Seeing her, Duan Chen’s surprise was evident. Logically, although Li Wei’s parents were greedy, they weren't from a humble background. Her father, in particular, was quite capable of earning money. It wasn't likely they would live in such a remote neighborhood.
“And who might this be…”
“She’s Duan Chen Ge’s ex-girlfriend.”
Mi Xue’er’s tone wasn't very pleasant.
Yan Qiu Ren narrowed her eyes, seemingly trying to guess this woman’s intentions.
Duan Chen sighed, “Alright, it doesn't matter anymore. Don’t stare at her like that, it’s impolite.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Master?” Liu Gang was surprised. He looked Duan Chen up and down, then his gaze swept across Mi Xue’er and Yan Qiu Ren before reaching a conclusion.
This police officer has quite a wild side.
Upon hearing Duan Chen say it was none of her business, Li Wei's eyes visibly dimmed.
“Do you live here?” Duan Chen asked.
“Yes, we just moved in not too long ago.”
She nodded and sighed, explaining that her father had run into some business trouble and lost a lot of money. It would take at least half a year to recover, and until then, they would likely have to live here.
“Is that so.”
Duan Chen remained expressionless. Saving her earlier was purely out of humanitarianism. In his heart, Duan Chen had completely moved on from Li Wei, so his tone was rather indifferent, without much emotional fluctuation.
“Are you here for a mission? Would you like to come to my place for a bit?” she invited proactively.
Duan Chen hesitated for a moment, then nodded, “Sure, we’ll bother you until dusk then.”
Afterward, he exchanged contact information with Liu Gang, asking him to inform him promptly if there was a shift change.
“Okay, no problem, don’t worry, Officer!”
Liu Gang was quite pleased to have a connection with a high-ranking Spirit Hunter Guild agent like Duan Chen. After all, times were turbulent, and it was good to have someone to rely on for help.
“Mm, if there’s anything, you can find me anytime.” Duan Chen heard his thoughts but didn’t mind, simply smiling.
“Okay.” Liu Gang felt a bit embarrassed, not expecting his inner thoughts to be seen through by Duan Chen.
【Master, is she really your ex-girlfriend?】
Duan Chen noticed that Yan Qiu Ren seemed to have a habit of needing to fully understand each Master to serve them better.
For Duan Chen, this wasn't a bad habit, and he didn't have many secrets. His relationship with Li Wei wasn't considered classified information, so he explained the entire sequence of events.
【Instructor, isn't this woman too opportunistic? You can’t run off with her!】
Mi Xue’er shot Qin Ze a look of admiration.
【Master, I think it would be rather inappropriate to rekindle old flames in this situation.】
Not to mention, you still have a pile of romantic debts to settle.
Yan Qiu Ren didn’t voice this last thought.
【I know.】 Duan Chen replied helplessly.
The moment the door opened and Li Wei’s father saw Duan Chen, he was clearly taken aback.
“Apologies, Uncle, we are on a mission here and will be bothering you for the afternoon, is that alright?”
“I invited them,” Li Wei added.
“Ah, yes, yes, please come in.”
Li Wei’s father felt a bit awkward and also somewhat reserved. How could he not recognize Mi Xue’er and Qin Ze?
In his money-worshipping eyes, these two were deities.
Old habits die hard. Despite experiencing the incident with Zhong Xing Wen, Li Wei’s father still deeply feared and desired the company of the wealthy.
For instance, he was currently contemplating how to ingratiate himself with Duan Chen, hoping Mi Xue’er and Qin Ze could help him through his current predicament.
With a sigh, Duan Chen directly conveyed his thoughts to the two of them and warned them not to show mercy during a mission, but to complete it properly.
【Understood!】
“Please, have a seat.”
“Uncle, you’re too kind, we’re only sitting for a few hours.”
Duan Chen’s tone was casual.
Li Wei’s father waved his hand, “It’s no trouble, I’ll have my wife make you a few dishes.”
“No need.”
Jia Yun Lian’s voice was icy and her aura powerful, silencing Li Wei’s father, who then said no more.
He secretly lamented that the women around Duan Chen were all more formidable than the last. He had truly lost out back then, what a loss.
“Regarding the matter in the adjacent Ande neighborhood, do you gentlemen know anything?”
Yan Qiu Ren suddenly asked.
“Ah, we haven’t seen it firsthand, but we’ve heard things, about weddings and funerals, and people eating people or something.” Li Wei’s mother chimed in. She mingled well with the matronly group in Jinlin Neighborhood and had gathered more information than Li Wei and her father.
“Is that so?”
“Are you guys here to resolve the situation in Ande Neighborhood?” Li Wei asked.
“That’s right.”
“Speaking of which, I saw something once when I was leaving work late. It was from a distance. By the time I got closer, the group had already left,” Li Wei suddenly said.
“Did you see a wedding or a funeral?”
“A white one, but the atmosphere was very festive, and those people were singing. When I got to the guardhouse, I saw Xiao Liu huddled inside, completely terrified. I don’t know why.”
Li Wei’s tone held a hint of helplessness as she spoke.
Duan Chen nodded and remained silent.
It seemed necessary to stand guard at the security booth tonight.
The group sat there until six in the evening when Liu Gang sent Duan Chen a message.
【Officer, Cheng Er Hu and I have switched shifts. You can go ahead, I’ve briefed him on the situation.】
【Okay, thanks for the trouble.】
【Hehe, you’re welcome, I’m off to meet my girlfriend.】
This kid, Duan Chen chuckled.
“Thank you for your hospitality, we’ll take our leave now.”
Li Wei watched his indifferent back, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
“Stop looking, what’s the use of looking? It’s already missed.”
“Mm, I know.”
Upon arriving at the security booth, a burly young man was sitting at the entrance, peeling chestnuts. Seeing Duan Chen and the others approach, his small eyes roamed unashamedly over the three women with Yan Qiu Ren, a lewd smile appearing on his face.
“Keep looking, and I can’t guarantee you’ll be sitting here tomorrow, or in jail.”
Duan Chen pulled out his agent identification. Cheng Er Hu was startled, dropping the chestnuts. He picked them up, blew on them, and then stood up.
“Greetings, Officer, greetings.”
“Liu Gang told you everything, right?”
“Yes, yes.”
Cheng Er Hu was intimidated by his presence and no longer dared to stare.
“We will be keeping watch here tonight.”
“Good, good, good.”
He was eager to have company during his night shift, and moreover, Duan Chen and his companions were Spirit Hunters, which would maximize his safety.
Before entering the security booth, Qin Ze patted his shoulder. Cheng Er Hu then recognized his and Mi Xue’er’s identities. Thinking back to his previous actions, he broke out in a cold sweat.
“Mind your eyes.”