Chapter 116: Rescuing the Beauty, Purging Corruption at the School

“Set the rules however you like! You, a bumpkin from some mountain village, really think you’re something special!” Peng Xue sneered arrogantly as she strode forward, swinging her arm to slap Liu Dan again.

Smack!

Liu Dan was caught off guard and fell to the side, several red finger marks instantly appearing across her face.

Seeing this, Li Chao stormed into the office in a fury and kicked Peng Xue squarely in the stomach, sending her flying five or six steps back. Peng Xue howled in pain and anger.

Li Chao normally refrained from hitting women, but witnessing what had just happened, he could no longer hold back.

The disciplinary director’s expression changed abruptly as he slammed his hand on the table and shouted, “Who do you think you are? Don’t you know assaulting someone is a crime?”

Li Chao grabbed a water cup from the table and splashed its contents onto the disciplinary director’s face. The goji berries in the water splattered all over him, leaving him looking thoroughly disheveled.

Meanwhile, Li Chao helped Liu Dan to her feet, sneering coldly, “Now you’re talking about crimes? Why didn’t you say a word when she was hitting my sister? Do you really think we’re easy to bully?”

Indeed, they had been deliberately tormenting Liu Dan.

Such incidents were far from rare at this school.

If it involved students from Huaxi City, they naturally wouldn’t dare act this way. But Liu Dan came from a small mountain village in a lower-tier county, clearly from a family with neither ability nor background.

For such students, it was easy for them to impose whatever punishment they wished—no one would make a fuss.

What they hadn’t expected was for a fierce fighter like Li Chao to suddenly appear.

Peng Xue scrambled up, hair disheveled, rushing at Li Chao, trying to scratch him.

Li Chao’s reflexes were sharp; he grabbed her wrist and warned coldly, “I’m warning you, don’t provoke me again! Or suffer the consequences!”

Others might hesitate to strike the principal’s daughter, but Li Chao cared nothing for such considerations.

Before Peng Xue could get close, Li Chao raised his hand and delivered a crisp slap, the sound ringing sharply. Her head reeled and half her face swelled red.

“You… you’re defying authority!” the disciplinary director shouted, calling for the security guards.

Soon, several guards arrived, brandishing rubber batons.

However, as soon as they entered, Li Chao kicked them all out effortlessly.

The disciplinary director gasped in shock, intimidated by Li Chao’s ferocity.

Peng Xue cowered in the corner, clutching her face and trembling, terrified of provoking Li Chao further.

Li Chao sat by the door, listening to Liu Dan’s account, his expression growing colder.

He looked at the disciplinary director and sneered sarcastically, “The school may be small, but it sure acts mighty! Bully the weak, beat people up, then expel them without refunding tuition? You’re worse than wolves, eating people without even spitting out the bones?”

The disciplinary director swallowed nervously and cautiously explained, “That’s school policy!”

Li Chao grabbed the ashtray from the nearby tea table and smashed it onto the disciplinary director’s bald head, leaving a bleeding lump.

Then he said, “Nonsense! Call the Education Bureau right now! I want to know if your school policy is reasonable!”

The disciplinary director dared not defy Li Chao’s demand and reluctantly dialed a number on the phone.

Upon hearing that a supervisor from the district office would come to handle the matter, he felt a bit relieved.

Yet deep down, he knew this case would not end well.

He cast a cold sneer at Li Chao, convinced that the Education Bureau would not rule fairly. After all, the principal had long cultivated ties with the bureau’s officials.

He thought it laughable that Li Chao foolishly expected help from above.

When the officials arrived, there would be no escape. They could easily pin fabricated charges of intentional injury or provoking trouble, enough to lock him up for a while.

Despite this, Li Chao showed no sign of panic.

He knew that in this era, it was all too easy for those with power to oppress ordinary folk, but he also believed that justice would eventually prevail.

The commotion at the disciplinary office attracted many onlookers, who whispered among themselves.

Some sympathized with Peng Xue’s punishment, saying she often bullied others.

Others worried that Li Chao might face repercussions, lamenting how powerless people these days could only endure hardship silently.

After a while, two cars arrived from a distance—one from the law enforcement team, the other marked with the Education Bureau’s insignia.

Five law enforcers and three Education Bureau officials stepped out.

At the forefront was Director Chen, whom they had met the previous night at the Jiangshan Hotel.

The school principal hurried over from afar, offering cigarettes while complaining to Director Chen, describing Li Chao’s actions as “extremely brutal” and “malicious.”

Director Chen did not immediately respond but gestured for the principal to calm down before approaching Li Chao to ascertain the facts.

“This is a school! How dare anyone commit assault here!” the law enforcement leader declared, emphasizing that such hooligans must not be tolerated.

He reassured Principal Peng not to worry, promising to investigate the situation after hearing both sides.

Then he turned to Director Chen, mentioning that the dispute involved school regulations and fees, hoping Chen could stall the other party while they formulated a plan.

Chen nodded subtly to Principal Peng.

This adult education institute had been approved by Chen himself, who had also taken his share of bribes. Naturally, he intended to smooth things over.

After all, the hand that feeds you is not easily bitten.

The group walked toward the office.

Seeing reinforcements arrive, Peng Xue perked up, shouting, “Dad! This bastard hit me! Detain him! You must arrest him!”

Before she finished, Li Chao casually tossed a book at her, striking her face and causing her nose and mouth to bleed.

Witnessing such defiance right before her eyes, Principal Peng trembled with fury, shouting, “Everyone saw this, right? Such arrogance, blatant disregard for the law! He must be severely punished this time!”

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What neither Principal Peng nor the disciplinary director realized was that Director Chen’s nerves had instantly tightened upon spotting Li Chao.

His face paled, filled with awe and unease.

Silently, he exclaimed, “Good heavens! It’s him!”

The night before at the Jiangshan Hotel banquet, Chen had encountered Li Chao and knew well the young man’s formidable identity and background.

Others might be ignorant, but Chen was acutely aware of how fearsome Li Chao was.

The reception Li Chao received from Director Ren and the accompaniment of Huaxi martial arts master Liang Meng were not honors Chen dared to provoke lightly.

Recognizing Chen, Li Chao smiled and said, “Director Chen, you came just in time! Help me settle this! My sister wanted to learn properly, but she was beaten and now faces expulsion without a refund. Is the school’s conduct reasonable?”

Both Principal Peng and the disciplinary director sneered, thinking, “Don’t you know Chen is on our side? You really think you can reason with us? How naive!”

Yet Chen wiped sweat from his brow and declared, “Unreasonable! Absolutely unreasonable! A school is meant to educate, not foster violence. Rest assured, we will handle this seriously and give you a satisfactory answer!”

That single address—“you”—sent a chill through everyone present.

Principal Peng and the disciplinary director stared in disbelief, unable to fathom Chen siding so openly with Li Chao.

Chen’s sudden shift turned the tide instantly.

They had expected to rely on Chen’s ties to easily silence Li Chao, but now it was clear the matter was far more complicated.

No one had anticipated that the Education Bureau’s Chen would show such respect to this young man.

Still dazed, Principal Peng approached and tentatively said, “Director Chen, we’re the ones who were assaulted! Are you sure you’ve got it right?”

Chen inwardly cursed, wishing to kick Peng away.

He sneered, “When were you assaulted? I didn’t see it. Besides, hasn’t your school faced numerous complaints over the years?”

Then he turned to the law enforcement leader, “Captain Shen, Peng Jinlin here is a habitual offender with many past complaints. Now he’s showing no remorse. This is a good opportunity to investigate thoroughly and provide an explanation to the public.”

Principal Peng couldn’t believe his ears. He anxiously protested, “Director Chen, you can’t do this! Over the years, I’ve given plenty of—”

Before he finished, Chen kicked him to the ground and warned through clenched teeth, “Peng Jinlin, think carefully before you speak! False accusations have consequences!”

Peng opened his mouth several times but couldn’t utter a word.

Shocked and confused, he couldn’t understand Chen’s sudden harshness.

From his perspective, it was obvious Chen feared the young man before them.

To appease Li Chao’s wrath, Chen was willing to sacrifice himself on the spot.

Peng knew that as long as he kept quiet, things might be okay. But once the Education Bureau’s connections were dragged out, he would be the first to suffer.

So Principal Peng was taken away by law enforcement.

Before leaving, he cast a confused, wary glance at Li Chao, still baffled by this young man’s true identity and power.

Liu Dan stood by Li Chao, feeling numb.

She sensed that Li Chao could handle anything, as if there was no problem in the world he couldn’t solve.

If something really couldn’t be handled, that would be abnormal.

When the law enforcement took Principal Peng away, the crowd outside erupted.

Everyone had expected the young man seeking justice to suffer, but instead, he had managed to detain the principal.

The reversal shocked all present.

Director Chen kept Li Chao’s number and promised to report back with the outcome within a few hours.

Seeing Chen’s respectful demeanor, Liu Dan was further convinced that Li Chao was no ordinary person.

Since Liu Dan wasn’t attending school temporarily, Li Chao suggested they go out for lunch.

Afterward, they strolled through the nearby streets, savoring a rare moment of leisure.

After a while, they came upon a cinema.

Li Chao glanced over and smiled, “Dan, how about a movie?”

Liu Dan blushed, responding shyly, “Aren’t cinemas usually for couples? Would it be awkward for just the two of us?”

Li Chao chuckled, “No one else is here. We can just pretend we’re a couple! Come on.”

He took her hand and led her inside.

They chose a soon-to-start romance film and bought popcorn and drinks before entering the screening room.

There weren’t many people, mostly couples.

They sat according to their tickets, ready to enjoy the romantic atmosphere.

Nearby was a young couple who, upon noticing Li Chao and Liu Dan, deliberately moved seven or eight seats away, creating space.

Li Chao wondered what that meant. Did they dislike him? That didn’t seem right.

He said nothing, quietly awaiting the film.

After a few minutes, the lights dimmed and the movie began.

The plot was engaging and immersive. Within minutes, the leads shared an intimate scene.

Though toned down, the theater was filled with a particular charged atmosphere.

As the story progressed, the mood intensified.

Li Chao glanced around and noticed several couples subtly mimicking what they saw.

In the darkened room, with some distance, no one could clearly see what others were doing.

Yet they did not realize Li Chao was an exception.

Since practicing the Star Body Tempering Technique, his perception far exceeded ordinary people.

Even here, he could clearly observe the surroundings.

The young couple who had moved away were particularly restless; the young man was already fondling his partner.

Others were less bold but still kept their hands and mouths busy.

Seated among them, Li Chao couldn’t help but recall chaotic battle scenes from movies, only this was a close-up, real-life “spectacle.”

He mused quietly, “This is what true close-up viewing looks like! Hah!”

The movie seemed to affect Liu Dan as well; sensing Li Chao’s shifting aura, she slowly leaned closer and softly called, “Xiao Chao.”

Li Chao shivered, replying, “What is it?”

Liu Dan glanced around then whispered something in his ear.

Li Chao immediately lost his composure, lowering his head to murmur, “Dan, you’re turning bad too!”

Liu Dan blushed, feeling shy.

Honestly, she never would have dared this before.

But now, since everyone else was the same, it was understood without words.

After the film ended, Liu Dan freshened up in the restroom, her face glowing red.

Inside she hadn’t felt it, but stepping out, she realized how bold she had been.

Still, the thrill was undeniable.

Just as they left the theater, Liu Dan’s phone rang.

The Education Bureau called, informing her that Principal Peng Jinlin was being investigated for corruption, bribery, and abuse of power, and had been sent for official review. The school’s affairs would be temporarily managed by the newly appointed vice principal.

At the same time, Peng Xue faced multiple charges and was in custody.

As for the assault incident involving Li Chao, the bureau made no mention.

They then asked Liu Dan whether she intended to continue her studies or request a refund.

After consulting Liu Dan, Li Chao confirmed she wished to continue, since there were few financial schools in Huaxi City.

After hanging up, Li Chao respected Liu Dan’s wishes and escorted her back to school.

The newly promoted vice principal and the bald disciplinary director personally greeted them, bowing low in utmost humility.

Unaware observers might have thought a high-ranking official was visiting.

In truth, they knew very well that Li Chao’s few words had toppled the once untouchable principal.

Anyone who dared offend him further would be courting death.

Once Liu Dan was settled, Li Chao received a call from Liu Zhenhua, summoning him to Liu Corporation for an urgent matter.

Li Chao agreed and drove off in Liu Lele’s car.

Arriving at Liu Corporation, he parked and strode inside with hands in pockets.

After registering, the receptionist respectfully escorted him to the conference hall.

Inside sat seven or eight people.

Liu Zhenhua occupied the center seat, flanked by Liang Meng and Liu Lele, with Director Xiao also present.

The others varied—some menacing, clearly not benign; others dignified, clearly from aristocratic families like Director Xiao.

Upon seeing Li Chao, Liu Zhenhua smiled warmly, “The little miracle doctor has arrived! Please sit.”

Liang Meng and Director Xiao greeted him as well.

The rest eyed Li Chao curiously, puzzled by his identity.

They speculated about the man who commanded such respect from Liu Zhenhua, Liang Meng, and Director Xiao.

After all, those seated here were prominent figures in Huaxi City.

Yet Li Chao was a stranger to them.

While some corporate leaders tolerated the unfamiliarity, the fierce-looking man known as Zhou Lao San rapped the table disdainfully and asked, “Young man, I don’t recognize you. Where have you been hanging around?”

Zhou Lao San was the top gangster of the southern Huaxi City. Even Xie Long from Kaiyuan County respectfully called him “Third Master.”

He was used to others waiting on him, not the other way around, and found this situation irritating.

Li Chao smiled, “I’m just a village doctor, new to Huaxi.”

“A village doctor?” Zhou Lao San burst into laughter, then turned to Liu Zhenhua, “Boss Liu, does a village doctor qualify to attend meetings of this caliber?”

Liu Zhenhua furrowed his brow and barked, “Lao San, he’s no ordinary village doctor! Show some respect!”

But Liu Zhenhua’s words held no sway with the unruly Zhou Lao San.

He stared at Li Chao and said, “Even if he’s extraordinary, he’s still a village doctor! Everyone here is a big shot! If you can’t show something impressive today, don’t blame me for disrespecting Boss Liu and tossing you out!”

Liu Zhenhua’s brow tightened further, his expression dark.

He was about to speak when Li Chao beat him to it.

In a blink, Li Chao appeared before Zhou Lao San, effortlessly catching his raised fist with one hand.