Ninja Seiga hastily knocked on Ibe Ichiki's door by the well: “Taro, our first wave failed.

Those dozen or so hooligans have vanished without a trace.” Smack! Ibe Ichiki slammed the table in anger, cursing inwardly: “What kind of so-called Number One Ninja of Japan can’t even handle such a small matter? If it weren't for my father's reputation, I'd kick him back to his country right now.” Suppressing his fury, Ibe Ichiki didn't voice the words.

After all, Seiga held considerable fame in the Japanese ninja world and they were counting on him for this task.

So, he swallowed his rage and said, “Then proceed with the second wave plan.” “Listen, Miss, if you keep this up, Commander Zhao will have a hard time explaining things on my behalf if he sees us.” Xu Jing, blushing, pulled away from Zhu Da’s shoulder: “Stop it, Brother Zhu.

Brother Zhao hasn't come to see us—does that mean he’s forgotten about me… us?” Zhu Da replied, “He just finished his university exams, and then he and Tiger went out to take a job.

I heard he hasn't been home all night.

He’ll come once he’s through this busy period.” “Mmm,” Xu Jing murmured, secretly blaming herself.

Commander Zhao had so much waiting for him; she shouldn’t bother him.

“What about the Village Chief? My brother and I haven't had a good chat in ages.

I'm going to talk to him.” Zhu Da had been so busy lately that he didn't even know the Village Chief had moved into the factory to live.

Xu Jing said, “Business at the factory has been terrible lately; production has stopped for several days.

Uncle Iron Bull went to discuss it with Commander Zhao.” Zhu Da was also shocked.

After all, Iron Bull Tofu was something they had built from the ground up—he vividly recalled sneaking the stone mill from the central garden late at night, then grinding soybeans day and night to make soy milk.

“Stopped production? Hurry up and tell me what’s going on inside!” In the office, Xu Jing relayed everything she knew.

Zhu Da was so enraged he banged the table and smashed a cup, causing the little girl to hide behind her mother, not daring to look at him.

“Damn it! I, who studied for months, Commander Zhao reviewing his studies, Xia Huren managing Red Dragon Security, and me acting as a boss for a few days—and somehow the tofu factory we founded with our own hands has been ruined like this? Damn it! What Golden Bull Tofu, what Japanese Tofu? I’m calling Commander Zhao right now.

If the few of us team up, let them have their gold, silver, bronze, or steel—we’ll still punch three holes in them.” Just as Zhu Da was dialing, shouting erupted again in the courtyard.

Having been a gang boss for a few days, Zhu Da's temper for cursing had only grown: “Which blind son of a dog is causing trouble again!” He gave up on the call, cursed, kicked open the door, and rushed into the yard.

Several official vehicles were parked outside—police cars, tax bureau vans, commerce bureau trucks, and health quarantine vehicles—a crowd jammed the yard, shouting noisily.

The police officer stated, “Based on a citizen's report, two migrant workers at your factory lack temporary residence permits, and one is a minor.

You need to come with us.” The tax bureau man declared, “We suspect tax evasion at your factory; hand over the ledgers; we need to audit.” The health quarantine officer announced, “A citizen reported getting diarrhea after eating your tofu.

We must seal all your production equipment until inspection is cleared.” Zhu Da’s fat face turned beet red.

“All of you, shut up!” Those petty thugs could be dealt with in any way, but these civil servants were different.

Even if they wanted to fight, they needed Commander Zhao there to cover them; starting another police-gang battle wasn't a joke.

Zhu Da finally got through on the phone: “Commander Zhao, are you going to manage this or not? We brothers are being bullied right at home! Anyone dares to pick a fight with us! If you’re still a man, get over here...” When daylight broke, I explained last night’s events to Zhao Fang.

She was so scared she nearly cried.

After all, she was only a fifteen-year-old girl.

She swore she would never come here seeking thrills again.

Xia Huren rushed over before my shift even ended in the morning.

I recounted last night’s events to him, and he was also completely bewildered.

Could such a thing happen? I took Zhao Fang’s hand and said to Xia Huren, “Saying anything now is useless.

Tonight, we’ll stand guard again.

Let’s call Taozi too.

I refuse to believe the three of us can’t subdue that monster.” Xia Huren agreed, “That’s right.

You go back and rest.

I’ll let you know if there are any new developments.” Exclusive text version first published on 16k Novel Network.

Reproduction or excerpting without permission is prohibited.

For the latest and fastest chapters, please visit www.16k.cn! As I reached my home's gate, I invited Zhao Fang in with me.

Zhao Fang pointed at her low-cut camisole: “I dressed too lightly last night.

If I go in looking like this, Auntie will surely scold me.

Why don’t you come up later? Xiao Yu is probably staying in today; let her keep you company.” “You two can hang out together,” I tested the waters.

Zhao Fang pinched me.

“Dream on! Go on in now.” Pushing the door open, I called out, “Mom, I’m back! I’m starving! Is there anything to eat?” “You little rascal… Zhao Qian, you’re back! Two gentlemen have been looking for you.

Where did you run off to so early this morning? You made them wait here for ages!” My mother was about to get angry when she saw me, but the two men sitting on the sofa silenced her.

Oddly enough, I didn't recognize these two men.

They looked to be in their forties or fifties, very proper and serious.

“May I ask who you are?” The two men rose with a smile.

“Little Zhao, let’s find a more convenient place to talk.” My mother was quick-witted and immediately picked up her grocery basket.

“You two chat.

I’m going out to buy groceries.

Your dad is at work, so the house is quiet.

No need to run around.” Once my mother left, the two introduced themselves: “Guang Yuan, Director of the State Security Bureau, and Gao Jianhua, Director of the Jingdu City Public Security Bureau.” It turned out my two former leaders were here to see me.

I was a bit surprised.

“Two old leaders, this is too kind of you.

I should have paid my respects in person, but I’ve been so busy lately…” They clapped my shoulders and laughed.

“Our good Deputy Director Zhao, you are preparing for university exams! We wouldn't dare waste your time.

So, the two old brothers discussed it and decided to come check on you.

Who would have thought Deputy Director Zhao, besides being so young, maintains such a modest lifestyle? I daresay among the senior officials of the Great Dragon Country, you are the youngest and the most incorruptible in your conduct.” Being called incorruptible for living in this old, small house was certainly unexpected.

Guang Yuan was a decent comrade; otherwise, the Chairman wouldn't have appointed him to such a crucial position in the State Security Bureau.

As for Gao Jianhua, although he worked under Tan Lei for many years, he was a man of upright character and had little private dealings with the Tan family.

Calling him a centrist would be about right.

“Are you two old directors here to inspect my house? Please stop showering me with compliments; I get too proud too easily.” Gao Jianhua laughed heartily.

“Little Zhao is quite humorous! Actually, we came here for no other reason.

Old Guang mentioned you to me yesterday, and I wanted to meet the legendary figure who twice made our police force completely unable to retaliate.” The first confrontation with the police must have been when I was arrested by State Security, and Zhu Da, Xiao Yudi, and Taozi came to rescue me.

The second was when Beast Army intercepted them during the suppression of the Brotherhood Alliance, leading to another conflict with the police.

“That’s right,” Guang Yuan continued.

“Those people in State Security fear nothing, but they all get headaches mentioning you.

Yesterday, I received the Chairman’s appointment notice and wanted to see you right away.

Coincidentally, I ran into Old Gao today.

Deputy Director Zhao, when do you plan to go to the bureau to meet everyone? Those guys have been talking about you constantly.” Gao Jianhua chimed in, “Exactly! My subordinates tremble now at the sight of a mouse.

If they knew we were going to be family from now on, they’d all be overjoyed.” Regardless of who was right or wrong back then, I felt a bit of a blush coming on.

“I apologize for causing you two old directors trouble in the past.

From now on, we will cooperate closely and do our jobs well.” “Of course, that’s the proper way.

We are all serving the people,” the two said in unison.

I noticed gifts on the table, knowing they were brought by them, so I said, “Since you two esteemed leaders visited today, I, as the host, shouldn't be too stingy.

How about we have a simple lunch together, and in the afternoon, I’ll swing by the bureau for a tour to mark my return to work.

In the future, please feel free to assign me any tasks, but I must return to school in a little while, so I expect you two will have to shoulder more responsibility then.” Guang Yuan replied, “The Chairman gave instructions: unless something major happens, you focus on your own affairs, and we will keep your status confidential.

Lunch? I think we should skip it; it’s still early, and we need to get back to handle official business.

So, we’ll see you this afternoon.” After discussing official matters, the three gentlemen had nothing else to say.

Since they weren't staying for a meal, it really was better for everyone to attend to their own work.

As I was about to see them off, Zhu Da’s call came in.

“What! Police, Tax, Commerce, and Quarantine jointly raiding our tofu company! Where are we illegal? You just wait there honestly; I’m coming over right now!” I hung up the phone and told the two directors, “See, now I can’t even keep you for lunch.

Something’s happened at my little tofu factory; I have to rush over.” Gao Jianhua and Guang Yuan had clearly heard the entire phone call.

Especially Gao Jianhua; hearing that the police system was involved, he understood the implications of a Deputy Director being called away—someone personally appointed by the Chairman and holding two posts—who dared treat him like a mere deputy? He hadn't even officially started his new role, and trouble was already brewing.

“Let’s go together,” Gao Jianhua said.

“These brats really aren't showing me any respect.”