Return to the City: The Strongest King

"Oh dear, getting so high and mighty, almost flying."

"Hahaha, getting caught by the police, and then the Director treats you to a meal. Such prestige, how come Sister Sijie's relatives mocked you?" Miao Xuanxuan teased.

"That's different, they are relatives. If it were someone else, I would have kicked their whole family out of Minghe."

"Stop boasting, why didn't you kick Zhu Wenhua out then?" Miao Xuanxuan replied.

"Don't rush, haven't you seen a cat playing with a mouse?" Song Xiaodong thought of Zhu Wenhua, and a cold light flashed in his eyes.

That evening, Song Xiaodong went to the banquet alone.

Director Zhao was ready, and Qiao Yutong sat next to him, his face somewhat displeased.

"Oh, Mr. Song is so punctual!" Director Zhao saw Song Xiaodong and quickly stood up to welcome him.

"No, Director, there's no need for this, I'm just a humble citizen." Song Xiaodong quickly supported Director Zhao.

"Quick, sit down and let's talk."

"Yu Tong, what are you standing there for? This is Mr. Song, don't just stand there like a block of wood." Director Zhao glanced at Qiao Yutong and said.

Apparently, Qiao Yutong didn't want to be at this gathering. It's unknown what Director Zhao said to him to make him agree to come.

"Hello, Mr. Song." Qiao Yutong's tone was somewhat cold, but the anger from before had faded.

"Hmm." Song Xiaodong nodded indifferently.

Director Zhao looked at the two and sensed a bit of awkwardness. He quickly laughed and asked, "Mr. Song, what would you like to eat?"

"I'm not familiar with this place, since Director Zhao is hosting, it's up to you."

"Alright, it's autumn now, which is the best season for nourishment. Some mutton would be ideal."

Very soon, a table of dishes was served.

"Mr. Song, I propose a toast. Last time, Mr. Song helped us when the provincial inspection team came down, and with a little strategy, you caught those troublemakers. The province was very satisfied with our city's security and made me a model, and that's all thanks to Mr. Song. However, during the last celebration banquet, Mr. Song didn't attend. Our Deputy Director Qiao accompanied Mr. Song then, so now I'm taking this opportunity to thank Mr. Song for his efforts in maintaining our city's public security!" Director Zhao raised his glass to thank Song Xiaodong.

"Director Zhao, you're too kind. It was just a casual effort; I just didn't want to see more murderers in Minghe. I simply did my best." Song Xiaodong replied.

"If every citizen could be like Mr. Song, striving for public safety, my job as director would be much easier! Come, cheers!"

The two then shared a drink.

"Come, Mr. Song, have some soup. This mutton is unique in Minghe." Director Zhao said to Song Xiaodong.

"Oh?" Song Xiaodong became interested.

"The mutton here comes from Inner Mongolia's Hailar; it's odorless. Hailar is a Mongolian term for a place where wild leeks grow. The mutton here is tender and has no smell. Each batch is grown to order, and you can trace each piece to the specific sheep, and even check which pasture the sheep's feed came from." Director Zhao proudly introduced to Song Xiaodong.

"Really... I must try it." Song Xiaodong picked up a spoon, ladled a small bowl, and tasted it.

"Indeed, tender without any smell, just as expected!"

"Hahaha, Mr. Song has great taste; this mutton is also seasonal."

"Is that so?"

"Of course, people say to eat mutton in autumn and winter not only because it's warm and nourishing, helping to replenish blood and resist autumn chill, but also because the meat is at its most tender and succulent in the fall. I'm a regular at this restaurant, and this time of year is when the mutton is best!"

"That's great, as Director Zhao said, I've had quite a bit of mutton, but here, it's definitely the best." Song Xiaodong also praised.

"Of course, inviting Song Xiaodong, I must show my sincerity." Director Zhao talked to Song Xiaodong while watching Qiao Yutong quietly eating white rice on the side.

"Yu Tong, don't just eat, Mr. Song is your savior, helped you twice, assisted in solving cases, letting you achieve great merit, you should properly thank Mr. Song." Director Zhao said to Qiao Yutong.

Hearing this, Qiao Yutong could only pretend to naturally pour a glass of wine, raise it, bowing his head not daring to look at Song Xiaodong, he said, "Thank you, Mr. Song!"

"Director Zhao, no need to keep mentioning this, I didn't attend the celebration banquet that day, Deputy Director Qiao already personally thanked me separately." Song Xiaodong didn't look at Qiao Yutong, but spoke directly to Director Zhao.

"Oh, yes, I forgot. Let's eat then."

Song Xiaodong put down the raised glass back on the table.

Qiao Yutong also placed his glass back on the table.

"Oh, right, and for the incident a few days ago." Director Zhao drank a few sips of soup and continued.

"Mr. Song, about the incident a few days ago, I truly apologize."

"Director Zhao, no need, it was all a misunderstanding, not worth mentioning."

"No, no, no, it can't be said like that. Mr. Song is both a guest and hero of our police bureau, yet our police bureau detained you, that's not how we treat guests!" Director Zhao said.

"Come, let me toast Mr. Song again as an apology, Mr. Song endured grievance while inside!" Director Zhao poured another glass of wine and raised it.

"Director Zhao, the police bureau adheres to impartial law enforcement, I caused trouble for the police bureau, I should be the one apologizing!"

"Mr. Song, don't say that, come, let's drink a toast, I apologize on behalf of the police bureau to Mr. Song."