Fang Jianhua frowned and said, “Forget it, let’s eat. We’ve already been waiting for an hour and a half.”

Huang Shurou quickly stopped him, “Don’t be in a hurry. Let’s wait a bit longer. They might arrive soon.”

After a while, the duty soldier came in and said that Fang Chengguang and someone else had arrived.

Huang Shurou looked puzzled and asked, “With whom? Is it He Liang?”

The duty soldier replied, “It seems to be Team Leader Cheng from the transportation team.”

Huang Shurou asked, “What’s he here for?”

She wondered if Cheng was involved in something concerning Fang Chengguang.

She thought it wasn’t a big deal and that having Fang Chengguang return for a brief chat with Fang Jianhua would suffice.

While they were talking, Fang Chengguang and a young man walked in together.

Fang Chengguang was in military uniform, but the young man wore a somewhat unusual outfit.

It was made from the same material as military uniforms but had pockets on the sides of the pants, a diagonal pocket on the jacket, and another pocket on the outside of the left arm.

Although the style was uncommon, it looked surprisingly good on him.

Huang Shurou didn’t recall seeing such a handsome and well-built young man in the transportation department.

She usually worked, came home, and socialized with upper-class ladies, so she didn’t have much interaction with people from the compound.

Even though Cheng Rushan was well-known among the younger crowd in the family area, it hadn’t reached her circles.

Huang Shurou smiled as she walked to the door, “Chengguang, you’re back. Your father has been waiting for you for a long time.” She turned to Cheng Rushan and added with a smile, “And who is this?”

Fang Chengguang, with a cold expression and indifferent tone, replied, “This is Cheng Rushan, the second team leader from the transportation team.”

Huang Shurou’s smile became even more warm and friendly, but her tone was a bit insistent, “Chengguang, today your father wanted to have a quiet meal with you. You see…”

Her implied message was that bringing an outsider without any notice was a bit abrupt and inappropriate.

She didn’t want family matters being overheard by outsiders, not even He Liang, let alone someone she didn’t know like Cheng Rushan.

Fang Chengguang ignored her and said to Cheng Rushan, “This is Mrs. Fang, Huang Aunty.”

Huang Shurou’s smile faltered slightly, but she still managed to ask, “Team Leader Cheng, did you come here for something specific?”

She wondered if Cheng Rushan was trying to use connections to get special treatment. “Our Commander Fang is not available to handle such matters…”

“Brother Cheng is here because I invited him for dinner,” Fang Chengguang interrupted her again, now clearly annoyed.

Previously, Huang Shurou would put on a show of concern for him, but after Fang Chengguang moved out because she kept setting him up on blind dates with other women, their relationship deteriorated completely.

In front of the old man, she would play the role of a good stepmother, but behind his back, they completely ignored each other.

Both parties understood the situation, and there was no need for pretense.

Huang Shurou smiled, “Since that’s the case, please come in. We didn’t prepare enough food for so many people on short notice. Our family’s old Mr. Fang is very frugal; we always make sure everyone eats just enough, never wasting a single bite.”

Fang Chengguang gave her a sidelong glance, his contempt unmasked.

Saying something like that in front of guests was either stupid or deliberately meant to show disdain, a clear sign of not bothering with pleasantries.

He said to Cheng Rushan, “Forget it, my family can’t afford to eat here. Let’s go to your place.” He turned to leave.

Huang Shurou’s face fell immediately.

She quickly put on a forced smile, “Chengguang, you child, this is…”

“Little rascal, who are you showing off to?” Fang Jianhua shouted, “You brought a friend, so hurry up and invite them in to sit down!”

Huang Shurou didn’t dare show any more attitude toward Cheng Rushan this time.

She smiled and invited him inside, instructing Xiao Lian to quickly get the slippers.

Fang Chengguang, however, walked in without any pretense.

Cheng Rushan didn’t refuse.

He changed into slippers and walked in, greeting Fang Jianhua first.

Fang Jianhua looked at him and said, “Cheng Rushan.”

Cheng Rushan replied, “Hello, Commander.”

Fang Jianhua shook his hand and said, “You’re a promising young man, not bad.” He then shot a glare at Fang Chengguang and added, “Please have your friend take a seat and start eating.”

Fang Chengguang then politely pulled out a chair for Cheng Rushan and said, “Please, have a seat.”

Cheng Rushan quietly sat down.

The maid began serving breakfast, which included seafood porridge, small steamed buns, soy milk, fried dough sticks, red bean buns, steamed buns, and various side dishes.

Fang Chengguang remarked, “It’s a good thing there aren’t many people at home. With more guests, the table might not fit everything.”

Fang Jianhua was about to reprimand him, but Huang Shurou quickly smiled and said, “Since you’re back for a meal today, we specially bought extra food. Usually, your father and I just have porridge, steamed buns, and pickles. It’s a bit more elaborate today because you’re here.”

She personally served Cheng Rushan a bowl of porridge, saying, “Cheng Rushan, just make yourself at home.”

Fang Jianhua was actually more amiable with Cheng Rushan than with Fang Chengguang. “Feel free to eat, don’t be too formal. When dealing with this rascal, you’ll need to be more understanding.”

Although Fang Jianhua had served in the military early on, he had always been in administrative roles and never led troops in battle.

So, he wasn’t the intimidating, physically strong type of man.

He wasn’t very gentle with his son and was rather straightforward and blunt instead.

Cheng Rushan smiled but said nothing.

Huang Shurou found him a bit inscrutable, unlike He Changjiang who was straightforward or He Liang who was slippery.

Cheng Rushan’s demeanor made her feel he was more complex than she had initially thought.

Soon, the dining table was filled with the sound of people eating in silence, the clinking of spoons, and the faint chime of porcelain bowls.

Huang Shurou set her spoon down and smiled at Fang Chengguang, “Chengguang, I heard you were out all night last night and didn’t come back. Is there a special girl you’re interested in?”

Fang Chengguang glanced at her with open disdain.

Fang Jianhua frowned.

Although he had a strained relationship with his son, he never neglected his responsibilities. “You didn’t have any assignments or duties yesterday. Where did you go?”

As a military personnel from the defense office, not returning for a night without notifying was against protocol.

Though it wasn’t strictly enforced, the regulations were in place, and if questioned, there would be accountability.

Fang Chengguang gave Huang Shurou another glance. “Don’t worry, I don’t need you to arrange blind dates for me while I’m still single.”

“How dare you speak like that?” Fang Jianhua shot him an annoyed look.

Fang Chengguang shrugged. “Fine, go ahead.”

Huang Shurou hurriedly added with a smile, “Let’s not get angry. We’re all family here; there’s no need to hold grudges or quarrel. Old Fang, you’re always so concerned about Chengguang. Every time you meet, it’s just to argue. Can’t you talk things through calmly?” She then turned to Fang Chengguang,

“Chengguang, don’t always be at odds with your father. He’s just concerned for you. You’re not young anymore, and you should be more understanding. Don’t make him worry so much…”

“Enough.” Fang Chengguang interrupted her abruptly.

His voice was not angry but rather lazy, and he didn’t continue eating.

Instead, he leaned back in his chair and said, “Is this a banquet at Hongmen?”

“Rogue!” Fang Jianhua slammed his chopsticks on the table. “Is this how you speak?”

Fang Chengguang replied, “Wasn’t I invited here for a meal? You want me to say nice things too? Fine, I won’t say anything. I’m full now, so I’m leaving.”

He made a move as if to get up.

Cheng Rushan, on the other hand, silently enjoyed the porridge.

It was very tasty, with shrimp, scallops, and some kind of fish.

It was delicious.

He planned to tell his family and wife to make some like this.

Huang Shurou quickly stood up to calm Fang Chengguang.

Although she wasn’t very beautiful, her gentle features and soft voice gave her a gentle charm, making it hard for anyone to be rude to her.

“Chengguang, let’s talk this out. Your father means well. If you think I’ve done something wrong, just say it. I have no objections.”

Fang Chengguang ignored her, curious to see what she would do next.

Huang Shurou continued, “Chengguang, did you run into trouble when you went to the provincial capital yesterday to meet girls? I heard the students were fighting over dance partners, and it even involved your little… involved Xiangyu. I heard you, in your anger, helped the students and sent Xiangyu to the police station?”

Fang Chengguang tilted his head, wondering how she could have the nerve to talk to him about this.

Fang Chengguang’s actions were indeed driven by his disdain for Huang Xiangyu and the protection he had from his brother-in-law.

If it had been someone else harassing Jiang Lin, Cheng Rushan would have taken action himself, ensuring the harasser regretted crossing paths with them.

But with Huang Xiangyu involved and backed by his connections, Cheng Rushan intervened directly to prevent any interference.

Huang Shurou’s anxiety was evident as she tried to mislead Fang Jianhua, suggesting that Cheng Chengguang had deliberately targeted Huang Xiangyu to frame him, which wasn’t the case at all.

Fang Jianhua, unaware of the details, had only been told by Huang Shurou that her brother had a minor conflict with Cheng Chengguang.

He had invited Cheng Chengguang over for a meal to smooth things over, not realizing the situation was much more complex.

Hearing Huang Shurou’s account of Huang Xiangyu being sent to the police station, Fang Jianhua was visibly upset. “This is ridiculous! You don’t treat family this way. How could you send him to the police station? It’s outrageous!”

Fang Chengguang responded with a cold smile, “Are you genuinely unaware of the situation or deliberately distorting it?”

“Enough!” Fang Jianhua’s anger flared as he slammed his hand on the table. “Stop with your political games. Your father deals with this!”

As the Director of the Political Department, Fang Jianhua was highly sensitive to anything that could be perceived as political maneuvering.

He knew it was crucial to defuse the situation quickly to avoid any escalating political implications.

Huang Shurou quickly intervened, trying to calm Fang Jianhua. “Old Fang, don’t get worked up. You know your health isn’t great. Chengyi has reminded you several times not to get angry. Let’s discuss this calmly.”

Fang Chengguang put his hands in his pockets and appeared casually indifferent. “Alright, let’s discuss what really happened.”

He turned to Cheng Rushan, who was calmly sipping his porridge, unaffected by the tension, and said, “Brother Cheng, you can go ahead and tell the truth in front of Commander Fang.”

Cheng Rushan slowly set down his spoon and spoke in a calm, deliberate tone, “Commander, last night Chengguang didn’t go dancing. My wife was in danger and asked him for help. He went specifically to protect her.”

Huang Shurou’s expression darkened, and she quickly said, “Young Cheng, we should stick to the facts and not exaggerate.”

She suspected that her brother might have harassed a girl again and that this time he had met with serious consequences.

Cheng Rushan smiled at her, though the smile seemed cold. “I wouldn’t dare exaggerate. Someone with a gun intercepted my wife, forcing her into a relationship.

Despite her repeated declarations that she has a husband and son, he pursued her relentlessly.

Upon learning they were having a social event that night, he brought eight thugs with weapons to cause trouble, intending to publicly tarnish my wife’s reputation, embarrass me, and force her to comply.”

His voice was slightly deep and magnetic, pleasant to hear, but his words made Huang Shurou very displeased.

Huang Shurou said, “Young Cheng, even though I wasn’t there, from what you’re describing, it seems your wife’s social interactions are a bit inappropriate.”

She wanted to say directly that Cheng Rushan’s wife might be improper and undisciplined, and questioned whether she might have been the one to provoke the situation.

Fang Chengguang mocked, “Who do you think you are, seeing others as what you are?”

If you have a questionable nature, you’ll see others as questionable. If you’re sneaky, you’ll think everyone else is sneaky too.

Fang Chengguang’s words, though indirect, were as effective as directly criticizing Huang Shurou for her improper behavior and seduction of a high-ranking officer.

Huang Shurou, already troubled, quickly grasped Fang Chengguang’s meaning.

Her face went pale, and she exclaimed, “Fang Chengguang, what do you mean by that?”

Fang Chengguang replied, “The literal meaning.”

Fang Jianhua frowned and said, “Stop arguing!”

He turned to Cheng Rushan, “What exactly happened? Your partner wasn’t hurt, was he?”

Cheng Rushan shook his head and recounted the events, emphasizing Huang Xiangyu’s arrogance and his display of power, flaunting his influential connections.

Fang Jianhua’s expression darkened, “Who is this person?”

Though he suspected it was Huang Xiangyu, he needed confirmation.

Cheng Rushan replied, “It’s Huang Xiangyu. Since he’s somewhat related to a high-ranking officer, I came to ask for the officer’s help in seeking justice.”

Huang Shurou shouted, “Nonsense, utter nonsense! Although my brother can be a bit mischievous, he would never do such bad things.”

She turned to Fang Jianhua and said, “Old Fang, you’ve seen Xiangyu. He can be a bit playful, but he’s not a bad person, right? Young people like Chengguang are always rebellious.”

Implying that Fang Chengguang also does some outrageous things, Huang Xiangyu is similar.

Fang Chengguang retorted, “Why not check the police files to find out?”

Huang Shurou’s face was a mix of pale and green as she spoke through gritted teeth, “Is someone trying to frame him? Have they been looking for a chance to target him to get at me?”

She lowered her head and started to sob.

Fang Jianhua’s gaze moved between Fang Chengguang and Cheng Rushan, “Was your partner hurt?”

Fang Chengguang, furious, stood up, “Just because there’s no injury doesn’t mean we ignore responsibility? Are we to treat that jerk and the woman’s actions as a mere joke and a lesson that shouldn’t be repeated?”

Seeing Fang Chengguang’s tone, Fang Jianhua became angry, “What’s with your attitude? How dare you speak to the officer like that?”

Cheng Rushan said, “There’s no need for the officer to be upset. My partner wasn’t harmed, but others were.

We followed the leads and uncovered some old cases that might have been suppressed.

It’s possible that the officer has never heard of them.

We don’t know if someone used the officer’s influence to deceive him and cover up misconduct.”

Cheng Rushan took out a notebook from his pants pocket.

It contained records of interviews with He Liang and Bie Dongshan, as well as notes from interrogations of Huang Xiangyu’s subordinates.

Although it was just a summary, it included signatures and fingerprints.

He handed the notebook to Fang Jianhua, “The detailed case files are at the police station. The officer can send someone to review them in detail.”

Huang Shurou, tearful, said, “Old Fang, don’t be fooled. They… are trying to harm me with such tactics.”

Fang Jianhua, frowning deeply, glanced at Huang Shurou, then picked up the notebook and flipped through it.

After a few pages, he slammed it down on the table.

Huang Shurou, filled with hatred, said, “How do you know you’re not just fabricating this?”

Fang Chengguang replied coldly, “You can force ordinary people to be silent, but we can’t make the police and us fabricate evidence together.

No one cared before, and it was easy for you to suppress an ordinary person. Now that we know, we can’t ignore it.”

Fang Jianhua, aware of the situation, knew that Fang Chengguang wasn’t capable of fabricating evidence.

However, he turned to Huang Shurou, “What’s your brother-in-law’s name at the police station?”

Huang Shurou, sobbing, said, “Old Fang, you have to believe me. Jinshui has always been fair and just in his law enforcement; he wouldn’t…”

Fang Jianhua, not wanting to see her cry, turned and left.

He went to his study to personally call Director Chang, Sun Kaixuan, and others to come to the military district for a report.