Chapter 158 138: No Mercy

Xu Daqing had just been bitten by a scorpion, the unbearable itching still fresh in his memory. Terrified, he didn't think twice and pulled down his pants.Xu Daping was passionately chatting with a group of women when suddenly a nearby scream redirected everyone's attention.

Turning around, they saw Xu Daqing had dropped his pants, revealing two hairy legs. But he didn't stop there; he pulled his pants open with one hand and dug inside with the other.

The group of women, though used to scenes, was frightened by Xu Daqing's actions, and screamed in terror.

Everyone knew about Xu Daqing's peeping incident; he had just been released from detention. No one expected him to behave indecently in public, especially in front of his sister.

Xu Daping's face turned bright red, and, like the others, she covered her eyes, unable to watch. "What's wrong with my brother? Is he crazy?" She shouted while waving her hand: "Daqing, what are you doing? Put your pants on, hurry up!"

Xu Daqing didn't dare to put his pants on; instead, he stripped them further. Women peeked through their fingers, seeing his dark bare behind, and gasped exaggeratedly. By now, none of them ran away—none of them were young virgins, having seen everything before, plus who doesn't love a spectacle?

These women were modest compared to the passing crowd, forming a sizable audience.

Squeak!

Several agricultural tricycles stopped, and passersby took out their phones to record Xu Daqing, engaging in public indecency—not an everyday sight in conservative Weishan Island.

Xu Daping felt utterly embarrassed, thinking her brother had shamed the entire Xu family. She ran over to Xu Daqing, trying to get him to dress.

Xu Daqing couldn't hear anyone, busy pulling a centipede off his privates and stomping on it viciously, as it also seemed wrong elsewhere.

Xu Daping screamed, seeing dozens of centipedes crawling on Xu Daqing.

Once bitten by a snake, ten years afraid of a rope—less than a week had passed since the scorpion bite subsided, and he was already under centipede attack.

Xu Daping didn't dare approach, using a towel to whack him. Xu Daqing stripped naked, jumping and hitting himself.

Rumors swirled: Xu Daqing was engaging in public indecency, streaking through the hospital, or perhaps he had gone mad.

Xu Daqing became a trending topic on Weishan Island, the center of gossip in Hu Shan Town.

Due to poisoning, Xu Daqing was sent to the Weishan Island Hospital's emergency room. Coincidentally, Yu Xiaofeng was on duty. Seeing his swollen privates, Yu Xiaofeng sighed; in his medical career, countless perverts had crossed his path, but never one quite like Xu Daqing. Scorpions and centipedes don't pass him by.

The police received a report and came to investigate. Xu Daqing had scarcely been released, now publicly indecent; if confirmed, he'd be guilty of mocking the law. But seeing his pitiful state, the police left without a statement, as clearly, he was the victim.

Zhang Haibin heard of Xu Daqing's trouble and came from home to see him.

Lying naked in the emergency room, Xu Daqing wished he could die from shame; who isn't embarrassed?

Seeing Zhang Haibin, tears welled up in Xu Daqing's eyes—bitterness washed over him, humiliated twice, utterly miserable.

Zhang Haibin, sympathetically amused, wondered at his bad luck—bitten by a scorpion before detention, now a centipede strike post-release.

Patting his hand in comfort, Zhang Haibin was at a loss for words.

Xu Daqing spoke with a sobbing voice: "Dean Zhang…I…I can't face anyone…"

Zhang Haibin offered a wisdom nugget: Time is the best medicine for healing wounds.

Xu Daqing blubbered: "I didn't… wasn't… indecent…I…I took off my pants to… catch… bugs…"

Nodding continuously, Zhang Haibin conveyed his belief, but the situation seemed bizarre—why were such venomous insects targeting Xu Daqing, both times humiliatingly?

Xu Daqing began reflecting: Was he so dishonorable even heaven couldn't bear him? Last time, he blamed it on a work injury; this time, there was no excuse—Changxing had fired him, and he was bitten at his sister's shop door.

Zhang Haibin suggested: "Daqing, consider if someone might be plotting against you?"

A loud voice abruptly declared, "Justice served!"

Zhang Haibin turned to see who, though he already knew.

Xu Chunliang walked in cheerfully, "Everyone's here? Section Chief Xu, what happened?"

Xu Daqing whimpered melodramatically, "Get…out…" Overwhelmed by injustice, he choked.

His face darkening, Zhang Haibin remarked to Director Xu, "Isn't it inappropriate to gloat like this?"

"I see nothing wrong," Xu Chunliang replied, shoving Zhang Haibin aside before approaching Xu Daqing's bed and lifting a corner of the sheet.

Xu Daqing screamed miserably, "Doctor... doctor..."

Xu Chunliang clicked his tongue in admiration, "Impressive! Xu Daqing, oh Xu Daqing, you really take the path less traveled, always enjoying these peculiar games. At this rate, you might as well try playing with spiders next time."

Zhang Haibin angrily said, "Xu Chunliang, do you have any sympathy at all? Talking like this about a patient."

Xu Chunliang put down the sheet and walked step by step toward Zhang Haibin.

Zhang Haibin was so scared he stepped back two paces, "What... what do you want?"

"If you don't do anything wrong, you won't fear the ghost knocking at your door. His today is your tomorrow."

Zhang Haibin shivered with fright, "Xu Chunliang, you're threatening me!"

Xu Chunliang said, "Why don't you take a look at yourself; do you think you're worth it?"

Zhang Haibin tried to maintain his composure, "I will report your behavior today to the higher-ups."

"If heaven intends to destroy someone, it must first make them mad. You've provoked someone you shouldn't have."

Zhang Haibin was a bit frightened, "What do you mean? Xiaoxu, I have never done anything to wrong you."

Xu Chunliang said, "Yes, you have!"

"How have I?"

"Your looks offend me!" Zhang Haibin flushed with anger. It was the first time he'd encountered someone so unreasonable. Xu Chunliang was indeed too arrogant—my looks offend you? While I may not be a handsome man, my features are fairly decent, right?

Zhang Haibin wasn't stupid. He understood that what Xu Chunliang meant was that he didn't need a reason to deal with him at all.

Zhang Haibin didn't believe that Xu Daqing's ordeal had anything to do with Xu Chunliang. It should just be an accident; no matter how capable Xu Chunliang was, he couldn't send a centipede to bite Xu Daqing.

He somewhat regretted not adding another condition initially, asking Changxing to transfer this kid back; he suddenly realized that ever since Xu Chunliang had arrived on Weishan Island, there had been no peace.

Zhang Haibin decided to follow the proper procedures. He called Zhao Feiyang directly, expressing that he could no longer continue cooperating with Xu Chunliang. This young man is rude and outrageous, publicly insulting him in a crowd.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Feiyang knew exactly what Zhang Haibin was implying. He was somewhat displeased. Reinstating Zhang Haibin and pausing the investigation was already a significant concession. This man was being opportunistic, believing he had control over him due to the scandal, and was now making excessive demands.

Zhao Feiyang realized that if he continued to concede, who knows what kind of trouble Zhang Haibin might cause in the future. He indicated that he understood and didn't give Zhang Haibin a chance to continue speaking before hanging up the phone.

It was precisely this call from Zhang Haibin made Zhao Feiyang aware of his weakness. Like how concentrated brine can coagulate tofu, each is overcome by another. Zhang Haibin's eagerness to get rid of Xu Chunliang was due to fear. You can easily meet the King Yan, but minor demons are difficult to handle. He need not worry about dealing with a rogue like Zhang Haibin by himself and should place more trust in Xu Chunliang.

Zhao Feiyang decided to be honest with Xu Chunliang about the matter. Backing down would not solve the problem—it must be resolved swiftly, even if it means paying some price.

Upon learning the truth, Xu Chunliang also realized the situation, understanding why Zhang Haibin managed to rebound so quickly. Dean Zhao Feiyang wasn't that impressive after all; he was actually being coerced by a despicable person.

Xu Chunliang took this matter upon himself, but he also added two additional conditions, which Zhao Feiyang agreed to without hesitation.

The best way to shift the focus is to create a new focal point, a common tactic in today's information society.

Dealing with Xu Daqing was just the first step in Xu Chunliang's retaliation. Since arriving in this era, one must adapt to its ways. Though physical harm is off the table now, emotional damage is still an option; I can choose to break you down mentally.

While attacking Xu Daqing, he successfully reduced his own notoriety. The most talked-about subject on the streets and alleys was no longer his scandal with Tang Mingmei but Xu Daqing's public indecency of stripping in front of a group of women. Weishan Island locals were more interested in local news. Besides the hospital, not many knew Xu Chunliang and Tang Mingmei.

People still don't focus on the truth. They only saw Xu Daqing undressing in public but selectively ignored the true reason behind his actions.

Xu Chunliang didn't choose to deal with Zhang Haibin in the same manner. To break him down mentally, he first needed to know his weaknesses. Naturally, Zhang Haitao, who had been driving for Zhang Haibin for years, became Xu Chunliang's target.

Zhang Haitao's mood was like a roller coaster over the past few days. He thought Zhang Haibin had fallen from grace, but unexpectedly, he was reinstated, leaving him feeling uneasy.

Although Xu Chunliang is formidable, he's merely a passerby. After the inspection, he'll return to Dongzhou. It is Zhang Haibin whom he will face long-term, and Zhang Haibin will most likely seek revenge.

Xu Chunliang had already figured out this man's psychology very well. Handing him a cup of tea, he asked, "Have you seen Xu Daqing?"

Zhang Haitao shook his head. It was Sunday, and if Xu Chunliang hadn't called him to the hospital, he wouldn't be here.

Xu Chunliang said, "Those who offend me don't meet good ends!"

Seeking recommendations and votes for Monday!