Chapter 261: Old Friend

Inside the Dark Star Bureau, Big Head reported to Captain Chen Changrui about Xiao Zhenggong's hospital visit.

He only mentioned that Xiao Zhenggong went to He Jiaqing's room, without revealing that He Jiaqing had already woken up.

"Captain, Deputy Xiao has been going to the hospital quite frequently lately."

Chen Changrui nodded. "I know about that."

"It seems there's a personal vendetta between him and He Jiaqing."

"I know about that too."

"I'm worried he might kill He Jiaqing." Big Head stated it plainly.

Chen Changrui smiled. "I know about that as well."

The captain's attitude puzzled Big Head.

He knew everything, yet he did nothing.

What was the meaning of this?

Chen Changrui offered Big Head a cigarette, lit one for himself, and asked, "What kind of person do you think He Jiaqing is?"

Big Head took a puff from his cigarette. "I don't know. I haven't had any contact with him. I only know that he's someone the Bureau values highly."

Chen Changrui held his cigarette, took a deep drag, exhaled a cloud of smoke, and then asked, "What kind of person do you think Xiao Zhenggong is?"

Big Head was silent for a moment, not daring to answer rashly. "I don't know Deputy Xiao particularly well either."

Chen Changrui flicked his cigarette ash and smiled. "You truly don't understand, and you can't. He Jiaqing and Xiao Zhenggong are beyond your grasp because they are from Prolo State.

You've never been to Prolo State, so you don't know what it's like. I spent a few years there. People from Prolo State have clawed their way up through bloodshed and deceit.

We've lived long enough to think we're experienced, well-traveled, cunning, and sophisticated. But honestly, everything we know amounts to nothing in Prolo State.

Do you think someone lying in a hospital bed is necessarily sick? Do you think a deputy captain is necessarily part of the Dark Star Bureau?

Such individuals aren't ones we can handle. Isn't it better to let one deal with the other?"

Big Head remained silent.

Captain Chen chuckled. "Big Head, some things in the Bureau aren't fair, and I don't like them either. If I can fight for you, I will. If I can't, then blame my lack of ability.

But we are Bureau personnel. When something happens, we handle it together. As for matters concerning Prolo State, it's best we don't get involved. Don't you agree?"

Big Head's heart tightened, but his face remained expressionless.

The captain extinguished his cigarette. "A new recruit arrived this year. I'm putting him under your wing."

"Tangyuan" You Xuehan led in a young man of average build, plain appearance, and simple attire, yet he was neatly dressed and clean, with the unique youthful vigor on his face.

The young man introduced himself: "My name is Qin Minghui. I'm twenty-three years old, a recent law graduate from Yuezhou University."

Captain Chen said, "This kid ranked first in the written exam, interview, and physical test. He could have had a better position, but he specifically chose the Dark Star Bureau."

Big Head asked, "Why did you choose the Dark Star Bureau?"

Qin Minghui replied, "To protect."

"Protect what?"

Qin Minghui said, "To protect this world and everything important in it."

Before he finished speaking, Tangyuan's face turned beet red as she struggled to suppress her laughter.

Chen Changrui and Big Head couldn't help but chuckle aloud, and Qin Minghui joined them in laughter.

He laughed naturally, showing no embarrassment at all.

"Big Head, Little Qin will be with you from now on. Give him a codename."

It was a Dark Star Bureau tradition for mentors to give their apprentices codenames.

Big Head had always been kind to new recruits, and when assigning codenames, he would ask for their preference. "What kind of nickname would you like?"

Qin Minghui scratched his head. "My senior colleagues already gave me one. They call me 'Zhong Er'."

Chen Changrui waved his hand. "Don't listen to their nonsense. A codename is a serious matter. Firstly, it prevents identity leaks, and secondly, it facilitates communication and coordination during missions."

"Just call me Zhong Er," Qin Minghui said, not minding at all. "I also think I'm a bit 'Zhong Er'. A few more beatings, and perhaps I'll mature."

Big Head didn't want to overthink the nickname. Since the new recruit was willing, he would be called Zhong Er.

"First, familiarize yourself with the Bureau's regulations."

"Senior Brother, I've already studied them..."

"Study them again carefully. I've been studying for half my life, and there are still things I haven't learned."

Greenwater City, Peace Building Cinema.

The movie star "Zhou Changhong" sat in the back row of the second floor, watching "Blood Blade Detective III."

Ling Miaoying released the third movie ahead of Ma Wu.

But even with a quick release, it seemed futile. Compared to "Blood Gun Detective," "Blood Blade Detective" had a vastly lower attendance rate.

Yet despite the significant difference, it didn't mean no one wanted to watch "Blood Blade Detective." A week after its release, the third installment maintained an average daily attendance rate of over 20%. The cinema might have been quieter, but the tastes and levels of these viewers were markedly different.

"Zhou Changhong" could hear some audience members whispering:

"Now this is what you call real cinema; this is true art."

"Leaving everything else aside, the lighting and cinematography alone are unmatched by other films."

"The character of Liang Chunjie is also well-portrayed, and the actor's performance is spot-on. A master's touch truly makes a difference. I've memorized many of the dialogues."

"Zhou Changhong" was very pleased with such comments; this was the effect he truly wanted to achieve.

About a third of the way through the film, an elderly man sat down beside Zhou Changhong and quietly asked, "Big star, I haven't mistaken you for someone else, have I?"

"Zhou Changhong" had noticed the arrival long ago. He deliberately feigned surprise, quickly stood up, and said, "Elder Lu, how..."

The elder patriarch of the Lu family, Lu Maoxian, waved his hand at Zhou Changhong. "No need for formalities. I just came to watch a movie.

This movie is really well-made, but unfortunately, few in Prolo State truly understand it. There's just one thing that doesn't quite sit right with me: the role of Liang Chunjie should have been yours. Others just don't do it justice."

"Zhou Changhong" offered a humble smile. "Elder, you flatter me."

Lu Maoxian waved his hand. "This isn't flattery. At my age, I have no reason to butter anyone up. These are my honest thoughts.

Changhong, why didn't you take this role? Was it because Boss Ling didn't offer a suitable price?"

"Zhou Changhong" shook his head. "I tried for it, but Boss Ling had someone else in mind."

"I'll have to have a good talk with Miaoying about this. The right person should do the right job, and no one is more suitable for this role than you."

The two chatted for a few more moments, then fell silent, each focusing on the movie.

Why was Lu Maoxian so enthusiastic about Zhou Changhong?

Actually, it wasn't surprising. In Prolo State, especially Greenwater City, there were always some connections between movie stars and influential families.

"Zhou Changhong" didn't pay it much mind. From the situation, it seemed the real Zhou Changhong must have been very familiar with Elder Lu.

After the movie ended, "Zhou Changhong" exchanged a few more polite words with Lu Maoxian, then they both departed.

Walking on the street, "Zhou Changhong" heard a man and a woman still discussing the movie's plot.

"Zhou Changhong" habitually placed a pin near his left ear, listened for a moment, but heard nothing.

His left ear still hadn't improved.

He moved the pin to his right ear, and this time he heard very clearly.

The man said, "This movie isn't very interesting. It's not as good as 'Blood Gun Detective'."

The woman said, "How can you be so vulgar? How can you watch a movie like that?"

"The plot of 'Blood Gun Detective' isn't bad either, but isn't it all about that..."

"Stop talking, I don't want to hear it!" The woman was annoyed. "Movies aren't just about the plot; they're about depth.

The depth of the character Liang Chunjie is incomparable to other movie characters.

I especially admire his quote: 'A family must have a master, a city must have a master, and a region must have a master. Without a master, the common people are just scattered sand and will inevitably be bullied.'"

The man said, "I don't agree with that. You mean you can't live without a master?"

The woman sighed. "We truly have nothing in common!"

"Zhou Changhong" nodded.

Apart from the significant difference in audience numbers, other effects were largely as expected.

He wanted to hear other audience members' thoughts, but a button on his chest suddenly vibrated.

"Jiaqing, something happened at the hospital."

It was Big Head's voice.

"What happened?"

"Zhou Changhong's identity has been exposed by Xiao Zhenggong. Zhou Changhong told Xiao Zhenggong the truth."

"Zhou Changhong" frowned, his good mood instantly ruined.

"Is the information reliable?"

"You could say I witnessed it myself."

"Thank you, brother." He Jiaqing, disguised as "Zhou Changhong," cut off the communication, realizing the gravity of the situation.

He shouldn't have left Zhou Changhong unattended earlier, nor should he have overestimated his loyalty.

He Jiaqing nonchalantly walked toward the train station, preparing to buy a ticket back to the outer state immediately.

Of course, buying a ticket was one thing; taking the train was another. He had other ways to return to the outer state.

The matter was exposed. Speed wasn't the main concern; secrecy of his journey was paramount.

Secrecy...

When Lu Maoxian came to find me just now, was there another reason?

"Mister, want to buy a newspaper?" A newsboy blocked his path. He Jiaqing, feeling irritated, pushed the newsboy aside.

Lu Maoxian's visit might not have been a coincidence. Could he have recognized me?

Impossible.

Purely based on cultivation, he shouldn't have seen through my disguise, unless he had contact with Xiao Zhenggong. Could it be that the Jiangxiang Gang and the Lu family also had dealings, or perhaps...

"Pity me, give me some food." A beggar blocked his path again. He Jiaqing impatiently walked around him.

Lu Maoxian might indeed have had contact with Xiao Zhenggong. Xiao Zhenggong wasn't just the leader of the Jiangxiang Gang; he was also a "balancer," making his identity very complex...

"Pity me, give me some food." The beggar circled back in front of He Jiaqing.

Why was this person so persistent?

His thoughts interrupted again, He Jiaqing looked at the beggar in front of him with annoyance. He saw his tattered clothes, his face covered in festering sores, and green pus oozing from them.

Greenwater Beggar...

He Jiaqing's expression tightened.

The beggar smiled. "Pity me, give me some food."

He Jiaqing tapped the button on his chest and whispered, "Don't speak, stay in touch."