A Divine Farmer

Chapter 173 - This Is What You Owe Me!

After about half an hour, Tian Feng had explained everything.

The information he had previously shared was largely accurate, though he had downplayed his own role. In truth, Hee Jia was indeed envious of Su Mei's family background and had become involved with Su Mingtang, but this was orchestrated by Tian Feng.

Even Hee Jia's connection with Wang Zongyi was directed by Tian Feng. She was like a marionette, manipulated by him to carry out various actions.

Her actions were fueled by her own greed, but also significantly influenced by Tian Feng's deliberate use of hypnosis to control and torment her.

Similar to the shadow Tian Feng cast over Zhang Xiaolong, Hee Jia harbored a profound fear of Tian Feng, feeling as though she could never escape his clutches, and thus she continued to comply with his demands.

Upon learning that Wang Zongyi harbored resentment towards Wang Zongming, Tian Feng had Hee Jia convey that she could eliminate Wang Zongming without raising any suspicion. Wang Zongyi eagerly agreed, assuring that money would be no object once the deed was done.

Hee Jia then set up a meeting with Su Mei and Wang Zongming, who unsuspectingly consumed a hallucinogenic drug. Tian Feng then hypnotized them both, ensuring events unfolded according to his design.

Contrary to appearances, it wasn't Wang Zongming who pulled the trigger; for safety, Tian Feng took the shot himself. However, since Su Mei was under hypnosis, her memory falsely implicated Wang Zongming as the shooter, a precaution in case she survived.

Post-hypnosis, Wang Zongming had no recollection of Su Mei's shooting, leading the police to erroneously suspect him as the culprit based on the evidence at hand.

The scheme was meticulously planned, but Tian Feng had not anticipated Zhang Xiaolong's intervention. Not only did Zhang Xiaolong revive Su Mei, but he also brought her back to a state of lively animation.

Tian Feng realized at that moment that he had encountered a master of medicine, someone who likely possessed unique abilities just as he did with hypnosis.

He was acutely aware that if Zhang Xiaolong met Wang Zongming again, his hypnosis might be uncovered, potentially jeopardizing his entire scheme.

Yet, even after this realization, Tian Feng didn't hold back. Instead, he impulsively considered recruiting Zhang Xiaolong. Having such a formidable individual under his control would surely make his future endeavors more manageable. Little did he anticipate the significant setback that awaited him.

“Did you drink my water?” Tian Feng couldn't let go of this question. “I refuse to believe anyone can drink my water and remain unaffected by my hypnosis.”

“Your petty tricks are laughable. Do you honestly think they're enough to conquer the world? You're grossly underestimating the grandeur of China's millennia-old history!” Zhang Xiaolong said with disdain.

Tian Feng's methods were nothing more than shoddy hypnosis combined with hallucinogenic drugs to manipulate minds. His overreaching greed had clearly clouded his judgment.

“Could you possibly not turn me in?” Tian Feng blurted out in desperation. “I recognize your strength and status. I'm sure I can be of use to you. Spare me, and I'll give you everything I've acquired, including Hee Jia. You have no idea; that woman could make a man's heart soar… Ah…”

He was cut off as Zhang Xiaolong intervened once more, having no patience for someone who, even in their final moments, sought to cause harm.

While Tian Feng was caught between life and death, Yeh Mei and Yuen Lai returned to the scene.

“What's the situation?” Yeh Mei asked, observing Tian Feng's silent pantomime and reassessing Zhang Xiaolong, as if only now noticing his capabilities.

“Let him tell you,” Zhang Xiaolong said, gesturing towards Tian Feng.

Once freed, Tian Feng inhaled deeply and confessed in a near-mad rush, “It was all me. I did everything. I had Hee Jia hypnotize Wang Zongming. Please, arrest me. Take me away. I want to be imprisoned. Hurry, let me face jail time!”

Yuen Lai was taken aback by the scene before him, pondering over the tactic Zhang Xiaolong had employed to make a criminal so desperate to be incarcerated.

Imagine the reduced headaches for the police department if every criminal were like this!

“This individual likely has more than this one charge against him. You should delve deeper with your questioning.”

Uncovering all the charges against this person could be time-consuming, but even this single case would suffice to keep him behind bars for a considerable period.

“Alright, we'll take it from here,” Yuen Lai promised earnestly. “I assure you, we'll provide a resolution that will satisfy everyone.”

“As for Captain Fu…” Zhang Xiaolong cast a glance his way, “Aside from drugging my water with hallucinogens and bringing in Tian Feng to try and hypnotize me, he hasn't been too involved. How he's dealt with is up to Bureau Chief Yuen to decide.”

“Scum like you will no longer wear this uniform or carry a police firearm. As for the repercussions, they'll be determined by a judge,” Yuen Lai declared.

Fu Yuan, though seething with reluctance, had no choice but to hang his head in defeat.

“Once you've finished with the interrogation, I'll be taking him,” Yeh Mei interjected, referring to the Hypnotist Tian Feng.

Yuen Lai naturally had no objections, especially since it was a matter for after the trial.

With the situation here resolved, Zhang Xiaolong was eager to reunite with Liu Juan. He had been brought in and hadn't returned, and with all the chaos at the police station, the stress must have been mounting for Liu Juan, who was likely even more concerned now.

But instead of leaving, Zhang Xiaolong found himself escorted elsewhere by Yeh Mei.

“Get to the point. I have other matters to attend to,” Zhang Xiaolong said, his tone unchanged despite the help he had received. His initial cold encounter with her hadn't been forgotten.

“This time, you owe me another favor,” Yeh Mei remarked, her voice lacking its usual chill. By her standards, this was practically warm.

“And how do you expect me to repay you? With money, or are you suggesting something more personal?” Zhang Xiaolong retorted sharply.

“I just want to remind you that I might not be able to assist you in the same way going forward,” Yeh Mei's voice carried a touch of melancholy, “If anything happens to me, you have to take good care of her. You owe me that much!”

Zhang Xiaolong felt a jolt in his heart. “What's so serious? Is there anything I can do to help?”

“There's nothing you can do,” Yeh Mei shook her head, “Don't take on troubles like these. And remember, you have to protect her.”

“Do you mean… Jingjing?” Zhang Xiaolong asked, puzzled.

“Who else would I be talking about?” Yeh Mei vanished like a wraith, her voice still echoing in place, “I'll consider it a promise. If you fail, I won't forgive you, even in death.”