The misunderstanding was resolved, and the truth came to light.
Because the 'Outstanding Citizen Representative' title he'd been anticipating was gone, Liu Yi, the enthusiastic citizen, was very upset. He sat in his chair, looking deeply troubled.
Seeing him like this, Liu Pan, as his older brother, naturally wanted to comfort him. He patted Liu Yi's back, saying things like, "It's just the 'Outstanding Citizen Representative' title; you'll get it next time."
Meanwhile, Zhang Beixing found himself surrounded by Wang Fengyi and Su Dakai.
Looking at these two imposing, middle-aged men, Zhang Beixing considered their identities. He couldn't help but feel a bit panicked, wondering if they were there to settle scores with him, and began to mentally prepare his excuses.
Unexpectedly, after Wang Fengyi and Su Dakai had observed Zhang Beixing intently for a while, their faces suddenly bloomed with smiles as radiant as chrysanthemums. Wang Fengyi was the first to extend his hand, saying, "Comrade Zhang Beixing, hello. I am Wang Fengyi from the Yanjing Division. Have you ever considered joining the army?"
"Huh??"
Hearing Wang Fengyi's words, Zhang Beixing was momentarily stunned and a bit confused.
He had already prepared his responses for these two. Yet, Wang Fengyi's very first sentence was an invitation to join the army.
It's great that I don't have to be held accountable, he thought. But joining the army? That seems completely unnecessary! After all, I, Zhang Beixing, only came here to boost my KDA and, as a side-task, help Teacher Liu get an achievement. I wasn't planning on throwing myself into the mix!
Zhang Beixing frowned slightly, pondering for a moment.
Nearby, Su Dakai's mouth twitched when he saw how direct Wang Fengyi was. Barbarian, he thought.
But, afraid that Zhang Beixing might actually be swayed by this "barbarian" Wang Fengyi, he quickly chimed in, "Young comrade, I'm also from the Yanjing Division, and I'm the commander of the Spearhead Brigade. Seeing that you subdued Zhou Fan at such a young age, your future in the army would undoubtedly be limitless. How about considering it? Our Spearhead Brigade would welcome you anytime!"
"Uh..."
Hearing Su Dakai make the same pitch, Zhang Beixing felt incredibly conflicted.
Refusing them outright would be awkward. But if I don't refuse, does that mean I really have to get myself involved? Wouldn't this turn into a real-life version of *The Special Forces King in the City*? Joining the army is out of the question for me; my ambitions lie elsewhere.
Zhang Beixing pondered how he could tactfully decline both offers.
Just then, Zhao Ruchang returned. He had finished speaking with the police chief and had largely resolved the issue. Without another word, he summoned Wang Fengyi and Su Dakai, telling them to return to the military camp with him to review the day's events.
As for Zhou Fan, the individual directly involved, and Liu Pan, the enthusiastic citizen's family member, they stayed behind to handle the final details of the incident.
Upon hearing Zhao Ruchang's order, Wang Fengyi and Su Dakai, despite their extreme reluctance, could only nod and comply.
Watching them leave, Zhang Beixing breathed a sigh of relief. Zhao Ruchang's timing was perfect, he thought.
Just as he was about to check on Liu Yi, Zhou Fan walked over to Zhang Beixing and said, "Uh... hey... Zhang Beixing, right? When you hit me, you didn't use Hidden Force, did you?"
Hearing this, Zhang Beixing shook his head. "No. It was mainly because you didn't pull a knife. I didn't dare get too serious... I would've been responsible if you'd died..."
"Oh... I see..." Zhou Fan fell silent. For a moment, he wasn't sure whether he should feel relieved or terrified. Relieved that he was unharmed, but terrified because he realized he had just been a step away from death! He felt a lingering fear from the close call.
Zhang Beixing also felt rather sheepish. After all, he had completely ruined their drill and given the guy a sound thrashing. His conscience pricking him, Zhang Beixing scratched his head. "So, uh, sorry about today's mess."
"It's nothing, I get it," Zhou Fan said, waving his hand. "You're not to blame for what happened today. Actually, I should be thanking you. If I hadn't run into you, I never would have realized that my counter-reconnaissance skills, which I took such pride in, were actually so full of flaws!"
"Oh, really? In that case, you should kow— Bah! No, that's not it... I mean, 'To know your faults and be able to change is the greatest good!'"
He'd almost let it slip. Zhang Beixing looked mortified.
Hearing this, Zhou Fan's mouth twitched slightly, but he didn't comment further on the matter. Instead, he looked towards Sophia Zhou and asked, "Sophia, the classmate you were telling me about before—that's him, right?"
"Yes, Brother. Is something wrong?" Sophia Zhou asked.
Zhou Fan shook his head. "Nothing. I just think this classmate of yours is quite interesting. He must be fun to be around. No wonder a little chatterbox like you mentions him all the time."
As soon as he said this, Sophia Zhou's pretty face flushed red. She looked at Zhou Fan in a fluster, chiding, "Brother, what are you saying? I was just... I was just..."
She repeated "I was just..." for a long moment but couldn't articulate anything further.
Seeing her like this, how could Zhou Fan not understand his own sister's feelings? He immediately gave a light laugh to brush it off, changed the subject, and began discussing Martial Arts with Zhang Beixing.
This chat lasted for about ten minutes.
As dawn was just beginning to break, everything had been resolved. Sophia Zhou's group of three and Zhang Beixing's group of three walked out of the police station. They parted ways there.
As for swinging by to watch the flag-raising ceremony... After so much had happened throughout the night, what was the point? Besides, it was already well past the time for it.
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