Chapter 115: Capturing Lei Three

Upon hearing Xiao Liuzi’s concerns, Chen Liang dismissed them with a wave of his hand. "Liuzi, you’re just overthinking things. Don't forget, you’re a member of the Security Section at the Red Star Rolling Mill now, not the street hoodlum you used to be. A section chief from a district police substation? Who the hell does he think he is?"

Chen Liang’s words were remarkably bold; he clearly didn't hold the rank of Lei San’s uncle in the public security bureau in any regard.

The Security Section of the Red Star Rolling Mill, where Chen Liang and his men operated, theoretically held jurisdiction over any place where a Red Star employee was present. Their reach was shockingly vast. With tens of thousands of workers scattered across the entire city of Sijiu like pieces on a chessboard, and given the nature of the "elder worker brothers" at the time, the first thing they would do if any trouble arose—big or small—was to contact their own unit’s security department.

As for the police patrols or the public security substations? Sorry, they had to step aside. When two authorities overlap, one is bound to be greater than the other. This chaotic situation would only be rectified over a decade later, when the security sections were reorganized and reformed into internal security forces.

But for now? Sorry, they were at the absolute peak of their power. Aside from orders from the Ministry of Public Security or the Armed Forces Department, even a directive from the Municipal Bureau wouldn't hold much sway! This was the source of Chen Liang’s arrogance; in terms of administrative rank, a forty or fifty-year-old substation chief might not even be higher than him.

"Got it, Brother Liang. I know what to do," Xiao Liuzi said, his mind at ease now that he had Chen Liang as his backer. With his big brother taking the heat, what was there to fear? He just had to press the issue!

After sending Cao Dawu and Xiao Liuzi off, Chen Liang tidied up, spread the word that the money had been recovered, and headed to report to his "big backer"—his uncle-in-profession, who was Chen Liang’s true pillar of support. He did this to appease the anxious workers in the factory; after all, until the money was physically returned, maintaining stability was the priority.

Without knocking, Chen Liang pushed open the office door. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Factory Director Yang inside. He originally intended to call out for his uncle, but quickly changed his tune: "Section Chief, there’s been a breakthrough in the case. By this afternoon at the latest, the stolen funds will be recovered!"

"Really? You little brat, don't you dare lie to me, or I’ll break your legs!" Hearing this, his uncle lost all interest in entertaining Factory Director Yang and immediately turned his focus to Chen Liang.

Chen Liang rolled his eyes at him, feeling aggrieved. Damn it, if I cause trouble, you threaten to break my legs, and if I work hard, you still threaten to break my legs? What did these long legs of mine ever do to you? I bet you’re just jealous that I’m taller than you!

"Don't worry, Section Chief, this is a sure thing!" I’m staking my long legs on this guarantee, how could it be fake?

Factory Director Yang glanced at them and, sensing he wasn't wanted, stood up to take his leave. "Section Chief Lu, please consider my proposal further. I won't disturb your work any longer. Goodbye."

Passing by Chen Liang, Factory Director Yang offered a disingenuous, cordial smile, which was met only with a cold, stony face.

Once the director left, Chen Liang sat down and gave his uncle a detailed report.

"That's it?" his uncle asked, full of disbelief. "What else? Come on, Uncle, trust me to get the job done!"

Although Chen Liang’s methods seemed a bit like a game, he was brimming with confidence, supported by the wisdom of a certain "death-bringing elementary school student" from over 1,400 episodes of experience. "Uncle, it’s not complicated at all. Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth!"

As they sat in the office drinking tea and smoking, they waited for the outcome. Sure enough, near lunchtime, Cao Dawu returned with good news.

"Brother Liang, it’s miraculous! How did you know Lei San and his crew were the ones who stole it?" Cao Dawu felt like he no longer recognized the Chen Liang he had grown up with; the look in his eyes was unfathomable.

"Them? You mean it wasn't just Lei San and Zhang Zhiming? There were others?"

"Yeah. That grandson Lei San wouldn't admit it at first, trying to act tough in front of us. But after Little Wangba gave him a few solid slaps, he immediately folded and spilled the whole process."

"Serves him right. But wasn't it just you and Liuzi who went? Where did Little Wangba come from?" Chen Liang gave Cao Dawu a meaningful look.

Cao Dawu immediately caught on and said, "Ah, well, we were worried there wouldn't be enough of us, so Liuzi and I decided to call in the Second Young Master and Little Wangba to help!"

"Is that so? That’s great. Uncle..." Chen Liang started, but was cut off.

"You little brat, you don't have a single honest word in you. Fine, stop putting on a show for me. You just want to get those other two brats into the Security Section, right?"

"Listen, I’ll give you my word: once you put the stolen money in front of me, I’ll take charge and bring them in. Now get out of here and finish the job. If there’s even the slightest mishap, I’m breaking your legs!"

*Damn it!* It seemed his uncle was obsessed with his legs. *Uncle, can’t we choose a different place to break next time?*

With his uncle’s promise, Chen Liang wasted no time. He left with Cao Dawu and had him recount every detail of the incident on the way. Once he finished, Chen Liang replayed it in his mind and asked, "So, you’re saying the money is still in the hands of that gang of hoodlums from the West Side?"

"Yes! Last night, Lei San kept watch, Zhang Zhiming did the stealing, and that group led by 'The Little Fox' handled the hand-off. They were even planning to split the loot once the heat died down!"

If Chen Liang and his friends had hung out in the streets to show off and avoid being bullied, then "The Little Fox" and his crew were absolute dregs of society—thugs, swindlers, and petty thieves who stopped at nothing.

"Damn it, these scumbags have some nerve, daring to steal from me. If I don't crush them, my reputation as Chen Liang might as well be tossed in the trash."

Chen Liang felt a cold ruthlessness stir within him. He had originally intended to leave a path for others to follow, but he had changed his mind. Dealing with such vermin required thunderous, merciless suppression. In chaotic times, one needs strict measures; only then could he protect his family when the coming storm arrived.