Chapter 105: Elevated Cholesterol Levels

On the other end of the phone, Xing Jun was silent for a moment before softly saying, "Boss Tang, can’t you just give old Xing some face?" Tang Long didn’t get angry; instead, he chuckled and replied, "This isn’t about face; it’s about differing stances."

After a brief pause, he continued, "It’s alright. Stand firm on your position and act as you see fit. Don’t worry about my feelings." Old Xing was both amused and helpless, thinking to himself, *You say don’t worry about my feelings, but if I bring my men over, won’t it all be for nothing?* The Fishhead Village had hundreds of people. If Boss Tang was protective and didn’t want him to take anyone away, who could possibly remove anyone from Fishhead Village?

"Old Xing, keep me informed if anything happens. I’ll buy you a drink later," Tang Long lowered his voice. Given his position, information tended to flow more smoothly his way than to Tang Long’s side. Xing Jun understood what Tang Long meant and smiled wryly, "Alright, don’t worry."

After hanging up, Zhang Xiue frowned and looked at Tang Long. "Is the county coming to arrest someone?"

Tang Long nodded, then reassured her, "Don’t worry, it’s not as serious as you think. No matter what happens, we’re in the right. Even if we have to take this case to the heavens, we won’t be afraid."

"Come on, let’s go eat!" Tang Long smiled. They hadn’t had lunch yet. People are like iron, and rice is like steel—skip a meal, and hunger gnaws at you. No matter how big the trouble, you still have to eat.

Zhang Xiue had little appetite but seeing Tang Long, she didn’t dampen his spirits.

"Brother Tang Long, you’re back!" On the way, they saw Zhao Xiaoyue. The girl’s eyes brightened as she hurried over, grabbing Tang Long’s arm and refusing to let go.

Curiously, she asked, "Where have you been? Haven’t seen you for days."

Zhang Xiue smiled wryly and shook her head. She sensed Zhao Xiaoyue had feelings for Tang Long but, from her perspective, it was awkward to say anything outright.

Beside them, Shan Xiu, dressed in sportswear, was leisurely enjoying himself. For him, life now was pure bliss. No missions to carry out, no enemies lurking to seek revenge. Just wandering about, enjoying the sun, even swimming in the ditches—a true enjoyment of life.

"It’s not days, just didn’t come back yesterday!" Tang Long laughed helplessly. He had no good way to handle this clingy girl.

"Hehe, a day apart feels like three autumns!" Zhao Xiaoyue grinned mischievously, clearly happy.

"Are you guys going to eat?" Zhao Xiaoyue asked.

Tang Long nodded, "Yes, let’s eat. Have you eaten?"

"No, we were just about to go," Zhao Xiaoyue smiled slyly. They had been hungry for a while. At eleven in the morning, the street vendors were packed, so they waited until after noon when the crowds lessened before heading over from Fishhead Village.

"I heard you got bullied today?" Tang Long teased, pinching Zhao Xiaoyue’s nose as they headed toward Liu Yishou’s grand eatery.

"Ugh, those people are so annoying! You don’t know— they not only cursed at me and demanded selfies but acted like I owed them something. It drove me crazy!" Zhao Xiaoyue pouted immediately when Tang Long mentioned it.

Tang Long laughed and said, "I already told Xiue’e, from now on you don’t have to deal with tourists. We’re not obligated to take pictures with anyone. You just focus on the college tour groups with Jiang Xue and the others. Young people should have more in common."

Zhao Xiaoyue’s eyes lit up, and she cheered, "Great! Sounds good!"

...

After hanging up, Xing Jun sighed. Tang Long’s reaction was expected. Knowing Boss Tang’s character, there was no way he would easily let him take anyone away, especially since Fishhead Village was justified.

He truly had no choice. If he weren’t forced by his superiors, that wretched call wouldn’t have been made.

Looking up at the middle-aged man standing before him, he said helplessly, "Director, you heard it yourself—they refuse to give me face."

The man addressed as Director wore a stern expression. "I don’t care. You have to bring the people back today."

Xing Jun was straightforward. "I can’t. Those little bastards stirred up the anger of Fishhead Village. The villagers are following the rules. Who can fault them? Besides, my cholesterol’s been high lately. The hospital told me to go in immediately. My wife called last night, said if I don’t come home soon, this life’s over."

After saying that, he packed up and prepared to leave.

"Old Xing, are you trying to play tricks?" The Director was both curious and amused. This guy was old but still throwing tantrums.

Xing Jun shook his head, "How is this playing tricks? The doctor said if I don’t take care of my bones, I’m headed for the crematorium. A car needs maintenance after a year of use, right? What more so a body!"

Xing Jun truly left. If he stayed, he’d have to manage affairs in Fishhead Village. But leaving meant out of sight, out of mind. As for others, let them deal with it. If they could, let them try. He simply didn’t have the ability.

That said, whether helping justice or siding with the villagers, Xing Jun felt their actions were just. If you provoke someone’s beliefs, and they’ve warned you not to break their legs, who’s to blame?

In the afternoon, news about Fishhead Village, stirred by unknown forces, surged to the top of Weibo headlines.

Online media surveys showed ninety percent of people supported Fishhead Village’s actions, believing there were just causes and no fault in their violence.

Of course, some thought the villagers were too violent and brutal, calling for strict regulation, arguing that no matter the reason, beating people was wrong.

Various media influencers and famous lawyers weighed in, expressing diverse and conflicting opinions.

In the afternoon, the county police arrived—several young officers. Xing Jun had gone into hiding and didn’t show up.

Tang Long glanced from afar. With Old Xing absent, he decided to stay out of sight too.

The people definitely couldn’t be taken away easily.

Zhang Guang was from Fishhead Village and worked there. The villagers had every reason to protect their own.

It wasn’t lawless; Fishhead Village was very reasonable. If anyone truly committed a heinous crime, the village wouldn’t shield them.

After receiving some mysterious call, the police left empty-handed.

By evening, Yao Handong called Tang Long with a smile, "So, need me to help you settle this?"

Tang Long shook his head with a smile, "No need. We didn’t beat anyone without reason. This matter must be handled fairly."

"You’re still talking about fairness?" Yao Handong laughed coquettishly.