Xu Zhengyang was taken aback, then understood what Chen Chaojiang meant. He lit a cigarette, took a puff, and said, "Actually... I'm also very tired of pretending."
Chen Chaojiang remained silent.
Xu Zhengyang immediately changed the subject, saying, "I was thinking, should we have Master Gu slap Zou Mingyuan a few times?"
“Yao Chushun is a good-for-nothing.” Chen Chaojiang paused, then said, “He’s quite pitiful.”
"Now we should say that Zou Mingyuan is very pitiful..."
Volume 3, Judge Chapter 105: Good News
When Zhong Zhijun arrived at "Shanwei Farmhouse," it was already past midnight.
Looking at the mess inside the room and the four burly men with bruised and swollen faces squatting in a line against the wall, even though he was somewhat prepared, Zhong Zhijun was still shocked for a long time before he could recover. Then, he focused his attention more on Chen Chaojiang and exclaimed, "Chaojiang, don't be so reckless in the future..."
In Zhong Zhijun's view, only a lone wolf like Chen Chaojiang could have the courage and ruthlessness to attack four armed thugs with a dagger. While Xu Zhengyang also possessed courage, he wouldn't have been so reckless. The reason Zhong Zhijun let Xu Zhengyang join in the chaos was simply out of brotherly loyalty. Of course, Xu Zhengyang certainly didn't deserve even half the credit for beating the four thugs to a pulp.
But... those two really dared to do it, and Chen Chaojiang is really capable! Zhong Zhijun searched the house and found three pistols, over forty rounds of ammunition, and five sharp knives. He was still wondering: how did Xu Zhengyang and Chen Chaojiang manage to do that? The assailants didn't even have a chance to fire? Moreover, neither of them seemed to be injured. This is almost impossible to avoid in a fight.
"See? I told you Zhijun would come by himself..." Xu Zhengyang joked from the side.
Chen Chaojiang stood coldly beside Xu Zhengyang and replied indifferently, "It's better if you come alone."
Xu Zhengyang pursed his lips. How boring. Couldn't the two of them team up to tease Zhong Zhijun? He understood Chen Chaojiang's meaning. If there were any outsiders who came, they would be even more shocked and surprised than Zhong Zhijun when they saw this scene. It would be better if Zhong Zhijun came alone.
But who knows what Zhong Zhijun was really thinking? He actually listened to Xu Zhengyang and drove a police car all by himself, grabbed a pair of handcuffs, and came to arrest four armed criminals and take them back to the station.
Zhong Zhijun skillfully twisted all four men's hands with wire, then scolded them and made them squat in the courtyard.
While doing all this, Zhong Zhijun was still somewhat uneasy. You see, all four of them were ruthless killers, and who knew what they might suddenly do? Zhong Zhijun only had the pistol that had been found to intimidate them; he hadn't even brought a pistol with him when he arrived. There was nothing he could do; the bureau had very strict control over firearms.
When Zhong Zhijun arrived, he was driving an ordinary Santana police car. There wasn't enough room in the car to take all four people away, so he made them squat down in the yard. Then, Zhong Zhijun called the bureau and notified the members of the special task force who were still working overtime to come and arrest them.
“Zhengyang, I won’t even go into Chaojiang’s personality, but why did you act impulsively too? What if something happens…” Zhong Zhijun asked, frowning.
Xu Zhengyang said casually, "With our hero Chen Chaojiang here, let alone four, even forty, I would dare to come."
“I can take on seven of these guys, but if there are more than ten, I’ll be lying on the ground,” Chen Chaojiang said coldly.
"Damn... I really don't know what to say about you two." Zhong Zhijun pouted, shook his head helplessly, and sighed.
Xu Zhengyang chuckled and said, "Zhijun, to be honest, did you come here just to show off?"
"Get lost..."
Is that so?
Zhong Zhijun reluctantly told the truth: "After my dad found out about this, he told me that he would listen to me."
"Damn!" Xu Zhengyang was stunned, then he remembered what Zhong Shan had once told him: "If you have the chance in the future, help Zhijun out more. I'm getting old, and it's already pretty good that I'm a criminal investigation captain. Zhijun is still young." Thinking of this, Xu Zhengyang said, "You really listen to your dad."
Zhong Zhijun pursed his lips and remained silent, thinking to himself, "I'm wondering what my dad is thinking. He's so insistent that I have to listen to him this time, no matter what. Could it be that my dad knew beforehand that Xu Zhengyang and Chen Chaojiang would capture the four armed robbers?"
The three of them chatted idly, while Zeng Ping and the other three, who were squatting on the ground, were still shaken. Putting aside how terrifying the pale-faced young man's skills were, if it were a normal fight, they would dare to risk their lives without fear; but the bizarre and inexplicable control over their bodies and minds that they had experienced earlier still made them tremble when they thought about it.
Unfortunately, the police are unlikely to investigate or pay attention to the bizarre experiences they had.
The police only need to focus on the source of their firearms, their motives, and how the prosecution and the court will sentence them.
As for how they got caught, that's secondary. Anyway, they were caught, and those who performed meritorious service will be rewarded.
The leaders of the Fuxing District Public Security Bureau and the members of the special task force investigating the case were extremely excited, as they hadn't expected the suspect to be apprehended less than 48 hours after the incident. While pleased with this, they also immediately reflected deeply on and reviewed their previous investigative direction and misjudgments.
Following Xu Zhengyang's explanation, Zhong Zhijun told his superiors that Xu Zhengyang and Chen Chaojiang had coincidentally encountered someone resembling the suspect, so they followed him and then called Zhong Zhijun. Zhong Zhijun hadn't reported it to the bureau because he wasn't a member of the special task force and worried that if he reported the wrong person, the bureau would have wasted resources, and he feared being held responsible or criticized by his superiors and ridiculed by his colleagues. This reason left his superiors both amused and understanding; after all, Zhong Zhijun was young and didn't have much influence in the branch office. After identifying the suspect, just as they were about to report to their superiors, the three of them were discovered by the suspect, leading to a thrilling and incredibly brave struggle.
In the end, three skilled and courageous young men captured four vicious armed criminals.
While Zhong Zhijun was reporting to his superiors, Xu Zhengyang and Chen Chaojiang, the two true heroes, after cooperating with the police investigation, left the police station under the pretext of being tired and needing to go back to rest.
It was already past four in the morning.
It was the same hotel, the same room. Xu Zhengyang sat on the edge of the bed, leaning against the headboard, and casually dialed Zou Mingyuan's phone number, which he had previously obtained from Yao Chushun. The phone rang for a long time before being answered.
"who?"
"Mr. Zou, I am Xu Zhengyang!"
"……what you up to?"
"I have good news for you. Zeng Ping and the other three have been apprehended and taken to the Fuxing District Public Security Bureau."
"..."
There was a deathly silence on the other end of the phone.
However, Xu Zhengyang knew that Zou Mingyuan hadn't hung up; he was just stunned after hearing the news.
"Why are you telling me all this? I don't know any Zeng Ping."
After saying that, Zou Mingyuan hung up the phone.
Xu Zhengyang grinned and gave a disdainful snort.
Chen Chaojiang said coldly, "Zou Mingyuan will escape."
"No." Xu Zhengyang smiled and said, "If Zou Mingyuan were to run away, it would be because he has a guilty conscience. The police would lock onto him immediately. How could he possibly escape? Besides, although Zou Mingyuan is afraid, he still clings to the hope that Zeng Ping won't betray him. Well, in the short term, Zeng Ping and the other three won't confess about Zou Mingyuan. They'll say that their motive was to rob the priceless jade from Gu Xiang Xuan."
Are you sure?
After asking that question, Chen Chaojiang realized that he had asked a completely pointless question.
Xu Zhengyang smiled and nodded. He then dialed Yao Chushun's cell phone. As he expected, Yao Chushun was still restless; the call was answered after two seconds.
"Zhengyang, it's so late, is there...is something wrong?"
"Master Gu, get some sleep. Get up early tomorrow to slap him in the face."
"Um?"
"Those four gunmen have been arrested..."
"What?"
"Sleep soundly. I told you, Zou Mingyuan won't last three days, he'll be finished."
After hanging up, Xu Zhengyang lit a cigarette, squinted his eyes, and sighed softly, "Was I this arrogant before?"
Chen Chaojiang ignored his question and said, "If you make this call, Yao Chushun will be even less able to sleep."
Xu Zhengyang smiled but didn't say anything.
Chen Chaojiang stopped talking and resumed his work sculpting the classical beauty until Xu Zhengyang finished his cigarette and stubbed it out in the ashtray. Chen Chaojiang put down the dagger and the piece of locust wood in his hand, said, "Go to sleep," and then turned off the light and lay down.
In the darkness, Xu Zhengyang closed his eyes as if asleep, a wisp of thought drifting out...
In the northeast corner of Fuhe Park, located in the northern part of Fuhe City and adjacent to the eastern section of the outer ring road, there is a temple with a plaque that reads "City God Temple." However, it has become merely a scenic spot for people to visit on a daily basis, without any trace of incense offerings, and no one comes here to make petitions or worship.
The main building of the City God Temple occupies about fifty square meters. Although it is not as large as the former Nuwa Temple, now the Judge Temple, on Huanshui Mountain, it certainly cannot be called a small temple. Over the years, the park authorities have maintained it well; the temple's carved beams and painted rafters, with their upturned eaves, retain its classical charm while exuding a solemn and dignified atmosphere. Inside, curtains hang high, and the beams are high; the incense burners and offering tables are all dark-colored; on the altar stands a statue of the City God, with a solemn face and imposing presence, flanked by statues of the Judge and the Chief Clerk, both with somber and serious expressions.
Xu Zhengyang's wisp of thought, transformed into the appearance of a judge, stood quietly between the incense burner and offering table in the City God Temple.
She sighed softly; the aura she had hoped for was nowhere to be found in this temple.
It seems that without faith, God is no longer God; and temples are nothing more than buildings no different from ordinary houses.
Therefore, after he qualified for promotion to the position of Wandering Judge, he was assigned to Cixian County, not, as the case file stated, to reside wherever there was a judge's tablet, thus entering the already existing City God Temple. This was because the City God Temple lacked the elements inherent in temples, while the Judge Temple on Huanshui Mountain, converted from a Nuwa Temple, was where Zhan Xiaohui's faith resided.
According to the case file, even the City God Temple within Fuhe City is not the official residence of the City God, so...
Where are the former City God Temple and government offices now?
The verdict did not provide an answer.
Volume Three, Judge, Chapter 106: Slap him, harm him, that's right.
The air was cool in the early morning; the sky was bright. The rising sun cast its light upon the world.
The buildings on the east side of the antique market blocked the sunlight, so the market remained deserted. No one had set up stalls in the center yet. A few early risers had already opened their shops around the perimeter.
Inside the Gu Xiang Xuan restaurant, waiter Jin Qiming kept yawning, his face full of sleepiness, clearly not having had enough rest. After the shooting, Yao Chushun had immediately instructed Jin Qiming to return to his hometown for a while, with his wages still paid. Although Jin Qiming was also frightened, the boss's concern for him ignited a youthful arrogance, and he insisted on staying to watch the shop. This made Yao Chushun, Xu Zhengyang, and Chen Chaojiang look at him with new respect.
Inside the shop, three people who hadn't had a proper rest in two days were sitting around the table eating breakfast.
"Master Gu, go to Tianbaozhai to see Zou Mingyuan later." Xu Zhengyang said indistinctly while chewing on a xiaolongbao after finishing his soy milk.
"Hmm?" Yao Chushun was slightly taken aback. "What are you going there for?"
Xu Zhengyang swallowed the food in his mouth, picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth, and said, "Didn't I tell you on the phone before? Go and prove me wrong."
"What are you slapping me in the face for?" Yao Chushun asked in astonishment.
"Slap Zou Mingyuan in the face." Xu Zhengyang took out a cigarette, lit it, and said casually, "Haven't you always wanted to tear Zou Mingyuan to pieces? This time he hired someone to try to kill you, don't you want to vent your anger?"
Yao Chushun hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Last night, did you two really catch those four gunmen?"
"Why would I lie to you?" Xu Zhengyang chuckled. "Eat quickly, so you'll have more energy when we get there and can give Zou Mingyuan a good slap across the face!"
"Wouldn't that be bad?" Yao Chushun said, but inwardly he felt a slight surge of hope and excitement. If he could really slap Zou Mingyuan hard across the face, it would definitely be...very satisfying and cathartic. As the saying goes, don't insult someone by revealing their weaknesses, and don't hit someone in the face. What could be more direct and cathartic than slapping Zou Mingyuan across the face?
"Useless." Chen Chaojiang, who had finished breakfast and was gently wiping his mouth with a tissue, said coldly.
Xu Zhengyang stood up with a smile and said, "Let's go, fight as much as you want, you don't have to take any responsibility."
Yao Chushun was still hesitant. He didn't know what gave Xu Zhengyang the confidence to say such things. But he also had some faith in Xu Zhengyang, because this kid had always done unexpected things and succeeded. For example, he had actually captured those four assassins last night.
"Let's go." Chen Chaojiang stood up, grabbed Yao Chushun's thin arm with his right hand, and pulled Yao Chushun up as if he were doing so.
Yao Chushun, suspicious, followed the two out somewhat passively.
Inside the antique market, three people strolled unhurriedly towards Tianbaozhai. People in front of some shops stared at them in surprise, wondering where these three, who had just survived a shooting two days ago, were headed after. It seemed they were heading to Tianbaozhai…
So everyone was filled with curiosity and excitement, speculating and hoping.
Finally, the three men lived up to expectations, walked to the front and back of Tianbaozhai's shop, and turned to walk into Tianbaozhai.
Some curious people headed towards Tianbaozhai, wondering if they could catch a good show outside.
The three entered the shop. A man in his fifties greeted them, saying, "What brings you here?" He was Liu Jin, the manager of Tianbaozhai, and a seasoned expert in antiques. Having worked at Tianbaozhai for four or five years, he was naturally aware of the rumors and grievances between Zou Mingyuan and Yao Chushun, and many suspected that the shooting that occurred in the market the day before yesterday was orchestrated by assassins hired by Zou Mingyuan. He recognized these three men; they were the protagonists who had miraculously survived the gunman's attack.
"I need to talk to Boss Zou about something," Xu Zhengyang said with a smile, his tone calm and his expression serene.
"I don't think our boss has anything to talk to you about, does he?" Liu Jin said with a somewhat displeased expression.
Xu Zhengyang casually glanced around the shop, then took out a folded piece of white paper from his pocket, smiled, and handed it over, saying, "Let Zou Mingyuan take a look. I think he'll be willing to invite us upstairs to talk."
"Hmm?" Liu Jin took the paper, glanced at Xu Zhengyang suspiciously, and was about to open it to take a look.
"You'd better not look..." Xu Zhengyang reminded him with a smile.