Yet the Middle-aged Woman kept shrieking and thrashing about, until a police cruiser pulled up.
The officers inside saw the scene and sprang out at once. Without hesitation they subdued the woman.
'What are you doing? Help!' the Middle-aged Woman screamed.
'Please come with us to the Market Supervision Bureau for investigation.'
Amid the scuffle the officers twisted her arms behind her back and cuffed her. All her struggling was useless; she was stuffed into the rear seat of the cruiser.
The whole operation was swift and clean—wrapped up in under ten minutes.
Watching the Middle-aged Woman and Little Girl driven away, Chen Xueer tugged Jiang Cheng's sleeve and gave him a big thumbs-up. 'Chairman Jiang, that move was brilliant.'
'There are plenty of ways to crush someone. Trading insults is pointless. With her turnover, a fine of a few hundred thousand is nothing once we look closely.'
Looking at Jiang Cheng, Chen Xueer felt a surge of awe. This was how the rich and powerful handled things.
Ordinary folk would either lash out in public or scuffle a bit—then nothing more.
Even if they reported it to Market Supervision like Jiang Cheng, whether anyone would show up was uncertain.
Maybe, but the speed would never match this.
Even if action were taken, it would usually be a token fine and a lecture.
After the matter was settled, Yang Ning politely said to Jiang Cheng, 'Young Master Jiang, I'll take her away. We'll investigate thoroughly.'
'Thank you for the trouble, Deputy Yang…' Jiang Cheng left the title unsaid.
With so many onlookers, he preferred to keep things low-key.
'Don't mention it. Give my regards to… to your family. Contact me anytime you need something handled.'
Jiang Cheng's eyes flickered at the words.
Yang Ning's meaning was obvious.
Jiang Cheng now understood why someone of Yang Ning's rank had come personally.
The thought had crossed his mind in that instant.
After all, he had no connections in Chengdu.
Getting an official of this level to move wasn't something an ordinary businessman could do.
After Yang Ning left, Jiang Cheng asked Wang Sheng, 'What's his story? How does he know me?'
Wang Sheng shook his head. 'Chairman Jiang, I've no idea. I followed your orders and reported it over there. I never expected someone of his rank to arrive. I thought you knew him…'
Jiang Cheng frowned at the answer.
Before he could ponder further, his phone pinged with a wechat message.
He opened it: Cheng Gui again inviting him to dinner that evening.
Jiang Cheng thought for a moment and accepted; it was Cheng Gui's third invitation—declining again would be impolite.
After agreeing, he messaged Xiao Xia that something urgent had come up and he couldn't make their date tonight.
Xiao Xia's side showed activity almost at once.
Yet after ten seconds Jiang Cheng found it odd.
No reply arrived.
Ever since he'd sent the message, her chat had displayed "typing…" Two minutes later, still nothing.
Jiang Cheng gave a helpless smile—such a simple message, yet two minutes of typing.
Was she composing him an essay??
He could already picture Xiao Xia on the other end, phone in hand, face scrunched in dilemma.
Once the crowd dispersed, Auntie Li stepped out, beaming. 'Little Jiang, well done! That mother-daughter pair stages this drama every few days, ruining business on our street. Some diners' dishes cost less than those few flowers.'
Jiang Cheng handed her Yang Ning's card. 'Auntie Li, if they come again, just call him.'
She glanced at the card and gasped.
'Little Jiang, the man just here was Deputy Director Yang??'
Jiang Cheng nodded, spearing vegetables.
'Why would a big shot like that come? Oh, how could I trouble him…'
She hastily set the card on his table as if it burned her fingers.
'Why not? He said to call if anything happens. Next time you see them, phone him.'
'I… how would I dare? Such a small matter…'
'Auntie Li, you're overthinking. Serving the people has no big or small.'
Listening, Chen Xueer reached out in surprise and took the card.
One look and her jaw dropped.
The title printed on it was indeed Deputy Director.
In Chengdu's Market Supervision Bureau that rank was second only to the bureau chief.
For such a trivial incident he'd come in person—usually a mere clerk would handle it.
Someone at deputy-director level, equal to a division chief, never bothered.
Ordinary folk rarely even met such officials.
Yet he'd arrived, courteous and respectful to Jiang Cheng.
How could Chen Xueer not be stunned??
She still didn't know her boss's exact background.
But every display of Jiang Cheng's power shocked her anew.
She grew more curious about who he really was.
Judging by Yang Ning's deferential attitude, Jiang Cheng's identity was far from simple.
In her heart Jiang Cheng now seemed taller and unfathomable.
She only knew his backing was bigger and harder than she'd imagined.
After the meal Jiang Cheng dropped Chen Xueer at the Ritz-Carlton.
After a few words she headed inside.
Watching her, Jiang Cheng handed the keys to Wang Sheng and followed her in.
Seeing him, she asked in puzzlement, 'Chairman Jiang, why are you…?'
He lifted his chin toward the elevators. 'Going up with you, of course.'
Her eyes widened uncertainly. 'Up with me… why?'
'Whatever you say.'
The reply made her freeze, finger hovering over the call button.
She stamped lightly, voice coy. 'Chairman Jiang, that's not what I meant…'
That little shiver of hers left Jiang Cheng instantly parched.
Though her outfit was modest—pure with a hint of allure—the deep V neckline drew the eye.
As the saying goes, a man may flinch at 3-D, but never at 36-D.
That tremor snapped his gaze straight to her chest.
She didn't clutch her blouse theatrically, only rolled her eyes at him.
He coughed, jabbed the elevator button and muttered, 'So easily flustered—one tease and you tremble.'
A passing couple overheard; the man glanced at Chen Xueer, eyes lighting up.
The well-dressed older woman beside him sniffed, 'Stop staring. After your measly ten minutes, who wouldn't tremble? I'm not impressed.'