Beneath the Curtain

In the office of the director of the Lungmen Guard Department's Security Division, a middle-aged man sat by the coffee table, quietly savoring the tea in his cup, still giving off a faint wisp of steam.

Knock, knock, knock...

Knock, knock, knock...

Knock, knock, knock...

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in."

As he spoke, the middle-aged man set the cup in his hand back on the coffee table, then rose and returned to his desk.

Although his position in the Lungmen Guard Department could practically be considered second only to one, he still needed to maintain his public image. He could not let trivial matters damage the reputation of the Guard Department's leadership; it would have some effect on his political prospects, even though he now had almost no chance of further promotion.

When he reached the side of his desk, the visitor entered. He even closed the door behind him and locked it.

Had anyone else behaved like that, the Security Division director would have long since pressed the alarm and taken out the weapon stored in the hidden compartment of his desk. But upon seeing the man's expression, the director revealed a faint smile.

"Lawyer Yan, what brings you here? Has another Guard Department officer been reported?"

"No, no, no, Director Wang. I merely have a few case-related matters I would like to consult you about."

As he spoke, "Lawyer Yan" produced a document. Yet what was written on it had nothing to do with any case. It was material concerning the incident from this morning—or, more precisely, a prepared set of talking points.

At that moment, Director Wang understood what the man meant. Clearly, the person behind him wanted him to intervene in this matter. But Director Wang knew that he could not interfere; this had already somewhat exceeded the scope of his authority.

After all, the person handling this case was Chen Huijie, someone deeply connected to Wei Yenwu, Lungmen's highest ruler.

Perhaps her rank and official position were lower than his, but Director Wang could still see one thing clearly: Wei Yenwu was grooming this young Chief Superintendent as his successor. For the sake of such a matter, offending the future director of the Lungmen Guard Department—or even Lungmen's highest ruler—was plainly unwise.

As for whether he himself could reach Wei Yenwu's current position?

Director Wang knew his own limits. He understood that even if Wei Yenwu agreed, Great Yan would never approve it.

To outsiders, Lungmen might appear to be a free and independent city, but only Lungmen's upper class understood this: although Lungmen spent most of its time active along Great Yan's borders, this mobile city was an inseparable part of Great Yan!

If anyone tried to push for independence in this city, Great Yan's assassins would likely have cut them down before they could even announce it!

Perhaps Director Wang truly had connections with the person behind this lawyer, and perhaps he also harbored ambitions of controlling Lungmen. But he knew that now was not the time!

"You want me to help you approve the bail procedures for this Mafia boss?"

"That's right. I hope Director Wang will grant us this favor."

At that moment, the lawyer slowly pulled aside the top document. In a corner beyond the camera's view, check after check came into sight. Even Director Wang, despite his lofty position, could not help but feel stirred upon seeing so many checks.

Everyone understood what those checks represented. In this city, where every inch of land was worth a fortune, they were enough to buy a villa. It was money he could never earn in an entire lifetime!

At that moment, Director Wang's mind began to stir.

"He's just a Mafia member. Is he worth paying so much for?"

"This is Young Master's wish. Director Wang, you only need to sign this bail document. Young Master will naturally handle the rest."

"..."

Seeing Director Wang's somewhat hesitant expression, the lawyer understood that this alone might not be enough to make the middle-aged man help him.

However, he was not without other cards to play.

As he looked at this high-ranking official, the lawyer thought of beasts caught in traps. Before entering the trap, they were so mighty; after entering it, they became so pitiful. And if those beasts refused to obey, the hunter could destroy them with ease!

At this moment, Director Wang was the prey—a prey already caught in Young Master's trap—while Young Master was the hunter!

Of course, the lawyer could never say such words to this high-ranking official.

"Director Wang, have you forgotten what happened those previous times... If not for Young Master, would you be sitting in that position now?"

"Or perhaps... Director Wang, do you no longer intend to cooperate with Young Master? Are you preparing to betray your friendship with him?"

"Are you threatening me?"

At that moment, a trace of anger appeared on the middle-aged man's face.

Seeing this, the lawyer instead revealed a faint smile.

"No. It is merely a friendly reminder."

"If Director Wang no longer wishes to remain in that position, there are plenty of people below who would like to take your place."

"..."

The anger on Director Wang's face vanished, replaced by a trace of helplessness.

Ever since he had accepted his first bribe, he had imagined this very day. But back then, he had not taken it seriously.

Now, he had paid the price. Now, there was no turning back.

As he pulled the document over the exposed checks to cover them, Director Wang took the papers.

At that moment, he spoke.

"I'll do my best. But since this case is being handled by Chen, I can't guarantee it will succeed."

"Rest assured. You only need to do it. Young Master will take care of the rest."

With that, the lawyer rose to his feet and slowly left the office. At that moment, a burst of chaotic noise came from the office behind him...

Once his anger gradually faded, Director Wang calmed down. He took out his phone and opened his contacts.

As a high-ranking official, he had naturally cultivated some "subordinates" below him. Thus, certain matters did not require him to act personally. He only needed to contact those "subordinates," and he trusted they could handle this matter properly for him.

With that in mind, he dialed the head of the Rule of Law Section.

"Hello? Is this Little Gao?"

"Director Wang, what can I do for you?"

Hearing the voice on the other end, Director Wang's anger eased somewhat.

He then explained the matter to this "utterly loyal" subordinate. After receiving the man's assurance, Director Wang hung up with satisfaction...