Song Ci entered the restroom, locked the door behind him, and meticulously inspected every corner of the room.

According to the dossier he had received on Xu Kai, the man had peculiar fetishes and highly chaotic intimate relationships. It wasn't entirely impossible for him to do something completely devoid of a bottom line, like installing hidden cameras in the restroom.

After repeatedly confirming there were no pinhole cameras or listening devices, Song Ci called Chang Qing back.
The phone only rang once before it was immediately answered.

"Mr. Song?" Over the phone, Chang Qing exchanged a few polite pleasantries with him before getting to the point: "Psychological counseling requires long-term persistence. Given your current situation, I suggest that no matter how busy you are, you must set aside two days a week for regular sessions. I would like to confirm with you, which days of the week are you usually free? What works best for you?"

The psychiatrist's tone over the phone was steady, and the words "works best for you" were not deliberately emphasized. To an outsider listening in, it genuinely sounded like nothing more than a psychologist scheduling regular follow-up appointments with Song Ci.

Standing in front of the sink, Song Ci turned the imported crystal faucet on to the maximum. Instantly, the rushing sound of water provided an additional layer of cover.

"Mm, it's a good time. I'm alone."
The moment he finished speaking, a rustling sound came from the other end.

Shen Ting knew Chang Qing was handing the phone to someone else.

Soon, Sun Ruohai's voice sounded: "Shen Ting, we found 'Zombie' in Chen Feng's home. His death is highly likely connected to this. The organization attaches immense importance to this discovery. As of now, this case has been classified as a branch case of your operation."

Shen Ting pursed his lips. After a few seconds of silence, he asked, "What do you need me to cooperate with?"

"You need to constantly monitor the progress of the case and investigate whether Chen Feng's death has any connection to Song Shi's side. Additionally, Director Yan and I both agree that you need help. We have already selected several elites in the fields of criminal investigation and anti-narcotics locally in Jianghu City to form a special operations squad to assist your investigation."

Seeing his own reflection in the bathroom mirror, Shen Ting frowned slightly upon hearing this news.

He didn't think this decision by his superiors was particularly wise.

"I believe that prematurely and excessively interacting with the police is detrimental to concealing my identity."

"I had concerns about this initially as well. However, the Song family operates in the offline entertainment industry, which includes KTVs, hot spring clubs, and other similar venues. This industry is quite special—it's a mixed bag of people from all walks of life, where dragons and snakes mingle✦ translator's noteWhere dragons and snakes mingle (龙蛇混杂): A Chinese idiom used to describe a place or situation where good and bad people, or people of all different backgrounds, are mixed together.. Song Shi himself has some connections with quite a few local municipal leaders.
"Otherwise, how could a mere secretary like Lin Huo bail Song Ci out after he caused a scene on an airplane with just a few phone calls?
"Now that Song Ci is back in the country, aside from a bunch of shady friends he eats, drinks, and plays with, he basically has no reliable connections.
"Let's assume Lin Huo genuinely wants to help Song Ci secure his position. But the others in the company definitely won't be willing to let an incompetent nobody like Song Ci parachute in and take away the goose that lays the golden eggs.
"Historically, Song Shi was indeed the primary controller of this company. But in business, succession isn't guaranteed by bloodline alone. In their line of work, they believe more than anyone else in the principle that 'more friends mean more paths.' Therefore, Lin Huo might not necessarily object to Song Ci getting close to the police."

To hide the Yin within the Yang, rather than opposing the Yang.
True secrets are often hidden in plain sight. Doing things openly and magnanimously to the extreme paradoxically becomes the most covert form of concealment.
The implication behind these words was that the state was parachuting a "protective umbrella" down for him, ordering him to act out "collusion between government officials and businessmen" by imperial decree.

Hearing Shen Ting give a hum of agreement on the other end, Sun Ruohai continued: "Finding 'Zombie' in Chen Feng's house implicates many issues. You should also ask around and see if there are any other public officials who have overly close ties with the Song family."

"Are you implying that the higher-ups have already concluded the victim himself was corrupt?"

This was the most direct rhetorical question possible, but Sun Ruohai didn't give a direct answer. He only said, "I am a police officer; I only believe in evidence. The current situation is that 'Zombie' was found in Chen Feng's home." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "And on the outer packaging of the drugs, there was only his fingerprint."
The implication was crystal clear.

Shen Ting retorted, "I do not believe this alone is enough to prove Chen Feng was corrupt."

Sun Ruohai knew that Chen Feng and Shen Ting's father, Shen Zhi, shared a deep friendship.

The two had been roommates at the police academy. Because both were handsome and scored highly in their specialties, they were leading figures at Yanjing Public Security University. Back in the day, along with another senior majoring in cybersecurity named Mu Mingsheng, they were known as the "Three Musketeers" of the university.

After graduation, Mu Mingsheng chose to study overseas, while Chen Feng and Shen Zhi entered the public security system together, becoming comrades-in-arms who fought side by side.

In the years following Shen Zhi's death, his widowed wife and orphaned son received no small amount of care from Chen Feng.

Sun Ruohai sighed. "These are just speculations; we still need to continue investigating. Shen Ting, you have to find the truth yourself. Tomorrow, your Vice Captain, Chen Cong, will contact you directly..."

The two discussed the mission a bit further.

Finally, Sun Ruohai said, "Regarding your father's death, there have been a lot of false discussions online recently. The cyber police department is already handling it. We will not allow anyone to slander a former hero..."

Before hanging up the phone, Sun Ruohai heard a quiet "Thank you."
By the time he fully registered it, the line had already disconnected.
This sudden and extremely concise expression of gratitude almost made one think it was a hallucination.

Sun Ruohai looked at the screen indicating the call had ended and couldn't help but curve his lips into a smile.

What a stubborn yet endearing young man.

When Song Ci returned from the restroom, he didn't see Xu Kai at the gambling table. After looking around, he finally spotted him on the sofa in front of the television.

In just the dozen or so minutes he was gone, Xu Kai, his face flushed red from drinking, already had a beauty in his arms. He held a glass of red wine in one hand while wrapping his other arm around a young woman.

Although the TV in front of them was on and the movie was reaching its climax, the two "viewers" only cared about holding each other and whispering sweet nothings. Clearly, the drinker's heart was not in the cup✦ translator's noteThe drinker's heart is not in the cup (醉翁之意不在酒): A famous Chinese idiom meaning someone has an ulterior motive or a hidden agenda..

Song Ci originally planned to find another corner to stay in by himself. Unexpectedly, although Xu Kai was flirting, he wasn't fully focused. Seeing Song Ci come out of the restroom, he immediately waved enthusiastically: "Brother Ci! Come sit here!" His tongue was thick; he had probably drunk quite a bit more.

Only when Song Ci got closer did he see that the young woman in his arms was quite beautiful.
She had a classic oval face with fair, delicate skin; even from this distance, her pores were invisible. Her expressive eyes overflowed with tender affection, as if filled with water. She was very slender, but exceptionally well-endowed where it counted—a stunner who perfectly balanced purity and sex appeal.

Even someone like Song Ci, who rarely paid attention to domestic entertainment news, found her extremely familiar, though he couldn't recall her name for a moment.

He took the wine glass Xu Kai handed him and casually sat on the single sofa to their left.

On the screen currently playing the movie, the female lead was crying, her tears falling like rain on pear blossoms✦ translator's noteTears falling like rain on pear blossoms (梨花带雨): A poetic Chinese idiom used to describe a beautiful woman crying gracefully..
Song Ci suddenly remembered: the woman in Xu Kai's arms was named Xiao Xinyu. She was a highly popular little flower✦ translator's noteLittle flower (小花): Slang in the Chinese entertainment industry for a young, popular, and rising female actress. who had risen to fame by starring in a New Year's blockbuster directed by top-tier domestic director Ma Dagang in early 2019.

Song Ci had seen that New Year's film. The story followed a male university professor who had been abducted and trafficked as a child. Although he was successful in his career as an adult, he carried eternal psychological trauma. In the end, through his relationship with his lover, he found spiritual salvation.

Though it was a commercial film, because it was directed by a master, the texture and pacing were controlled exceptionally well. The theme of the film was also deeply profound, centering entirely on the concept that "love can heal trauma."

Good director, good script, plus the fact that the lead actor, Lu Xinghe, had personally experienced being abducted and rescued as a child... During the film's promotional phase, the sheer gimmick of "acting his true life" earned the movie massive buzz.
Even before it was released, the film had already sparked waves of heated discussion.

After its release, its reputation exploded. It won countless awards and its box office shattered the highest records for domestic films. It was a rare masterpiece in recent years that achieved both critical acclaim and box office success.

Relying on this single film, Lu Xinghe and Xiao Xinyu, who won Best Actor and Best Actress at such young ages, naturally became the most prominent artists of 2019.

Yet, this Best Actress—who enjoyed boundless glory in front of the cameras—was, in Xu Kai's eyes, nothing more than a slightly prettier plaything that the whole country happened to recognize.

"Come, let me introduce you. This is my best brother! The young master of Tiandihui, Song Ci."

Song Ci nodded at the smiling woman, considering that a greeting.

As if to prove that he and Song Ci really were incredibly tight, Xu Kai tightened his arm around her and traced a circle near the neckline of her dress with unruly fingers: "Tonight, Brother Ci and I are booking you entirely. You better put in some effort and make sure both of us are served well and happy, understand?"

Xiao Xinyu's smile stiffened. However, because Xu Kai was investing in her next film—which she had just signed the contract for—she couldn't directly fall out with him. Having no choice but to take a roundabout approach, she said tactfully, "I alone don't have that kind of ability! How about I call up a few of my pretty girlfriends to join us?"

Song Ci couldn't be bothered to entertain Xu Kai's madness. He was getting a headache from the pitiful crying sounds coming from the TV. Picking up the remote from the table, he exited the movie.

Seeing Song Ci sit back on the sofa with an indifferent expression and even turn off the movie she starred in, Xiao Xinyu was terrified that her tactful refusal had offended him. She carefully tried to salvage the situation: "I didn't mean anything else. I was just afraid that if I didn't do a good job, it would ruin the mood."

Hearing this, Song Ci remained seated without moving. He merely raised an eyebrow slightly, glancing up at her with an intrigued, playful look, a faint, almost imperceptible smile hooking the corner of his mouth.

Xiao Xinyu, who had seen countless handsome men in the entertainment industry, only now realized that the young man sitting before her—unlike the ugly and uneducated Xu Kai—was incredibly dashing and handsome. Smiling coquettishly, she pressed, "Brother Ci, you're not angry, are you?"

Upon hearing this, Song Ci straightened his back and shifted into a forward-leaning posture. His slender fingers interlaced and rested between his knees, instantly bringing him much closer to her.

"Me? I never get angry with beautiful women."

With Song Ci sitting like this, Xiao Xinyu was suddenly wedged right between him and Xu Kai.

Facing Song Ci's face, a thought suddenly sprouted in her mind. If she could actually have something happen with a man who looked like this, then even if Xu Kai was added to the mix, it wouldn't be considered a loss for her.

This thought made Xiao Xinyu's breathing slow down slightly. An undercurrent of ambiguity instantly surged through the air. She even proactively leaned her lips closer, anticipating that in the next second, Song Ci wouldn't be able to resist giving her a deep kiss.

But Song Ci didn't keep his eyes on her for long. Instead, he looked past her body to glare at Xu Kai, who was half-lying on the sofa with only one arm draped over her shoulder.

Caught between drunkenness and sobriety, Xu Kai was glared at by Song Ci and instantly remembered Song Ci's "hidden affliction."
He immediately yanked his hand off Xiao Xinyu's shoulder, sat up straight, pressed his palms together, and sincerely apologized to Song Ci: "I forgot! I forgot! Sorry about that, brother!"

Unable to understand what kind of riddle the two of them were playing at, Xiao Xinyu could only sit there exuding charm, continuing to smile agreeably.

According to the rules of the underworld, although Xu Kai could joke about Song Ci's "dysfunction" in front of their own people, he couldn't make his brother lose face in front of a woman. Attempting to mend the fold after the sheep had bolted✦ translator's noteMend the fold after the sheep has bolted (亡羊补牢): A Chinese idiom meaning to take action to prevent further loss or fix a mistake after it has already happened., he spouted some nonsense: "Brother Kai was just messing with you. Your Brother Ci is pure as snow. He recently converted to a religion and absolutely refuses to engage in premarital sex!"

Clueless, Xiao Xinyu smiled and chimed in, thinking to herself that she had managed to escape the disaster of a "two-on-one."

Yet out of the corner of her eye, she couldn't help but continuously steal glances at Song Ci, who had already distanced himself from her and was staring intently at the TV. Deep down, she felt a faint sense of regret.

Not wanting to further stimulate the "impotent" Song Ci, Xu Kai quickly pulled Xiao Xinyu into a private room.

Bored, Song Ci clicked through the remote, switching from variety shows to movies, and finally just settling on the local news.
Just as he was contemplating whether he should just say his goodbyes and leave early tonight...

He suddenly saw a familiar face on the screen.

Jianghu City was the economic center of the country. A vicious cop-killing case occurring in such a super-tier-one city naturally attracted the attention of media outlets nationwide.
At this moment, only one day had passed since the murder took place.

Consequently, as Song Ci flipped through several channels, he found that almost eighty percent of the social news programs were providing comprehensive, follow-up coverage of this case.

And it was in one of these news reports that he saw that person's face.

Tomorrow will still be an early update after midnight!
Thank you to all the cuties reading the story! See you in the comments section~

Where dragons and snakes mingle (龙蛇混杂): A Chinese idiom used to describe a place or situation where good and bad people, or people of all different backgrounds, are mixed together.

The drinker's heart is not in the cup (醉翁之意不在酒): A famous Chinese idiom meaning someone has an ulterior motive or a hidden agenda.

Tears falling like rain on pear blossoms (梨花带雨): A poetic Chinese idiom used to describe a beautiful woman crying gracefully.

Little flower (小花): Slang in the Chinese entertainment industry for a young, popular, and rising female actress.

Mend the fold after the sheep has bolted (亡羊补牢): A Chinese idiom meaning to take action to prevent further loss or fix a mistake after it has already happened.