aircannonsinc Chapter 1128 told Gu Nan
Chapter 1128 told Gu Nan
Zhang Li finally felt a weight lifted from his heart, the wrinkles on his face smoothing out and a hint of a smile appearing at the corners of his eyes. Even his voice radiated a relaxed ease: "Alright, alright! Director Tong, I'll definitely remember this favor!" He took a half-step forward, his tone full of gratitude, yet tinged with a touch of guilt for his own child's lack of understanding. "That rascal Li Jianjun is indeed young and reckless, very impetuous. When he gets out, I'll definitely grab his ear and give him a good scolding, making him come to you in person to apologize!"
As he spoke, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a pack of cigarettes with a decent-looking packaging, and tried to shove one into Tong Ren's hand. Tong Ren gently raised his hand to stop him, his fingertips brushing against the back of his hand, without saying a word. Zhang Li wasn't embarrassed at all, as if he had expected it. His face was still plastered with a warm smile as he casually put the cigarette back in his pocket and rubbed his hands together, saying, "You're busy, you're busy."
Tong Ren simply nodded noncommittally, without even lifting his eyelids. His gaze swept across the man's face before he glanced at the old-fashioned watch on his wrist. The watch face was still dusty, and the hands turned slowly and steadily. "Alright, I understand. I have a lot of things to deal with at the station, so I'll be going now." As soon as he finished speaking, he turned and walked towards the police car parked at the alley entrance, his steps quick and steady. The dark blue police uniform gleamed with a solid light in the sunlight, and the back of the uniform swayed gently with his movements.
Zhang Li stood there, watching the dust kicked up by the police car until the blue smoke completely disappeared around the street corner. Only then did he let out a long, deep sigh, as if his chest had been pounded for a long time before he could finally catch his breath, his shoulders slumping. The sun overhead was still shining warmly, softening the asphalt, but the back of his shirt was already soaked with cold sweat, sticking stickily to his skin. A gust of wind blew, sending a chill down his spine.
It was nearly dusk, the sky tinged with a faint orange-red, just as people were leaving get off work. As Tong Ren led the handcuffed Ah Hu towards the police car, they bumped into Gu Nan, who was emerging from the factory gate across the street. Gu Nan was wearing faded work clothes, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his muscular forearms, his skin a healthy tan, stained with traces of machine oil. He was carrying a mesh bag containing a lunchbox, the drawstring wrapped twice around his fingers, and was slowly walking home.
"Gu Nan, it's time to get off work." Tong Ren stopped, his face unusually gentle, his eyes less sharp than when he was handling cases, and more like an elder to a younger person.
Gu Nan paused for a moment, then nodded and smiled, revealing two rows of neat teeth: "Uncle Tong, yes, just finished work." His gaze inadvertently swept over Ah Hu, who was being held by two policemen. Ah Hu was glaring at him fiercely, his eyes wide as if about to spit fire, muttering something indistinctly. Gu Nan understood; it was probably about the previous matter that had been resolved, but he didn't ask any further questions—he knew his place; he was just an ordinary worker, and it was none of his business to interfere in the affairs of the police station. Don't pry into things you shouldn't ask; live a peaceful life—this was a rule his father had taught him since childhood, ingrained in his bones.
Tong Ren winked at the police officers beside him. The two understood and, supporting the still struggling Ah Hu, got into the police car first. The car door slammed shut, cutting off the noise inside. After the two men were out of sight, Tong Ren turned to Gu Nan and said, "Get in the car, I have something to tell you."
Without hesitation, Gu Nan opened the passenger door and got in. The car seat, having been in the sun all day, still felt warm. "Uncle, what's wrong? Is there some good news?" he asked with a smile, his eyes light and cheerful. He had a vague idea of what was going on, and his previously anxious mind began to stir.
Tong Ren started the car, the engine humming as it began. He turned the steering wheel and the car slowly merged into the rush hour traffic. The streets were bustling with people, the sounds of bicycle bells and vendors' cries filling the air with a lively, everyday atmosphere. He looked ahead, a faint smile playing on his lips. "There's some good news," he said. "Li Jianjun and that woman named Lili have both been arrested." He paused, glancing at Gu Nan in the rearview mirror. Gu Nan's surprised expression was reflected in the mirror. "That woman isn't someone to be trifled with. She's been involved in many outrageous things with a group of habitual offenders in the past. This time, they've finally settled all their old scores, both new and old."
Tong Ren didn't go into the specifics of those petty thefts, swindles, and deceptions. There was no need for a clean-headed young man like Gu Nan to know about such sordid things, lest it offend his ears. But even these few words were enough to surprise Gu Nan.
"Wow, I didn't expect it to be like this." Gu Nan clicked his tongue, his eyes full of surprise. "That woman looked quite ordinary, and she spoke very quietly. I really didn't realize she had such a background."
“That’s right, you can know a person’s face but not their heart.” Tong Ren stepped on the brake, turned around at the red light, and his expression became more serious. “This matter has nothing to do with you now, at least for the time being. Li Jianjun’s gang can’t cause any trouble. Just relax and go to work. Don’t think too much.”
Gu Nan felt a weight lifted from his heart, as if a huge burden had been lifted. His smile became even more genuine, and even the fine lines at the corners of his eyes smoothed out: "Uncle Tong, I really owe you a lot for this. How about I treat you to dinner tonight? I know a restaurant that makes particularly authentic braised pork, fatty but not greasy, melting in your mouth. I guarantee you'll love it."
Tong Ren chuckled, raised his hand and patted his arm lightly, saying, "You little rascal, when did you learn this trick? Alright, I appreciate the thought. You should just focus on living your life well and working hard at your job; that's more important than anything else."
Gu Nan wanted to say something more, but Tong Ren pointed to the road not far ahead: "We're at the intersection near your house." The car slowly stopped, and he turned around, his expression more serious than before, his eyes carrying a hint of admonition, "I have things to do, you go back first. Remember, things aren't safe outside lately, don't go out too much, stay safe and don't cause yourself any trouble."
Although the words weren't explicitly stated, Gu Nan understood perfectly. Tong Ren was reminding him that Li Jianjun and his group might have other connections behind them, and that since the matter wasn't completely resolved, he should just remain an outsider and not get involved.
"I understand, don't worry." Gu Nan opened the car door and waved to Tong Ren. "Uncle, please be careful on the road too."