That's all. We've got to go now, and I'll leave the rest to you two." Kevin ordered. He wasn't worried that they would cheat on him and send their sons back home after he left. He was confident that they would obey him since he had been talking tough.
"That's what we should do, Major General. We are so sorry to have troubled you and wasted your time," Mr. Yi said, grovelling to Kevin. He spoke in the humblest tone as he had never done before. Thus, it wasn't hard to imagine how much pent-up anger he would release after Kevin left. He couldn't go against Kevin, nor did he dare to be too critical with the mayor's son. Nonetheless, he could surely take it all out on others.
That's very kind of you, Mr. Yi. How about this? You can report their performance to me every day during their detention. That way, I will know whether they are truly reflecting on their mistakes. Would that help relieve some of your guilt?" Playfulness was in Kevin's voice when he asked. He had already turned away but Mr. Yi's huge display of politeness had him curiously turn back. Thus, he took his time to tease them. Besides, it was a good idea to assure that they wouldn't practice favoritism as that would give him an overview of what was going on. Mr. Yi wouldn't have a choice but to do as he said. Nonetheless, Kevin would know whether they were being lenient to the young guys regardless if they planned to rebel against his command secretly anyway.
"Well... it's..." Mr. Yi became a bit hesitant. As a matter of fact, he did plan to just go through the motions. However, Kevin's words seemed to serve as a warning to him and hinted that he should never dream about playing any tricks on him behind his back. His plan proved infeasible.
"What's wrong? Can't you do it?" A wicked smile cracked Kevin's lips. He knew those cunning old foxes too well, thus this idea. He hoped to at least humble these unscrupulous officials a bit by doing this.
"No, no. That is not what I mean. Of course, I can do it." Mr. Yi hastened to explain. He would never admit how difficult it was to do as he was ordered at the moment. He wouldn't dare to enrage Kevin more than this.
Awesome! I'll get out of your way then. See you soon," Kevin said, his eyes roaming over their faces. Kevin was a nice person in general but he had to show a tougher face today since these people reached his limit.
"Goodbye, Major General, take care," the two officials replied together and then bowed. They were afraid to show any resentment even after Kevin had turned his back to them.
"Babe, take all of your valuables out of your car. I will drive you back in mine, okay?" said Kevin affectionately as soon as he faced Leena. It was almost magical how he turned into a different person completely within a span of a few seconds. His stoic face was suddenly full of love and tenderness as he looked at his wife. Everyone else stood aghast when they heard him say those soft words. 'That mood change was monumentally quick!' they all thought. At the same time, Mr. Yi and Mr. Wang came to realize just how displeased Kevin was earlier. Compared to how he looked right now, his image earlier couldn't be tougher. This silently signaled them of how greatly he was offended. Thus, they had to be very careful not to upset him anymore in the days ahead.
Okay, I get it." Leena nodded and got into the car. After taking the bags out, she turned and smiled apologetically at Mr. Yi and the others. She then left with Kevin. She had behaved properly throughout the scenario and displayed her elegance, reservedness, and composure as a decent official's wife. She had stood aside with respect while Kevin was confronting them instead of interrupting her husband.
"You guys, mind your manner and stand properly!" Mr. Yi finally snapped as soon as Kevin's military car was out of sight.
"Dad, you're not going to put us into detention, are you? I don't want to spend the night there, I want to sleep on my bed," grumbled one of the guys. As soon as Kevin left, he instantly went back to his old self and leaned against the car door with a scornful look. Such an extravagant idler!
"I'm afraid that it's not up to you. Didn't you hear me? Stand up straight and stop acting like a hooligan!" Mr. Yi yelled at him this time. He couldn't believe that his own son had grown into such a useless man. Rather than become a law-abiding person, he turned into a racketeer at such a young age. Could anyone believe that the chief of the Public Security Bureau's son had committed crimes? What a shame!
"Alright, alright, I will. There's no need to bite my head off." The young man then rose up with resignation while rolling his eyes. Seeing him still act like a total bum, Mr. Yi fumed with anger. So it was true when people said, "Spare the rod, spoil the child". Mr. Yi now regretted about not paying enough attention to disciplining and educating his son. It might have been his fault that the guy was going nowhere.
"Calm down, Mr. Yi. It's no use getting angry now. We'd better follow Major General's orders. We've got no other choice, you see. Besides, it's about time that these little assholes learn their lessons, lest they never mend their way," comforted Mr. Wang and sighed. It was his wife who took responsibility for their children's discipline. What an epic fail! It seemed that she had spoiled their son too much. Thus, he grew out to be rude and rebellious.