The country entrusted me to buy an aircraft carrier, Hou Liangping, do you dare to investigate?

"Good lad, I'm relieved to hear you say that!" Zhong Zhengguo patted Hou Liangping on the shoulder with satisfaction, his eyes full of praise and expectation.

Hou Liangping walked out of the Zhong family villa, still unable to hide his excitement. His father's words were like a warm current, dispelling the gloom that had shrouded his heart for days. Huang Feipeng, you bastard, let's see how you escape this time! He could almost see Huang Feipeng being led to the dock, facing the punishment of the law.

He took a deep breath, got into the driver's seat, and started the car. The roar of the engine seemed to echo his surging emotions. All the way, the fire at the anti-corruption bureau kept replaying in his mind, along with the painful groans of his comrades who had been injured fighting for justice. He slammed on the gas, wishing he could sprout wings and fly to the police station immediately to bring Huang Feipeng to justice.

On his way to the police station, he dialed the number of Wu Dong, the chief of the Imperial City Police Department. Wu Dong and he were good friends, and the two had cooperated on many occasions in their work, and trusted each other quite a bit.

"Hey, Lao Wu, it's me, Liangping." As soon as the call connected, Hou Liangping got straight to the point, "I need your help right now."

"Hey, isn't this Director Hou from Handong? What brings you to call me? Are the girls in Handong not pretty enough? Want me to introduce you to some from the capital?" Wu Dong's hearty laughter came from the other end of the phone, clearly in a good mood.

"Old Wu, what time is it? You still have the mind to joke around!" Hou Liangping scolded, feigning displeasure. "I've run into some trouble and urgently need your help."

"What's wrong? Tell me, as long as I can help, I won't hesitate!" Wu Dong put away his joking tone and said seriously.

"It's like this..." Hou Liangping succinctly told Wu Dong what had happened in Handong and his suspicions about Huang Feipeng.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by Wu Dong's sigh: "Liangping, it's not that I don't want to help you, it's just that..."

"Old Wu, what can't we say between us? Speak freely!" Hou Liangping felt a tightness in his chest, a vague sense of foreboding creeping in.

"Sigh, to tell you the truth, I've been transferred out of the capital. Now I'm..." Wu Dong paused, seemingly considering something, "Now I'm..."

"What is it? Tell me!" Hou Liangping pressed eagerly.

"I am now..." Wu Dong took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind, "I have been demoted to the frontier to herd sheep! I really can't help you with the things you've mentioned!"

"What?!" Hou Liangping was struck dumb, his phone nearly slipping from his hand. Wu Dong, that iron-fisted figure who dominated the capital's police force, had actually been demoted to the frontier to herd sheep?! How could this be?!

“Liangping, I know this is hard to accept, but this is reality…” Wu Dong’s voice was filled with helplessness and bitterness. “Ever since that incident, I’ve been under surveillance. This demotion was expected…”

Hou Liangping knew perfectly well what Wu Dong meant by "that matter"—a massive corruption case that shocked the entire nation, involving numerous high-ranking officials, and in which Wu Dong had been demoted. He just hadn't expected that he would ultimately be exiled to the frontier; this was worse than death for him.

"Then... what are you going to do now?" Hou Liangping's voice trembled slightly. He didn't know how to comfort Wu Dong, nor how to face this cruel reality.

"What else can I do? I might as well make the best of it!" Wu Dong said casually. "Now I ride horses and herd sheep every day, breathing fresh air. It's quite carefree, much better than the backstabbing and intrigue in the capital!"

"Old Wu, you..." Hou Liangping wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Wu Dong.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore, it's all too painful to reminisce! You called because you need my help, right? Just say it, as long as it's something I can do to help, I won't refuse!"

Hou Liangping remained silent for a moment. He knew that given Wu Dong's current situation, he probably couldn't offer any help.

"Old Wu, I'm afraid you can't help with my situation here..." Hou Liangping said with a wry smile.

"What? Are you in a worse situation than me?" Wu Dong joked.

Hou Liangping briefly told Wu Dong about what had happened in Handong and his suspicions about Huang Feipeng.

"What did you say?! Huang Feipeng?! That bastard has some nerve!" Wu Dong's furious roar came from the other end of the phone. "I've had my eye on this kid for a long time. Relying on his connections, he's been running rampant in Handong, committing all sorts of evil deeds! And now he even dares to lay a hand on you. He's got a death wish!"

"Old Wu, calm down..." Hou Liangping didn't expect Wu Dong to react so strongly, and quickly advised him.

"Calm down my ass! I won't swallow this!" Wu Dong said angrily. "Liangping, don't worry, although I've been demoted to this godforsaken place, I still have connections. I'll ask someone to help you investigate Huang Feipeng's background and see who he is that dares to be so arrogant!"

"Old Wu, this..." Hou Liangping hesitated. He knew Wu Dong was doing this for his own good, but he didn't want to put Wu Dong in a difficult position.

"Alright, it's settled then! Wait for my news!" Wu Dong said, and hung up the phone before Hou Liangping could say anything more.

Hou Liangping put down his phone, his heart filled with mixed emotions. Wu Dong's words moved him, yet also worried him. He was moved that even after being demoted to the frontier, Wu Dong hadn't forgotten their brotherhood and was still willing to do everything he could to help him. He was worried, however, that Wu Dong's actions might bring trouble upon himself.

Just as Hou Liangping was lost in thought, his phone rang again.

"Hello, who is this?" Hou Liangping answered the phone, his tone calm, but his heart was filled with anticipation. He hoped it was Wu Dong calling to tell him about Huang Feipeng.

"Is this Comrade Hou Liangping? This is Li Ming from the Didu City Police Department." A deep and authoritative voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Li Ming? Which Li Ming?" Hou Liangping was stunned. He didn't remember knowing anyone named Li Ming.

"This is Li Ming, the deputy director of the Imperial City Police Department." The voice on the other end of the phone carried a hint of displeasure. "Comrade Wu Dong asked me to contact you, saying you've run into some trouble and need my help?"

"Deputy Director?!" Hou Liangping broke out in a cold sweat, but felt a warmth in his heart. He had just told Wu Dong about this, and the other party had done this. It seemed that he really wanted to help him.

Hou Liang calmed himself down and then said calmly.

"Deputy Director Li, I'll be there in a bit. We can discuss the specifics in person."