Chapter 16: The Despicable Scoundrel

Naked, Zhang Xiao was handcuffed to the window of the second detective squad. Xiao Ziguang, showing a rare moment of kindness, found a newspaper and covered Zhang Xiao’s most sensitive area with it.

Zhang Xiao, having lost everything he could, felt numb. His head hung low, his eyes filled with nothing but hatred.

The already bustling detective squad became even livelier with Zhang Xiao cuffed outside the window. Rumors spread like wildfire—everyone with connections knew that Judge Zhang Xiao had been caught soliciting prostitutes, stripped naked, and hauled onto an ambulance. His flushed face was said to look exactly like a monkey’s bottom.

The crowd around grew thicker, voices buzzing with all sorts of comments. Some, still childish at heart, even threw cigarette butts near Zhang Xiao’s feet, eager to see him jump in pain.

Others tried to snatch the newspaper from his hands, hoping to witness his embarrassment or, better yet, to see him lose his temper in frustration.

Their pleasure was rooted in Zhang Xiao’s suffering—after all, he was a judge who usually wore a mask of righteousness and superiority. Now that he had fallen from grace, if they didn’t mock him now, they’d never get the chance again.

From the crowd, Zhu Gang pushed his way forward, whistling excitedly when he saw Zhang Xiao handcuffed to the window. A few days ago, Zhu Gang’s brother-in-law had been in a fight and broken someone’s nose, leading to a court case over medical expenses.

Judge Zhang Xiao presided over that case. Zhu Gang, thinking himself influential within the system, had brought a two-thousand-yuan bribe to seek some leniency.

But Zhang Xiao had thrown the envelope back in his face, slapped him twice, and berated him fiercely, words sharp and profuse.

Zhu Gang had bowed his head like a servant, enduring the scolding for half an hour before realizing Zhang Xiao thought two thousand was too little, showing no sincerity or understanding of the rules—it was an insult.

Zhu Gang had his pride, and seeing Zhang Xiao’s demands grow, he abandoned attempts at bribery. The case ended with Zhang Xiao handing down the maximum sentence: not only medical fees but also lost wages, nutrition fees, and miscellaneous expenses totaling fifty thousand yuan.

Zhu Gang’s monthly wage was only twelve hundred yuan. Just for a broken nose, Zhang Xiao dared to impose such a heavy penalty!

Later, Zhu Gang learned that the other party had privately paid Zhang Xiao thirty thousand yuan, explaining why he had rejected Zhu Gang’s two thousand.

This grievance burned inside Zhu Gang, and now that revenge was possible, a wicked smile spread across his face. He pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and quickly drew five sticks.

All five he stuffed into his mouth at once, lit them with a lighter so their tips glowed bright orange, then flicked one lit cigarette butt toward Zhang Xiao with his fingers.

The burning tip landed on Zhang Xiao’s body, causing him to cry out in pain.

Zhu Gang’s face was full of triumphant satisfaction, murmuring, “You were arrogant, you looked down on me. Today, I’ll make you know that the god of horses and kings has three eyes.”

Zhang Xiao was utterly humiliated. He tried to crouch but couldn’t because his hands were cuffed to the window, pulling him back. Helplessly, he twisted his body, enduring this torment.

He knew that fighting back with harsh words would only add to his humiliation and give his tormentor more pleasure, so he resigned himself, hoping the ordeal would end quickly.

Zhu Gang lit the entire pack of cigarettes, flicking every one of them at Zhang Xiao. Watching Zhang Xiao grimace in agony brought Zhu Gang immense joy. The thrill of revenge was truly refreshing.

Humming a tune, Zhu Gang pushed open the office door. “Whoever caught Zhang Xiao is really something! They did what I always wanted but never dared to do.”

“To cuff him outside the window—now that’s real courage, truly admirable!”

“Who was it that caught Zhang Xiao? I want to buy him a drink. That’s a man I respect. I’m calling him brother from now on.”

Everyone else remained silent, going about their own work, unwilling to engage with Zhu Gang. His mood swings and unpredictable nature made him someone to keep a respectful distance from.

The atmosphere in the office grew awkward without anyone responding. Zhu Gang, unfazed, began rummaging through drawers for a cigarette. Having used up the entire pack as projectiles, his craving was strong, so he took whatever cigarettes he could find to satisfy the urge.

Finally, Chen Sheng, too shy to speak up earlier, weakly said, “It was Xiao Ziguang who caught him.”

“What? Xiao Ziguang caught Zhang Xiao?” Zhu Gang frowned, shaking his head in disbelief. “No way. Xiao Ziguang’s got guts, but would he dare to catch Zhang Xiao?!”

“Don’t listen to his nonsense! He’s just a freeloader married into the Xue family. How could he have the nerve to catch Judge Zhang?”

“Impossible! Absolutely impossible. I just can’t believe it. Xiao Ziguang wouldn’t be that bold…”

Xiao Ziguang had done what Zhu Gang had always wanted but never dared to do. Deep down, Zhu Gang was unwilling to accept it. After all, a freeloader like him had no courage!

Bang! The office door was pushed open again. A man in police uniform, carrying a briefcase, strode in.

“Who told you to get involved in anti-prostitution? Instead of solving serious criminal cases, you meddle in public order issues. Don’t you have anything better to do?”

“If you’ve got nothing else to do, find a place to shut your mouth and breathe some northwest wind. Stop sticking your nose into other people’s business.”

Everyone stared coldly at the unfamiliar face.

Zhu Gang frowned and stood up, ready to retort, but then noticed the single bar and star insignia on the man’s shoulder. He realized this was a third-level police supervisor, a rank far above his own first-level police officer status.

Immediately, Zhu Gang suppressed his temper and smiled broadly, asking, “And you are?”

“I’m Li Bing from the Public Order Unit, in charge of anti-prostitution and illegal publications. I came to the detective squad to ask who caught Zhang Xiao and why the person wasn’t handed over to the Public Order Unit.”

“So you’re Captain Li Bing. No wonder you look so upright and commanding!” Zhu Gang’s small eyes twinkled with mischief as a cunning idea formed.

“Captain Li, there’s been a misunderstanding. The detective squad had no intention to overstep. It was some subordinates messing around that caused this big mix-up.”

After saying this, Zhu Gang turned around, a malicious smirk on his lips. “Xiao Ziguang, Xiao Ziguang, come out and explain to Captain Li why you caught Zhang Xiao.”

“Who the hell told you to meddle in other people’s business? You caught someone—why not hand him over to Public Order? Why bring him back to the detective squad?”

Finally seizing this rare chance, Zhu Gang unleashed his full fury with no restraint. Those who knew that Zhu Gang and Xiao Ziguang were of equal rank, and those who didn’t, might have thought Xiao Ziguang was Zhu Gang’s subordinate. His tirade flowed effortlessly.