"I understand."

In a brief exchange of glances, Ji Jue realized, "That's perfect, I'm not busy either, let me help you 'retrieve' the surveillance."

Old Zhang nodded.

Silently patted his shoulder.

After getting the hint, Tong Hua and Ji Jue immediately got busy.

Collecting physical evidence, preparing records, wrapping up the crime scene.

It was just a normal job assignment in the Northern Mountain District, investigating a violent crime, tracking down a gang of itinerant criminals, and taking them all down.

Just like their past work, nothing special about it.

Everything was normal.

From the recorded footage at the scene to the residual Ether, everything was as usual, although the destruction was slightly more extensive, leaving some incompleteness, still perfectly normal, beyond reproach.

As for the extra box on top of the bull cart, no one paid it any attention.

After communicating the situation at the scene with the belated police, directing them to set up the isolation line, and giving the contact information of the Northern Mountain District company to the accident victims' insurance company, Old Zhang's job was temporarily finished.

He unscrewed his oversized water bottle, tipped his head back, and gulp gulp gulp, he downed the tea water brewed all afternoon along with the tea leaves, staring at the neon lights in the night, suddenly letting out a long sigh.

"Troublesome times."

He gently rubbed Xiao An's hair, saying softly, "Head back after you finish up."

"Okay."

Xiao An nodded.

Under the same night sky, on the other side of Cliff City, the disturbance was just beginning.

...

Half an hour later, in Cliff City, Fanglan District, Mingyue Building.

The place was bustling like a marketplace.

Lanterns decorated both sides of the street, giving off a festive atmosphere.

"Uncle Hu, long time no see, please come in."

"Chairman Liu, old friend, no need for such formalities, after you."

Among the arriving guests, Lei Yaoxing stood at the entrance, greeting each guest with an amicable smile, yet cold, apathetic men stood motionless along both sides of the street, their icy gazes sweeping over anyone who dared approach.

After inviting the Inspector General from the Fanglan District police station inside, someone rushed to Lei Yaoxing's side and whispered, "There seems to be a problem in the Northern Mountain District."

Lei Yaoxing nodded calmly after hearing this, simply waving his hand, "Don't fuss about it, we can talk after tonight."

He then resumed his smile, welcoming another guest.

"Big brother, it's not like you to take the initiative in asking for a truce?" the flirtatious Eleven sneered as she pushed through the crowd and stepped up the stairs, "Have you already made quick work of inviting those uncles to support you?"

"Father is still in the hospital; he's not doing well. Visit him when you have time."

Lei Yaoxing patted her hand, "We grew up together, we're family, what grudge can't be settled?"

"You really think you have me cornered?" Eleven said with a cold laugh.

"What's to corner or not? Have I ever wronged you since we were kids?" Lei Yaoxing sighed deeply, "In the end, we're family. Harmony brings wealth. Today is important to me, grant me this favor. Even if you want to fight to the death with Four and Seven, it doesn't have to be today. No matter how ugly the scene gets, it's hard for me to see you upset. Have I ever touched the old house in the South Mountain District?"

Eleven's expression stiffened for a moment, her eyes dark and predatory.

But Lei Yaoxing just patted her shoulder, "It's getting late, come in and sit. We can discuss everything after the meal... Ah, Secretary Li, welcome."

He approached another person, shaking hands, greeting him warmly, and leading him inside.

The banquet hall was already bustling, with acquaintances sitting together, holding cups of tea, exchanging smiles, yet their gazes conveyed something indescribable.

Always peeking towards the entrance.

Until a black sedan pulled up at the door, and out stepped a round-faced middle-aged man with rigid glasses, his physique somewhat overweight resembling an enlarged version of Chen Yubo, only with a much darker complexion, affable, waving cordially to others.

Hard to imagine, this was the Desert Market overlord and indirect instigator of the White Deer civil war and the Cliff City turmoil.

After four days of war, Chen Xingzhou finally made a public appearance.

Looking towards the steps.

For an instant, Lei Yaoxing's gaze clashed with his, but there was no anger or darkness, not even a change in their smiles.

Those few seconds led everyone to unconsciously hold their breath.

Until Lei Yaoxing voluntarily stepped down the stairs to greet the evening's most important guest.

The two laughed as they walked together.

Palms locked.

Gentle yet steadfast, echoing past cooperation.

"Didn't think you'd really dare to come."

Lei Yaoxing sighed softly, "I underestimated you."

"The uncles agreed to negotiate, how could I not show up? Wouldn't just be waiting to be killed," Chen Xingzhou answered with ease, "Have you figured out how to deal with me tonight?"

"Guests are to be treated with respect, it's not my practice to move against guests," said Lei Yaoxing, "Even if we can't agree, let's wait till after tonight."

Speaking, he led the way forward.

Chen Xingzhou waved his hand, stopping Uncle Lin from following, and linked arms with his host, as if they were close allies.

Just as everyone heaved a sigh of relief, a soft thud echoed.

Thump!

Chen Xingzhou's steps halted in place.

He looked down, puzzled.

Seeing the trace of blood seeping through his chest, he raised his head to look at Lei Yaoxing beside him, instinctively grasping at him, mouth opening as if to speak, yet no sound emerged.

Shock, bewilderment, confusion, followed by realization.

From the surrounding chaos, his hand limply released, leaving a crimson bloodprint on the pure white suit.

He fell backward.

Screams of terror rose.

Like those delayed laments from the bloodbaths.

They never stopped, echoing from the darkness, singing from the wolf and deer's clash.

White Deer witnessed it all.

The bloodstained curtain was thus drawn...

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.