Welcome to the Old District

"The Old District, as Taiyu City's old industrial zone in its early years, made immense contributions to the city's development."

"However."

"Since the New Central District was established, many industries have completed their relocation."

"The Old District had long since lost its former prosperity."

"In recent years, many voices had called for the City Government to develop the Old District and restore its vitality."

"Today."

"We will speak directly with the mayor of Taiyu City."

"Let us turn our attention to the Old District renovation plan."

The young host's voice came through the car speakers.

This was Taiyu City's highest-rated program. Most people in the city chose to watch or listen to it after lunch.

Simply because the program could invite high-ranking City Government officials.

It was a channel through which ordinary citizens could learn about Taiyu City's future policies and direction.

Qin Annian drove an unmarked Police Car, lightly tapping the steering wheel with his right index finger.

The car passed down what should have been a broad road, now narrowed by illegal roadside encroachment.

On both sides of the road.

Stood abandoned factory buildings steeped in decay.

As far as the eye could see.

There were rust-covered sheets of metal everywhere, along with zombie cars that had been parked for who knew how long.

"Hello, Mayor Qian!"

"Hello, host. Hello, everyone."

After a round of applause, Mayor Qian continued with a smile.

"Everyone may have seen my résumé."

"I am not originally from Taiyu City."

"However."

"My parents were once workers who came to support Taiyu City's construction."

Those words.

Immediately brought the newly appointed mayor, who had been in office for only half a year, closer to the city.

"I also lived in Taiyu City, in the Old District, for eight years."

The host let out a timely "Wow," exclaiming.

"I never expected it."

"So Mayor Qian has such a connection with our Taiyu City!"

Mayor Qian smiled and continued.

"So."

"I have always considered myself half a Taiyu City native."

The host flattered him again.

"Why only half?"

"Mayor Qian is one of us, a Taiyu City native!"

A burst of laughter rang out.

Qin Annian lightly tapped the brakes, slowing the already sluggish car even further.

He looked ahead, his brows knitting slightly.

There.

Traffic cones and handcarts blocked half the road, making the already terrible conditions even worse.

"Whoo! Whoo! Whoo!"

At that moment.

Modified motorcycles swept past the car windows.

The brightly dyed punk youths on them yelled provocatively at Qin Annian inside the car, their hand gestures equally obscene.

"Alright."

"Let us return to the Old District's development."

The radio continued playing.

The host asked Mayor Qian curiously.

"I heard that Mayor Qian had plans to renovate the Old District from the very beginning of his term?"

Mayor Qian nodded, determination appearing on his face.

"That is correct."

"This time."

"I returned to Taiyu City."

"To revive the Old District and make Taiyu City great again."

"Back then."

"Taiyu City once produced..."

A string of astonishing figures came from Mayor Qian's mouth.

It made many viewers and listeners unconsciously straighten their backs.

As though they had recalled Taiyu City's glorious days.

After agreeing with him a few times, the host abruptly shifted the topic, his tone becoming sharp.

"Mayor Qian should also know that there is considerable resistance to developing the Old District."

Many viewers immediately focused.

One reason everyone liked this program was that the host did not merely flatter his guests throughout the interview.

He also pointed out real-world difficulties.

That made the policies mentioned on the program seem more feasible.

"There are indeed many obstacles."

"Especially the gang forces that have entrenched themselves in the Old District over so many years. Their roots run deep."

Mayor Qian acknowledged the problems facing the Old District's development, his expression growing serious.

"The host is right."

"It is not enough to scribble a few plans on paper and expect to redevelop the Old District."

"I guarantee this."

"I will remove every obstacle standing in the way of development."

"Please believe in the Taiyu Municipal Government."

"We have the ability and the strength to solve these troubles."

"..."

After Mayor Qian's impassioned string of remarks ended.

The host nodded and continued with a smile.

"We all believe in Mayor Qian's determination."

"So."

"With Mayor Qian's support, our production team has already contacted the chief of Taiyu City's Security Bureau."

"At this time tomorrow."

"Chief Zhang will appear on our program as a guest."

"Please look forward to it."

"Alright."

"That concludes today's program."

"Let us thank Mayor Qian for coming here and clearing up everyone's doubts."

Qin Annian turned the knob, shutting off the car speakers.

He looked at the slowly crawling traffic.

In the end, he decided to pull over and walk the rest of the way.

However.

The moment he got out of the car.

A voice came from the street beside him.

"Parking costs five Federation Credits!"

By purchasing power standards.

That parking fee was not cheap.

Besides.

The relevant authorities had not designated this as a paid parking zone, had they?

"Heh!" A skinny young man in a faded shirt walked out of the street and sneered. "Those five Federation Credits guarantee that nobody will slash your tires or smash your windows."

"Welcome to the Old District!"

Qin Annian did not pay. Instead, he suddenly reached out and draped an arm around the young man's shoulders.

"What are you doing?"

"I am with the Blood Blade Gang!"

"You..."

Suddenly.

His voice caught.

Qin Annian gripped the young man's neck and shoved him into the street.

Terror welled up in the young man's heart.

He had originally assumed that Qin Annian, who looked about his age, was some wealthy young master from the city who had driven to the Old District for fun.

But he had not expected.

That he would have no ability to resist Qin Annian at all.

He had to know.

He had also trained in Standing Posture.

His Life Development Power was over 3 points.

And with the real combat experience he had gained from running the streets since childhood.

Ordinary people were easy prey for him!

He was even responsible for the gang's parking-fee collection business.

"Security Bureau."

"Peace Officer."

Qin Annian displayed his identification.

Hiss!

The skinny young man sucked in a sharp breath, disbelief filling his eyes.

Qin Annian, who was barely older than him, was actually a Security Bureau Peace Officer?!

How was that possible?

"You!"

"You!"

"What do you want?"

"This is the Old District. Even a Peace Officer..."

Slap!

Qin Annian struck him across the face, his gaze sharp as a blade.

"Today, I will teach you something."

"Know your place."

"If your father is not a high-ranking official in Taiyu City, do not make threats to a Security Bureau Peace Officer."

"Did you learn that?"

Seeing stars, the young man nodded reflexively.

"Good."

Qin Annian released him and continued.

"I ask."

"You answer."

"Otherwise."

"I will cuff you and take you back to the Security Bureau on charges of illegally occupying public property."

The young man had sobered up. Seeing the icy look on Qin Annian's face, he swallowed several times in fright.

"I..."

He had just wanted to say something.

But when he saw Qin Annian pull out electronic handcuffs from his waist, he immediately nodded eagerly.

"Ask!"

"Ask!"