After more than ten minutes, Xiao Chen arrived at the security office, smiling politely as he pushed the door open.
Inside, a thin young man in uniform was hunched over his phone, playing a game. Startled by the sound, he quickly hid it and looked up nervously.
"Y-you are…?"
"Hello," Xiao Chen said warmly. "My name is Xiao Chen. I'm here to report to the security director."
"You're Xiao Chen? Nice to meet you, I'm Ding Li, though everyone calls me 'Nail.'" The young man stood up, embarrassed.
"Ding Li, huh? Where's your elder brother Xu Wenqiang?" Xiao Chen teased, smiling.
Flustered, Ding Li scratched his head shyly.
Xiao Chen glanced around the empty office. "Why are you alone here? Where's everyone else?"
The mention made Ding Li's face sink. "They're all in the gym training… Director Liu said you should find him there."
"Oh? Where's the gym?"
"I'll take you," Ding Li said, though worry flickered in his eyes. "But Xiao Chen… when you meet Director Liu, make sure you keep a low profile. Otherwise, things won't be easy for you."
Xiao Chen frowned slightly. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Just… remember to endure for now." Ding Li sighed as they headed for the gym.
When they reached the door, he whispered again, "Please, lower your posture."
Xiao Chen chuckled to himself. Clearly, Ding Li was timid—likely another bullied soul in the department.
As Ding Li pushed the door open, he put on a flattering smile. "Director Liu, Xiao Chen is here!"
Inside, several men stopped training to look over.
"You're Xiao Chen?" A burly man in his thirties eyed him provocatively.
"Yes, I—" Ding Li started, but the man cut him off.
"Did I ask you? Get me some water!" he barked.
Ding Li froze, swallowed his words, and nodded weakly. "I'll get it."
Xiao Chen frowned but stayed quiet.
The man turned back to Xiao Chen. "So? Are you Xiao Chen?"
"Yes," Xiao Chen replied evenly, locking eyes with him. "And who the hell are you supposed to be?"
The room went silent. Everyone stared in disbelief—how dare this newcomer talk to Liu Dakui like that? Ding Li nearly dropped the water bottle in fright.
"I'm Liu Dakui, director of security," the man snapped.
"Oh, Director Liu. My apologies," Xiao Chen said with a smile.
"I don't like you," Liu Dakui growled.
"Heh, that's normal," Xiao Chen shrugged. "I am better looking than you."
The others stifled laughter.
Liu's face darkened. "As Su's security director, I must ensure her safety. I'll be assessing you. If you fail, I'll personally tell President Su to get rid of you."
Xiao Chen tilted his head. "Assessment, huh? Do you have a wife?"
"What?" Liu blinked.
"Or sisters?"
"No."
"Then why target me? I never stole your wife or touched your sisters." Xiao Chen sighed.
Liu's face burned with anger. The truth was simple—he had served Su Qing faithfully for a month, hoping to get closer to her. Then Xiao Chen appeared and snatched the role of bodyguard. But aloud he said righteously, "I'm only thinking of President Su's safety!"
"Cut the act," Xiao Chen snapped. "How do you want to test me?"
"With strength. My men will fight you one by one. If you can handle them, fine. Otherwise, you're out."
"So basically you just want to beat me up," Xiao Chen smirked. "Fine. But let me warm up first."
"Five minutes," Liu sneered.
"Two is enough." Xiao Chen stretched casually.
Ding Li leaned close. "Don't! They're all strong, especially Liu—he was in the army…"
"Shut up, Nail!" Liu barked. "I'll deal with you later."
Xiao Chen gave Ding Li a reassuring smile. "Relax, I've got this."
He walked to a sandbag and delivered a few kicks. Then, suddenly, he struck hard—
Boom!
The heavy sandbag burst open, spilling iron sand across the floor.
The room froze. Eyes widened in shock.
Xiao Chen turned calmly. "I'm warmed up. Who's first?"
No one moved. Even Liu hesitated.
"Why don't you all come at once?" Xiao Chen said with a cold smile.
"Cowards!" Liu barked. "Show your loyalty to President Su—get him!"
Reluctantly, the men charged.
Bang!
The first was sent flying by Xiao Chen's kick. The rest followed, but Xiao Chen moved like a tiger among sheep, fists like iron. Within ten seconds, all six were groaning on the ground.
He had held back, but the pain left them howling.
Xiao Chen turned to Liu Dakui. "Your turn?"
Liu gritted his teeth. He couldn't back down in front of his men. With a roar, he attacked. Their fists collided, and Xiao Chen nodded—Liu's strength was impressive, better than most he'd fought recently.
But it wasn't enough.
After a brief exchange, Xiao Chen's punch sank into Liu's stomach like a hammer, sending him crashing to the floor, writhing in pain.
"Director Liu, have I passed?" Xiao Chen asked, towering over him.
"Y-yes… passed," Liu groaned, clutching his stomach.
"Good. Glad we understand each other." Xiao Chen smiled and addressed the room. "From now on, I'll be based here in the security department. We're colleagues—I hope we get along. And don't bully me just because I'm new."
Everyone cursed silently. Who would dare bully you?!
"Oh, and one more thing." Xiao Chen pointed at Ding Li. "He's under my protection. No one touches him again."
Ding Li's eyes turned red. "Xiao Chen, I—"
"Go clean up my office," Xiao Chen said with a grin.
"Okay!" Ding Li nodded fiercely and followed him.
As they left, Liu Dakui watched, hatred burning in his eyes. Enjoy your moment, Xiao Chen. Sooner or later, I'll crush you. And as for Ding Li… even with your protection, he's still just a dog to me.