Chapter 135: The Peacekeeper

The sound of crashing waves could be faintly heard from Wang Chen's palms.

"This skill of mine has a special effect on joints. If you don't believe me, you're welcome to try it out," Wang Chen said with a smile. "Since you intended to cripple my hands and feet, I'm just returning the favor. You don't have any objections, do you?"

The man looked at Wang Chen, his expression one of resignation. "Fine, I'll tell you. That guy lied to me anyway; you’re clearly not just a support-class professional."

A flicker of dark resentment passed through the depths of his eyes. "The employer's name is Cai Kun, a short, chubby guy."

It was that scoundrel, just as he thought. Wang Chen’s face darkened. That tubby fool actually dared to hire someone to come after him. If it weren't for the fact that his abilities happened to counter the man’s, he might have truly ended up crippled today. Although there were ways to find specialized professionals to reattach severed limbs, he certainly would have missed the university championships.

Wang Chen casually dispersed the fog and walked toward the security officers. He intended to report Cai Kun for hiring a thug to attack a fellow student; that brat could look forward to a stint in juvenile detention.

Just then, the man, still restrained by the lightning orb and chains of death, flicked his wrist, bringing a stone into his palm. Suddenly, he was enveloped in a warm white light and vanished.

"He had a teleportation stone on him!" Ah Jie exclaimed. "He got away!"

The two security officers immediately relaxed, lowering their weapons and adopting slovenly postures.

"You’re the one who called in the report, right?" one of the shorter officers asked, looking at Wang Chen.

Wang Chen nodded.

"Then we’ve fulfilled our duty as per procedure, but due to force majeure, the suspect has escaped," the short officer said, pulling out a form. "Sign here."

Wang Chen took it and saw, to his shock, that it was a waiver of liability. He immediately demanded angrily, "The suspect has escaped! Shouldn't you be deploying personnel to track him down and arrest him?" He shook the paper in his hand. "You think you can just settle it like this? This is gross negligence of duty!"

The taller officer nearby snapped, "Watch your tone, kid!"

The short officer chuckled. "If you have a problem with us, feel free to file a complaint or sue us." He looked Wang Chen up and down, noting his simple attire. "But do you even have the money to hire a lawyer?"

Wang Chen flared with rage, ready to pull out his phone and call Qian Xiaomin; he was going to see these two fired if it was the last thing he did.

At that moment, Ah Jie stepped in front of Wang Chen. With a flash at his fingertips, an ID card appeared in his hand, which he opened before the two officers.

The moment they saw it, their expressions shifted violently. The short officer, previously arrogant and cocky, became servile and fawning. "I—I didn't know you were with the Professional Association. My deepest apologies."

Ah Jie said coldly, "Do you think I have the money to hire a lawyer?"

Beads of sweat broke out on the short officer's forehead. "It hasn't come to that! We will certainly take full responsibility for your friend’s situation, there's no need for that!" He pulled the taller officer over and bowed to Wang Chen. "We are terribly sorry, sir! It was our poor attitude while on duty! Please, give us a chance to make amends!"

"We will track down the criminal immediately! Until then, we will provide you with twenty-four-hour personal protection!"

Wang Chen remained expressionless. "Arrogant when you thought I was weak, and groveling now—it’s laughable." He looked at Ah Jie. "Mr. Wu, I appreciate your intention to stand up for me, but don't trouble yourself."

He turned back to the officers. "I’m a frugal person, but I know how to spend money where it counts. You two, prepare to receive a summons."

Wang Chen took out his phone, photographed the identification numbers on their chests, and walked away. Ah Jie tried to follow, but the short officer blocked his path, bowing and scraping. "Sir, please, don't report us. We just didn't think before we spoke."

Ah Jie said coldly, "What were you thinking before? Scum like you should have been dealt with long ago." The officers tried to plead further, but an impatient Ah Jie pushed them aside, leaving them stumbling and looking at each other in despair.

...

"Young Master Wang, please wait!" Ah Jie caught up to him.

Wang Chen stopped and looked at him. "Mr. Wu, please have some self-respect. I don't discriminate against people like you, but I think you should keep your private life private, otherwise the reputation of your group will only continue to suffer."

Ah Jie was baffled at first, but after a brief exchange, he realized Wang Chen had misunderstood his intentions. Ah Jie laughed helplessly. "It's all a misunderstanding! It's my fault for trying too hard to find a 'natural' way to invite you. I'm not gay, it's like this..."

He explained the situation. Wang Chen was stunned. "Was all that necessary? Why not just say it directly?"

He suddenly realized something and grew wary. "Wait, how did you know where I lived? Did you investigate me?"

Ah Jie sighed bitterly. "See? This is exactly what I was worried about, and why I wanted to be more subtle." He cleared his throat and continued seriously, "Yes, we investigated your files without permission. I apologize sincerely!" He bowed again. "But we were just eager to find talent; we didn't want someone like you to remain buried."

Wang Chen was not pleased. He was sick of these public institution types—whether it was the security officers or Ah Jie. None of them followed procedure, and it seemed that to them, civilians were nothing but prey to be slaughtered, possessing no dignity whatsoever.

"Thank you for the Association's interest," Wang Chen said coolly. "I’ll consider it."

Ah Jie sensed Wang Chen's displeasure and said urgently, "We were absolutely wrong to handle it this way, and I don't approve of such methods either. But please, believe me, we are nothing like those dead-weight bureaucrats at the Security Bureau!"

A card flashed into his hand. "This is my business card. If there is anything our Association can help with, please, don't hesitate to call!"

Seeing the determination in his eyes, Wang Chen realized that if he didn't take the card, it would just lead to more pestering. He simply tucked the card into his storage space, intending to leave it there and forget about it. He then turned and headed home. Ah Jie didn't follow him this time, merely watching him leave from where he stood.

...

Back home, Wang Chen called Qian Xiaomin and briefly explained what had happened.

She was incensed. "That’s despicable! What would have happened if an ordinary person encountered this? They might have been killed, or forced to suffer in silence if they survived." She promised, "Don't worry, Boss. I’ll make sure those two officers live a life of misery."

"What are you planning to do?" Wang Chen asked.

"If we just sue them, we might not get them fired, especially since you didn't actually sign that waiver," Qian Xiaomin said with a cunning smile. "But I have other ways to force their termination. Rest assured, leave it to me."

"Alright, thank you for the trouble," Wang Chen replied.

After briefly discussing the shop, Wang Chen ended the call.