"Yo, Old Zhao!"
The person turned out to be Old Zhao, the precinct chief of the local police station. The female officer showed a mixture of expected surprise and unexpected shock.
However, Old Zhao's sudden appearance forced the female officer to swallow the words she had intended to say to Han Lang. She didn't want Old Zhao to know anything about martial artists, so she quickly changed the subject.
"It's just a small matter, yet you had to come yourself. Truly a model of leading by example in our police force!"
How could Old Zhao not tell that the female officer was teasing him? He replied, "Shooting someone is a small matter? Do you think this is your criminal investigation department?
Fortunately, no serious consequences occurred. Otherwise, my police uniform, which I've worn for over twenty years, would have been stripped off by the chief!
But speaking of which, why are you here? It's not close to your criminal investigation department!"
"Oh! I'm on leave today. I was passing by for some personal errands and happened to hear the emergency channel reporting a serious armed assault incident here, so I rushed over to take a look. I didn't help much, hehe..."
"Hey~ Captain Tang, what are you saying! Everyone in the police force knows your skills. If it weren't for you today, who knows how the situation would have turned out! So, you really don't need to be so modest!"
...
The two exchanged pleasantries, leaving Han Lang and the others stunned.
The female officer's attention was already on Han Lang. Seeing this, she quickly realized it was inappropriate and hurriedly said.
"Old Zhao, it's getting late. I won't delay your investigation. I'll treat you to drinks another day. I'll be leaving now."
Old Zhao didn't seem willing to let go of this opportunity to get closer to the female officer. He immediately put on a displeased expression and replied, "Don't go. You've started something good, see it through to the end. If you leave, how will I complete my case report?"
The female officer smiled charmingly, pointed at Han Lang and the others, and said, "The parties involved in the case are right here. Isn't the case clear enough? Alright, Old Zhao, we'll talk on the phone if anything comes up!"
After speaking, without giving Old Zhao a chance to react, she put away her notebook and hurried away.
"Hey, Captain Tang..."
Watching the female officer's retreating back, Director Zhao's expression was somewhat dejected and regretful. After a moment, Wang Fang was the first to step forward and cautiously asked.
"Director Zhao, who is this beautiful female officer? Why does she seem so mysterious..."
Director Zhao had personally handled the disturbances at Tian Yi Ge several times, so he knew Wang Fang. However, Wang Fang's words immediately made him nervous. He quickly interrupted and replied.
"Manager Wang, you mustn't say that! Not only is she the captain of the Municipal Criminal Investigation Brigade, but she is also the eldest daughter of the Tang family, one of the four great families, Tang Qin! If she hears you say that, the consequences..."
Director Zhao's voice trailed off here.
"What consequences?"
Wang Fang and Ma Long were confused and eagerly awaited Director Zhao's continuation.
But Director Zhao thought about it and couldn't recall any cases of the Tang family abusing their power. So, he awkwardly changed the subject.
"What consequences? No consequences! As for you, shouldn't you describe the detailed events of this shooting incident to me properly?"
Han Lang, standing nearby, couldn't help but chuckle.
Wang Fang and Ma Long didn't understand because they didn't know Han Lang's relationship with Tang Haoran.
But as soon as Han Lang learned the female officer's identity, he immediately figured everything out.
"Alright, Sister Wang Fang! You know this matter best from beginning to end. You'll be responsible for cooperating with the police's detailed investigation! I'll help Brother Ma back to rest!"
When Han Lang spoke, Wang Fang naturally wouldn't refuse. She immediately put aside her curiosity about the female officer and began to narrate the cause and effect of the incident to Director Zhao.
"Brother Ma, who exactly is this so-called Marquis?"
Back at Tian Yi Ge, Han Lang immediately asked Ma Long about the Marquis.
"I'm not too sure either, but I heard from Manager Wang that he controls the underground of the entire Yiyang District in Le City. And, he seems to have someone called Master Jin behind him! I really didn't expect that, despite the government's repeated warnings, such a large and dark force still exists. How can ordinary people live peacefully!"
The more Ma Long spoke, the angrier he became, even clenching his fist and hitting the table. This sense of justice from a soldier made Han Lang's heart tremble.
"It takes more than one cold day for the river to freeze three feet deep! But since they dare to make trouble for Tian Yi Ge time and again, they should be prepared to face my wrath!"
A cold glint flashed in Han Lang's eyes. Ma Long immediately perked up upon hearing this and leaned in front of Han Lang with a fawning smile.
"What? Is the young master planning to take the initiative? But I remember Manager Wang saying that although these people are gangsters, they wouldn't target us for no reason. The shadow of the Gou family is probably inseparable from this, right?"
Han Lang nodded.
"I have the same suspicion. However, the Gou family's actions against me so far have all been within legal and legitimate bounds. Without concrete evidence, all I can do is meet force with force! But since this so-called Marquis dares to threaten the safety of people around me, I will not let him get away with it!"
Han Lang's words were full of dominance. The intimate term "people around me" warmed Ma Long's heart.
"Then what do you plan to do?"
Han Lang glanced at Ma Long.
"They've already stepped on my head. I have to go and meet him, don't I?"
With Han Lang's words, Ma Long basically understood what he intended to do. His eyes rolled, and he said excitedly.
"I agree! If you don't fight back after being bullied to this extent, you're too cowardly. However, they are a gangster group, and they definitely have more than one gun! If you go alone, it's inevitable that you'll be outnumbered. So, I suggest you bring someone skilled with you! Even if their strength can't compare to you martial artists, they can at least share some of the pressure!"
Seeing Ma Long's innocent smile, Han Lang immediately cast a look of disdain. How could he not know that the person Ma Long was referring to was himself? But thinking of his injury, Han Lang refused without hesitation.
"No, no, your injury has just been treated. I don't want to go through that again. It's not suitable, not suitable!"
Hearing Han Lang's refusal, Ma Long immediately became anxious. "What's not suitable about this! Back in the army, what kind of situations haven't I seen? This minor injury is nothing!
Besides, they're just a bunch of thugs. Even without my right hand, I can still handle them! Hehe, young master, I think you should take me with you!"
Looking at Ma Long's demeanor, Han Lang was somewhat speechless. He sighed and said solemnly, "Brother Ma! This... it's not necessary! As you said, they are just a bunch of thugs! I believe I can handle them alone. You should focus on recuperating!"
"No!" Ma Long also refused sternly. "Punishing evil and eliminating wickedness, and eradicating corruption are beliefs ingrained in my bones as a soldier! Although I've retired, I must go when I encounter such a situation!"
Han Lang knew that Ma Long's righteous words were just out of concern for his safety. But he had already broken through to the sixth level of Qi Refining. He believed that dealing with a group of gangsters was more than enough, and there was no need for Ma Long to risk himself.
"Brother Ma..."
Just as they were arguing, Wang Fang and Luo Jiaying, who had finished their tasks, returned to Tian Yi Ge together. Seeing this scene, they both asked in unison.
"What are you arguing about?"