Liu Dakui and the Feiying Gang left in disgrace.
Standing at the company's entrance, Xiao Chen watched their van disappear, a cold smile tugging at his lips.
"Brother Chen… will the Feiying Gang come back for revenge?" Ding Li asked nervously.
Xiao Chen chuckled. "What do you think?"
Ding Li hesitated, then nodded. "They will. The Feiying Gang is one of the biggest in the Southern District. After today's humiliation, they definitely won't let it go."
Patting him on the shoulder, Xiao Chen replied calmly, "Relax. The Feiying Gang is nothing worth worrying about."
Ding Li forced a nod, though his heart was still pounding with fear.
Back inside the security office, Xiao Chen found the guards staring at him with newfound awe. Their wide eyes made him smile bitterly—was it really such a big deal to beat up a few thugs and kick out a corrupt supervisor like Liu Dakui?
"Alright, everything's settled. Get back to your posts. Those on duty, continue. Those off-duty, rest up. For the next few days, I'll need everyone to stay sharp. In three days, we'll be bringing in new recruits."
His words calmed the guards. Their nervous expressions softened, and they responded in unison, "Yes, Minister!"
In just a few hours, Xiao Chen had established authority. No one dared challenge him now. After all, anyone who did had already been driven out. Even Liu Dakui had fallen—what chance did ordinary guards have?
After a few more instructions, Xiao Chen returned to his office. The security department had been a mess, but now it was under his control. Still, he had bigger plans in mind—a bold idea.
The company's security team wasn't just for protecting buildings. He wanted to turn it into a shield strong enough to protect Su Qing herself.
After all, once her troubles were solved, he would eventually leave Longhai. Before that, he wanted to leave her with something lasting: a force she could rely on.
As the former chief instructor of one of China's elite special forces, Xiao Chen knew exactly how to mold an ordinary group of guards into a disciplined, iron-blooded unit. They might not match true special forces, but they'd be stronger than any ordinary security team.
And if Su Qing had such power at her side? No threat letter or gang would ever scare her again. Whoever dared oppose her would simply be crushed.
The more Xiao Chen thought about it, the more excited he became. Lighting a cigarette, he muttered with a grin, "Old Su, I'll take care of your sister."
Just then, Ding Li walked in. "Brother Chen, a supervisor is here."
"Supervisor?" Xiao Chen raised a brow. "Which one?"
"Gao Ping—the other security director," Ding Li explained.
Xiao Chen recalled that before his arrival, Liu Dakui had overseen the company branch, while Gao Ping managed the factory side. The man rarely came to headquarters—so why show up now?
He waved it off. "Bring him in."
Ding Li hesitated. "Could he be trying to fight for power?"
Xiao Chen smirked. "Fight for power? Liu Dakui's already out. As long as Gao Ping isn't a fool, he'll know how to act. And if he is a fool, I'll throw him out too."
Relieved, Ding Li left and soon returned with Gao Ping.
The supervisor's eyes widened briefly when he saw how young Xiao Chen was, but he quickly composed himself. "Minister Xiao, hello. I'm Gao Ping."
"Nice to meet you," Xiao Chen replied warmly, shaking his hand. "Please, sit."
As they spoke, Gao Ping tactfully avoided mentioning Liu Dakui. Instead, he offered to transfer some factory guards to fill the company's shortage.
"No need," Xiao Chen said with a smile. "I've already arranged with President Su. We'll recruit in three days. It won't be hard to find ten or more good men in this city, don't you think?"
The pointed message wasn't lost on Gao Ping. He forced a smile. "Of course, Minister Xiao is right. I was overthinking."
After a short discussion about manpower, Gao Ping agreed to bring his team over once recruitment was complete. Then he excused himself.
Not long after, Xiao Chen received a call from Qin Lan, summoning him to her office.
When he arrived, Qin Lan teased him with a smile. "Oh? You didn't even come find me after dealing with the Feiying Gang? It seems you don't take them seriously at all."
"Why would I? They're just a street gang," Xiao Chen said casually, settling into a chair.
His confidence made Qin Lan's eyes sparkle. Pouring him tea, she said softly, "As expected of the King of Special Forces… I like that."
"You heard right. I taught those Feiying punks a lesson." Xiao Chen sipped the tea and raised an eyebrow. "Good stuff—Mingqian Longjing?"
"If you like it, take some later," Qin Lan offered with a smile. Then her expression turned serious. "But tell me the truth—can you handle the Feiying Gang's retaliation?"
"Don't worry," Xiao Chen said with an easy grin. "I'll take care of it."
"Alright then." Qin Lan nodded, reassured. "By the way, I went to personnel and picked someone to assist you. She's a beauty."
"Oh?" Xiao Chen's interest piqued, though he quickly teased, "No matter how pretty she is, could she compare to Sister Lan?"
Qin Lan laughed softly. "You're good with words."
Just then, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," Qin Lan called.
A young woman stepped inside—professional attire, delicate features, porcelain skin, and a youthful baby face that made her look innocent. But paired with her striking figure, the contrast nearly made Xiao Chen choke.
"Hello, Assistant Qin," she greeted respectfully.
Qin Lan smiled. "You're here. Let me introduce you. This is Xiao Chen, Minister of the Security Department. And this is Tong Yan, the new recruit from personnel."
Xiao Chen's jaw nearly dropped. Tong Yan? With that baby face and… that figure, her name couldn't have been more fitting.
Tong Yan blushed under his unabashed stare but extended her hand politely. "Minister Xiao, nice to meet you. Please take care of me."
"Ah, yes, yes, I'll definitely take care of you," Xiao Chen said quickly, shaking her soft hand.
Qin Lan chuckled. "Minister Xiao, don't scare the poor girl."
Xiao Chen coughed, embarrassed. "I just thought… she looks like my kindergarten classmate."
Both women gave him a look. Qin Lan sighed—what a lame excuse.
Trying not to laugh, Qin Lan told Tong Yan, "You'll assist Minister Xiao with recruiting for the security department. This will also be your first assessment. Do well, and you can finish your internship early."
"Yes, Assistant Qin. I'll cooperate fully with Minister Xiao," Tong Yan replied earnestly.
"Good." Qin Lan glanced at Xiao Chen with a teasing smile. "I'll leave her in your care. Don't bully her."
Xiao Chen rolled his eyes. What kind of reputation do I have? Do I look like someone who bullies little girls?