Chapter 15: A Sensation in Tianhai

The outcome of the interrogation was unexpectedly favorable. Watching Zhang Xiao sign and seal the statement, Xiao Zigang finally held an overwhelming body of ironclad evidence. No matter if Zhang Xiao’s uncle was Director Zhang or even County Magistrate Zhang, there was no way to overturn the case.

The wailing siren of the ambulance sounded as two doctors carried a stretcher to room 307. Seeing the two naked people on the bed, the seasoned doctors exerted effort together and lifted the bare pair onto the stretcher.

Only after the stretcher was brought out did Zhang Xiao regain his senses, shouting hoarsely, “What are you doing? What’s going on? You’re just carrying me out like this? At least wrap us in a blanket or hand me a towel to cover my face…”

“Hey…! Hey… oh! Oof… damn it…”

Carried out of the hotel, Zhang Xiao looked out at the massive crowd of onlookers. He involuntarily uttered a string of pure interjections, especially when he saw the TV crew’s van. He even blurted out a curse, then covered his face in horror.

Originally thinking his face was already ruined, Zhang Xiao suddenly realized it could get worse. Being carried out stark naked, his face, already flushed, deepened in color as if a crab had fully cooked, turning red from his neck all the way to his forehead.

The two doctors ignored Zhang Xiao’s protests. After all, the TV station crew and the sea of curious spectators were all there; they couldn’t let everyone down.

As the saying goes, sharing joy is better than enjoying it alone. Besides, each of them had been paid two hundred yuan, so they were determined to give the crowd a good show.

In 2000, social customs were still relatively conservative, and relationships between men and women were very traditional. In some rural areas with strong clan values, if a young wife was caught having an affair, she could be subjected to being submerged in a pig cage and drowned.

Therefore, when the crowd saw two naked people being carried out, they immediately cast judgmental, disapproving glances, condemning these two as morally corrupt.

Some elderly onlookers even spat at Zhang Xiao. Had they had eggs in their hands, they would have long since thrown them at these two disgraceful scoundrels.

The TV cameras focused on the two on the stretcher, zooming in repeatedly with close-ups. Whether or not the footage would be aired or censored was a matter for later.

For now, the cameraman aimed to capture this fresh spectacle, even if it could not be broadcast, it would make a fine private entertainment.

Xiao Zigang was well prepared. Since everyone was watching the spectacle, they wouldn’t let the crowd watch in vain; they had to impart a lesson.

As the moment ripened, Xiao Zigang exchanged a glance with Zhou Liang, then deliberately spoke loudly, “This person looks familiar. Isn’t he Zhang Xiao from the court, Judge Zhang?”

Zhou Liang immediately chimed in, “Isn’t that him! When he gets angry or anxious, his face and head turn red. Look now—Zhang Xiao’s face is red like a monkey’s butt!”

Xiao Zigang quickly agreed, “Exactly! Really looks like a monkey’s butt!”

Only the wrong name was forgotten, never the nickname.

Since they had decided to deal with Zhang Xiao, Xiao Zigang attacked through the nickname. As long as the nickname “Monkey Butt Zhang” stuck, Zhang Xiao would forever be ostracized in his career.

After all, anyone who saw Zhang Xiao would think of that nickname and picture him being carried out completely naked on a stretcher. With such a forced association, higher-ups wouldn’t promote him, and subordinates wouldn’t respect him.

If Zhang Xiao still had the nerve to sit out on the sidelines, Xiao Zigang would truly admire his audacity.

In his previous life, Zhang Xiao could feign innocence and continue rising in rank because his nickname was “Red Cap Judge.” Outsiders, unaware of the truth, easily mistook him for a powerful, capable figure with strong backing and potential for promotion.

This time, Xiao Zigang wouldn’t grant him such an opportunity. By mocking him as “Monkey Butt,” he ensured everyone would associate him with his current shame, preventing him from ever holding office within the system again.

Snap! Whether from nervousness or some other reason, the two who had been locked together suddenly separated!

Zhang Xiao, like a frog pressed into hot oil, leapt from the stretcher and spread his legs, attempting to flee.

Xiao Zigang wouldn’t allow him to escape. Like a cheetah, he darted through the crowd, made a flying tackle, knocking Zhang Xiao to the ground, and quickly grabbed his neck.

“Zhang Xiao, Judge Zhang, you’re under arrest. Come with me now!” Xiao Zigang efficiently cuffed him and, as if lifting a chicken, hauled him up.

Zhang Xiao hung his head low, ashamed to face anyone.

Xiao Zigang, still gripping his neck, forced him to look up. “What’s wrong? Dare to do but not admit it? Feeling ashamed now?”

“If you cared about your dignity, you wouldn’t commit crimes!”

Zhang Xiao trembled with rage, trying to retort, but the chokehold cut off any sound.

Xiao Zigang was deliberate, pushing Zhang Xiao forward as he scolded, “Zhang Xiao, I’m telling you: confess and you’ll be treated leniently; resist and you’ll be punished severely. Since you broke the law, you must accept harsh justice.”

“Don’t think that just because you’re a judge, you can ignore the law! I’m telling you, breaking the law knowingly adds to your guilt!”

Luan Jin’an approached and patted Xiao Zigang on the shoulder. “That’s enough. There are people all around; be mindful of civilized law enforcement.”

“No problem!” Xiao Zigang complied smoothly, pulling Zhang Xiao into the van, gently pressing the accelerator as the van started moving slowly. Xiao Zigang believed it wouldn’t be long before Zhang Xiao’s story spread throughout Tianhai, and the legend of the Monkey Butt would haunt him forever.

The sky was falling! Absolutely falling! Zhang Xiao felt an inexplicable suffocation enveloping him; his whole body chilled, not just physically but deep in his heart.

He glared resentfully at Xiao Zigang. “Officer Xiao, we have no past grievances or recent conflicts. Why are you targeting me?”

“They say always leave a way out for the future, so you can meet again. Aren’t you afraid that if you fall into my hands again, I won’t be so lenient?”

“You’ve become the old client paraded through the streets, yet you still want to work in the court? Is your skin made of city walls? Don’t you feel any shame? Don’t you think you’ve done wrong?”

Xiao Zigang finished and glanced sideways at Zhang Xiao. “Zhang Xiao, I’m telling you: you’re finished! Completely finished! Soliciting prostitution may not be a serious crime, but repeated offenses with a bad attitude will land you at least half a month in detention.”

“We’ll notify your workplace, so get ready to be dismissed and expelled from the party!”

Zhang Xiao exploded, eyes wide open. “Xiao Zigang, how about a bet? You locking me up is just a dream!”

“The court isn’t my family business, but I know the laws and have judicial connections. If you want to mess with me, you’re out of your depth!”

A mischievous smile curled at Xiao Zigang’s lips. “Since you sincerely want to bet, I’ll be merciful and agree. Zhang Xiao, this jail sentence is set in stone. I say it now—even Jesus can’t save you.”

“Then we’ll see! I’m putting my words here today. You’re a detective in the Criminal Investigation Team, not in Public Security. Anti-prostitution and illegal publications aren’t your jurisdiction. Xiao Zigang, you’re overstepping!”

After finishing his words, Zhang Xiao’s aura was strong. Despite his nakedness, he was confident, standing tall and proud.