Chapter 81: This Time, It's All Over

Handsome Hao hurried over, his face alight with excitement. “Good, that’s wonderful, absolutely wonderful.”

Wang Zixuan and the others stood up, applauding Old Xu, who was still dazed.

Handsome Hao said, “Your performance just now was superb. Truly spectacular, wasn’t it? Congratulations, Sir. You’ve passed this stage.”

Old Xu’s bewildered expression showed he hadn’t recovered yet. But the play had to go on; if they didn’t resolve his inner turmoil, there’d be trouble. After confusion came grievance, and tears began streaming down his cheeks. So many years had passed, and finally, he had some understanding. Back at the supermarket, he could finally shed those uncomfortable clothes. Wang Zixuan was tidying himself up as Handsome Hao glanced over.

Handsome Hao said, “Sis, about the bath later—you’re not backing out, are you?”

Wang Zixuan replied, “Even if I don’t agree, you’d still help Old Xu, wouldn’t you?”

Handsome Hao said, “Hey, I’m only thinking of you. Imagine, when you get promoted and return to the Underworld, maybe you’ll toss me a small official position.”

Wang Zixuan scoffed, “Come on, it’s not like we’re thieves. Why so coy? Let’s go, my treat.”

Handsome Hao said, “No, let me treat, let me treat. You go ahead, I’ll clean up first.”

Wang Zixuan nodded. “Alright.”

With that, she turned and walked away.

Handsome Hao called after her, “I’ll be right there!”

Once Wang Zixuan was gone, Handsome Hao took a small bottle of unknown liquid from his desk drawer and mixed it with another drink, pouring it all into one bottle. He was preparing to go find Wang Zixuan when, just as he reached the door, he unexpectedly ran into Gu Weimin. Hastily, Handsome Hao hid the drink behind his back.

Handsome Hao said, “Director.”

Gu Weimin glanced at him briefly, uninterested. “Evening. Got anything going on?”

Gu Weimin dragged Handsome Hao to the internet café to play games. His moves were fierce and skilled. Handsome Hao dared not win. After one round, Gu Weimin removed his headset and looked at Handsome Hao.

Handsome Hao said, “Director, you’re really skilled.”

Gu Weimin replied, “I haven’t played in a long time. Used to play often when I was young, with a buddy. That guy was sly, very sly—just like you. How’s it been working here these few days?”

As Gu Weimin spoke, Handsome Hao felt nervous, afraid that a wrong word would lead to disaster. The trauma from previous experiences lingered.

Handsome Hao said, “I’ve felt the warmth of family and everyone’s passion for the job. The only thing lacking is myself—I feel like I’m holding everyone back.”

Gu Weimin said, “You contributed to the Wang Beibei case and Old Xu’s amnesia. Clearly, you have potential as an investigator.”

Handsome Hao laughed. “It’s all thanks to Sis’s guidance.”

Gu Weimin said, “I’ve checked—grew up in an orphanage, your pet hospital business isn’t doing so well. Why don’t you just stay here? And stop thinking about any little tricks.”

Handsome Hao replied, somewhat nervously, “Who’s slandering me? How could I possibly be up to anything?”

Gu Weimin cast him a glance and took out a wristband.

Gu Weimin said, “Alright, give me your hand.”

Handsome Hao asked, “What for?”

Gu Weimin removed the previous wristband and put a new one on him.

Gu Weimin said, “Since you’re willing to stay, I’ll guarantee your safety. To make you feel secure and to give Wang Zixuan peace of mind managing you, I’ve upgraded this wristband with a tiny chip. Now, it can monitor your location, record audio and video twenty-four hours a day. If you go more than ten kilometers from Wang Zixuan, the wristband will automatically sound an alarm and release a high-voltage current.”