Siheyuan (courtyard house): My father, Li Yunlong!

Li Zhenhua had just caught his breath when he heard Lin Taotao's "heart-piercing remarks," and he almost choked on his own breath.

Looking at Lin Taotao's "I've seen through everything" expression, and then glancing at the three unlucky guys on the ground, he felt a mix of amusement and exasperation.

He helplessly spread his hands, his face clearly showing his innocence, and said irritably.

"Comrade Lin Taotao! Your imagination is a bit too wild, isn't it? You think I arranged this? If I could arrange it, I'd at least find a few decent people. These scrawny bastards, how many punches would you, Captain Lin, give them? I can't afford to lose face like that!"

He pointed in the direction of the police station and explained.

"I left work early today and stopped by the police station to see you. I just got to the door when I saw you come out, and then I noticed these three guys sneaking around behind you. I felt something was off, so I quietly followed to check it out. Who would have thought you'd be so quick? I just rushed in to help, and you were already done!"

Listening to Li Zhenhua's explanation, and looking at his speechless yet somewhat aggrieved expression, Lin Taotao didn't think he was lying.

She knew in her heart that Li Zhenhua, given his personality, wouldn't resort to such low-level tricks.

I said that just now mostly out of habit, wanting to give him a piece of my mind.

She couldn't help but chuckle, her feigned seriousness vanishing instantly. She walked up to Li Zhenhua and lightly punched his shoulder with her fist.

"Alright, alright, look at you! I was just kidding! But... thanks, even though I wasn't really helpful, I appreciate the sentiment!"

As she spoke, she kicked the guy who was still groaning at her feet.

"What are you all standing there for? Chief Li, give me a hand and help me drag these good-for-nothings back to the station! We can ask them who gave them the guts to stalk and attack me!"

Back at the police station.

Li Zhenhua helped Lin Taotao drag the three grumbling thugs inside, which immediately caused a sensation in the station.

Lin Taotao personally took charge, conducting a surprise interrogation overnight.

At first, the three were still stubborn, but under Lin Taotao's sharp interrogation skills and the strong pressure of "resistance will be punished severely," they all confessed after a short while.

Just as Li Zhenhua had expected, these guys were henchmen of "Black Boss Three," a fairly large black market boss in the southern part of the city.

The large market that Lin Taotao led the team to raid last time was a major source of wealth for Hei Laosan.

The purpose of sending them here was to find out Lin Taotao's commute route, find an opportunity to "teach her a lesson," and preferably make her stay in the hospital for a few days to keep her quiet for a while, in order to avenge the raid and also to make an example of her to maintain his "prestige" in the underworld.

Upon learning that the mastermind was Hei Laosan, Li Zhenhua couldn't help but silently mourn for this "gangster" he had never met before for three seconds.

Attack on Lin Taotao?

Does this third brother really not know how many eyes Lord Ma has, or is he tired of living?

Given Lin Taotao's family background and her vengeful nature, let alone a black market boss like him, even his protectors will be uprooted this time.

Li Zhenhua could almost foresee that in just a few days, the underworld of Beijing would be swept away without mercy, and this gangster's life in the underworld would come to an end.

After completing the formalities and leaving the police station, it was already late at night.

Having just experienced the turmoil, Lin Taotao showed no lingering fear. On the contrary, she appeared radiant, her face radiating a sense of exhilaration and excitement after punishing the wicked.

She nudged Li Zhenhua beside her with her elbow, tilted her head to look at him, the streetlights reflecting in her eyes, and spoke with a hint of coquettishness.

"Hey, Deputy Director Li, you've forgotten your old friends now that you've been promoted? I haven't seen a soul in days. If it weren't for today's coincidence, were you planning to stay out of the public eye forever?"

Li Zhenhua, smelling the faint scent of soapberry mixed with the vibrant aroma of sweat emanating from her, explained with a smile.

"How could that be, Captain Lin! I'm a new officer, and there's a ton of work to do in the logistics department. Plus, it's a new director, so I'm busy getting familiar with the job and establishing myself. I'm so busy I'm dizzy."

"Wow, that's great!"

Lin Taotao raised her eyebrows dramatically and teased.

"So young, and you've already become a deputy director, in the logistics department that's in charge of money and materials—that's real power! Looks like Director Yang thinks highly of you! I have to treat you to a meal to celebrate your promotion!"

"no problem!"

Li Zhenhua readily agreed.

"What would you like to eat? Order whatever you like! If it weren't for your good skills today, I might have really had to play the hero and save the damsel in distress. Although I didn't get to do it, this meal is still on me!"

"That's more like it!"

Lin Taotao smiled contentedly, her eyes curving into crescents.

"Then I won't be polite! I need to have a good meal today to calm my nerves!"

The two chatted and laughed as Li Zhenhua pushed his bicycle and walked side by side with Lin Taotao on the night street.

He took her to a private restaurant that he had visited before with Zhao Gang, a place known for its authentic cuisine. Although the storefront was inconspicuous, the dishes were exquisite.

During the meal, the two chatted about recent interesting events at their respective workplaces, sharing their work-related troubles and achievements, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

After dinner, Li Zhenhua pushed the cart to take Lin Taotao back to the compound.

The cool evening breeze dispelled the daytime heat.

The two chatted casually, the atmosphere quiet and harmonious.

As they approached the heavily guarded compound, Lin Taotao suddenly slowed her pace, turned around, and said to Li Zhenhua with a hint of excitement and anticipation on her face.

"Hey Li Zhenhua, I need to tell you something. My best friend and I have plans to go hunting in the mountains outside the city next weekend to relax. There's a forest there that I heard has pheasants and rabbits. You...want to come along? It'll be more fun with more people!"

Upon hearing this, Li Zhenhua's heart stirred.

Go hunting with Lin Taotao?

This is undoubtedly a good opportunity to build rapport, and he really needs to relax and experience the fun of the outdoors in this day and age.

He nodded in agreement almost without hesitation.

"Hunting? Great! I've been wanting to stretch my muscles for ages. No problem, I'm definitely free on my day off. You decide the time and place, I'll be there on time!"

Seeing that Li Zhenhua agreed so readily, Lin Taotao's face broke into a bright smile, with a hint of barely perceptible joy.

"It's settled then! I'll let you know the details in advance! Don't stand me up!"

"Don't worry, Captain Lin gave the order, how could I dare disobey?"

Li Zhenhua smiled and made his promise. As they spoke, they arrived at the gate of the compound.

The sentry's wary gaze swept over. Lin Taotao waved to Li Zhenhua.

"I'm going in now! Thanks for dinner tonight! Be careful on your way home!"

"Go back now, goodbye!"

Li Zhenhua stood there watching Lin Taotao's graceful figure disappear behind the imposing gate before turning around, getting on his bicycle, and disappearing into the night.