Chapter 97: Chapter 92: Hua Family’s Eldest Young Master
Captain Fang and the others stared at Xiao Lin in disbelief. Was this kid fearless or just oblivious? These people here were not the same as Director Lin. Although Director Lin was still a deputy director, the old director would retire next March, and both the department and the municipal government favored Lin to take over as director, which was a high-ranking official. Even now, the old director, due to health issues, rarely handled the department’s affairs, leaving most matters, except personnel rights, to pass through Director Lin’s hands.
Captain Fang greatly admired Xiao Lin. Having transferred from the special forces to the Yanjing Police Station just three years ago, Fang still carried the fervor and admiration for strength typical of a soldier. So, knowing Xiao Lin’s power, Captain Fang no longer minded Xiao Lin’s previous affronts. If someone as strong as Xiao Lin said their team wasn’t up to par, they probably weren’t. There was no shame in that, as their strength paled in comparison to his. It wasn’t disgraceful to admit defeat in front of such a master.
But it was different for Director Lin. He had navigated the political scene for over twenty years, reaching his position not merely through passion and skills. Director Lin naturally had his pride, especially when Xiao Lin publicly declared that his subordinates weren’t up to the task and asked them to withdraw from the scene. That was a blatant slap in the face.
Captain Fang almost didn’t dare look at Director Lin, starting to worry about Xiao Lin. No matter how skilled Xiao Lin was, if Director Lin ordered these special police to forcibly take Xiao Lin away, he really wouldn’t know what to do.
However, the next moment, Captain Fang was shocked. Director Lin was smiling as he looked at Xiao Lin, nodding at Xiao Lin’s words and said, "Okay, I’ll have them withdraw now. As for calling in the Sharp Sword Special Brigade, I’ll need to make a call up the chain. Of course, if you can make the call directly, it might be faster!"
Xiao Lin had no interest in overstepping authority. If he hadn’t known that the opponent was the Middle Eastern gentleman, this would have been merely an ordinary bank robbery case, suitable for regular special police to handle. But knowing the opponent’s formidable strength and finding himself present, he couldn’t just ignore it.
"Let’s leave it to Director Lin to handle. There needs to be command outside, and I think Director Lin is very suitable. Leave the inside to me!" Xiao Lin said calmly. He bore no grudge against Director Lin, and with his perceptiveness and the favor he showed Xiao Lin last night, today was a good opportunity to return the favor and possibly grant him a merit.
Director Lin was delighted, his smile widening. With Xiao Lin’s words, even if the captain of the Sharp Sword Special Brigade arrived, they would have to obediently stand aside. Coming from Huaxia Dragon Soul, even a mere soldier had at least the rank of a lieutenant colonel. That was Huaxia’s most elite force, a dream for everyone who knew of Dragon Soul’s existence.
"Captain Fang, lead your men and withdraw immediately. Coordinate with the armed police and military police arriving outside to hold the perimeter. Don’t allow the opponent any chance to escape!" ordered Director Lin.
"By the way, Director Lin, quickly get me the Yanjing underground sewer map. The opponent might retreat through the sewers!" Xiao Lin recalled the sound from the bank’s side door area earlier, from where the Middle Eastern gentleman and two team members emerged. Clearly, their escape route likely included a sewer retreat.
"Alright, I’ll report it right away!" Director Lin replied as he picked up the phone, following Xiao Lin’s instructions without question.
Xiao Lin thought for a moment, feeling still somewhat uncertain. He stepped aside and dialed Hua Qingyi’s phone number. The phone rang for nearly a minute before being answered.
On the line, Hua Qingyi’s slightly lazy voice came through: "Brother, what’s up now?" His voice sounded normal, not groggy like upon waking, suggesting he was already up.
"Can’t call you without a reason?" Xiao Lin replied speechlessly, feeling like they’d had this conversation just yesterday or the day before. Still, he felt a little embarrassed as each call to Hua Qingyi was for help. It seemed he owed Hua Qingyi quite a lot.
"Of course you can, you’re my brother after all. What brings you to call today? Didn’t you say the school hospital was very busy?" Hua Qingyi said.
"Haha, you’re right. I don’t think I’ve ever called you without a reason. I’ll remember that from now on!" Xiao Lin liked Hua Qingyi, having such a joking yet helpful brother was quite nice.
"Hehe, brother, I was just joking. Don’t take it to heart. So, what is it? I have nothing much to do these days, just practicing martial arts or flirting. Life is too easy!" Hua Qingyi’s cheerful laughter emanated from the phone, someone perpetually optimistic.
Upon hearing Hua Qingyi’s daily commitment to practice, Xiao Lin knew this call was rightly made. He asked calmly, "Do you want to return to Dragon Soul?" There was really no need to ask; being expelled from Dragon Soul was Hua Qingyi’s lifelong disgrace. He probably dreamed of returning to Dragon Soul.
The phone went silent briefly, with a sharp intake audible. Xiao Lin’s words truly stunned Hua Qingyi. Although staying at home was leisurely, his family’s position had plummeted, and even the old man seemed slightly disappointed in him. On the surface, Hua Qingyi seemed to thrive in Yanjing, with no one daring to provoke him, and he could woo any girl he wanted. But these were just Hua Qingyi’s ways of numbing himself. If he could return to Dragon Soul, he’d even be willing to go through fire and water.
"Brother, are you serious? Can I really return to Dragon Soul?" Hua Qingyi, typically jovial and teasing, now spoke with a seriousness intermingled with a slight quiver. This news was overwhelmingly shocking for him. A discharged Dragon Soul member returning? It had never happened in Dragon Soul’s history.
"If I say you can, you can!" Xiao Lin stated firmly. When Hua Qingyi was expelled from Dragon Soul, Xiao Lin was away on a mission and couldn’t help. By the time he returned, Hua Qingyi’s case was already decided, and Xiao Lin couldn’t intercede even if he wanted to.
But now, an opportunity for a significant contribution was before them. If Hua Qingyi got involved, it would be easier for Xiao Lin to negotiate reinstatement. Hua Qingyi’s return to Dragon Soul seemed very possible.
"Brother, what’s this important matter?" Hua Qingyi dropped his frivolity, his tone serious. Listening to Xiao Lin, accomplishing this task seemed to be the key to his return to Dragon Soul, and he couldn’t afford not to take it seriously.