Chapter 1428 - 1422: Making a Scene
"Hmph, kid, don't think I don't know you. Wasn't it you who injured my son this afternoon? Let me tell you, if anything happens to my son, I won't let you off. What are you doing at my house now?" Although Shi Houcai was angry, knowing that he couldn't handle two young and strong lads alone, he refrained from saying anything too hurtful.
Lin Chuan and Zhao Zhonghai took the initiative to push the door open and walk in. They then found a seat, sat down, and said gently, "Village Chief Shi, I think you're misunderstanding. You don't know the situation from today, so I'll explain it to you in detail later. First, let me introduce someone to you."
Pointing to Zhao Zhonghai, he said, "This is Mr. Huang from Xijing City's Xiayu Company. One of his subsidiaries is in the building materials business. After an inspection by his company, it's been found that there are many rocks on the mountains surrounding our village that can be refined into cement, which led to the idea of mining the mountains for cement. Mr. Huang came today mainly to discuss this with you as the village chief, but unfortunately, he ran into your son, leading to this misunderstanding."
Shi Houcai sized up Zhao Zhonghai, seeing his clothes already worn out, and couldn't help but feel a bit of disdain. Just then, his phone rang.
After answering the phone, Shi Houcai listened to a long string of nagging from his wife. As he hung up, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. His wife had called to report on their son's condition. Upon learning that their son only had two fractured bones and that the doctor had already treated him, with the rest being minor injuries that would heal in a few months, he relaxed.
"So tell me, what exactly happened today?" Now that Shi Houcai knew his son was okay, he was in the mood to hear about the incident, regardless of whether he was right or wrong. Anyway, the police would be coming to arrest someone soon.
At this moment, Shi Houcai picked up the business card left on the table, glanced at it, and tossed it back on the table, remaining expressionless and silent.
"Could this guy have figured out something?" Lin Chuan worried secretly but thought it unlikely. The business card was specially altered by Zi Tong's spell, and even Zhao Zhonghai thought it was something he had ordered days ago. He was probably still angry about his son being beaten.
Lin Chuan tried to smile honestly, speaking smoothly, "I accompanied my friend, this Mr. Huang, on a survey of a small hill in Stone Village today. On the way back to the village, we encountered your second son. He accused us of surveying the land to prepare for grave robbery. We could never be such people. As we talked, we got into a debate. Although your son had more people, they couldn't out-argue the two of us. In the end, your son said something harsh, which made me very angry."
Seeing Lin Chuan stop talking, Shi Houcai slowly squinted his eyes, pretending to rest.
Lin Chuan awkwardly swallowed and continued, "In the end, your son got so angry he said that if he didn't have a fight with me today, he wasn't a Shi, but a bastard. Think about it, he said that. I couldn't let him be a bastard. If he was a bastard, what would that make you? So in my anger, I fought your son, and because I went too hard, it resulted in the current situation."
"Enough!" Shi Houcai slammed the table and shouted loudly.
"You see, even you're angry. Who admits to being a bastard themselves and doesn't consider their father's feelings? Even if it's true, you can't let others know!" Lin Chuan said with a serious expression.
Shi Houcai glared at Lin Chuan and said coldly, "If you two have nothing else to do, please leave. I need to rest."
"Village Chief Shi, regarding the mountain stone development matter?" Zhao Zhonghai interjected at this point. If they were driven out just like that, all their previous efforts would be wasted.
Shi Houcai sneered, "I've lived in Stone Village all my life and never heard of such a thing. Stop trying to fool me. Leave quickly, or I'll call for help."
Lin Chuan hurriedly intervened, "Village Chief, please calm down. We're not deceiving you. If you don't believe us, we can discuss the specifics. We can pay upfront, and after payment, we start working. Honestly, if this is successful, not only will you benefit as the village chief, but the entire Stone Village will likely prosper. Of course, if things go smoothly, we won't forget your contributions as village chief."
Shi Houcai began to waver. He had heard of quarrying and refining stones, but never imagined it could be done in his desolate region. And he knew the situation in Stone Village better than anyone. There were only a few wealthy households, and many poor ones, ranking among the worst in the whole town. If, as they said, the villagers became prosperous, it would be an accomplishment during his tenure. Those spreading gossip behind his back would be silenced too.
What weighed on him the most was Lin Chuan's final remark. If successful, he could surely gain a lot from this. He was getting old, about time to retire. After making this deal, he'd have enough money to travel with his wife, much better than staying in this poor, remote area.
"What you're saying… is it true? Our mountain stones can really be used for this?" Shi Houcai asked uncertainly.
Lin Chuan sensed an opportunity and nodded confidently. Zhao Zhonghai also took out the stone he put in his bag earlier, presenting it to Shi Houcai, explaining the minerals it contained. Shi Houcai was stunned, nodding constantly, unable to add a word.
As Zhao Zhonghai was enthusiastically explaining, the sound of a car braking came from outside the villa. The door opened, and three uniformed men walked in.
Upon seeing them, Shi Houcai quickly got up to greet them, fawningly saying, "Director Pang, why did you come personally? Sorry to trouble you with such a small matter." As he spoke, Shi Houcai approached the three men, taking cigarettes from his pocket and handing each one.
"Judgmental fool, damn it. We came to bring you money, and you don't even offer us a cigarette. But when these guys arrive, you grin like a lapdog. Let's see how I mess with you!" Lin Chuan muttered under his breath upon seeing this.
"Brother Shi, you're too polite. This is our job. Are the two people you mentioned the ones inside? Xiao Liu, Xiao Li, take them out. I'd like to see who'd dare act wild here." A chubby, middle-aged man lit his cigarette, instructing his two subordinates.
Two young police officers walked inside. One pointed at Lin Chuan and Zhao Zhonghai: "You, and you, come out. I'm telling you, behave, or you'll pay the price."
Lin Chuan and Zhao Zhonghai offered no resistance and obediently walked out.
"Alright, Village Chief Shi, call me directly if anything comes up. I'll take them now and let you know as soon as we have the results." Seeing how easily the suspects were apprehended, Director Pang smiled as he bid farewell to Shi Houcai.
Shi Houcai just nodded, his face grim as he eyed Zhao Zhonghai and Lin Chuan, unsure what to think.
"On what grounds are you arresting us?" As they were pushed towards the police car, Lin Chuan couldn't resist asking seriously.
"On what grounds? Hmph, based on this!" Director Pang pointed to his uniform, smiling. "Village Chief Shi called saying you injured his son and caused trouble at his home. Don't tell me you still don't want to admit it?"
Zhao Zhonghai immediately countered, "It was a misunderstanding earlier. We only came to Village Chief Shi's house to clarify things. Plus, we have other matters for collaboration. You can't just arrest us without cause."
"Cut the crap. Just move it, or I'll show you my power." A young officer rebuked coldly.
"Village Chief Shi, don't forget our cooperation. It's crucial, affecting the wealth of Stone Village." Lin Chuan knew they had to go with them, and he couldn't fight the police; otherwise, it'd be disastrous. But before being pushed into the car, he shouted at Shi Houcai.
Hearing the car and sirens, villagers nearby came out to watch, murmuring about the day's events but too intimidated by the village chief to speak loudly, just whispering among themselves.
Just as Lin Chuan and Zhao Zhonghai felt hopeless, moments before being pushed into the police car, Shi Houcai finally stepped forward, saying to Director Pang, "Director Pang, wait! I've figured it out; this is all a misunderstanding!"
"A misunderstanding?" Director Pang and his two subordinates were stunned, staring at Shi Houcai in disbelief, momentarily speechless.
Lin Chuan and Zhao Zhonghai exchanged glances and smiled. It seemed the old man couldn't resist temptation; the fish was starting to bite!
Director Pang pulled Shi Houcai aside, quietly asking, "Old Shi, what's going on? You called me to catch them in person, and now you say it's a misunderstanding. Are you toying with us?"