Xiao Chen and Ding Li returned to the security department office, but Ding Li was still visibly stirred.
"Brother Chen, what you just said… is it really true?"
"Of course. Don't be afraid of anyone from now on. If someone bullies you, just come to me," Xiao Chen assured him.
Ding Li's eyes lit up. "From today onward, you're my big brother, Brother Chen!"
Xiao Chen chuckled. "And what about Brother Qiang then?"
"I don't even know Brother Han Qiang. From now on, I only recognize you as my big brother!" Ding Li said firmly.
"Fine. As long as I'm in Longhai, I'll have your back. But you're far too timid. You'll need chances to toughen up." Xiao Chen patted his shoulder.
Looking embarrassed, Ding Li admitted, "My father says I was born timid and cowardly. Brother Chen, do you really think I can become braver?"
"Heh, I can't give you a bigger heart, but there are ways to build courage," Xiao Chen grinned teasingly.
"Then from now on, I'll follow everything Brother Chen says!"
"Good. But enough of that—where's my office?"
Ding Li hesitated, then pointed at a door. "There."
Unaware of Ding Li's awkward expression, Xiao Chen pushed it open. His face darkened instantly. Inside, the so-called "office" was piled with dusty tables and benches. Empty bottles, rags, and even reeking shoes littered the floor.
"This is my office?" Xiao Chen asked coldly.
Ding Li shrank back. "This… is actually the department's storage room. Director Liu said it would be your office…"
Xiao Chen's expression grew heavier. "What else did he say?"
"He said you'd be sent here once you arrived, since this room wasn't being used…" Ding Li stammered. Sensing Xiao Chen's rising anger, he quickly added, "Brother Chen, don't worry, I'll clean it up right away!"
"No need. Tell me—where's Liu Dakui's office?" Xiao Chen asked, his tone sharp.
Moments later, Xiao Chen strode into Liu Dakui's office and sat in the director's chair as though it belonged to him. "From now on, I'll be using this office."
Ding Li almost collapsed from fear. Usurping Director Liu's office was no small matter.
Sure enough, Liu Dakui soon returned with several security members. The moment he saw Xiao Chen lounging in his chair, his face turned livid.
"Why are you in my office?!"
"I've requisitioned it. Gather your personal things and clear out," Xiao Chen replied flatly.
"What?!" Liu Dakui roared. "Your office is—"
"The storage room?" Xiao Chen sneered. "Was that arranged by President Su, or Assistant Qin? If they hear about this, how do you think they'll react?"
The mention of higher-ups made Liu Dakui falter.
"You can work in the storage room. Just tidy it up a bit," Xiao Chen added with a faint smile.
"You—"
"Unless you'd prefer I report this directly to President Su. Or maybe you want to settle it with me personally?" Xiao Chen raised his fist slightly.
Liu Dakui's chest heaved with rage. He had always lorded over the security department, but now he was being humiliated outright. Yet he didn't dare fight Xiao Chen or cause a scene with the executives. Grinding his teeth, he ordered his men, "Move my things out!"
One by one, his belongings were carried away, each item leaving him redder in the face. Xiao Chen, sitting comfortably, crossed his legs and smirked.
"Ding Li, don't you feel the office looks cleaner and classier now that Director Liu's junk is gone?" he quipped.
Liu Dakui stormed out, seething, while Ding Li whispered nervously, "Brother Chen, you've offended him too much. What if he takes revenge?"
"If he wants to embarrass himself further, he's welcome to try," Xiao Chen replied dismissively. "He's just a clown."
Still uneasy, Ding Li muttered, "I heard Director Liu has connections with people on the streets…"
"Don't worry about it. Come, help me tidy this place up."
Meanwhile, in his new makeshift "office," Liu Dakui's fury boiled over. "I'll make him pay sooner or later!" he growled to his men. When one mentioned Xiao Chen's recent conflict with the local tough Ren Kun, Liu's eyes gleamed. "Perfect. If he's already crossed Ren Kun, then I'll just sit back and watch how he dies."
—
Later, after the office was cleaned, Xiao Chen and Ding Li left on patrol.
"Brother Chen, you're President Su's bodyguard, not a company guard. Why bother patrolling?" Ding Li asked curiously.
"Heh, just passing the time," Xiao Chen answered vaguely, keeping his real purpose hidden.
As they walked the grounds, Xiao Chen noted weak security at the company's back entrance—something he'd need to warn Su Qing about. Still, he reminded himself not to overthink a single threatening letter. This was China, not some war zone. Even if the threat was real, he had full confidence in handling it.
Eventually, Xiao Chen left the company and drove to a bar called Lonely. Waiting outside was a thin, limping young man.
"Brother Chen, you're here," the man greeted.
"Yeah. Let's talk inside."
Once seated, the man—nicknamed Knife—handed him a folder. "These are the three cemeteries we shortlisted. Have a look."
Xiao Chen didn't open it. "Where's Old Su?"
"In the next room."
When Xiao Chen entered, he immediately noticed the urn and the framed photo of a handsome young man—Su Yunfei, the late elder brother of the Su sisters. Xiao Chen silently stood before it, grief shadowing his face. Knife quietly stepped out, leaving him alone.
After more than ten minutes, Xiao Chen returned. "Knife, which cemetery is the most expensive?"
Knife pulled out a brochure. "This one. The surrounding graves belong to Longhai's most respected figures."
Xiao Chen studied it and nodded. "This is the one."
"Confirmed?"
"Mm. Old Su will like it here… facing the sea, with flowers blooming every spring."