204 The Shrew (1/2)

”I think Xiao Luo will definitely be disciplined for this. He has arrested so many people, and they're all at once. Our lockup is almost full. Besides, the instructor's face was so icy and serious a while ago. He's probably berating Xiao Luo inside right now.” Ma Pijin said to Liu Tieguo outside.

”They're all criminals who broke the law. Why can't he arrest them?” Liu Tieguo uttered with a snort, speaking up for Xiao Luo.

Ma Pijin crossed his arms firmly in front of his chest, unwilling to accept any other opinion. He then explained to Liu Tieguo, like someone with vast experience offering earnest advice, ”It's not that he can't arrest them. It's that he shouldn't overstep his role and create trouble. The district station should be the one to deal with this kind of criminal activity, where so many people are involved. Our substation is only a small place on a lower level. The main responsibility for us is to solve the ordinary civil dispute. It's not our part to crack down on serious crime.”

Liu Tieguo snorted lightly in disagreement and didn't bother to respond.

Ma Pijin continued to speak, ”You just wait and see. Xiao Luo will certainly pay for his action. This could even be the end of his career with the auxiliary police. What a hothead. He's crazy about gaining some honor but doesn't realize he has to follow the rules to do the business.”

Ma Pijin was gloating, and it certainly did not sound like he sympathized with or pitied Xiao Luo. He could hardly bear the sight of Xiao Luo, he hated his personality and was envious of his excellence during training camp. And now, he couldn't wait to see Xiao Luo being punished for his faux pas or better yet, even expelled from the force. Spite, such was often the outcome of envy and jealousy.

...

...

Inside the office of Feng Yuqi, the station chief, the instructor was infuriated. He couldn't believe Xiao Luo would have the gall to speak in such a way, not to mention those nasty insinuations. His ears turned red as he was lost for words.

”When I came to report for duty the day before yesterday, the station chief told us himself that a policeman shouldn't be afraid of trouble. Anyone afraid of trouble shouldn't join the police force. I took it seriously and acted strictly by that principle. Now the instructor is criticizing me for provoking people in that filthy place. Does that mean the instructor doesn't agree with the station chief's opinion?”

PHFFT!

Feng Yuqi was sitting on the chair, listening as they laid out their arguments and drinking tea as he did so. Hearing Xiao Luo's words, he almost spurted out his tea and was momentarily stumped. He composed himself quickly and said, ”Smartass, it turns out you've been waiting to use my words against me. You're right. I did say that a police officer should not be afraid of trouble. But who would think you are so reckless as to dare encroach into the district station's jurisdiction!”

The instructor nodded sternly as if he finally caught Xiao Luo's vulnerable point. He echoed instantly, ”Exactly. Do you know what kind of behavior this is?

Overstepping your authority. You're only

a mere auxiliary police officer. Who gave you the power to make arrests? And who gave you the right to talk to your supervisors in this way?”

Xiao Luo was not in a mood to argue further with such a self-righteous and petty official. He decided to remain silent and only offered a deadpan look to anything more the instructor had to say.

”Xiao Luo, you can leave for now,” Feng Yuqi said firmly, but not in

a harsh way.

”Yes.”

Xiao Luo saluted his Chief, turned around, and left the room. He didn't even glance at the instructor on the way out.

”Old Feng, look at this youngster. He shows no respect for elders and superiors. So haughty and arrogant!” Irked, the instructor seemed to be blowing off steams through his nose like an agitated bull before a fight.

Feng Yuqi casually sipped on his tea, laughing, and he said, ”I actually find this young man interesting!”

...

...

”Brother Xiao, how did it go? What did the station chief and the instructor have to say?”

Liu Tieguo hurried forward, concerned, as soon as Xiao Luo came out.