Deputy Director Niu sat there without speaking, and the Director did not press him further. The Director of the Police Department was surnamed Sun, named Sun Qi.

Sun Qi looked at him, shaking his head slightly. The others looked at him, all feeling a degree of sympathy.

Deputy Director Niu was on the verge of retirement, and just the other day he had been pulling strings to ensure his nephew could secure a promotion before he left—perhaps to become the bureau chief in another precinct, or to secure a tangible position of real power. He had no children; this nephew was his only family, and having practically raised him, Niu was perhaps a bit too indulgent.

Those around him were familiar with his situation, so their reaction was understandable. But understanding was all they could offer; no one could help him.

His nephew had stirred up too much trouble this time. Not only had he offended one young master, but he had managed to offend two in one go.

These were the sons of two paramount leaders. Even a Director wouldn't dare involve himself in their affairs, let alone a Deputy Director like Niu.

Furthermore, the initial report suggested his nephew had attempted to rape a young woman in the office. If that were true, the consequences for the nephew—being beaten senseless below the belt—would be the least of his worries; there was potential for retribution later.

As for the fact that Su Zhantao had severely injured Deputy Director Niu's nephew, everyone chose to ignore it at this moment. "Knock, knock!" The conference room door was rapped twice, then opened, admitting a person whose expression was one of visible panic.

"Director, something terrible has happened!" "What is it? Calm down.

Take your time and tell me slowly!" Sun Qi frowned. The person entering was the Deputy Director of the Director's Office, usually a steady man, but now sporting such an expression for unknown reasons.

"Director Zhou from the Provincial Government Office is here in person! His face is extremely grim, and he's waiting for you!" The Deputy Director nodded quickly, relaying the information in a rush, causing Sun Qi’s brow to knit together again.

The worst thing they feared had come to pass. Anyone could figure out why the Provincial Office was sending someone.

Since they didn't go to the City Bureau first but came directly here, they probably already knew who Director Niu’s relative was and that Deputy Director Niu was implicated. "I understand.

I'll be right there!" Sun Qi nodded. The expression in Deputy Director Niu’s eyes, still in the conference room, was complex.

A higher rank always exerts pressure. The person sent was already of a higher rank than him; it would be a lie to say he wasn't feeling any strain.

It seemed people were the same everywhere: when something involved someone close to them, they all became anxious. Sun Qi quickly went to receive Director Zhou.

With him gone, the others couldn't continue the discussion; they could only table the case temporarily until he returned. Currently, none of them dared to make a ruling on this matter.

While the meeting was paused here, in another office nearby, Zhao Min stood respectfully before Zhang Keqin. Zhang Keqin sat at his desk, fiddling incessantly with a pen in his hand.

This small habit indicated that his mood wasn't bad—at least manageable. "You say they sent Zhou Ming?" After a moment, Zhang Keqin looked up and asked with a slight smile.

"Yes, I've confirmed it. Zhou Ming should have arrived at the Police Department by now!" Zhao Min immediately nodded.

News of what happened at the precinct that day had already reached him. Hearing that Zhang Yang was also involved, he hadn't dared to delay, immediately conducting a thorough investigation and reporting to Zhang Keqin.

"Shao Qiang is still so cautious. It seems he doesn't intend to push them to the breaking point!" Zhang Keqin chuckled outright, and Zhao Min nodded lightly.

He understood what Zhang Keqin meant. Su Shaoqiang’s handling of this matter was indeed rather circumspect.

With his own son having been abducted, it wouldn't have been unreasonable for him to personally oversee things, as he was family. Even if not personally involved, he should have sent his secretary.

Sending the Director of the Office, while showing he took the matter seriously, still felt somewhat official. However, Zhang Keqin could understand it.

Both of them had arrived recently; being cautious in their actions was correct, at least ensuring no gossip could arise. Zhang Keqin looked up and continued softly, "Zhao Min, you go to the Police Department as well.

For a respectable Political Commissar of the Police Bureau to commit such a beastly act in his own office—the Police Department bears full responsibility!" "Yes, Boss, I’ll leave immediately!" Zhao Min felt a slight jolt in his heart and immediately turned to leave, instructing someone to prepare the car. He needed to reach the Police Department at top speed.

People truly differed. Both top leaders had sons implicated, yet their reactions were distinct.

Su Shaoqiang appeared cautious, sending only a departmental director; his objective would be achieved, yet it also revealed his character, which prioritized stability. Zhang Keqin was different; he sent his personal secretary.

While Zhao Min's rank might be lower than Director Zhou's, the identity he represented was different. His presence signified Zhang Keqin’s direct inquiry into the matter.

One represented the official sphere, the other the personal; their significance was naturally distinct. At the Police Department, Director Zhou listened to Sun Qi’s report before offering a few perfunctory, official remarks and taking his leave.

The two men were old acquaintances, but this time the matter involved the son of their direct superior, so Zhou didn't dare say much to Sun Qi. However, he hinted that his superior was furious about the incident.

This hint was enough; Sun Qi knew what needed to be done. Personally seeing Director Zhou out, Sun Qi sighed and prepared to return to the meeting.

This incident wasn't huge, but it wasn't small either; however, due to the status of the parties involved, he had to handle it personally. "Director Sun!" Sun Qi had only taken a couple of steps when someone called out to him.

He turned around and was startled to see Zhao Min smiling at him from the window of a nearby sedan that had been rolled down. "Secretary Zhao, what brings you here!" Sun Qi’s question was, in fact, redundant; he knew perfectly well why Zhao Min was here.

But at this moment, he needed to say something to mask his shock, so the question slipped out naturally. "I’m fine.

I happened to be passing by, heard something, and thought I'd stop by to ask you about it. What a coincidence to run into you!" The car stopped, and Zhao Min got out with a casual smile.

By saying this, he first established his presence as a private individual, which naturally contrasted with Director Zhou’s official capacity. In a private capacity, it was a personal matter, unrelated to public affairs.

Yet, in this era, private matters were often more significant than official ones. It was a peculiar reality, but it existed.

Hearing Zhao Min’s explanation, Sun Qi dared not delay further and immediately led him to his office. Those waiting in the conference room had already heard that Director Zhou from the Government Office had just left, and Secretary Zhao followed right behind.

Anyone could figure out why these two men had come. Some people looked upon Deputy Director Niu with even greater sympathy.

Having one of them appear was trouble enough; now two had shown up. Especially the latter arrival—the personal secretary appearing meant that top leader was directly overseeing this issue.

They dared not show any disrespect. It seemed no one would be able to protect Deputy Director Niu’s nephew this time.

"Director Sun, I heard that a leader within the Police system openly engaged in malicious framing and tried to force the victim into his office with intent to harm. I found it hard to believe, so I came specifically to inquire," Zhao Min stated his purpose directly after sitting down.

He had grasped his superior's intent and knew exactly how to proceed. "There was such an incident, but the full details haven't been completely clarified yet.

However, Secretary Zhao, rest assured, I believe the results will be out soon. As soon as there's a finding, I will report it to you immediately," Sun Qi explained slowly, listening intently to every word Zhao Min spoke and trying to decipher the underlying meaning.

He was keenly aware of who Zhao Min represented. Though it was a personal visit, Sun Qi felt more pressure now than he had when facing Director Zhou.

Zhao Min suddenly paused, exclaiming, "There really was such a thing? That's simply appalling!

Such lawlessness—are they even police officers? They are worse than bandits!" As Zhao Min voiced his outrage, Sun Qi felt even more distressed.

The more vehemently Zhao Min spoke, the closer the attention he knew his superior was paying. Sun Qi felt as if he were struggling under a massive, thousand-pound tripod.

"That's terrifying, Director Sun. How do you plan to handle the investigation of this matter, and who will you assign it to?" After expressing his anger, Zhao Min abruptly shifted the topic, inquiring about the internal procedures of the Police Department.

Sun Qi felt a bit taken aback by the question, but he didn't stop speaking, immediately replying, "Secretary Zhao, I was just thinking about that. Since you've heard about it, how do you think the investigation should proceed?" Sun Qi was anxious, wondering what Zhao Min meant by asking this, as it was an internal matter for the Police Department.

Could it be that the leader distrusted their department and wanted to intervene directly? That would violate protocol, but if the leader insisted, they would have no choice.

Moreover, if that happened, his tenure as Director would likely be over. "That is your responsibility; how can you ask me?" Zhao Min let out a light chuckle.

He looked up at Sun Qi and continued, "However, since you asked, this layman will offer an idea. I heard that Chang Feng of the Police Department's Inspection Bureau is quite capable—young and competent, and a trusted protégé of yours, Director Sun.

I think he is excellent and can certainly investigate this matter clearly!" "Of course, this is just my personal opinion. How you arrange the work is still your duty as Director.

But the police force truly needs a good overhaul. The appearance of such a black sheep only tarnishes the image of the entire system.

The leadership has also heard about this and said that if such an event truly occurred, the Police Department bears full responsibility!" As Zhao Min spoke, he stood up. He had said what he needed to say and saw no reason to linger.

Seeing him rise, Sun Qi understood that Zhao Min was leaving and immediately stood up to escort him out. After politely seeing Zhao Min off, Sun Qi turned to go back.

Unknowingly, a patch of cold sweat had broken out on his forehead.