Chu Lingtian recognized the voice as Xiao Lengyue's and was surprised by her swift arrival.
"I'm inside!" Chu Lingtian casually replied.
In an instant, Xiao Lengyue burst in with several police officers, immediately surrounding Hei Bao and his men.
"You're quite prompt! Did you bring the rope?"
Xiao Lengyue nodded, frowning, "Why did you ask me to bring rope?"
Chu Lingtian chuckled, "Of course, so you can help tie them up and take them back to the police station!"
Xiao Lengyue immediately understood. Glancing at the scattered, incapacitated thugs on the ground, she ordered her subordinates to make arrests.
The police officers were also taken aback. Chu Lingtian hadn't asked them to arrest people; he had essentially asked them to collect casualties. These men were all finished. However, they were curious if Chu Lingtian had taken down so many people by himself.
Xiao Lengyue pointed at the men on the ground and asked, "Were all these people injured by you?"
"Is there anyone else here?"
Xiao Lengyue mused, "It seems there isn't!"
Hei Bao, lying on the ground, felt insulted. He was a renowned figure in the underworld, yet Chu Lingtian was casually conversing with Xiao Lengyue, completely disregarding him. This was too much!
"Kid, even bringing the police here today won't help. I will kill you!" Hei Bao roared furiously. Not only had Chu Lingtian ruined his business, but he had also called the police. If Master Hu found out, he would be in serious trouble!
Bang!
Hei Bao threw a punch at Chu Lingtian's face. It was swift and powerful, like a roaring tiger.
"Be careful! Chu..."
Before Xiao Lengyue could finish, she saw Chu Lingtian catch Hei Bao's fist and then deliver a punch to his face.
*Crack!*
Chu Lingtian's punch shattered Hei Bao's nose and knocked out five of his front teeth. Blood splattered everywhere, a gruesome sight. Chu Lingtian had even held back; otherwise, his head would have been crushed like a watermelon.
"You should have warned him, not me!" Chu Lingtian quipped with a grin. He then looked at Hei Bao and sighed, "You claim to be a boxer? Your punches are so weak, as if you haven't eaten properly!" "I suggest you train harder later! You're truly pathetic!"
Enduring the pain, Hei Bao lunged forward again, his fists clenched, aiming for Chu Lingtian's chest. Chu Lingtian remained calm. This time, he didn't punch. He swung his left leg forward.
*Whoosh!*
Hei Bao was sent flying backward like a deflated ball, crashing into a pillar in the hall. Several ribs snapped instantly. He struggled to get up, but his attempts were futile.
"You're really too weak!" Chu Lingtian said with a smile, then turned to Xiao Lengyue and her team, signaling them to make arrests.
Xiao Lengyue and the officers looked embarrassed, even ashamed, as if they had been slapped in the face. Honestly, Hei Bao was not a weak fighter; they wouldn't have stood a chance against him in a one-on-one fight. Yet, he was utterly defenseless against Chu Lingtian, like a novice who had just learned martial arts. Chu Lingtian calling Hei Bao a loser was indirectly calling them losers too.
"Alright! Stop standing around and take them all back!" Xiao Lengyue said. The police officers immediately got to work, quickly rounding up over twenty men, tying them together with a rope like sheep being herded away. It was fortunate that Chu Lingtian had asked them to bring rope; otherwise, they wouldn't have had enough handcuffs.
"Officer Xiao, I've brought you another big gift this time, but I need a favor from you." Chu Lingtian said.
Xiao Lengyue nodded without hesitation.
Chu Lingtian smiled, "Please interrogate them thoroughly. If they say anything important, please let me know!"
Chu Lingtian's request was technically against police regulations. However, since Chu Lingtian had apprehended the criminals, it wasn't unreasonable for her to share some interrogation details.
"Alright! I'll call you if there's any news."
"Thank you very much then!"
Xiao Lengyue smiled radiantly, "Why are you being so polite? Help me catch more criminals next time."
Just then, Wang Haiyang arrived with a large contingent of police officers. Xiao Lengyue had reported the incident to Wang Haiyang before setting out. Wang Haiyang had assumed Xiao Lengyue had gotten the tip-off herself and hadn't expected Chu Lingtian to be there.
"Good day, Mr. Chu!" Wang Haiyang said with a forced smile.
Chu Lingtian replied with a smile, "Good day, Director Wang!"
Xiao Lengyue immediately stepped forward and recounted Chu Lingtian's act of bravery, reporting and subduing the criminals.
"Our police department had been keeping an eye on this Hei Bao Boxing Gym and planned to take action soon. We didn't expect Mr. Chu to be faster!" "You helped us apprehend the Cannibal King last time, and now you've helped us dismantle an underground casino. If more citizens were as brave and public-spirited as Mr. Chu, the crime rate in Dachang City would surely be very low!"
Chu Lingtian smiled without comment. Wang Haiyang's arrival was indeed timely. He guessed that Xiao Lengyue had reported to him in advance. If he hadn't subdued Hei Bao and his men, the situation would have likely been cleared up before the police arrived. Moreover, dismantling an underground casino wouldn't warrant a personal visit. Chu Lingtian was certain that Wang Haiyang was one of the protectors of Dachang City's underground gray industry.
"You immediately go and collect evidence. Be thorough, and don't let Mr. Chu's civic spirit go unrewarded!" Wang Haiyang said with a slight smile.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving now!"
Wang Haiyang smiled, "Mr. Chu, you are free to leave. If we need any assistance, we will notify you!"
Chu Lingtian nodded and turned to leave. Xiao Lengyue also led her subordinates in escorting Hei Bao and the others back to the police station. After they had all departed, Wang Haiyang also left with his men.
...
The Liu Family.
Liu Bingxue was resting in bed but was still concerned about the company's affairs. Although Chu Lingtian had only recently taken office, he had already accomplished two major tasks. Liu Bingxue worried he might be too eager for quick success and had been in contact with Qin Li to inquire about Chu Lingtian's actions at the company. She heard that Chu Lingtian had once again thwarted Baiyun Company's attack and successfully used this opportunity to build good relationships with reporters, greatly enhancing Baoxue Company's visibility. The incident was now being widely reported on Dachang City's television and the internet, garnering immense attention. Baoxue Company wasn't very well-known in Dachang City before, but after this publicity, it was practically a household name.
"Sister, Baoxue Company has become famous in Dachang City!" Liu Huohuo entered the room, smiling at Liu Bingxue.
"I know!"