Chapter 330: I’m Being Followed

Tao Yueyue exclaimed in surprise, “Sister Gu, why are you here?”

Gu You replied, “I’ve been following you the whole time. You didn’t notice at all, did you?”

Tao Yueyue shook her head, silently admiring Gu You’s stealth skills. She said, “The security guard noticed us. What should we do?”

“I told you not to do anything unnecessary. Come with me.”

Gu You led Tao Yueyue back into the complex and to a car. They got in, and Gu You took off her coat and draped it over Tao Yueyue, instructing her to pretend to sleep. Then she drove out of the complex.

As they passed the gate, the security guard only glanced at the car and let them through without suspicion.

Once they were safely out, Gu You advised Tao Yueyue, “I parked the car here in advance just in case. When simulating a crime, always, always have an escape plan ready.”

“Have you ever been discovered before?” Tao Yueyue asked.

“Yes.” Gu You took out a small perfume bottle. “This is filled with ether. It’s for situations like that.”

“But what if the target wakes up and calls the police?”

“The targets I choose usually don’t call the police. Like tonight’s target, he’s a scumbag who scams people for donations. I’ve suspected him for a while.”

“Simulating crimes is actually about punishing people like that?” Tao Yueyue said excitedly. “It’s like being a vigilante!”

Gu You gently patted her head. “Not quite. We do it to enjoy the thrill of the crime without actually breaking the law. There are two kinds of people in this world: maintainers and disruptors. The former uphold order and reality, while the latter seek to break everything apart. You and I are disruptors. The more something is forbidden, the more tempting it is. That’s why we want to break the rules and taste the forbidden fruit.”

“Who are ‘we’? Sister Gu, I’ve always found you very mysterious. Are you part of some secret organization?”

Gu You laughed. “Just a hobby group. We give each other tasks and simulate crimes in the city at midnight. Most of our members are highly educated, and they have different reasons for doing these rebellious things—some for stress relief, some for a sense of psychological superiority, and others for fighting fire with fire.”

“What’s it called? Does it still exist?”

Gu You’s eyes showed a hint of sadness. “We were like an Eden, all adhering to the rules, never crossing the line… until one day, a serpent sneaked in.”

Tao Yueyue listened intently, eager to hear more.

Gu You smiled. “I can’t tell you everything just yet. Let’s keep playing this game, and when the time comes, I’ll tell you everything, okay?”

Tao Yueyue nodded.

Gu You said, “Lockpicking is just the beginning. Starting tomorrow, I’ll teach you some hacking techniques.”

“Great!” Tao Yueyue clapped her hands, filled with anticipation for these dangerous new skills.

On May 20, Chen Shi and Lin Dongxue went to a beef noodle shop. Lin Dongxue asked, “Who is this Gu You? Why does Captain Peng seem so familiar with her? How did they meet?”

“Gu You? The psychologist?” Chen Shi responded.

“Yes, do you know her?”

“She lives next door to me!”

“What?” Lin Dongxue was surprised. “I’ve never seen her before.”

“I’ll introduce you next time.”

“No need, no need. Honestly, I don’t like her very much.”

“Why? Are you jealous?”

“Jealous? Do I seem like that kind of woman? I just feel she’s very secretive, hard to read. I hope Captain Peng doesn’t get caught up with her.”

“Don’t worry about Old Peng. He…” Chen Shi paused, realizing he shouldn’t mention Peng Sijue’s depression, then changed the subject. “He likes men.”

“Pfft!” Lin Dongxue choked on her spicy sauce. “Really?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t confirmed it.”

“Then go confirm it!” Lin Dongxue teased with a mischievous smile.

Chen Shi’s eyes focused on a spot in the distance. He lowered his voice, “I’ve been followed recently.”

“How do you know?” Lin Dongxue glanced around but saw nothing suspicious.

“You’ll see soon enough… Waiter, check please!”

The waiter approached. “Sir, someone has already paid for your meal.”

“Please thank them for me.” Chen Shi nodded. After the waiter left, he said to Lin Dongxue, “See? Lately, wherever I go, someone pays my bill.”

“That’s so funny!” Lin Dongxue laughed. “I wish someone would follow me like that, then I’d eat hotpot every day… Who is it?”

“Who else could it be?”

Since declining Wang Haitao’s lavish reward, Wang had been following Chen Shi around, secretly paying his bills. Once, Chen Shi took Tao Yueyue shopping for clothes. After deciding against buying anything, the clerk informed him that someone had already paid for the items he had looked at. Chen Shi was amused and exasperated.

Nowadays, Chen Shi could go anywhere without carrying money, knowing someone would cover his expenses.

But he found it bothersome. He told Lin Dongxue, “It’s not that I’m too proud to accept his villa. I just think the service I provided isn’t worth that much.”

“From his perspective, you saved his life!”

“That’s just my job, like doctors providing medical care, pancake vendors selling pancakes, or bars serving drinks. Police offer safety and freedom, which is as important as health, food, or happiness. If police took such high private rewards, it’d be unfair to doctors, vendors, and bar owners. Besides, taxpayers already pay for police services… Even though I’m not a cop, it’s the principle! Solving cases, Captain Lin gives me a bonus. That’s my deserved reward.”

“You say Captain Peng likes to ponder, but you do the same.”

“Speaking of Old Peng, saving Wang Haitao was a team effort, including Peng, you, and your brother. So I shouldn’t take all the credit or reward. If Wang gave everyone a villa and Lin Qiupu accepted first, I’d have no objections.”

“In your dreams! Want us all to be villains? Honestly, if Wang Haitao wants to thank you, give him a chance. Accept a token amount. You’re not a cop. Didn’t you take Old Man Lu’s money last time? Better than having him follow you around like a lovesick puppy… Don’t you want to avoid too many ties with the rich?”

“I treat everyone the same, rich or poor. Like dropping off a passenger—no further contact after the service ends. This fool just doesn’t get it.”

The waiter returned with two strawberry milkshakes. “The gentleman who paid also ordered these for you.”

Chen Shi, looking weary, said, “Please thank him.” Lin Dongxue couldn’t stop laughing beside him.