Zhang Zekai wanted to say something more, but the two police officers had already forcibly escorted him to the door.

"Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Director Liu, may I have a word with you in private?"

"Sorry, whatever you have to say, we can discuss it back at the station. Take him away." After speaking, Liu Geng turned to look at Ling Chen and Tang Shiyun, making an unexpectedly courteous gesture, "Mr. Ling, Miss Tang, this way, please!"

Seeing Liu Geng’s attitude toward Ling Chen, everyone present was momentarily stunned. Especially Zhang Zekai, who could hardly believe his own ears. In front of him, Liu Geng was extremely strict, but in Ling Chen’s presence, he suddenly became polite, an obvious case of differential treatment.

Thinking of this, he looked at Ling Chen with a hint of surprise in his eyes. It wasn’t just him; even Nanrong Wanqing was incredibly astonished. She was certain that Liu Geng and Ling Chen had only just met; otherwise, they wouldn’t have needed to exchange names.

On one side was Zhang Zekai being pushed by two police officers, and on the other was Liu Geng courteously accompanying Ling Chen and Tang Shiyun. The treatment seemed to imply that Zhang Zekai was the criminal, while Ling Chen and Tang Shiyun had become guests of the police station.

Zhang Zekai was at a loss; having been in the entertainment industry for so long, he had picked up the skill of reading people to an extent. Liu Geng’s attitude served as a signal, but for him, it was undoubtedly a dangerous one.

The Zhang Family was wealthy, but their influence and connections were mainly in the business world, with little involvement in political circles, as the topic between officials and merchants was sensitive, and nobody dared to tread lightly.

But after all, the phrase is "officials first, merchants second," signifying that officials have never feared businessmen throughout history.

If it were not for this fact, with Zhang Zekai’s status, he wouldn’t be so respectful and polite to a city police chief.

He thought of himself as having several dealings with Liu Geng, enough to be considered acquainted, and assumed that the latter would certainly take his side. Who could have expected Liu Geng to side with Ling Chen? Could it be... he suddenly thought of something and shuddered.

"Director Liu, Director Liu!"

"What’s the matter now?" Liu Geng seemed somewhat impatient.

Zhang Zekai said with an apologetic smile, "That... Director Liu, I... I won’t press charges."

"You’re not pressing charges?"

"Yes, yes, I won’t press charges. It was a misunderstanding just now; I don’t blame them."

Liu Geng, with hands clasped behind his back, asked with a semi-smile, "Then where did those injuries on your face come from?"

"I... I accidentally tripped."

"Really?" Liu Geng smiled faintly but then his expression suddenly turned stern, and he scolded: "If it was indeed yourself who caused the injury, then why did you accuse them of intentional injury? That’s defamation, and that itself is a criminal act, do you understand?"

"I...I..." Zhang Zekai’s forehead was sweating, unable to find any words to defend himself.

Seeing his flustered manner, Ling Chen said with a relaxed smile, "I suppose President Zhang just wanted to have a little fun with us. That’s it, right, President Zhang?"

Zhang Zekai quickly nodded, "Yes, yes, just having fun. Director Liu, it was really just a misunderstanding."

"Fine, since you admit it’s a misunderstanding, I won’t pursue the matter with Mr. Ling. But about Miss Tang... Miss Tang, you just accused Mr. Zhang of threatening and intimidating, is that also...?"

Tang Shiyun glanced at Ling Chen, saw him giving her a sign with his eyes, and quickly said, "Actually, that matter was also a misunderstanding. Director Liu, I’m sorry for causing you trouble."

"Trouble, not really, but in the future make sure you’re clear on matters and don’t create problems out of nothing. I don’t have that much free time to deal with your issues. Alright, that’s it!" After the speech, Liu Geng prepared to leave with his subordinates.

Reaching the doorway, Liu Geng suddenly came back to his senses and gestured to Zhang Zekai, who understood and quickly walked over.

"Director Liu, is there anything else?"

Liu Geng sternly warned, "Be careful from now on, and don’t bring trouble upon your Zhang Family. Do you hear me?"

Zhang Zekai was inwardly shocked and said in a low voice, "Director Liu, you’ve known my father for so many years. For my father’s sake, can you hint to me: is it because of that Ling Chen...?"

"Don’t ask what you shouldn’t ask. There are things you are not yet qualified to know," Liu Geng cut him off. "You better watch yourself."

Watching Liu Geng leave, Zhang Zekai wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, inwardly lamenting. Liu Geng’s last words, although not explicit, indirectly confirmed his guess.

If Ling Chen did not have a significant background, Liu Geng would never have shown such wariness. Even Director Liu dared not openly speak of Ling Chen’s identity, which indicated his significant backing. Thinking of this, Zhang Zekai wished he could slap himself for offending a big shot for no good reason, and the future fallout for the Zhang Family could be severe.

Back in the living room, Ling Chen sat on the sofa with his legs crossed, silent, his gaze playfully watching Zhang Zekai as he entered.

"President Zhang, have a seat. Our conversation isn’t finished yet."

"Yes, yes." Zhang Zekai didn’t dare to be negligent and sat down properly, constantly shifting, clearly uneasy. Especially upon seeing Ling Chen’s half-smiling expression, he felt apprehensive.

"Mr. Ling, I was too impulsive just now. Please don’t take it to heart," he hesitated and chose to apologize proactively.

The attitude of Director Liu just now had convinced him that Ling Chen was someone of significance. Liu Geng was a man of the political scene, and only the son of a high-ranking political official could be treated with such decorum. At that moment, his mind was racing, recalling families that matched the surname Ling.

Seeing Zhang Zekai’s anxious demeanor, Ling Chen could easily see through his thoughts and secretly chuckled.

Before causing trouble for Zhang Zekai, he had called General Qiao Zhen, seeking some help. Qiao Zhen would typically not involve himself in such minor matters. However, a few days ago, he had stated that he wanted to reward Ling Chen for his merits, which Ling Chen had tactfully declined.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, he asked for a favor from General Qiao Zhen, believing that the General, out of respect for his services, wouldn’t refuse.

As for the police’s arrival, it was within his expectations. He knew well that making a scene would inevitably alert the police because of the Zhang Family, hence he asked the General to give the police station prior notice. He did not expect the General to be so generous as to send the city police chief himself, giving ample face to Ling Chen.

"Enough of that. How do you intend to handle Miss Tang’s case?"

"That... May I know what Mr. Ling suggests?"

"It’s quite simple. Terminate Miss Tang’s contract with Silver Star Entertainment, restoring her freedom. As for future issues, you don’t need to worry; it’s none of your business. Also, after the contract is canceled, the concert will proceed as planned. If I find that you’re conspiring with other companies to trip up Miss Tang, what happened today will seem like child’s play. Understand?"

Zhang Zekai hastily replied, "Mr. Ling, I’ve realized my mistake. I promise I won’t harass Shiyun again. Could you please..."

"Stop. Don’t call her Shiyun; call her Miss Tang. You two aren’t at that stage yet," Ling Chen interrupted him disapprovingly.