The Republic of China: I, Xiangzi, a Hero in a Chaotic Era

His voice was not loud, but carried his usual composure.

"It's like your eyebrows are on fire, what kind of situation is this? What is it? Tell me slowly."

Tiger Girl took a deep breath, trying to speak clearly, but her speech was still as fast as a machine gun:

"The cars! Our cars! Xisi North Police Station! They've impounded them! They've impounded a total of twenty-eight cars!"

Master Liu finally stopped in his tracks.

He turned around, and the leisurely air on his weathered, deeply lined face vanished completely, replaced by a profound astonishment.

His cloudy old eyes were fixed on Tiger Girl, as if trying to find a trace of humor on her face, but he only saw genuine panic.

"How many?"

Liu Siye's voice lowered, as if a stone was pressing down on it.

"Twenty-eight vehicles?"

"Yes! Twenty-eight vehicles!"

Tiger Girl nodded vigorously, stamping her feet in frustration.

"What happened this afternoon! The patrol officers were like madmen, blocking our cars all over the streets, impounding every single one they saw! The drivers came running back crying and screaming to report the news, and the yard is almost empty now!"

Master Liu's brows slowly furrowed, forming a deep frown line between them.

"Impounding vehicles...this has happened before in previous years."

He spoke slowly, each word carrying the weight of contemplation.

"Those black-skinned dogs always find an excuse to rip you off every now and then."

"At most they'll impound two or three vehicles, just as a token gesture, waiting for us to send money to redeem them. What...?"

He raised his eyelids, his gaze sharp as a hawk's.

"Why did they impound twenty-eight vehicles all at once today? Are they trying to shut down our entire factory? Haven't you gone to the police station to ask them what they're up to?"

"Why didn't I go!"

Tiger Girl's voice was filled with grievance and resentment.

"I rushed to the Xisi North Police Station as soon as I got the news! But this time it was different, old man! They completely ignored me!"

She recalled the setback she encountered at the police station that afternoon, and her face showed both anger and anxiety.

"They wouldn't even let me through the door properly! That gatekeeper was so arrogant, saying it was a direct order from the new station chief, and no amount of pleading would work!"

"The new director?"

Master Liu caught this crucial information, and his eyes suddenly narrowed.

"Yes! It's the new director!"

Tiger Girl quickly said.

"His name is Liu Jiaxiang! He's the one who called out his name. He said..."

She paused for a moment, mimicking the police officer's businesslike tone.

"Let your Master Liu handle this personally! No one else will do the job!"

"Liu Jiaxiang..."

Master Liu repeated the name in a low voice, his eyes flickering uncertainly in the twilight.

He walked slowly for a couple of steps with his hands behind his back, the blue bricks under his feet making a slight scraping sound.

"A new broom sweeps clean..."

He seemed to be talking to himself, or perhaps to Tiger Girl, his voice low and slow.

"It seems that this first fire is aimed at me, Master Liu, and at our Renhe Automobile Factory."

He stopped and looked in the direction of the police station. The initial surprise on his wrinkled face had subsided, leaving only a coldness and understanding that came with experience.

"They've impounded my car to this extent, specifically naming me, this old man, to deal with it."

His lips twitched slightly, revealing a smile that was almost cold.

"This isn't just ordinary bullying. This is deliberately picking a fight and trying to intimidate me."

Silence spread through the courtyard, with only the faint sounds of bustling city life drifting from afar.

With his back to Tiger Girl, Master Liu's figure appeared somewhat hunched in the twilight, yet he exuded a rock-solid strength.

After a moment, he turned around, his tone regaining its usual decisiveness, even carrying a hint of undeniable ruthlessness:

"So be it. What's meant to be will be.

"Since they've specifically asked for my name, this old man will go and meet this newly appointed Director Liu."

"I want to see what kind of scheme this Director Liu has up his sleeve, and how much he wants to squeeze out of me, Fourth Master Liu."

He gestured with his chin toward Tiger Girl:

"Go and prepare a decent gift. It doesn't need to be too heavy or too light, just presentable."

He paused for a moment, then added.

"Once you've chosen, you can personally deliver it to the Xisi North Police Station."

"Just say it's a small token of appreciation from Master Liu of the Renhe Car Factory, a gift for Director Liu as we meet. And also pass on a message..."

Master Liu's voice was clear and powerful.

"Tomorrow at noon, at Huixian Hall, Master Liu will be hosting. Director Liu, please do us the honor of attending."

Tiger Girl listened to her father's arrangements and her anxious heart calmed down a little.

She nodded vigorously:

"Understood, old man. I'll take care of it right away."

But then she remembered another urgent matter, and her face fell with worry again.

"But old man, what are we going to do now? Those drivers whose cars were impounded are all waiting anxiously, asking if they'll still get their fees for today?"

"Also, the police station will definitely impose a fine. How will that be handled? Will we cover it, or will they have to pay it themselves?"

"What's even more troublesome is that those vehicles that weren't impounded are now terrified, all asking if they dare to drive tomorrow. There's widespread panic, and the car factories are almost at a standstill!"

As Liu Siye listened to his daughter's series of questions, his face remained expressionless, though a barely perceptible shadow of gloom flickered deep in his eyes.

He waved his hand, his tone resolute:

"Vehicle fee? The car's already impounded, what's the point of collecting a fee! Fines? Hmph, that's nothing to worry about, it's not their concern! Tomorrow?"

He gave a cold laugh.

"Not a single vehicle is allowed to leave tomorrow! Sending vehicles out at this critical juncture is just handing food to those bastards. If they confiscate all our vehicles, what will we eat?"

Master Liu paused briefly, seemingly considering his next move. The dim light fell on his face, half bright and half dark.

"so,"

He finally made his decision, and his voice became calm and steady.

"Go and tell all the drivers that, regardless of whether their vehicles have been impounded or not, the vehicle depot will be closed tomorrow."

He saw a flicker of pain in Tiger Girl's eyes and added.

"Also, get them some food and drinks, and tell them..."

Master Liu paused for a moment, seemingly considering his words.

"Everyone has been working hard lately, braving wind and rain, and I, as the owner, have seen it all."

"Take a day off tomorrow, eat and drink something, and recharge."

"The specific regulations will be clear after I finish talking with that Director Liu tomorrow."

Tiger Girl understood what her father meant.

This is about spending money to win people's hearts, stabilize the situation, prevent the drivers from causing even greater chaos due to panic, and also leave enough room and leverage for tomorrow's negotiations.

Although she was reluctant to spend the money, she knew it was the safest option at the moment.

Tiger Girl nodded vigorously again, her anxiety replaced by a hint of determination:

"Alright, old man, I'll arrange it right away. I've picked out the gifts and will send them to the police station immediately. I'll also go and appease the driver."