Chapter 35: The Calamity of Bloodshed

Upon seeing Team Leader Zhang engaged in a friendly conversation with Qin Fei, Zhu Ziqiang was already in a state of panic. Now, upon hearing about Qin Fei's relationship with Lin Derong, his anxiety intensified.

"Alright, let's get down to business," Team Leader Zhang waved his hand dismissively, as if unwilling to converse further with Feng Xiangyang.

He turned his gaze to Qin Fei and asked, "Qin Fei, has this kid done something outrageous?"

Without hesitation, Qin Fei nodded and said, "Yes, he attempted to assault my wife. This is a grave offense."

"No, no, Team Leader Zhang, don't listen to his nonsense! I was just having a meal with Miss Su! But this kid, he insulted me and even hit me!" Zhu Ziqiang hastily defended himself.

Unfortunately, Team Leader Zhang ignored him entirely and smiled at Qin Fei. "Yes, this is indeed a grave offense. I will have my men take him away shortly."

"This is personal vendetta, you—" Zhu Ziqiang, still unwilling to give up, attempted to retaliate.

Upon hearing this, Team Leader Zhang sneered and said, "Zhu Ziqiang, haven't you received enough reports about you over the years? I am now formally arresting you."

"Oh, and the charge is attempted rape," Team Leader Zhang added thoughtfully.

Zhu Ziqiang immediately collapsed onto the ground, his face paling drastically.

He could never have imagined that his fleeting desire would lead to such a devastating downfall.

"Qin Fei, he's my cousin, and my family—"

"Feng Brother, someone like him will bring you trouble sooner or later," Feng Xiangyang seemed to try to intercede for Zhu Ziqiang, but Qin Fei, unintentionally, shut him down.

His words were not without merit; Feng Xiangyang, with his upright appearance and good connections, could have done better without the trouble of someone like Zhu Ziqiang.

"Fine," Feng Xiangyang reluctantly conceded, unable to say more.

Soon enough, Team Leader Zhang sent people to take Zhu Ziqiang away, and as for the paperwork, Feng Xiangyang assured, "As long as the documents are complete, we'll get them processed for Su Yu as quickly as possible."

"Team Leader Zhang, is this case particularly tricky?" After the matter was settled, Qin Fei furrowed his brows and asked.

Team Leader Zhang chuckled, "It's a murder case, but not exactly difficult. It's just that there's a lot of attention from above."

Qin Fei opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something, but ultimately decided to keep silent.

"By the way, Chief Bai just arrived in Jiangcheng and seems to be suffering from some acclimatization issues. She's been vomiting and having diarrhea since yesterday. If you're not busy, perhaps you could take a look at her?" Team Leader Zhang said, smiling.

Qin Fei glanced at Feng Xiangyang, who quickly spoke up, "You go ahead if you have important matters, I'm fine waiting."

"Alright," Qin Fei nodded and agreed.

They soon arrived at a private room in "Gongming Fu Gui." As soon as they entered, Qin Fei saw four people seated inside.

The one sitting in the main seat was a girl in her twenties. Her complexion was fair and serene, her features stern, exuding an aura of authority.

"This is Chief Bai, Bai Mulan," Team Leader Zhang quickly introduced.

He then boasted to Bai Mulan, "This is Qin Fei, Dr. Qin. His medical skills are extraordinary, and many difficult illnesses are no match for him."

Bai Mulan slightly nodded, seemingly uninterested in Qin Fei.

"I'm just suffering from some acclimatization issues, I'll be fine in a few days. No need for treatment, let's focus on the case," Bai Mulan cut him off before Qin Fei could even speak.

Team Leader Zhang, slightly embarrassed, laughed awkwardly and said, "I know you're keen on this case, but it's not urgent. Your health is more important."

"I've told you, I'll be fine in a few days," Bai Mulan coldly replied. "Mr. Qin, you can attend to your matters."

Qin Fei smirked, standing up, he said, "Miss Bai, I must remind you, this is not just acclimatization, but rather, your fate line has been forcibly altered. If not addressed soon, you could be in danger."

Bai Mulan furrowed her brows tightly and, with a half-smile, said, "Team Leader Zhang, your doctors in Jiangcheng not only treat illnesses but also predict fate?"

Team Leader Zhang, no fool, recognized the mockery and gave an awkward smile, signaling Qin Fei to leave.

As Qin Fei reached the door, he turned and smiled, "Miss Bai, I truly mean it. This danger is imminent, perhaps in the coming days, right here in Jiangcheng."

"Preposterous!" Bai Mulan was thoroughly infuriated. She glared at Team Leader Zhang and said, "Do people from Jiangcheng have no manners?"

Team Leader Zhang, also somewhat displeased, quickly explained, "Chief Bai, my apologies. I'll have him leave immediately."

Qin Fei, not one to interfere unnecessarily, promptly walked out.

"Hah." Bai Mulan exhaled heavily, "Is this really a doctor? His words make no sense."

"His medical skills are indeed extraordinary. There are diseases that the hospital can't treat, but with just a few needles from him, everything will be fine!" Team Leader Zhang, eager to salvage his pride, hastily defended Qin Fei.

"Oh, so he's a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner," Bai Mulan said meaningfully. "No wonder he speaks nonsense."

"Old Huang, I didn't finish what I was saying earlier," Qin Fei, after returning to the room, looked at the painting and said, "This painting is a masterpiece, flowing like a river, a rare work."

Huang Lao, proud, replied, "Of course. I spent considerable effort acquiring this piece."

Qin Fei chuckled, "Unfortunately, this painting is a fake."

Huang Lao's brows furrowed, his expression turning displeased, "Young friend, I don't like what you're saying. I've been studying paintings for decades, how could I not distinguish between real and fake?"

"Old Huang, I know you're an expert, but this painting was not created by Huai Jin," Qin Fei shook his head.

Though Qin Fei wasn't an expert on calligraphy or painting, he had witnessed the rise and fall of Huai Jin years ago.

"This painting was examined at the association, and it is indeed by Huai Jin. Huang Lao plans to bring it to the Jiangcheng Art Conference in a few days," Feng Xiangyang reminded.

"I planned to give it to you as a token of gratitude after the conference," Feng Xiangyang added.

"Since he says it's a fake, I see no reason to keep it," Huang Lao said, picking up the painting and turning to leave.

Feng Xiangyang called out to him several times, but Huang Lao ignored him and walked straight out.

"Sigh." Feng Xiangyang felt deeply frustrated. He had planned to show his appreciation to Qin Fei, but now, first his cousin was taken away, and now he had offended Huang Lao.

"I had to persuade him just to get the painting, and now this..." Feng Xiangyang sighed again.

Qin Fei smiled, "Feng Brother, this painting is really fake. You'd better advise him not to bring it to the competition; it'll be embarrassing."

"Fine," Feng Xiangyang replied, though his displeasure was palpable.

Calligraphy and painting, without the accumulation of time, are difficult to discern in terms of authenticity. How could a young man in his twenties like Qin Fei understand such things? It was like showing off a sword in front of Guan Yu.

Thinking this, Feng Xiangyang's opinion of Qin Fei diminished significantly.

As Qin Fei exited Fengyuelou, he happened to encounter Team Leader Zhang and Bai Mulan.

Out of politeness, Bai Mulan nodded at Qin Fei, acknowledging him.

"Miss Bai, you should head back. If you stay any longer, you'll truly be in danger," Qin Fei blurted out, causing Bai Mulan to seethe with anger, regretting ever acknowledging him.

Team Leader Zhang, now irritated, said, "Qin Fei, what's wrong with you today? Miss Bai is here to take over the case, and you tell her to leave?"

Bai Mulan was sent by the provincial authorities and, at her young age, was already leading a special task force. Her ability and position implied a powerful background.

This was not someone Team Leader Zhang could afford to offend.

"Team Leader Zhang, remember to come find me tomorrow," Bai Mulan hastily said, then got into her car.

Qin Fei, calling after her, said, "Miss Bai, you must have two older sisters, right? Your parents wanted a son, but after three attempts, they got three daughters. That's why they named you Bai Mulan. Am I right?"