Chapter 145: Inspection

Yang Tao opened the car door and settled into the passenger seat.

“Did you know, Brother Tao, that our martial arts school has a new master?” Brother Zhou, who was in the driver’s seat, asked.

“Is that so? I didn’t know,” Yang Tao shook his head.

Though he was affiliated with Chen’s Martial Arts Hall, he was merely an intern and not even considered a peripheral student. Consequently, he was often out of the loop regarding the school’s internal affairs.

“Brother Zhou, could you fill me in on the details?”

“Well, the new master is quite young, but his skills are simply extraordinary. Big Sister Chen Lingxin challenged him to a spar because she couldn’t accept it, and believe it or not, the new master defeated her without even moving an inch.”

“What? That… that’s impossible,” Yang Tao exclaimed in shock.

While he may have been on the fringes of the martial arts community, he was no stranger to Chen Lingxin’s prowess. In his eyes, her skills were comparable to the martial arts experts depicted in TV dramas, and he stood no chance against her, even if it was ten of him facing her.

So, the thought of someone defeating Chen Lingxin without even moving was simply inconceivable to him. However, as he looked into Brother Zhou’s confident eyes, he began to slowly accept this mind-blowing revelation, for Brother Zhou had no reason to lie to him.

“This… this is just unbelievable.”

Yang Tao was lost for words, struggling to comprehend the sheer magnitude of strength one would need to defeat Chen Lingxin without moving an inch.

“I thought the same initially, but the senior brothers in the group chat all confirmed it. I have no choice but to believe it,” Brother Zhou remarked, shaking his head.

A glint of envy flashed in Yang Tao’s eyes upon hearing about the group chat. He knew that being part of that group would significantly bolster his network since it was comprised of formal and core members of the martial arts school who held various influential positions in Jinghai City.

Unfortunately, as an intern, he didn’t qualify to join the school’s exclusive group chat.

“There’s no need to be surprised, Brother Zhou. People of such stature are simply out of our league and unlikely to cross paths with common folks like us,” Yang Tao consoled.

“True, we are not in the same league as them,” Zhou agreed with a nod.

As members of Chen’s Martial Arts Hall, they were well aware of the school’s significant influence in Jinghai City.

Both of them, minor figures within the school, had managed to thrive off the school’s prestigious reputation. Being the master of Chen’s Martial Arts Hall was tantamount to being one of the most prominent figures in Jinghai City, frequently interacting with the city’s top elite.

“Alright, enough about the new master. Have you looked into the background of the logistics department director you’re dealing with?” Brother Zhou asked.

Even though he had agreed to help Yang Tao with this minor task. He was apprehensive that the person Yang Tao was targeting might have significant backing, which could complicate matters.

With a dismissive tone, Yang Tao retorted, “He’s nothing but a pretty boy. Rest assured, Brother Zhou. He only got the position as the Director of the Logistics Department merely because he’s the president’s personal bodyguard. Now that the company’s vice president is on his case, all you need to do is stir up a bit of trouble, and he’ll be finished.”

“That’s settled then. Worry not, finding some faults during the fire inspection should be a breeze,” Brother Zhou assured, nodding his head in agreement.

Shortly thereafter, Brother Zhou’s fire inspector arrived, and with the start of the engine, he announced, “Everyone’s assembled, let’s get moving.”

“Brother Zhou, I’d prefer not to accompany you inside. It wouldn’t be appropriate,” Yang Tao stated.

“Very well. You can come in afterward,” Zhou agreed, nodding his head before leading his group into the Brilliant Tower.

Upon their arrival at the building’s entrance, the security guards halted them in their tracks. Unperturbed, Brother Zhou commanded, “Summon your leader. We’re here for a routine fire inspection.”

Witnessing Zhou’s assertiveness, one of the guards promptly fetched Luo Xiaofeng, the acting head of the security team appointed by Lin Xiao.

Having matured considerably from his experiences on the job, Luo Xiaofeng approached them with a welcoming smile, “Hello. Didn’t we conduct a fire inspection recently?”

“Are you the one who decides whether or not an inspection is necessary?” Zhou challenged.

“No, no, that’s not what I meant. Allow me to guide you through the inspection process,” Luo Xiaofeng hastily replied, his mind clouded with a slight sense of foreboding.

At that moment, he didn’t dwell on it too much, as fire inspections were standard procedures. However, as he escorted Zhou and his entourage through the fire inspection, it dawned on him that their true intent was to cause trouble.

“This is unacceptable!”

“This must be replaced, and this structure also poses a significant safety hazard and must be renovated.”

“How did you conduct these renovations? They are completely out of compliance with fire safety regulations!”

As Zhou and his team scrutinized every detail, Luo Xiaofeng’s expression grew increasingly grim. The Brilliant Aya certainly would not neglect fire safety.

Though the areas they had inspected were fully renovated and compliant with fire safety regulations, Zhou and his team dismissed them outright.

“In summary, your renovation work is wholly inadequate and must be redone,” Zhou declared sternly after the inspection was complete.

“Captain Zhou, this… everything was fine before, and we renovated entirely according to the regulations.” Despite his inner rage, Luo Xiaofeng managed to suppress his anger, forcing a smile onto his face.

Should they proceed with the renovations per Captain Zhou’s demands, it would cost them at least several million.

“Is it you or I who is conducting this inspection? If I say it’s unacceptable, then it’s unacceptable. If you don’t renovate within the stipulated time, don’t blame me for not being courteous,” Zhou said with contempt.

“Captain Zhou–” Luo Xiaofeng attempted to continue, but Zhou interrupted him before he could finish.

“Don’t say another word. If you don’t have the authority or can’t make decisions, then go consult your leader. After all, your fire safety measures are completely unsatisfactory.”

Luo Xiaofeng’s face turned a shade of purple. He didn’t want to disappoint Lin Xiao, who had promoted him, but he felt utterly powerless in the face of these troublemakers.

“Oh, isn’t this our Captain Luo Xiaofeng? Why the long face?” Just then, a mocking voice rang out from behind.

Turning around, Luo Xiaofeng saw Yang Tao looking at him with a gloating expression.

To Yang Tao, if Lin Xiao was the person he despised the most, then Luo Xiaofeng, who had usurped his position, was the second on his list.

Previously, Luo Xiaofeng had been one of his subordinates. Now, having ingratiated himself with Lin Xiao, Luo Xiaofeng had taken his place, an act that Yang Tao found utterly unforgivable.