Reborn Cat Sheriff

Chapter 406 Major Crisis at Zhanghe Police Station

That evening, Nie Guoqiang graciously accepted Xiao Yu's invitation to dinner.

But the very next morning, Xiao Yu, with a long face, gave a disjointed and incoherent self-criticism in front of everyone.

On the third day, Xiao Yu resigned.

This resignation caught everyone off guard, and no one really knew what had happened in between. All that day, Nie Guoqiang had a sour face and seemed to dislike everyone; even Lin Ge didn't dare to mess with him.

Lin Ge learned the details from a casual conversation between Zhao Zhigang and Qian Wei.

The main reason was that Xiao Yu was a bit out of his mind. The reason he treated everyone to dinner that night was because one of his friends had hit someone while driving drunk. Not only did he have to pay compensation, but his driver's license was suspended, and he was detained. So, the friend's family came to Xiao Yu, offering to pay him to mediate. Then Xiao Yu went to Nie Guoqiang, hoping he could talk to the traffic police and get the guy out, etc.

Hearing this, Lin Ge was almost dumbfounded. When he heard Xiao Yu say something about family members having to give each other face, Lin Ge understood why Nie Guoqiang had lost his temper.

Nie Guoqiang naturally wouldn't agree to such abuse of power for personal gain, and Xiao Yu's blatant attitude also angered him. This led to Xiao Yu being criticized in front of everyone and his resignation in anger.

"Idiot!"

Lin Ge gave his evaluation of Xiao Yu.

This kind of person doesn't deserve sympathy or a waste of time. Lin Ge turned around and tossed him aside.

He's just a newly recruited auxiliary police officer, and he's already thinking about abusing his power for personal gain after only a few days on the job. He's utterly foolish. This kind of guy who can't recognize his place will cause trouble sooner or later, and he doesn't deserve to be considered one of Lin Ge's people.

However, just when Lin Ge thought he would never have any more contact with Xiao Yu, only half a month later, Lin Ge saw that idiot again.

This time, he was brought back to Zhanghe Police Station as a suspect.

The evidence against him is conclusive; the charges are fraud and extortion.

It's simply...unthinkable.

Lin Ge curiously approached Hu Lijun, who had brought Xiao Yu back, and eavesdropped for a while before learning what had happened.

It turns out this guy was indeed a troublemaker. Although he had resigned, he still posed as a police officer online. This shameless bastard dated people online under the guise of a promising young policeman, and managed to date three girlfriends in one go. And that's not all; in a very short period of time, he also swindled 80,000, 160,000, and 46,000 yuan respectively from these three girlfriends and their families under the pretext of police work.

They were hoping to find someone with a good social standing and a stable job to settle down with, but instead they encountered a scoundrel who cheated them out of their money and sex. By the time the women realized something was wrong, Xiao Yu had already squandered nearly 300,000 yuan that he had swindled from them under various work pretexts.

Even when the woman demanded repayment, he threatened her with her photos, demanding money to retrieve them or he would expose them online…

Two innocent and unlucky women were extorted for 20,000 and 34,000 yuan respectively. Only the woman who was cheated out of 160,000 yuan was strong-willed and did not hesitate to go to the police station to demand an explanation, only to learn that Xiao Yu was not a policeman at all.

The police officers at the station were equally bewildered, realizing for the first time that someone had dared to provoke such a powerful figure. Nie Guoqiang, enraged, personally led Hu Lijun to the scene and promptly arrested Xiao Yu, who was attempting to flee.

"This incident is a disgrace to our Zhanghe Police Station!"

Zheng Mingxing was trembling with rage, never expecting such a disgraceful incident to occur at the Zhanghe Police Station. Even though Xiao Yu had already resigned at the time of the incident, his act of deceiving people by posing as a police officer from the Zhanghe Police Station was still devastating to the station's reputation.

"It's my fault! I didn't foresee Xiao Yu's true nature and recklessness beforehand, and I didn't take precautions against him after he left the company, which led to this incident."

Nie Guoqiang's face was dark as he took the blame upon himself.

"..."

The others in the meeting room all kept their heads down and remained silent. No one had expected that such a scoundrel would appear in the police station, and no one had anticipated that things would escalate to such an unexpected degree.

Sitting in the main seat, Yu Zhengwei's expression wasn't good either. But seeing the somber atmosphere in the meeting room, he waved his hand and said, "Alright, stop blaming yourselves here. Xiao Yu committed the crime after he resigned, so it has nothing to do with our police station. Besides, this has already happened. What we need to discuss now isn't finding out who's responsible, but how to deal with the reporters and those troublemaking self-media influencers!"

"..."

Everyone was silent again.

No one expected that what was clearly a simple criminal case, and with the suspect already arrested, would turn into a situation where the victim, unable to recover the money swindled from Xiao Yu, unreasonably blamed the Zhanghe Police Station.

One of the victims was a woman from Hangzhou who was on a business trip in Zhangzhou. She actually told the local 918 Hangzhou News Channel about the incident. As a result, a reporter from the channel suddenly appeared at the police station with a camera, catching the police off guard.

Dealing with reporters isn't exactly the police station's forte. But since they are an official agency, they weren't particularly rude after learning the details. After the exchange, the media outlet posted the entire story online, letting netizens judge the police station's actions.

Then... a barrage of accusations, doubts, and insults followed.

At this point, everything is still normal.

After all, the police station does bear some responsibility in this case, and it's understandable that they'd be criticized for making a mistake. As for the netizens' insults in the comments section, just ignore them and pretend nothing happened. Besides, everyone in this line of work is used to being criticized; if you're thick-skinned, just pretend you didn't hear it.

But who knew that at that moment, another victim would do the same thing.

She was just a bit rude; she went to several well-known online celebrities!

Then, one of the more influential online celebrities followed the clues Xiao Yu left online and unexpectedly discovered that the first woman Xiao Yu had deceived was dating him before he resigned from his job! Therefore, this online celebrity concluded that Xiao Yu was indeed swindling people by impersonating a police officer, and the Zhanghe Police Station had no choice but to take the blame!

Even if a police officer who has signed a contract with the police station is just an auxiliary police officer, he is still a member of the police station!

This person, posing as a police officer, deceived women online, swindling them out of money and sexually assaulting them. Shouldn't the police station say or do something about it?
Public opinion immediately exploded. Every day, internet celebrities would linger outside the police station to watch the spectacle, and a large number of unscrupulous self-media people would search online for dirt on the Zhanghe Police Station and its shortcomings, then stand on their moral high ground to make blatant judgments...

Unexpectedly, what started as a minor incident gradually escalated into a reputation crisis for the police station.

"call……"

Taking a deep breath, Nie Guoqiang knew this matter needed to be resolved as soon as possible. Whether it was admitting fault or apologizing, the important thing was to calm things down.

The reputation of the police station cannot be negatively affected; otherwise, how can the police enforce the law and gain the respect of the public in the future?

Nie Guoqiang looked at Yu Zhengwei: "Chief Yu, what is the Municipal Bureau's statement on this matter?"

"Apologize and provide a detailed explanation of the matter on official platforms."

Yu Zhengwei looked up at Nie Guoqiang and said in a deep voice, "Of course, those who should be punished will be punished, and those who should be notified will be notified. We will follow the procedures. We do have a responsibility in this matter, and no one should think they are completely innocent."

"But Xiao Yu was recommended by the Moon Lake Community, and we were forced to accept him! We helped the community solve the problem of unemployed people, so why are we getting ourselves into trouble? Besides, you can't judge a book by its cover. Who the hell knew that Xiao Yu was such a scoundrel? We'll accept this, but I suggest we don't go looking for trouble in the future! We'll recruit our own auxiliary police officers and such; we won't accept any recommendations from others!"

Zhang Yong slammed his hand on the conference room table, startling Lin Ge, who was pretending to be dead with his head down.

Lin Ge looked up innocently and glanced around, noticing that not only Zhang Yong, but also Hu Lijun and several others looked extremely grim. Hu Lijun, in particular, was responsible for dealing with various communities, and he was the first to bear the brunt of this incident.

Following Zhang Yong's words, everyone began to discuss the matter.

Honestly, in this kind of situation, who at the police station is really at fault? Xiao Yu is an adult; is anyone his babysitter? Why should someone else clean up his mess?
Besides, this guy hasn't even passed his probation period yet! Unlike those online who shirk responsibility, he's a genuine temporary worker. Someone like that wouldn't pass the police station's probation period; getting fired would be the end of it!
Why should the institute bear the blame for his subsequent actions?
"That doesn't make sense, does it? And what right do those three stupid women have to cause trouble for the police station? The police station is an investigation agency, not a debt collection agency! They reported a crime, and we arrested the person in time, didn't we? So, even though they can't get their money back, they expect us to compensate them? Why should they? They should bear the consequences of their poor judgment!"

Xie Hua has been particularly sensitive to losing money lately, and he's furious right now.

Besides, when it comes to loan repayments, go to court! If the person doesn't repay, sue them! What right does the police station have to help resolve this kind of issue?
Even if Xiao Yu committed fraud by posing as a police officer from Zhanghe Police Station, the police station should be blamed as a victim of reputational damage. How did it become a heinous crime?
Could it really be true that if you're in the right, go to the police; if you're in the wrong, go to the media; and if you're being unreasonable, go to Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book)?

As everyone talked, they became increasingly agitated, and the hot-tempered Xie Lili even slammed her hand on the table, ready to chase all the people outside the door away.

"Bang, bang."

Yu Zhengwei tapped the table.

The sound wasn't loud, but the entire conference room suddenly fell silent.

Seeing that everyone, including the cat, was looking over, Yu Zhengwei said in a deep voice, "Is this the time to find excuses and blame people? The incident has already happened, and no matter how we explain it, the public will still have their own opinions! So what do we need now? Do we tell the people that we are innocent? Or do we tell them that there's nothing we can do about this kind of thing?"

Yu Zhengwei's voice grew louder and louder, and looking around at the crowd, not a single person dared to respond or refute him. Even the most carefree people were now sitting upright and properly.

"Comrades, we are the people's police! Our duty is to serve the people. Is explanation useful? Is talking enough? What we need to do is show everyone with our actions that we are still trustworthy! The police station can still protect the safety of the people!"

Yu Zhengwei said something earnestly.

"..."

No one in the meeting room uttered a sound.

"You don't need to worry about what's going on outside. Traffic is short-lived; it'll pass if you ignore it. But starting this year, starting today, the police station's spirit must change! Get your sense of responsibility up! Xiao Yu's case is a warning against our complacency. The success and victories of the second half of last year are not a reason for us to be proud this year."

As Yu Zhengwei spoke, his gaze swept over Lin Ge. He wanted to say that the cat had brought laziness and unruly habits, but then he thought that this was the cat's nature, and that people who learned from cats were simply foolish, so he excluded Lin Ge from the rectification campaign.

"Ha ha……"

Zheng Mingxing couldn't help but laugh.

Sure enough, Yu Zhengwei is the biggest cat lover in Zhanghe Police Station, right?
Everyone says Nie Guoqiang dotes on Mimi, but if Yu Zhengwei had any objections, why didn't he say a word of advice? Yu Zhengwei has seen Mimi's usual misbehavior at the police station. Yet he didn't utter a single word of criticism. Isn't that the real shield that allows Mimi to act so lawlessly at the police station?

Mimi can run wild freely within the jurisdiction of Zhanghe Police Station, unaffected by online or official opinions. Who would believe that this is possible without Yu Zhengwei's protection? At least Nie Guoqiang alone could not have done it so casually.

"Hmm... I think I contributed quite a bit too."

Zheng Mingxing rubbed his prickly chin, somewhat belatedly realizing what was happening.

"Instructor Zheng?"

Everyone in the conference room noticed that Zheng Mingxing seemed to be lost in thought, and Yu Zhengwei could only helplessly remind him in a low voice.

"Ah! Let me say a few words too."

Zheng Mingxing regained his composure, sat up straight, and said, "The Municipal Public Security Bureau's external publicity department will handle the external affairs. Don't worry, everyone. After all, we are also victims implicated in this matter. Of course, Director Yu also made it very clear that we must learn from this experience and re-emphasize the ideological development of our own people. We must not repeat similar mistakes..."

The meeting lasted for more than two hours.

After Yu Zhengwei, Zheng Mingxing, and Nie Guoqiang spoke in turn, Zhang Yong also made a self-criticism and commitment on behalf of everyone. In conclusion, the Zhanghe Police Station has achieved results, but the personal qualities and morale of its staff must also improve accordingly.

As for what Xiao Yu is specifically going to do, that has nothing to do with ordinary police officers.

A few days later, after the online buzz had died down, the police station staff learned that Zheng Mingxing had taken the blame for the whole thing.

The municipal party committee's circular criticizing him and the municipal police department's public apology meeting were the price he had to pay to settle the Xiao Yu case. To some extent, this had a significant impact on Zheng Mingxing's career.

However, he acted as if nothing had happened, continuing to go to work and leave work as usual, patiently reasoning with all sorts of unreasonable visitors. He remained incredibly patient, showing no sign that this incident had affected his methods.

However, Lin Ge knew very well that something must have happened to Zheng Mingxing! One day, while strolling around Youcheng Elementary School, Lin Ge noticed that Zheng Jiacheng wasn't in the classroom. Overhearing Hu Miao and Zhang Yining chatting, he learned that Zheng Jiacheng hadn't been to school since the beginning of the semester.

For students, making up for missed lessons after a week or so of absence is not an easy task. Zheng Jiacheng's absence of over a month makes the situation quite complicated and serious.

“I messaged Zheng Jiacheng, and he said he’s with his mother. Apparently, something’s happened with his mother, and he won’t be able to come back for a while.”

Nie Zhuangzhuang knew a little more, but he was still vague about it.

Lin Ge grew increasingly curious. Seeing Zheng Mingxing lose his former elegance and gradually become unkempt, he couldn't help but worry about the guy.

But Zheng Mingxing himself is unwilling to say what exactly happened, so how can others help?

Lin Ge originally thought that this stubborn man would continue to take responsibility for things on his own, but one day when he was sleeping in the cat shelter, Zheng Mingxing grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and lifted him up, taking him to Zheng Mingxing's office in a very impolite manner.

"Mimi, I need your help."

Lin Ge was taken aback by Zheng Mingxing's first words.

Lin Ge abruptly stopped his movements and resumed a quiet sitting posture, watching Zheng Mingxing silently.

“My wife, Fang Yun, is in trouble. Before the Lunar New Year, a staff member from the county's finance bureau committed suicide by jumping off a building. At the time, people from the provincial discipline inspection commission were in the county.”

Zheng Mingxing's words sent a chill down Lin Ge's spine.

"Embezzlement and bribery, then committed suicide out of guilt?"

This thought suddenly popped into Lin Ge's mind.

But then it dawned on me: what good would it do to involve him in this? He didn't know a single person in the Discipline Inspection Commission or the Supervisory Commission. Besides, he was just a cat; he had absolutely no interest in getting involved in political matters.

"The disciplinary committee is investigating a corruption case, and the person who committed suicide was one of the suspects who was ordered to undergo disciplinary investigation."

Zheng Mingxing, disregarding whether Lin Ge could understand, continued with a frown: "As soon as he died, the Discipline Inspection Commission's attitude changed. In short, now all officials in the entire county are suspects, Fang Yun is no exception. She is currently under investigation, and even Zheng Jiacheng is confined to his home and cannot return to school..."

"How could they do this? How could a child be a suspect?"

Lin Ge stared wide-eyed in surprise.

"Probably because they were worried that Zheng Jiacheng would help the suspect pass on messages and hide clues."

Zheng Mingxing mumbled something, then looked at Lin Ge and said, "So Mimi, I need you to help me find the real bribe taker, clear Fang Yun's name, and also get Zheng Jiacheng back to school as soon as possible."

(End of this chapter)