At this moment, Luo Hao finally realized just how terrifying Lin Han's combat experience was. Lin Han could anticipate every move he made and block it, leaving Luo Hao defenseless and forced to endure the beating.
What's more, Lin Han's hands clamped down on Luo Hao's leg bones like iron pincers—impossible to break free from. The inevitable result was being slammed to the ground. And worst of all, every punch and kick from Lin Han hurt like hell!
"Lin Han, I yield! I really yield!"
If he didn't let go soon, Luo Hao's neck was going to snap!
Hearing Luo Hao admit defeat, the surrounding soldiers erupted in cheers, shouting praises for Lin Han's might. Lin Han released his grip and pulled Luo Hao up. "Want me to demonstrate some more?"
Luo Hao's eyes darted around. There was no way he was going to be the only one humiliated today.
"Hold on, Lin Han. Han Yongxiang told me privately how much he admires you and hopes for a chance to spar. Why not give him the opportunity to learn from you?"
Han Yongxiang, who was currently overseeing training drills, suddenly sneezed. He rubbed his nose, his expression cocky and smug.
"No slacking off! Anyone with poor form stays behind for extra drills."
Han Yongxiang was ruthless—both with himself and his soldiers. He hated being called a "nepo hire" and had proven his worth through sheer skill.
Before long, Luo Hao jogged over and slung an arm over Han Yongxiang's shoulder, only to be shoved away in disgust.
"Speak if you have something to say. Keep your hands to yourself."
Luo Hao smirked inwardly—soon enough, Han Yongxiang would be the one crying. But first, he had to lure him over. "Did you hear the commotion earlier? Lin Han took down several of my best men. Come on, let’s go watch the show!"
Contrary to rumors, Luo Hao and Han Yongxiang’s relationship wasn’t that bad. Still, since they were evenly matched in skill, they often butted heads.
"I don’t have time for that. Go watch by yourself."
Luo Hao rolled his eyes again. "Suit yourself. I was itching for a match with Lin Han, but if you’re not interested..."
He turned to leave, only for Han Yongxiang to grab his arm with a scoff. Han Yongxiang wasn’t particularly intimidated by Lin Han either.
"You’re really going to fight him? What’s the point? If you get wrecked, you can kiss any promotion goodbye."
Truth be told, Han Yongxiang still resented the fact that a battalion commander from another regiment had been transferred in as deputy commander.
"I do what I want!"
Han Yongxiang wasn’t interested in Lin Han, but he did want to see if Luo Hao had improved. In the end, he followed along.
When he was shoved in front of Lin Han, his eyes nearly bulged out of his skull. What the hell was this?
The shameless Luo Hao cheered him on from the sidelines. "Battalion Commander Han, didn’t you say you admired Lin Han and wanted to spar? Perfect timing—he’s demonstrating some moves. Consider this your dream come true."
Han Yongxiang gritted his teeth so hard they might have shattered. That bastard had set him up! But his pride wouldn’t let him back down, so he ended up getting thoroughly thrashed.
By the time it was over, Han Yongxiang was questioning his entire existence.
Who am I?
Where am I?
Why am I getting beaten up?
Admittedly, Lin Han had a way with people. After Luo Hao and Han Yongxiang were both humbled by him, Lin Han’s authority in the regiment skyrocketed.
Meanwhile, in the government offices, Director Yi had been locked up without food, water, or anyone paying him any attention. Deng Jun even volunteered to lead an investigation team to Cuihu Town. Nan Sheng feigned concern as she said,
"Investigate thoroughly. Stick to the facts—no personal biases, understand?"
Liu Song and Chen Tian both twitched at her words. They used to think their director was scary when she was angry, but this smiling version was downright chilling.
Sending Deng Jun to investigate? Even if there was nothing to find, he’d dig up five or eight "issues." It was clear—Director Yi was finished.
As quitting time approached, Liu Song asked, "Director, should we interrogate Director Yi tonight?"
"No. Let him stew. We’ll deal with him after Deng Jun returns."
After work, a repeat of yesterday’s scene unfolded—except this time, it was Chen Tian who went to the state-run canteen to fetch food. Nan Sheng couldn’t help but laugh.
"Director, please accept it. Otherwise, we don’t know how else to thank you."
Liu Song nodded in agreement. Working under Director Nan was nerve-wracking, but the rewards were substantial.
Since she lacked nothing and refused gifts, treating her family to a meal was the only option.
"Fine. But remember—last time."
Nan Sheng’s first meeting had ended with a minor official being ousted. The incident could’ve been brushed off or blown up, but whether at the county or city level, no one seemed to care.
This sent a chill down the spines of other town revolution committee directors. What choice did they have but to obey?
After learning about Nan Sheng’s methods, Secretary Cao couldn’t help but marvel. "An ally? Is Director Nan actually undercover in the revolution committee?"
His battles with Ou Yaosheng had been about gaining control to abolish unreasonable policies—otherwise, how could the people live under such chaos?
Yet what he hadn’t accomplished, the new director had achieved effortlessly. He wondered how the city revolution committee would react.
"Notify all towns—cooperate fully with the revolution committee’s reforms. Anyone who obstructs progress can pack their bags!"
Though Nan Sheng and Secretary Cao had never discussed it, their goals aligned perfectly. The reforms progressed even smoother than she’d expected.
The investigation in Cuihu Town wasn’t easy—Director Yi had deep roots there. The next day, his wife and only son showed up in Sanwei Town, demanding answers from Nan Sheng.
Director Yi’s wife had a fierce, domineering air, making Nan Sheng look like a delicate, helpless young woman in comparison.
"What right do you have to investigate my husband? If you don’t give us an explanation, I’ll take this to the county, to the city!"
Nan Sheng’s tone was sweet as honey, yet her words were lethal. "Go ahead, ma’am. If you’re short on travel expenses, I can lend you some. And when you see the higher-ups, don’t forget to send them my regards!"
Bystanders: Send her regards? How shameless!!!
Director Yi’s son pulled his mother back. He knew throwing a tantrum wouldn’t help—if things escalated, his father might suffer even more.
"Director Nan, when will you release my father? Can we see him now?"
Nan Sheng thought, If only they’d spoken like this from the start.
"He’ll be released after the investigation. No visits for now. Anything else?"
Chen Tian chimed in, "Director, they dared to cause a scene at the government offices. Why waste words? Just have them arrested and sent to labor reform."
Nan Sheng waved a hand. "Let it go. Give them one chance. Just have security escort them out."
Liu Song added quietly, "Director, you’re too kind. You really shouldn’t be this lenient."
Once thrown out of the government building, the mother and son were at a loss. Going to the city was futile, and waiting at home was unbearable.
"Mom, let’s go back and find out more about this Director Nan. If we have to, we’ll send gifts to get Dad out."
Although Director Yi's wife was fierce, could she really outmatch the security team? After being intimidated by them, she quickly backed down.
She had no choice but to listen to her son for now. "Fine, let's go home first. At worst, we'll just spend a bit more money!"
