Chapter 60: Seeking Help from the Peacock

Zhao Jiong was already on his way to T City when he received Xing Miao's call. Immediately after the call, he had Zhao Yuxi's file pulled up. Upon seeing the birth date, he quickly converted it using a perpetual calendar app. Then, he called Xing Miao back. "You were right. Zhao Yuxi's birth date is indeed special; she has a water element according to the Five Elements."

People with such unique birth dates have a high probability of possessing spiritual roots, which can transform into special abilities under certain conditions. This was something Director Lin had mentioned before Zhao Jiong left.

The missing people, He Guang, Zhao Boshan, the special abilities, and the mutated demon... The layers of fog were peeling away, revealing Zhao Boshan and the person behind him.

Zhao Jiong ended the call, staring out the window at the swiftly passing scenery, his eyes calm. Last time, he was weak and alone, unable to break the chain of interests, but now he had companions and the Special Management Bureau behind him. He was determined to cut off the sinister hand reaching out from the capital towards children and girls.

At T City's police station, Huang Rui stepped out of the interrogation room, hesitating as she looked at the policewoman in front of her. She finally gathered her courage and grabbed the policewoman's sleeve. "Excuse me, can I see Mr. Lu?"

The policewoman glanced back, replying formally, "I'm sorry, that's against the rules."

Huang Rui's anxiety and guilt deepened. "Will he be okay?"

The policewoman softened slightly, patting Huang Rui's arm. "If he didn't do it, he'd be fine. We will uncover the truth and won't wrongfully accuse anyone."

"But we also won't let any guilty person go unpunished," she added, her tone firm.

Huang Rui's lips moved, wanting to say more, but the policewoman pointed to the hall. "Go down this hallway to the main lobby and exit there. I have other matters to attend to."

Huang Rui nodded stiffly, following the directions. She hadn't walked far before a bodyguard in black stopped her. "Miss Huang, our lady would like to speak with you. Please come with me."

Reluctant, Huang Rui saw a black BMW pull up, and the window rolled down to reveal a worn yet determined face.

"Mrs. Zhao," Huang Rui gasped, surprised. "I've already said everything I know."

"Relax, we just want to understand the situation better," Mrs. Zhao's voice was hoarse, but she managed to smile. "Please, Miss Huang, consider a mother's worry."

Huang Rui hesitated, feeling it would be unreasonable to refuse. Knowing the family's influence, she didn't want to cause trouble for Mr. Lu, especially since the lady was directly involved in the case. Pressing her lips together, she got into the car.

Not long after the black BMW left, a dusty military vehicle stopped at the police station. Two tall, imposing figures got out and headed inside.

"Aren't you going home first?" Ye Jianghuai asked his companion.

"Not urgent. I want to see Lu Shu and hear what he says," Zhao Xiaobo shrugged.

"Lu Shu insists he didn't take Yuxi and hasn't seen him. I want to see if he's lying."

Ye Jianghuai said nothing, and they entered the station. After identifying themselves, they were led to the interrogation room where Lu Shu was being held.

"You are?" Lu Shu looked at the two unfamiliar young men, shrinking slightly under Ye Jianghuai's clear gaze.

"I'm Ye Jianghuai."

Lu Shu blinked in confusion, not recognizing the name. Then the other man spoke. "I'm Zhao Xiaobo, the uncle of the missing child."

Zhao Xiaobo scrutinized Lu Shu, making him uncomfortable. But knowing his identity, Lu Shu endured. "Hello," he greeted politely, then repeated firmly, "I really didn't see the child or take him to the dressing room."

"But your assistant saw you with the child, and the surveillance shows you entering the room with him. How do you explain that?" Zhao Xiaobo pressed.

"I... I can't explain that," Lu Shu lowered his head, distressed.

"I didn't do it. I won't admit to something I didn't do," he repeated softly. Then he looked at the officer. "I want to see my guardian."

"During interrogation, you can't see your guardian," the officer replied, puzzled. "But you can see your lawyer."

"No, I need to see my guardian," Lu Shu insisted, providing a name and phone number. "He can prove my innocence."

"Who is Zhao Jiong?" Zhao Xiaobo asked, unfamiliar with the name.

"I know him," Ye Jianghuai replied, "We worked together recently."

Zhao Jiong was the deputy leader of the Special Management Bureau's first action team, with a rank equivalent to a deputy superintendent.

"Let's talk outside," Ye Jianghuai pulled Zhao Xiaobo out of the room. "This is a special case. Call Zhao Jiong to take over."

The officer blinked in surprise but watched them leave without further questioning.

Outside, Zhao Xiaobo asked, "What did you want to say?"

Ye Jianghuai looked at him steadily. "There's an 80% chance Lu Shu didn't do it."

"Why?"

"I calculated it," Ye Jianghuai said, drawing a disbelieving look from Zhao Xiaobo, who checked his temperature.

Ye Jianghuai sighed, "Trust me. I will find Yuxi."

"I believe you, but my brother and his wife won't."

"No one would believe that explanation," Ye Jianghuai admitted. "I need to visit the stadium and look for clues."

"I'll check on my family," Zhao Xiaobo nodded, and they parted ways.

...

Zhao Jiong went to the police station and bailed Lu Shu out, then took him to the zoo.

As they entered, the animals, previously interacting with visitors, either hid or froze, losing their earlier vitality.

Zhao Jiong glanced at Lu Shu, who blushed and coughed. "I've already suppressed my aura."

Though weak by demon standards, Lu Shu was a king among ordinary animals.

Unbeknownst to Lu Shu, a peacock with a vibrant crown and glossy feathers spotted him and grew alert.

"Lu Shu? Why is he here?" the peacock wondered, soon finding out.

A staff member cleared the visitors from the peacock's enclosure. Minutes later, a handsome man, a childlike youth, and Lu Shu approached, carrying bags.

"Senior," the man greeted, showing his teeth with a smile. "We're here with gifts."

Gu Xiaowu quickly set down the items, pushing the stunned Lu Shu forward. He stumbled, pressing his face against the wire fence, creating a comical expression.

Feeling the intense gaze on him, Lu Shu offered the gifts by shaking hands. "G-greetings, sir!"

Then, he dropped to his knees.

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