clearly feeling that his influence was being bolstered. He was really basking in his own importance. Zhong Mao, still not understanding what was happening, could only keep his eyes fixed on the distance.
As the wail of sirens grew louder, a fleet of police cars with flashing lights appeared on the horizon. A wave of dread washed over Zhong Mao; these could not possibly be the county’s police forces! He could already count seven or eight cars, and there wasn't enough police strength in the entire county to pull together such a force.
*Who on earth could this be?*
Seeing that Sun Da was still caught up in his excitement, Zhong Mao decided to preempt any unnecessary misunderstandings. Putting on a look of simple-minded ignorance, he stepped up to Sun Da to explain.
"Mr. County Mayor, you’ve misunderstood. The men I brought with me are all the police force the county has available." Although he was the chief, some units were outside his reach, and gathering even that many officers had been a struggle.
Seeing the awkwardness and distress in Zhong Mao’s eyes, Sun Da finally caught on. He pointed at the row of police cars that had come to a halt and asked, bewildered, "Then what is the meaning of all these?"
Zhong Mao shook his head. He didn't know either, but looking at the scale, he couldn't help but exclaim, "This setup... it’s practically on the level of a municipal police force!"
He could see at least ten police vehicles, and the lead car appeared to be a SWAT unit.
Liang Song finally breathed a sigh of relief. Sensing his relaxation, Grandma Liang leaned in and whispered, "Is this the backup you called for, Song’er?"
Liang Song looked at the man in the lead. He wasn't sure if this was the result of his phone call, but he knew Sun Da was now in trouble and would have no time to harass them.
Qi Tongwei stepped out of his vehicle, frowning at the filthy air and waving away the dust with his hand. Observing the scene, it was clear that a brutal clash had taken place. Many of the villagers bore scrapes and bruises. Fortunately, he had prepared before coming and brought a medical unit. With a wave of his hand, the medical team began using their professional equipment to treat the villagers' wounds.
At the same time, looking at the wreckage, Qi Tongwei couldn't help but wonder to himself: *How could someone in such a small village be capable of clinging to Zhao Mengsheng’s coattails?*
Though he was skeptical, the pressure from his mentor remained, and he knew he had to handle this with the utmost gravity. Just as he was about to find someone to ask for information, he was recognized.
Zhong Mao, the county bureau chief, widened his eyes, rubbing them again and again to ensure he wasn't hallucinating. Once he confirmed it, he gasped sharply.
*It’s over. It’s all over!*
He had just been abusing his power, and now his superior’s superior’s superior had caught him in the act. Qi Tongwei was the Director of the Handong Provincial Department of Public Security!
Seeing Zhong Mao’s deathly pale, cowardly expression, Sun Da whispered, "Who is that?"
Zhong Mao told him the truth, his mind already racing toward his own miserable future after being stripped of his post. Ever since he had become chief, he hadn't exactly been a saint; wouldn't he be hounded by revenge once he was out?
Disgusted by his lack of resolve, Sun Da cursed viciously and kicked him. "If you don't want to die, stand up straight! If you look like a dying dog again, I'll finish you off myself!"
Zhong Mao knew Sun Da wasn't joking; if he could put him in the position of chief, he could just as easily make his life a living hell. After a brief moment of hesitation, Zhong Mao forced a smile and scurried over to Qi Tongwei, bowing and scraping.
"Director! It really is you! Is there some major case?"
Qi Tongwei glanced at him, his memory vague. "You are... the Chief of the De’an County Police Bureau, right?"
"Yes, yes, that’s me! I didn't expect you to remember, it’s such an honor."
Qi Tongwei couldn't be bothered to waste breath on him. Looking at the devastation before him, he didn't need to ask to know what had just happened. Thinking of his mentor’s instructions over the phone, Qi Tongwei asked directly, "Who is responsible for the forced demolition here?"
At these words, everyone present had their own thoughts. The villagers saw that he had brought so many men and was providing them with medical care, and that he had opened with such a pointed question—it was clear he was there to back them up!
The villagers, who had been living in terror, finally exhaled, though they couldn't help but wail, "It’s them! The township mayor and the county mayor are protecting each other, bringing in thugs and hooligans to tear down our homes!"
"They even said they are the uncrowned emperors here, that no one can touch them! They almost buried people alive just moments ago! You must seek justice for us!"
Seeing the villagers attempting to kowtow to him, Qi Tongwei immediately bent down to help them up. His expression turned solemn. "Please, rest assured, elders and fellow villagers. I am the Director of the Handong Provincial Department of Public Security. Since I am here, I will not allow these black-hearted criminal forces to continue their reign."
The villagers couldn't help but shed tears. "Thank you, Director!"
Seeing the situation escalating beyond his control, the once-composed Sun Da felt a surge of panic. *How did a provincial public security director suddenly show up?* And clearly, he meant business, coming straight out with questions about the forced demolition.
Suddenly, his eyes darted to the quiet Liang Song. He remembered Liang Song mentioning an "Uncle Zhao" at the very start, but he hadn't taken it to heart. If Liang Song really had that kind of power, why would he let himself be bullied like a servant? But then, looking at the director, he hesitated. *Could it be that Liang Song really has backing? Is the Liang family not the crumbling mess it appears to be, but actually supported by someone powerful?*
After calming the crowd, Qi Tongwei had his police forces encircle the area. Once silence fell, he shouted his question again.
"Who is responsible for the forced demolition here? I have read the reports—the demolition approval is still under review. You have no legal or compliant demolition order! By what authority did you dare to act?"