After arriving at the Public Security Bureau, Hou Liangping was arranged to wait in a conference room.
Shortly after, Qi Tongwei walked in.
He still had that calm and composed demeanor, as if everything was under his control.
"Liangping, you're here." Qi Tongwei greeted him, his tone a bit distant.
"Tongwei, Chunlai..." Hou Liangping started, but Qi Tongwei interrupted him.
"I know what you want to say. Hou Chunlai is suspected of illegal business operations, and we are investigating him according to the law." Qi Tongwei's voice was firm and powerful, leaving no room for doubt.
"But... Tongwei, we are friends after all. Can you..." Hou Liangping tried to plead for Hou Chunlai, but Qi Tongwei cut him off again.
"Liangping, public matters are public matters, and private matters are private matters. I can't compromise the fairness of the law because of personal relationships." Qi Tongwei's voice was cold and firm, leaving Hou Liangping speechless.
The atmosphere between them immediately became awkward.
Hou Liangping knew he couldn't keep pleading.
He had to find another way to secure a lifeline for Hou Chunlai.
Just then, Qi Tongwei's phone rang.
He glanced at the caller ID on the screen, his brow furrowed slightly.
After answering the call, he briefly said a few words and hung up.
"Tongwei, is there something new?" Hou Liangping keenly noticed Qi Tongwei's change.
"Yes. A major case has occurred in Yantaishi, and I need to go there personally to handle it." Qi Tongwei stood up and said, "Liangping, you go back first. I will investigate Hou Chunlai's matter as soon as possible and give you an answer."
With that, Qi Tongwei turned and left.
Hou Liangping stood there watching his back disappear, his heart churning with emotions.
He knew this matter was far more complex than he had imagined.
And the relationship between him and Qi Tongwei had become even more delicate.
Yantaishi, a small town located on the border of Handong Province, was currently shrouded in a tense atmosphere.
Jiang Xiao was a notorious gang leader in Yantaishi, with a group of ruthless followers.
They were known for their lawlessness, bullying the people, and were a primary target for the police.
This time, Qi Tongwei personally led the team to Yantaishi with the goal of bringing down their entire organization.
Standing outside the factory, Qi Tongwei had to set an example, leading the police force to apprehend the criminals.
With a command, the police began their operation.
They swiftly surrounded the factory's exits and launched a forceful attack.
For a moment, gunshots rang out, and flames surged into the sky.
In this intense battle, Qi Tongwei displayed remarkable courage and wisdom. He not only charged into the front line to fight the hardened criminals but also commanded the police force in a methodical manner.
They eventually apprehended some members of the gang.
Meanwhile, Hou Liangping was also working hard on Hou Chunlai's case.
He searched for information everywhere, seeking avenues to help Hou Chunlai.
However, as time passed, he realized things weren't as simple as he thought.
The case involving Hou Chunlai was far more serious than he knew, and Qi Tongwei's attitude made him feel increasingly helpless.
In this process, Hou Liangping began to re-examine his relationship with Qi Tongwei.
They were once inseparable friends, but now they were drifting apart due to their work.
He began to contemplate whether he should continue to uphold his principles or compromise for the sake of his family.
However, no matter what choice he made, one fact couldn't be changed: Hou Chunlai was arrested by the police for illegal business operations, an inescapable fact.
And the dilemma he faced would become even more challenging.
...
Director Feng Wanchun stood in front of the conference room, his gaze sharp as he scanned each of the officers present.
He held a stack of documents in his hand, the latest developments on the Jiang Xiao case.
"Jiang Xiao, this cunning criminal, has finally been apprehended." Feng Wanchun's voice was deep and powerful, each word like a hammer striking against everyone's heart. "Now, we need a lead interrogator to handle the interrogation of this case."
The officers looked at each other, knowing the weight of the lead interrogator position.
Interrogating Jiang Xiao was not only a major blow to the criminal but also a demonstration of the Public Security Bureau's capabilities.
However, Feng Wanchun did not choose from among them. Instead, he turned his gaze directly to Qi Tongwei.
Qi Tongwei had always been Feng Wanchun's right-hand man.
Smart, decisive, with exceptional insight and judgment.
"Tongwei, I'm entrusting this lead interrogator position to you." As soon as Feng Wanchun's words fell, a wave of discussion swept through the conference room.
But Qi Tongwei didn't hesitate. He stood up, saluted Feng Wanchun, and then firmly said, "Yes, Director. I guarantee I will complete the mission."
Soon, the criminal who had once given the Handong Provincial police a headache was no longer his arrogant self.
He was escorted to the interrogation room, facing Qi Tongwei's sharp gaze, he felt an unprecedented pressure.
Qi Tongwei didn't rush to begin the interrogation. He quietly observed Jiang Xiao, as if scrutinizing an interesting prey.
Jiang Xiao felt uneasy under his gaze, but he still tried to maintain his composure, attempting to respond with a defiant look.
However, Qi Tongwei wasn't provoked by his defiance.
Instead, a mocking smile curled at the corner of his lips, and then he slowly spoke, "Jiang Xiao, you know what? Your capture is a major victory for our Public Security Bureau. And you will become a prime example of our crackdown on crime."
Jiang Xiao was stunned by Qi Tongwei's words, surprised that he would say these things so directly.
But he quickly regained his composure, sneering, "Humph, victory? You think you've won by catching me? Let me tell you, I have bigger forces behind me supporting me!"
Qi Tongwei didn't show any surprise at Jiang Xiao's words.
He calmly said, "Jiang Xiao, we already know everything you've said. You think those backers of yours can save you? Let me tell you, they're barely holding on themselves right now."
Jiang Xiao's face turned pale in shock at Qi Tongwei's words, unable to believe his ears.
But he quickly realized that Qi Tongwei wasn't bluffing.
He felt an unprecedented sense of despair. He knew his end had arrived.