Chapter 55: Wait for Me for Half an Hour

They found a seat at a bustling street-side eatery, ordered some food, and after half a glass of beer, Zhang Jing said, “You’re a real troublemaker, always stirring things up. I thought that case was about to settle down, but now there’s a new twist. Seems like some people aren’t willing to let it go. Who did you offend this time?”

“What now?” Xiao Ma asked.

“Just got the news. There’s a big shot at the prosecutor’s office taking a special interest in this case, even claiming the police are messing things up. That basically means Zhen Yuqi now has someone powerful backing her, and she’ll never let go. At first, Qu Changfeng was caught in the middle and used his father’s reputation, so it could have faded into a minor issue. But now, with Zhen Yuqi refusing to back down and a heavyweight supporting her, even if their influence isn’t greater than Qu Changfeng’s father’s, he’ll have no reason to offend anyone over something that doesn’t concern his own son. So, based on my experience, Chief Qu will call Qu Changfeng tomorrow and tell him to go along with the prosecutor’s wishes.”

She finished speaking, blinked at Xiao Ma, thinking this was at least a favor to him. Shouldn’t he be moved to tears, bowing in gratitude, maybe even begging her for help?

Yet, after waiting a moment, that blockhead just sat there, looking utterly indifferent, as if nothing mattered.

At that, Zhang Jing started acting up, scolding, “You idiot, even if my actions don’t deserve a standing ovation, you could at least show some appreciation. Am I really that pretentious and annoying?”

Xiao Ma looked at her calmly.

She was truly a beauty, even if her attitude was a bit rough. Xiao Ma didn’t hate her, just found her a bit intimidating. On the other hand, his body seemed to have a masochistic streak, feeling oddly drawn to this violent woman.

Suddenly, as he stared at her with that cool, deep gaze, Zhang Jing was caught off guard, even feeling a little embarrassed. She turned her head away, glanced at him again, and turned away once more.

After a few times, Zhang Jing inexplicably grew annoyed and pointed at him, “Let me warn you, you’re getting more and more complicated. Don’t think good looks let you do whatever you want. I heard you’ve gotten mixed up with that complicated Feng Chenchen. You’re clueless about power. Do you really think someone like her would be interested in you? Most likely, you’re just being used as a pawn to fill some pit. What do you think?”

So that’s why she’s been oscillating between righteous indignation and drunken ranting all evening?

Now that the ‘great demon king’ mode had taken over, he didn’t bother pretending, but his communication skills with women were still lacking. He replied coolly, “Do I look like someone who likes to explain himself?”

“I’m just trying to help you, and this is how you treat me?” Zhang Jing got flustered. “You have nothing going for you—no family background, no money, no personality to speak of. I don’t even look down on you, I help you, and you act like this. Are you blind?”

“I’m not blind. And neither are you. That’s why you like me.” Xiao Ma’s expression shifted, now distant and a bit condescending.

Zhang Jing shot to her feet. “Ma Weimin, you really overestimate yourself. You have no idea what nonsense you’re spouting. You’re just a bottom-feeder and a failure. Like you? Not likely—I just feel a bit sorry for you. If you don’t appreciate it, forget it.”

Muttering to herself, she stormed off.

After a few steps, she stopped, thought for a moment, then stomped back. With a swift kick, she knocked over Xiao Ma’s chair, sending him sprawling to the ground. Only then did she turn and leave again.

The great demon king really was hopeless—almost as clueless as an idiot, with his supposed four-hundred IQ, and not an ounce of skill in dealing with women. Tonight was the perfect chance to capture Zhang Jing and enjoy some perks, but he’d managed to mess it all up instead.

That idiot... his improper use of their shared body meant it was always him who suffered. He resolved not to let him out to cause trouble so easily in the future.

So Xiao Ma continued sitting in the night market, looking a little deranged.

Not far away, in a parked car, Qu Changfeng put down his telephoto camera, his face stony.

He hadn’t caught them in the act, but had watched Zhang Jing assault the guy instead. Still, his heart felt cold. At first, he thought it was a bit odd but didn’t dwell on it. After Zhen Yuqi pointed out they seemed like partners, he grew suspicious. Sure enough, she’d invited a street punk out for drinks, and they seemed very close.

A shadow crossed Qu Changfeng’s face. He thought of Zhen Yuqi and, annoyed, called her, only to be told she was busy with family matters and couldn’t come.

But as a frequent clubber, Qu Changfeng thought her phone call sounded like it was made from a nightclub restroom, with deliberate noise suppression. This made him feel even more uneasy. The world was growing more dangerous, no wonder so many guys were turning into recluses...

With these frustrations, Qu Changfeng spent a night almost like a shut-in.

In the morning, seeing his haggard reflection, he took a few deep breaths to rally himself, then carefully dressed in front of the mirror.

He was no shut-in. Even if it seemed like Zhang Jing and Zhen Yuqi were both playing him, Qu Changfeng, as a non-recluse, had to work harder—showing his best side to win their hearts completely, only to later trample and toy with them in another manner. That was his way.

When he got to work, Qu Changfeng soon received a call from his father—a rare thing. His father actually inquired about Ma Weimin’s case.

Qu Changfeng replied casually, but his father didn’t even bother listening to the details before giving his advice: “Alright, I don’t have time. I have to prepare my speech for a meeting. It’s a minor matter, but I suggest you follow the prosecutor’s advice. I don’t know what’s going on, but someone important is already involved.”

“Okay, Dad, I’ll reorganize my thoughts and get in touch with Zhen Yuqi to discuss how to proceed.”

After hanging up, Qu Changfeng frowned. To be honest, even if the higher-ups wanted Ma Weimin gone, he wouldn’t care. But this move took things away from Zhang Jing’s approach, making it harder to maneuver with her.

For Qu Changfeng, taking down Ma Weimin didn’t require going through official channels. Releasing him, pretending to agree with Zhang Jing, while secretly using underhanded means, would be simpler and more satisfying.

But after a moment’s hesitation, he realized this way, he could also appear to be on Zhen Yuqi’s side. He wanted both of these femme fatales, especially Zhen Yuqi first, so he decided to take his father’s advice. Honestly, if his father hadn’t spoken, he would have been indecisive himself, stuck in the middle.

With this in mind, he went to talk to Zhang Jing. The discussion turned into an argument.

At last, Qu Changfeng put on a gentle yet firm front: “Alright, Qingqing, don’t be difficult. You can blame me—that’s normal, given your character and experiences. My decision is based on my duty as a police officer and on legal principles, not on anyone’s instruction. But this is how it has to be. Let’s put aside personal feelings for now.”

Zhang Jing was left dumbfounded, and then Qu Changfeng, looking both sorrowful and upright, turned and walked away.

After taking a few steps without hearing her smash her teacup, Qu Changfeng broke into a satisfied smile. This little performance had worked.

Back at his office, he immediately called Zhen Yuqi.

“Aren’t you usually busy at this hour? I’m surprised you even remember to call me,” Zhen Yuqi said with a laugh.

Qu Changfeng replied in his best suave tone, “Sorry for bothering you last night when you had family matters. But this time, it’s official business.”

“What are you talking about? I should be the one apologizing for last night. I really couldn’t get away. Never mind, let’s not dwell on it. I’ll invite you out next time. So, what’s up?”

Her voice was as pleasant as ever.

Qu Changfeng said, “It’s about Ma Weimin’s case. Now the police have a different investigative opinion. If you’re free this morning, I’d like to come by and discuss it with you.”

Just what she was hoping for, Zhen Yuqi replied, “I actually have somewhere to go, but if you’re coming, I’ll rearrange things and wait for you. I’d like to resolve this case quickly too.”

Qu Changfeng checked his watch. “Alright, give me half an hour.”

He hung up, grabbed all the case files related to Ma Weimin, and, playing the part of a busy man, hurried off to the prosecutor’s office...