Song Qiao smiled at Shi Zhong and said, "Yes, Officer Shi, long time no see."
"You flatter me," Shi Zhong said, waving his hands at Song Qiao. "Before you, how could I dare to call myself an officer?"
Shi Zhong was startled and quickly waved his hands at Song Qiao, saying, "You flatter me. Before you, how could I dare to call myself an officer?"
Although many people in the Security Department disliked Song Qiao, some even feeling he got in through connections, and he was also too close to Mo Ling, leading to more envy and slander, Shi Zhong was different. He had already learned Song Qiao's true identity through Mo Ling's side last time. He knew this man was far from what was rumored in the Security Department, and his identity was even more terrifying than many imagined! Therefore, Shi Zhong naturally showed extreme deference to Song Qiao and was eager to befriend him.
However, just as they exchanged greetings and before they could begin a formal conversation, Madam Shi emerged from somewhere. Seeing her husband with Song Qiao, she was naturally displeased and immediately questioned him suspiciously, "Husband, why are you greeting this uncultured country bumpkin? He almost ruined my dress just now!"
Madam Shi never bothered to control her volume when speaking, so her words once again drew everyone's attention and then their heated discussion.
"Hiss~ What do you think is going on with this kid?"
"Who knows! He just offended the lady, and now he's shamelessly trying to get friendly with Officer Shi?"
"Is this guy out of his mind?"
"The Tao family is really something, not even considering the occasion and bringing someone like this who doesn't know any better."
"What if he angers Helmsman Cheng..."
Hearing the whispers around him, Shi Zhong's face changed drastically, clearly frightened. He cautiously observed Song Qiao's expression, but could not discern his mood. This made his heart pound even harder. He quickly wanted to say something to explain for Song Qiao, but his wife pulled him aside. "Husband, let's go over there. Don't waste your breath on this loser. Just looking at him will dirty my eyes!"
To curry favor with Shi Zhong, others quickly agreed. "That's right! This guy is a complete idiot!"
"I don't know where the Tao family found this guy, he's annoying just to look at."
"I guess he heard about the birthday party and wanted to freeload."
"Indeed! Look at his mismatched clothes, he looks like he lives by begging."
"Hahahaha!"
The surrounding taunts felt like sharp blades piercing Shi Zhong's heart. Song Qiao, however, felt no embarrassment. On the contrary, Shi Zhong was extremely nervous. He was afraid Song Qiao would get angry and take it out on him, which would be disastrous! He quickly yelled at his wife, "Control your mouth and stop talking nonsense!"
Madam Shi looked at Shi Zhong suspiciously, confused. "What's wrong with me scolding that bumpkin? Why are you..."
"Shut up!" Shi Zhong finally couldn't take it anymore. He raised his hand and slapped his wife hard across the face!
With a crisp crack, the sound instantly drowned out the surrounding discussions. As the slap landed, the scene fell into absolute silence. Everyone looked at Shi Zhong in shock, suddenly not understanding what was happening. "Sir, shouldn't you be hitting that young man right now? Why are you hitting your own wife?"
This was also where Madam Shi felt wronged. She still didn't understand why her husband would hit her for an outsider. Shi Zhong quickly provided his explanation. He loosened his tie and angrily cursed at his wife, "Ignorant fool, you're an idiot! I'm telling you, if you offend Mr. Song, our family won't have a good outcome!"
"What? Husband, what are you talking about?" Madam Shi's heart skipped a beat. She absolutely did not believe Song Qiao's identity could be so formidable. If Song Qiao were really that amazing, why would he have remained unmoved when she insulted him so much earlier?
Shi Zhong was furious and called her a fool again. He then ignored her and quickly turned to Song Qiao, bowing slightly to apologize. "Mr. Song, this incident today is my fault. I failed to discipline my wife and have made you witness this."
It was only when Shi Zhong bowed and apologized to Song Qiao that everyone was shocked to realize this was not a joke! They exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes wide open. They had no idea what Song Qiao's identity was to command such deference from Shi Zhong.
Shi Zhong, however, ignored the strange looks. After apologizing to Song Qiao, he abruptly turned to his wife. Seeing her still standing there in a daze, he angrily roared, "What are you still standing there for? Come here and apologize at once!"
"I won't!" Madam Shi had just been slapped and now had to apologize. Especially in front of so many people, how could she endure such humiliation? Biting her lip, she refused to bow to Song Qiao.
"You won't apologize? Fine! Fine!" Shi Zhong trembled with anger. Unable to find anything to hit her with, he disregarded the occasion and bent down to take off his shoe to hit her!
This terrified Madam Shi. Her whole body trembled, and her face turned deathly pale. With a look of horror, she conceded, "I'll apologize! I'll apologize to him, alright!" Under Shi Zhong's intimidation, Madam Shi reluctantly lowered her head and said sorry to Song Qiao. But then, gritting her teeth, she made a threatening remark to Song Qiao, "You just wait!" With that, Madam Shi left in anger.