Chapter 203: Easy to Handcuff, Hard to Unchain

The shrill police sirens echoed through Xidan Street, but unexpectedly, no police cars were visible. Instead, several black sedans with Central Committee plates sped by, their police lights flashing intermittently.

For those who were unaware, this scene might seem strange. However, Niu Jie, a privileged scion, recognized immediately that such overt actions could only be carried out by certain high-level departments in the capital.

Why were these Jin Yi Wei (Imperial Guards) here? What was going on?

Niu Jie and Director Wang exchanged puzzled glances, both reading confusion in the other's eyes.

As they were trying to figure out what was happening, the convoy quickly arrived. Several sharp-eyed soldiers jumped out and surrounded Niu Jie and Director Wang, taking a defensive stance. From their demeanor, it was clear to Niu Jie and Wang that any misstep could result in immediate action from these men.

A military officer in his thirties emerged from the last car, saluted Niu Jie and Wang, and said, "Hello, comrades. We are the Central Police Team Two. I'm Officer He. We've been instructed to pick up Comrade Zhou Ming."

Despite having anticipated the possibility of such an identity, hearing Officer He's official affiliation made them catch their breath.

As Yanjing's capital city, many secretive departments existed here. This Central Police Team, in reality, was responsible for the central security, and their special duties gave them some extraordinary powers. They were often referred to as Jin Yi Wei, a name borrowed from ancient times.

"Oh, it's the Central Police. Hello, Officer He. May I ask why you are here to see Comrade Zhou Ming?"

Niu Jie and Director Wang spoke respectfully to Officer He, knowing they had to show deference. Despite his rank as a mere team leader, Officer He's military rank might well be that of a colonel, not to mention that his unit was akin to the Jin Yi Wei.

"Following orders to pick up someone. May I ask which one of you is Comrade Zhou Ming?" Officer He asked plainly, showing no interest in further conversation.

This response was what Niu Jie and Wang had expected. The Central Police, now known as the Jin Yi Wei, were known for their strict confidentiality.

Without understanding the full context of Officer He's mission, they were at a loss for how to respond.

Could it be that Brother Tan had arranged something for Zhou Ming?

Niu Jie wondered. Indeed, if the Jin Yi Wei were involved, Zhou Ming's future in the country would be bleak, far more effective than involving the police. But this didn't seem like Brother Tan's style! He wouldn't set up Zhou Ming with the police only for the Jin Yi Wei to get involved…

Just then, a clear voice interrupted his thoughts: "Officer He, he's Zhou Ming, the one with handcuffs. They are trying to arrest him. Officer He, you must help save him!"

Niu Jie and Wang turned to see a young, beautiful girl—Zhou Ming's girlfriend Su Han—running up, pointing at Zhou Ming.

Officer He glanced at Zhou Ming's handcuffs with a neutral expression and said to Director Wang, "Hello, comrade. We are here on orders from Chairman Du Zhongyuan to take Comrade Zhou Ming to the central authorities. Please cooperate."

"To the central authorities? Why?" Director Wang asked instinctively, feeling something was off.

Before Officer He could respond, Su Han proudly said, "Zhou Ming is a national hero who saved our entire party and country. Officer He is here to take him to the central leadership for a meeting and commendation!"

"What? Zhou Ming is a national hero?" 

Niu Jie and Wang turned to Officer He for confirmation, and He nodded, saying, "Yes, Comrade Zhou Ming is a battle hero who saved the party and the country."

This revelation left Niu Jie and Wang dumbfounded. They stared in disbelief, unable to fathom how Zhou Ming, a businessman known only for making money, could be a national hero. But with the Central Police Team present and surrounded by elite Jin Yi Wei soldiers, the reality of the situation became undeniable.

Though Niu Jie and Wang struggled to accept this, Officer He had no time to waste. He said, "The central leadership is waiting at Zhongnanhai. Please cooperate."

Upon hearing this, Wang and Niu Jie came to their senses. Wang hurriedly nodded, "We will cooperate. It seems there has been a misunderstanding. We just needed Zhou Ming's cooperation in a security case. I will release him now."

Wang proceeded to have the two police officers remove Zhou Ming's handcuffs and took out his key to unlock them. However, Zhou Ming moved his hands away.

"Comrade Zhou Ming, what is this about?"

Facing Wang's confusion, Zhou Ming ignored him and directly asked Officer He, "Today, I am supposed to meet Elder Yang and Chairman Du, right?"

Officer He confirmed, and Zhou Ming continued, "Then let's hurry to Zhongnanhai. We wouldn't want to keep the central leaders waiting."

Officer He glanced at Zhou Ming's handcuffs, and Wang quickly responded, "Yes, we wouldn't want to make the central leaders wait. Comrade Zhou Ming, I will unlock your handcuffs immediately."

Zhou Ming retorted, "Unlock? Why should you unlock them? Director Wang, you said I was involved in a security case, so if you unlock my handcuffs now, it would be considered favoritism, wouldn't it? That's not right. So I will go to meet Elder Yang and Chairman Du like this and report to you afterward. This way, it also reflects well on you as Director Wang, showing your integrity and adherence to the law!"

Hearing Zhou Ming's words, Wang was itching to slap himself. He regretted making that extra comment earlier.

Integrity? Adherence to the law?

It sounded impressive, but Wang knew that if Zhou Ming went to Zhongnanhai handcuffed, not only would he lose his position, but his career in Yanjing would be over.

Wang's frustration grew. He truly regretted agreeing to help Niu Jie. If he could turn back time, he would never have gotten involved.

"Comrade Zhou Ming, this issue was my fault for not investigating properly. Please don't be upset…"

Zhou Ming interrupted Wang, "Upset? Director Wang, you actually think I'm upset about upholding the rule of law? Is this how you, as a police chief, handle things? As a police officer, you should uphold the law's dignity and fight against illegal activities. Since I am suspected of being involved in a case, there should be no leniency!"

Wang felt as if his entire worldview was collapsing. He was near madness, having never encountered such a bizarre situation where someone so adamantly wanted to be detained.

At this moment, Wang wanted to strangle Zhou Ming, to say, "As you wish, I'll take Zhou Ming to the station and teach him a lesson," but that was not an option.

"Director Wang, remember I said it's easy to handcuff but hard to unchain later," Zhou Ming reminded him.

Wang shivered at the memory. He had dismissed Zhou Ming's earlier words, but now, faced with this unexpected development, the situation was far beyond his expectations.

Wang sighed and said, "Comrade Zhou Ming, please, how can we resolve this? What will it take for you to let us remove your handcuffs?"

"I've said that rule of law starts with me. Since I'm innocent and Director Wang claims there is a case, then who should be involved in the case?" Zhou Ming asked.

Wang, suddenly enlightened, pointed at Niu Jie, "He is involved!"

Zhou Ming smiled, "Director Wang, you're indeed smart. Since Comrade Niu Jie is involved, what should we do?"

"Handcuff him!"

Wang said, taking out handcuffs to restrain Niu Jie. Niu Jie jumped back, "Do you dare to handcuff me?"

Zhou Ming sneered, "Of course. There are only two suspects in this case. If you don't handcuff him, are you going to handcuff me?"

Wang immediately agreed, "That's right. I have investigated and found a significant link between Comrade Niu Jie and the case. I will take him to the station for further investigation!"

"Not just investigation, but arrest," Zhou Ming reminded.

"Right, arrest Comrade Niu Jie!"

Wang quickly corrected himself, then grabbed Niu Jie and placed handcuffs on him. Turning back to Zhou Ming, Wang asked with a forced smile, "Comrade Zhou Ming, is this satisfactory?"

Satisfied, Zhou Ming nodded and extended his hand to have his handcuffs removed.