Chapter 134: They All Slipped Away

Wang Guotao did not notice the flash of pity on Xiao Liu’s face; he was currently lost in a daydream of promotion and wealth.

He soon walked into the police station's office building. Deputy Director Ma, having finished handling the cafeteria explosion, had already rushed off to track down the car thieves and was not at the station. For years, Deputy Director Ma had insisted on working on the front lines. In truth, the vast majority of police officers were as hardworking as he was. Individuals like Wang Guotao were merely a tiny minority of rotten apples.

Although a layer of water covered the floor, the high-spirited Wang Guotao did not care. He strode across it, his footsteps splashing water in all directions with a rhythmic "slap, slap, slap."

An officer clearing the water looked up and, upon seeing Wang Guotao, froze for a moment before cheering loudly, "The director is back!"

Wang Guotao was stunned by this reaction. I’m back, so what? Is it really worth getting this excited and happy? If an outsider saw this, they might think we have some sort of unspeakable, secret relationship!

Before Wang Guotao could issue a reprimand, several people poured out of the office hallway. Some were on the night shift, while others had just been called from home. They swarmed around Wang Guotao, their faces beaming with excitement.

"The director is back? That’s great!"
"Is it really the director?"
"Director, you’ve finally returned!"

What… what on earth is going on here? Wang Guotao was dumbfounded. If only one or two people were excited, it could be explained, but now, everyone remaining in the office building was thrilled to see him. This situation was completely beyond his understanding.

*Since when have I been so beloved by the station’s officers? Could it be they know about my impending promotion and are rushing to curry favor with me? No, that’s impossible! They couldn't possibly know about the promises made by young masters Lei, Liang, and the others!*

Just as Wang Guotao was feeling puzzled, the tone of the officers suddenly shifted. They began to speak one after another:

"Director, you must release that jinx immediately!"
"That’s right, Director. Ever since that jinx arrived, we haven't had a moment of peace. Let him go so we can breathe easy and finally get a good night's sleep."
"Director, that kid is truly ominous; it's best not to provoke him! Besides, I heard from Xiao Liu that other than the testimony of someone who holds a grudge against him, there is absolutely no evidence linking him to the KTV fire. Since that’s the case, let’s stop detaining him. Release him now, and it won't be too late to arrest him later if we find real evidence!"

It seemed these officers were terrified of Li Sichen’s reputation as a jinx. Otherwise, they would never have dared to openly demand that Wang Guotao release him. They knew full well that Wang Guotao had ordered the arrest; by demanding the prisoner's release, they were essentially questioning and defying his authority.

Wang Guotao’s face turned incredibly grim upon hearing this. He gritted his teeth inwardly, *Fine, I thought you idiots were gathering here to suck up to me. To think you’re actually here to plead for that kid! Hmph, do you have any idea that by doing this, you are effectively cutting off my path to power and wealth?*

If he let Li Sichen go, young masters Lei and Liang would be furious. In that case, not only would he lose his chance at promotion, but he might even lose his current position. After all, with their vast connections and influence, punishing him would be effortless.

Wang Guotao took a deep breath, suppressing his rage, and waved his hand dismissively. "Look at you cowards! Scared to death by a mere schoolboy—do you even have the nerve to call yourselves police officers? Aren't you ashamed? Get out of here and get back to work! What is the meaning of all this crowding?"

*A schoolboy? That kid is no ordinary schoolboy; he’s a terrifying jinx!* The officers rolled their eyes and grumbled silently. As police officers, how could they be cowardly? They didn't fear petty thieves or robbers; they would face blades and bullets to capture criminals and uphold justice. But the problem was that Li Sichen brought neither blades nor bullets—he brought bizarre, unavoidable, and inexplicable accidents! Anyone would be afraid of such mysterious and supernatural events. Police officers were human, after all; they were no exception.

"Director..." an officer tried to persuade him further, but Wang Guotao wouldn't hear it. He urged Xiao Liu, "What are you staring at? Take me to the interrogation room immediately! I’m going to interrogate that kid myself!"

Hearing this, the officers stopped trying to dissuade him. One by one, they looked at him with expressions of pity.

Wang Guotao finally noticed. This look of pity made him feel extremely uncomfortable. Frowning, he demanded, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

After a moment of hesitation, one officer spoke up. "Director, are you really going to interrogate that kid? Well, I wish you safety and good luck. Oh, wait, I just received a call from Cheng-zai saying they need reinforcements for the car thief case. I’m heading out!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned and ran. In truth, he hadn't received any such call; he was simply making an excuse to leave. It was no joke—ever since Li Sichen was brought in, a series of bizarre events had occurred, including a stolen police car, a cafeteria explosion, and water pipes bursting all over the building. Who knew what new catastrophe might occur while Wang Guotao interrogated him? It was better to leave and avoid being caught in the crossfire.

Following his lead, the others scrambled to find excuses:

"Director, I wasn't even supposed to be on shift tonight. My wife... she's stewing chicken soup for me, I mean, I need to go buy some ginger and scallions."
"Oh... my stomach, my stomach hurts so much! I can't take it, I have to go to the hospital. Director, I’m taking the night off! I’ll work the next two night shifts in a row if I have to!"
"I... I... my wife is calling me home to have a baby, I’m off!"

It must be said that their excuses were getting lousier by the second. Black lines appeared on Wang Guotao's forehead. "Ginger and scallions? It’s late at night, the markets are closed—where are you going to buy them? And you, you say your stomach hurts? Give me a break; you’re running faster than a rabbit, and you expect me to believe your stomach hurts? And Xiao Cao, your wife is calling you home to have a baby? That might sound plausible, but you’re a bachelor—where did this wife even come from?"

Wang Guotao knew perfectly well that these people just didn't want to be here. With a grim face, he took a deep breath and roared, "Get out! Get out! Just get out of here!" Inwardly, he sneered, *I’ve noted every single one of you! Just wait until later—I'll show you how I handle insubordination!*