CHAPTER 261: CHAPTER 261: SUPERIOR AND INFERIOR

For instance, Li Lin’s father, the former [Pingyang Earl], was a sixth-rank martial artist, but his official position was fifth-rank.

Therefore, in official documents, he was labeled as standard sixth rank, virtual fifth rank.

This means having the strength of the sixth rank, but wielding the authority of the fifth rank.

And Li Lin, he is just a solitary virtual eighth rank, with the implication that he hasn’t even entered the ranking, yet he commands eighth-rank real power.

But in this world that reveres personal power, this kind of vanity is, in a sense, also a kind of public execution.

Without corresponding strength, you don’t dare to speak loudly, can’t suppress people, and can only eat at the children’s table!

So, in name, Li Lin controls an Anti-theft Bureau in an alley, with over a hundred subordinates, yet none of these seasoned veterans actually take him seriously.

The more particular ones just pay lip service, while the less particular ones openly oppose him, making him unable to step down gracefully, and he has no real solution.

As a result, Li Lin, being more of a wine sack and rice bag, is unwilling to "go to work" anymore, and apart from the monthly payday, he is basically just drawing a salary without working.

Looking at the solemn and imposing [Anti-theft Bureau] plaque, Zhu Haomiao couldn’t help but curl his lips into a slight smile.

Li Lin can’t suppress people, what does it have to do with Little Zhuzhu?

Besides, [Anti-theft Bureau] is akin to a combination of the modern police and armed police; in Li Lin’s eyes, it might be a dangerous and arduous job, but in his own eyes, it’s a tailor-made lovely duty.

He couldn’t wait to get some fries, oops, serve justice for the people, and bring peace and harmony to [Lechang Square]!

After tidying up his attire, Zhu Haomiao composed his expression, allowing [pride] to surge in his heart, as his character subtly changed.

Afterwards, the young man stepped forward, crossing the [Anti-theft Bureau]’s threshold with an air of nonchalance, immediately drawing attention.

"Why is this imbecile here again?"

"Isn’t it still a few days until payday?"

"Damn it, hope he knows his place and doesn’t go messing around."

...

Listening to the barely audible discussions around him, Zhu Haomiao’s gaze was indifferent, his heart as still as water, as he walked straight into the main hall.

In the wide and solemn hall, a group of people were busy working, while in the main seat sat a man in his thirties, of average build, with thick eyebrows and large eyes.

Upon seeing the young man strolling in, a trace of surprise flashed through the man’s eyes.

"Inspector Li, what brings you here?"

Zhu Haomiao didn’t respond, just walked up and gazed at him with a half-smile.

The man instinctively sensed that something was off, and after a moment of contemplation, he suddenly stood up, offering his seat.

"Inspector Li, since you’re not here often, I’m just temporarily holding the fort for you, don’t take it to heart."

The man’s words were filled with perfunctory insincerity, although his posture was neither humble nor arrogant.

The people around were even colder, not bothering to even make a perfunctory gesture toward the young man.

Zhu Haomiao didn’t delve deeper, simply leisurely seated himself in the inspector’s chair, looking at the man with interest.

In no time, an invisible pressure descended upon the hall, a heavy atmosphere that made the man feel a bit suffocated!

The man couldn’t quite believe it, surveying Zhu Haomiao with eyes full of suspicion and incredulity.

It’s like seeing a ghost!

This kind of imposing presence without needing to be angry, he had only felt in those big shots from the [General Office]!

Click, click, click~

Zhu Haomiao’s fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, as he spoke softly, "Yan Captain, you can only sit in this inspector’s chair if I allow it, but if I don’t..."

In a gentle murmur, Zhu Haomiao leaned forward slightly, staring intently into Yan Yunsheng’s changing face.

"You ought to know your place in the hierarchy, do not overstep, understand?"

In an instant, everyone in the hall glared at the young man, with a few even slamming the table.

But Yan Yunsheng, who was directly facing Zhu Haomiao, suddenly raised a hand to stop his subordinates.

Dimly, he sensed that the "Li Lin" before him seemed to have undergone some earth-shattering transformation, and before understanding the situation, he didn’t want a direct confrontation.

With a polite bow and respectful nod, Yan Yunsheng said, "The inspector’s lesson is deserved, I acknowledge my mistake."

"Hmm, good to recognize the error."

Amidst the murderous glances of the subordinates, Zhu Haomiao curved his lips into a smile, gently speaking, "But I’m kind-hearted, so I won’t punish you, and additionally... I can give you an opportunity..."

At this, the young man looked into Yan Yunsheng’s eyes and tapped the table in front of him.

"Don’t you want this inspector position?"

"Beat me, and it’s yours."

At these words, everyone in the hall was stunned. Earlier, they thought this guy was extremely arrogant, but now they seriously considered if he was out of his mind.

A wine sack and rice bag with no skills, wanting to fight a battle-tested eighth-rank warrior?

But under the incredulous gazes, Zhu Haomiao stood up, radiating an imposing aura, sweeping his gaze around and chuckling.

"My family has been martial heroes for generations. You don’t really think I’m that weak, do you?"

Hearing this, everyone was taken aback, their views on Zhu Haomiao suddenly unsure and questioning.

Upon reflection, they realized they’d never actually seen the guy fight, only heard rumors of him being useless.

His timid, cowardly demeanor had gradually led everyone to disdain him.

Today, however, he seemed like a changed person, previously submissive, now assertive and domineering.

Could it be that he’d been pretending all along?!

With this absurd idea flashing through their minds, under the curious, examining gazes of everyone, Zhu Haomiao stepped forward, passing by Yan Yunsheng without a glance.

"Follow."

His commanding, unquestionable tone made Yan Yunsheng frown, an inexplicable unease rising within.

Without real strength, it’s impossible to cultivate such an aura unless he’s crazy!

"Great Captain..."

The voice of a subordinate reached his ear, and Yan Yunsheng waved a hand to silence their inquiries.

"It’s only natural for the inspector to teach a subordinate, no need to make a fuss."

Hearing this, everyone’s expressions twisted, mouths puckered speechlessly.

Logically, that’s how it should be, but their inspector wasn’t even ranked! Where did the confidence come from to instruct an eighth-rank warrior?

Was he as he claimed, having profound family knowledge, always hiding his talent?

With curiosity and skepticism, everyone followed Yan Yunsheng to the Martial Arts Arena in the backyard.

As the word spread, every on-duty member of the [Anti-theft Bureau] gathered to see what the young scion, full of self-serving pride, was up to this time.

However, as they looked at the youth standing in the center of the Martial Arts Arena, his figure neither tall nor burly, yet exuding a dignified and severe temperament.

In a daze, it was as if standing before them wasn’t a talentless wine sack and rice bag, but a supreme grandmaster looking down on the world!

The arrogance pouring from his core, disdainful of all, stoking anger yet instilling a trace of reverence.