Prefacing this with the understanding that the provided text is a snippet from a Chinese novel, and thus the translation will focus on narrative flow, character voice, and the specific genre conventions (implied to be somewhat tense/legal/power struggle, but not overtly martial arts based on the text provided). I will adhere to all specified rules, including the "Mu Shi Yi" translation if that were present, but it's not in this specific segment.
Elder Chu had initially thought that with his words spoken to this extent, Gu Xingdong would at least show him some respect. Otherwise, if things became too awkward, it wouldn't be good for anyone. He never expected that Gu Xingdong, who appeared steady and reliable on the surface, was actually an ignorant brat with no regard for consequences!
He suppressed the anger in his heart, feigning a benevolent demeanor, and "kindly" advised, "Commander Gu, calling you Commander is out of respect, not because I fear you! Your woman is perfectly fine, yet you shot our son. If this matter is pursued, it won't reflect well on you as a civil servant for laying hands on ordinary citizens!
As I said, let's both take a step back. If you feel wronged by this, I can generously grant you one request. For instance, your woman's company is currently facing the risk of bankruptcy. I can invest to resolve the company's capital issues. We both get what we need, and tonight's events can be treated as a dream. What do you say?"
Gu Xingdong opened his mouth, about to mock their wishful thinking, when a deep refusal echoed from the doorway: "I say it's not like that!"
Hearing this unfamiliar voice, everyone subconsciously turned their heads. Upon seeing who it was, Elder Chu's face changed drastically.
What conflict or disagreement? Elder Chu completely forgot about it and, with a fawning expression, approached the man, saying, "Esteemed leader? Why have you traveled all this way to such a small place? We... we didn't receive any news of your arrival, nor did we prepare fine wine and delicacies to entertain you. We are truly sorry!"
Lin Che glanced coldly at Elder Chu and asked chillingly, "Are we very familiar?"
"Not very familiar. I am quite familiar with Director Fu. When the Lin family held a grand banquet in the capital to celebrate the elder madam's birthday, I had the honor of meeting you once while following Deputy Director. At that time, I was..."
Elder Chu intended to seize this opportunity to flatter and curry favor with Lin Che. However, the other party let out a disdainful snort and interrupted, "Since we're not very familiar, then shut up. When I first came in, I heard you speaking very arrogantly. Anyone would think the capital is your dominion!"
"No, no, how could the capital be my dominion? Esteemed Leader Lin, you are also a father. You should understand what is meant by 'a father's heart is filled with compassion.' Look at the wound on my son's hand. He studies piano. With this gunshot, his path to piano is ruined! I..."
Listening to Elder Chu's incessant rambling, Lin Che impatiently interrupted him, "What are you saying? Your son's hand is ruined, isn't that his own doing? Why couldn't he behave himself and dare to commit assault in prison! As the perpetrators, you feel wronged and are here to mess with me!"
Although Elder Chu felt uncomfortable with his words being interrupted repeatedly, he had no choice but to suppress his dissatisfaction and maintain a fawning smile, agreeing to everything, given that Lin Che, the most powerful and influential person in the capital, stood before him.
"Yes, yes, you are right. However, my son has already received his due punishment, and this matter wasn't too serious. Why must they be so aggressive? A parent's heart is filled with compassion. I also want to seek justice for my son! That's why my tone was a little hurried just now.
In truth, I had no intention of being aggressive. I also thought the matter could end here, with both sides taking a step back. But I never expected these people to be so excessive, trying to push their luck!"
Lin Che let out a cold laugh and slammed his palm heavily on the table, "Pushing their luck? I think you've sat in the boss's seat for too long and are used to exploiting people, so you inherently believe everyone must obey your commands, right? This is a place of reason and evidence, not a place for your unreasonable disturbances!
I heard your son also defiled a girl previously. I will personally handle this case today. I want to see who dares to play petty tricks in front of me. It's best to confess and be treated leniently, resist and be punished strictly. Otherwise, I don't mind using some special methods to uncover the truth!"
Facing Lin Che's intimidating gaze, Elder Chu felt a bit guilty and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. Fortunately, he had heard about this matter beforehand and had immediately sent people to resolve the trouble. When confronted by Lin Che, he stammered and explained,
"Esteemed Leader, you've misunderstood. That woman was greedy for our family's money and deliberately seduced my son. Our Chu family is considered a wealthy and influential household in the capital. It's normal for a few ill-intentioned people to try to get close! To defile her is a joke. Our family is so rich, what kind of woman can't we have?"
As soon as he said this, Lin Che glared at him. Elder Chu knew his previous remarks were somewhat inappropriate, so he swallowed and explained, "No, Esteemed Leader, that's not what I meant!
What I mean is, my son is so outstanding, there are plenty of women who want to marry him. How could that ordinary girl catch my son's eye? She must have used some special means to get into my son's bed. We are all men; you should understand what I mean!
If you don't believe me, it's fine. You can contact the girl's father right now and ask him what the truth of the matter is. Did his daughter come to seduce my son? As for why this girl died, I preliminarily suspect she didn't get what she wanted and threatened us with death!"
Upon hearing this, Chen Lishu, who had been resting nearby, couldn't help but feel ashamed of his shamelessness!
"Is that so? This matter has had a serious impact. Do you really think I would come here and speak without any investigation? As far as I know, your son lords over the western district! The girls he defiled are more than just one; there are plenty.
Chu Xiong, do you think your influence is so great that it covers the entire capital city? If you don't want people to know, you shouldn't do it! Oh, and your good son doesn't just play with women; his crimes are punishable by death!"
After saying this, Lin Che, in a fit of rage, pulled out a document from his pocket and threw it at Chu Xiong, saying, "Take a good look at the good deeds your son has done!"
Chu Xiong looked at the document before him, a bad premonition rising in his heart. His hands trembling, he picked up the paper from the ground. After glancing at its contents, his eyes turned white with anger, "You... you actually colluded with people from Country M! Do you know what you are doing? This is illegal, and people will die!"