"Miss, what's the matter? Why are you hitting people?"
Zhao Xiaolu, who rushed over upon hearing the commotion, stepped forward to intervene, preventing the woman from striking again.
"And who are you? What right do you have to interfere?"
The woman sized up Zhao Xiaolu, her eyes filled with both envy and jealousy.
"I'm from the Security Bureau. You hit my colleague, don't I have the right to ask?"
Zhao Xiaolu saw a large slap mark on the soldier's face and was angered.
Soldiers from any department were heroes, holding their posts even during the holiday season to maintain order.
Zhao Xiaolu had always respected heroes and would not allow anyone to insult them maliciously.
"Oh wow! Little sister, don't think you're so great just because you're well-endowed. My business is none of your concern!"
"You... please speak properly, no personal attacks."
Zhao Xiaolu adjusted her clothes, but it was in vain; sometimes, being too large was also a burden.
"I'm not wasting my breath with you. Find my bag immediately, or I'll have you all fired!"
Hearing this, the onlookers began to whisper.
"Who is this woman? How dare she threaten to get people from the Security Bureau fired?"
"Don't know! But judging by her attire, she must be a young lady from a prominent family."
Su Yang, after dealing with the old man's affairs, also arrived.
Zhao Xiaolu and a group of soldiers saluted him.
"Director Su!"
The woman looked at Su Yang, a hint of interest sparking in her eyes.
"Oh wow! When did the Security Bureau get a new administrator? And so young. Your surname is Su, is there such a family in Songhai?"
The woman thought hard. She knew of Songhai's four major families – Duan, Bai, Liu, and Lin – and even some second-tier families, but she had never heard of the Su family.
Su Yang also appraised the woman. She was around thirty, heavily made-up, and reeked of strong perfume.
A mole by her mouth made people instinctively recoil.
"Miss, why did you hit my colleague?"
"As soldiers of the Security Bureau, their duty is to protect the safety of people and property. My bag is lost, and they can't find it. Shouldn't I punish them?"
Su Yang frowned. What kind of logic was this?
Her bag was pickpocketed, and because they couldn't find it, she resorted to hitting people, and not just anyone, but Security Bureau soldiers.
If this incident wasn't handled properly, who would be willing to be a soldier in the future? Who would maintain order for the country?
Su Yang said sternly, "Even if punishment were warranted, it's not your place as an outsider. Apologize to my colleague immediately, or this director has the authority to arrest you!"
"Arrest me? Go ahead! If you dare, I'll make you regret it!"
The woman proactively extended her hands, her attitude utterly arrogant and rude.
Su Yang wasted no more words, pulled out his handcuffs, and stepped forward to cuff her.
Zhao Xiaolu quickly pulled him back. "Director, are you arresting her without even asking for her identity? What if she's connected to someone important?"
"Yes, Director Su, I was only hit once. You don't need to put yourself at risk for your subordinates."
The soldier who had been hit also held Su Yang back, afraid he would bring trouble upon himself.
"What? Scared now? Weren't you very arrogant just now?"
The woman sneered, her eyes filled with disdain and contempt.
With a click, Su Yang fitted her with a pair of handcuffs and pushed her into the car.
"You few, take her back. She's not to be released until she apologizes!"
So decisive! So strong!
The Security Bureau soldiers were filled with admiration and saluted.
"Yes, Director!"
This kind of protective and domineering leader was exactly who they were willing to serve.
In the car, the woman panicked.
"Su, you can't arrest me. Do you know who I am?"
Su Yang sneered. He had already scanned the woman with his clairvoyant eye.
"I know you are Guan Xiaoyue, the cousin of Situ Guan from the General Affairs Bureau, but so what?"
Guan Xiaoyue was stunned. Su Yang knew her identity and still dared to act.
Did this kid have a powerful backer, or was he just reckless?
Guan Xiaoyue quickly took out her phone. "Cousin, hurry, I've been arrested..."
"Yes, right here on Flower Street. Are you nearby? Great, then come and save me..."
Guan Xiaoyue cried as she spoke, as if she had been beaten.
Her sobs were interspersed with playful coquetry, showing her ulterior motives.
Zhao Xiaolu said softly, "Director, if the General Affairs Department shows up, it will be a big problem."
"Yes, Director, let's release her first. I'll apologize to her. Please don't fall out with the General Affairs Department!"
The Security Bureau soldiers urged him, fearing that Su Yang would fall out with the General Affairs Department.
Situ Guan, the head of the General Affairs Department, was the top official in Songhai. The deputy director of the Security Bureau was at most the fifth-ranked official, a significant difference in rank.
If a conflict were to arise, the General Affairs Department would surely make things difficult for Su Yang.
In fact, they didn't know that Situ Guan and Su Yang were already at odds.
"No need to panic, I have my ways of dealing with it!"
...
Less than ten minutes later.
Situ Guan arrived, panting, sweat beading on his forehead.
It was evident how much he valued his cousin, Guan Xiaoyue.
Situ Guan gasped, "So you're the one who arrested Xiaoyue. Release her quickly!"
Su Yang crossed his arms, unfazed even by the head of the General Affairs Department. "Head of General Affairs, aren't you going to ask what she did?"
"What she did is my business to explain. It's not your place to arrest people. Release her now!"
"I regret to inform you! I arrested her today, and she will not be released!"
"You..." Situ Guan pointed at Su Yang furiously, utterly surprised by the young man's unyielding stance.
The head of the General Affairs Department was the highest-ranking official in every city, controlling the finances. However, he could not directly dismiss a high-ranking administrator like Su Yang.
This was also a bottom line for the Dragon Country, to prevent local leaders from abusing their power and eliminating rivals.
"Su Yang, don't forget, the Security Bureau's funding next year still requires my signature to be approved!"
"Heh heh, I, Su Yang, lack many things, but money is not one of them! The Security Bureau can be fully supported by me!"
Su Yang smiled indifferently. Situ Guan was actually using funding to pressure him.
It was laughable.
Situ Guan's face darkened. He suddenly remembered that since Su Yang's rise, he had been on a meteoric ascent, with countless products under his name.
Coupled with the sale of music copyrights, his wealth had long made him the leading figure in Songhai.
Supporting the Security Bureau soldiers and covering daily expenses was a drop in the bucket for Su Yang.
Situ Guan said grimly, "Even if you're not short of money, you have to consider those around you. In Songhai, it's very easy for me to find leverage against them!"
"Are you threatening me?"
Su Yang was also enraged. "Situ Guan, if you dare to touch my people, I guarantee the whole world will know about you and your cousin!"
Situ Guan's hands trembled, but he quickly regained his composure.
"I don't understand what you're talking about. Release her quickly, and I can pretend tonight never happened."
Situ Guan's tone softened, and he no longer dared to threaten Su Yang.
"If you want this director to release her, then your cousin must apologize for hitting my colleague!"
Su Yang pointed at the soldier who had been hit, the five-finger slap mark still clearly visible on his face.
Situ Guan weighed the pros and cons and went to Guan Xiaoyue's side.
"Xiaoyue, how could you hit a Security Bureau soldier? They are the iron-willed heroes of the Dragon Country. You hitting them is a very serious matter."
Guan Xiaoyue was dismissive. "They can't even catch a thief, so what iron-willed heroes are they? Besides, they are just minor soldiers. You are the highest leader in Songhai, are you afraid of them?"