Chapter 216: Manman never learns.
Morning sunlight spilled across the long dining table, where the Shen family and Liwu had gathered for breakfast. Someone in the family was celebrating an event, but Liwu couldn’t recall what it was. All she knew was that there was cake, strudels and lots of steamed buns in addition to other foods.
Her mind was occupied with the deaths of Qin Yifei and Liang Shunhua. The news of their deaths was everywhere, on television, in newspapers, even at their table. People were on their phones, following latest updates on social media.
Two powerful me gone in less than a day! Conspiracies were flying faster than birds in the air.
President Tai Alix, the formidable president of the SOB was addressing the press. She, and the minister for transport and others related to the matter where sitting around a table, in a conference room. Alix was at the head position, her commanding even over the voices of the many reporters.
"These tragedies," she declared, "remind us of the dangers of unchecked technology. No aircraft should rely entirely on a smart system to operate. We train pilots to fly planes, so they should be allowed to do their job. At least, they should monitor and check for discrepancies. As for self driving cars, while they are safer than the planes, they are not infallible.
Yes, they are efficient and reduce human error, according to studies. But, they are vulnerable to sabotage. These systems can malfunction.
But blame for these deaths does not fall solely on technology. The bureau has discovered that both men were involved in the negotiation and forceful acquisition of some mines in Myanmar which made them targets for an armed group.
Investigations are still ongoing but for now, there is some evidence to support the possibility of their transportation smart systems being hacked. As the bureau, we promise to put more guards in place to monitor all new technology. More oversight. More accountability."
Her words carried weight, but Liwu noticed Mr. Shen staring blankly at his tea, while Madam Xu wrung her hands.
"We invested in such tech recently," Mr. Shen frowned. "Won’t this affect the company?"
Madam Xu snorted. "Two powerful men dead within minutes of each other. There has to be more to the story than hacking and mining conflicts. Didn’t Chen Guowei get into some kind of accident too?"
The family murmured theories.
Then came to sound. A loud crush followed by furious honking.
Everyone froze. Liwu’s instincts flared. She rushed to the window, her husband closed behind. Outside, chaos unfolded.
Manman was back to visit! Her car had rammed straight into Liwu’s own vehicle, but only her car was damaged. The hood had crumpled like paper. Liwu’s car was barely dented. Manman was out of the driver’s seat now, wielding a bat, smashing it against the windshield with determination.
The guards and servants were watching her from the sides, because Liwu had strictly instructed them never to interfere when the woman was causing chaos.
As angry as Manman was, her silence system had her in a choke hold. She could not scream and vent like she wished.
Inside, the family erupted. Aunties shrieked, cousins gasped, brothers raced downstairs.
Yuening muttered, "This girl again? She is like a bad dumpling, keeps coming back no matter how many times you throw her out."
Liwu chuckled, folding her arms. "You have to give her credit, because she is really committed. She can see that her efforts are not bringing results but she refuses to stop. If she thinks she can break Bureau grade windows with a bat, she is dumber than Weifeng."
Weijun shook his head. "Why is she focused on you? You have never done anything to her."
"She arrested her." An aunt commented.
Liwu sighed, pulling her handcuffs from her belt. "Time to clock in for work."
She strode outside, calm as ever. Manman swung the bat again, sweat dripping down her forehead. She she saw Liwu, her eyes and mouth widened, but the silence system kept her screams muted.
Liwu raised an eyebrow. "You know, if you wanted attention, you could’ve sent a text. Less property damage. At this rate, you are going to spend all your life savings on me."
Manman swung the bat at Liwu instead. Liwu sidestepped easily, catching her wrist, twisting it just enough to make her drop the weapon. In one smooth motion, Liwu snapped the handcuffs onto her wrists.
"Congratulations," Liwu said dryly, "You are under arrest. Again. At this point, I should start a loyalty card program for you. Ten arrests, one free coffee. Or a shopping voucher. I can’t decide which is better. What would you prefer?"
Weijun pitched in from the side, "You should charge admission."
Manman glared at them. What she couldn’t say with her mouth, her eyes conveyed perfectly. She struggled against Liwu’ hold.
Liwu leaned in, voice low. "You have caused enough trouble. I guess meditation is not working like Weifeng hoped. Next time, try knitting. Less jail time."
The gates swung open, and Weifeng’s car drove in. He jumped out of the backseat before it could be parked. His eyes widened at the sight of his girlfriend in handcuffs. "Tai Liwu," he screamed, "Wasn’t it enough for you to arrest my girlfriend once and humiliate her? Why are you doing it again? What has she done to you?"
Liwu pointed to the two cars. "She crushed her car into mine deliberately. Maybe she was trying to murder me, or maybe she just wanted to destroy something that belonged to me. But either way, she has committed a crime. This is a bureau assigned vehicle, she has damaged government property. It is a crime."
Weifeng scoffed. He looked at the two cars. One was in perfectly good condition while the Benz he bought for Manman was in ruins! He looked at his girlfriend who was in tears, shaking her head in denial and the smug Liwu, who looked proud. "Sister-in-law, look a this damage. Even if Manman hit your car, she has made a bigger loss. Your car is not scratched at all. Can’t you let this go? Why are you always arresting her? Is this revenge against us because I didn’t marry you?"
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