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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 21: Pig Feed or Dog Food
"Hu!" Zhang Qiu mercilessly interrupted Director Ma. It was all nonsense. The legal procedures had not been completed, the summons had never been shown, and they were thrown into the detention center without any interrogation. None of this was in accordance with regulations. Director Ma's actions clearly indicated collusion and abuse of power for personal gain.
Director Ma's face turned ugly; how dare a rookie reprimand him? When had he ever endured such humiliation? Yet, he had no choice but to swallow his anger. He had fallen into a trap this time and could only smile to minimize the damage, at least to protect his position. He couldn't act impulsively and risk losing everything.
"Buddy, you've really misunderstood me." Director Ma sat down in his chair, waved his hand, and began to speak endlessly. "Our detention center is quite special; whether it's Beilan County or Nanlan County, they both use this one facility. This is due to historical reasons; it used to be called Beilan County until it was divided into two counties six years ago. You probably don't know this, do you?"
"We're not here to listen to Director Ma talk about history."
"Hehe." Director Ma looked at Zhang Qiu and understood why Wang Guodong disliked him so much. This guy was truly annoying. Thinking this, Director Ma continued.
"I've been the director here for several years and know the situation in the detention center quite well. Criminal suspects from both counties are sent here, and we deal with departments from both counties, which doubles our workload. Do you understand? Our staff has it tough too; sometimes we have to delay things for a while. Last night was one such case; when you were brought in, we could only arrange a place for you, which is why we didn't separate you. I rushed over first thing this morning."
Director Ma leaned back in his chair, satisfied with his explanation, even thinking that someone with his eloquence should be a politician rather than a detention center director.
There was a knock on the door, and Director Ma shouted robustly, "Come in!"
A cafeteria worker pushed the door open, carrying a thermal food container. She slightly bowed to Director Ma and said, "Good morning, Director."
Director Ma nodded and pointed at the food container, asking, "Is there enough food?"
"Plenty! It's enough for several people and still warm," the worker replied as she took out portions of food from the thermal container and neatly arranged them on the tea table. She also pulled out chopsticks and counted out the exact number to place on the table. The pair for Director Ma was presented separately with both hands.
Director Ma waved his hand dismissively as the worker collected the food container and left. He smiled and said, "Just some simple fare; you all make do with it."
Zhang Qiu looked at the food on the table and felt a dark line appear on his forehead. The staple was congee served in transparent food containers, along with cut-up youtiao (fried dough sticks) and pieces of stuffed pancakes. In another container were cold dishes, stir-fried potatoes, boiled chicken legs, and steamed egg custard. Was this really just simple fare? What did he usually eat then—pig feed or dog food?
"Director, I want to make a phone call," Song Weidong said, noticing that Director Ma seemed wary of Zhang Qiu and Liu Fangfei. Time was ticking away, and he was growing impatient.
Director Ma smiled and said, "Well, I'll have someone bring your personal belongings over shortly. You should eat first."
"I want to make a call right now."
Song Weidong insisted on making the call, causing Director Ma's expression to turn cold again. He was hungry too; picking up a bowl of steamed egg custard, he lightly blew on it before gulping it down while saying, "Hmm, not bad! Why don’t you try some?"
Zhang Qiu looked at Song Weidong, who was sweating profusely, knowing he must have something very important to handle. He said, "Director Ma, let him use your phone."
"Ah?" Director Ma raised his head slightly and asked, "Do you need my phone?"
"Yes."
"Oh, okay. I didn't hear clearly for a moment. I'm getting older, and this work is tiring. I often don't rest well at night and tend to zone out during the day. Sigh." Director Ma sighed but did not get up to fetch the phone.
Zhang Qiu smiled and said, "We all see how hard you work, Director Ma. Managing the affairs of two counties is indeed not easy. There are always some pests causing trouble, and we all understand that."
"Hehe, well, you young people like that saying, right? Long live understanding!"
Finally, Director Ma got up to grab the phone, which was just a couple of steps away on his desk. As soon as Song Weidong got the phone, he immediately dialed a number, but the line was busy...
Song Weidong tried dialing again but still no one answered. Zhang Qiu asked, "Wei Dong, what's wrong?"
"My dad's phone isn't being answered."
"Then..." Zhang Qiu's first thought was whether Song Weidong's father had also been framed like the rest of them.
Song Weidong looked at the large clock on his phone screen and said, "My dad should have already arrived at the bidding site by now."
"Should we rush over now?"
"Forget it; it's too late. Let's leave it to fate." Song Weidong spread his hands and leaned back on the sofa. Zhang Qiu patted his shoulder in comfort and said, "It will be fine."
"Thank you."
Song Weidong forced a smile that looked worse than crying; he knew deep down that things would not turn out well. If Hai Group used him to threaten his father, his father's character would definitely prioritize him. If that happened, that piece of land would be destined to have no connection with the Song Family. They had made ample preparations and were confident of success, but now the outcome would be a huge loss for the Song Family.
If only he hadn't come along... But then again, there’s no point in thinking about what-ifs.
Someone knocked on the door again and entered with a blue box, placing it on the table. Inside were personal items confiscated when Zhang Qiu and the others were detained. Director Ma pushed the blue box toward the center of the tea table and said, "Returned to its rightful owner."
Zhang Qiu and the others retrieved their belongings, and Zhang Qiu opened a bowl of porridge, checking that it wasn't hot before handing it to Jiang Xue, saying, "Have some, you must be starving."
"Alright, everyone eat something to fill your stomachs first." Zhang Qiu placed a lunch box in front of Song Weidong and said, "Wei Dong, you should eat too. No matter what happens, we have to look forward."
Song Weidong nodded and took the lunch box from Zhang Qiu, biting into a piece of meat pie with gusto.
The fatigue from yesterday's journey combined with a night of turmoil left everyone looking worn out. Those who had complained of hunger lost their appetite after a few bites and collapsed onto the sofa to rest. Director Ma generously waved his hand, saying, "If you're tired, just rest here. Leave when you're feeling better."
Director Ma then said to Zhang Qiu, "Call your uncle to let him know you're safe so he won't worry."
"Okay," Zhang Qiu replied as he took out his phone to call his uncle. Since being detained last night, Zhang Qiu had felt no worry; having an uncle in the police department meant he would surely be released once someone investigated the situation. At worst, they would weigh the circumstances and treat him better.
"Hello, Zhang Qiu! Are you alright?"
"Uncle, I'm fine. Thank you."
"No need to thank me. I asked Old Ma; he said you didn't do anything wrong and were wronged. By the way, what were you doing in Nanlan County? It's almost time for the college entrance exam, and you're out running around."
Zhang Qiu couldn't help but smile wryly; how did the conversation shift back to the college entrance exam? Adults really had a unique way of thinking. Zhang Qiu explained, "I went out to relax because the exam is approaching; I didn't expect to run into this kind of trouble."
"Well, it's good to take a break. Are you all okay now?"
"Very well. Director Ma prepared a very hearty breakfast for us; we're resting in his office."
"Good, eat more. Also, don't rest in someone else's office; Director Ma has work to do too. He manages two counties by himself; it's not easy for him, so don't disturb him."
"Got it, Uncle. We'll rest for a bit and then leave."
Zhang Qiu had the call on speakerphone, every word clearly reaching Director Ma's ears. Director Ma's attitude did a complete 180; his previous forced smile turned into a genuine one as he patted his chest and said, "It's fine; feel free to rest here. It won't affect anything."
Zhang Qiu smiled and asked Zhao Pingchuan, "Aren't you going to call your grandfather to let him know you're safe? We haven't returned all night."
"My grandfather doesn't have a mobile phone. But Brother Qiu, don't worry; my grandfather already knows we're fine."
"Did he find out?"
Zhao Pingchuan nodded heavily. "He knows."
Zhang Qiu didn't quite understand, but since Zhao Pingchuan said so, there must be a reason for it, so he decided not to worry about it. He looked at Jiang Xue, who had drunk half a bowl of porridge and was now leaning on the sofa, asleep. Her long eyelashes rested on her eyelids, making her particularly endearing.
Song Weidong received a call from his father and hurriedly answered. Most of the conversation consisted of his father asking questions, while Song Weidong only managed a few responses about how the auction went, followed by a series of "mm-hm" replies. After hanging up, Song Weidong looked at Zhang Qiu and said, "The auction failed; Hai Group acquired that piece of land. My dad voluntarily gave up..."
Zhang Qiu replied, "He's a good father."
"Yeah..."
As it approached ten o'clock, Zhang Qiu and the others packed up to leave the detention center, though there wasn't much to pack. Standing outside the security line at the entrance of the detention center, under the watchful eyes of the armed police officers in the guard tower, Song Weidong felt a surge of emotions and once again said, "Zhang Qiu, thank you. I haven't made a wrong friend."
"I'll go directly to find my father and settle the accounts at Harmony Manor along the way. What about you guys? Where are you going?"
"We're going home, back to Zhao Pingchuan's grandfather's house." Zhang Qiu looked at Zhao Pingchuan, who nodded in agreement.
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