Chapter 077: Serving as the Tiger’s Accomplice

This story is entirely a work of fiction.

Ghostbane turned around and saw Spiral Leg gazing at him coldly. "Is there anything else?"

"I see you as a talented person. There's a boxing gym that needs someone like you to manage it. I know the owner quite well. I can introduce you to him—would you like that, Ghostbane?"

"I blackmailed you, and you still want to recommend me for a job? I can't wrap my head around this!" Ghostbane was surprised.

"It's nothing, just a small matter. You only need to say if you're willing or not. As for the money, take it and spend it. I’m doing this because you’ve helped me out a lot in the past," Spiral Leg said. "Here’s the address. Go find this person; he’ll arrange everything for you. Just let me know how it goes, and we’ll meet again." With that, Spiral Leg got in his car and drove away.

Zhengzhe sat in his own vehicle, headphones on, repeatedly listening to the conversation between Ghostbane and Spiral Leg through his German-made miniature surveillance device. He now had a general outline of the case in his mind, but he didn't want Ma Shengwei to know about his progress.

~~~~~

Xiao Jin answered Leng Junfeng’s call. Leng Junfeng complained loudly, "You really don’t know how to keep friends. That girl is going to be the chief’s goddaughter, and you never told me? I made a fool of myself just now—I was about to introduce your girl to one of my brothers, and that’s when I found out about this."

"Yes, yes. It’s not a big deal, nothing worth broadcasting everywhere, right? Chief Ma asked me not to make it public yet. In a few days, there’ll be a formal ceremony, and I’ll tell you then. You’d better prepare a big red envelope!" Xiao Jin replied.

"Alright, I didn’t call to scold you, I’m happy for you! The red envelope is a must," Leng Junfeng shifted the topic.

"What’s there to be happy about? It’s just a bit of fun between friends," Xiao Jin said dismissively.

"Being a goddaughter isn’t that special, but think about it—her godfather is your boss, the chief. These years, you haven’t been in charge of anything, while that Wu Zhengzhe arrived later than you but his career is smooth sailing. But you? You’re still just an unnoticed officer, which is a pity. With this connection, you must seize the opportunity. If you don’t get promoted soon, you’ll miss your chance, understand?" Leng Junfeng sounded genuinely concerned.

"Me? If I wanted a promotion, it would’ve happened already. People have their own ambitions; mine aren’t that lofty. I just want comfort and freedom. I’ve always yearned for a free life, without restraints; I have no interest in authority. Besides, I’m comfortable now—if I become a leader, I might not enjoy the freedom I have. I can play ball, earn some money, send my girl abroad when the time comes, and we often drink and chat together—what could be better?" Xiao Jin spoke as if he had understood all the ways of the world.

"By the way, I heard your girl didn’t do well on her college entrance exam. Why not hurry and send her to the States or England? If she can’t get into a university here, we don’t care—let her go to the best school in America," Leng Junfeng reminded him.

"Ah, the thing is, my income only keeps us comfortable. Sending her to America—I’m afraid my pocket won’t be enough," Xiao Jin admitted, aware of his financial limitations.

"You don’t need to worry about that. I hear your chief is quite good to you. With him around, money is no issue. Just introduce me to a few big clients, big players, and your monthly commission will be more than enough. For your players, I’ll give you a 1.2% cut based on their betting amount. Your weekly income will be considerable. Most second-level managers only get 0.8%, but I’m raising yours to 1.2%."

"What does 1.2% mean exactly?" Xiao Jin asked.

"It means you get a commission of 1.2% of the betting amount. If a player bets a thousand, you earn twelve. You can check your income directly on the management platform I’ll give you," Leng Junfeng tempted him further.

"I trust you—no need to be so formal between us," Xiao Jin agreed, promising to bring in more players.

"Then it’s settled. I’ll keep an eye on your account’s betting amounts. Hurry up and develop your clients," Leng Junfeng urged.

"Agreed. I’m hanging up; I have other work to do," Xiao Jin said, seeing the chief approaching his office.

The chief entered Xiao Jin’s office, sat down on a chair, and, seeing no one else around, spoke quietly, "You handled that matter at the sports center well, very commendable. There’s no gossip outside, thanks to your efforts. The people you brought back performed excellently, like professional actors—it was gratifying. I knew you had this potential; I should have promoted you sooner. Now, your task is to keep a close eye on Wu Zhengzhe. If you do this well, I’ll reward and promote you."

"Don’t, just leave the promotions aside. I’m only interested in money; women are optional for me. Back then, I did well, but you were only deputy chief—didn’t see any promotion then. Now I have no more desires, except for money—the more, the better. Just give me lucrative jobs; I need money to send my girl abroad. For her sake, I’m willing to go all out," Xiao Jin said, making it clear he worked for money alone.

"Alright, whatever you say. But I have to criticize you—you lost track of Wu Zhengzhe last time. I hear he’s made new discoveries in Stony’s friend’s case recently. You’re not reliable," the chief criticized him.

"You’re right, chief. Losing Wu Zhengzhe was my fault, but he’s too sly. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have slipped away right under my nose. Yes, I’ve heard that the death of Stony’s friend is linked to a manager at Duhao," Xiao Jin quietly replied.

"A manager at Duhao? Who told you that?" The chief looked grave.

"Don’t underestimate me. I failed in tracking, but I made an unexpected gain," Xiao Jin replied. "Last night, I went to Zhizhen’s bar and saw Zhengzhe there, following a kid named Lu Jiahui. I found out Lu Jiahui is a manager at Duhao. Zhengzhe must have discovered something suspicious and is investigating him secretly."

"From now on, you must be on high alert. Watch Zhengzhe closely. Investigate thoroughly and report his actions to me at any time," Ma Shengwei spoke sternly.

"I’ll go now. If I find anything, I’ll report immediately." Xiao Jin then whispered something into Ma Shengwei’s ear that made him chuckle darkly, sending chills down one’s spine.

"Stick to the plan," Ma Shengwei said before leaving the office.

Following the chief’s instructions, Xiao Jin packed a few files on his desk, carefully placed them in the cabinet, and left with his briefcase.

~~~~~~

Swiping the card to pay his debt, the account was now empty.

It was easy to swipe, but paying back was not so simple.

Chi Zhaoming had no choice but to rob Peter to pay Paul, yet even so, there were times he couldn’t make the payments. He had become a thorough credit card slave.

When Zhaoming returned home, his expression was grave, shadowed, and somber.

In the past, every time he came home, he would call out loudly, “Honey, I’m home!” But now, his greetings to Dujuan were subdued. The smile that once adorned his face was replaced by worry; he looked thoughtful, burdened with cares.

Dujuan noticed something off about Zhaoming’s behavior. She heard her mother say, “Look, Zhaoming seems to have something on his mind lately. I feel his heart isn’t at home.”

“Really? Isn’t he always like this? I haven’t noticed anything different,” Dujuan replied while washing her hair.

“No, there’s a big difference from before. His eyes aren’t the same. They used to be bright and lively, but now they’re lost, distracted. Simply put, he seems absent-minded,” her mother continued.

At noon, Zhaoming called. Dujuan’s mother answered, and his voice came through, “Today I have to broadcast a match at the sports center, so I’ll be home late.”

“Dujuan’s washing her hair; she can’t take your call. I’ll tell her you’ll be late,” her mother said before hanging up.

“Zhaoming called. He said he has to broadcast a match at the sports center and will be home late,” Dujuan’s mother told her.

“Oh, I see. Less than an hour ago, he said he’d left the match broadcasting to Braids and was coming home to rest. Now he says he won’t come back. He’s always changing his story. Is he really working overtime, or is he up to something else?” Dujuan said skeptically.