Chapter 47: A 180-Degree Change in Attitude

"Director Cai?"

"Oh." No one under forty who manages to climb to the position of police chief is a simple character. Cai Gang had already realized from the previous interaction that the relationship between Qiao Weimin and Qiao Nian was strained. He cast a discreet glance toward the cold young woman and made a swift judgment. His expression instantly cooled as he distanced himself from Qiao Weimin, saying with a half-smile, "How is it that President Qiao seems to understand the details of the case better than I, the police chief?"

Qiao Weimin caught the sarcasm in his voice and stiffened. He couldn't understand how the man, who had been so warm and cordial just a moment ago, could turn his face so quickly and humiliate him in public.

However, Cai Gang was the police chief for this district. Although he wasn't a top-tier leader, he held significant actual power. Suppressing his sense of humiliation, Qiao Weimin forced out an awkward smile.

"I only heard about it; I wouldn't say I understand it well. It's just that Qiao Nian caused trouble, and I was worried... If I have offended you, Director Cai, please don't take it to heart."

Seeing that Qiao Weimin was still trying to drag the conversation back to Qiao Nian, Cai Gang stopped acknowledging him. He walked past him to stand before Qiao Nian, approaching her with a face full of smiles to curry favor. "You are student Qiao Nian, right? I am Cai Gang, and I am in charge of this district."

Qiao Nian nodded. Compared to Qiao Weimin, she was indifferent and calm. "Director Cai."

Cai Gang turned to the officer beside her. "Is the statement finished?"

The officer hurriedly replied, "It's all done."

Cai Gang turned back to Qiao Nian and said politely, "Student Qiao Nian, thank you for your hard work. We truly appreciate your support for our work. We have already detained those thugs, and we will pull their files later to check if they have any prior criminal records."

"Thank you so much for today. If you hadn't acted bravely for the sake of justice, there's no telling how much impact those people would have had on the security of this area. I will certainly speak to your school later and ask them to properly promote this spirit of civic bravery."

"I didn't really do anything. There's no need to make a fuss at the school."

Cai Gang immediately replied, "Right, right, I misspoke. We will simply write a letter of commendation to your school; there's no need for school-wide publicity."

Listening from the side, Qiao Weimin was bewildered and interjected, "Qiao Nian acted bravely? What do you mean? Wasn't she the one causing trouble and fighting?"

Cai Gang didn't even bother to acknowledge him, acting as if he hadn't heard. He walked over and patted Qiao Nian on the shoulder, smiling like a kind elder. "It's getting late, and the statement is finished. Student Qiao Nian, you should head home first. Would you like us to send a car to drop you off?"

Qiao Nian saw the Phaeton parked outside. She took her shoulder bag from the officer, slung it casually over her shoulder, and curled her lips into a cold, faint smile. "No need. I'll walk."

"Alright then. Stay safe on the road."

Cai Gang waved as he watched her leave. Only then did he turn back to Qiao Weimin, saying meaningfully, "President Qiao, you are a smart man. Some things are better left unsaid too bluntly. The Qiao Group deals with us quite often, so let me give you a piece of advice."

Qiao Weimin was still somewhat dazed, not understanding why Qiao Nian had just left, and instinctively replied, "What is it?"

Cai Gang gave him a meaningful look and said unhurriedly, "When living your life, you must look further ahead! Don't lose the watermelon for the sake of a sesame seed."

He had seen that Phaeton outside; that was a car belonging to the Jiang family from the bypass area, and among those who had called him today, there were even forces from the capital.

That was a social stratum he could not even reach, yet the Qiao family was insistently acting as if they wanted to sever all ties, as if they were terrified of being entangled.

What a bunch of idiots!