If slander is elevated to a certain level, it becomes defamation, which is clearly stated as a criminal act in the law, requiring criminal responsibility. So when this was said, Red Hair looked full of confidence.
Since they are in the gang, having reached their current status, they've certainly spent time in detention centers, visiting as frequently as dropping in on friends or relatives, getting locked up every now and then for this or that matter. Over time, they've become quite familiar with the police and guards there.
So, going to the detention center is nothing to them, just a trivial matter, nothing to fear.
But what Liang Yuwei just mentioned wasn't like that. Instead, she talked about them forcefully collecting protection money, which isn't on the same level as fighting and making trouble. For fighting, at most, one would spend a few days locked up, but collecting protection money through illegal means carries criminal responsibility.
Though he is a gangster, he's not as brainless as those small-time thugs who've accomplished nothing. He quickly understood the seriousness of the situation.
Therefore, if he gets caught for forcefully collecting protection money, it wouldn't be so easy to get out of detention.
At this moment, Red Hair suddenly showed a hint of a smile, knowing full well that the police need evidence to make a case. Without evidence, the charges wouldn't hold. He believed Liang Yuwei didn't have any evidence to prove he was collecting protection money just now.
Then, he said those words to provoke Liang Yuwei, trying to assert dominance over her with language.
However, just when he thought Liang Yuwei couldn't do anything to him, smiling as he expected to spend a few days in the detention center again—as usual, staying for a few days would mean getting out soon—he believed he'd still settle scores once he got out again.
Red Hair laughed, and seeing their boss so fearless, the gang members who were initially worried also felt no fear, laughing heartily.
At that moment, Hao Jian, who had been standing silently, smiled and suddenly pulled a phone from his pocket, opening a video app that had been recording all along.
Red Hair was still smiling, but upon seeing the video, his smile suddenly froze. The video depicted the scene where he was threatening a male boss and demanding protection money. The audio was clear, and the conversation audible, clearly showing him, the male boss, and others.
Red Hair was instantly flustered, his previous fearlessness and confidence dissipating. He looked at Hao Jian in surprise, completely unaware Hao Jian had recorded all this discreetly.
He panicked, realizing where he once felt fearless since Liang Yuwei could only detain him for a a few days without evidence. But now, this video was solid evidence, enough to hold them accountable for a while.
Red Hair stared at Hao Jian in shock, unable to utter a word. The gang members were also silent, leaving an awkward silence.
The video played for a few minutes, recording the entire process, providing undeniable evidence of Red Hair's extortion.
Then, Hao Jian put away his phone, smiled at Red Hair, and asked, "If you need evidence, I wonder if this is enough?"
Enough! More than enough! These pieces of evidence were sufficient trouble for them, but he couldn't even speak a word as he was in shock and bewilderment.
If he could, he would dig a hole to bury himself, just to avoid Hao Jian's seemingly amiable yet teasing smile.
Captain Wu, having maneuvered through society for so long, knew when to act cautiously, promptly saying, "Cuff all involved!"
Yellow Hair and the others were still in shock, yet to react, as the police handcuffed them from behind.
"Load them into the vehicle," Captain Wu said calmly.
And the police followed orders, escorting Red Hair and his gang into the vehicle.
Earlier, they might have resisted being caught, but after seeing the video, they dared not speak a word, stunned and still disoriented, even while being loaded into the police car.
Now, Captain Wu approached Liang Yuwei, smiling, "Captain Liang! Since the people were taken away, I'll be off!"
Liang Yuwei nodded quietly, saying, "Thank you, Captain Wu!"
After Captain Wu acknowledged it as part of his duty, he turned and left. Once aboard the police car, it promptly drove off.
Seeing the police car depart, Liang Yuwei couldn't help recalling issues. This territory was under Captain Wu's management, yet the chaotic security suggested some underlying problems. If it were any other captain, she might have spoken more kindly, but knowing Captain Wu's character, her attitude remained as is.
As the excitement dissolved, the onlookers began to scatter. Still, they applauded, grateful the local bullies were dealt with.
The female shop owner helped the male boss and approached Liang Yuwei and Hao Jian, expressing profuse gratitude.
The other store owners who had hesitated to approach finally understood and came forward, thanking Hao Jian and Liang Yuwei.
Business during these times was already challenging, managing a business might spare one from a boss's wrath, yet earnings weren't substantial. Losses were always possible if the business didn't go well. Protection money only added significant burdens, making it unviable to keep shops running.
As they talked, for some reason, the crowd focused on Hao Jian and Liang Yuwei.
The noodle shop owner looked at Liang Yuwei and Hao Jian, smiling, "I think this girl and the young man make a great pair. Are you a couple?"
Liang Yuwei was taken aback, not expecting the owner to ask such a thing, ready to deny it.
Before she could speak, Hao Jian wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"Yes, we've been together for quite a while, very much in love!" Hao Jian smiled.
The female boss beamed, "In that case, when you marry, you must invite us! I'll prepare a big red envelope to celebrate the newlyweds thoroughly!"
Following her lead, the other shop owners eagerly echoed the sentiment.
Hearing these words, Liang Yuwei's face turned red with embarrassment, wanting to clarify that she and Hao Jian weren't a couple. Instead, she found herself unable to explain as everyone believed it now, leaving her at a loss for words.
Then Hao Jian led her away. After leaving the crowd, at a corner, she suddenly kicked Hao Jian's leg.
Hao Jian looked surprised and said, "What's with you! Are you crazy?"
Liang Yuwei kicked him again, "Crazy? You're crazy! Why tell them we're a couple! Talking about marriage! You may not mind, but I'm embarrassed! Marry you in this lifetime? I'd have to be cursed for eight lives!"
Having said that, Liang Yuwei walked ahead of Hao Jian.
Watching her back, Hao Jian thought women are puzzling, hitting you when angry, even when calm; wanting something spoken or done yet upset if it is, but mad if it isn't.
Pretending happiness when upset or anger when happy, women are complex creatures, indeed hard to understand.
Lost in thought, Hao Jian quickly caught up, walking beside Liang Yuwei.
They wandered leisurely for a while, with Liang Yuwei feeling a weight lifted after recent events, walking more joyfully.
Wandering, drinking, and eating along, they strolled lazily.
At that moment, while Liang Yuwei was all smiles, a shadow crossed Hao Jian's face. He led her into a deserted alley.
Liang Yuwei was about to ask why he headed into the deserted alley when Hao Jian suddenly stopped in his tracks, prompting her to stop.
"Come out, how long are you planning to follow us?" Hao Jian abruptly said.
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