Then, as soon as my words fell, I heard the sound of something being smashed outside the room door, followed by a burnt smell. My keen sense of smell immediately picked it up. I quickly pulled Liang Jingchu, who still didn't know what was happening.
"What's wrong, Detective Cao?"
"The place is on fire, damn it, they're making their move!"
"No way!"
I pulled Liang Jingchu towards the windowsill. However, the height was terrifying. Even for me, jumping down would be difficult, let alone for him. There was no other way; if I wanted to save him, I had to go through the pipes or use a rope. I tore down the curtain directly, then tied it around Liang Jingchu's body and said, "Go down through the pipes!"
"What about you?"
"Don't worry about me, hurry up!"
Liang Jingchu hesitated for a moment, then cautiously moved away from the windowsill. The look in his eyes suddenly changed. I didn't know what he was thinking at that moment, but my intuition told me he had discovered something. However, he knew he couldn't implicate me then and only carefully went downstairs. Watching him reach the bottom safely, the flames surged in. These guys were truly deranged, willing to send the hotel guests to their deaths to deal with Liang Jingchu.
I went to the restroom, wet a towel, and covered my mouth and nose. I intended to check the window situation but found the entire area below engulfed in flames. I felt like I was about to be consumed by the fire. Suddenly, a figure in black outside grabbed my clothes forcefully: "Cao Daming, this way!"
The person looked strong. With one hand, he lifted me and used a grappling hook to pull me to a tree on the opposite side.
Then he patted my shoulder and said, "We're not after you, just that brat. I'm leaving!"
The man in black vanished instantly. I knew he was someone from Cang Xuesong's group.
Although they were on the opposing side, he had still saved me. I quickly got down from the tree and found Liang Jingchu fleeing. I rushed up behind him and pulled him back forcefully. He didn't recognize me at first and shouted several times, "Help, don't come near me!"
"Mr. Liang, it's me! Detective Cao!"
"Ah, Detective Cao, you're alright too? I thought you were..."
"Don't worry, I won't die that easily." As I spoke, we turned back and saw the entire hotel engulfed in flames. I quickly grabbed my phone and dialed 119. We couldn't do anything about what happened next. Although everyone didn't know I was He Sheng, I still had to be careful. It was only when we heard the fire trucks arriving that we left safely. But on the road, Liang Jingchu said, "Detective Cao, what should I do now?"
"I'll take you to the Provincial Department, and then you be careful! Don't leave if there's nothing important!"
"Alright, I'll trouble you!"
I quickly drove and took Liang Jingchu away. When we reached the back door, I watched him go in. After sending a message to report his safety, I left cautiously. My aunt and uncle were no longer around, and I didn't want my cousin to meet with misfortune as well, otherwise, I would be a failure as a People's Policeman.
Returning to the company, I found that Liang Xiaoxia had returned. It seemed she hadn't left. Seeing me, she tearfully said, "Boss, I was wrong, I was wrong. Can you forgive me?"
"You're not wrong, but don't do that anymore. Work hard, otherwise this company will really not survive."
I said this deliberately to make her think I cared about the company. As expected, Liang Xiaoxia took it seriously and immediately said sincerely, "I understand, boss. Actually, I just took on a new case."
"Oh? What kind is it?"
"Don't worry, it's not about investigating mistresses or looking for animals. This one should be interesting. Catching a thief..."
"Uh? Well, you work hard! I wish you success."
I knew that with Liang Xiaoxia's intelligence, she wouldn't be able to solve any cases without exceptional luck. However, I couldn't be bothered to manage it. I still had to play my part, as the time wasn't right yet.
Fortunately, a few days later, I saw a police announcement stating that important evidence had been found in the "human-shaped" case, and they had already begun to screen suspects.
I thought the information I provided earlier must have played a role. But I didn't dare to contact He Xin and could only pretend to be an outsider for now. Looking at the news, she was still monitoring my every move lately. Perhaps from my posture and behavior, she would definitely realize who I was. The other person was Liu Yuning.
Everyone continued to pretend to be unaware, which should be the safest for me. When Liu Yuning and the others came to see me before, I had a hunch that they probably knew, but were just cooperating with me. I even suspected they had a connection with the Minister.
Thinking this, I finished reading the news and left my bedroom, going downstairs. This company was quite well-equipped, with living quarters, workspaces, and a kitchen. When I went down, Liang Xiaoxia was already cooking. I noticed she had made braised pork belly with preserved vegetables for me today.
However, compared to Liu Yuning's cooking, it was a bit lacking. Liang Xiaoxia usually didn't seem to know where her time went. I could overlook her poor professional skills, but even her domestic life wasn't managed well. What was she doing with her life?
But not everyone could be excellent. Clearly, the previous Boss Cao must have been attracted by her looks. I thought her academic qualifications were probably not great either. While eating, I said to her, "Did you solve your previous case?"
"Uh, well, the owner found the thief later, but he still paid me the commission."
"Haha, you're really lucky." I thought to myself, this is what they call "fools' luck." I didn't say it out loud, fearing that belittling her might cause her psychological imbalance.
As I pondered, I didn't know how much time had passed. The meal ended. In the afternoon, Liang Xiaoxia suddenly came to my office and said, "Boss, haven't you noticed people loitering outside our company recently?"
"Yes, I noticed it long ago. What about it?"
"Aren't you scared? What if criminals target us?"
"Heh heh, don't worry, I'm here, so you don't need to be afraid!"
"You're too calm. I'm really worried I might end up like the victim in the 'human-shaped' case..."
"You won't. Go and rest. I still have some cases to handle!"
"Boss, did you get any new cases?"
"Yes, a few divorce cases!"
I lied deliberately. In reality, I was researching some forensic techniques. But Liang Xiaoxia was still excited, "That's good! Our business will be booming soon, and we'll become rich!"