"Someone from the Zhao family?"
Hearing old Luo's words, Yu Youwei seemed unconcerned. "So what if someone from the Zhao family is here? Why the fuss? Can the Zhao family really suppress the Song Department?"
"Little Sister Yu, you don't know who the Zhao family sent this time. If you did, you wouldn't be so optimistic."
Old Luo's expression was grave. "Do you want to know who from the Zhao family has arrived?"
"Oh? Who is it?"
Seeing Luo's somber expression, Yu Youwei became intrigued. "Tell me."
"Zhao Huashan!"
Old Luo glanced at Yu Youwei and the others, let out a long sigh, and finally uttered a name.
"What? Zhao Huashan? How could it be him?"
At the mention of Zhao Huashan, everyone present instantly changed color. An unprecedented tension appeared on their faces, clearly indicating that this was a figure of great importance.
Seeing their grim expressions, Shen Lang also became interested. "Weiwei, who is Zhao Huashan?"
"Director, you've only recently joined the Martial Guard Department, so you're not aware of many things."
Yu Youwei explained, "The Martial Guard Departments of the sixteen cities in Jiang Province are all under the jurisdiction of the Jiang Province Martial God Alliance. Zhao Huashan is none other than one of the five Deputy Leaders of the Jiang Province Martial God Alliance."
"The Martial Guard Departments of the sixteen cities, except for the Dongling Martial Guard Department which reports directly to the Leader, are divided among the five Deputy Leaders. Our Nanling Martial Guard Department is directly managed by Zhao Huashan."
"In other words, he is Director Song's direct superior, the superior of our superior."
"Hmm?" Shen Lang asked, slightly surprised. "Zhao Shengtian is surnamed Zhao, and Zhao Huashan is also surnamed Zhao. Is this the same Zhao family?"
"They are from the same lineage, uncle and nephew."
Yu Youwei continued, "Zhao Huashan is an extremely protective person, especially towards his nephew, Zhao Shengtian. Therefore, I'm worried about potential complications."
"Don't worry, there won't be any complications."
Shen Lang knew Yu Youwei's concerns. He spoke, "You just focus on your duties. Leave the rest to my uncle. If he can't handle it, I will. Regardless, those scums who have committed heinous crimes will receive the punishment they deserve."
Yu Youwei and old Luo, who had been hesitant and anxious, instantly felt confident after hearing Shen Lang's words.
That's right, they only needed to do what they were supposed to do. They didn't need to worry about anything else. Song Shadao and Shen Lang would bear all the pressure for them.
"Director, I understand. I'll go interrogate Zhao Shengtian personally. If he confesses, then even if Zhao Huashan wants to protect his nephew, he won't have any excuse."
Yu Youwei looked at Shen Lang, her eyes filled with determination.
"Good, go ahead. I'll go to Uncle's office first and take care of things for you."
With that, Shen Lang smiled and strode out of the office.
Five minutes later, Shen Lang arrived at Song Shadao's office door. Before he could even knock, he heard shouting from inside.
"Song Shadao, today is my nephew Zhao Shengtian's engagement day. You had him arrested. What is the meaning of this? You must give me a reason I can accept, or don't blame me for being impolite."
"Crash—"
After the roar, the sound of a breaking glass followed.
Shen Lang smiled faintly at this, then raised his hand and knocked three times on the door.
"Come in—"
After Shen Lang knocked, his uncle's voice quickly came from inside.
Shen Lang pushed the door open and walked in. His eyes immediately landed on an elder, about fifty years old, seated at Song Shadao's desk.
The elder wore a black Zhongshan suit, his hair neatly combed, and he had a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, looking like a university professor.
Song Shadao, on the other hand, was sitting in the chair Shen Lang usually occupied when visiting him. Compared to the angry elder in black, Song Shadao appeared much calmer and more composed.
"Ah, Shen Lang, you're here?"
Seeing Shen Lang, Song Shadao smiled and said.
"Director Song, who is this?"
With an outsider present, Shen Lang changed the word "uncle" on his lips to "Director Song." Although he knew the person opposite was undoubtedly Zhao Huashan, he feigned ignorance.
"Shen Lang, let me introduce you. This is Deputy Leader Zhao, who oversees our Nanling Martial Guard Department. He is our direct superior."
Song Shadao stood up and introduced Shen Lang.
"Deputy Leader Zhao, this is Shen Lang. He discovered the Paradise Island biochemical laboratory, and he is the one who investigated Zhao Shengtian. If you have any questions, let him report to you now."
Song Shadao, known as the Mad King of Killing, was arrogant and disdainful of everyone. The reason he appeared respectful to Zhao Huashan was merely a polite gesture to avoid trouble.
In his former personality, he wouldn't have even bothered to entertain someone like Zhao Huashan.
Seeing this, Shen Lang understood his uncle wanted to shift the burden. He stepped forward and said, "Greetings, Deputy Leader Zhao. I am the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Nanling Martial Guard Department. I discovered the Paradise Island laboratory and personally handled this case."
"Oh, you are Shen Lang?"
Hearing Shen Lang's words, Zhao Huashan snorted coldly and said, "I've heard of you and your deeds. Before you joined the Martial Guard Department, you created many miracles. You not only captured the fugitive Nalan Wushuang, the 'Gun King of the North,' who had been on the run for many years, but also found evidence of Tang Zixuan's crimes, bringing both to justice. You even exposed the Lin family's long-standing sins."
"After joining the Nanling Martial Guard Department, you not only captured He Yaodong, the 'Great Asian Drug King,' in Yangguo, but also single-handedly challenged Yangguo martial artists, killing their top martial artist, Yagyu Damma Shō. You are quite formidable, aren't you?"
"However, no matter how great your achievements, you cannot wrongly accuse innocent people, nor can you arrest someone during their engagement ceremony."
Zhao Huashan slammed the table heavily. "Who gave you the courage to act so recklessly and arrogantly?"
"Shen Lang, I'll give you ten minutes. You must release Zhao Shengtian and issue a public clarification to restore his reputation."
"This... I'm afraid that can't be done."
Shen Lang had expected Zhao Huashan to be more tactful in protecting Zhao Shengtian, but he was so blunt that Shen Lang was astonished.
Shen Lang looked at his uncle, who shrugged his shoulders with a nonchalant expression.
Clearly, Song Shadao wanted Shen Lang to do as he saw fit, without any psychological burden.
Seeing this, Shen Lang immediately understood Song Shadao's intentions. He looked at Zhao Huashan and sighed, "Deputy Leader Zhao, have you seen the tragic state of the Paradise Island biochemical laboratory?"
"I discovered the Paradise Island biochemical laboratory. At the time, over a dozen young girls were kept in biological culture dishes, treated like mice, while a group of white-coated scientists conducted experiments on them as if they were animals?"
"You tell me, when such inhumane acts occur, should it not be thoroughly investigated? If Zhao Shengtian is a suspect, should he not be brought in for questioning?"
Shen Lang struck Zhao Huashan with a moral blow. "Deputy Leader Zhao, if you say no here today, I will immediately order my subordinates to release Zhao Shengtian."