Chapter 38: Reality

’What?’

Constable Zheng’s voice echoed in his ears, leaving Chen Ping’an completely stunned.

’I provided the critical lead, and Zheng Shiyong and Tan Huacong killed Hairy Fish!?’

’Are they fucking kidding me!?’

In an instant, Chen Ping’an’s expression darkened.

The situation was crystal clear. He didn’t know if Tan Huacong had teamed up with Zheng Shiyong, or the other way around. It didn’t matter. The two of them had conspired to steal his credit.

’Those bastards!’

Chen Ping’an cursed inwardly.

’They’ve got some serious nerve, trying to pull one over on me!’

Rage simmered within Chen Ping’an. He had the urge to storm the high platform and confront Zheng Shiyong and Tan Huacong directly.

To demand they tell everyone who really killed Hairy Fish!

But reason forced him to calm down.

Even if he were slow-witted, Chen Ping’an could figure it out. Constable Zheng’s influence was definitely behind this. Otherwise, things would never have moved so quickly.

"The corresponding rewards will be distributed at tomorrow’s pre-shift meeting. Now, let’s all congratulate these three men."

As soon as Constable Zheng finished speaking, the crowd of constables erupted in cheers.

"Shi Yong, you’re amazing!"

"Mr. Tan is no slouch either."

"Incredible, just incredible!"

"..."

"Ping’an, congratulations! You have to tell me all about it later," Monkey Head, who was beside Chen Ping’an, said with a wide smile, unable to hold back his congratulations.

"Good job, Ping’an." Da Shan did the same, grinning from ear to ear and revealing a set of yellow teeth.

"Yeah," Chen Ping’an forced a smile.

Constable Zheng’s speech marked the end of the day’s pre-shift meeting. Next, the constables present would receive their assignments and begin their busy day.

"Monkey Head, Da Shan, you two go get your assignments first. I have to take care of something."

After saying this, Chen Ping’an strode forward.

Up ahead, Constable Zheng was chatting with two other constables as they walked toward the head constables’ office.

"Constable Zheng."

Chen Ping’an quickened his pace, keeping his voice as humble as possible.

"Ah, Chen Ping’an. What is it?"

Constable Zheng stopped, his tone pleasant enough, a smile on his face.

"Constable Zheng, regarding what you just announced, there may be a misunderstanding. I was the one who killed Hairy Fish on the spot." Chen Ping’an looked at Constable Zheng with a steady gaze.

Seeing Chen Ping’an’s serious expression, the smile on Constable Zheng’s face faded slightly. He gestured for the other two constables to go on ahead.

"Oh? And what proof do you have!?"

"Regarding the details of the kill, Mr. Tan Huacong recorded everything in a file last night. The information in the file will make it clear. Furthermore, Mr. Tan gave me this as proof."

As he spoke, Chen Ping’an took the black Token of Trust from his robes.

"Is that so?" Constable Zheng said with surprise. "In that case, I must get to the bottom of this."

"Xiao Zu, go fetch Tan Huacong and Shi Yong!" Constable Zheng called out to a young constable not far away.

"Yes, Constable Zheng," the young constable called Xiao Zu replied respectfully.

"Come. Let’s talk in my office."

With that, Constable Zheng strode away.

Chen Ping’an followed Constable Zheng, his head lowered, saying nothing.

Soon, the two arrived at the head constable’s office. Constable Zheng sat down without a word, ignoring Chen Ping’an.

They waited for a short while before the young constable returned with Tan Huacong and Zheng Shiyong.

"Constable Zheng," Tan Huacong and Zheng Shiyong greeted him respectfully.

"Mm." Zheng Zhenwu, also known as Constable Zheng, nodded slightly as they entered. "Chen Ping’an claims he was the one who killed Hairy Fish, a remnant of the Cyan Fish Gang. He says the two of you stole his credit. Is this true?"

"Constable Zheng, absolutely not!" Tan Huacong cried, proclaiming his innocence.

"That’s right, Uncle... I mean, Constable Zheng! Mr. Tan and I killed Hairy Fish together! How could Chen Ping’an have killed him!? No matter how badly injured Hairy Fish was, he couldn’t have been finished off by a temporary constable who hasn’t even entered the Martial Dao!"

Zheng Shiyong’s tone was agitated, as if he were the one being falsely accused.

"Chen Ping’an, what are you trying to pull? How dare you slander Mr. Tan and me like this!"

"Shi Yong does have a point. Chen Ping’an, how could you have possibly killed Hairy Fish without having entered the Martial Dao!?" Zheng Zhenwu fixed his gaze on Chen Ping’an, his face a mask of doubt.

"Constable Zheng, Mr. Tan Huacong recorded the full details last night. This is the token of proof he gave me after recording the information." Chen Ping’an took out the black Token of Trust and handed it to Zheng Zhenwu.

Zheng Zhenwu took it and examined it. "The pattern is correct; this is indeed a Token of Trust. Tan Huacong, what do you have to say?"

"Constable Zheng, it’s a misunderstanding! I did give this Token of Trust to Chen Ping’an. And I did record the information in a file. But the file only records that Chen Ping’an reported a critical lead! This token can’t be used as proof that he killed Hairy Fish! The two have nothing to do with each other! One look at the file will make everything clear. I implore you to see the truth, Constable Zheng!"

Tan Huacong said, his expression urgent and agitated.

"Then go and fetch the archived file!" Zheng Zhenwu ordered decisively.

"Yes, sir." Tan Huacong answered and immediately ran out of the office.

"Wasn’t the reward for reporting the lead enough for you? Now you’re eyeing the credit for the kill? What were you thinking, Chen Ping’an? You’re an ordinary person who hasn’t even entered the Martial Dao. What makes you think you could kill a Martial Dao expert at the Qi Blood Second Layer?"

Zheng Shiyong looked at Chen Ping’an with a mocking sneer.

Chen Ping’an’s expression remained unchanged. He ignored him, simply standing there in silence.

Seeing that Chen Ping’an wasn’t taking the bait, Zheng Shiyong felt a sense of frustration, like his punch had landed on a pillow. The feeling was even more galling than if Chen Ping’an had argued back.

It wasn’t long before Tan Huacong returned with the archived file.

"Constable Zheng, this file has been sealed with wax. It’s impossible for it to have been swapped. Please, examine it." Tan Huacong handed the file to Zheng Zhenwu.

"Mm." Zheng Zhenwu nodded. He broke the wax seal and began to read. A dozen or so breaths later, he looked up with a calm expression, tossed the file onto the table, and said to Chen Ping’an in an indifferent tone, "Come see for yourself."

Chen Ping’an stepped forward, picked up the file, and began to read. At a glance, he could tell that the information written on it was completely different from what he had described and confirmed last night. It was obvious that Tan Huacong had swapped the documents.

But he had no proof.

’Fine!’

’This is just great!’

Though a firestorm of rage was building inside him, Chen Ping’an’s face was exceptionally calm. He put down the file and met Constable Zheng’s eyes.

"I see. It seems I was mistaken."

"You should take a good look at yourself. Know your place before you start making wild accusations!" Zheng Shiyong said snidely.

Chen Ping’an glanced at Zheng Shiyong, then at Tan Huacong. Without a word, he turned and walked away.

"Uncle, look at his attitude! He didn’t even say a proper goodbye! He has no respect for you at all!"

Zheng Shiyong said, exasperated.

"He’s a young man. It’s normal for him to have a bit of a temper. He’ll come to his senses."

Zheng Zhenwu said faintly.

"But as for you..."

"What about me?"

Zheng Shiyong asked nonchalantly.

Zheng Zhenwu stared at Zheng Shiyong for a long moment, making him squirm.

"Don’t let it happen again!"

"Huh?"

"Alright, you may all leave," Zheng Zhenwu said, dismissing them.

"Thank you, Constable Zheng, for standing up for us," Tan Huacong said gratefully.

"Well then, Uncle, I’ll be going," Zheng Shiyong said before leaving with Tan Huacong.

After leaving the head constable’s office, a flicker of worry crossed Tan Huacong’s face. He whispered to Zheng Shiyong.

"Shi Yong, are you sure this will be okay?"

"You burned the original file, right?"

"Burned it."

"Then it’s fine. The idea of a temporary constable who hasn’t even reached the Entry Level of the Martial Dao killing Hairy Fish, a Qi Blood Second Layer fighter, is ridiculous in the first place. Besides, we have my uncle backing us up. Even if this gets to the Lord Chief of the Inspectorate, we’ll be the ones in the right. Don’t worry, it’s fine!"

Zheng Shiyong said, full of confidence.

...