Qin Wei had already made it clear that she would not entertain guests, so Lin Chudong had no choice but to leave the office and walk out of the company building.
Jiangcheng was his hometown.
Coming to Jiangcheng this time, besides completing his mission, there was another important matter to attend to: to check on his childhood sweetheart from the past.
Five years ago, Lin Chudong had a childhood sweetheart and lover named Li Yueyao.
When Lin Chudong was specially recruited and forced to leave, he had briefly said goodbye to her.
At the time, Li Yueyao was deeply disappointed and explicitly stated that she would never wait five years, and by the time he returned, she might already be married.
Of course, Lin Chudong was not going to see her to rekindle their romance.
Five years ago, his parents had fallen off a cliff at a tourist attraction and died, but their bodies were never found.
To this day, Lin Chudong firmly believed that his parents' deaths were no accident. If they had fallen off a cliff, why couldn't their bodies be found?
On the day of the trip to the scenic spot, Lin Chudong had not gone; it was Li Yueyao who had accompanied the elderly couple.
Therefore, only Li Yueyao knew the truth. In the past, he was just an ordinary citizen, and he lacked the authority to investigate many things.
But now, he had to get to the bottom of this matter.
He wanted to see the living in person, and the dead in a body.
This was the bare minimum he could do to repay his parents for raising him.
Lin Chudong took out his phone and dialed a number. "Help me look up Li Yueyao's information."
Less than five minutes after hanging up, detailed information about Li Yueyao was sent straight to his phone.
Li Yueyao.
Deputy General Manager of Tianfu Group.
A graduate of the Capital University Department of Finance, she had spent five years striving within Tianfu Group, rising to become a core pillar of the company with an annual salary of one million.
To think she was doing quite well for herself.
......
At that moment, Li Yueyao was terribly busy and flustered.
Tianfu Group was in the food industry, and today the higher-ups were conducting a surprise inspection, led by the top official of the Quality Supervision Bureau.
If this random inspection failed, she would have no way to answer to the big boss.
Suddenly, Li Yueyao's assistant ran over and said, "Manager Li, there is someone downstairs named Lin Chudong who wants to see you."
Li Yueyao immediately frowned. Why was he back?
He had vanished for five years; she had thought he had died out there.
"I don't have time right now. Tell him to wait downstairs."
They hadn't been in touch for five years, and now he suddenly rushed over. He must have seen that she had made it big and come to latch onto her.
Either he wanted to get back together with her, or he wanted to squeeze some benefits out of her.
Having spent five years in business, Li Yueyao had seen far too many people like this.
Having prepared everything, the assistant hurried over and said, "Manager Li, the quality inspection team has already arrived downstairs."
Li Yueyao hurriedly took the elevator down, reached the first floor, the elevator doors opened, and she broke into a trot as she headed outside.
Just as she reached the entrance, she suddenly caught sight of Lin Chudong.
"Li Yueyao."
Li Yueyao's brows instantly locked in a frown. She had completely forgotten about him.
"If you have something to say, spit it out. I'm busy here."
Li Yueyao's attitude toward him was exceptionally impatient, just like how she would treat some distant relative coming to borrow money.
Lin Chudong had anticipated her attitude long ago. "I just want to ask about what happened five years ago."
Li Yueyao was momentarily speechless. "I've already told you about what happened five years ago several times. If you're trying to use that excuse to get close to me, it's completely unnecessary."
"First, there's no longer any possibility between you and me, so drop any inappropriate fantasies you might have about me."
"Second, my time is very precious right now. If you need anything, just say it. Considering our past ties, I can help arrange a job for you paying a few thousand yuan a month—that shouldn't be a problem."
"Third, don't ever come to the company to find me again. It has a very bad impact on me."
Hearing this, Lin Chudong stood frozen for a long while, never expecting Li Yueyao to have changed so drastically in five years.
Just because she had achieved a tiny bit of success, she acted so high and mighty, looking down on everyone.
She had no idea what kind of existence she was speaking to.
Chapter 4
Hearing Li Yueyao's words, Lin Chudong found it somewhat laughable.
Five years ago, the two of them had never even established a formal relationship; they were merely childhood sweethearts.
At the time, his parents had been very fond of Li Yueyao and always wanted her to be their daughter-in-law.
It was just a pity that before their relationship could reach that stage, he had been specially recruited and taken away.
Now that Li Yueyao was doing well, she assumed Lin Chudong had come to seek a reconciliation the moment she saw him. This woman was truly rather conceited.
"I didn't mean that. I just wanted to..."
Before Lin Chudong could finish, a black sedan suddenly pulled up to the entrance.
Li Yueyao's expression flickered slightly, and she hurried down the steps to greet them.
The car door opened, and a middle-aged man stepped out, followed by a few attendants.
Li Yueyao instantly put on a smile.
"Director Zhang, you've arrived."
Zhang Bin nodded, expressionless.
"Manager Li, are you ready for today's random inspection?"
"We're all ready, Director Zhang. If you're not in a hurry, why don't we have a meal before we get to work? I've already invited the executive chef of a five-star hotel to do the cooking, and his culinary skills are quite good."
Zhang Bin shook his head with an impassive face.
"No need, let's get to work first."
Li Yueyao welcomed Zhang Bin and his group, walking them into the company's main doors.
Seeing Lin Chudong standing at the entrance, she immediately frowned.
"Why are you still here? Don't be endless; read the room a little."
Although Li Yueyao had said she would arrange a job for him, it wasn't going to be right now.
This fellow had no idea where he had run off to for five years—couldn't he read basic social cues at all?
Zhang Bin paused for a moment and asked, "Manager Li, who is this..."
Li Yueyao hurriedly said, "Oh, just a distant relative of mine. We're not close."
Li Yueyao's status was no longer ordinary, and she least wanted to be associated with people at the very bottom.
Thus, she used the term "distant relative" to avoid any misunderstandings.
Zhang Bin nodded and didn't speak further, though he felt that Lin Chudong's demeanor and aura were somewhat unusual.
Lin Chudong said indifferently, "I don't have that much time to waste with you either. You just need to state the truth of what happened back then, and I won't look for you anymore."
Li Yueyao's brows twisted into a tight knot, her expression turning somewhat displeased.
"Are you ever going to quit?"
"Security, throw him out!"
As her voice fell, two security guards walked over, grabbing Lin Chudong by his clothes from left and right and beginning to push him around.
Lin Chudong frowned slightly and said coldly, "I advise you not to mess around, or you'll be the ones getting hurt."
The head of security sneered, "Heh, you little punk, quite arrogant, aren't you? Let's go!"
Growing somewhat impatient, Lin Chudong prepared to make a move.
Suddenly, during the struggle with his clothes, an identification document slipped out and dropped to the ground.
Everyone else thought nothing of it, but Zhang Bin's expression abruptly shifted.
"Stop! Wait a moment!"
Zhang Bin stepped forward, bent down, and picked up the black document from the ground.
Opening it up, he was instantly struck with shock!
This was the highest-level pass of the Dragon Kingdom!
Only leaders of extremely high rank possessed such an item.
However, the position field on the document was left completely blank, filled in with nothing.
Just what on earth was this man's identity?
Zhang Bin hurriedly scolded the two security guards.
"Let go right now!"
The two guards were stunned and hastily released their grip.
Since Li Yueyao was so respectful to Zhang Bin, the two of them naturally wouldn't dare to act presumptuously.
Zhang Bin stepped forward and presented the precious pass back with both hands.
"Mr. Lin Chudong, is it?"
Lin Chudong took back the document and casually shoved it into his pocket.
This sight made Zhang Bin even more terrified.
If he possessed such a pass, he would want to wrap it in layers of protection and tuck it away in the safest place possible.
Yet in Lin Chudong's hands, it was treated just like a pack of tissues, casually shoved into his pocket.
"Mn."
Lin Chudong gave a cold, detached reply of a single syllable.
"Dare I ask what Mr. Lin's..."
Zhang Bin desperately wanted to know who Lin Chudong really was, and why he held the highest-level pass yet had no position explicitly written upon it.
Lin Chudong said in a low voice, "Don't ask what you shouldn't."
A trace of cold sweat instantly seeped across Zhang Bin's forehead.
He understood in an instant: it wasn't that Lin Chudong lacked a position, but rather that Zhang Bin was simply not worthy of knowing what it was!
Seeing Lin Chudong's cold tone, Li Yueyao immediately frowned.
"Hey, you with the surname Lin, how are you talking to Director Zhang? Answer whatever he asks you; don't be so disrespectful!"
Hearing this, Zhang Bin's expression changed drastically.
"Manager Li, what kind of nonsense are you spouting?"
"How Mr. Lin speaks to me—what business is that of yours?"
Seeing Zhang Bin flare up in anger, Li Yueyao was completely dumbfounded.
She had been speaking up to help Zhang Bin, so why was she the one being reprimanded instead?
"Director Zhang, he is..."
Zhang Bin ignored her entirely and said to Lin Chudong, "Mr. Lin, you and Manager Li know each other?"
No matter what Lin Chudong's background was, holding that document meant he was someone Zhang Bin could not afford to offend.
He could even be considered Zhang Bin's superior.
If he truly was a friend or relative of Li Yueyao, Zhang Bin would still need to treat her with a bit of courtesy.
Lin Chudong said, "Didn't she just say it? We're not close."
Li Yueyao's expression turned somewhat ugly.
Through what had just transpired, she had caught on to something.
Zhang Bin seemed to hold the utmost respect for Lin Chudong.
And all of this change was because of that document he had dropped earlier.
What on earth was that thing that could make the bureau director treat him with such deference?
Hearing Lin Chudong's words, Zhang Bin understood immediately.
"Rest assured, Mr. Lin, our Quality Supervision Bureau will certainly adhere to the strictest inspection standards. We will never allow any problems with food safety."
Li Yueyao's face turned pale.
Those operating in the food industry feared the Quality Supervision Bureau above all else.
After all, with a company as large as theirs, there was a massive volume of products on the assembly lines.
It was entirely normal for one or two substandard items to slip through occasionally.
Yet if bad luck struck and the bureau caught them, the matter could be blown up into something big or swept aside as something small.
Judging by Zhang Bin's initial attitude, even if flaws were found, there should have been room for negotiation.
But now, with Lin Chudong putting it that way, Zhang Bin would likely demand the absolute strictest standards of them.
If a real disaster struck, Li Yueyao couldn't possibly bear the responsibility!
What on earth was this bastard's identity?
What exactly was that document?
At that very moment, a young man suddenly walked in from outside.
"Yueyao, what's wrong?"
Seeing this young man, Li Yueyao looked as though she had spotted her savior, instantly letting out a breath of relief.
This young man was Li Yueyao's suitor, the son of the captain of the Law Enforcement Team, Huang Yanqing.
His timing was impeccable.
Zhang Bin would surely give his father a bit of face.
Huang Yanqing walked up to Li Yueyao and looked Lin Chudong up and down.
"I've seen his photo before. He's that childhood sweetheart you mentioned, right?"
"Doesn't look like much, does he?"
"Hanging around outside doing poorly these past few years, so you came to latch onto Yueyao?"
"Built pretty sturdily, though. Could work as a gatekeeper at my company."
"Consider it me taking care of you on Yueyao's behalf. How about that?"
Chapter 5
When Huang Yanqing spoke, he wore an air of supreme arrogance.
It was as if a divine dragon were looking down upon an ant, a trace of contempt flashing in his eyes.
Before Lin Chudong could speak, Zhang Bin immediately frowned.
"Who are you? Who gave you permission to talk to Mr. Lin like that?"
Huang Yanqing put on a polite smile and said, "Uncle Zhang, I'm Huang Yadong's son."
Zhang Bin was momentarily startled. "Captain Huang's son?"
Zhang Bin did indeed know his father, the captain of the Law Enforcement Team. He hadn't expected Li Yueyao to have this connection as well.
Huang Yanqing said politely, "That's right, my father mentions you all the time."
"Yueyao is my girlfriend. During the inspection in a moment, I must ask you to show some leniency."
Zhang Bin frowned slightly and said, "No matter whose girlfriend she is, the inspections that need to be done will be done."
"Alright then, Uncle Zhang, hurry up and go work with Yueyao. Leave this side of things to me to handle."
Zhang Bin glanced at Lin Chudong, nodded slightly, and then walked into the office building alongside Li Yueyao.
Only then did Li Yueyao breathe a sigh of relief. Although Huang Yanqing calling her his girlfriend just now made her feel a bit resistant, at least this could keep Zhang Bin from being too strict.
This was the power of influence and authority.
If she had stayed with Lin Chudong back then, there was no telling what kind of destitute state she'd have fallen into by now.
Women, it turned out, really needed to be pragmatic.
After Li Yueyao left, Lin Chudong furrowed his brows slightly.
This woman's current demeanor made him somewhat averse. He had planned to get all his questions answered in one go so he wouldn't ever need to see her again, but once again, he hadn't managed to ask.
Huang Yanqing stood before Lin Chudong, sneered, and said, "Punk, Li Yueyao is my woman. I advise you not to come harass her ever again."
Since he was pursuing Li Yueyao, naturally he didn't want Lin Chudong showing up to seek a reconciliation.
Judging by his outfit, he looked dirt poor—did a person like that even deserve to compete with him for a woman?
Lin Chudong said coldly, "You misunderstood. I have zero interest in her."
Huang Yanqing smiled faintly.
"Stop putting on a tough front."
"I'll take you to a place so you can learn a lesson and remember it."
With that, Huang Yanqing threw a glance backward.
Two men stepped out from inside the car, standing on either side of Lin Chudong.
The youth on the left pulled out an ID badge and flashed it before Lin Chudong.
"Kid, don't resist. Once we get down to the team headquarters, you'll get what's coming to you."
Seeing their posture, Lin Chudong frowned.
"You're dragging me to the Law Enforcement Team?"
A playful curve touched the corner of Huang Yanqing's mouth.
"Taking you there to have some fun, otherwise you'll never know what kind of person you've offended."
A hint of coldness flashed through Lin Chudong's eyes.
"Fine, I actually happen to have business to take care of at the Law Enforcement Team anyway."
Huang Yanqing burst out laughing.
"You've got a good attitude, kid. Once we get there, it won't be up to you anymore!"
With that, the group got into the car, and Lin Chudong offered no resistance along the way.
Before long, they arrived at the Law Enforcement Team headquarters.
Lin Chudong was escorted into a small, dark room.
The door closed shut.
Huang Yanqing hauled in a short baton.
"Punk, do you know what kind of place this is?"
A playful glint appeared on Lin Chudong's face.
"You're going to beat me here?"
Huang Yanqing smiled faintly. "Looks like you aren't completely stupid."
Lin Chudong said, "I advise you not to do this, or the consequences won't be something you can shoulder."
Huang Yanqing sneered, "You motherfucker still dare to threaten me?"
"Today, I'm making sure you walk in upright and get carried out horizontally!"
......
Zhang Bin walked down from upstairs, with Li Yueyao trailing behind him like a puppy.
"Director Zhang..."
Zhang Bin said, "Your passing rate for the random inspection fails to meet standards. I'll give you one week to rectify the issues. I'll be back next week."
Zhang Bin's tone allowed for no argument, and Li Yueyao was utterly helpless at this point.
Noticing the courtyard downstairs was completely empty, Zhang Bin suddenly frowned.
"Where are Huang Yanqing and Mr. Lin?"
A security guard paused, not daring to lie. "Just now, Young Master Huang and a few others forced that man into a car and took him away."
Zhang Bin's expression shifted drastically in an instant.
"Damn it, something's going to happen!"
......
Inside the Law Enforcement Team, Deputy Captain Su Momo had just returned from executing a mission.
Having shed her crisp leather jacket, her exquisite and curvaceous figure instantly drew the sidelong glances of her colleagues.
Several male colleagues peeked secretly, terrified of being caught. Captain Su's figure was simply too stunning.
Whoever managed to marry Captain Su would truly be blessed beyond measure.
After Su Momo took a sip of water, she suddenly sensed that something felt off.
"What's going on in the interrogation room? Who's in there?"
Several team members stammered and didn't dare to speak.
With her brows locked in a frown, Su Momo marched straight up to the interrogation room and kicked the door open.
At that moment, muffled cries of agony drifted out from inside.
She looked sharply and saw Huang Yanqing sprawled on the floor, curled up in a corner and wailing incessantly, looking precisely like a mad dog beaten into submission.
Upon seeing Su Momo arrive, Huang Yanqing grabbed onto her like a drowning man clutching a straw of hope.
"Captain Su, save me! He hit me!"
Lin Chudong was holding half of a broken guard baton in his hand.
He shook his head.
The quality of this thing was simply too poor; it broke after just ten minutes of beating.
If this had been made of iron, he could have kept going a bit longer.
Su Momo's pupils instantly contracted, and she drew in a deep breath, making her ample chest heave even more dramatically.
"What are you doing? Who gave you permission to resort to violence here?!"
Lin Chudong tossed the baton onto the floor and said, "Captain Su, was it? Don't talk nonsense; he's the one who hit me first, and he's the one who dragged me here."
Su Momo hauled Huang Yanqing up with one hand and tossed him out of the interrogation room.
This wasn't the first or second time Huang Yanqing had pulled stunts like this, and Su Momo roughly knew what was going on.
It was just that this time, he had run into a tough nut to crack, gaining no advantage whatsoever and instead getting beaten up this miserably.
She never imagined that the scrawny kid standing before her could beat Huang Yanqing into such a state.
Yet since Huang Yanqing's old man was her captain, Su Momo had no other choice.
"Alright, you're fine to leave."
Lin Chudong seated himself in a chair and crossed his legs.
"Leave? Dragging me in here was easy, but getting me to leave won't be."
Su Momo frowned slightly.
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing much. I think it's quite nice here. I'll stay a while longer."
Su Momo let out a cold huff.
"Then stay here all you want!"
With that, she slammed the door behind her and strode off.
Stepping out of the interrogation room, she saw that all her colleagues had turned frantic, hurriedly and efficiently tidying up the office.
"What's going on?"
"Captain Su, get ready quickly! The Bureau Chief and the City Lord are arriving immediately!"
Su Momo's expression flickered.
"The Bureau and the City Lord are both coming? What on earth happened?"
......
Five minutes later.
Over twenty vehicles parked neatly outside the entrance of the Law Enforcement Team.