Chapter 3 — Called Off Right on the Spot

Making a big deal out of nothing? I let out a sharp, cold laugh. Shen Zhihang, do you even have the slightest clue whose vehicle you are blocking at this very moment?

Man Lin crossed her arms, her tone dripping with disdain as she retorted, Who else could it belong to? A rental, obviously. They managed to slap on a decent-looking logo and scare people with a flashy license plate, but the person driving it is nothing more than a vulgar nobody. Before I could even open my mouth, an elderly security guard standing nearby quietly stepped closer, squinting intently at the license plates. The color drained entirely from his weathered face, and he hurriedly reached out to tug at Man Lin’s sleeve.

Assistant Lin, I don’t think this vehicle is just any ordinary car.

Man Lin violently shook his hand off, her voice sharp with contempt. What would an old, good-for-nothing watchman like you know about cars?

The old security guard swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. I used to drive in the city years ago. A plate like that... it is not something we can afford to provoke.

Shen Zhihang finally frowned, his brow furrowing deeply. What are you trying to say?

Lowering his voice, the old man replied, Director Shen, perhaps you should have someone verify it. Just in case...

Man Lin glared daggers at him. In case of what? Is there anyone in this entire city that Director Shen has ever needed to fear?

Shen Zhihang remained silent. He pulled his smartphone from his pocket and snapped a clear photo of the license plate, seemingly preparing to forward it to someone for a background check. In less than half a minute, his phone buzzed with an incoming message. I watched as the hand holding the device froze mid-air, his expression turning several shades uglier than it had been a moment ago.

Man Lin, still entirely oblivious to the situation, pressed on, Director Shen, you’ve checked it, right? It’s just a fake plate, isn't it?

Shen Zhihang ignored her entirely. Instead, he turned his heavy gaze toward me. Where did you get this car?

I held out my hand, palm up. Give me back my phone first.

Reflexively, Man Lin clutched her handbag tightly against her chest. On what grounds?

Shen Zhihang’s voice dropped an octave, commanding and stern. Give it back to her.

Man Lin froze, staring at him in disbelief. Director Shen?

I said, return it to her.

Pouting with bitter grievance, Man Lin fished the phone out of her bag and hurled it onto the pavement right at my feet. The shattered screen fractured even further upon impact. I bent down to pick it up, refusing to offer even a shred of grace in response to the subtle out she was being handed by Shen Zhihang.

Can we check the security cameras now?

Shen Zhihang hesitated for a fraction of a second before speaking. To the surveillance room.

Man Lin’s complexion finally shifted, panic flickering across her features. Director Shen, surely that isn't necessary, is it? So many people right out there witnessed everything.

I looked straight at her. Why are you in such a rush?

Who is in a rush? she raised her voice defensively. I am merely concerned about wasting Director Shen’s precious time.

Without another word, Shen Zhihang turned on his heel and walked away. Check the footage.

Inside the cramped security office, a dozen people crowded into the suffocating space. Man Lin stood rigidly beside Shen Zhihang, her fingers nervously twisting the metal clasp of her handbag. The security technician rewound the video to the critical moment. On the screen, my car’s indicator light flickered clearly, the reversing lights shone bright white, and the rear of the vehicle was slowly, steadily backing into the designated slot. Suddenly, a white sports car shot in from the side at an extremely high velocity, scraping aggressively along the front bumper of my car.

The entire room fell into a heavy, dead silence for two full seconds.

Man Lin immediately shrieked, This camera angle is completely wrong!

The technician shot her a sideways glance. Assistant Lin, this is the dedicated surveillance camera pointing directly at the parking stalls.

Then that means she deliberately stopped there and refused to yield the right of way!

I countered immediately, Can a vehicle that is already completely stopped somehow hijack your steering wheel?

The elderly security guard standing nearby lowered his head, unable to hold back a sudden snort of laughter. Man Lin whipped her head around, glaring murderously in his direction.

What are you laughing at?

The old man instantly clamped his mouth shut, though his shoulders continued to tremble. Shen Zhihang’s expression was as dark as a thunderstorm. Man Lin, have you been drinking?

Of course not.

Then why is there alcohol inside your car?

That was a gift from a client, I haven't been drinking it.

I spoke up then. She was standing less than half a meter away from me just now, and she reeks of alcohol from head to toe.

Man Lin spun around, pointing a trembling finger right at my face. Stop spouting baseless accusations!

Shen Zhihang stared coldly at the technician. Call the police. Get someone down here to handle this properly.

All the remaining color instantly drained from Man Lin’s face.

Director Shen, you can't call the police.

Why not?