by <unknown>
The director hung up silently. When he turned around to see his subordinates starting to put the handcuffs on Chen Chen, he immediately cried out to stop them, "Hold up!"
"Director?"
Many of them turned to the director with a look full of surprise.
"All of you, get out of here, except for Zhou Hao."
The director gave a signal as he addressed his task force.
They stood motionlessly and stared at their director.
"I said, get out!"
The director raised his voice and ordered sternly.
With that, they retreated from the scene bitterly.
After ensuring everyone had left, the director turned to Chen Chen and said with a tone that was a mixture of politeness and spite, "Mr. Chen Chen, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave for the moment."
"No problem."
Chen Chen gave a signal. His crew of bodyguards and medical staff immediately retreated inside the room with him. The door was promptly shut behind them after entering.
In an instant, the only two people left in the yard of Siheyuan were the director and Zhou Hao.
The director looked at Zhou Hao. "I want you to tell me everything that has occurred, from the beginning to the end, in clear detail."
"Understood."
Zhou Hao started to speak, "Yesterday, while I was heading back home after finishing work, I happened to see a van with the figure of what had to be Chen Chen sitting inside. That was when I decided to tail the van. After I kept my distance and confirmed that he had come to Siheyuan, I proceeded to head to the rooftop.
"I waited for approximately half an hour before I started to hear muffled screams coming from inside the room. At this point, I was debating whether I should contact you guys but that was when he stepped out of the room and somehow managed to spot me. I tried to run and he sent his bodyguards after me."
"And then you opened fire?"
The director wielded a dark expression.
"Yes, but…"
"Are your opponents armed?!"
The director asked pointedly before Zhou Hao could string together his response.
"No…"
Zhou Hao could only shake his head and stare at the ground dejectedly.
"No?" The director took a deep, exasperated breath. "Don't you remember the code that the FBI has to abide by! How can you justify simply opening fire in such a situation? Aren't you aware of the consequences of opening fire freely?"
"I can't tell you why it is, but I felt an enormous amount of stress when they pursued me. I suspect that it's not just Chen Chen, there must be something up with the bodyguards under his employment as well!"
Zhou Hao quickly defended himself. "As long as we can bring them back for strenuous questioning, I'm sure we can…"
"Stop talking."
The director shook his head. "You opened fire recklessly. If Chen Chen decides to sue our department for this, I'll be forced to resign!" As he said this, he turned to the room which Chen Chen had entered and pulled the door open. "Mr. Chen Chen, were you aware of Zhou Hao's identity when he was on the roof?"
"Of course, not."
Chen Chen shrugged. "If I knew that Zhou Hao was a federal agent, I wouldn't have sent my bodyguards after him."
"You…"
Zhou Hao immediately tried to say something to defend himself.
"I see!"
The director cut Zhou Hao off immediately. "It seems that this was all a common misunderstanding. Still, agent Zhou Hao was wounded by your bodyguards so I hope you would foot a portion of the medical bill, especially since he'll require facial surgery with his broken nose."
"No problem, I'm more than willing to pay no matter how much it costs."
Chen Chen nodded. "Also, I'm willing to personally compensate Investigator Zhou Hao 200,000 dollars for the upcoming duration where he'll be sidelined and for the mental trauma imposed."
"Excellent."
The director nodded contentedly before dragging Zhou Hao away with him.
With that, the entire ordeal was settled uneventfully.
Chen Chen escorted them to the entrance, where they saw countless vehicles exiting the village one after another. Chen Chen remained largely expressionless.
He was aware that the reason they asked him to foot the medical bill was only so that they could have something to relay to the higher-ups regarding how the matter was settled.
The truth was that as long as Chen Chen maintained his position and insisted that he did not know about Zhou Hao's identity, he was only going to be locked up at the FBI branch for a night at most. He should expect to be released by the next day without any real consequences.
Still, the higher-ups were concerned about leaving any bad blood with Chen Chen. After all, they may have plenty more dealings in the future, which was why there was the phone call earlier.
If Chen Chen wanted to, he could choose the route of suing them for opening fire without reason but that would make the situation much more complicated for them.
However, doing it this way would be a blatant slap in their face.
At the end of the day, it was an open secret that Chen Chen had suspicious dealings underground. Despite that, the higher-ups still decided to give Chen Chen a gracious exit. If Chen Chen were to take advantage of them in this situation, it would be an unseemly choice on his part as well.
Since the FBI had given Chen Chen an out and decided to not take him back for further investigation, Chen Chen returned the favor as well and did not continue pursuing this issue any further.
Before leaving, Zhou Hao shot one last glare at Chen Chen before shutting the car windows.
Chen Chen had a sense of what he was thinking from that one simple glare.
"Sir Godfather, they have retreated."
Little X informed, there was a trace of concern in her voice, "You were this close to being taken away. Our connections in the Mainland don't run as deep as compared to in Africa or Europe. I wouldn't know what to do if that happens…"
"Don't worry, it won't take me long to get out even if they take me."
Chen Chen offered consolation for Little X. "You're still too young to understand how things work around here, there's no way that the Mainland government would allow me to be taken away. They won't let it happen even if there are countless cases stacked against me. The reason being that I'm simply too valuable."
"Is that so?"
Little X asked again, "Then why does Zhou Hao insist on taking you in? Does he not understand the scale of things as well?"
This question made Chen Chen fall silent immediately.
He thought for a moment before raising his head to look at the starry sky above and said softly:
"I think you misunderstood, X. It's not that Zhou Hao is oblivious. The reason he's doing this is that there's something else that he holds on to firmly."
"Something he holds on to?"
Little X muttered.
"That's right."
Chen Chen nodded. "The bad news for him is that there's no longer a place for something like that for him in this world. What he holds on to is destined to shatter into countless pieces at the slightest collision…"
Little X pondered this subject repeatedly before complaining, "That sounds so complicated… I thought I already gained a clear understanding of humans but it seems that there are still many things that I haven't figured out…"
"It's alright, you have all the time in the world."
Chen Chen smiled. "In a certain way, I'm the same type of person as Zhou Hao. There are also certain things that I'm very fixated on, but one thing that separates me from Zhou Hao is that I have the strength to overpower him."
A faint, piercing beam appeared in Chen Chen's eyes as he said, "The reason I launched the Four-phase Era Project is also that I dislike these nuances of human nature. Perhaps by the time when artificial intelligence can take over as the governing system of mankind, the world will become a truly just place?"
Chapter 4
44: Compliment |
2024 went by as fast as it came, immediately ushering in the New Year. The harsh winter subsided to give way to the gentle spring where everything slowly recovered to regular form.
Global warming had become a very serious issue these days. The overall global temperature had risen by an estimate of one to two degrees compared with previous years. Not only in the southern region but even the central part of the Mainland, Handu, had not been graced with snowfall for some time now.
However, things would be different this year. Following the dawn of the New Year, there were faint traces of snowflakes falling from the skies above.
These specks of snowflakes were mixed with chilly rainfall that melted as soon as they touched the ground. It was as if the world had been abandoned by the spirits themselves. Even the falling snowflakes refused to linger for long.
Meanwhile, Chen Chen had everything arranged for his parents and grandparents. His family members were going to take a flight to Namibia to receive the appropriate anti-aging treatments.
For this occasion, Chen Chen had specifically reserved a plane to transport his family members.
The members of the familiar crowd gathered at the airport included Chen Chen's father, brothers, and sisters. There were also Chen Chen's extended families which were his mother's siblings as well as their children. Of course, there were his grandparents on both sides of his family as well. Even Chen Shan and Zhang Heng who he recently met were here.
The corner of Chen Chen's lips twitched involuntarily when he caught sight of Zhang Heng. He immediately recalled the saying that went something like this:
"It only takes one person to succeed for all his cronies to be elevated to the same position as him."
"Cousin, cousin!"
Zhang Heng had his right hand over the cast on his other arm, there was a flash of fear in his eyes when he saw Chen Chen. He quickly composed himself and ran over to Chen Chen with a wide smile on his face as he produced a cigarette. "Cousin, smoke! Let's smoke!"
"This is an airport, go to the smoking area if you want to smoke."
Chen Chen turned down the offer, completely uninterested. He turned to the others. "Is everyone here?"
"Cousin Chen Zheng isn't here yet."
Chen Shan ran over to inform Chen Chen.
Although it had been some time since they last met, Chen Shan did not treat Chen Chen like a stranger. She affectionately pulled Chen Chen by his arm and said smiling, "Cousin Chen Zheng wanted me to tell you that he needed to take care of his company and that he won't need the treatment just yet since he's still young."
"Yes, Cousin Chen Zheng won't be able to make it."
Zhang Heng chimed in.
"Get out of here, move aside. What makes you think you can join in on a conversation between me and cousin?"
The repulsed Chen Shan frowned and pushed Zhang Heng away.
After Zhang Heng had walked away, she turned back to Chen Chen. "It's been so long, cousin!"
Chen Chen responded with a brief nod, his mind full of reminiscence of memories of his cousin, Chen Shan. He noticed that her appearance hardly changed. The only thing different about her was what used to be a brash youthfulness she had about her had been replaced with a more mature, almost motherly grace.
"I can't believe you'd stoop to a point where you can barely pay your rent."
Chen Chen went on a rant. "You're almost like a sister to me, even if you don't want to let me know about this, you could at least reach out to my dad. You don't have to worry about what my family may think of you. My dad is a righteous person and he won't just sit by idly and watch his relatives suffer."
"Alright…"
Chen Shan responded meekly before extending her gratitude again. "Cousin, I'm not sure what you did but I still have to thank you for bringing Zhang Heng back to my side. It's not that I had high hopes for him in the first place, but still…"
Chen Shan rubbed her pregnant belly, a faint ray of light appearing in her eyes as she said, "I can't let the child in my belly be without a father."
Was it worth it?
Chen Chen shook his head and decided he was better off not adding any further comments so he changed the topic. "We're running late, get ready to board the plane."
"Hm!"
Chen Shan nodded firmly and returned to the group by herself. Zhang Heng tried to walk beside her but was promptly pushed to the side.
"Little Chen, are you not coming with us?"
Chen Chen's mother approached him and asked again.
"I'm afraid not, there's something I need to take care of here."
Chen Chen answered, "When you guys arrive there, someone else will take care of you. You already know that person. It's Qian Wenhuan you met last time in Namibia."
"Oh, so it's that little fellow, that's great!"
Chen Chen's father was immediately comforted by this news. "He's a good bloke, very attentive and always knows what to say. Don't forget to give him a raise he deserves!"
"Alright."
Chen Chen did not know whether he should laugh at that notion. He watched silently as the security forces escorted his family through the customs.
The smile on Chen Chen's face melted away as soon as everyone had boarded the plane. He had returned to his usual sinister temperament, the man with the world in his hands.
"I think it's about time to establish separate sanatorium branches across the world."
Chen Chen rubbed his chin and reflected when he saw the plane slowly taking off.
If not for anyone else, he could at least do it for their parents. The Medpod3000 he let his parents use for their treatment was not effective if only used once a year.
This was why Chen Chen may need to set up a sanatorium right here in Handu. This way, he could relocate one of his Medpod3000 to this place for his parents to receive monthly treatment conveniently.
With that, the effects of the Medpod3000 would greatly surpass what the age-reversal treatment was capable of.
"I could do it in conjunction with the upcoming branch office establishment project."
After some brief consideration, Chen Chen made up his mind. It was then when he heard the steady click of leather boots slapping against concrete coming from behind him.
Chen Chen did not turn around. He waited for the rhythmic click to come closer until it stopped right behind him. It was immediately followed up by a cold, harsh voice. "Mr. Chen Chen, we're agents of the Mainland FBI. We'd like you to come with us."
"I was just talking about how you guys are known for being patient. What is this, you couldn't wait any longer after seeing my family leave?"
Chen Chen turned around to be greeted by the sight of a group of large men in suits, each with a clean buzz cut. Though they were not from the Handu branch, their accent was the distinctive accent of the Mainland region.
Just like a summon from the Public Security Bureau, the arrival of these people could only mean that whoever wanted to meet Chen Chen was not any regular individual.
They hardly reacted to Chen Chen's subtle jab at them, a clear indication of their strenuous training and discipline. The man leading the charge continued staring at Chen Chen and made a silent inviting gesture.
With that, Chen Chen proceeded to walk out of the airport with this group of men in suits walking by his side. The grand display had attracted the attention of many people passing them in the airport.
There was already a Hongqi (TN: Chinese luxury car model) parked outside the airport waiting for them. One of the men with a buzz cut stepped forward to open the door for Chen Chen and proceeded to enter from the other side after ensuring Chen Chen had entered the vehicle. After everyone had entered their respective rides, they headed for the city center.
It did not take long before they arrived at the Handu FBI branch. Chen Chen stepped out of the vehicle candidly and went to a conference room under the lead of his escorts.
There was already a spectacular gathering at the confe
rence room by the time Chen Chen arrived. When he stepped inside, he saw dozens of men of high position, each with a cloud of heavy air lingering around them. Even the youngest among them were in their forties while the eldest was close to his sixties. Chen Chen recognized one of them as the branch director he met only a few days ago.
The one seated at the head of the table was a dignified elderly man with a crown of white hair. Chen Chen knew that he saw this man on at least one occasion in the past. He was the commissioner who regularly appeared on the news.
The moment Chen Chen pushed open the door, everyone instinctively glanced in his direction. There was a dazzling glow in the dignified elderly man's eyes especially as he looked at Chen Chen like he had seen a gold mine.
"Mr. Chen, allow me to introduce you."
The branch director immediately stood up when he noted Chen Chen's arrival. "This here is our…"
"No need for introductions!"
The elderly man suddenly signaled for his subordinate to stop as he pulled himself up from his seat ceremoniously. He extended his hands to Chen Chen on his own accord for a firm handshake before reflecting with amusement. "Comrade Little Chen, it took a lot of work to finally meet a one-of-a-kind prodigy such as yourself!"
Chen Chen returned the compliment with a kind smile. Since this person was not confronting him with the usual bureaucracy-minded approach, there was no reason for him to respond with any form of aggression. He answered gratuitously and humbly, "You're too kind, Secretary Wu. I'm no prodigy, only a regular businessman, not a one-of-a-kind type especially."
"Ahahahaha!"
Chen Chen's response made the elderly man burst out in joyous laughter. He pointed at Chen Chen and turned to face the others. "Everyone, look! Look! Which one of you was it who told me that Comrade Little Chen was vigorous and arrogant?"
"Secretary Wu is right!"
The others laughed bitterly in unison and agreed with their superior.
The elderly man turned back to Chen Chen, still not intending to release Chen Chen from his firm handshake as he expressed with mild surprise, "Comrade Little Chen, you know who an old guy like me is?"
"Secretary Wu appears on the news all the time. Of course, a Mainlander like myself would recognize you."