38: Chapter 38 The journey through the martial world is long; we shall meet again if fate allows.

Half an hour later.

The piercing wail of sirens tore through the industrial district's night sky.

A large contingent of heavily armed Law Enforcement Bureau personnel stormed into the warehouse, followed closely by ambulances flashing blue lights.

Inside the warehouse, the scene was starkly divided.

On one side, thugs lay scattered haphazardly on the ground, along with Sang Biao, who had been bound like a zongzi with plastic zip ties Cao Kun found, his face etched with unwillingness and fear.

On the other side, Liang Lingmeng knelt quietly beside Old Zhou's body, holding his long-cold hand. Tear tracks still marked her face, her eyes hollow and filled with sorrow.

Law Enforcement Bureau personnel quickly secured the scene. Medical staff approached, examined Old Zhou, then silently shook their heads at Liang Lingmeng before covering the body with a white sheet.

The Director of the Law Enforcement Bureau, Wang, was leading the operation personally.

His expression grave, he listened to Liang Lingmeng's brief report, surveyed the scene, his gaze lingering on Cao Kun for a moment.

He then directed his subordinates to conduct a swift search. Sure enough, they found the black waterproof bag on Sang Biao.

With conclusive evidence and the ringleader apprehended, this counterfeit medicine syndicate that had plagued the area for years was uprooted completely.

Only, the cost of this victory was far too heavy.

Cao Kun handed the pistol to an approaching Enforcement Officer. He watched as Old Zhou's sheet-covered body was carried away, then looked at the devastated Liang Lingmeng, a complex mix of emotions swirling in his heart.

Just then, a system notification chimed in his mind.

[Ding! Congratulations, Host, on successfully completing the mission: Assist the female Enforcement Officer in apprehending the criminal gang.]

[Mission reward distributed: One fully furnished residential property, Unit 2601, Building 6, Fenghua Li Residential Complex. The property has been legally registered under the name of the host, Cao Kun. The property ownership certificate is stored in the indoor safe. The room uses an intelligent keypad lock; initial password: 666888. The host may move in with peace of mind.]

"Done!" Cao Kun was ecstatic.

It was worth taking such a big risk.

Now his housing problem was completely solved. No more renting!

"Tomorrow, I'll share this good news with Guangli and have her move in right away!"

Cao Kun thought happily, his fatigue vanishing.

Thinking about living with Ji Guangli filled Cao Kun with an unconscious sense of anticipation.

After the initial excitement, Cao Kun's gaze returned to Liang Lingmeng. Supported by several female colleagues, she still looked grief-stricken, her eyes vacant.

This resolute female Enforcement Officer had experienced betrayal, life-and-death situations, and the immense shock of her superior sacrificing himself to save her.

She would likely face tedious internal reviews, psychological intervention, and a long road of emotional trauma recovery.

However, these matters were beyond the scope of his mission and had nothing to do with him.

The only uncertainty was that he had taken her first time. He didn't know if she would expect him to take responsibility.

But Liang Lingmeng probably wasn't the type to make unreasonable demands.

Even if she did demand responsibility, Cao Kun would lay his cards on the table, making it clear he couldn't have only her as his woman.

As long as she could accept that, Cao Kun would absolutely not treat her poorly.

Cao Kun let out a soft sigh, straightened his slightly rumpled clothes, and prepared to slip away from the edge of the bustling scene, disappearing into anonymity, his deeds unknown.

However, as soon as he moved, a steady voice called out to him.

"Mr. Cao Kun, please wait."

Cao Kun turned to see Director Wang, his expression serious and aura imposing, walking over.

Director Wang extended his hand, shaking Cao Kun's firmly, gratitude sincere in his eyes. "Mr. Cao, we truly owe you a great deal this time! If you hadn't stepped forward at the critical moment, subdued the criminals, and seized the weapon, not only would Comrade Liang Lingmeng likely have been in grave danger, but our entire takedown operation might have failed, even allowing the ringleader to escape. On behalf of the Zhongzhou City Law Enforcement Bureau, I extend our most sincere thanks to you!"

Cao Kun quickly waved his hands modestly. "Director Wang, you're too kind. It was simply what I should have done. Anyone else would have done the same."

Director Wang gave a slight nod, pleased with Cao Kun's lack of arrogance.

"Courageous, resourceful, and skilled. Such qualities are rare in young people. Upon returning, I will report your actions truthfully to my superiors, presenting you as a positive model for publicity, encouraging others to learn from you and promote social righteousness."

"No, no, no! Director Wang, really, awards and recognition aren't necessary!"

Hearing about commendations gave Cao Kun a headache, and he hurriedly refused.

"I'm just an ordinary person; I don't want that kind of attention. And... in situations like this, if accomplices or family members of those criminals find out and hold a grudge, causing trouble for me or my family... well, you understand."

He put on an expression of being timid and just wanting a peaceful life.

Director Wang pondered for a moment, understanding his concerns.

There were precedents of good Samaritans facing retaliation.

He patted Cao Kun's shoulder. "I understand your concerns. Let's do this: we'll discuss the commendation matter later, and we will at least respect your personal wishes."

"However, for now, we may need to trouble you to return to the bureau with us to provide a detailed statement. It's a necessary procedure; I hope you understand."

"Of course, it's just routine questioning to understand the sequence of events. It won't take much of your time."

Cao Kun knew this step was unavoidable and readily agreed. "Of course. Cooperating with law enforcement is every citizen's duty. I'll go with you."

"Good, thank you for your understanding." Director Wang signaled to a capable Enforcement Officer. "Xiao Chen, escort Mr. Cao to the vehicle and back to the bureau. Mind your attitude; Mr. Cao is an important collaborator."

"Yes, Director!"

...

Back at the Law Enforcement Bureau, they treated Cao Kun courteously.

After asking him a few simple questions, they let him go, saying they would contact him later if needed.

Cao Kun had wanted to see Liang Lingmeng one last time.

He figured that barring unforeseen circumstances, their paths likely wouldn't cross again.

After all, they had been intimate; it seemed right to say a proper goodbye.

But the bureau personnel said Liang Lingmeng was occupied and unavailable.

Cao Kun could only leave alone, feeling somewhat helpless.

The path is long; we'll meet again if fate allows!

...