Chapter 46: The Wolfish Company

Seeing that Chen Shi didn’t respond, Lin Dongxue asked, “What’s so special about today? Did you lose a friend on this day?”

“Just let me keep some privacy,” Chen Shi replied, resuming his usual expression.

After watching a variety show for a while, Lin Dongxue asked, “Hey, have you heard of Song Lang?”

Chen Shi paused while peeling an apple and said, “Your ex-boyfriend?”

“Shut up! He’s a legendary detective, said to be incredibly skilled, never failing to solve a case. If you’re from Long’an City, you must have heard of him, right?”

“No, I only moved here a couple of years ago.”

“Your accent doesn’t give it away.”

“I pick things up quickly. Talking with passengers every day helps… Why bring him up all of a sudden?”

“Oh, no reason. My brother mentioned him the other day, and it just popped into my mind.”

With the TV now on a commercial break, Lin Dongxue got up to clean the dishes. She was debating whether to ask Chen Shi to leave, but seeing his expression, it seemed like he just wanted to stay a bit longer.

After hesitating for a while, she said, “I’m going to take a shower.”

“Sure, go ahead,” Chen Shi replied, eyes glued to the TV.

Lin Dongxue was amused but also annoyed. Is he playing dumb? Doesn’t he get the hint to leave?

She went into the bathroom, locked the door, and started her shower, ears keenly listening for any noises outside, feeling a bit uneasy having a man in her apartment.

She heard the sound of running water and some clattering noises, wondering what Chen Shi was up to but resisted the urge to peek.

After her shower, she found the apartment empty. The dishes in the kitchen had been washed and put away, the TV was still on, and a plate of sliced apples sat on the coffee table with a note: “I’m leaving. Get some rest. See you tomorrow!”

Lin Dongxue smiled, picked up a slice of apple, and took a bite.

The next morning, the three of them met again at the office. Chen Shi, looking lively and carrying a bag of breakfast, said, “Good morning!”

“Oh, treating us to breakfast?” asked Xu Xiaodong.

“Sorry, not for you.”

“Is it for Captain Peng again?” Lin Dongxue teased.

“When you need someone’s help, you bring a little something.”

“Hmph, you always buy for him, never for us. We’re your temporary partners, after all!” Lin Dongxue pouted.

“Alright, alright, I’ll treat you later.”

Chen Shi then walked into the technical team room, where several researchers were sprawled out asleep. Peng Sijue, with dark circles under his eyes, smirked, “You guys sure know how to make frequent visits.”

“I need a favor. Can I borrow something?” Chen Shi said, placing the breakfast on the table.

Peng Sijue glanced at the bag, snorted, “I knew it. You only show up with goodies when you need something.”

“You make me sound so opportunistic. How about I bring you breakfast every day since I pass by here on my way to work?”

“Spare me that. Just tell me what you need.”

“I need a set of tools for bloodstain analysis.”

Peng Sijue, surprisingly agreeable this time, went to the back and brought out a silver forensic kit, “Do you know how to use this?”

“Teach me,” Chen Shi grinned.

“Xu Xiaodong should know. Let him teach you. Just make sure to return it by the end of the day.”

“Thanks!”

Chen Shi took the kit and left. As they walked out, Lin Dongxue said, “You seem to be getting along well with Captain Peng.”

“That’s just your impression. He’s actually quite easy to deal with. I find him easier than your brother.”

“Hey, why drag my brother into this?”

“It’s not an insult. I’m just saying your brother is harder to get along with.”

Chen Shi kept his promise and treated them to breakfast. Then they headed to Kangxing Electronics. Along the way, they made a stop to pick up something from a man with a bald head, who handed Chen Shi a paper bag, complaining about the delay.

“Sorry, I’ll treat you to drinks later.”

“This is what you asked for!” the man grumbled before driving off.

Curious, Lin Dongxue peeked, “What’s in there?”

“A secret weapon,” Chen Shi smiled mysteriously.

At Kangxing, Chen Shi gave Xu Xiaodong an assignment, “Turn your phone to vibrate. When I give you a signal, leave quietly, avoid being seen, and distract the security.”

“Are we up to something shady?” Xu Xiaodong joked.

“You’re overthinking. I need to find some evidence. I noticed internal cameras yesterday. It’s better if we’re not seen. Once I call, your job is done.”

“Yes, sir!” Xu Xiaodong saluted.

The three of them sneaked into the company. The hallway was empty, but they heard voices from a nearby room. Chen Shi opened the door slightly to peek in. Inside, employees stood in line as the chubby manager gave a stern speech.

“…Don’t always think about what the company can do for you. Think about what you can do for the company! You are part of this company, and you should have a sense of collective honor. Don’t just focus on immediate benefits; that’s short-sighted! You are here to build a career, understand?”

“Full of crap,” Lin Dongxue whispered.

When the speech ended, the female employees lined up, each walking past the manager to give him a kiss. Lin Dongxue was horrified, covering her mouth. What kind of ritual was this?

The manager seemed to enjoy it, even squeezing the bottoms of a few attractive employees. Those who seemed reluctant were ordered to redo the “ritual.”

The male employees mostly kept their heads down, looking uncomfortable.

“What a wolfish culture, turning the company into his personal kingdom, with employees as his slaves,” Chen Shi sneered.