I feel right at home in the world of the courtyard house.

Li Jing'an carried the authentic painting by Shen Zhou and rode his bicycle back to the courtyard.

He pushed open the door and went straight into the bedroom without stopping. He took the painting out of his arms, carefully placed it in the innermost layer of the wardrobe, and covered it with two old clothes.

That's it.

He straightened up, wiped the fine sweat from his forehead, and then realized he was thirsty. He scooped half a ladle of cold water from the water vat in the east room, gulped it down, and the icy well water cooled him down his throat and into his stomach, making him feel a little more awake.

Now, it's time to get down to business.

Without lingering, he pushed his bicycle and headed straight for Jiaodaokou Police Station.

Ever since he got on the good side of Director Meng Xiangbin of the Dongcheng Branch, everyone in the station has treated him with more respect. The police officers on duty at the gate didn't even ask him anything; they just nodded, smiled, and greeted him before letting him through.

The director's office door was open.

Director Zhang was buried in a stack of documents, his pen scratching across the paper. Hearing footsteps, he looked up, saw it was him, immediately put down his pen, stood up, and a smile bloomed on his face:

"Jing'an! What brings you here? Please, have a seat!"

Li Jing'an didn't stand on ceremony, pulled up a chair and sat down, looking completely at ease, as if he were at home.

Director Zhang turned around, poured a cup of hot water, and handed it to him: "It's cold, warm your hands first."

Li Jing'an took the cup without beating around the bush:

"Old Zhang, I want to ask you about someone. Do you know the police chief in the Liulichang area of ​​Xicheng?"

Director Zhang's eyes lit up: "I know him! Director Yang, right? We've had meetings and drinks together, we're on good terms! What's up?"

"There's something I need you to tell him for me."

Li Jing'an held the cup, his tone unhurried:

"There's an old man surnamed Wu in his area whose grandson got into trouble for gambling. He'll be fined and detained. Tell Chief Yang—don't collect the fine yet, but don't release the grandson. Make it sound serious, exaggerate the severity of the situation."

Director Zhang paused for a moment, then subconsciously asked, "The one surnamed Wu? How...did he offend you?"

Li Jing'an smiled faintly, a smile devoid of warmth:

"He tricked me before and cheated me."

He paused, his tone still nonchalant: "Nothing more, I didn't mean anything by it, just wanted to scare him a little. To teach him a lesson and make him understand the rules."

After hearing this, Director Zhang immediately understood the situation.

"Scare him"—this phrase carries a weight, ranging from mild to severe, depending on how it's said.

He immediately patted his chest and said, "No problem! It's a piece of cake! Don't worry, I've talked to Old Yang, he'll definitely give me face!"

Li Jing'an continued, "I'll go talk to Director Yang about this myself. You can just give him a call and ask him to introduce me."

"Okay! I'll start right now!"

Li Jing'an stood up: "Then I'll go over first. I'll treat you to dinner in a couple of days."

"Okay! Take care! Let me know if you need anything!"

Director Zhang escorted him to the door and watched him ride away before turning back.

Without delay, he picked up the black crank phone on the table, cranked it a few times, and connected to the Liulichang Police Station.

As soon as the call connected, the tone immediately became warmer:

"Old Yang! This is Old Zhang from Jiaodaokou! How have you been lately?"

"Let me tell you about someone—Li Jing'an, the director of the steel mill's guesthouse, a district people's congress representative, and now he has a very close relationship with Director Meng and the director of the Second Commerce Bureau!"

"He'll be coming to see you in a bit to take care of something small, so please look after him and keep an eye on him!"

The person on the other end of the phone responded repeatedly.

In the public security system, the title "Director Meng" carries significant weight.

Li Jing'an rode his bicycle all the way to the west of the city.

We've arrived at Liulichang Police Station.

Director Yang was already waiting at the door. When he saw him coming, he quickly stepped forward, shook his hands with both of his, and greeted him with the warmth of an old friend.

"Director Li! I've heard so much about you! Old Zhang mentioned it on the phone! Please come in, please come in!"

Director Yang was in his early forties, slightly overweight, with a shrewd and worldly-wise demeanor on his face, clearly a man of many social standing.

Upon entering the office, cigarettes were offered and tea was poured; the hospitality was entirely in accordance with that of a superior.

Li Jing'an didn't stand on ceremony and went straight to the story of Old Wu's grandson gambling:

"Director Yang, I only have one point. When Old Wu goes to pay the fine, don't accept it. Detain him first. And let me make things serious."

Upon hearing this, Director Yang immediately understood and patted his chest:

"Understood! Don't worry, Director Li! I'll handle this perfectly for you, I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

He paused, then leaned closer and lowered his voice:

"Director Li, is there anything else? Just say it, I, Old Yang, will not hesitate!"

Li Jing'an pondered for a moment: "What punishment is his grandson receiving now?"

Director Yang immediately replied, "Gambling and causing trouble, according to regulations, is punishable by five to fifteen days of detention and a fine of thirty yuan."

After a moment's thought, Li Jing'an asked, "Could we detain him for the full fifteen days first?"

"no problem!"

Li Jing'an continued, "Also, after Lao Wu arrives, you should personally talk to him. Tell him that his grandson is a habitual offender, a principal offender, and his actions are egregious. He should be dealt with severely, not just detained for a few days. He should be sentenced to three years of re-education through labor directly."

"Three years?" Director Yang's eyes lit up, then he smiled knowingly. "No problem! Do exactly as Director Li says! I'll talk to him myself! I guarantee I'll scare him out of his wits!"

Li Jing'an nodded in satisfaction, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

"Thank you for your hard work, Director Yang. I'll treat you to a meal another day, and Director Zhang will join us."

Director Yang quickly waved his hand, his eyes narrowing into slits with a smile:

"Oh, Director Li, you're too kind! We're all friends now. This is nothing! If you ever need my help, just let me know!"

Li Jing'an got up to take his leave.

Director Yang escorted him all the way to the gate, watching him ride his bicycle into the alley before turning back.