CHAPTER 228: CHAPTER 228: BATTLE WITH THE HEAVENS?

He then clapped his hands. "Sorry... As a professional rider, I can’t just disclose customer information willy-nilly."

Xia Liang’s statement made Zhao Tianhao feel like he had instantly lost face. He stood up immediately, glaring menacingly at Xia Liang. "Are you fucking asking to die?"

It must be said that this group of young punks had a strong sense of "brotherhood." Seeing Zhan Tianhao’s move, they immediately crowded around him. The whole scene looked like something straight out of a gangster movie.

But to Xia Liang, it was all just absurd. What has society come to, that kids these days are so delusional?

However, Xia Liang’s silence made Zhan Tianhao think he was afraid. The expression on his face grew even more arrogant. "If you don’t give me half a point today, you’re not leaving."

"Half a point?" Xia Liang looked at him oddly and patted Zhan Tianhao’s shoulder. "Kid, how can you have so little ambition at such a young age? Look at those who fake accidents or run badger games; they demand several points, or even a tenth of a Yuan. Aren’t you supposed to be legendary punks? Why are you asking for so little?"

After Xia Liang finished speaking, the young punks were all at a loss, staring at each other in dismay. In their eyes, half a point was already a lot, never mind that they smoked every day with a girl trailing behind each of them. They began rubbing their hands together, giving Xia Liang a malicious look.

Seeing this bunch of children, Xia Liang’s smile grew brighter and brighter. "I’d like to see just how impolite you’re going to be..."

As he spoke, Xia Liang’s hand suddenly shot into his pocket. This action startled everyone, and they all took a step back, fearing he would pull out a knife. Seeing this, Xia Liang found it even more amusing.

"Why so nervous? It’s not a knife..." Saying this, Xia Liang held up a badge. His expression turned serious. "I’m a crime consultant for the Qingyun City Security Bureau! You are currently suspects in a theft case, and I need to question you."

Of course, this was all just a bluff from Xia Liang. He was banking on the fact that these youngsters had likely engaged in some petty thievery.

Sure enough, upon hearing Xia Liang’s words and seeing the badge in his hand, some of the young punks on the fringe of the group began to shrink back subconsciously. One of the more timid boys turned to run.

With his quick reflexes, Xia Liang pushed past Zhan Tianhao. He lunged forward and smacked the young man on the head. Although he didn’t use much force, the single slap was enough to knock the youth to the ground.

Xia Liang said fiercely, "Run? Where do you think you’re running? I now suspect you’re the culprit. You’re coming with me to the Security Bureau!"

He then pulled a pair of handcuffs from his pocket. These had been given to him by Yun Long when he joined. As he handcuffed the fleeing youth, he added an ominous warning.

"I’m just conducting a routine interrogation! If you dare to run like him, it proves you’re hiding something! I’ll take you down to the Security Bureau for a ’chat,’ and if this turns out to be serious, I’ll have your parents come pick you up..."

This statement stopped the few who had considered running dead in their tracks. For boys their age, the threat of calling their parents was a potent one.

The thought of questioning whether Xia Liang was a real Protector never even crossed their minds. First of all, impersonating a public servant was a crime. Besides, with the skill Xia Liang had just displayed and the handcuffs he produced, they were already convinced.

After cuffing the boy who tried to escape, Xia Liang pulled him to his feet. Looking at the group of boys, their heads bowed as they avoided his gaze, Xia Liang nodded in satisfaction.

He barked, "All of you, line up properly!"

Like a flock of startled sheep, the boys jostled and pushed each other, taking over a minute to finally form a single line.

Starting with Zhan Tianhao, Xia Liang looked at him and began the interrogation sternly.

"Name!"

"...Yuan Dapeng."

"Hmm?" Xia Liang blinked. "Lying? Didn’t you just say your name was Zhan Tianhao? Why is it suddenly Yuan Dapeng? Are you trying to get an invitation for a ’chat’ at the Security Bureau?"

"No, no!" Zhan—no, Yuan Dapeng, quickly waved his hands and explained, "My real name is Yuan Dapeng. Zhan Tianhao is a stage name I came up with because I thought my real name sounded lame."

Xia Liang listened, feeling a wave of exasperation, like trying to forge steel out of useless iron. "Dapeng is a great name. Clearly, your father hoped you would be like the great roc, spreading your wings to soar for thousands of miles! Even if you were to pick a stage name, anyone with a shred of culture wouldn’t come up with something as cringeworthy as Zhan Tianhao. Why not just call yourself Zhan Tianxia?"

No sooner had Xia Liang finished speaking than a youth to the side quietly raised his hand. "Zhan Tianxia... that’s... that’s me."

Well, I’ll be! Xia Liang shook his head. These guys can’t all be surnamed Zhan, can they?

Actually, Xia Liang had guessed correctly. As this thought crossed his mind, his gaze swept over them again before settling back on Yuan Dapeng, his tone becoming severe once more, his eyes sharp.

At their rebellious age, these boys could only play at being tough; they had no real experience. They were terrified of places like the Security Bureau or juvenile detention. On TV, the people inside were always depicted as fierce and terrifying—real bad guys.

"No?" Xia Liang pressed.

Faced with his questioning and the sheer force of his presence, all of Yuan Dapeng’s earlier swagger evaporated. His voice trembled as he managed a meek, "Mmm..."

Having gotten a satisfactory answer, Xia Liang withdrew his imposing aura. Yuan Dapeng immediately felt his body go limp, as if a heavy Stone had just been lifted from his chest. He gasped for air, breathing heavily.

Is this that legendary aura? I’ve heard that people in high positions naturally exude a commanding presence! I never thought I’d encounter it myself!