Chapter 33: Dealt with Severely (Thank You for Subscribing)

Lu Ming let out a cold laugh, saying nothing. Wild Yiqi Meiyu, having vented her anger, walked in tiny steps to stand behind Lu Ming, hands respectfully folded. Yun Shengguo, meanwhile, acted as if nothing had happened, sipping his tea in silence.

Seeing this, Ren Zhiyuan’s heart turned utterly cold. To assault someone right in front of Secretary Yun—how many people in the Northwest would dare such a thing? And Secretary Yun simply ignored it; where was the justice in this?

At that moment, Ren Zhiyuan, Jiang Hailan, and Shi Yidan all wore faces ashen as death, realizing they had kicked an iron plate.

Lu Ming suddenly snorted, breaking the silence. “Ren Zhiyuan, you came to settle scores with me today, but I’m here to settle scores with you. You drugged and raped my friend—how do you explain that?”

Lu Ming’s sudden change in demeanor caused Ren Zhiyuan’s legs to go weak. He wailed, “Brother, I really didn’t know she was your girlfriend. It was all a misunderstanding!”

Watching Ren Zhiyuan’s miserable display, Lu Ming spoke slowly, “People like you, who think a bit of money means you can reach for the sky, must be punished. Yiqi Meiyu.”

“I am here.” Hearing the summons, Yiqi Meiyu bowed respectfully.

“Starting tomorrow, you and Huo Yutong will focus all your efforts on crushing the Meilian Group. Destroy them completely—I want him begging on the streets.”

“Yes, Master.”

Lu Ming then turned his gaze to Jiang Hailan and Shi Yidan. “You two aided the villain and framed my friend—not good people by any measure. How should I punish you?”

His cold eyes bore into them.

At this moment, Yun Shengguo finally understood the situation, grasped the relationships among the parties, and felt it was time for him to intervene. Maintaining his calm demeanor, he suddenly spoke, “Is there really such a matter? Mr. Lu, are you speaking the truth?”

Lu Ming frowned, thought briefly, and understood Yun Shengguo’s intention—he wanted to step forward and help Lu Ming vent his anger. As a leader, Yun Shengguo’s initiative deserved respect.

Lu Ming nodded, “Secretary Yun, yesterday Ren Zhiyuan attempted to drug and rape my friend. Shi Yidan and Jiang Hailan were his accomplices.”

Upon hearing this, the three nearly collapsed, their bodies numb. Being accused before Secretary Yun—how could they possibly survive this?

After Lu Ming finished speaking, Yun Shengguo nodded, “As a local official, it is my duty to combat all illegal and criminal activities. I’ll hand this matter over to the relevant departments.”

Seeing Yun Shengguo looking to him for confirmation, Lu Ming nodded. Then, he turned to Ren Zhiyuan, “Mr. Ren, shouldn’t you return Huo Yutong’s bag?”

Ren Zhiyuan hurriedly replied, “Yes, yes, I’ll return it.” He fetched Huo Yutong’s bag from the side, hands trembling as he handed it to her.

At that moment, he looked at Huo Yutong with nothing but terror in his eyes. Her friend possessed power beyond imagination—even Secretary Yun was eager to help him. How blind he had been!

He hadn’t just bumped into trouble—he’d run straight into the cannon’s mouth.

Huo Yutong took her bag, and Lu Ming said, “Check it. If anything’s missing, I’ll break one of his fingers.”

Huo Yutong looked through her bag and shook her head, “Nothing’s missing.”

Lu Ming nodded, gazing at the three who were nearly paralyzed, and said coldly, “I don’t like bullying others, but those who bully me will pay back double. You’d better pray for yourselves.”

Then Lu Ming looked at Yiqi Meiyu, “Today, I officially accept you as my maid. In a few days, I have something for you.”

Yiqi Meiyu trembled, immediately kneeling, “Thank you, Master.”

Even Yun Shengguo and Mu Weizhen were stunned by this scene. Yiqi Meiyu, president of the Changwu Society, owner of billions, could stand as an equal beside Lu Ming, perhaps even outranking him in some ways. Why, then, would she be so moved by being taken as his maid?

But only Yiqi Meiyu understood in her heart. Master Lu’s abilities were nearly godlike—beyond human comprehension. For him to accept her as his maid meant he truly acknowledged her, an honor beyond compare.

So long as the Master was willing to take her in, she cared not for the opinions of others. And he mentioned having something for her in a few days; whatever he offered would surely be extraordinary and greatly beneficial. She had been lost on the martial path for too long and urgently needed someone like him to guide her.

Under the shocked gazes of Yun Shengguo and Mu Weizhen, Lu Ming said, “Please, enjoy your meal. I’m a bit sleepy and need to go rest.”

With that, Lu Ming turned and left, Yiqi Meiyu and Huo Yutong following.

Once the trio departed, Yun Shengguo had no intention of lingering. He cast a cold glance at Ren Zhiyuan and the others before leaving as well.

That icy look from Yun Shengguo was like a sharp blade, piercing through Ren Zhiyuan and his companions, leaving them utterly hopeless.

After Yun Shengguo and his two companions left, the three were left staring blankly, unable to speak for a long time.

To have Secretary Yun personally remember them—they could sense their doom approaching.

In the car, Yun Shengguo pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

“Hello, Director Duan?”

“Yes, this is Secretary Yun.”

“I’ve received a report from the public. There’s Ren Zhiyuan from Meilian Group and a businessman named Jiang Hailan, suspected of illegal activity. Please look into it.”

“I understand, Secretary Yun. I’ll arrange for someone to handle it right away.”

“Good, that’s all.”

After hanging up, Duan Zhiguo, the Director of the Public Security Bureau, who was resting at noon, frowned and pondered for a moment.

Someone like Secretary Yun rarely called him directly; normally, if something needed doing, it would be passed on through a secretary, indirectly. For him to give such explicit instructions was unprecedented—showing just how seriously Secretary Yun regarded this matter.

With that in mind, Duan Zhiguo hurried to his office and summoned Director Wang from the Economic Investigation Bureau.

Soon, Wang Yanqiang arrived.

“Director, you wanted to see me?”

“Yes, immediately investigate a case. There’s a report that Meilian Group has major economic issues. You’ll lead the team personally—be thorough. And there’s Jiang Hailan, same issue. Handle both together. This must be done properly.”

Wang Yanqiang was momentarily stunned, then responded, “Understood, Director. I’ll get started right away.”

“Any other questions?”

“No, Director. I’ll begin at once.”

“Good. Go.”

Wang Yanqiang hurried out. From Director Duan’s words, he instantly grasped the situation.

Normally, investigations begin with clues, followed by covert inquiry, and only after gathering evidence does the case become public. As an experienced investigator, Director Duan knew this well.

Moreover, Meilian Group was a major enterprise—such action usually required high-level meetings and deliberation.

Director Duan’s direct orders, and emphasis on following through, told Wang Yanqiang, a veteran of the system, that something unusual was afoot.

This case had to be handled quickly, accurately, and decisively—a perfect opportunity to prove his capability.

Returning to the Economic Investigation Bureau, Wang Yanqiang immediately mobilized over a dozen elite officers, who boarded two police vans and sped toward Meilian Group.

Meanwhile, in the car, Yun Shengguo began a second call.

“Director Zhang?”

“Secretary Yun, how can I help?” replied Zhang Li, Director of the Department of Culture.

“Yes. There’s an anchor at Xijing City Television—she hosts the news. Someone reported to me that her conduct is highly questionable. Please look into it yourself.”

“Understood, Secretary Yun.”

“If the report is true, deal with it seriously. Xijing TV is the window of our Northwest Province—how can someone with questionable conduct appear on it? This is something to watch for in the future.”

“I understand, Secretary Yun. Rest assured, I will personally investigate.”

“Good.”

Yun Shengguo hung up.

On the other end, Zhang Li shook his head and muttered to himself, “For a city TV anchor to alarm Secretary Yun, and for me to handle it personally—this anchor must have caused quite a stir!”

…

Lu Ming escorted Huo Yutong and Yiqi Meiyu to her company, where they discussed creating a supermarket brand, while he returned to his sundry shop.

Ascending to the second floor, he took out the scroll and immediately activated the Dragon God Altar.

Let’s set a small goal first—for example, to memorize the mobile reading address of Book Guest Residence in one second.