Chapter Fifty-Four: Reaping What One Has Sown

As night deepened, Bao Kang finished his dinner, put on his hat, and prepared to go out. At the dining table, Bao Rong was clearing away the dishes.

"Rong, I'm going out for a walk," Bao Kang said.

Bao Rong found it strange that Bao Kang, who rarely moved about, would suddenly suggest going out for a stroll. "Brother, are you hiding something from me?"

Bao Kang shook his head repeatedly. "No, what could I possibly hide from you? Don't overthink it. I'll just take a walk nearby."

"Alright." Bao Rong nodded, watching Bao Kang step out.

At the same time, Lu Xiang, also wearing a hat, stood at the door, ready to leave.

Lin Zhi sat on a chair, glancing at Lu Xiang. "Why are you going for a walk at this hour? You never do that. Are you hiding something from me?"

Lu Xiang felt a pang of guilt. "How could I ever hide anything from you?"

"That's true." Lin Zhi replied smugly.

"I ate too much tonight, just want to stretch my legs nearby," Lu Xiang explained hurriedly as he rushed out.

Lin Zhi waved him off. "Go ahead, but come back early."

"I know," Lu Xiang said, slipping out as if making an escape.

Under the cover of night, the vendor who had just pushed his cart hurried into Frost Delight Detective Agency, standing before Liu Rushuang and Bai Yulou to report. It was obvious he was one of Liu Rushuang's informants stationed around Ying Xi.

"The Chief Superintendent is going to hold a commendation ceremony for Brother Xi?" Liu Rushuang's face lit up with delight after hearing the vendor's report.

The vendor nodded. "I overheard the police calling that man Chief Superintendent. He ordered a commendation ceremony tomorrow, saying Detective Ying caught Long Zhentian, and he deserves recognition."

"It's just catching a murderer, a duty for any policeman, is it really necessary to make such a fuss with a ceremony?" Bai Yulou muttered jealously.

Liu Rushuang handed some money to the vendor. "You brought this news very timely; this is your reward. Keep it up, and perhaps I'll hold a commendation ceremony for you too."

The vendor's eyes widened at the reward. "Thank you, Miss Liu! I'll be off then."

"Go on," Liu Rushuang replied, her spirits high.

The vendor left happily, counting his money.

Liu Rushuang turned to Bai Yulou. "Bai Bai, what should I give Brother Xi?"

"Isn't the police holding a ceremony for him? Do you need to give anything?" Bai Yulou replied perfunctorily.

Liu Rushuang pondered seriously. "The ceremony is hosted by the police, not me. Of course, I need to give him something to show my congratulations."

Seeing Liu Rushuang determined to give Ying Xi a gift, Bai Yulou grimaced in resignation. "Ying Xi likes the dancers at Paramount. If Sister Shuang gifts him a dancer, he'll surely be pleased."

Liu Rushuang, annoyed, pinched Bai Yulou's cheek. "Are you courting death?"

"Ouch, that hurts! I was only joking." Bai Yulou escaped her grasp, nursing his face.

Liu Rushuang, still angry, glared at Bai Yulou. "One more joke and you'll see!"

"But Detective Ying only likes drinking and visiting Paramount..." Bai Yulou complained.

Seeing Bai Yulou still hadn't learned, Liu Rushuang raised her hand to pinch his face again, making Bai Yulou quickly swallow his words.

Liu Rushuang lowered her hand and thought quietly. Suddenly, inspiration struck. "I've got it!"

"What will you give?" Bai Yulou asked, confused.

"Glamour!" Liu Rushuang replied triumphantly.

"Glamour?" Bai Yulou was still puzzled. "How do you give glamour?"

Liu Rushuang nodded with conviction. "Brother Xi loves to save face. I want him to attend the ceremony in style!"

In the night, Bao Kang furtively peered into the Lu family's gate, but hearing footsteps in the courtyard, he quickly hid by the door.

Soon, Lu Xiang stepped out and left. Bao Kang snickered, and once Lu Xiang was out of sight, he hurried to the gate and knocked.

After a while, Lin Zhi opened the door and was surprised to see Bao Kang. "Director Bao?"

Lu Xiang, pretending to take a walk, wandered for a while. Once he saw no one around, he snuck in through the back door of Bao Kang's house.

He came to Bao Rong's window, peered inside, and saw Bao Rong reading. Certain Bao Kang wasn't home, he gently tapped the window.

Bao Rong put down his book, opened the window, and was shocked to see Lu Xiang. "Uncle Lu?"

Silvery moonlight spilled through the window, lighting up the dormitory floor as Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi pushed open the door, stepping in as if upon a stream of rippling water.

After a day of turmoil, Ying Xi slumped in his chair, listless. Lu Hehuan, observing him, guessed he was worrying about tomorrow's ceremony.

"Self do, self have. You reap what you sow," Lu Hehuan said helplessly.

Ying Xi shot him a glare and frowned. "If you're loyal, help me come up with a plan."

"What plan?"

"Figure out how to keep Long Zhentian from attending tomorrow's ceremony."

Lu Hehuan stared at Ying Xi in disbelief. "You still want the credit?"

"Why shouldn't I?" Ying Xi countered boldly.

Lu Hehuan sat opposite, frustrated. "Detective Ying, wake up! Don’t let ambition cloud your mind. Listen to me: tomorrow morning, we go together to the Chief Superintendent and confess that we let Long Zhentian go. Whether reward or punishment, we accept our superiors’ decision."

Ying Xi jumped up, agitated. "Lu Hehuan! Don’t you realize, in this society, reputation and status are the foundation. The higher your position, the fewer people bully you. If you lack money and status, anyone can step over you! Yes, I pursue fame and fortune because I fear being bullied, despised. I haven't done anything wicked—just want to conceal a small mistake!"

Lu Hehuan stood up, staring at Ying Xi. "Today you hide a small mistake, tomorrow perhaps a bigger one. Step by step, you'll hide more and more... Detective Ying, don’t become that kind of person."

"I know what kind of person I am. I don't need a junior detective to teach me."

"You..." Lu Hehuan was speechless with anger.

"What about me?"

Lu Hehuan saw Ying Xi wouldn't listen, and gritted his teeth. "Regardless of what you think, tomorrow morning I'll confess at Central Police Headquarters."

"Fine, go ahead! But you'll never investigate Ling Yan's case again!" Ying Xi threatened as usual.

"Ying Xi!" Lu Hehuan was left wordless.

Ying Xi raised his voice. "Lu Hehuan, don’t forget your place. You should call me Detective Ying!"

The two glared at each other, locked in stalemate.

After revealing Lu Xiang's escapades at the widow's house to Lin Zhi, Bao Kang slipped out of the Lu residence and headed home, only to run straight into Lu Xiang on the road.

Both started at the sight of each other, exchanging awkward greetings.

"Deputy Director Lu, out for a walk?"

"I'm just stretching my legs. And you?"

"I'm out for a walk too."

Suddenly, realization dawned on them both. They glared at each other and hurried home.

Bao Kang opened the door and entered, seeing Bao Rong sitting in the living room with a stack of books nearly as tall as himself by the coffee table. He felt something was amiss.

"Rong, reading so many books?"

Bao Rong stood up, face stern. "The righteous commander does not act for profit, even if profitable. It's not a single act that determines gain or loss, but rather future consequences that may leave you helpless. Only righteousness can inspire men; with righteousness, they can fight a hundred battles. This is the principle of leadership."

Bao Kang understood not a word and swallowed nervously. "Rong, what does that mean?"

Bao Rong explained coldly, "As a commander, you must first cultivate your mind. You should remain unflustered if Mount Tai collapses before you, or if deer run by your side. Only then can you control matters of advantage and harm, and deal with your enemies."

"What are you trying to say?" Bao Kang was still confused.

Bao Rong put away his anger, looking disappointed. "Brother, as Director of Old Gate Police, you’re a leader. How can you let chatter about brothels tempt you to seek pleasure in the red-light district? Such conduct is improper—how can your subordinates respect you? If our parents are watching from heaven, they'd be ashamed."

"I..." Bao Kang admitted defeat, his face bitter.

Bao Rong pointed to the stack of books, commanding, "Within five days, copy all these books. This is punishment on behalf of our parents."

Bao Kang stared at the towering pile, his brows knotted, biting his lip in anger. "Lu Xiang, I am at odds with you!"

The Lu family living room was a mess. Lu Xiang and Lin Zhi were at each other's throats—Lu Xiang fleeing, Lin Zhi chasing with a broom.

"Let’s see you drink tea at the widow’s again!" Lin Zhi shouted, hitting him.

"Wife, that was in the past. I promise never to visit the widow’s again," Lu Xiang pleaded as he dodged.

"I promise never to believe your lies again!" Lin Zhi retorted, smacking him hard.

Lu Xiang howled in pain.

"I’ll beat you to death, you shameless old fool!" Lin Zhi continued relentlessly.

Lu Xiang, at his wit's end, roared, "Bao Kang, I am at odds with you!"

Late at night, lights were out in the police dormitory. Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi lay back to back, ignoring each other.

Ying Xi turned, sighing. "Fine, let's compromise."

"How?"

Ying Xi turned too. "Tomorrow, we'll hide and not attend the ceremony. You don’t confess to the Chief Superintendent either, alright?"

"Don’t think I don't know—you want to avoid the ceremony because you're afraid Long Zhentian will be there, discover your identity, and turn the tables," Lu Hehuan retorted.

Ying Xi, annoyed, sat up abruptly. "Whatever the reason, that ceremony mustn't be attended."

Lu Hehuan sat up as well, looking down on Ying Xi. "Exactly, being exposed in public is humiliating."

"Lu Hehuan, don’t push it!" Ying Xi snapped.

Lu Hehuan shot him a sideways glance. "You’re the one crossing the line, threatening me with Ling Yan’s case."

Ying Xi glared at Lu Hehuan, then lay down angrily, closing his eyes.

In the darkness, Lu Hehuan sighed helplessly.

Morning sun poured into the police dormitory. Ying Xi opened his eyes, suddenly sat up, and shook Lu Hehuan awake. "Get up, we have to hide until the ceremony ends."

Lu Hehuan reluctantly sat up.

As soon as they were dressed and opened the door, they found two police officers from Central Headquarters waiting.

"Who are you?" Ying Xi asked nervously.

"Detective Ying, Officer Lu, the Chief Superintendent sent us to escort you to the commendation ceremony," one officer replied.

Ying Xi was stunned—now he had no choice but to attend.

The car drove straight into Central Police Headquarters. An officer opened the door, and Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi stepped out, shocked at the scene.

A makeshift stage stood in the courtyard, with a banner reading "Commendation Ceremony for Outstanding Detectives" above it. On stage, a lectern stood ready. Below, the leadership sat in the front row, personnel from each branch behind them—Bao Kang, Bao Rong, and Zhu Wolong among the Old Gate contingent.

Around the stage, locals and journalists from Shanghai’s various newspapers gathered. Lin Zhi held Lu Xiang's arm among the crowd.

Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi were led to the stage, preparing to ascend. Ying Xi, worried about being recognized, tried to cover his face and scanned for Long Zhentian.

Under everyone's gaze, Gordon strode onto the stage and began his speech. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Today, our Central Police Headquarters holds this ceremony to honor two detectives, Ying Xi and Lu Hehuan, for capturing the notorious fugitive Long Zhentian. On behalf of the entire headquarters, I offer heartfelt thanks and highest respect to Detectives Ying Xi and Lu Hehuan! Now, please come to the stage to accept your commendations."

Thunderous applause erupted.

Zhu Wolong, seeing Bao Rong’s expectant gaze toward the stage, felt jealous. "Why commend catching a fugitive? If police can't even do that, what's the point?"

Bao Rong seized the chance to chide him. "Boss Zhu, Detective Ying and Hehuan are ridding the people of danger. Long Zhentian exclusively targeted clients of brothels—so in a way, they're protecting you too."

Zhu Wolong was left speechless, embarrassed.

Bao Kang, seeing Bao Rong tease Zhu Wolong, intervened. "Rong, be respectful to Boss Zhu."

Bao Rong said nothing more, turning his gaze to the stage.

Lu Xiang and Lin Zhi watched as Lu Hehuan was honored by the Chief Superintendent, both delighted.

"I always knew our son would succeed," Lin Zhi said proudly, eyes fixed on Lu Hehuan, boasting to Lu Xiang.

Lu Xiang managed a slight smile—he dared not laugh with his bruised face from last night's beating. He replied, "Of course. Like father, like son."

Lin Zhi gave him a disdainful look. "Our son takes after me. If he took after you, he'd be a fool."

"A fool can be Deputy Director?" Lu Xiang protested.

Lin Zhi gestured with her hand. "Your precinct is tiny, like an ant’s nest. My son is honored by the Central Headquarters—that’s another league."

"You..." Lu Xiang was flustered.

The audience waited eagerly for Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi to take the stage. Ying Xi, afraid of being recognized, tried to slip away, but a zealous officer stopped him.

"Detective Ying, the Chief Superintendent wants you to speak," the officer urged.

Ying Xi shook his head. "I'm not good at speaking, I'd rather not."

The officer insisted, blocking his path. Ying Xi, helpless, signaled to Lu Hehuan to help him. But Lu Hehuan, still angry, pretended not to notice.

At that moment, Gordon noticed them, cleared his throat, and said, "Everyone, these are our heroic detectives Ying Xi and Lu Hehuan. Please give them a warm welcome!"

Applause thundered. Ying Xi, with no choice, walked on stage with Lu Hehuan and stood before the lectern.

Gordon draped sashes reading "Heroic Detective" over their shoulders. Ying Xi awkwardly covered his face while receiving the honor. Gordon, thinking Ying Xi was simply shy, laughed and pulled his hands down, then shook hands for a group photo.

Journalists from every major Shanghai newspaper captured the moment. The reporter from The Shenbao squeezed forward. "Detectives, could you share how you apprehended the killer Long Zhentian?"

Ying Xi was terrified, scanning for Long Zhentian in the crowd.

"You reap what you sow," Lu Hehuan muttered beside him.

Gordon, eager to use the press to boost the police's reputation, smiled at Ying Xi and Lu Hehuan. "Please, tell everyone."

Ying Xi, resigned, lowered his head and spoke rapidly, "What we did is what any officer would do, nothing special. The capture wasn't extraordinary. Thank you." He then dragged Lu Hehuan off stage.

Reporters scribbled furiously, whispering complaints about Ying Xi's speed.

Just as Ying Xi stepped away, drums and firecrackers erupted outside. He looked up to see Liu Rushuang and Bai Yulou leading a procession into the courtyard, banging drums.

Liu Rushuang, like a commanding general, ordered, "Decorate the site!"

The group quickly filled the stage area with flower baskets, then hung a banner with Ying Xi and Lu Hehuan’s photos, reading "Old Gate’s No.1—Detective Joy and Hehuan."

Ying Xi’s face flushed red, glaring at Liu Rushuang. "Liu Rushuang, you always ruin everything!"

Lu Hehuan, watching Ying Xi, laughed. "It's time to confess, Detective Ying."

Ying Xi scanned the crowd, then grinned. "Confess what? Long Zhentian isn't here."

Lu Hehuan quickly looked around—indeed, there was no sign of Long Zhentian. He secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Lin Zhi saw Liu Rushuang and nudged Lu Xiang. "That girl is Liu Rushuang. I like her a lot. If only she could be our daughter-in-law."

Lu Xiang, observing Liu Rushuang directing the workers, guessed the girl was headstrong and didn't want his son to marry such a fierce wife. He quickly shook his head. "Not so great—she's not ladylike."

"She’s the daughter of Old Gate’s richest man, Liu Shan," Lin Zhi added.

"Is that so?" Lu Xiang’s tone softened. He looked again at Liu Rushuang. "Actually, she’s quite dignified—not bad."

In the audience, Bao Rong gazed admiringly at Lu Hehuan on stage. Zhu Wolong, seeing her infatuated look, signaled to Bao Kang.

Bao Kang understood, deliberately moved in front of Bao Rong, blocking her view. If she moved left, he moved left; if right, he followed.

"Brother, why are you always blocking me?" Bao Rong complained.

Bao Kang looked at her meaningfully. "I’m reminding you not to focus on those unrelated to you. Cherish the people before you."

Zhu Wolong leaned forward, smiling at Bao Rong.

Bao Rong understood—they were conspiring to keep her from watching Lu Hehuan. She sighed in resignation.

Gordon descended from the stage and whispered to an officer, "Go bring Long Zhentian."

"Yes, sir." The officer turned and departed.