You Can Rest Assured, I Know What I'm Doing

The events at the Loyalty Hall were internal matters.

However, not long after Lin Fan left, rumors began to spread like wildfire, one wave after another.

Lin Fan had caused a scene at the Loyalty Hall, smashing the Hall Master Huang Wei with a grand tutor's chair.

He even pointed at the Gang Leader Chen Qingshan and cursed him loudly, yet Chen Qingshan didn't dare to utter a single word.

The rumors were true.

But those who spread gossip knew that the first wave of transmission would have a few personal embellishments, and by the second or even third transmission, things would become quite distorted.

After all, everyone in the underworld knew that if you didn't brag a little, your information wouldn't seem impressive. So, exaggerating was standard practice, no need to be alarmed.

Some rumored that Lin Fan was extremely displeased with Old Man Chen Qingshan, rushing forward to slap him several times, so hard that no one could hold him back.

Another rumor claimed that Huang Wei was beaten because while Lin Fan was negotiating with Chen Qingshan, Huang Wei kept picking at his toes, releasing a strange odor that led to him being beaten.

Those who heard the gossip generally believed that Huang Wei was beaten for picking his toes.

After all, they all knew that Huang Wei loved to do it.

And he never changed, even when told.

At this moment, some were happy, and some were worried.

The Fierce Tiger Gang was overjoyed. They never expected the Loyalty Hall to be taken down by one of their own former members. This was great news, meaning the Fierce Tiger Gang could become the sole dominant force in the future.

The ones who were worried were Wang Changhai and his wife.

Evening, the Hall Master's residence.

"Brother, you can't be impulsive about this. Although I haven't paid much attention to what goes on in the Loyalty Hall, they are all ruthless individuals," Madam Wang said, unable to eat, her face full of worry.

In contrast, Lin Fan picked up a chicken leg and stuffed it into his mouth, saying as he ate, "Sister, it's fine. Mmm, this dish is delicious. It looks like you cooked it yourself, Sister."

"Yes, I cooked it myself, with great care. Wait, I'm talking to you about the Loyalty Hall. You've only recently joined the Security Bureau, your foundation is unstable, and there are people above you. It won't be easy to handle."

Madam Wang was genuinely worried, feeling that her brother had truly caused a massive problem.

"It's okay, I have it under control," Lin Fan said with a smile.

Beside them, Wang Changhai drank cup after cup of wine. It wasn't because he wanted to drink, but because he wanted to calm his nerves. His head was still spinning.

He thought of Huang Wei's shouting and cursing after the incident, even pointing at his face and yelling. He held his breath but had nowhere to release it. Now, who in Yong'an City didn't know how overbearing his boss, Wang Changhai, was?

There were even rumors that Wang Changhai was plotting to take over the position of Hall Master of the Loyalty Hall.

He couldn't act himself.

So he let others act.

Damn it, he had nothing to say. He really wanted to say, "Don't spread such nonsense, my Brother Fan isn't that kind of person. He fights for the people and for justice."

But would anyone believe him even if he said it?

Of course not.

At this moment, Madam Wang got up and walked to the back room. When she returned, she held a box and placed it in front of Lin Fan.

Lin Fan was busy eating and freed up one hand. "Sister, what is this?"

Upon opening it, he saw it was filled with gold and silver jewelry, as well as some precious gems.

Lin Fan's expression slightly changed upon seeing this. He put down the chicken bone he was holding and picked up a cloth to wipe his hands and mouth.

Madam Wang said, "These are all things I've accumulated over the years. I originally planned for your brother-in-law to retire from the Loyalty Hall when he got older and live a peaceful life. But now, take these and use them to grease some palms. The Clerk is sick and not handling affairs, but his position is still there. You'll need to send more to Steward Li. I heard he's being transferred, but he's still here now. It won't hurt to handle things well with him. Also..."

She went on and on, listing many people.

The relationships in Yong'an County were like a web. As long as one was willing to put in the effort, there was no problem that couldn't be solved.

Lin Fan closed the box. "Sister, there's no need. To be honest, I've already spoken with some people. It won't be a problem."

Madam Wang didn't grasp the underlying meaning.

But Wang Changhai did. He had spoken with some people. Who had he spoken with?

Could it be?

Only a few powerful individuals could withstand such pressure.

Although he was a good fighter, fighting wasn't always the way to resolve things.

If Lin Fan knew what Wang Changhai was thinking, he would be pleasantly surprised and say, "You guessed right, it was resolved through fighting."

"It's really fine?"

"It's really fine."

Lin Fan smiled, then looked at Wang Changhai. That look made Wang Changhai's heart pound, feeling as if something bad was about to happen.

The power structure of Yong'an City had long been established.

Trying to overthrow it would cause trouble. Too many commoners rely on this for their livelihood. If the framework is dismantled, it could easily lead to disaster. Therefore, his initial idea was to corrupt the internal personnel, use them for progress, and keep the framework intact.

"Hall Master, you've been with the Loyalty Hall for a long time, haven't you?"

"Mm, a long time. I've been through so much, the wind and rain, it's exhausting."

He was truly tired, mostly mentally. In the past, during gang meetings, he was always ridiculed by the other Hall Masters. Whenever their opinions clashed, he would be mocked. Some people were just so good with their words, truly deserving of their positions through flattery.

What could he say to that?

Because what they said made sense.

How could one progress without flattery?

Lin Fan picked up his teacup, rinsing the taste from his mouth. "People have to find ways to improve in life, otherwise, what's the difference between them and a salted fish."

Improvement?

Wang Changhai was stunned.

Taking it a step further, wouldn't that be the position of the Gang Leader?

Thinking of this, he opened his mouth, staring at Lin Fan in a daze. Could it be... could he be trying to help him ascend to power?

Lin Fan looked at the night sky outside the door and stood up. "Sister, it's getting late. I'll be heading back. As I said before, don't worry. I know what I'm doing. I won't do anything I'm not sure of."

With that, he left.

In the hall.

"Is it really okay?" Madam Wang pressed.

Wang Changhai sighed. "How would I know? The situation now is that there's no turning back. He can only go all the way. Wife, a year ago you said to retire and live a peaceful life. I wasn't willing then. Now, I wish I had listened to you back then. I'm living in fear now."

Under the night sky, Lin Fan walked alone on the street.

It was very quiet around him.

Not a sound.

Until he saw Little Fatty waiting by the entrance, holding a lantern. He looked behind him and shook his head in disappointment. He had expected someone to make a move on him, but surprisingly, no one did.

It was somewhat regrettable.

If there had been, it would have been the other party handing him a knife.

Unfortunately, they didn't give him the opportunity.

"Brother, have you eaten?" Little Fatty trotted over.

"Mm, I have. Get some rest early."

Lin Fan patted Little Fatty's shoulder, and they returned to the courtyard together.

Early morning.

At the Security Bureau, in the room next to Chen's office.

Xu Ming had arrived for work very early. He brewed himself a cup of tea, placed a few flatbreads beside him, and flipped through case files as he ate.

He was a Rookie Officer and had been at the Security Bureau for three years without any promotion. This was because he was one of the few in the Security Bureau who came from a poor family.

He was lucky back then. A high-ranking official was inspecting Yong'an City. He was just an ordinary citizen at the time and, by chance, apprehended a thief right in front of the official.

With so many people watching, the official probably wanted to put on a show. He specifically called Xu Ming over, praised him, and asked about his aspirations. Xu Ming said he had applied to the Security Bureau but wasn't sure if he'd pass.

The official then said, "This young man has a strong sense of justice. Good. Our court needs people like him."

Later, Xu Ming understood the true weight of those words. A position that had already been promised was hard-made for him.

But that was the extent of its usefulness. There would be no further promotions for him.

Creak.

The door opened, and a regular officer walked in.

"Brother Huang," Xu Ming greeted.

The Officer Huang before him was a regular officer. He had joined the Security Bureau two years after Xu Ming, but he had been promoted to regular officer six months ago and received a salary.

Unlike him, who only received an allowance.

Officer Huang saw that only Xu Ming was in the office and said, "Little Xu, find a case for me. Something that can get someone ten to eight years in prison. Pin it on that kid from the tavern."

"Huh? Brother Huang, that's harsh. Didn't that family already hand over their recipe?"

"They handed it over, and we just wanted to scare them a bit. But that kid took the opportunity to bite Young Master Hu. Young Master Hu is very angry and wants to teach him a lesson. Enough of this nonsense. Do as you're told quickly. The squad leader will be here soon, and we have to go with him on business."

Officer Huang was very impatient.

"Oh, I understand."

Xu Ming didn't dare to say more and nodded in agreement.