#15 — Will to Grow Stronger

"What's there to fear?" Xu Mo frowned coldly. "We were just about to call the police—seems even heaven is helping us!"

"Young Master Xu means...?" Bald Chao asked, confused.

"I'll leave first. You stay and report this. These officers are probably just passing by. If you report it now, they'll handle it immediately. Pretend you happened upon the scene and describe Ji Feng's appearance accurately!" Xu Mo instructed before quickly slipping away into the alley, adding, "Brother Chao, I won't forget this favor if handled well!"

Once alone, Xu Mo finally relaxed. The police sirens had reminded him of his father Xu Fu's warning—never leave evidence that could be used against them.

Xu Mo knew his father was currently in a precarious position. County Party Secretary Tong Kaide was gathering evidence against problematic officials like Xu Fu. If Xu Mo got entangled in this incident, the consequences could be disastrous.

Thus, after instructing Bald Chao, he made his escape.

"Damn spoiled brat!" Bald Chao cursed as he watched Xu Mo disappear. "You start trouble but leave me to clean up your mess!"

He spat angrily but knew protesting was futile. While Xu Mo was just a pampered heir, his father Xu Fu was a cunning old fox. Crossing them would mean the end of his business operations.

Turning to his injured men, Bald Chao growled, "One stays behind. The rest get in the car. You know what to tell the police?"

The men nodded shamefacedly, still smarting from their humiliating defeat by a mere student.

"Erzi stays. Everyone else—move!" Bald Chao pointed at a skinny subordinate. "Don't worry, I'll compensate you well."

Before Erzi could react, Bald Chao produced a baton and viciously struck his leg.

*Crack!*

Erzi's agonized screams filled the alley as he collapsed, writhing in pain.

Satisfied, Bald Chao dialed emergency services, calmly reporting an alleged assault at their location.

...

*Click.*

Captain Yan hung up the phone, his gaze turning icy as he studied Ji Feng. "Your name is Ji Feng? Repeat what happened again."

Ji Feng complied, meticulously recounting events while intentionally introducing minor inconsistencies to avoid suspicion. His photographic memory allowed perfect recall, but appearing too precise would seem unnatural.

As he finished, Ji Feng studied Captain Yan's changed demeanor with concern. *Did Xu Mo's father pressure him to frame me?*

In reality, the station had received another call describing the same location—but reporting a violent brawl with serious injuries rather than a mugging attempt. The conflicting accounts had raised Captain Yan's suspicions.

Seeing Ji Feng's story remain largely consistent, the captain grew puzzled. Perhaps the other caller had misidentified the situation?

...

Bald Chao's face fell when he recognized Captain Yan leading the squad—with Ji Feng in tow.

"Bald Chao?!" Captain Yan's hand instinctively went to his sidearm as his officers fanned out to encircle the known gangster.

*Damn my luck running into this bastard!* Bald Chao forced a smile. "Captain Yan! What a coincidence!"

"Coincidence?" Captain Yan sneered. "You reported this? Since when do you play good Samaritan?"

Bald Chao's smile faltered. "Just happened to be passing by, Captain. And I'm a legitimate businessman—there must be some misunderstanding."

"Legitimate?" Captain Yan's cold laugh cut short as he noticed the moaning injured man. "Your 'passing by' story holds water when this is clearly one of your enforcers?"

Both Bald Chao and Ji Feng stiffened at the accusation.

"Captain, this is..." Bald Chao's expression darkened. He stepped closer, whispering urgently, "Just a misunderstanding. Perhaps we could—"

His gaze shifted to Ji Feng. "Young man, you and my friend simply bumped into each other, right? A complete accident?"

"Misunderstanding?!" Captain Yan's voice dripped skepticism. "Ji Feng?"

Under Bald Chao's threatening stare, Ji Feng weighed his options carefully before responding, "Yes, just a misunderstanding. But I'd prefer no repeat incidents."

"Of course, of course!" Bald Chao's relieved chuckle carried an edge of menace as he turned back to Captain Yan. "My apologies for wasting police resources. I'll host a banquet to make amends—for you and all these hardworking officers!"

"Ensure there's no next time," Captain Yan said coldly. "Keep your banquet."

As Bald Chao helped his injured man limp away, the pieces clicked together for Ji Feng.

*So the attackers worked for Bald Chao... meaning Xu Mo absolutely orchestrated this!*

He felt a surge of relief. Had any officer sympathetic to the Xu family handled this case, the truth could have been easily twisted against him.

As an impoverished single mother's son with no connections in Mangshi County, once falsely accused, he'd have no recourse—no one to plead his innocence to.

This realization ignited an unquenchable fire within Ji Feng—a desperate need to grow stronger.

Only true strength could prevent such injustices, could protect himself and his mother from those who would abuse their power!