Chapter 779: Don’t Insult My Sister

Lin Qiupu asked, “So who brought this bowl in?”

“A man, I think. He was all bundled up, threw this thing wrapped in newspaper on my counter, and then ran off.”

Lin Qiupu examined the small bowl on the counter. It looked almost identical to the one at Taiyang Pawnshop. Given the simple design, it wasn’t surprising to see a duplicate.

“What if the bowl you received is fake?” Lin Qiupu questioned. “I mean, what if someone is exploiting this legend to scam people?”

“Real or fake, the bowl only appears once at each pawnshop. When it does, we just accept our bad luck and pay up. If it’s fake, I’d curse his ancestors. But this legend is only known within the pawnshop community here in Long’an. Outsiders wouldn’t know about it. I know everyone in this business here, and no one would pull such a dirty trick for a few thousand bucks. The risk of getting caught and being ostracized is too high. Understand?”

Lin Qiupu nodded. “Can I take this bowl back for analysis?”

“Sure, take it. Don’t bring it back. It can stay at your police station,” the owner said, eager to rid himself of the ominous object.

As they left the shop, Dazhang checked his watch and started counting down, “Three, two, one… Okay, it’s time to clock out. Let’s go.”

“We’ve only checked four shops,” Lin Qiupu protested.

“It’s five o’clock. We’re done for the day. The captain isn’t here. Who are you trying to impress?”

“Tomorrow’s case briefing requires a summary of our findings. Four shops aren’t enough to provide meaningful insights. The captain might give us new tasks tomorrow, so we need to finish today’s work.”

“You want to visit every pawnshop in Long’an in one day?” Dazhang sneered.

“Let’s at least check a few more. Please.”

“Are you dense? This lead isn’t worth chasing down. Investigations are a marathon, not a sprint. Trying to do everything at once is foolish. Your sister is—”

“What did you say?” Lin Qiupu suddenly roared, grabbing Dazhang by the collar.

“What the hell? Can’t handle a little criticism?” Dazhang retorted.

Realizing his outburst, Lin Qiupu quickly calmed down, saying, “Brother Chang, don’t insult my sister. You can insult my mom if you want…”

Dazhang gave him a strange look and scoffed, “Whatever. I’m going home to eat dinner and watch TV. Knock yourself out.”

He drove off, leaving Lin Qiupu standing alone.

Looking at the map, Lin Qiupu walked to another pawnshop. The owner and his family were having dinner when he arrived. The aroma of braised pork trotters and duck necks made his mouth water as he asked his questions.

After leaving that shop, he bought a meat bun for himself and sat on the roadside to eat. The evening lights came on, and the streets filled with people enjoying the night. Many cast curious glances at the young officer eating on the curb.

Noticing a grilled fish restaurant, he thought, “If I get a bonus, I can take my sister there.” Imagining his sister’s happy face reinvigorated him, and he continued his rounds.

By 10:30 p.m., the streets were quieter, and Lin Qiupu had visited six pawnshops. He aimed to hit one more before the last bus.

He felt a bit nervous walking past some shady-looking characters, and his feet hurt in his dress shoes. “It’s fine,” he told himself. “I’m a cop now. They should fear me, not the other way around.”

At Wontong Pawnshop, the lights were on but no one was at the counter. Lin Qiupu called out, and a voice responded, “Come in!”

Inside, he found a burly, middle-aged man with a dark complexion soaking his feet. A young woman in revealing clothes was washing his feet, occasionally glancing at Lin Qiupu.

“Wow, such a young officer. How old are you?” the man asked, picking his nose and grinning.

“I’m twenty-two. I have some questions—”

“So young and already a detective. Must have some connections, huh? Is your dad an official?”

“Can I ask my questions?”

“How much do you make a month? Is it enough?”

Lin Qiupu frowned at the atmosphere but pressed on with his questions. The man ignored him, smirking suggestively at the woman before handing her a card. She returned with it, and the man offered it to Lin Qiupu, saying, “Here, take this. A little something from me, twenty thousand.”

The amount shocked Lin Qiupu. He had never earned that much money, even with all his part-time jobs since high school. The man noticed his reaction and laughed, “Take it. Let’s be friends.”

“I’m a police officer!” Lin Qiupu snapped, glaring seriously.

“I know. This is just a friendly gesture. I like making friends with the police. Do you have a girlfriend? How about I set you up with my daughter?” The man pulled the woman close, still smiling.

Lin Qiupu’s nostrils flared in anger, but he managed to say, “Goodbye,” and turned to leave. The woman chased after him, grabbing his arm and pressing her chest against him, trying to shove the card into his hand. “Take it, handsome. It’s just a gift. You don’t have to refuse.”

Feeling awkward and unable to shake her off, Lin Qiupu heard a familiar voice, “Xiaolin!”

Song Lang was across the street. He strode over, his long coat billowing like a superhero’s cape. “Let go of my officer!” he commanded.

The woman blushed and fled inside.

Facing Song Lang, Lin Qiupu felt on the verge of tears. He composed himself and said, “Captain, I was following up on a lead, and the owner tried to bribe me.”

“Who told you to investigate alone?” Song Lang scolded playfully. “This shop must be in trouble, looking for a police shield. With your baby face, they see you as an easy target.”

“What brings you here?” Lin Qiupu asked.

“I’m investigating too!” Song Lang said, motioning toward the pawnshop. “Let’s go back in!”