"County Magistrate Lin, I didn’t expect to run into you here!"
Huo Ben, with a cigar between his lips and a defiant expression, gave a cold, mocking smile as he looked at Lin Fan standing in front of the Public Security Bureau.
"It’s not a coincidence at all; I heard Boss Huo was released without charges today, so I made a special trip to welcome you."
Lin Fan walked up to Huo Ben, surveying him with a grin: "Being in jail, did you lose touch with what has been going on outside?"
"You’re referring to County Magistrate Luan’s suicide, right? I only found out when I was processing my release. It’s really unfortunate—one moment he’s fine, the next, he jumps! So, County Magistrate Lin, you should also take good care of yourself. Don’t overdo it with your career. Staying healthy and safe is what we common folk look forward to the most."
Huo Ben laughed oddly at Lin Fan, his words dripping with threat.
"Everyone knows that in Red Flag County, to stay safe, one must be under the protection of Boss Huo."
Lin Fan took a step closer and whispered into Huo Ben’s ear, "Let’s not beat around the bush, Boss Huo. I know County Magistrate Luan’s fall was your doing. How about we lay all our cards on the table? What exactly do you want?"
"County Magistrate Lin, you’re scaring me with such accusations! I don’t have the power to ensure safety here. When it comes to safety, any local authority here would fit the bill. Here’s a gift for you; take a look when you have time."
As he spoke, Huo Ben pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and stuffed it into Lin Fan’s pocket, clearly prepared for this encounter and knowing Lin Fan would be here.
"I’ll be sure to take a look!"
Lin Fan stepped back and said, "Then I congratulate Boss Huo on being vindicated. We’ll meet another day!"
"Sure, County Magistrate Lin. I’ll be waiting for you in Red Flag County. Next time, bring this beautiful police officer with you. I’ll make sure to give you a proper welcome!"
Huo Ben, after flicking away his cigar, stepped into a black Audi. His lawyer and followers hurriedly followed suit and drove away.
"This reckless jerk has escaped justice. Heaven is blind!"
Gao Man stomped her foot in frustration, grappling with the knowledge of his guilt yet unable to convict him.
But Lin Fan said nothing; instead, he took out the note Huo Ben had given him. It had an address, likely somewhere on the outskirts between urban and rural areas.
"Do you want to come and see what else Huo Ben has in store for me?"
Handing the note to Gao Man, she looked at the address with curiosity: "Let’s go see what tricks this guy has up his sleeve."
As the two got into the car, Lin Fan pressed the accelerator, and they headed towards the destination. About an hour later, they stopped beside a rundown dirt road.
Looking at the low brick houses and the stench of the sewage ditch, they asked around with the piece of paper until they finally stood in front of a dilapidated wooden door; its horrifying condition made it unnecessary to push the door to see inside.
"Hello, is anyone home?"
Lin Fan curiously pushed the gate and entered the dilapidated yard. The two tile-roofed houses seemed twice his age, and despite the decrepit yard filled with various scraps and trash, the vegetables planted along the walls showed that the homeowner still knew how to live a life.
"Who are you looking for?"
Hearing the call, a white-haired man in his fifties, hunchbacked, walked out from one of the houses.
"Hello... are you the owner here?"
Looking at the listless man, Lin Fan was at a loss for words. After all, Huo Ben had only given an address and said nothing else; he had no idea what he was supposed to do here.
The man, despite his staggering steps, asked politely.
"Hello... my name is Lin Fan, currently serving as Deputy County Magistrate in Red Flag County..."
Before Lin Fan could finish, the man suddenly looked up: "Is it... Huo Ben who sent you to me?"
"That’s right, but he didn’t say what for... so I came to see."
Since the man could name Huo Ben, he must know why Lin Fan was here, prompting Lin Fan to ask with curiosity.
"Years ago, County Magistrate Huang came... and County Magistrate Luan too... now it’s your turn. So, go ahead and look."
The man dragged over a chair with a broken leg, sitting down on it, and as Lin Fan heard this, his eyes widened: "Look at you... what am I supposed to see?"
"What else could it be but to see what happens to those who oppose Zhao Chuanchun!"
The man pulled a crumpled pack of cigarettes from his pocket, took one out and said, "My name is Xiong Baiyan. Fifteen years ago, I was sent to Red Flag County as Deputy County Magistrate... I accidentally crossed Zhao Chuanchun... and I ended up . The reason he didn’t kill me... was to show the successors what suffering lives those who offend him lead!"
Admiringly, Lin Fan gazed around the shabby house. At that moment, a crazed woman peered secretly at them from the doorway, causing his heart to twitch.
"A negative example!"