"Everyone, may I have your attention, please!" After finalizing a few details with Xiang Ri, Xiao Wu stepped forward and addressed the crowd still gathered in the hall. "The foreigner we just apprehended is actually an international terrorist. We kindly ask everyone to keep this matter confidential. If his accomplices were to learn of his capture, it would greatly hinder our police operations. Therefore, we urge you to act as though none of this ever happened."
Though many were skeptical about whether the foreigner was truly a terrorist, the fact that he had been caught with a firearm left no doubt that he was at least a "dangerous individual." The crowd was more than happy to comply with the police's request. After all, the people frequenting this establishment weren't ordinary citizens, and even if they sensed something unusual about the situation, they were far from the type to spread rumors. Better safe than sorry.
The receptionist, in particular, gazed at the speaking officer with heartfelt gratitude. His words had effectively safeguarded the company's reputation. She felt as though she'd been plucked from hell and delivered to heaven, tears of relief streaming down her cheeks—tears of joy.
Fang Yingying, meanwhile, was momentarily lost in thought, her gaze fixed on a certain disabled man who was now caressing a long gun with an air of utter infatuation. That playboy—a police officer? What a joke! The idea was more absurd than seeing a pig climb a tree.
Even though the other officers later confirmed his status, Fang Yingying remained convinced he wasn't a cop. Given her "knowledge" of his family background, she was certain that not even the highest-ranking officer at the precinct would dare treat him casually. Having a few officers vouch for him was hardly surprising.
More significantly, Fang Yingying had picked up on something from the way they addressed him. The respect shown by those officers wasn't directed at a "superior officer" but rather at a "boss," a title that strongly suggested he was no ordinary policeman.
As for his skill with firearms, that was easy enough to explain. Sons of the wealthy elite often had too much idle time on their hands. With endless leisure at their disposal, mastering firearm techniques was hardly out of the question. The only puzzling aspect was why he would assist the police in apprehending a "terrorist." Such a risky endeavor—could it simply be for the thrill?
Fang Yingying furrowed her brows, grappling with this question. Suddenly, a thought struck her. She glanced at the sunglasses-wearing girl standing behind the playboy, and the answer became instantly clear.
Of course—that must be it! He was undoubtedly showing off to impress the beauty, recklessly risking danger to bask in her admiration. Judging by the look of awe and admiration on the sunglasses girl's face, that scoundrel's "plot" had succeeded once again. Damn it! This playboy was unlike any she'd encountered before. His cunning ran far deeper. Just the fact that he'd helped a superior escape trouble five years ago without reaching out to her afterward was proof enough of his calculated patience. Thinking about it sent chills down her spine.
Standing nearby, the long-haired man wore an impassive expression, though his contempt deepened inwardly. Any trace of caution he'd initially felt toward Xiang Ri vanished entirely upon learning he was a mere "police officer." A small-time cop, no matter how skilled with firearms, was nothing more than a pawn to him. A single word from his lips could end Xiang Ri's career. Competing with him for a woman? How laughable!
As for Manager Wang, his expression alternated between shadowed and grim. Witnessing Xiang Ri's flawless handling of the weapon had heightened his apprehension. He swiftly abandoned his enticing plan to pursue a certain woman. At the end of the day, while money was valuable, one needed to stay alive to spend it.
With the situation under control, Xiao Wu and his team cuffed the "terrorist," collected the scattered "evidence" from the scene, and prepared to leave. Xiang Ri, however, lingered wistfully, reluctant to part with the flawless weapon in his hands.
Noticing his reluctance, Xiao Wu leaned in and whispered, "Boss, you really like this gun, don't you?"
Though Xiang Ri's heart leapt with hope, he feigned a stern expression. "Xiao Wu, this is evidence. Don't you dare mess around—there are so many people watching!" As if their earlier plea for discretion hadn't been a clear enough signal of his interest in the weapon.
Catching the hint, Xiao Wu grinned conspiratorially. "Don't worry, Boss. I'll handle this. I'll take it back for now, and in a couple of days, it'll be yours."
"Are you sure?" Xiang Ri asked, a trace of doubt in his voice. "You won't get caught?"
"Trust me, Boss! I'll make sure this thing gets to you without a hitch. No one will suspect a thing afterward!" Xiao Wu declared confidently.
Seeing Xiao Wu's confident demeanor, Xiang Ri felt reassured. There was no way Xiao Wu would jeopardize his own career, so he must have a reliable plan. Perhaps there was a loophole in the police system that Xiao Wu happened to know about.
At this thought, Xiang Ri was nearly overcome with excitement, barely resisting the urge to shout out loud. Finally, he could own a magnificent weapon again. It had been ten years since he parted ways with those people due to differing views, and he hadn't touched such firearms since. Just two more days—two more days, and he could satisfy his craving for the feel of the weapon in his hands. What a thrill!
Although the anticipation of regaining what he had lost made him almost unable to contain himself, Xiang Ri managed to maintain his composure. With a wide smile, he said, "Xiao Wu, I'll be waiting for your good news."
"You got it!" Xiao Wu responded cheerfully before gathering his fellow officers and leading them out of the hall.
"Are you really a police officer?" As Xiang Ri watched them leave and was about to slip away, a clear, crisp voice sounded behind him.
Without hesitation, Xiang Ri turned and replied, "I am!"
"But didn't you just claim to be an Interpol agent?" the sunglasses girl continued to press.
"Did I? You must have misheard," Xiang Ri said, feigning confusion. Suddenly, his expression shifted as he felt a strange sense of familiarity. Looking closely at the sunglasses girl, he hesitated before asking, "Have we met somewhere before?"
"Did you forget?" The girl removed her sunglasses, revealing a face of stunning beauty.
Xiang Ri was momentarily taken aback. "You're Luo Feizi?"
"So you do remember me!" Luo Feizi smiled sweetly, putting her sunglasses back on. In truth, she had already developed an interest in this man, whom she had once dismissed as a mere freeloader. The embrace they shared earlier had left a lasting impression.
Although it was a fleeting moment, most of those present recognized the popular celebrity and gasped in astonishment. If not for their sense of decorum, they would have rushed over to ask for her autograph.
The long-haired man seethed with envy. So that other woman he had been cozying up to was Luo Feizi? No wonder he disregarded the feelings of his so-called "girlfriend" to get close to someone else. That guy truly struck gold!
After all, Luo Feizi was no ordinary starlet. She had never been embroiled in any scandal and was a genuine symbol of innocence and virtue.
Many wealthy individuals had offered extravagant sums to court her, only to be flatly rejected. Those who attempted to force their way met with utter humiliation. While Luo Feizi herself had no powerful background, rumors spoke of an exceptionally formidable best friend. The fact that even these influential would-be aggressors dared not cross her spoke volumes.
Fang Yingying, for her part, was now utterly convinced of her earlier assumptions. She knew of the celebrity and had never heard of anyone winning her heart.
No wonder that playboy would take such risks—it was all to earn the favor of this virtuous star.
And now, it seemed the shameless and cunning scoundrel had succeeded. Determined not to let such a good girl fall into the trap of a notorious philanderer, Fang Yingying felt compelled to intervene. Without a second thought, she strode toward them.
Unbeknownst to her, a certain dashing female police officer had just pushed open the glass door and entered behind her...