Chapter Ninety-Nine: The Action Begins

Wang Zixuan said, “If we’re not needed here, we might as well go back and sleep. We’re not playing along with you anymore.”

Gu Weimin said, “How about this, then? Our bureau sends out two teams, and you send one. Sound fair?”

Wang Zixuan snorted. “Why should I get dragged into your bureau’s business? You already took all the credit for the early reconnaissance. If you’re going to snatch the credit for the arrests too, then I’m not that generous. I’m not doing all the work for nothing.”

Gu Weimin said, “I’ll explain the details to you later. Your share of the benefits will definitely be there. For this assignment, just come along.”

Bureau Chief Wang stood up and said loudly, “Don’t be temperamental, Xuanxuan. Work comes first.”

Wang Zixuan said, “Fine, I’ll give you some face. Once the case is wrapped up, I expect my share. If we’re just going to keep watch directly, wouldn’t that be enough? Why do we need to set a trap?”

Bureau Chief Wang rose to his feet and said in a raised voice, “This is more secure. All right, that’s settled. Move out!”

After a flurry of organizing, three teams were formed: Wang Zixuan with Hao Yingjun; Xiaojia with Doctor Wang; Zhou Ning with Zhou Tong.

At the community feeding station, Zhou Ning looked glum. “K, K.”

Zhou Tong poked his head out from behind a pile of drying clothes. “What is it?”

“Did you really want to team up with me today, or were you just trying to save me from embarrassment?”

“What embarrassment? No, no. Absolutely not.”

“Then why do you want to team up with me?”

Zhou Tong said, “Well, um... y-you used to be my boss.”

Zhou Ning nodded without saying a word, as though waiting to see what else he could come up with.

Zhou Tong went on, “When the two of us handle a case together, we’ve got... good chemistry.”

Still nodding, Zhou Ning said, “Stuttering again. You always stutter when you’re making things up. If you’re so eager to get promoted, wouldn’t it be easier to team up with Doctor Bai and catch dogs?”

Zhou Tong laughed awkwardly. “Actually, I think you’re far more charming than Doctor Bai.”

“You’re talking nonsense again.”

“How am I talking nonsense? You said I stutter when I lie. Look, am I stuttering?”

“Then tell me, what charm do I have? How am I better than him?”

Zhou Tong covered his face again with the bedsheet. “You’re... better. Better in every way.”

Just then, a gray poodle came along. Zhou Ning hurriedly straightened up, clutching the things in her hands and trying to get the poodle’s attention. The dog glanced at her once, then turned and walked away.

Zhou Ning said angrily, “I don’t have a damn bit of charm. Even dogs won’t look at me.”

Zhou Tong quickly came out, picked up the poodle, and set it down in front of Zhou Ning.

“What’s wrong with you?” he said. “Go on, lick her. Rub against her.”

Zhou Ning immediately bristled and stood up, pointing at him. “K, what exactly are you trying to imply?”

At that moment, two wolfhounds suddenly burst out and charged straight at them. Zhou Tong hurriedly grabbed Zhou Ning and pulled her aside.

“Zhou, run!” he shouted.

At the Moonlit Park feeding station, Doctor Bai and Xiaojia ambled over at an easy pace. Doctor Bai even took out a bag of dog food and poured quite a bit into the feeding bowl. No sooner had he finished than a Labrador came trotting over.

Doctor Bai took one look and said, “Oh, Grandpa Wu.”

After finishing the food on the ground and still not satisfied, the dog slapped Doctor Bai’s leg with its paw, then sat there waiting.

Doctor Bai said, “Didn’t we just perform a heart bypass on you last week? How are you out here again?”

Grandpa Wu said, “I was just passing by. Comrade Xiao Bai, don’t misunderstand. I’m heading back right now.”

With that, he turned and ran off, not even looking back.