Chapter 20: People Must Not Be Abandoned

In the eyes of those in power, the people below are all mere ants—tiny creatures that can be crushed with the flick of a finger.

Even though Xiao Ziguang became a son-in-law of the Xue family, he was still just a slightly stronger ant. With a little effort, he could be crushed.

Zhang Cheng made such a grand and troublesome appearance at the Criminal Police Department, bringing along Xiong Yaohui to demand someone, all to assert authority.

After all, the relationship between Zhang Xiao and Zhang Cheng was at least an open secret within the system, if not common knowledge.

Now, Xiao Ziguang had even arrested Zhang Xiao and paraded him around stripped bare in public. This was not only targeting Zhang Xiao but also a direct slap in Zhang Cheng’s face.

Zhang Cheng came with Xiong Yaohui to restore his dignity. Zhang Xiao was secured, and they also needed to deal with Xiao Ziguang, so everyone watching would know that Zhang Cheng was still the untouchable God of Wealth in Tianhai City.

As for Xue Ao, Zhang Cheng believed that as long as Xiong Yaohui communicated properly, Xue Ao wouldn’t stand up for a reckless son-in-law.

That was why, even though a single phone call could have settled the matter, Zhang Cheng insisted on dragging Xiong Yaohui all the way to the Criminal Police Department.

Sensing the moment was ripe, Zhang Cheng glanced at his wristwatch with an air of pretense. “Director Xiong, I have a meeting soon. Why don’t we release Zhang Xiao first?”

He looked deeply at Xiao Ziguang as he spoke. “As for your people, I won’t comment. I trust your integrity, Director Xiong, to give Zhang Xiao a satisfactory explanation.”

Though these words made Xiong Yaohui somewhat uncomfortable, he was in no position to refuse.

Glowering hatefully at Xiao Ziguang, Xiong Yaohui growled, “Xiao Ziguang, you’re suspended immediately and must write a 10,000-character self-criticism. If it isn’t thorough enough, you won’t be reinstated!”

“Luan Jin’an, how do you dare lead this squad? Such a huge mess was made under your watch, and you didn’t stop it! I’m truly disappointed. You’re writing a 3,000-character self-criticism as well!”

“Now bring Zhang Xiao here. Make sure he has some clothes to wear!”

Luan Jin’an exchanged a glance with Xiao Ziguang and was about to speak when Xiao Ziguang interrupted, “Director Xiong, you really can’t release him?”

Xiong’s face, already darkened, grew even more so. “Are you the boss here at the Criminal Police Department, or am I?”

“Xiao Ziguang, if you dare act recklessly again, don’t force me to hit you.”

Faced with Xiong Yaohui’s fury, Xiao Ziguang ignored him and instead raised his wrist, looking at his watch, counting down, “Five... four... three... two...”

Luan Jin’an caught on immediately and switched on the television, tuning it to Tianhai TV.

The host’s voice came through: “Welcome to Tianhai Television. Today’s main program includes…”

Xiong Yaohui frowned. He sensed something was about to happen. Zhang Cheng’s intelligence was evident; with a bit of thought, his expression changed, and his gaze darkened as he looked at Xiao Ziguang.

“Today, our reporter was at the Caixinxin Hotel when the Tianhai City Criminal Police Department was conducting an operation. They arrested two suspects involved in prostitution. One of them is rumored to be Zhang Xiao, a judge in the Tianhai City Court…”

This was arguably the boldest, most scandalous scene in Tianhai City’s media history, broadcast openly on television. Indeed, media people in 2000 were fearless—not even a single mosaic blur was applied.

Zhang Xiao’s face, as red as a monkey’s behind, appeared vividly on the 17-inch color TV. One could only imagine how many parents watching scrambled to cover their children’s eyes in panic.

Thanks to the cameraman’s dedication, the footage was strikingly clear, with Zhang Xiao’s features shown in close-up. Anyone who had seen Zhang Xiao before would recognize him instantly.

After watching the news, Zhang Cheng’s only thought was that his nephew had become a pile of filth—rotten to the core and utterly repulsive. Anyone who tried to pick him up would get stained as well.

Xiong Yaohui was taken aback, glancing at the TV and then at Xiao Ziguang in disbelief. Were young people nowadays really so ruthless? They usually kept a low profile but struck so hard when they acted?

This was a deliberate attempt to destroy a person utterly! With this little news broadcast, Zhang Xiao instantly became the laughingstock of Tianhai City, his career path completely severed!

He might even become a typical example in the anti-prostitution and anti-pornography campaign, facing the harshest, swiftest punishment.

The office fell silent, thick with an awkward atmosphere.

Xiao Ziguang sniffed and said, “According to the confessions and physical evidence we have, Zhang Xiao repeatedly engaged in prostitution. Further investigation shows he colluded with Li Bing from the Public Security Team, both supporting the same mistress…”

Zhang Cheng felt his temples throb. Without investigation, everything seems fine; once checked, all is rotten.

Smart people now must choose carefully. Even if this man is his nephew, when it’s time to sever ties, one must do so decisively and draw clear boundaries.

Just thinking about how many retired senior officials and current high-ranking leaders might have seen the news made Zhang Cheng’s teeth itch with rage.

Zhang Xiao was truly a bastard, a disgrace to his family!

“Who would have thought that Zhang Xiao, who usually pretended to be well-behaved, would betray party principles and morals to such a degree? Though he’s my nephew, I must uphold justice over family.”

“Director Xiong, please have your Public Security Bureau colleagues thoroughly investigate Zhang Xiao’s issues. It’s imperative to…”

Before Zhang Cheng could finish, Xiao Ziguang interrupted, “A brief interruption: our Criminal Police Department can only investigate criminal offenses. Other violations require more specialized departments.”

“Therefore, I recommend contacting the Discipline Inspection Commission and transferring Zhang Xiao to them.”

If it were just illicit relationships, even if Zhang Xiao faced administrative punishment, the worst would be losing his job. The bribes he had taken over the years would ensure a comfortable life thereafter.

But handing him over to the Discipline Inspection Commission meant scrutinizing every detail under a magnifying glass, finding fault even in the smallest things if possible.

Take Zhang Xiao’s bank deposits alone — a large sum of unexplained wealth enough to ruin him. Once these assets were confiscated, even if Zhang Xiao remained alive, without money, how could he enjoy his remaining years?

Xiao Ziguang’s move was not just vicious; it was exceptionally cruel. He intended not only to imprison Zhang Xiao but also to bankrupt him, forcing him to live in destitution for the rest of his life.

Zhang Cheng had initially wanted to defend Zhang Xiao as the bureau chief, but seeing Xiao Ziguang’s dark, merciless eyes, he decisively chose to remain silent.

He was afraid—afraid that a crazed Xiao Ziguang would turn his sights on him. He knew his own backside wasn’t clean either.

He began to regret why he had insisted on protecting his nephew, why he had stood up for Zhang Xiao.

Now, Zhang Cheng’s only hope was that after Xiao Ziguang dealt with Zhang Xiao, he wouldn’t come after him.

After all, this son-in-law of the Xue family was too ruthless—completely without rules, without scruples, without honor.