The police officer's complete reversal of attitude made Willohu and Wei Bo, who were waiting for a good show, nearly pop their eyeballs out. They had no idea what credentials Zhang Yang had shown the officer, but the shift in demeanor sent a jolt of unease straight to their hearts.

Mr. Ge, having finished his calls, watched the dramatic turn of events with utter bewilderment. He had specifically called several friends to lend Zhang Yang a hand, but judging by the current situation, it seemed his assistance was no longer necessary.

Upon seeing the identification Zhang Yang produced, Qiao Yihong burst into laughter, completely relieved. He recognized it as the credential Huang Longshi had given Zhang Yang just before their trip—proof that Zhang Yang was affiliated with the Ministry of State Security (Guo’an) and acting on behalf of the nation. With such credentials, how would the local county police dare to cause trouble for him!

The leading officer immediately called his superior, the County Police Chief, to explain the situation. Following that, the Police Chief promptly contacted Wei Ming, the County Magistrate of Gaocheng County—and Wei Bo’s father.

Although the torrential downpour in the sky showed signs of easing, it was still falling heavily. Yet, in less than half an hour, the County Magistrate, the Police Chief, and several key government officials rushed through the rain to the hotel.

On the way over, Wei Ming had specifically called the Ministry of State Security headquarters to confirm the existence of a person named Zhang Yang. Upon receiving confirmation, he broke out in a cold sweat, his back completely drenched inside the car.

“Uncle Wei!”

“Dad!”

Willohu and Wei Bo called out as soon as Wei Ming walked in. However, to their shock, the moment Wei Ming entered the hotel, without saying a word, he walked over to his son, Wei Bo, and delivered two resounding slaps across his face!

“You insolent brat!”

This time, he held nothing back. Two sharp slaps landed, instantly leaving bright handprints on both of Wei Bo’s cheeks.

After striking his son, Wei Ming ignored Wei Bo’s condition and rushed over to Zhang Yang, speaking with utmost deference: “You must be Mr. Zhang from the Ministry of State Security. My deepest apologies; I have failed in raising my son and have caused you to witness such a spectacle.”

“Hello, I am Zhang Yang.”

Shaking Wei Ming’s hand, Zhang Yang offered a slight smile. He understood that Wei Ming must have contacted the Ministry of State Security before arriving to confirm his identity, which explained why he disciplined his son immediately upon entry to curry favor.

“It seems public security in your county isn't very good. Outside the hotel just now, there were many men armed with iron bars lying unconscious; it took several ambulances to clear them away.”

As he spoke, Zhang Yang glanced pointedly at Willohu, a strange smile playing on his lips.

Following the direction of Zhang Yang’s gaze toward Willohu, Wei Ming immediately grasped the implication. He frowned, “Mr. Zhang truly sees the problems in Gaocheng County at a glance. Indeed, I have been troubled by these matters recently. But please rest assured, Mr. Zhang, we already have countermeasures in place. We will immediately launch a thorough crackdown on illegal elements and gangs to wipe out all organized crime in Gaocheng County!”

Accompanying Wei Ming was a middle-aged man in his forties with a pronounced beer belly, still wearing a police uniform—evidently the Gaocheng County Police Chief. Hearing Wei Ming’s words, he nodded immediately, plastering a flattering smile on his face. “Indeed, indeed. Magistrate Wei and I have long been strategizing how to eradicate all the triad forces in Gaocheng County. I trust we will see results soon.”

The implication from both men was clear: they intended to cast the Wei Lehai/Willohu father-son duo as scapegoats to absorb the blow.

It had to be admitted, they were excellent actors. If they were dealing with an unannounced internal investigation team sent from above, this tactic of sacrificing the Rook to save the King might at least preserve their positions. As for Wei Lehai, as long as he kept his mouth shut, a few years in prison and he could still emerge as the undisputed leader of Gaocheng County’s underworld. Unfortunately, this time, they had crossed paths with Zhang Yang.

Gaocheng County was already rotten to the core, a den of corruption. If higher authorities decided to conduct a thorough investigation, neither County Magistrate Wei Ming nor the pot-bellied Police Chief would escape scrutiny.

“Ring, ring!”

Zhang Yang’s phone suddenly rang; it was Huang Longshi calling.

On the phone, Zhang Yang briefly explained the situation, placing special emphasis on how Wei Lehai of Gaocheng County controlled both the legal and illegal spheres, subtly hinting at the collusion between the two.

After listening, Huang Longshi immediately guaranteed a full investigation into Gaocheng County. With the resources available to the Ministry of State Security, looking into a small county like Gaocheng was more than enough. However, if Huang Longshi merely requested and forwarded some documentation to the proper channels, someone would naturally come to investigate Wei Ming and his associates.

Wei Ming and the Police Chief turned ashen-faced after hearing Zhang Yang’s side of the conversation. They knew perfectly well that this single phone call signaled the end of their prosperous days.

In fact, just as they suspected, shortly after Zhang Yang and his party left, their various wrongdoings in Gaocheng County were exposed. Wei Bo, the Chief of Police, and several others were summarily removed from their posts. As for Wei Lehai, he was thrown directly into prison with no possibility of release—though that, of course, was a story for later.

At this moment, Zhang Yang glanced outside the hotel. The heavy rain had subsided, gradually thinning out, and the sun was beginning to show.

Ignoring Wei Ming and the others, Zhang Yang prepared to leave the hotel with Mi Xue and the rest of the group, heading toward Xizhou City.

However, as they were departing, Mr. Ge specifically stopped Zhang Yang, hoping to strike up a friendship and inviting Zhang Yang to visit him in Xizhou City. From the technique Zhang Yang used to treat the child earlier, Mr. Ge recognized him as a rare and excellent physician, proficient in both Eastern and Western medicine. Such talent inspired him to use his connections to help Zhang Yang.

Doctor Ge’s own background was significant, evident by the demeanor of the young elites from Xizhou City upon seeing him. Doctor Ge had actually come to Gaocheng County to scout local physicians, intending to select two exceptionally talented young doctors for overseas study, training, and cultivation to enhance their medical skills. One of the two doctors he planned to select was the previously mentioned Doctor Lu.

Zhang Yang was far more polite to Doctor Ge, gently declining the invitation.

Doctor Ge expressed some regret but casually asked, “Young man, which hospital are you affiliated with? If you don’t mind telling me, perhaps I can seek you out for further exchanges in the future.”

“I’m an intern at Jinghe Hospital in Changjing.”

“Intern?”

Doctor Ge blinked in surprise; he clearly hadn't expected Zhang Yang to still be an intern.

“Wait, are you Doctor Zhang, the lead researcher on those three projects in Changjing: ‘Improvement and Cure of Polysymptomatic Asthma,’ ‘Immune Rejection,’ and ‘Treatment of Single-Gene Pathogenic Mutations’?”

The young man accompanying Doctor Ge suddenly made the connection and rapidly pressed for confirmation.

The three research topics Zhang Yang had registered in Changjing had caused quite a stir in medical circles. The only reason he hadn't been widely publicized was his aversion to high-profile exposure. This young man recognized Zhang Yang both by name and because he had once seen a partial image of him in a medical journal—a photo reportedly obtained with great difficulty, almost stolen, during a certain event.

Doctor Ge’s eyes lit up upon hearing this. He looked at Zhang Yang and exclaimed in awe, “You are that Zhang Yang from Changjing!”

It was well known that he had heard much about Zhang Yang in Xizhou City. When Zhang Yang was about to begin his internship, many hospitals in Xizhou had sent representatives to try and recruit him, all without success.

Zhang Yang gave a wry smile, surprised that he was being recognized here.

Hearing the younger doctor speak, the people in the hotel gasped collectively. Even though they didn't understand the technicalities of the research projects, they could sense the magnitude of Zhang Yang’s medical prowess from the description.

Especially the police officers—they exchanged stunned glances. Moments before, they had doubted whether Zhang Yang even possessed a medical license, yet here he was, with research projects capable of ranking nationally, casually mentioned.

Zhang Yang and his group were merely passing through, intending only to take a quick look at the scenic grandeur of the Leshan Giant Buddha in Changzhou; they couldn't afford to waste time here, which was why they politely declined Doctor Ge’s invitation.

However, as he bid farewell to Doctor Ge, Zhang Yang cast a brief glance at Doctor Lu and shook his head slightly. From this single gesture, Doctor Ge instantly understood.

Doctor Ge already knew that Doctor Lu hadn't been entirely incapable of saving the child earlier, but he had been too afraid to risk the attempt, ultimately watching the child suffocate due to airway obstruction. This was clearly rooted in the fear of failing in front of Doctor Ge and losing face—a person prioritizing self-interest over medical ethics.

Sighing, Doctor Ge mentally crossed Doctor Lu off his list. Such an individual was not worth cultivating.

The previously arrogant Doctor Lu, seeing Zhang Yang look toward him and Doctor Ge frown and shake his head in his direction, immediately guessed that his future prospects were about to sour. At the very least, his chance for overseas training was certainly ruined. He immediately looked vacant, sank onto a chair, and remained speechless for a long time.

After saying goodbye to Doctor Ge, Zhang Yang led Mi Xue and the others back to their vehicles. The two Hummers slowly started up and pulled away from the hotel.

Watching the two large Hummers roar off, many people remaining in the hotel wore expressions of envy.

It was understandable: judging by his age—barely in his twenties—Zhang Yang was accomplished in his studies, successful in his career, and accompanied by beautiful women. Anyone witnessing such a figure would naturally feel envious.