Chapter 30: Chapter 30: The Degenerate Old A
In the end, Su Qing didnât voice the news he had heard because, after all, it hadnât happened yet. Even if he mentioned it, most likely the two wouldnât take it seriously, and besides, he wouldnât have been able to explain it after it happened.
As for the so-called Feng Shui Divination, even Wang Xing didnât believe in it, let alone these two seasoned anti-fraud detectives.
However, before he left, he did warn Zhao Minghui to be careful recently, like not to act alone and so on, which left the two baffled. He even got a punch from Li Zijun because of it.
Su Qing didnât head home. Li Zijun drove, and the two made their way to a neighborhood near the East City Suburban Science and Technology University.
"I wonât go in, you can get off at the entrance!" Li Zijun said as she parked the car at the neighborhood entrance.
In response, Su Qing nodded: "Alright, Iâm off, sis!"
"Wait."
"What is it, sis?" Su Qing turned his head and asked.
Li Zijun scrutinized him for a while before saying, "Why did you suddenly warn Captain Zhao to be careful in two days? Are you hiding something from me?"
Zhao Minghui had only met them three times in total, and they hadnât exchanged many words. Naturally, he didnât know them well enough and just assumed this was a young man interested in Feng Shui Divination after reading a few novels online.
But Li Zijun was different. They grew up together and only drifted apart over the last two years because of her going to university and both of them growing older. She couldnât be clearer about Su Qingâs character; he definitely wouldnât act so whimsically.
The most crucial point is the shock in his eyes just now couldnât be feigned. After all, she studied criminal psychology in university, is very familiar with human facial expressions, and has developed a remarkable ability for observation and clue analysis over her years in the police force.
Su Qingâs expressions included shock, eagerness, helplessness, and a pretense of nonchalance, even hesitancy to speak. She couldnât figure out why he would have such expressions, hence the question.
"Iâm not hiding anything; I just noticed Captain Zhaoâs forehead looked a bit dark, so I was worried he might face some misfortune. I didnât have the nerve to say it earlier," Su Qing laughed.
Li Zijun, naturally, didnât believe him: "Come on, donât try to fool me. Last time when you suddenly appeared at the arrest scene, donât think I didnât notice you and Wang Xing were hiding something."
"And this time, you deliberately reminded me thereâs a side gate on the west side of the neighborhood, and Cui Xiangming happened to take that side gate. Honestly, if I didnât know you so well, I would have suspected you have issues."
Upon hearing this, Su Qing was left speechless. Here he was trying to help, and she was doubting him. So much for knowing him well.
"Sis, youâve really misunderstood me. How many years has it been since we shared one bed? Thereâs no knowing each other that deeply!"
Initially startled, Li Zijun quickly processed his words. Her face turning red with anger, she said: "Su Qing!!! Are you daring to tease a cop? Do you want me to haul you in for a few days? Get back here!"
But Su Qing wasnât about to stick around. He darted off, knowing he had to resort to drastic measures; staying any longer, and heâd slip up.
He didnât stop until reaching beneath Wang Xingâs building, panting heavily.
Assaulting a police officer was never an option. If he dared, he wouldnât have waited for the law to punish him; Li Zijun herself would make sure he ended up in a hospital bed.
[Speaking flippantly to a police flower, quite courageous, but such behavior can be risky. Next time you meet, youâre likely to receive a rare item, a bracelet.]
Su Qing: ...
Honestly, he even pitied Li Zijunâs future husband. Having to watch every step around her, jokes are considered teasing, quite tyrannical.
He shook his head, cast aside odd notions, and went upstairs. Unable to contact Wang Xing due to his worrying condition, as mentioned by Li Zijun, it was only right for him to check in on his brother.
"Bang, bang, bang!"
"Old A, open the door, itâs me!" Su Qing shouted while knocking, fearing Wang Xing wouldnât hear him.
After knocking for some time, just when he thought no one was inside, there was a response from within, and as the door opened, Su Qing was taken aback and reflexively cursed:
"Damn!"
"Whatâs happened to you, are you on drugs?"
At this moment, Wang Xing looked utterly desolate, his hair in greasy strands, his face unkempt, and the most troubling part was the panda-like dark circles under his eyes, bloodshot and resembling a junkie from the movies.
Seeing him, Wang Xing managed a bitter smile and said, "Youâre here! Great timing, join me for a drink."
He turned to grab some booze.
Seeing this, Su Qing quickly stepped inside, but was stunned at the next moment. The floor was littered with trash and bottles, the place reeked of smoke; someone who didnât know better might think it was a dump.
No wonder Li Zijun was so shocked when she visited; compared to this, anywhere would seem like a five-star hotel.
He could guess Wang Xingâs state was probably related to Jiang Mengting. Although he knew about her activities that night, he wasnât sure what happened afterwards. But seeing Wang Xing like this, he must have gone there and faced quite a shock.
"Enough, is self-destruction fun for you? Tell me, what happened that night!" Su Qing grabbed Wang Xing and pushed him onto the couch, interrogating.
But Wang Xing only stared silently at the coffee table, without a word.
The coffee table was a mess with cigarette butts and bottles, and 20,000 yuan in cash casually strewn on the floor.
"Speak up, are you mute?"
No matter how much Su Qing pressed for answers, Wang Xing remained silent, just continuing one cigarette after another desperately like a child.
Seeing him in this state, Su Qing felt regretful; he never thought this guy would be so heavily impacted. If he had known, he wouldâve let him be a blissfully ignorant fool forever.
After what felt like ages, as Su Qing was about to give up, Wang Xing, sitting silently, finally muttered:
"My love is trash, so am I!"
Hearing this, Su Qing was infuriated. He knew love doesnât always make sense, but seeing his brother reduced to such a state by this woman, he felt a rage boil inside him.
"Look at you, what nonsense are you spouting? If she were devoted, you wouldnât have a chance. If sheâs promiscuous, you wouldnât be the only one."
"Brother, while I canât fully empathize, I know a valley with no echo isnât worth the jump."
"Alright, you wanted to drink, didnât you? Iâm with you. Letâs go to our old spot; no one is leaving upright tonight."
With that said, he dragged Wang Xing downstairs, understanding that emotions are straightforward. Once experienced, perhaps theyâll make sense.
As it is said, learning from people just isnât possible; once lifeâs lessons teach you, it only takes once. Suffering and dining are alike; enduring too much will eventually lead to growth.
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