Min Rou felt a tinge of sorrow. She had developed a certain fondness for Li Nanfang. Although she was certain her feelings for him were not romantic, she regarded him as a friend. A man who appeared out of nowhere like a hero to save a girl from a desperate situation, only to be nearly beaten to death by the police himself—if he couldn't be considered a friend, then who could?
Earlier that morning, under the pretext of dispatching a vehicle, Meng Rou had visited the fleet management department. Not seeing Li Nanfang there had left her worried all morning. Now, seeing Boss Yue's "schadenfreude," she was torn—she couldn't voice her concerns, which left a bitter taste in her mouth.
"Xiao Rou," Boss Yue's voice interrupted her reverie.
"Ah, Boss Yue, what is it?" Meng Rou started, quickly snapping out of her daze. She noticed the phone ringing and realized she had been daydreaming. Blushing slightly, she hurried to answer it.
The call was from the receptionist, Sui Yuemo, informing her that Director Zhang from the Municipal Bureau was here to see Boss Yue. Director Zhang had come to provide an explanation regarding Bai Ling's abuse of power on Li Nanfang. Otherwise, as the esteemed Director of the Municipal Bureau, he would not have condescended to visit Kaihuang Group under the guise of a "visit."
"Yuemo, please have Director Zhang wait a moment. I'll come down to greet him right away," Yue Tong said.
Such matters required no consultation with Boss Yue. Meng Rou knew how to handle it. When she escorted Director Zhang out of the elevator, Boss Yue was already waiting at the entrance.
"Goodness, Boss Yue, you're too polite. Hehe," Director Zhang said, his face beaming with surprise and gratitude as he quickened his pace and extended his hand from afar.
After a light handshake, Boss Yue invited Director Zhang into the office and asked him to be seated. She specially instructed Meng Rou to brew tea, and to use the finest tea, as a sign of respect for Director Zhang.
If this had been in Jinghua, with Boss Yue's aristocratic background, she would not have needed to extend such courtesies to a mere local bureau director. However, as she was currently developing her business independently in Qing Shan City, she could not afford to put on airs.
After a few pleasantries, Director Zhang got down to business. Given the intentional misconduct and abuse of power by Bai Ling, the former deputy captain of the criminal police team in handling the case of Hao Lianqing's酒后骚扰 (post-consumption harassment) of Meng Rou, the bureau had decided, after careful deliberation, to dismiss her from the police force as a warning to others.
Boss Yue was certain that if this incident had not involved her, the bureau's punishment of Bai Ling would not have been so severe. It was common knowledge that police officers occasionally roughed up criminals during investigations. Even if the victim made a fuss, the worst that would happen was a suspension for investigation—certainly not dismissal from the police force, which would ruin her career prospects.
With her intelligence, Boss Yue could easily discern that Director Zhang's actions also carried an implicit plea for leniency: the bureau's apology was sincere enough; she hoped Boss Yue would show mercy and spare the young girl.
Of course, if Boss Yue had insisted on pursuing the matter, the bureau would have obliged. After all, the bureau was in the wrong in this case. However, doing so would have created a lasting rift between Kaihuang Group and the bureau.
Boss Yue's status was undeniably significant, but one must remember that local officials wield considerable influence. While they might not dare to confront her directly, they could subtly undermine her, leaving her with no recourse but to suffer in silence.
"Director Zhang, please help yourself to a cigarette," Boss Yue said, pushing the cigarette box towards Director Zhang after a moment of contemplation. "To be honest, I was quite angered last night when I witnessed Officer Bai's brutal treatment of my Kaihuang Group employee. After all, before the facts were clear, she subjected the individual to such treatment merely because he was mistakenly struck by Li Nanfang, who was acting in a just cause—how else can I put it? In my opinion, her actions were excessive, and her dismissal from the police force is well-deserved."
Director Zhang immediately nodded in agreement, "Yes, indeed. Her irrational and violent behavior discredits the entire Qing Shan City police department and disheartens those who act courageously. She truly deserves the harshest punishment."
"However, as the old saying goes, 'To err is human; none are spared from mistakes,'" Boss Yue continued, her tone shifting. "Officer Bai's rise to deputy captain of the criminal police team at a young age is a testament to her significant contributions to the nation. While her occasional lapse in judgment and mistake should not be overlooked, it would be unfair to disregard her past achievements and destroy her career over a single error."
"Absolutely, Boss Yue is absolutely right," Director Zhang concurred, his smile broadening as he nodded vigorously.
"Under these circumstances, I propose that Officer Bai apologize to Li Nanfang in person and provide appropriate compensation for his mental distress. In return, I will not pursue the matter further," Boss Yue said, her hands elegantly crossed over her abdomen as she rested her left leg atop her right. "As for how the bureau handles this internally, that is a matter for you to decide."
Seeing Director Zhang's low-profile approach, Boss Yue chose not to press the issue further. However, she could not simply let the matter rest without some form of accountability. It was foreseeable that Bai Ling would no longer be fit to serve as deputy captain of the criminal police team.
Director Zhang understood Boss Yue's intentions and was satisfied. Even without her hints, the bureau had already convened an emergency meeting and unanimously concluded that Bai Ling was no longer suitable for her position as deputy captain. As for requiring Bai Ling to apologize to Li Nanfang and compensate him for his economic losses, this was only reasonable. After all, she had beaten him so severely that he wet his pants—some form of financial compensation was the least she could offer.
"Of course," Director Zhang agreed. He then inquired, "I wonder if Mr. Li Nanfang is hospitalized or has returned to work? If he is at the office today—well, Bai Ling is waiting outside."
Boss Yue smiled and replied, "Li Nanfang is neither hospitalized nor at work. I have granted him a three-day leave."
"Very well. I will have Bai Ling come to the company to apologize to Mr. Li in three days' time," Director Zhang said as he stood up to take his leave.
When he arrived, Director Zhang had been somewhat anxious, fearing that Boss Yue might be relentless in her pursuit of the matter. Such an outcome would have been unpleasant, as he was neither willing nor dared to engage in a conflict with the Jinghua Yue family over official matters. When he left, however, he felt a great burden lifted from his shoulders, bidding Boss Yue farewell with repeated gestures for her to stay put.
Neither of them mentioned the matter of Boss Hao, as it was of no consequence. Despite being beaten severely, Boss Hao, who was in the wrong, would have to compensate Meng Rou substantially to appease her anger.
In the backseat of Director Zhang's official car, Bai Ling sat wearing sunglasses. After returning home last night, she had cried for hours until her eyes were swollen and she was too ashamed to face anyone. She had thought that beating Li Nanfang would be satisfying, but in reality, the true satisfaction had been for that scoundrel. With no one to confide in, she could only feel miserable.
"Phew, finally got this matter settled," Director Zhang sighed after the car pulled out of Kaihuang Group's parking lot. He turned to Bai Ling and said, "Fortunately, she is reasonable and forgiving. She has agreed to let you apologize to Li Nanfang and compensate him for his economic losses in three days' time."
" Why should I apologize to him?" Before Director Zhang could finish, Bai Ling turned around abruptly, her voice sharp and high-pitched: "He's nothing but a despicable criminal with a criminal record—"
"Because you subjected him to abuse of power!" Director Zhang, caught off guard by Bai Ling's outburst, was instantly furious. Ignoring the saliva droplets on his face, he bellowed back, "Because you have brought disgrace to the entire Qing Shan City police force! Bai Ling, don't you dare raise your voice with me. Starting tomorrow, you are suspended from duty. If you wish to continue, fine; if not, get out!"
Seeing Director Zhang truly angry, Bai Ling immediately fell silent, resorting to her usual tactic of feigning indifference, drooping her head and offering no response no matter how much he scolded her. However, her tightly clenched fists nearly pierced her palm with her fingernails: Li Nanfang, even if it means disappointing Director Zhang and losing my job as a police officer, I will not let you off easily!
With a crack of thunder, the sky, which had been overcast since the afternoon, finally unleashed a downpour, as if the heavens themselves were weeping for the impending misfortune of someone.
Chapter 37: A Cozy Candlelit Dinner
On a day of overcast skies and rain, people's moods generally tend to be less than cheerful. Especially for a single woman like Boss Yue, who doesn't indulge in nightlife after work, all she can do is return home, curl up on the sofa, and stare blankly at the heavy rain outside, unconsciously reminiscing about unpleasant past events, which only serves to deepen her melancholy and negativity.
Today was different, however. Boss Yue was humming a tune as she drove home, finding the water splashing under her car wheels particularly beautiful, and even the usually grating sounds of car horns seemed pleasant to her ears. It wasn't until she pulled into the villa's courtyard that she suddenly realized something was off.
This was far from normal. Why was she so elated? All she could think about after work was rushing home as if a child eagerly anticipating the New Year.
Could it be because there was someone else at home?
Nonsense, she told herself. Her good mood must be due to the timely rain. Didn't the farmers' corn need watering? This much-needed downpour would surely quench the parched earth.
As for that good-for-nothing scoundrel, why hadn't he hurried out with an umbrella to greet her the moment he saw her car enter the courtyard? Acting like a fawning dog?
After waiting for a while and not seeing him, Boss Yue felt a twinge of irritation. She huffed and remembered there was an umbrella in the backseat of the car.
Don't let me catch you napping on the living room sofa, or I'll make sure I don't beat you to death.
With a stern expression, Boss Yue entered the living room, shook off the rain from her umbrella, and placed it by the door. Then she walked into the living room.
The scoundrel wasn't in the living room, nor in the kitchen. The guest room's door on the east side was slightly ajar, revealing a neatly made wooden bed. Where could he be?
Boss Yue was certain that without her permission, he would not dare to go upstairs. After all, she had lightly honked the car horn when she pulled into the courtyard, and if he had indeed dared to venture into her private domain, he would have been in such a panic that he would have rushed downstairs by now.
After confirming that the scoundrel wasn't hiding to startle her, Boss Yue suddenly felt inexplicably annoyed: Could it be that he couldn't stand being with her and had left while she was at work?
Humph, if he left, so much the better!
She kicked the door panel a couple of times, flung off her high-heeled shoes as if they were a resigned courtesan discarded by a fickle lover, and let them lie haphazardly on the floor.
"Leaving is just fine, leaving is just fine. Now I won't have to go to the trouble of chasing him out," Boss Yue muttered to herself. She walked over to the wine cabinet, poured a glass of red wine, and collapsed lazily onto the sofa, propping her fair feet up on the coffee table. She grabbed the remote control and turned on the television.
A soccer match was broadcasting, with the Chinese national team playing against a Middle Eastern country whose citizens were suffering from famine. Despite being the home team, China was trailing 1-0. The anxious fans in the stands were already cursing.
Perhaps influenced by her profession, Boss Yue had a fondness for such physically demanding sports and could be considered a casual fan. She had attended matches before, pasting national flags on her cheeks to cheer for the players, hoping they would perform with the dignity of men—dying tragically but honorably.
But now, watching the game, she felt an urge to curse! It wasn't like this before. No matter how poorly the Chinese team performed, she would never have resorted to such vulgar insults as "waste" or "senile," which would tarnish her image as a noblewoman. She even felt the urge to smash the television.
"Damn it, you bunch of good-for-nothings! Useless losers!" Just as Boss Yue was about to throw the remote at the TV, the living room door opened.
A disheveled Li Nanfang burst in, exclaiming, "Hey, you're too heartless! In the pouring rain, I braved the elements to buy you some decent food, and you're telling me to die?"
Oh, so the soccer team suddenly started playing well? Tsk, tsk, look at that number nine, what a beautiful sliding tackle! Yes, yes, keep it up! Take down those domestic refugees who can't even afford a meal and yet have the nerve to play soccer. My mood suddenly lifted, and I felt like jumping into the TV to kick those players from the opposing country. However, I nonchalantly put down the remote and looked toward the door.
Li Nanfang was drenched from head to toe, carrying several plastic bags filled with vegetables, meat, and condiments. Under his left arm, he also had a bag with fresh, green wild vegetables peeking out.
So he had gone out to shop, not sneaked away.
Boss Yue's eyebrows lifted slightly, and she coolly explained, "I wasn't talking about you; I was cursing those soccer players."
"Oh, I figured you couldn't be that heartless. Keep cursing them, and curse some more for me while you're at it. I'm going to cook. By the way, you're lucky today. On my way back, I found some fresh shepherd's purse. It's a real delicacy—green, organic, and nutritious. Just crack some eggs and fry it in an electric griddle. The taste is so good it would make even the gods drool."
As Li Nanfang walked past a high-heeled shoe on his way to the kitchen, he casually kicked it toward the sofa and grumbled, "Please respect my labor from now on. Don't leave your shoes lying around. It's not classy and just makes the floor dirty."
Only then did Boss Yue notice that in the two years she had lived there, the floor was cleaner than it had been when she left in the morning, except for that one time when she tidied up Li Nanfang's room.
Of course, she wouldn't admit to being in the wrong and pouted, "This is my house. I can do as I please. What can you do about it?"
Li Nanfang ignored her. A truly smart man would never argue with a woman over such trivial matters, as they can come up with a thousand reasons to justify their disregard for others' efforts. It's better to conserve energy and cook something delicious to reward oneself. After all, cooking is an art form for Li Nanfang, even more important than killing, something only self-important men would dismiss as beneath their dignity.
As for Boss Yue? Ha! Who would expect someone whose culinary repertoire consists solely of noodles to prepare a decent meal? That would be sheer madness or sheer idiocy.
"Do you need help?" came Boss Yue's voice from the kitchen doorway. Li Nanfang was squatting on the ground, picking vegetables when he heard it. He saw a pair of fair feet in red crystal slippers, a striking contrast of red and white, followed by a sharp slap on his thigh as he exclaimed, "Oops, I forgot!"
"Forget what?" Boss Yue was startled by Li Nanfang's sudden outburst and quickly asked, concerned.
"I forgot to buy two pork trotters. Stewed pork trotters with yellow beans in a gentle simmer—absolutely heavenly!" Li Nanfang then yelped as Boss Yue hurled her crystal slipper at him. Catching it, he flung it back and shouted, "If you don't want to eat, just say so! Don't act so irrational—this slipper reeks! When was the last time you washed your feet?"
Dodging the flying slipper, Boss Yue hopped to the sofa and sat down with a single foot, looking rather comical. She would not let this go so easily, but for the moment, she would hold her tongue. After all, if it weren't for Li Nanfang's cooking, she wouldn't be so lenient. She considered the situation for a moment, then stood up and quickly ascended the stairs. She couldn't let him take advantage of her like that; she needed to put on thick socks.
After a bath and summarizing a proposal on her laptop, Boss Yue changed into a loose-fitting nightgown and made her way downstairs. Li Nanfang had just laid out the dinner on the table: a plate of egg-fried shepherd's purse, steamed white rice, a platter of pork belly so abundant it could satisfy even a pig, emerald-green sautéed spinach with shrimp, drizzled with sesame oil for a refreshing look, and a dish of skillfully sliced ginger-flavored lotus root.
"Madam Yue, does your humble servant's humble offering meet your approval?" Li Nanfang, who had likely already eaten a few pieces of pork belly, wiped his glossy lips and playfully pulled out a chair for her.
"It's passable, I suppose," Boss Yue replied with a nonchalant air as she seated herself. Even she was puzzled by how natural it felt to accept his attentive service. After all, they had dined together just that morning, and the previous night had been quite eventful.
Li Nanfang didn't expect Boss Yue to praise his cooking. With a broad smile, he asked, "Would you care for some wine?"
Before Boss Yue could respond, the lights suddenly went out, plunging her into darkness. Power outages were not uncommon during rainstorms, and her home was unprepared for such contingencies, leaving her to rely on her phone's flashlight. Just as she was about to take out her phone, a warm red glow appeared behind her. She turned to see Li Nanfang entering with a candle holder, two red candles flickering atop.
"I heard your birthday was a few days ago. I wasn't aware, so I've prepared a belated candlelit dinner tonight as a birthday surprise for Aunt Yue," Li Nanfang said with a grin as he placed the candle holder in the center of the dining table.
Boss Yue curled her lip and retorted, "You're mistaken. I'm actually eighty-eight years old. You should call me grandmother."
"Is that so? For someone well into their eighties, you're remarkably youthful and beautiful. It must be all the pig trotters you consume. They're rich in collagen, which has a beautifying effect," Li Nanfang said, lowering his gaze to Boss Yue's feet. However, she swiftly kicked his leg. Unfazed, Li Nanfang chuckled and sat across from her. He poured her a glass of wine and raised his in a toast. "To a belated birthday wish for the esteemed madam."
"Still no birthday gift, I see," Boss Yue remarked, clinking her glass lightly with his. The clear, pleasant sound of the glasses chimed through the air.
"Feel free to give me some money, and I'll go buy one," Li Nanfang suggested.
"Humph, using my money to buy me a gift? How clever of you," Boss Yue retorted, taking a small sip of her wine. "But never mind. Considering your impoverished state and your culinary talents, I'll let it slide this time."
"Gladly accepted, madam. I'm so grateful I could weep—preferably into my plate to show my appreciation," Li Nanfang replied, his words dripping with exaggerated sentimentality.
"Enough, enough! One more word of that, and I'll lose my temper," Boss Yue warned.
"Very well, let's eat," Li Nanfang acquiesced, helping himself to a large piece of braised pork and savoring it with relish. He praised the dish profusely, declaring it so delicious he could almost swallow his own tongue.
After just one day of genuine interaction with Li Nanfang, Boss Yue had already grown accustomed to his shameless self-praise. She tried a piece of the lean meat herself—though initially tasteless, it became flavorful with a few more bites.
"What have you been up to all these years?" Boss Yue asked after another toast. "Where did you study, and what jobs have you held since graduating from university?"
"University?" Li Nanfang let out a self-deprecating chuckle, his eyes drooping as he questioned, "You think someone like me would have the chance to study?"
Boss Yue was taken aback. "Then what have you done?"
"Starting at fifteen, I polished shoes on the streets, worked as a scrubber, or labored on construction sites as what you might call a migrant worker. At seventeen, I took up dishwashing in restaurants, and that's where I learned to cook, working there until I was twenty. Due to my unattractive appearance and insatiable appetite, I was eventually fired and had to take up manual labor at the docks," Li Nanfang recounted, his face darkening and his eyes welling with tears, though he bit his lips to demonstrate the bitterness of those times. "When hunger struck, I resorted to stealing and robbing. The number of beatings I endured could be converted into enough pig trotters to feed millions in Qing Shan City for a year."