He was usually overbearing and bossy in front of this group of people; if he really fell at the hands of Jiang Cheng, his status in Shanghai might not plummet instantly, but he would at least become the subject of everyone's idle gossip.
Lin Lan's mind was a mess at this moment. She could only force a smile that looked worse than crying and said to Shen Chong, "This whole thing is just a misunderstanding between children. It's our fault for not disciplining him well. I will definitely keep him under strict control after we go back."
Shen Chong didn't answer Lin Lan. Instead, he spoke to Director Cai, who was standing aside silently, acting deaf and mute. "You must be Director Cai, right? I didn't expect the manpower in your district to be so scarce that a simple conflict case would require you to come out in person."
Director Cai, who had been dragged into this without reason, was secretly cursing Lin Lan and Wang Hao in his heart. However, his expression remained very calm. After all, he hadn't had time to do anything yet, so there was still room to turn things around.
Although his status as a director in Shanghai was worlds apart from directors in other small places—considering Shanghai is a municipality, even a district director is at the Section Chief level—he hadn't actually participated in the matter yet.
"Haha, I just happened to be nearby. How has Mr. Jiang Chenghong's health been lately? I was fortunate enough to attend one of his banquets when I was younger. I personally admire him very much. I hope to have the chance to be invited again. Please give him my regards."
Although Cai Ming's words didn't directly answer Shen Chong, his meaning was already very clear.
He would no longer stand on Lin Lan's side.
As the saying goes, when a wall starts to topple, everyone gives it a push. This was exactly the situation Lin Lan was in.
He had struggled for over a decade to reach the position of district director, and he didn't want to ruin his future over this.
Shen Chong gave Cai Ming a sarcastic smile.
Although he was only Jiang Chenghong's private secretary, today he represented Jiang Chenghong, and he indeed had the right to ignore Cai Ming.
"I will pass on your words. However, if Mr. Jiang Chenghong finds out you were at the scene today, he might be displeased."
Cai Ming instantly understood Shen Chong's meaning. After a brief moment of thought, he looked at Lin Lan with annoyance.
Lin Lan was also at a loss for words, not knowing how to react at all.
Cai Ming could only give a helpless, bitter smile.
"You've misunderstood. I will definitely handle the matter impartially. I just happened to be nearby and dropped by. As for the situation, I haven't had time to understand it yet; I actually don't know the specifics of what happened."
Just then, Lin Lan's phone suddenly rang.
She pulled the phone out of her bag, and upon seeing the caller ID, she became even more panicked.
The incoming number belonged to Shanghai's top leader, Du Wei.
Her husband's direct superior.
Lin Lan steadied her nerves and answered the phone, then asked cautiously, "Secretary Du, do you have any instructions for me?"
"I wouldn't dare give instructions. It seems your family is the one calling the shots in Shanghai now."
Lin Lan's heart skipped a beat. Her face turned pale as she said, "Old Secretary Du, what are you saying? Who could ever surpass you?"
"Lin Lan, since you are in the system, do not do things that are detrimental to the people. Remember, never do anything that harms unity; otherwise, if something happens, even I won't be able to protect you."
Du Wei wasn't harsh; in fact, he spoke very gently. But after hearing him, Lin Lan was covered in a cold sweat.
How could she not understand Du Wei's warning?
At this point, even a fool would know who Du Wei was calling about.
It was clearly for Jiang Cheng.
"You are right. Your teachings are like a wake-up call to me. Please instruct me on what I should do!"
"Forget instructions. I just hope you don't make any more mistakes. It wasn't easy for Wang Gang to reach this position; as his family, you should be more considerate of him."
Having said this much, Lin Lan naturally knew Du Wei was reprimanding her.
The meaning was that if today's matter was handled well, it could be minimized; but if handled poorly, her family would likely suffer.
"This... Secretary Du, it's just a conflict between children. It's not that serious, is it? Besides, Hao'er is the one who got injured."
Lin Lan looked at the wounds on Wang Hao's face with heartache.
From childhood to adulthood, her son had never been hit once, and now he had been beaten like this by Jiang Cheng.
Lin Lan knew she couldn't do anything to Jiang Cheng now.
But since they were the injured party, they were technically in the right. She felt there was no harm in complaining a bit.
"Comrade Lin Lan, remember this today: your husband holds an official position and wears the national emblem. You shouldn't be too willful. In front of the people, you must tuck your tail in; don't go wagging it like it's a flag."
Seeing Du Wei speak so sharply, Lin Lan immediately silenced herself. Pale-faced, she nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes, you are right. Today's matter was my Wang Hao's fault. I will solemnly apologize to this young brother."
Du Wei seemed to lose patience and gave a soft sigh. "I've said my piece. I won't say more. Good luck to you. Is Cai Ming next to you? Let him take the phone."
Lin Lan looked at Cai Ming in a panic and helplessly handed him the phone.
"Secretary Du Wei wants to speak with you."
Cai Ming's heart skipped a beat, and he glared at Lin Lan with displeasure.
He was filled with regret now; he felt he never should have gotten into that slut Lin Lan's bed for a night of pleasure.
If today's matter implicated him, he would definitely make Lin Lan pay tonight.
After taking the phone, the muscles on Cai Ming's face shifted rapidly as he immediately put on a flattering smile.
"Hello, Secretary Du. What are your instructions? Please go ahead."
"Cai Ming, since you wear the police uniform, you must remember at all times that acting with fairness and justice is the purpose of your station. Otherwise, if something happens, even I won't be able to protect you. Jiang Cheng is not someone you can touch."
Hearing Du Wei's warning, the regret in Cai Ming's heart intensified.
"You are right. Your teachings are like a wake-up call. In the future, I will carefully review any instructions I receive and will never execute them blindly or fail the expectations of the people."
Du Wei's voice came through again: "Those in high positions must have the responsibility that comes with it. Being in a high position isn't for you to lord it over others or threaten the public. Old Master Jiang even called me personally to scold me about this. I've heard about the matter; as the party acting in self-defense, Jiang Cheng's brave counterattack to defend his own safety should be protected by the law."
"As a first-tier city in China, our city has always prioritized legal fairness. The station must face every case with an attitude of openness and justice."
"I hope your station will also make a judgment that conforms to legal principles based on the facts of the case at the scene. Don't be too rigid."
Shanghai is one of the top economic cities in China, yet Secretary Du Wei, as the leader here, was scolded by Old Master Jiang.
What did this signify?
Jiang Cheng's background must be extremely special, or rather, his power was astronomical.
Just as they had suspected, the power behind Jiang Chenghong was indeed his twin brother.
Cai Ming immediately bowed and scraped, repeatedly giving Du Wei his word.
The call was soon hung up.
Although Wang Hao didn't hear the specific details, he could glean some information from the responses of the two.
Wang Hao was shocked. He didn't understand what kind of capability Jiang Chenghong actually had.
To actually be able to get Secretary Du Wei to personally call and handle this matter.
Lin Lan's mind was in a whirl. She had much to say, but it felt like a lump in her throat.
After all, she had just said a lot of threatening words.
She never expected the other party's background to be so massive.
After Cai Ming returned the phone to Lin Lan, he stopped looking at her. Instead, he turned around and said to Jiang Cheng and Shen Chong with a flattering face, "Young Master Jiang, I have some troublesome matters at the station to rush back and handle, so I won't stay long. Next time, I'll treat you to a meal. If you have time, you can also come to the station to have tea with me."
Cai Ming's bizarre words instantly stunned everyone present.
Although Jiang Cheng didn't understand the specific situation, seeing Shen Chong's expression, it wasn't a surprise.
It seemed his Second Grandpa's influence was quite significant.
Cai Ming didn't stay. He gave Jiang Cheng a very friendly smile and then turned to leave.
The Second-generation rich kids at the scene had been frightened by Cai Ming's display earlier; they didn't expect Cai Ming to just lead his people away so quickly.
After Cai Ming and his men left, they were replaced by a dozen or so fierce Bodyguards in black suits brought by Shen Chong.
The dozen or so Bodyguards surrounded them in a dense crowd, immediately making everyone present feel a sense of pressure.
Now, only Qi Yuan and the other Second-generation rich, Wang Hao, Lin Lan, and Shen Chong remained.
Seeing that the obstacles were gone, Shen Chong asked Jiang Cheng, "Young Master, how do you think this matter should be handled?"
Jiang Cheng looked at Wang Hao's defiant expression and smiled faintly. "What? Not convinced? I'm telling you, you're not the only one in this world with a background. One should always leave a way out for others to ensure future meetings go well. But since you and I won't need to meet again in the future, I don't think there's any need to leave you a way out."
Wang Hao stared deathly at Jiang Cheng. Although he knew Jiang Cheng might really have some parental influence,
his family wasn't weak either. Was there really a need to be so fearful? As long as he didn't do anything illegal, he didn't believe Jiang Cheng could actually kill him.
Thinking this, Wang Hao said in a stiff tone, "We've already backed down. What else do you want?"
Jiang Cheng stood up and stretched his limbs, saying calmly, "I remember you used a knife and fork to attack me just now. If my skills were ordinary, those utensils might have stabbed into me. You know, I'm the only child in our family. How about this: if those utensils accidentally stab into you today, we'll call our grudge settled. What do you think?"
Hearing Jiang Cheng's request, Lin Lan became shrewish again. "What did you say? Hao'er is also the only child in my family! How can you be so vicious?"
Shen Chong spoke up now: "Watch your words, Mrs. Lin. It was your son who was vicious first. The Jiang Family only has this one grandson. If that fork had really landed on him, today's matter wouldn't end so easily."
Hearing Shen Chong's warning, Lin Lan's face turned pale again.
But Wang Hao seemed to have lost his mind, looking like he wanted to fight Jiang Cheng to the death.
"Do you know who my dad is? My dad is Wang Gang! Do you think we're really afraid of you?"
Since they were all within the system, Wang Hao didn't believe Jiang Cheng would dare to use private torture on him.
As soon as Wang Hao said this, Lin Lan immediately stopped him.
In her anxiety, Lin Lan immediately covered Wang Hao's mouth. "Stop talking! Secretary Du Wei already called. Do you want your father to be ruined?"