Chapter 46: Liu Fan's Display of Power

A piercing screech echoed through the air as Liu Fan was being interrogated—outside the gates of the Yangpu Police Bureau, a group of uninvited guests arrived. Dozens of military trucks came to a sudden halt, leaving behind black streaks of tire marks and thin wisps of smoke, clear evidence of their hurried approach.

In no time, a contingent of armed soldiers disembarked, each one exuding an air of formidable strength and cold determination. Under the command of their officers, they began to assemble in formation with remarkable efficiency.

Given that Shuhai was an international metropolis renowned for its vibrant nightlife, and the police station was located in the heart of the commercial district, the surrounding area was teeming with people. The sudden mobilization of so many soldiers caught the attention of the onlookers, who immediately suspected that something significant was unfolding. People stopped to watch, eager for the spectacle to begin. This tendency to gather and watch, to seek out excitement, was a national trait—should an incident occur, it would not only satisfy their curiosity but also provide ample fodder for conversation over meals. What harm in that?

“Hey, buddy, what’s going on here? Why are there so many soldiers?”

“Big bro, I just got here myself. If you don’t know, how would I know?”

“Come on, isn’t it obvious? Something big must have happened—maybe they’re here to transfer some international terrorist.”

“How do you figure that?”

“Look at those soldiers! They’re definitely special forces—see how fierce they look, the aura of people who’ve seen combat. If they aren’t here to take custody of a terrorist, what else could prompt such a dramatic deployment?”

“Not necessarily. It could just be some sort of drill or exercise…”

The crowd’s imagination ran wild, speculating endlessly about the army’s purpose, their conjectures as varied as they were fanciful.

As the discussions swirled, a Humvee among the military vehicles opened its doors, and one man and three women stepped out. Had Liu Fan been present, he would have been astonished, for the man was none other than Sun Jianguo, accompanied by Zhao Wanyi, Sun Junyao, and Chen Yazhi.

When the three women emerged, gasps of admiration rippled through the crowd. To see such ethereal beauty—all three together—was almost too much for the men, who could not help but let their thoughts wander, while the women looked on with envy, some even tinged with jealousy.

“Hmph, see? I’m impressive, aren’t I? One phone call, and I summoned this many soldiers. Let’s see how that fat Qian deals with this now,” Sun Junyao announced with pride to her companions, reveling in the sight of the army at the police station. She then turned coyly to Sun Jianguo. “Uncle, you have to teach that wretched fat man a lesson. He’s just too awful—not only did he help that gangster frame my future brother-in-law, he even tried to harass me.”

“Future brother-in-law?” Sun Jianguo was momentarily confused. “Junyao, since when did Xiao Fan become your brother-in-law? As far as I recall, you’re our only girl.”

Zhao Wanyi, already uneasy at Junyao’s words, blushed deeply at her next statement. Junyao, with innocent candor, gestured with her fingers. “Uncle, you’re so silly! I don’t have an older sister, but I do have a few close friends. Wanyi likes Liu Fan, you see. He’s not hers yet, so I call him the future brother-in-law.”

Everyone was at a loss for words. The nearby onlookers shot Zhao Wanyi meaningful glances, making her want to vanish on the spot. To think, a young lady of a prominent family, now openly chasing after a man who remained indifferent—just the thought made her both embarrassed and annoyed. Her cheeks were flushed, lovely as a blooming peach blossom, and if there were a hole nearby, she would have gladly disappeared into it.

“Ahem, enough, Junyao. Right now, the most important thing is to get Xiao Fan out safely. Who knows what he’s suffering in there,” Sun Jianguo interjected, sensing the awkwardness and coming to Zhao Wanyi’s rescue. He painted the situation in grim terms to divert everyone’s attention.

As expected, mention of Liu Fan sobered them at once. Zhao Wanyi, her heart tied to him, forgot her embarrassment and gazed expectantly at the police station, her face still tinged with a charming blush.

Meanwhile, the troops had assembled. Several officers approached Sun Jianguo, who, with a grave expression, commanded, “At all costs, ensure the chief instructor comes out unharmed. If anyone resists, subdue them on the spot.” His anger was evident in his tone.

“Yes, sir!” The officers snapped sharp salutes before heading off to carry out their orders.

The soldiers, as fierce as hungry wolves, swept into the police building with weapons at the ready. At first, the police inside assumed it was a military exercise and watched with casual interest. Only when the soldiers stormed in with overwhelming force did they realize their folly. By the time they understood, it was already too late.

In short order, the special forces had seized control of the entire ground floor and were advancing upwards. The police officers, now thoroughly demoralized, were disarmed and herded into the main hall, hands on their heads, squatting on the ground—the very tactic they themselves often used against criminals. Now the tables had turned, making for quite the spectacle. Truly, fortune’s wheel turns.

With Liu Fan’s interrogation room located on the third floor, he quickly surmised who had come to his rescue when he heard the commotion. Sensing the situation had reached its conclusion, he saw no reason to remain. He agreed amiably to Tian Guoqiang’s request and followed him downstairs at a leisurely pace.

They were not prepared for the sight that greeted them on the ground floor. Tian Guoqiang, Jiang Tao, and Jiang Minghui were stunned. For Tian and Jiang Minghui, who were direct superiors at the station, the feelings were especially intense—anger, shame, and helplessness flickered across their faces. The humiliation of having their officers herded like sheep by elite troops stung deeply, and their own powerlessness in the face of such strength made it worse.

Everyone has their principles, and to stand up in the face of overwhelming odds is the mark of a true man. Clearly, Tian Guoqiang was such a man. He, too, had once served in the military. Though years had passed and he’d risen to a high position, his soldier’s spirit remained. He strode forward, confronting the soldiers with a loud challenge: “Which unit are you from? Who gave you the authority to attack the police station? Aren’t you afraid of facing a military tribunal?”

His confrontation was met not with response, but with cold, furious stares from the soldiers, who swung their weapons toward him, making him feel as if he were surrounded by wolves. The cold muzzles unnerved him, and before he could react, the soldiers did something that left him speechless.

“Salute to the Chief!” All the special forces soldiers, upon seeing Liu Fan descend the stairs, snapped to attention, their faces alight with fervor and respect, saluting him with booming voices that shook the entire building.

Even Liu Fan, formidable as he was, was moved by their loyalty and respect. He knew well enough that soldiers could not be mobilized without orders from above or exceptional circumstances—just as Tian Guoqiang had said, such an action could very well land them before a military tribunal. With a smile, Liu Fan replied in a clear voice, “Greetings, comrades.” The scene was reminiscent of a military parade.

Tian Guoqiang and his companions were at a loss, unable to process the transformation in Liu Fan’s status. Wide-eyed, they searched his face for answers, but Liu Fan remained calm, his gaze as serene as still water.

Jiang Tao, who had come at his boss Liu Yanzheng’s behest to fetch Liu Fan, had started out proud—young and in a position of power. But now, realizing that the man he’d come for outranked him by far, all arrogance vanished. Compared to Liu Fan, his own achievements seemed insignificant. His demeanor shifted from pride to humility.

While Tian Guoqiang was stunned, Jiang Minghui was gripped by anxiety. Though he hadn’t caused the situation, the fact that the officers under his command had been so easily subdued reflected poorly on his leadership. If his superiors decided to investigate, he would be in serious trouble—he lacked strong connections and could very well lose his position. As he looked at Liu Fan, he couldn’t help but think that forging a connection with this mysterious officer might be his path to a brighter future. The thought filled him with hope.

“Ha! Old Tian, didn’t expect to see you here. Life is full of surprises, isn’t it?” The newcomer was Sun Jianguo, who had once been Tian Guoqiang’s comrade-in-arms. His tone was warm, though tinged with a hint of reprimand for the local police due to the incident with Liu Fan.

“Old Sun, so it’s you. What sort of show are you putting on here?” Tian Guoqiang visibly relaxed at the sight of a familiar face. Acquaintances made everything easier.

“It’s nothing much. It’s just that your officers unjustly framed a senior military officer. Could I not come?” Sun Jianguo replied.

“And who would that be…?” Though Tian Guoqiang suspected Liu Fan was involved, he sought confirmation, hoping to glean some valuable information.

“This is Colonel Liu Fan, chief instructor of the Eastern Military Region’s special forces. Now you know,” Sun Jianguo answered. He and Tian had known each other for years, so he understood what Tian was getting at. Liu Fan’s identity was no secret, and for an old friend, he was willing to oblige.

A collective gasp swept through those present. They had known Liu Fan’s status was not low, but to be a colonel before the age of twenty—what would he be in a few more years, a general? At the thought, everyone drew in a sharp breath.

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Here ends the second update for today. If you enjoyed it, please leave a vote, and if you’re feeling generous, consider a reward. That’s all I ask—thank you all for your support!