The director of the security bureau glanced over, his eyes holding a trace of disdain as he assessed Bai Xi from head to toe. "Is this a hired thug?"
The girl before him was strikingly beautiful, appearing fragile and delicate. He truly didn't believe she was a hired thug, and a hint of mockery played on his face. "What are you kidding me?"
The man immediately retorted, "It's true! She just crushed a stone in front of us! And she threatened us, saying if we dared to stay here any longer, she'd crush our skulls like she crushed the stone!"
Upon hearing this, the director of the security bureau was slightly taken aback and looked at Bai Xi with an exaggerated expression.
Bai Xi was dressed simply that day, in a white embroidered sweatshirt and loose-fitting jeans, her seaweed-like long hair tied into a ponytail. At first glance, she looked demure and well-behaved, showing no hint of danger.
In fact, she was rather pretty.
In front of a beautiful woman, one should always act like a gentleman.
The director of the security bureau stood up straight, puffed out his beer belly, and said in a serious tone, "My dear, this man claims you threatened to crush his skull. Is that true?"
Bai Xi said lightly, "I didn't say that."
The man pressed on, "You didn't say it directly, but everyone here saw what you did! Right, everyone!"
Just as the onlookers were about to speak, the director of the security bureau cut in, "Alright, enough joking around. Are you trying to stir up trouble? She said she'd crush your skull, did she do it? If she had, would you still be alive? Has she injured anyone here?"
At this, the crowd fell silent.
Bai Xi looked at the director of the security bureau, her gaze calm, and said nothing.
The director of the security bureau looked at Bai Xi, unable to help but stare a few more times. "She's such a delicate young lady. Don't cause trouble here. I'm here today to resolve your issues. Let's skip the pleasantries, tell me, what's going on between you two?"
This girl is quite pretty, he mused, how could she be so formidable?
The man had been furious earlier about Bai Xi standing up for the Han family, but now that the security bureau director wasn't taking his bait, he naturally had to back down. "Director, you see, I have all the evidence. This Han family is reneging on their promise and not paying me. Please see how this should be resolved."
The director of the security bureau asked, "How much are you claiming?"
The man immediately replied, "My entire family of four died in the fire because of this medicine. The compensation should be at least ten million!"
The director of the security bureau said, "I recall the Han family previously promised compensation of one million per person. Isn't your demand a bit too high?"
Hearing this, the man's face showed extreme grievance, and he began to weep profusely. "My unfortunate wife, my unfortunate children! My happy family, now I'm all alone..."
His tearful and heartbroken words, coupled with the large and small memorial portraits he clutched, evoked sympathy from everyone present.
"Their entire family, only he's left. It's all the Han family's doing, what's wrong with paying a bit more?"
"That's right, the Han family's own problems caused such a major incident, they should compensate!"
"Ha, the Han family is still shirking responsibility? It's obvious they don't want to pay. Director, you must stand up for this poor husband, this poor father!"
"..."
Han Cai wanted to say more, but his words were drowned out by the murmurs of the crowd. He trembled with anger, his face flushed red.
Seeing the scene, the director of the security bureau clearly looked troubled. "Alright, alright, everyone, stop arguing. As I see it, you two should meet halfway. You lower your compensation demand, and the Han family makes a quicker decision, so this matter can be resolved sooner!"
He was already worried that someone from higher up was targeting Shang Yang. If this matter dragged on, it would likely affect his performance evaluation, and then he'd be in trouble.
Han Cai frowned slightly upon hearing this. "Director, the truth of this matter hasn't been clarified yet, we can't just..."
Hearing Han Cai's words, the man immediately retorted, "How has the truth not been clarified? I still have the medicine box I bought right here! My wife's drug analysis report is also here. Her body still contains the deadly poison from your Han family. What more do you have to argue about?"
Han Cai, being older, was so angered by the retort that he couldn't catch his breath and began to wheeze.
Seeing this, the director of the security bureau quickly stepped forward to help. "Old Han, are you alright?"
After speaking, he glared at the man. "I'm warning you, I have no problem with you fighting for your rights, but if you cause trouble here again and upset the Han family patriarch, you'll also have to pay!"
Seeing this, the man immediately said, "Alright, alright, I was wrong. But Director Han, please help me get justice in this matter!"
The director of the security bureau looked at Han Cai, who was slowly recovering, and said, "Old Han, I've made a decision on this matter. Five million, and you can settle this quickly by paying. Your Han family is wealthy, you won't miss a few million, right? Their family was destroyed, they are truly pitiful."
Han Cai was a little anxious. "Money isn't the issue, but..."
This wasn't how things should be handled. The truth hadn't been clarified, so how could they admit fault so easily?
But his unfinished words clearly gave the man an opening. "Since money isn't a problem, then pay up! Honestly, what's the point of letting it escalate like this!"
This statement was met with another wave of agreement.
In the eyes of the public, here was a wicked capitalist along with a victim whose family had been annihilated.
The director of the security bureau, seeing that the situation had become inevitable, cleared his throat. "Alright, I've made a decision on this matter today. Compensation of five million, paid into his account by the end of today. Any objections?"
After speaking, he looked at the man.
The man hugged the memorial portrait tightly. "Since the Director has spoken, so be it. It's just a pity for my wife and children."
He then wept silently, his demeanor appearing desolate, helpless, and in pain.
Seeing the man agree, the director of the security bureau turned his attention to Han Cai.
Han Cai was now utterly despondent, almost instinctively looking at Bai Xi.
Earlier, Bai Xi had promised to handle this matter properly and restore justice and reputation to the Han family.
The director of the security bureau noticed Han Cai looking at Bai Xi with a gaze akin to seeking help and frowned slightly.
The Han family was considered a major family in Shang Yang, not the top, but certainly not small. He usually acted cautiously when dealing with them to maintain appearances, but this time, he genuinely didn't want the matter to escalate.
However, he couldn't understand why the head of the Han family was seeking help from a girl. Who was this girl?
Despite his thoughts, his priority was to resolve the issue quickly and avoid further complications. "Old Han, what are your thoughts? Your Han family has been in turmoil these past few days with many issues. Escalating this matter will do no good for your family's reputation!"
His tone became slightly firmer.
Han Cai understood his meaning and gritted his teeth, about to agree.
Money wasn't something his Han family couldn't afford, but this matter... he didn't want to admit fault without understanding the truth. But he knew the director of the Shang Yang Security Bureau. The man wasn't bad, but he always preferred to take the easy way out and paper over problems. Now that his stance was so clear, wanting to wrap things up quickly and leave, what else could he say?
He shouldn't have listened to Bai Xi and invited the director of the security bureau here.
He gritted his teeth fiercely. "Fine, I agree..."
...
Before his words could fully fall, another calm voice from not far away drew everyone's attention.
"I disagree."
The director of the security bureau was annoyed by this statement.
Both the Han family and the man had agreed. Who was so bored and looking for trouble? He turned to see Bai Xi standing there, looking perfectly calm.
Bai Xi cast a cool glance at him and stated directly, "An official who doesn't serve the people is better off selling sweet potatoes."