Chapter 89: Relaxation

After Mo Lan and An Feng searched the surrounding areas to no avail, they returned to the police station and found Liu Fei and Xiao Qi exhausted from their own efforts. Searching day after day without progress was proving fruitless and unsustainable. Although there were still two or three cases connected to the boss, his whereabouts remained unknown, and the relentless pursuit was wearing everyone out.

The chief had been overwhelmed lately, reaching out to other precincts, but none were aware of the situation and had no intention of lending a hand. After hitting one dead end after another, the chief decided to set the matter aside for now. The wind, the rain, the blazing sun—every day officers were sent out to search, leaving them all worn down. If it continued, someone was bound to collapse. He resolved to let Liu Fei’s team handle the investigation, sparing An Feng and Mo Lan from further exhaustion.

Having made his decision, the chief pressed the bell and spoke through the loudspeaker, “All officers, assemble on the field immediately.”

The so-called field was simply an open patch of ground where announcements were usually made. An Feng and Mo Lan, already drained, wondered what could possibly require a meeting now, but they rose and headed outside regardless. Xiao Qi and Liu Fei did the same, as did the other officers, dragging their weary bodies with them.

Once outside, they quickly formed lines and stood at attention, gazing at the chief. He looked at his officers, who were as tired as he was, and sighed deeply.

“This mask operation has been tough on everyone,” he began. “While it’s essential that we uncover the mastermind behind these events, we can’t keep chasing shadows indefinitely. I want to assign a group to continue the pursuit; the rest will return to regular duties.”

At this, relief spread across their faces. Finally, they could rest without trekking up mountains or driving all over every day. Though a group would still be tasked with the investigation, everyone hoped they wouldn’t be chosen.

Mo Lan and An Feng didn’t mind; in another day or two, they would head to Lin City anyway. No matter how tired they got, it would only be for another couple of days. Once in Lin City, they’d finally relax.

Xiao Qi was still under An Feng’s command, so if An Feng continued the chase, Xiao Qi would have to accompany him. Though she truly didn’t want to remain with An Feng—enduring the daily “dog food”—she couldn’t bear to be so far from him either.

“Liu Fei, pick a team and continue the pursuit. Sorry for the trouble,” the chief said, sounding resigned. Anyone witnessing his demeanor would have felt the same.

Liu Fei stepped forward, saluted, and replied, “No problem. It’s not a hardship, it’s our duty.”

Xiao Qi glanced at Liu Fei. After spending time with him lately, she thought he was a good manager. Maybe she should join his team, since the two teams operated close to each other and she’d still see everyone frequently.

“Chief, I’d like to join Liu Fei’s squad,” Xiao Qi suddenly announced, saluting. “From now on, I’ll be part of his team.”

Her words surprised everyone present, including Liu Fei himself. He hadn’t treated Xiao Qi particularly well, so why was she willing to do such hard work alongside him?

“Xiao Qi, are you sure?” The chief sounded exasperated. Why did his niece insist on giving up an easy assignment for hardship? Wasn’t she fond of An Feng? Why leave his team?

“Yes, I’m sure,” Xiao Qi replied, her expression resolute and her posture upright, the picture of a model officer.

“Very well, I agree,” the chief acquiesced, relieved. As long as his niece didn’t stir up trouble, he was fine with her going wherever she pleased. The real threat wasn’t her, but her mother, who could resort to any manner of theatrics.

An Feng breathed a sigh of relief. Though Xiao Qi hadn’t caused trouble recently, based on her previous behavior, he would have eventually had to drive her away. Now that she was leaving of her own accord, it was a blessing—he wouldn’t have to see her anymore.

Mo Lan was indifferent. As vice-captain, Xiao Qi wouldn’t dare disrespect her, and since the Wolf Bear Mountain incident, Xiao Qi hadn’t confronted her directly.

The other officers watched from the sidelines, curious about the situation. Xiao Qi wasn’t hard to get along with as long as she wasn’t provoked. Sometimes she was unreasonable, sometimes straightforward—a candid girl, really.

And so, the matter passed. An Feng and Mo Lan could finally return and collapse at their desks for a well-deserved rest.

Liu Fei selected a few officers, and along with Xiao Qi, prepared to set out. Xiao Qi was reluctant; she had already been to so many places and was exhausted.

She looked enviously at Mo Lan and An Feng, resting on their desks, and knew her uncle had kept them back for a reason. In truth, it was favoritism.

“Let’s go. If you want to quit now, I won’t mind,” Liu Fei said to Xiao Qi, then led his team out.

Xiao Qi glared at Liu Fei’s departing figure, grumbling, “Did I say I wouldn’t go?” Then hurried after them, as she was set to ride shotgun with Liu Fei.

The remaining officers watched the group leave, each silently glad they no longer had to climb mountains or search for people—the sun had nearly scorched them black these past days.

Mo Lan felt the exhaustion keenly, her skin burned from too much sun.

“Since there’s nothing pressing now, let’s invite everyone to the city center for a good meal. Let’s ask my uncle too—it’ll be a chance for everyone to meet,” An Feng said, coming up beside Mo Lan and gently tapping her shoulder.

Mo Lan considered the suggestion and followed An Feng straight out of the station, heading back to the Mo family home. The other officers were envious, but they were exhausted too, and with nothing urgent, they could finally rest for half a day.

Back at the Mo house, everyone was gathered around Elder Immortal, playing games. They were surprised to see Mo Lan and An Feng return so soon.

“Back already?” Qian Yin asked, looking at Mo Lan and then at An Feng. Weren’t they exhausted recently? How were they back so early?

“We’re going to the city center for a nice meal—my treat. We don’t have to chase after the boss anymore; someone else will handle it. We can rest for a while,” An Feng said, his entire demeanor relaxed.

Mo Lan nodded. It had been a long time since they had dined together; it would be good to have a gathering. They could sample the hotel chef’s dishes at a major hotel in the city.

Everyone agreed. Eating at home every day had grown tiresome; it was time to try something different.

An Feng sent a message to his uncle, then drove everyone out for the meal.