Hu Xiaotian knew Zhou Batian had misunderstood him, thinking that his beating and imprisonment by the bailiffs that day had merely been a staged ploy to win sympathy through suffering. Smiling, he shook his head. "I didn't even know you. Why would I put on an act?" He pointed to the chair opposite him. "Sit!"
Zhou Batian sat down unceremoniously. Hu Xiaotian gave Murong Feiyan a meaningful look and said softly, "Wait outside for me."
Murong Feiyan could not help worrying. Given Zhou Batian's burly build, even with his cangue and shackles on, Hu Xiaotian would probably be unable to restrain him if he went berserk. Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Don't worry. Brother Zhou and I are good friends."
Hearing him say "Brother Zhou" left Zhou Batian even more bewildered.
Murong Feiyan finally went out, saying softly, "I'll be right outside."
Once the iron door closed, only Hu Xiaotian and Zhou Batian remained in the interrogation room.
Zhou Batian narrowed his eyes and regarded Hu Xiaotian suspiciously. "Whatever you have to say, my lord, say it outright."
"I'm Hu Xiaotian, the newly appointed County Deputy of Azure Cloud County," Hu Xiaotian said. "Today is my first day in office."
"Forgive my poor memory, but I can't recall ever meeting you anywhere else, my lord," Zhou Batian said. His expression was haughty and cold, as though he gave this new County Deputy no consideration at all.
"Thank you for helping me out of that predicament the night before last, Brother Zhou," Hu Xiaotian said.
Zhou Batian snorted. Don't try any tricks on me, brat. Who knows what scheme you're cooking up?
"Jia Dewang and Jia Liu came to court again today to pursue their lawsuit," Hu Xiaotian said. "I imagine you know better than I do what those two are after."
Zhou