Chapter 584: The Price

On the afternoon of October 13, Chen Shi was released from the holding cell. He hadn’t slept much the night before, his mind racing with thoughts. He looked worn out. Lin Qiupu swallowed his words of reproach and said, “Don’t be so impulsive next time.”

Chen Shi pulled out his advisor’s badge. “I’m done being an advisor. I’ll just go back to driving my taxi.”

“Why?” Lin Qiupu stopped him. “Are you planning to take matters into your own hands? If you do that, what does it say about our principles as police officers?”

“I’m not a cop. What does it matter to me?”

“Calm down! Let’s have a meeting.”

The meeting room was filled with a somber atmosphere. Lin Dongxue’s eyes were swollen from crying. She whispered to Chen Shi, “We talked to the boy’s family, but we’re still keeping it from his grandmother. How could we tell her something like this?”

“Everyone, stay strong!” Lin Qiupu pounded the table. “I admit this was a major failure on our part. We underestimated our opponent’s cunning and cruelty. The victim still hasn’t found peace. I know we all feel anger, but don’t forget we are police officers. This battle isn’t over. We will continue to fight them. Evil will never prevail. The more arrogant they get, the closer they are to their downfall!”

After a pause, he announced, “I have received approval from higher-ups to form a task force to officially investigate Zhou Tiannan and his gang.”

Meanwhile, Yan Ke was teaching in his classroom. It was eerily quiet, the only sound being his voice explaining the lesson. He noticed the students’ strange looks. His gaze fell on an empty seat in the corner. That was where Cao Rui used to sit.

Rumors were spreading among the teachers and students, but he didn’t care. Once the students left, the place would quickly return to normal. Humans are great at forgetting.

His missing finger made holding chalk awkward. He was still getting used to it.

The sunlight felt good on his skin, even the smell of chalk was pleasant. This was the smell of freedom. Everything felt like a dream, standing at the podium seemed like a different lifetime.

“Class, Kong Yiji’s character is multifaceted. He embodies the outdated scholarly pedantry as well as kindness. Who can summarize these two aspects? Zhou Shuren, you answer.”

The boy didn’t move, glaring at him angrily.

“Alright, let’s try someone else… Sun Wanyue, your turn.”

The girl remained still, like a statue.

“Class monitor, write their names down. Come to my office after class!”

Even the usually obedient class monitor didn’t move. Yan Ke realized no one had their textbooks open. He slammed his book on the desk. “What’s wrong with you? Do you have a problem with me?”

“Teacher, you don’t deserve to be here!” a student shouted.

“Who said that? Stand up!” Yan Ke roared.

“You don’t deserve to be here!”

“Get out!”

“Murderer!”

Initially, it was just a few voices, but soon the entire class was shouting. The students’ faces were filled with rage. Some boys began tearing up their textbooks, crumpling the pages and throwing them at him. The behavior quickly spread.

“Get out! Get out!”

Countless paper balls flew at Yan Ke. He tried to shield himself with his book and arms. “I’m going to see your homeroom teacher!” he shouted, fleeing the classroom. The students cheered their victory, a sound that pierced Yan Ke’s ears.

He ran back to the office, breathing heavily. Inside, Zhou Tiannan was staring out the window, a cigar in his hand.

Yan Ke quickly tidied his appearance, took a box of expensive cigars from his drawer, and approached Zhou Tiannan. Zhou looked at him and Yan Ke knelt, smiling obsequiously. “Mr. Zhou, these are for you.”

“Did the students drive you out?” Zhou Tiannan asked.

Yan Ke laughed nervously. “These ignorant kids, spreading rumors.”

“That resistance comes from fear. You shouldn’t fear them; they fear you.”

Yan Ke nodded slowly, as if savoring the wisdom in Zhou’s words. He handed over the cigars with both hands. “Mr. Zhou, please accept this small gift.”

“We shouldn’t have any contact. It’s for both our safety. The police won’t let this go easily.”

“Alright… But if you need anything, just let me know. I owe you my life.”

Zhou Tiannan twirled his cigar, watching the glow at the end. “Actually, there’s something you can help with. Don’t worry, it’s not murder or arson, just a small task.” He smiled at Yan Ke. “Once you complete it, we’re even.”

“I’ll do it!” Yan Ke said firmly. Something within him had changed; he was no longer the person he used to be.