Chapter 42 - 42 Exposed Tracks (Seeking Recommendations, Collections, Investments)
Chapter 42: Chapter 42 Exposed Tracks (Seeking Recommendations, Collections, Investments)
Holding the birdcage containing the White-headed Bulbul, Shao Zifeng browsed the remaining stalls and chose a two-star Earth Dog that was similar to Wang Hao’s. After obtaining the appraisal certificate, it could possibly be sold for tens of thousands of yuan.
It’s worth mentioning that the two-star Earth Dog cost even more than the White-headed Bulbul, not that Shao Zifeng was stingy, but when hunting for cheap pets, one has to be shrewd. Save where you can, for there would be plenty of other expenses in the future.
Leading with one hand, upholding with the other… though it wasn’t much to look at, the thought of how, after some rest and another appraisal at the underground platform, it would quickly turn into a food reserve for Qiuqiu and the Elemental Egg, brought a fatherly smile to his face.
“The Abnormal Administration Bureau is here, run for it!”
A shout rang out, and the bustling market paused for a second or two, then, like birds startled from their perch, the vendors erupted into noisy commotion, hastily packing up their stalls, preparing to flee.
“Everyone stop what you’re doing, stand still and don’t move. Anyone who resists will be detained and fined under the ‘Public Security Management Act’.”
Before the loudspeaker’s words had even faded, three Abnormal Administration Bureau patrol cars blocked the entrance to the flower and bird market with their shrill alarms, and twelve agents in black uniforms stepped out, four of whom were accompanied by arresting dogs.
Speaking of arresting dogs, Shao Zifeng would later learn that not everyone in the Abnormal Administration Bureau could gain the trust of an arresting dog. Although the principles by which arresting dogs chose their masters were unclear, it was certain that anyone chosen by one could be absolutely trusted.
Four imposing dogs stood at the exit, their stern gazes sweeping back and forth, not overlooking any suspicious figures.
The market exit was blocked, and the vendors didn’t dare make any rash moves. They obediently stood in place, wearing sycophantic smiles as the Abnormal Administration Bureau agents conducted their search.
“Folks, no need to be nervous. We’re here to search for an escapee.”
Hearing the voice, Shao Zifeng thought it sounded familiar. Looking up, it was indeed someone he knew—Qian Cheng, who had come looking for him last time. Just like then, Qian Cheng wore a kindly smile, soothing the apprehension of the vendors. @@novelbin@@
Sensing Shao Zifeng’s gaze, Qian Cheng looked over, surprised, then approached, “Classmate Shao, are you feeling alright now?”
“Thanks for your concern, Captain Qian, I’m much better now.”
With nothing else at hand, Shao Zifeng exchanged a few pleasantries with Qian Cheng, smiling. He bid farewell only after the Abnormal Administration Bureau had finished searching the market.
…
Qian Cheng led his team to the vehicle, and as they drove away, he picked up the walkie-talkie to report.
“Action Team Three reporting. We conducted a surprise inspection of the ‘Chaoyang Flower and Bird Fish Market’ in the old town area and found no trace of the suspect. Repeat… report concluded!”
“Received!” After a moment, Chen Zhenglong’s somewhat distorted voice came through the walkie-talkie.
Qian Cheng breathed a sigh of relief and hung the walkie-talkie on the front rack, leaning back in his seat. The recent intensity of the searches had even worn out an experienced agent like him. Fortunately, he was still young; otherwise, he didn’t know how he would face his wife.
At that moment, the walkie-talkie crackled to life.
“We’ve also checked quite a few places in the Eastern District. Ah, when will this all end? I’ve almost forgotten what my wife looks like,” lamented a voice from a colleague he wasn’t very familiar with.
Given the workload, Chen Zhenglong usually wouldn’t interfere with casual chatter, so others joined in with jokes.
“Eastern, you ask me, huh? I just saw your wife yesterday… hahaha,” teased someone very familiar with the complaining agent.
Following this, intermittent laughter spilled out of the walkie-talkie.
Listening to the occasional coarse jokes, Qian Cheng also felt more relaxed. As if he had just thought of something, he picked up the walkie-talkie hesitantly.
“By the way, Captain Chen, I just saw Shao Zifeng at the flower and bird market during the inspection. Not sure if we should…”
“Shut up and focus on your work.”
Before he could finish speaking, Qian Cheng was interrupted by Chen Zhenglong’s rough voice. Startled, he realized he had said something he shouldn’t have, quickly put down the walkie-talkie, and stopped talking.
Afterwards, the walkie-talkie fell into silence.
…
On the other side of the old city district, Wang Hao and Li Hanying worked in pairs, inspecting various neighborhoods. They joked with their colleagues over the walkie-talkie from time to time, but after being scolded by Chen Zhenglong, an air of silence fell between them.
Li Hanying walked behind Wang Hao, his expression subtly complex, a mix of excitement and a hint of cruelty. He took out his phone behind Wang Hao, composed a message, and sent it off, then casually caught up as if nothing had happened.
As they were about to finish checking the neighborhood, Wang Hao’s phone began to ring urgently.
“Dinglingling~”
Wang Hao took out his phone, shot Li Hanying an apologetic look, and answered the call.
“Husband, boo hoo hoo… You… you need to come back.” A crying female voice came through the phone, too choked up to speak clearly.
“What’s wrong, honey? Don’t cry, tell me what happened,” urged Wang Hao, his concern evident as his brow furrowed deeply.
“Boo hoo hoo… Come back quickly, Mom… Mom has been injured by something that fell from a great height, what should I do… boo hoo hoo.”
“Don’t panic, call an ambulance first, I…,” Wang Hao was anxious, yet he was on duty, unsure of what to do for the best, he quickly looked up at Li Hanying.
Li Hanying understood and showed a concerned expression, quickly saying, “Brother Wang, you go deal with the family emergency first. There aren’t many people here; I can handle it myself.”
Wang Hao was tempted but felt the mission was urgent. He hesitated, unsure of what to do, with the sound of crying continuing over the phone.
“What are you hesitating for, Wang Hao? Auntie’s injury is serious; take the official car to get back faster. I’ll cover for you with Chief Chen. If anything happens to Auntie, I’ll never forgive you!” Seeing Wang Hao still hesitating, Li Hanying added fuel to the fire, patting his chest, assuring there would be no issues.
“Thanks, brother. Once I’ve sorted everything at home, I’ll treat you to a meal.” Wang Hao made up his mind, nodded gratefully at Li Hanying, and rushed off to the official car to drive away.
Watching the official car drive away, the worried look on Li Hanying’s face disappeared in an instant. He took out his phone and sent a message to ‘Burial Fox,’ a sly expression crossing his face.
…
After leaving the pet market, Shao Zifeng decided to head home first to treat the White-headed Bulbul before checking the underground platform hall later.
Upon opening the door, the mutated white cat immediately became alert, raising its head and perking up its ears, shaking them lightly, and, recognizing Shao Zifeng, immediately meowed affectionately and rubbed its head against his pant leg.
Shao Zifeng squatted down and gave it a few hearty strokes, feeling completely relieved. He was fine!
He then took out some ointment from his backpack and carefully applied it to the White-headed Bulbul, who didn’t make a sound throughout the process, not even glancing at Shao Zifeng, seemingly lost in thought.
“Ding~”
A notification tone rang from the phone, and Shao Zifeng checked the message.
“Official Notice: Su City Abnormal Administration Bureau has detected the trail of the fugitive. All citizens are advised to stay inside their homes and not to go outside heedlessly upon hearing any disturbances. — Su City Abnormal Incident Management Bureau”
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