Chapter Thirty-Three: Returning to the Police Station

While Lin Hai and Lin Fan were still arguing over a fly, a sports car sped down the street from the far end. With a screech of brakes, a cloud of dust rose over the entire road.

The breakfast stall owner choked on dust, glancing down to find that the white dough on his counter had instantly turned into buckwheat dough. Grabbing his rolling pin, he stormed over.

Lin Hai and Lin Fan also noticed the flashy sports car.

Unhurried, Lin Hai stood up with a grin. “Here comes the one who’s paying. Looks like we’ve saved ourselves a meal. Time to get to work, nephew!”

Lin Fan wiped his mouth, his gaze lingering on the dazzling car. “Who’s this, then?”

“Zhang Yang,” Lin Hai replied. “We agreed last night—he’s supposed to introduce us to a big deal today. Heh.”

Lin Fan stood as well, asking, “When did you make that arrangement? I had no idea.”

“It was while you and your little lapdog were up to no good in your room!” Lin Hai retorted.

“You still dare take jobs he brings you?”

“A loss is a blessing! Besides, who hasn’t stepped in a few piles of dog crap in their life? A real man bends and stretches as needed—as long as there’s money, I’m in.”

Together, they walked toward the sports car.

Lin Fan sighed, “You really live by your principles, don’t you?”

Just then, the car door swung open and Zhang Yang stepped out with his usual flair. He reached into his pocket and stuffed a handful of hundred-yuan bills into the approaching owner’s apron.

“Boss! Your car’s dirty, need a wipe-down?” The breakfast stall owner instantly abandoned his rolling pin, produced a rag, plastered on a sycophantic smile, and bowed repeatedly.

“See that?” Lin Hai whispered. “That’s the allure of money!”

Lin Fan could only sigh, “Life is hard.”

“Good morning, Master! Good morning, young master! I hope I’m not too early—did I interrupt your meal?” Zhang Yang greeted Lin Hai and Lin Fan with a smile.

Lin Hai grinned obsequiously. “Good morning, Young Master Zhang! Your timing is perfect—neither too early nor too late!”

Lin Fan interjected, “That’s right. My uncle’s been waiting for you so long he’s had eight bowls of soy milk—his kidneys are cramping!”

“Shut up! Children shouldn’t interrupt when adults are talking.” Lin Hai shot him a glare before turning back with a smile. “Young Master Zhang, shall we?”

“Of course! Please, Master, young master!” Zhang Yang ushered them into the car, which sped off in another swirl of dust.

“So wealthy, yet he doesn’t buy a better car? Are all rich folk this understated?” The breakfast stall owner remained convinced Zhang Yang was driving a junker.

The trio sped through the city, finally pulling up in front of the police station where Lin Hai and Lin Fan had so recently been detained.

“Uncle! Why are we here again?” Lin Fan’s spirits fell at the sight of the police building.

Lin Hai, however, was full of swagger. “This is my principle: you get up where you fall! I must get my pride back!”

Descending from the car, the three of them walked with heads held high into the administrative area, heading straight for the stairs.

Their faces were unforgettable, and everyone in the police station eyed them warily, wondering why on earth they’d returned. It was clear the trio intended to go upstairs. Several officers at their desks stood up, ready to intervene.

Just then, a middle-aged officer descended the stairs, greeting them with a smile, putting the rest of the officers at ease and forestalling any attempt to restrain the three.

“This way, please!” The officer led them up to the executive offices on the top floor.

Saying nothing, the three followed him into the director’s office.

The office was simply furnished—aside from an old-fashioned sofa, a few swivel chairs, and a desk, there was little else.

Behind the desk, an elderly man was tidying up files. When his secretary brought the three in, he put down the documents, adjusted his glasses, and motioned for them to sit. “Xiao Li, you may go. Please close the door and see to it we’re not disturbed.”

The secretary complied, ensuring the door was firmly shut before taking his leave.

The three immediately recognized the old man—it was none other than the sly fox who’d interrogated them.

“You’re the police chief?” Lin Fan couldn’t help but blurt out.

The old man slipped the documents into a folder and smiled. “Why? Does it not suit me? Is a police chief not allowed to join an interrogation? Let me introduce myself formally: my surname is Zheng, single given name Yi. I currently serve as chief of this bureau. Last time, since you two were suspects, I didn’t reveal my true identity. I hope you’ll forgive me.”

“I knew you weren’t just some ordinary old man, but I underestimated you all the same. Anyone who climbs to your position must be ruthless and cunning beyond belief. Not bad!” Lin Hai nodded, the sarcasm unmistakable.

Sensing the provocation, Zhang Yang hurried to smooth things over. “Chief Zheng, please don’t misunderstand. What the master means is that you’ve surely worked tirelessly and demonstrated unparalleled talent to achieve what you have today. You’re truly an exemplary public servant!”

Chief Zheng remained unbothered, smiling still. “You flatter me, President Zhang! I’m just a meddlesome old man, no different from a street sweeper who can’t stand to see filth in the city. That’s why I thickened my skin to invite the three of you here—to ask your advice on a tricky problem I’ve encountered.”

He wasted no time, getting straight to the point.

“Chief, you’re too polite. As long as we can help, and given the longstanding good relations between your bureau and our Zhang Group, we’ll give our utmost support,” Zhang Yang declared.

Lin Fan was about to speak, but Lin Hai stopped him. “Though my nephew and I are resourceful, there are things a gentleman will and will not do. We won’t engage in anything immoral or harmful for personal gain. On the other hand, we don’t go meddling in worldly affairs just to play the savior. If you want us to help, it depends on the matter and your sincerity.”

There was no beating around the bush—Lin Hai laid his cards on the table.

Lin Fan muttered under his breath, “Isn’t our company’s core competitiveness meant to help people?”

But Lin Hai’s sharp ears caught it. “The hell it is! Don’t we need to eat? Isn’t rice and oil expensive? The world doesn’t need you to save it. Look at these two fine gentlemen—are any of them worse off than you? Who do you think you are? Always talking about saving this or that—people would laugh their teeth out. Save yourself first! Shut your trap!”

Stunned, Lin Fan shrank like a startled rabbit, not daring another word, though he cursed silently, “Old man’s lost his mind! Better not argue with senile fools.”

What Lin Fan didn’t realize was that Lin Hai’s tirade was directed at both Zhang Yang and Chief Zheng.

“Apologies! I was scolding my ignorant disciple and may have spoken harshly. But though my words are rough, the reasoning isn’t. I hope you won’t take offense!” Lin Hai flipped his mood instantly, grinning.

Zhang Yang, used to Lin Hai’s temperament, played along. “The master’s words carry profound meaning—I’m enlightened.”

Chief Zheng coughed awkwardly and said, “Comrade Lin Hai, let’s not beat around the bush. I called you here because we have a particularly challenging case and may need your help. Of course, this won’t be unpaid. If you can help us solve the case or provide clues or insights, you’ll receive a five-, six-, or even seven-figure reward, depending on your contribution.”

He made a show of the numbers with his fingers, then pushed a thick stack of files across the desk. “Here are the case details—look them over and decide.”

Lin Hai shook his head as if to clear it, snatched up the files eagerly, and began leafing through them.

Lin Fan and Zhang Yang crowded close, reading carefully.

Chief Zheng left them to it, pulling a detective novel from the bookshelf and sipping his tea.

The three spread the documents across the table, poring over every page with utmost seriousness.