GHLCS Chapter42

After intensive investigation, rescue, and comfort, it took until three o’clock in the morning to clean up the mess at the Japanese consulate.

 

All the dignitaries gathered in the hall and cleared out three bodies from the consulate without any markings on their bodies.

 

Among those who arrived with the soldiers were Duan Zhanzhou and a man dressed in Tangzhuang with a long beard, who resembled an immortal. However, his calloused hands, as large as casseroles, suggested he was a martial artist.

 

Duan Yelin was very respectful when he saw this man: “Fourth Uncle Qiao.”

 

This Fourth Uncle Qiao, whose full name was Qiao Daosang, was the sworn brother of Duan Yelin’s father. After Duan Yelin’s biological father passed away, Qiao Daosang took it upon himself to teach Duan Yelin many skills, treating him with the discipline of a strict father. Though he was tough, deep down, he truly cared for Duan Yelin.

 

Duan Zhanzhou said, “The people from the consulate didn’t have time to go to Xiaotong Guan for help, so they went to Fourth Uncle Qiao first. Fourth Uncle gathered a group of patrol sentries and sent them ahead, then sent someone to find me as backup. How is everyone? Are they alright?”

 

Qiao Song approached and said to them, “We’ve checked everyone here, and there are no assassins among them. Should we send them back?”

 

Duan Yelin was about to nod when he was interrupted.

 

“No need!”

 

The one who spoke was Keiko Kuromiya. She came over with a stern face and repeated, “They can’t be released.”

 

“Does Miss Kuromiya have any opinions?”

 

“The killer may have escaped, but I don’t care about that. The thief hasn’t gotten away; he must still be here.”

 

“Thief?” Everyone was confused.

 

Kenji came out from behind Kuromiya Keiko and explained, “Someone took advantage of the darkness just now and stole Keiko’s necklace.”

 

Everyone looked at Kuromiya Keiko’s neck and found that the butterfly enamel pendant was indeed gone. But who would care about such material things in this life-or-death situation?

 

Duan Zhanzhou said with some disdain, “Maybe it got lost in the chaos and can’t be found?”

 

Kuromiya Keiko said earnestly, “Someone snatched it from my neck. I know that feeling all too well. I hope you don’t misunderstand me. I’m not a stingy person. If any gentleman or lady likes this necklace, I can give it to them. However, my things can only be given away by me; they cannot be stolen.”

 

These words were spoken with a royal air of dominance.

 

When human lives were at stake, no one cared about such a small matter as theft, so Duan Yelin asked, “Then what do you want to do?”

 

“Body search.”

 

After all, the purpose is obvious.

 

Kuromiya Keiko clearly didn’t trust their investigation and even suspected that tonight’s events might have been a drama orchestrated by the soldiers themselves. She was determined to investigate on her own to see if the killers were truly absent from the crowd tonight.

 

Whether the pendant is truly lost or not doesn’t matter; it gives them a reason to make a scene.

 

It would be even more intriguing if the pendant were found on someone at the scene. Everyone present had connections in politics, business, and the military, which would give the Japanese a perfect excuse to stir up trouble. However, knowing that Kuromiya Keiko had ulterior motives but being unable to find a reason to deflect would make them appear guilty.

 

Qiao Daosang, the most senior person present, remained expressionless, his face resembling that of a Buddha statue. He said, “Then search, for peace of mind.”

 

Kuromiya Keiko nodded slightly in gratitude, then raised a finger, signaling several Japanese individuals to begin searching separately.

 

Duan Yelin wasn’t interested in getting involved in the mess and wanted to send Xu Hang away first. He took hold of Xu Hang’s right hand and led him to a quieter area. However, as soon as he grasped it, he noticed that Xu Hang’s fist was tightly clenched, as if he were hiding something in his hand.

 

Startled, he used his body to block others’ view, and when he looked down, he saw that it was a butterfly pendant!

 

“You!” Duan Yelin looked around in disbelief. He quickly pulled him behind a car and whispered in his ear, “…Did you take it?”

 

Xu Hang tightened his grip, bringing his fist to his chest. He pursed his lips, his expression firm, and nodded resolutely.

 

“Are you crazy?” Duan Yelin didn’t dare to ask loudly and could only squeeze out a few sounds from his gums.

 

When he saw Xu Hang’s expression, he knew that he would not hand over the thing. However, this was not the time to interrogate him in detail because the search team would be here soon.

 

Duan Yelin attempted to pry Xu Hang’s hand open, trying to take the necklace, but Xu Hang’s hand was like a sculpture frozen in molten iron, refusing to budge. Furious, Duan Yelin leaned in close and whispered in his ear, “If you want to keep this thing, give it to me now!”

 

Xu Hang’s hands trembled, and he hesitated for a moment before slowly opening his fist. Duan Yelin quickly snatched the necklace and slipped it into his pocket.

 

At this time, the Japanese named Kenji also walked up to them, looked at Xu Hang with malicious eyes, and ordered his men, “Search him carefully.”

 

The two Japanese approached, and Xu Hang remained still, allowing them to search his body. After searching carefully for a while, they shook their heads at Kenji, who appeared slightly disappointed. He glared at Xu Hang angrily before turning his gaze toward Duan Yelin.

 

Duan Yelin folded his arms and said, “What? Do you want to search me?”

 

The two Japanese hesitated for a moment, but Kenji spoke arrogantly, “Since we have to search, we should search everyone. Who knows what unexpected discoveries we might make?”

 

Duan Yelin sneered twice and said with disdain, “Then how do I know you guys aren’t the thief crying ‘thief’?”

 

Kenji opened his arms, “Then Commander can search me too.”

 

“If a whore wants to build a chaste archway, will she let people see her adulterer? Tsk!” Duan Zhanzhou stood aside and sarcastically said.

 

“You!” Kenji was so angry that he wanted to hit him.

 

Duan Zhanzhou refused to give in: “What? Is the whore going to hit people?”

 

Duan Yelin hypocritically scolded his cousin before saying, “If you want to search, then search. If you find anything, I’ll do whatever you want. If you don’t find anything, heh… don’t say I didn’t give you Japanese people face.”

 

Kenji couldn’t stand this kind of stimulation, so he rolled up his sleeves and wanted to take action.

 

“Kenji!” Kuromiya Keiko stopped him. All the people who went to search had reported to her that they had found neither evidence of the killer nor any trace of the pendant. She could only stop at the right time. “Commander Duan, I’m sorry, we didn’t doubt you.” She came forward and lowered her voice. “It seems that everything tonight was a misunderstanding.”

 

Duan Yelin changed his stance, looking a little impatient: “Then have you guys had enough of the trouble?”

 

Kuromiya Keiko nodded dignifiedly, as if she knew etiquette very well: “Please forgive us.”

 

Duan Yelin snapped his fingers at everyone, and Qiao Song received the order and shouted, “Team up!”

 

The mess finally came to an end, but tonight was a failure for everyone. Whether it was the Japanese who wanted to win people’s hearts with the auction, the mysterious killer who wanted to take the opportunity to assassinate, or the investigator who wanted to find out the truth, they all ended in failure.

 

The troops were divided into groups, escorting different guests away. Watching the Ford car carrying Xu Hang drive away, Xiao Jing asked Yuan Ye, “Young Master, are you not going to ask anymore?”

 

Yuan Ye stood there motionless, his eyes seeming empty and deep. Suddenly, he recalled Xu Hang’s unwavering help at the critical moment of his life and death. He realized he couldn’t bring himself to ask about those doubts and questions.

 

He always had the feeling of judging others by his own flawed character. He was the one who said he wanted to be friends first, yet he was also the one who became suspicious of Xu Hang. On the other hand, Xu Hang, who was usually cold, acted decisively when it mattered most.

 

“Forget it,” Yuan Ye decided not to be obsessed and felt a little relieved. “Regardless of whether it is true or not, I still think it is good to have this friend. There is no need to create a rift with my friend over a dead governor.”

 

Xiao Jing noticed that the worry in Yuan Ye’s eyes had faded considerably, and he felt genuinely happy for him.

 

On the other side, Qiao Daosang’s car took Duan Yelin and Xu Hang to Jinyan Tang first. After dropping Xu Hang off, Qiao Daosang said, “Yelin, come sit with me for a while. I have something to tell you.”

 

Xu Hang glanced at Fourth Uncle Qiao, whose Buddhist-like appearance contrasted with the forceful way he was stroking his beard. There was a hint of anger and authority in his eyes, and Xu Hang could tell that he was about to take action.

 

Duan Yelin told Xu Hang to rest early, and the car roared, speeding away immediately. Xu Hang watched the car until it became as small as a sesame seed, yet he still didn’t look away.