123: Chapter 123 Preparations for Leaving Beijing

Seeing Chen Zhi just smile without speaking, Lin Ning felt like he had only heard the beginning of a piece of gossip.

He wanted to ask more, but Chen Zhi took out two sheets of paper for him to sign. "The bonuses for the last two times, sign here."

Lin Ning was delighted, grabbed them and signed immediately, adding cheekily, "Do you also moonlight as an accountant?"

Only after signing did Lin Ning glance at the amounts—both were the capped 500,000, and there was an additional 100,000 consultancy fee for the Li Xianmin case.

Old Chen is definitely someone worth knowing. He had heard that many others only gave ten or twenty thousand, but his bonuses were always given at the maximum limit.

Chen Zhi didn't want to engage with Lin Ning. He was acting as a financial courier for Lin Ning just to reduce Lin Ning's exposure, wasn't he? He smacked his lips, wondering why he felt like Lin Ning's nanny.

Feeling annoyed, he shooed Lin Ning away. "Get out of here, you're annoying to look at."

Lin Ning chuckled, unbothered. The one handing out the money is the boss; he'd let it slide this once.

He walked to the door and was about to open it.

"Bravery is about protecting yourself, not challenging danger. Stay safe, and call me if anything happens!" Chen Zhi said, not looking up from his typing, though his voice was exceptionally serious.

Lin Ning paused, his usual playful expression fading away like a receding tide, replaced by the steadfastness and earnest commitment of a man.

He turned around, facing Chen Zhi's back as he bent over his desk, his voice low but every word clear:

"I know! I will! You take care too!"

Chen Zhi didn't reply, simply continuing his work.

Lin Ning took one last look at him, his voice becoming bright and carefree again. "I'm off, see you later!"

With that, he opened the door and strode out.

Hearing the door close, Chen Zhi's fingers stopped typing.

The room seemed to still hold the lingering scent of that kid's reckless yet vibrant energy.

Even though the kid was just going back to his hometown, Chen Zhi felt a sense of concern, like his own child was going on a long journey. He was getting old!

He shook his head and smiled self-deprecatingly. Really... he hadn't even put this much effort into solving cases.

His brief moment of sentimentality was quickly pushed aside. Chen Zhi's gaze refocused on the cold codenames and intelligence streams on the screen, his eyes becoming as sharp as a blade that had tasted blood, radiating a chilling intent.

It is only polite to return the favor!

It seems the last rap on the knuckles was too polite.

This time, he would make them hurt to their very bones, so they would remember what a red line was.

Opening his front door, the rich aroma of sweet and sour pork ribs, mixed with the steam of rice, rushed to meet him.

"You're back!" Wang Qiao heard the commotion and darted out from the living room. Seeing it was Lin Ning, he greeted him.

Then, he gave Lin Ning an admiring thumbs-up. "You really hit the jackpot, kid! She's beautiful, capable, and virtuous!"

Lin Ning felt proud for a second, but hearing the range hood still humming and seeing Wang Qiao acting like an idler, he said with dissatisfaction, "Jiang Yu is cooking, and you're just standing there watching?"

Wang Qiao's face instantly looked as if he'd eaten feces. "F*ck! Lin Ning, you're such a dog! I killed the fish! I washed the vegetables! I got the bowls! And all you see is me being idle!" His soft southern accent rose in urgency, every word a protest.

Hearing this familiar "breaking point" rhythm, Lin Ning laughed heartily, satisfied. This was the vibe.

Two dishes and a soup were already on the dining table: glossy sweet and sour pork ribs, tender stir-fried pork liver, and milky white black fish and tofu soup. The aroma drilled into his lungs, making everything from his throat to his stomach stir with anticipation.

Ignoring Wang Qiao's nagging, Lin Ning walked straight to the kitchen door.

Jiang Yu had just turned off the heat and turned around as if sensing something.

Seeing Lin Ning, her eyes curved instantly, a warm smile rippling through her clear eyes.

"You're back? Wash your hands, it's time to eat."

"Yup!" Lin Ning replied crisply, but didn't move, just leaned against the doorframe looking at her.

Wang Qiao, standing to the side, saw his face change drastically, finally settling into an indescribable, twisted expression as he squeezed out a sound through his teeth: "Ugh—!"

He really couldn't stand it, grabbed Lin Ning's arm and dragged him toward the bathroom. "Go wash your hands! And can you tone down this vibe?"

Lin Ning stumbled and turned back to glare at him.

Their gazes met, and they both turned away in disgust at the same time.

Wang Qiao: "Should I leave? I'm f*cking full and nauseous at the same time now!"

Lin Ning: "Forget it, just eat here."

Lin Ning's tone was full of reluctance and regret.

"Pah!" Wang Qiao cursed.

Wang Qiao was genuinely happy for his friend, that he could find such a great girl.

But Lin Ning's behavior since entering the door was just too annoying. No, next time he'd have to drag Yang Weifeng along to suffer through this dog food together, and while at it, criticize the inhumane Lin Ning.

They devoured the meal in no time.

Wang Qiao didn't stand on ceremony. After taking a bite, his eyes lit up, and he praised, "This is delicious!"

Lin Ning also hurriedly stuffed his mouth while praising it, and soon he was competing with Wang Qiao for food.

Jiang Yu watched the two of them playfully fighting over the food, feeling content and happy. She couldn't help but smile, quietly reaching out with her chopsticks to join the "battle" and snatch the last piece of pork liver she had her eye on.

The small dining table was as lively as a festival.

After eating and drinking their fill, Lin Ning gulped down a large mouthful of beer and said, "I'm going back to my hometown in a couple of days."

Wang Qiao already knew his plan. "Then I'll call Brother Wang to pick up the car."

"Thanks." Lin Ning nodded.

He turned his gaze to Jiang Yu beside him, his tone softening unconsciously. "Jiang Yu... do you want to come along for a couple of days? Just to relax."

Jiang Yu was looking down, wiping her hands with a tissue. Hearing this, her fingertips paused slightly.

She lifted her face, meeting Lin Ning's expectant gaze, and shook her head gently, her voice soft but firm: "No. I still have work and studies here."

This answer was within Lin Ning's expectations. Just as his tiny bit of disappointment began to surface, Wang Qiao's merciless sneer rang out from the side. "Pfft—just started dating and you want to trick her into meeting your parents? Lin Ning, you're dreaming!"

Lin Ning was embarrassed and angry, kicking Wang Qiao in the shin. "The ancients said 'he who eats someone's food has a soft mouth,' and it is truly exemplified in you."

Jiang Yu watched them bicker, the smile in her eyes deepening, like fragmented starlight falling into them.

Late at night, Lin Ning lay in bed, calculating the things he needed to do before leaving Beijing.

Picking up the car, buying gifts, getting his stitches removed, and saying goodbye to friends.

Jin Er and the three brothers, Officer Li Feng... Hmm?

A sly smile appeared on Lin Ning's face.

He was going back to his hometown, but everyone else couldn't just sit idle! Right!

Taking advantage of the gap while waiting for the Police Station's bonus and the stitch removal, he should go sweep the streets properly. First, give it to Jin Er and his crew. Didn't they like gathering information and want to make money?

He'd fulfill their wishes!

Once Jin Er and his crew gathered the info, he would pass it online to Officer Li Feng.

They were all young people, in their prime for working hard. Clocking out on time, right? As long as you don't die, work yourself to death!

Thinking of this, Lin Ning picked up his phone and checked his balance. With today's, it was almost 2.5 million. Hmm, he'd transfer another million to Wang Qiao, let him continue making money grow!

After a while, feeling the plan was feasible, Lin Ning revealed the ugly face of a capitalist. No one was allowed to be idle; everyone should go work and make money for him!

Heh heh heh.