The Family Traditions of the Ren Family

The Ren family's tradition has always been like this.

I can "bully" my own family, but outsiders can't.

When I do it, it's just playful banter and teasing.

But if outsiders try it, they're bullying the entire Ren family.

That's why,

Ren's Mother usually scolds Old Cao like he's nothing, yet she can't stand to see outsiders bully him.

No matter who they are!

Not even a dirty look is allowed.

"President Ren."

"Don't call me President Ren. You can address me as Ren or even 'suspect'—I certainly don’t deserve the title of President Ren." Ren's Mother crossed her legs, leaning back on the sofa with a frosty expression.

The law enforcement officers broke into a cold sweat.

A staff member from the embassy chimed in.

"Ms. Ren, please don’t misunderstand. We’re just here to gather information."

"Oh? Is this how you gather information? Seven cars, over twenty people, three different departments—the Foreign Affairs Office, the Municipal Police Bureau, and the Judiciary—all here for an inquisition? Must be some earth-shattering case! Anyone would think I’ve committed some major crime. And you even forbid my husband from laughing in his own home?" Ren's Mother scoffed.

"No, no, that’s not it..."

Ren's Mother knew when to back down—she wasn’t about to escalate things unnecessarily.

She just wanted to make her stance clear.

If there’s an issue, address it properly.

Don’t treat us like criminals under interrogation.

Otherwise, I won’t hesitate to make a scene.

...

Soon, Ren's Mother and Old Cao got the full picture.

Ren's Mother said, "Boss Jin was beaten last night? Well, sorry to disappoint, but we didn’t leave the house. The residential complex and our courtyard’s surveillance footage is available if you need it for your investigation."

The foreign affairs officer added, "The other party claims it was a hired attack."

Ren's Mother smiled. "You can take our phones and computers too. Check the recent call logs—it’ll be obvious whether we hired anyone."

"But—"

Her smile vanished. "Without evidence, if anyone dares to threaten or slander us, I don’t care if they’re foreigners or if the embassy pressures me—I won’t let it slide."

"So, do your job, and I’ll cooperate. But that’s all it is—cooperation. Not an excuse for you to blockade my home, restrict my freedom, or interrogate us."

"Ms. Ren, you’ve misunderstood. We’re not restricting or interrogating you."

"I hope so. With so many people at my doorstep, I was scared, so I might’ve spoken harshly. I hope you’ll understand."

"If there’s nothing else, I won’t keep you."

The group left.

Truthfully,

Ren's Mother was a little nervous—otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so sharp-tongued. As a seasoned businesswoman, she knew the value of keeping things amicable.

Under normal circumstances, she’d never clash with authorities.

She genuinely thought Old Cao might’ve secretly hired someone.

So,

she put on a strong front to make them think twice—a classic case of bluster masking unease.

Once they took the surveillance footage and devices,

she turned to Old Cao urgently. "Did you hire someone to beat up Boss Jin?"

Old Cao was stunned. "No! You know me—I’m not that kind of person."

Ren's Mother studied his expression and sighed in relief. "Really?"

"Really. Don’t you trust me?"

"Good."

She chose to believe him, then frowned. "Then who hurt Boss Jin?"

"Who cares? Whoever it was, they’re definitely a good person." Old Cao laughed.

Ren's Mother rolled her eyes. "You scared me for a second—I really thought it was you."

Old Cao grew affectionate. "Relax. All I want now is to grow old peacefully with you. A little jealousy, a few underhanded tricks—fine. But I’d never break the law. I wouldn’t want you left a widow."

"Ugh, stop it." Ren's Mother chided.

...

The case was straightforward.

Soon,

the investigators pieced it together.

Two middle-aged men fought over a middle-aged woman, nearly coming to blows at a restaurant. Then Old Cao "accidentally" knocked out two of Boss Jin’s teeth.

Up to that point, it was all fairly normal.

Even if Old Cao seemed a little deliberate, he insisted it was an accident—no big deal.

But then, Boss Jin tried to hire thugs for revenge.

At first, Baldy Jin denied it.

But without his admission, the case couldn’t proceed.

Eventually,

he confessed, shouting that he was just furious—at most, it was an attempted assault.

The investigators’ gazes turned icy.

From there, they traced it to Lao Gou, then to Yang Laojiu and the so-called "Mad Dragon and Fierce Tiger"...

And naturally, to Young Master Cao.

Because Young Master Cao had beaten them—three beatings in three days.

Recounting the ordeal, Yang Laojiu wept bitterly, humiliated and resentful. A lifetime in the underworld, and he’d never been so disgraced.

So,

from all the testimonies, it seemed likely that Young Master Cao was behind Boss Jin’s beating—avenging his father?

...

That morning,

Young Master Cao’s home was surrounded.

A servant alerted the family, and Ren's Mother and Old Cao rushed over—a ten-minute drive made in five.

Ren's Mother arrived in a panic,

only to freeze at the sight of her precious son chatting amiably with the officers.

"Mom, why are you here?"

"Such a small matter—no need to trouble yourself."

Cao Cheng stood up.

Ren's Mother eyed the group suspiciously, hiding her confusion behind a smile. "I heard we had guests, so I came to see."

The Deputy Director stood. "President Ren, apologies for the intrusion."

Ren's Mother frowned. "Still about Boss Jin’s beating?"

The Deputy Director nodded. "Yes, but not entirely. Mainly, Mr. Cao recently donated a batch of emergency vehicles to the municipal bureau under his company’s name. The agreement was signed a while ago, and I’m here to express the bureau’s gratitude."

"Incidentally, we also wanted to ask about Boss Jin and the others’ accusations against Mr. Cao."

The donation agreement had been signed,

but the vehicles wouldn’t arrive until next year.

Ren's Mother gave Young Master Cao a surprised look, then smiled and pivoted. "So, what about Boss Jin’s case? Is my son the culprit?"

The Deputy Director shook his head. "Of course not. There’s no evidence, and Mr. Cao never left home or made any suspicious calls. It’s clear someone else was responsible."

Ren's Mother relaxed. "Good. By the way, how’s Boss Jin doing?"

The Deputy Director replied, "He’s currently detained. Since his actions constitute attempted intentional injury, he’ll likely face detention or control. Even as a foreign national, he’ll be held accountable here. The foreign affairs office is handling it."

Old Cao burst out laughing. "Serves him right, trying to hire thugs against me!"

Ren's Mother shot him a glare, and he instantly quieted.

Soon after, the Deputy Director took his leave.

Even if he had his suspicions, without evidence, he wouldn’t say a word more.