Chapter 86: Save Me, Please Save Me

Within the Thirty-Sixth Bureau, there are numerous records concerning various evil gods. Juglath is not among the most powerful; at best, it can be considered a second-rate deity, with only a handful of followers. Its worshippers are fond of offering young and beautiful maidens to it, hoping to obtain greater power in return.

The situation was becoming clear: this man had colluded with those two young women, most likely out of such intentions. Followers of evil gods like this generally fall into two categories: the wicked and the foolish.

The wicked believe they can master the power of such gods and willingly become their devotees. Yet, how many can truly control an evil god? The fools, on the other hand, are simpler—take this Xia Ping, for example, who became a follower purely out of his own stupidity.

Stretching lazily, Hu Xiong said, “We’ll handle the aftermath from here. Old Bai and I will go rescue the victims.” Producing a pair of handcuffs, the two of them secured Xia Ping, escorted him out, and loaded him into a vehicle.

“That went smoothly enough,” Li Changqing remarked with a smile, surprised at how swiftly the matter was resolved.

When they returned to the baozi shop, noon was approaching and business had quieted. Tang Xiaoyu was in the kitchen helping Li Lin knead dough, while Qu Qing sat idly, glancing at her watch from time to time.

“You’re finally back,” Qu Qing said, shooting Kelly a glare. “My shop has piles of things waiting for me. I’ll head out now.”

Kelly, all smiles, replied, “Thank you for your help. Let me walk you out.”

Qu Qing glared at him again—he was always so polite with her, even now. After bidding Li Changqing a brief farewell, she hurried off.

Kelly accompanied Qu Qing to the nearest bus stop, watching as she boarded, before returning to the baozi shop with renewed energy. Having resolved the case so efficiently left him in excellent spirits.

“Seems Miss Qu Qing has an interest in you,” Li Changqing teased from the dining table, occasionally glancing toward the kitchen where Tang Xiaoyu was learning the art of making baozi from Li Lin.

Kelly Losaidi replied with a charming grin, “Any girl with a discerning eye is bound to fancy me. Qu Qing is just one of the more enthusiastic ones.”

Shameless, Li Changqing thought, though he was used to Kelly’s vanity—and truth be told, the man had reason for it. Handsome, wealthy, and noble-born.

Kelly then asked, “Which department did you call in? Is it specialized in handling such incidents?”

“Of course. You seem a bit concerned?”

Kelly nodded. In the Lamela Empire, followers of evil gods were not uncommon, and those who opposed them often faced retribution from their organizations. Many prominent nobles had perished under such vengeance.

However, the only consolation was that they were now in the Vermilion Bird Federation, not the heartland of that cult.

After lunch at the baozi shop, Kelly took his leave, the day’s work complete. With nothing pressing at home, Tang Xiaoyu stayed behind to help Li Lin, while Li Changqing was honored with the task of picking up his sister, Li Qingsnow, from school.

Later, after a dinner at the shop, the two finally left.

“That was delicious—my sister’s cooking is a thousand times better than mine,” Tang Xiaoyu marveled.

Having just finished their meal, they strolled along the riverbank in Nanlin City to aid their digestion. The night was stifling, and few people were out walking by the river. Occasionally, they passed a plaza where elderly women danced in the evening air.

A different world, yet the same passions endure.

Li Changqing walked with his hands behind his back, the warm breeze mingling with the night’s heat, caressing his face. The willow branches along the riverbank swayed gently in the breeze.

“Hey, Li Changqing, look over there—what’s that?” Tang Xiaoyu asked suddenly, curiosity piqued. A figure had been washed ashore by the river’s current. The water lapped over her, but she showed no reaction.

“Someone’s drowning?” Li Changqing’s expression changed. He hurried over with Tang Xiaoyu.

But upon seeing the person’s face, Li Changqing’s pupils contracted. Shen Qingdai.

What was she doing here? She appeared to have lost consciousness; her once elegant clothes were torn in many places, and her fair skin bore numerous wounds. The river had washed away much of the blood.

“What’s going on? It’s her,” Tang Xiaoyu said, glancing uncertainly at Li Changqing.

Li Changqing was equally bewildered. Judging by her injuries, Shen Qingdai was in serious condition. After a moment’s hesitation, he said in a low voice, “Let’s leave while she’s still unconscious.”

He and Shen Qingdai had their differences. If she woke and recognized him, would he even survive the encounter?

Tang Xiaoyu nodded in agreement with his decision.

Just as they turned to leave, the prone Shen Qingdai struggled to open her eyes.

“Help... help me...” Her voice was weak and feeble.

Help her?

Truthfully, not finishing her off was already an act of mercy.

“Help me. I have money—name your price, and it’s yours...” Shen Qingdai, surprised to find herself drifting back to Nanlin City and encountering Li Changqing, clung to fate’s strange designs. She knew Li Changqing’s fondness for money, and having escaped her father’s clutches, she was gravely injured—her pursuers could arrive at any moment.

“This has nothing to do with money,” Li Changqing replied, shaking his head. He was resolute; he would not profit from this. Shen Qingdai’s death here would only benefit him.

Without hesitation, Li Changqing turned and left with Tang Xiaoyu.

As their figures receded into the distance, Shen Qingdai felt her injuries weighing her down even more.

No! I can’t die here—not like this!

Her will was iron-strong. She forced herself to stand, took a deep breath, and staggered into Nanlin City, refusing to give in.

...

Back at the detective agency.

“Shen Qingdai seemed pretty pitiful,” Tang Xiaoyu, ever the gentle-hearted coward, murmured. “How did she end up like that?”

“It probably has to do with the Linjiang Wharf,” Li Changqing replied.

“Because you burned those animals?”

“I should clarify—it was because that wolf demon dodged me, so I accidentally burned them. If it hadn’t dodged, none of this would have happened. What, do you pity her?”

Tang Xiaoyu thought for a moment, then shook her head. “It’s just... she sounded sincere—said we could name any price.”

Li Changqing shot her a look. “You little pauper.”

“If we’d really helped her, who knows how we would’ve died.”