"I called you to release the man, but you pretended not to hear me, forcing me to come all the way to the Yunshan City Police Department myself!" Hu Tianhua's tone was accusatory from the moment he opened his mouth. "If you actually become the Chief, wouldn't your ego get too big for your boots?"

After all, he was Liu Tiannan's direct superior, so there was no need for courtesy.

Liu Tiannan's heart went cold.

The truth was, his first instinct upon receiving the call had been to release the man. However, releasing Zhao Dabao meant defying the formidable Chen Zheng. That was why he had kept Zhao Dabao locked up tight for the past two days, stalling for as long as he could. Beside him, Chen Jiasong wore a deeply troubled expression; he knew exactly how much pressure Deputy Chief Liu was under.

"What is it?" Hu Tianhua's expression instantly darkened. "Deputy Chief Liu, I've come here in person, and you're still not going to do anything? This man is getting out of line."

He's just an *acting* chief for now! Whether he gets the permanent position is entirely up to me. Good grief. And now he dares to ignore my words?

With a bitter expression, Liu Tiannan turned to Chen Zheng. "Mr. Chen, about this matter..."

Seeing Liu Tiannan ignore his question and turn to Chen Zheng instead, Hu Tianhua was about to explode. I'm standing right here, and he's asking for someone else's opinion? Isn't that a slap in my face?

"Deputy Chief Liu, I hear this is a critical time for your promotion. You'd better make the right choice and not gamble with your future," Zhao Huiru interjected quickly. After a brief pause, she added, "If you release my brother now, I promise to fund the Yunshan City Police Department with two hundred million yuan!

"I can help you build several police academies in Yunshan, which would contribute to your stable development. You won't refuse an offer like this, will you?"

Liu Tiannan was completely stunned. The others, including Chen Jiangsong, were equally dumbfounded. An offer of two hundred million yuan, just like that, plus funding for new police academies!

This is incredible! The great families of Jiangnan really operate on another level!

However, Deputy Chief Liu didn't let the two hundred million yuan go to his head. Chen Zheng hadn't given his opinion yet, so it wasn't the time to act rashly.

As long as Mr. Chen says nothing, I can't accept it. Not even for two billion!

"Mr. Chen, please, say something!" Liu Tiannan pleaded bitterly.

Honestly, this isn't that big of a deal, he thought. If Mr. Chen would just give in a little, this whole thing would be over. Neither side would suffer any real loss. It would be best to turn this big issue into a small one, and the small one into nothing.

"Deputy Chief Liu, just follow procedure. You can rest assured that if any problems arise, I will handle them," Chen Zheng said calmly, making his position clear. "If anyone dares to threaten you, I will solve that problem for you. But Zhao Dabao must be punished severely, according to the regulations."

Hearing this, Zhao Huiru let out a cold laugh. "You damn fool, are you drunk? Deputy Chief Liu is just showing you some respect. Do you really think you're in a position to give him orders?"

How laughable! Even if this kid has some influence in Yunshan, how could he possibly have the authority to command the Chief of Police?

Hu Tianhua, standing nearby, also sneered. He still couldn't figure out why Liu Tiannan was so afraid of this man. But I'm here in person now. Does he dare to defy my orders? Unless... Liu Tiannan is drunk too!

But to his utter astonishment, Liu Tiannan slowly nodded. "Mr. Chen, your word is all I need. I will enforce the law impartially!"

In reality, this was the exact statement he had been waiting for from Chen Zheng. After all, his relationship with Chen Zheng wasn't exactly great. They had nearly had a misunderstanding over the Yun Family incident. If I help Chen Zheng and offend Hu Tianhua, only for Chen Zheng to do nothing, I'll be in deep trouble! But now that he's made his position clear, I have nothing left to fear!

"Liu Tiannan, what do you think you're doing?" Hu Tianhua sensed that something was wrong, his brow furrowing deeply.

"I'm very sorry, Director Hu, but our investigation has confirmed that Tianxing Media Co., Ltd. has committed numerous regulatory violations." Liu Tiannan spoke with conviction, showing no sign of backing down. "During their operations, they also engaged in various forms of commercial fraud, and Zhao Dabao himself is a suspect in multiple crimes. Therefore, he absolutely cannot be released. He is awaiting severe punishment!"

If I weren't caught between these two, I would have handled this by the book long ago, leaving no room for complaint.

"What... What did you just say?" Hu Tianhua was stunned, unable to believe his ears. This man is just a lowly acting chief, not even officially promoted yet. How dare he openly defy me? Is he looking to die?

"Deputy Chief Liu, I suggest you think before you speak!" Hu Tianhua threatened coldly.

Liu Tiannan sneered and slowly shook his head. "Director Hu, I believe I've made myself perfectly clear. With all the charges against him combined, Zhao Dabao won't be getting out for the next eight or ten years. He will absolutely not be released today!"

"Liu Tiannan, let me be clear. I didn't come here to ask for your opinion. I came here to give you an order!" Hu Tianhua was utterly enraged.

This is outright rebellion! Daring to defy my order is the ultimate taboo! I came to Yunshan in person, which was already giving him an immense amount of face. I can't believe it. The man is so reckless. He not only ignores my command but instead listens to some hotel owner? This guy... What benefits could he possibly offer? Can he make you the official Chief? Can he give you two hundred million? Has he really been drinking?

"Liu Tiannan, I'll say this one last time. Release the man immediately. Otherwise, I can make you a general without an army right this second!" Hu Tianhua threatened again.

His position in the provincial department was quite high, and he was in charge of personnel appointments. A single word from him was all it would take to strip Liu Tiannan of everything...

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