Although Liu Dakui's voice wasn't loud, every word dripped with mockery and provocation.
Xiao Chen studied the arrogance plastered on Liu Dakui's face and suddenly chuckled—since when was it this guy's turn to point fingers?
"What are you laughing at!" Liu Dakui shot up from his seat, glaring. "Let me make this clear—Ding Li is part of my security team. He does whatever I tell him to do. You want to protect him? Fine, then why don't you make him President Su's bodyguard too, if you're so capable!"
"Brother Chen, let it go… I don't mind taking the duty." Ding Li tugged Xiao Chen's sleeve, trying to calm things down.
"See? Even Ding Li himself has no objection." Liu Dakui sneered. "And you, playing the hero? You can't even protect yourself, yet you're meddling in other people's business? Better start thinking about which hospital you'll be staying in!"
Xiao Chen's brows lifted. "Oh? And what's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing," Liu Dakui said coldly. "Just a reminder—don't poke your nose where it doesn't belong."
He deliberately left it at that. If he scared Xiao Chen off too soon, he wouldn't get his chance for revenge.
"Well then," Xiao Chen's smile faded, his gaze sharp, "since you call this meddling, let me tell you—I'll meddle anyway."
"Why? What right do you have to meddle?" Liu Dakui stood his ground. With Ren Kun's two masters backing him, he no longer had to swallow his pride like yesterday. Even if Xiao Chen was strong, one man against two first-rate fighters would still end with him on his knees, begging for mercy. And Liu Dakui was already savoring the thought of kicking him while he was down.
The other guards in the office all turned to watch. Whether or not they had been present yesterday, everyone knew of the clash between the two men. Those who had been beaten by Xiao Chen before now looked on with smug satisfaction—finally, someone would put him in his place.
Just as Xiao Chen was about to respond, a clear and commanding voice rang from the doorway:
"Because he's the head of the Security Department now."
All heads whipped around. When they saw who it was, their faces froze.
"Heh, Sister Lan, perfect timing." Xiao Chen grinned as Qin Lan walked in.
"Assistant Qin?" Liu Dakui's eyes lit up with a fire that was half desire, half ambition.
Qin Lan, folder in hand, strolled in on her heels. The guards straightened at once. Everyone knew her authority in the company was second only to Su Qing's.
"I'm here to announce a personnel change," Qin Lan said calmly.
"Personnel change?" Liu Dakui's heart leapt. Could it be… him? Promotion to head of security? It had to be! He'd been close to President Su, after all—surely this was his moment.
He rushed forward eagerly. "Assistant Qin, is it the appointment of the Security Minister?"
"That's right," Qin Lan nodded.
Overjoyed, Liu Dakui bowed slightly. "Thank you, President Su, for your trust. I'll definitely live up to expectations!"
But Qin Lan only shook her head. "Director Liu, you misunderstand. The appointment isn't for you."
The smile froze on his face. "Then… who?"
"Xiao Chen," Qin Lan announced, taking out the official letter. "From today onward, Xiao Chen is the head of the Security Department."
The office fell into stunned silence.
"What? Him?" Liu Dakui's voice cracked. "Impossible!"
Qin Lan handed him the appointment letter. "This is President Su's order. Her signature is on it. See for yourself."
As Liu Dakui scanned the document, his expression grew darker with each line. It was real. Utterly real.
Xiao Chen's lips curved into a sly smile. "Didn't you just say I had no right to meddle in the department? Well, I do now. Want to know why? Because I'm the Minister of Security. That good enough for you?"
The words struck Liu Dakui like a slap. He suddenly remembered Qin Lan's first line upon entering—because he's the head of the Security Department now. At the time, he hadn't paid attention. Now, it stung like fire.
Refusing to accept it, he roared, "How can someone who's only been here two days get promoted over me? I don't believe it!"
"You can bring it up with President Su," Qin Lan replied coolly. "But as far as the company is concerned, Xiao Chen is now your superior. And let me remind you—this appointment gives him full authority over the security team. He doesn't need approval from the personnel department or even the president to deal with you. Understand?"
Liu Dakui's face drained of color. He understood all too well—Xiao Chen had been given the power to fire anyone on the spot.
"Congratulations, Minister Xiao," Qin Lan smiled warmly, ignoring Liu Dakui's despair.
"Thank you, President Su, for her trust," Xiao Chen said lightly, his tone echoing Liu Dakui's earlier words like a cruel mirror.
After leaving her support behind, Qin Lan departed. The clack of her heels faded, but the weight of her announcement lingered.
The guards now looked at Xiao Chen with new respect, stepping forward to congratulate him. Unlike Liu Dakui, Xiao Chen responded with a polite smile, his approachable manner quickly winning them over.
But Liu Dakui, face red and eyes burning with rage, stared at Xiao Chen like a predator waiting to strike.
Xiao Chen met his gaze, smiling faintly. "Director Liu, come to my office. We need to talk."
"What's there to say? Say it here," Liu Dakui snapped.
"Fine," Xiao Chen leaned back casually. "Who told you it was okay to play games during work hours?"
The room went still. The first cut of the new minister's blade had fallen.
"Don't think that just because you're minister, you can throw your weight around," Liu Dakui growled. "One phone call, and I can have you carried to the hospital!"
Xiao Chen chuckled, his voice sharp as a knife. "One word from me, and you'll be out of this company. Want to test it?"