A Good-for-Nothing

218. A Net (II)

Translator: Dragon Rider

In the normal run of things, as a college student growing up in a socialist country where materialism prevailed, Chen Xi would never believe such things, but in these circumstances, he had to believe them even if he didn’t want to. He didn’t just take the Fu – he virtually snatched it from Zu Zhichong’s hand.

The desired effect of a Composing Fu was, for all intents and purposes, the same as that of strengthening the invisible vital flames on people’s shoulders. Chen Xi gripped the Fu firmly, and oddly enough, his panic was alleviated considerably. Then he stammered out a thank you to Zu Zhichong.

Seeing that the Fu worked like a charm, Wang Jian blinked his eyes and rubbed his hands, an obsequious expression on his face. “Bro, your Fu is so effective. Can I have one as well?”

Zu Zhichong sourly looked at him. “No. You stay here waiting for us. I’ll call my colleague here to verify your powers and get your registered.”

Since Wang Jian had the power of a Word-spirit, he should be classified as an exorcist. Also, he was a citizen of Coastal City, so he needed to be registered in the database of SMB in this city.

“You’re so stingy, bro,” Wang Jian mumbled.

Zu Zhichong ignored him, for he didn’t have the time for this kind of thing.

Seeing that the two of them had gradually collected themselves, Luo Zhou said to the cop standing in the doorway, “Bring Chen Xi to the interview room and take a statement from him. And, if their phone records are restored, sent them to me immediately.”

“Got it.”

They felt as though this case were a giant net in which all of them were entangled. Mystery surrounded the whole thing, and they still hadn’t gathered up threads. After calming Chen Xi down, they were bursting to go to the scene to look for clues.

Without further ado, they left the police station. Luo Zhou drove the car over, and the other three got in.

At this time, a cab happened to stop at the front gates of the police station.

A man got out of the cab. He Zheng was looking out of the window with his head tilted to one side. As his eyes alighted on that man, his pupils contracted. For an instant, he thought that he was hallucinating.

He gave Chen Qianlin a push and said, “Look, Ego Freak.”

Chen Qianlin almost lost his temper as He Zheng fastened the nickname ‘Ego Freak’ upon him, but he still twisted his head aside to look in that direction.

The man, who was wearing big shades in this hot weather, walked over and knocked at the window of the police car.

Confused, Luo Zhou rolled the car window down. The man pressed his shades down to the tip of his nose and said, “Small world, huh?”

“Zhao Fei? Why are you here?” Zu Zhichong was bemused.

“Take a guess.” Zhao Fei pulled the car door open and got in. The AC was on and the temperature was pleasant. With him present, the air inside cooled further, but instead of making the others feel miserable, it made them feel more comfortable.

“Several of the trainees of our company’s branch in Coastal City were poached by a talent agency in this city, but the weird part is that nobody has ever heard of any of the trainees since they were poached.” Zhao Fei pressed his sunglasses down and gave a chuckle, his eyes raking Zu Zhichong’s face. “Li Zong told me that you guys were looking into this matter, so I came here to take a look.”

“It surprises me that Wang Jian’s and Feng Ma’s companies are not the only ones involved.” Zu Zhichong clicked his tongue. “This case is really troublesome.”

At first Luo Zhou hadn’t realized that this man was Zhao Fei the big TV star and just felt that he bore some resemblance to Zhao Fei. It was only when he’d heard Zu Zhichong call his name that he’d recognized him.

But it had never occurred to Luo Zhou that Zhao Fei was also one of them!

“It seems that you guys have colleagues everywhere,” observed Luo Zhou.

“Well, I wouldn’t say ‘everywhere’, but our department is a government agency after all, and we need some undercover agents.” Zu Zhichong gave a smile typical of a hooligan and then said to Luo Zhou, “Sergeant Luo, we’ve been in cooperation for quite some time. I feel obliged to remind you that there’s a Confidentiality Charm on you, so you need to keep our partnership secret.”

Instead of getting annoyed, Luo Zhou smiled, “I know. Now let’s move. Buckle in, everybody.”

Chen Qianlin and He Zheng didn’t rub shoulders very often with Zhao Fei. They were merely acquaintances. By comparison, He Zheng had had more dealings with Zhao Fei.

Zhao Fei narrowed his eyes and tossed Chen Qianlin another couple of glances. “You’re from the Chen family in Lin City. I went a few rounds with your grandfather once, but I’m not sure how well you can fight. If my memory serves me well, you didn’t even get a chance to draw your sword at the Millenary Islands Lake that day.”

Back then when they’d been fighting the Human Devil at the Millenary Islands Lake on that day, Chen Qianlin, Jin Qianlai and a couple of other trainees had all been trapped in the reveries created by the Human Devil from start to finish. It had been He Zheng, Li Zong and Zhao Fei that confounded the Human Devil, and none of the other trainees had been of any help, which was a crowning humiliation for Chen Qianlin who’d always had a big ego. Zhao Fei hit a raw nerve when he brought this up, so Chen Qianlin’s face naturally darkened at these words.

But Chen Qianlin was sensible enough not to retort. Had it been He Zheng who made that remark, he would undoubtedly have launched himself at He Zheng. In a sulky voice, Chen Qianlin replied, “That won’t happen again.”

Zhao Fei gave a smile, leaning onto the soft back of the seat. “If by any chance we do encounter something again, you should at least pull out your sword. Otherwise it’ll be a disgrace to your old man.”

Veins were flickering horribly on Chen Qianlin’s clenched fists, his teeth gritted so tight as though he were going to bite through his own cheeks. The sight of this struck He Zheng as very enjoyable.

“Chill, Xiao Chen. I’m sure this time around you’ll be able to find a chance to draw your sword, won’t you? Actually maybe you should whip out your sword the moment you get in there.” He Zheng rubbed salt into the wound, which was a really mean thing to do.

Chen Qianlin, who had always loathed him, immediately flied into a rage and snapped back.

The two of them started having a verbal duel.

While talking, they arrived at Feng Ma’s home.