The so-called boss, to whom Wei Ge referred, arrived after the night market had returned to calm.
"Boss, was there trouble here just now?"
The boss asked the fried noodle vendor.
"The people were taken to the police station. I don't know the details."
The vendor replied to the boss.
"Boss, tell me what happened."
The boss offered the vendor a cigarette.
"Two young men were harassing two young women. One of the young men acted heroically and beat up one of the blonde-haired fellows. That's all there was to it."
"The blonde-haired guy got the worst of it?"
"Likely so. Those four were taken to the police station to give statements."
"What about the one who acted heroically?"
"He left."
"Left?" The boss seemed incredulous.
"Yes. That young man drove here, ordered a few servings of fried noodles, and left."
"Are you telling the truth?"
"Shouldn't my word as Ma Wu carry some weight around here?" Ma Wu said.
"I'm not doubting your words. But the one who acted heroically, he wasn't taken to the police station?"
"He drove away."
"Thank you, boss."
The boss said this and left with his subordinates.
It has always been said that common folk should not contend with officials. Today, Xiao Xin and Xiao Wei must have kicked a steel plate. Otherwise, that person would not have been able to get away so easily. In this society, with surveillance everywhere, no one dares to bend the rules unless they don't want to wear their official hats anymore.
He scratched his bald head and waved his hand, "Everyone disperse."
"Big Brother, Xiao Wei and the others are still at the police station."
"I know. Can you get them out, or can I?"
He said this.
"Let's go back and mind our own businesses. I'll call the brothers if anything comes up."
After dismissing everyone, he dialed a number. "Brother Hu, when I brought my people over, the individuals had already been taken to the police station. Could you perhaps speak to their superior?"
"What happened? That's my brother. If he loses a single hair, I'll hold you accountable." Brother Hu said.
"Brother Hu, I truly can't do anything. The other party was very strong; they left without even going to the police station."
"Did they say what the other party's name was?"
"I think it was Guo Xuyang? I haven't checked yet to see where he's from."
"Guo Xuyang? Are you sure?"
"Yes, his name is Guo Xuyang. The boss at the street stall just told me."
"Then forget it. Have your brothers stand down. We can't afford to offend this person. When you get back, remind Xiao Xin to keep his eyes wide open when causing trouble next time, and not to kick steel plates."
"Understood, Brother Hu. I got it."
The boss hung up the phone, still perplexed. He wondered what rank Guo Xuyang held in the provincial capital for his Brother Hu to be so wary.
After hanging up, Wang Hu harbored a sliver of hope. Fortunately, this harbinger of disaster hadn't entered the police station; otherwise, neither of his two brothers would have been released. If Guo Xuyang was in this area, he would surely recognize Wang Hu as the spoiled son of the district chief he had taught a lesson to previously. He still remembered Li Minxi, who had nearly caused the old man to lose his official hat. It was only because several uncles and elders from higher up intervened to vouch for him that he still enjoyed his current prestige.
A minister today is a minister tomorrow. If his own father were to step down, who would still pay him any heed? Wang Hu was well aware of his own capabilities. Since his last encounter with Guo Xuyang and Li Minxi, he had been much more cautious in his actions. He never expected to encounter Guo Xuyang again today. He couldn't tell if it was fate or if destiny was playing a trick on him.