Power and Wealth-Chapter 1763

In a certain county.

It was getting late.

At the police station, night had already fallen.

Several police cars arrived and parked in the large yard. The older police officer got out first and hurriedly signaled Fang Wenping and Dong Xuebing to leave the car.

“Hurry up,” the older officer urged.

“What’s going on?” Dong Xuebing asked.

The young officer nearby said, “Let’s go inside first.”

“Don’t ask, just hurry up,” another officer said, pulling them along.

The group made their way into the police station’s office building. Turning around, they saw the group of minority people who had followed them, led by the burly stall owner. Since their stall was nearby, they arrived quickly. Even though they had reached a place of authority like the police station, the burly man and the others didn’t change their fierce expressions. They still carried their weapons—clubs and hoes—and none appeared friendly. They didn’t ask questions and barged into the police station’s entrance. The guards and officers inside didn’t dare to stop them and let them all in.

At this moment, Dong Xuebing realized why the police had urged him and Fang Wenping to come inside quickly. These people had somewhat intimidated the police, which made Dong Xuebing even more uncomfortable. How could a law enforcement agency be afraid of these lawbreakers?

What use are you, then?

What good is this police station?

What is everyone doing?

Inside.

The older officer led them into a room with a window facing outside. Through the window, they could hear the shouting and see the dense crowd.

“Sit down,” the older officer said.

Fang Wenping asked, “What’s going on here?”

The older officer said helplessly, “Be grateful. If we had arrived any later, you don’t know what might have happened to you.”

Fang Wenping replied, “So your police station is just for show, is it?”

The older officer didn’t like that tone, “You shouldn’t say that. You’re tourists, and this is a minority area. Even though Han people are in the majority, there are still local minorities who stick together and are very united. Just look outside. The whole group emerges as soon as one of them is in trouble. We’ve had many conflicts with tourists before, and while we’ve dealt with some, it’s tough. They dare to barge into the police station and even assault our officers. What can we do? There are too many of them, and they’re all united. The situation is very complex, and it’s not something we can explain quickly.”

Fang Wenping coldly said, “So you just let them run rampant?”

“Give us a solution, then,” the young officer said, his tone harsh.

Fang Wenping wasn’t one to back down. “This is your jurisdiction. Am I supposed to give you advice? These people are openly robbing others. Aren’t you going to do anything about it?”

The young officer replied, “Stop talking nonsense. No one can handle this. Be grateful that we’re able to bring you back safely.”

Dong Xuebing said, “So if they beat us, that’s just to be expected?”

“It’s easier said than done,” the older officer said. “You should stay here tonight and see how things play out. If they leave early, it’ll be easier for you to leave. If they stay, it will be a real problem.”

Fang Wenping said with a bitter smile, “So this is how you operate?”

The young officer angrily said, "We're helping you, and you're still not satisfied. These people are not to be trifled with, each one worse than the last. Maybe it's because they are a minority, which makes these issues even harder to handle."

Fang Wenping responded: "Calling it 'hard to handle' seems just an excuse. I see that you don’t want to handle it."

The young officer retorted: "Fine, if that's how you feel, then deal with it yourselves. We’re not going to manage it. How about that? You're being ungrateful."

Dong Xuebing scolded: "You little bastard, who do you think you're talking to?"

The young officer snapped: "Who the hell are you cursing at?"

Dong Xuebing said: "I’m cursing at you. What’s it to you?"

The young officer challenged: "Repeat it, let me hear it."

Dong Xuebing stood his ground and stepped forward, pointing at the young officer’s nose: "I’m calling you a little bastard. What are you going to do about it?"

The older officer interjected: "Enough, everyone, stop."

Fang Wenping also pulled Dong Xuebing, saying: "Don’t escalate this."

Frustrated, Dong Xuebing said, "Why the hell should I back down? Just because they’re minorities doesn’t mean they’re above the law. Are we supposed to hide and avoid them while they block roads, rob, and extort people? Is that how it is in your rules? Damn it, the law applies to everyone. Who the hell are they to get special treatment? Why should we bow to them?"

The young officer pointed outside: "Then you solve it yourself."

Dong Xuebing was even more irritated: "You think I can’t handle it? I’ve faced worse. Do you think I’m afraid of a few small-time criminals? It’s just dozens of them. If not for someone holding me back, I wouldn’t be here listening to your excuses. Not taking action is just not taking action. You keep making excuses. It’s all someone else’s fault. What are you even here for if you can’t handle it? They are just useless decorations. If you can’t do anything, pack up and get out."

The young officer shouted: "You’re completely ungrateful."

The older officer said: "Young man, calm down and watch your language."

Dong Xuebing responded: "I’m not going to calm down. This is my temper. We’ve been forced to deal with extortion and robbery, and we have to hide from them. Now they’re in the police station, and you don’t even question or arrest them. What’s your point?"

Fang Wenping clearly shared Dong Xuebing’s frustration: "We don’t need to hide. I want an explanation for what happened today."

The older officer frowned and shook his head.

The young officer said: "If you want an explanation, go find it yourself. Don’t expect us to handle it."

Dong Xuebing was furious: "What kind of attitude is this? A police station lets people come in and make a fuss. And you don’t do anything? And you dare to refuse to help us? You’re truly something. Are you public servants wasting the country's resources? Fine, if you can’t handle it, then I will."