156: Chapter 155 Being Invited for Tea

It takes a villain to grind down a villain. Cao Xiao was currently playing the role of a ruthless, evil antagonist who didn't listen to reason, only money. Thus, when these people tried their usual rogue tactics, it backfired completely. For every sentence they spoke, a knee joint was dislocated; two sentences cost them both legs, then both elbows. One particularly talkative fellow couldn't stop himself and blurted out seven or eight sentences; as a result, not only were his four limbs dislocated, but his jaw didn't escape either. Cao Xiao even threatened that if they didn't pay, they would be stuffed into gunny sacks and placed on the stone-cutting machines to be sliced like boulders. It wasn't a real threat of death; the bodyguards could operate the machines precisely enough to just slice through their clothes, provided they didn't struggle and bleed. However, no one dared to bet on that. With one person serving as an example, the others deeply felt Cao Xiao's resolve and honestly paid up.

After confirming that every cent of the funds had arrived, Cao Xiao didn't make things difficult for them anymore. He had the bodyguards pop their dislocated joints back into place and bid them farewell very politely. He saw them off, moving these grown men to tears of gratitude. Naturally, they were even more grateful to their great benefactor, the Jade King Jiang Hezheng. Under the enthusiastic invitation of the group, Jiang Hezheng went roaring off in a flamboyant fashion on a tractor.

"Haha! This Jade King really dug his own grave. These people lost a huge amount of capital; they definitely won't take it lying down. Since they don't dare trouble you, they can only get it back from him! I reckon he'll have to bleed heavily this time, selling off his properties to cover part of their losses, otherwise his reputation will truly be dragged through the mud!" He Yueyou was also amused by the spectacle of Jiang Hezheng's departure.

"Brother, can we discuss something? This worst piece of jade is broken anyway, can I have it as a souvenir?" Liu Chang said, cradling a piece of jade and looking at Cao Xiao expectantly.

Hearing this, Cao Xiao looked over and immediately gave Liu Chang a flick on the forehead, caught between laughter and tears. What Liu Chang was holding was precisely that colorless glass species jade with internal cracks that Jiang Hezheng had used to settle his debt. At the time, Jiang Hezheng didn't have enough cash and was forced to use three pieces of jade valued at one hundred million to pay Cao Xiao. Although these three pieces were far inferior to what Cao Xiao had cut, their actual value was no less than one hundred and fifty million. The colorless glass species in Liu Chang's hands was about the size of a volleyball; though several deep internal cracks had destroyed most of its value and it couldn't even produce a small bracelet from the intact parts, it could still be used for pendants and ring faces. Given its sheer size, it could produce quite a few, with a value of at least fifty million. "You're dreaming way too big! The 'worst' one? Even the worst is the top-tier glass species among jades! And a souvenir? What exactly are you commemorating?"

"I hit the Jade King today! Isn't such an amazing feat worth commemorating?" Liu Chang said proudly.

"When? How come I didn't see it? Where did you hit him?" Cao Xiao asked in surprise.

"Brother, look, Shanshan helped me record it. That old man's expression is so strange! I pulled so hard and he actually endured it without moving, letting me pinch him! It's so fun! Haha!" Liu Chang excitedly opened the video player on her phone for Cao Xiao to see, pointing at the screen with excitement.

Looking at Liu Chang's sneaky, thief-like expression on the screen, Cao Xiao felt a bit stunned! When did his cousin develop this quirk? Even Li Lanshan had been led astray! Looking again at the complex expression on Jiang Hezheng's face—a mix of helplessness, pain, grievance, humiliation, and fear—he felt a wave of regret... Why had he missed such a brilliant scene at the time! Any 'king of expressions' paled in comparison to Jiang Hezheng; the man could easily provide material for three people, and screenshots of him could make an entire sticker pack. Reality truly is the best teacher! It had instantly turned a nearly seventy-year-old man into a legend!

"Xiao Chang! I'll keep the jade for now. I'll find someone to carve it into a character story piece for you. The theme will be... hmm, 'The Heroic Beauty Battles the Old Jade Monster'!"

*Smack!*

"Thanks, Brother!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Chang gave Cao Xiao a heavy kiss on the cheek. She held the jade tightly in her arms, unable to contain her excitement. After saying that, she started giggling and spacing out!

Liu Chang was acting crazy and Cao Xiao was playing along. He Yueyou was somewhat speechless at Cao Xiao's wicked sense of humor and gave him a reproachful glare.

His thoughts seen through by He Yueyou, Cao Xiao awkwardly pretended to wipe his face. He gave Liu Chang a look of feigned disgust and said, "Ahem! You brat! You got spit all over my face. Alright, it's getting late, let's head out!"

Just as the group was about to walk out, the sound of rhythmic marching came from outside the warehouse doors. Cao Xiao couldn't help but pause, and the bodyguards quickly moved forward to shield them.

"Mr. Cao, please come with me."

Over twenty special police officers armed with live ammunition surrounded Cao Xiao's group. The one leading them was actually an acquaintance—the deputy director of the Municipal Bureau, Liao Kai.

Seeing that the police showed no signs of using force, Cao Xiao felt slightly relieved. Although Liao Kai's expression was serious, he didn't show any hostility. So, Cao Xiao stepped forward and asked calmly, "Director Liao, I can go with you, but I need an explanation, don't I?"

"This isn't the place to talk. Come back to the station with me first. Commissioner Chen is there too," Liao Kai said, still maintaining a stiff face.

Hearing the name Commissioner Chen, Cao Xiao's doubts vanished. He pointed to He Yueyou and the others behind him and asked, "They don't need to go, right?"

Liao Kai was economical with his words: "No. I'll arrange for people to see them back. We must return to the station as soon as possible. We'll talk in the car."

"Alright!" Cao Xiao frowned slightly, thinking that something big he didn't know about must have happened. Otherwise, a high-ranking official like Liao Kai wouldn't have come personally, nor would he be in such a hurry.

"Brother Duan, Brother Li, Brother Cheng, Brother Niu, you four come with me. The rest of you escort them back. Stay safe on the road!"

"Yueyou, you guys head back first! Don't worry about me, I'll be fine! Xiao Chang, stay home today and don't run around. Be good!"

After making the arrangements, Cao Xiao walked out of the exhibition center side-by-side with Liao Kai, got into the police car, and sped toward the Municipal Bureau.

"Director Liao, what exactly happened that required you to come find me personally?" Cao Xiao asked Liao Kai, who was sitting beside him in the police car.

Liao Kai said, "We received reports about what happened at the exhibition center long ago. The local sub-bureau asked the Municipal Bureau for instructions on how to handle this case involving firearms. Commissioner Chen and other city leaders were also at the Municipal Bureau command center. When Commissioner Chen heard it was you, he mentioned your special status to the other leaders. Therefore, we didn't let the sub-bureau handle it and I came personally to invite you over. First, it's to have you assist in solving an emergency case; second, it's to let you lay low at the station for a bit! Also, we need you to provide a reasonable explanation for today's events."

Special status? Cao Xiao was completely baffled. When did he get a special status? And what emergency case required his assistance? It didn't seem like he had any talent for solving crimes! This was very likely an excuse to trick him into going to the police station. All that talk about 'laying low' and 'reasonable explanations' was just a polite way of saying he was being invited for tea! Liao Kai coming personally was probably Chen Huaiyu's idea. What was scary was that Chen Huaiyu was waiting for him at the bureau right now; he surely wouldn't have an easy time later!

"Director Liao, what kind of emergency case could possibly need the assistance of an ordinary citizen like me?" Cao Xiao asked suspiciously.

You, an ordinary citizen? If you're an ordinary citizen, then there are hardly any citizens left in all of Huanghe City! Liao Kai complained about Cao Xiao in his heart. However, he said aloud, "A bombing maniac appeared in our city recently. Within ten days, he used homemade bombs and flammable/explosive materials to cause eight explosions across various districts. Although there were no casualties, it has caused intense panic among the citizens. Moreover, his targets are mostly public facilities, seriously endangering public safety and potentially causing a catastrophic man-made disaster with heavy casualties. This person not only possesses high anti-reconnaissance capabilities and physical fitness, but we also suspect his knowledge of chemistry is very high. The bombs he makes are powerful and specifically targeted. We've invested a lot of energy, but from the start of the case until now, we haven't found a single clue. Twenty-four hours before every explosion, he posts the target and the time on an online forum. At eight this morning, he posted a message saying he's going to blow up the Yellow Crane Tower. The Yellow Crane Tower is a landmark of our city; if it's destroyed, the consequences would be unthinkable. This case has drawn high attention from the Provincial Committee, and they've ordered our Municipal Bureau to solve it today. But even after organizing a large force to sweep every corner of the Yellow Crane Tower, we still haven't found a trace of a bomb, and a careful review of recent surveillance footage revealed nothing suspicious. Time is very tight now. Commissioner Chen said you might have a way, which is why he had me fetch you personally."

Cao Xiao frowned upon hearing this, thinking that Chen Huaiyu probably remembered how he had found someone in Xiangnan City last time and wanted his help. But last time, he had clearly done it under the guise of a friend. If time was so tight, Chen Huaiyu should have called Cao Xiao immediately to have him notify that so-called friend to help! Instead, no call was made, and he was being brought over in person—wasn't that a waste of time? Furthermore, finding a person with zero information in a metropolis was easier said than done; even world-class criminal investigation experts would be unsure. Was it worth having a deputy director of the Municipal Bureau drop his important work to personally invite him just for a mysterious friend he had made up? This matter had too many irrational points; it definitely wasn't as simple as Liao Kai said.

Cao Xiao really didn't want to see Chen Huaiyu right now. He had no idea what would happen at the Municipal Bureau. He was getting engaged tomorrow; if something went wrong at the station and caused a mess, it would be troublesome for the engagement. So, he was currently racking his brain for an excuse to avoid being 'invited for tea' at the bureau.

Suddenly, Cao Xiao saw the brightly lit Yellow Crane Tower not far away and immediately had an idea: "Director Liao, let's go directly to the Yellow Crane Tower to take a look. I can't guarantee I'll catch that bombing maniac, but if there really is a bomb, I'm confident I can find it."

"Divert to the Yellow Crane Tower!" Liao Kai hesitated at Cao Xiao's words. Chen Huaiyu hadn't told him exactly what skills Cao Xiao had to help solve the case, only that he must bring Cao Xiao to the bureau. If Cao Xiao really could find the bomb, then even if the bomber wasn't caught, the situation wouldn't be as severe. He looked at Cao Xiao seriously; seeing his clear eyes and composed manner, he spoke to the driver.

*Exhale—*

The police car drove directly into Yellow Crane Tower Park and stopped not far from the main building. Cao Xiao got out of the car, looked at the Yellow Crane Tower at night, and took a deep breath. He had spent several years in university in Huanghe City but had only visited the tower once. He had never seen its night view up close. At this moment, his gaze was completely captivated, and he began to imagine how shocking the night view of his own Tianxing Garden would be once it was completed.

"I'll go in and look by myself. You guys just wait for me outside." Cao Xiao stepped up the stairs. Seeing Liao Kai following with over ten special police officers, he spoke up.

Liao Kai frowned and said, "Mr. Cao, we can wait for you for thirty minutes at most. If you can't find it in half an hour, come out immediately."

"Fine! I'll be as quick as possible!" Cao Xiao didn't take the bomb matter to heart. Forget a bomb—even an ant couldn't hide within his detection range. The reason he wanted to go in alone was to enjoy the scenery for a bit to pass the time; otherwise, it would be hard to explain if he found the bomb too easily.

He climbed the stairs, entered the hall, and made it to the fifth floor in one breath. He walked out onto the outer corridor of the fifth-floor hall, looking out at the scenery on both sides of the great river. After about ten minutes, he pretended to look for something seriously and slowly meandered down floor by floor. He dawdled in the first-floor hall for a while before going out to call the others in.

"Mr. Cao, did you find the bomb?!" Liao Kai asked impatiently.

Cao Xiao said with a strange expression, "I found them all!"

"Where? Quick, call the bomb disposal experts to rush over! Notify the bureau... Wait! Mr. Cao, why is your face so pale? Are you sick?" Hearing Cao Xiao's affirmative answer, Liao Kai was about to arrange the handling, but halfway through, he noticed Cao Xiao's expression was off.

At those words, Cao Xiao's breath hitched, and the expression on his face became even stranger. He thought to himself: *I'm not sick, but I hope you guys don't get sick from anger later.* He had indeed found the bombs, but there were two kinds. One was a specially made incendiary bomb with white phosphorus added; though it wouldn't collapse the Yellow Crane Tower, it would definitely burn it down to a hollow frame. The other kind was even more shocking, with a lethal effect specifically targeted at the investigating police, enough to make them fume with rage and cough up blood!

"One bomb is in that penjing. This bomb won't explode directly; it can be handled just by pouring it out." Cao Xiao pointed to a penjing below a ceramic mural, telling Liao Kai about the 'most powerful' bomb first. He was very much looking forward to the scene when Liao Kai and the police saw the bomb's true face—it was also a small bit of revenge for Liao Kai saying he looked sick!

"We don't have the experience; better wait for the bomb disposal experts to handle it!" Liao Kai didn't let anyone touch the penjing. Now that the bomb was found, he also breathed a sigh of relief. Without absolute certainty, as a leader, he wouldn't risk his subordinates' lives.

"Ah! Mr. Cao, don't move recklessly! Be careful not to hit a trigger! That penjing is worth... Everyone, get down!"

Liao Kai took out his phone and was about to make a call, but suddenly saw Cao Xiao walking toward the penjing on his own. He was so startled his phone dropped to the ground. He immediately tried to stop Cao Xiao, but Cao Xiao acted as if he hadn't heard and continued to approach. Then, he grabbed the miniature tree in the pot. Liao Kai's heart nearly stopped in terror, and he shrieked for the surrounding special police to hit the deck.

"Director Liao, what are you guys doing? I said the bomb wouldn't explode! Get up, I've taken the bomb out!" Cao Xiao suppressed a laugh, holding a small plastic-wrapped package as he looked at Liao Kai lying on the ground.

"Uh! Mr. Cao, you really scared us to death!" Hearing Cao Xiao's voice, Liao Kai looked up and saw Cao Xiao tossing a sealed plastic package in his hand. Only then did he stand up, his heart still pounding with lingering fear.