A Divine Farmer

Chapter 269 - If You Are Any More Cowardly You will be like a Bird Egg

Zhang Xiaolong hadn't returned to Clear River Village for over twenty-four hours, leaving Qu Moyao and the others bewildered. Their calls went unanswered, escalating everyone's anxiety.

Given Zhang Xiaolong's capabilities, it was unlikely that he'd run into trouble. Yet, skill alone isn't always enough, especially when facing certain formidable organizations.

Recalling that he had gone to investigate the pollution at its source, Qu Moyao and the team sprang into action to track down Xiaolong's whereabouts.

It wasn't long before they discovered that the Qingyuan County police had detained Xiaolong on charges of assault. He was still being interrogated.

“Impossible! If Mr. Zhang intended to harm anyone, would he allow himself to be captured?” Liu Zhongjun exclaimed, pounding the table. “I bet they couldn't even catch a glimpse of him before he took down a whole crowd.”

They hadn't witnessed Xiaolong's takedown of a squad at Qilin Mountain, but Gao Loong had seen it firsthand. They all knew of Xiaolong's swift agility.

It was nearly impossible for even their specially trained group to grab hold of him, let alone for him to be arrested for assault.

And the accusation was so naive, claiming Xiaolong used various tools to harm people. It was ludicrous. Xiaolong could incapacitate many with just his fingertips; why would he need an assortment of tools?

“Captain, we should demand his release!” Gao Loong chimed in eagerly, “And if they refuse, we'll take action!”

The man was always ready for a fight. Despite the pleasant surroundings, he craved excitement. Now presented with an opportunity, he was itching for a showdown with the police.

“Stop this foolishness,” Liu Zhongjun chided, “We may not be part of the police force, but our core mission is the same: to ensure the nation's and people's safety. Our strength should be directed outward, not against our own.”

“I was just speaking hypothetically. I understand the rules,” Gao Loong hastily withdrew his head.

Qu Moyao let out a cold snort. “If you all are too scared to go, then I'll go myself. Let's see if they dare to arrest me too!”

“Dr. Qu…” Liu Zhongjun had intended to resolve the issue through proper channels, but it was clear that the stunning Qu Moyao was not in favor of such an approach.

“What's the situation here? Even though we're not privy to all the details, anyone who knows Xiaolong can tell he's incapable of such actions. He's obviously been framed. Plus, he was here investigating the river pollution. Isn't that evidence enough?” Qu Moyao fumed. “Have you all lost your minds? How can you not see through such blatant sabotage?”

Liu Zhongjun gave a wry smile. “Dr. Qu, it's not that we don't understand, but as a military presence, we can't just act impulsively like before. We can solve this by following the proper procedures.”

“Proper procedures? If we do that, Xiaolong will end up behind bars. He's faced down fierce enemies without a scratch, saved our squad, and avenged our fallen brothers. And now you expect him to just sit tight and endure this injustice from his own people?”

Qu Moyao tossed her head and stormed out. “You may be able to tolerate it, but I can't. Liu Zhongjun, I've never seen you back down like this before.”

“Damn!” Liu Zhongjun cursed, his fist pounding the table so hard it nearly broke. “Damn it all…”

“Captain, you planning to take on Dr. Qu?” Gao Loong chimed in.

Qu Moyao had reached the doorway when she suddenly stopped, turning to see if Liu Zhongjun was truly about to confront her.

“Fight? No way!” Liu Zhongjun snapped, landing a punch on Gao Loong's chest. “Emergency assembly! Order the third platoon to maintain their position and enter first-level combat readiness. Everyone else, get in the vehicles. If we don't move out now, I might as well be a complete coward.”

Several vehicles raced away from Clear River Village. Meanwhile, Qu Moyao called Chen Yaru to update her on Zhang Xiaolong's predicament.

Upon receiving the news, Chen Yaru immediately began frantically making phone calls. She was well aware that she had little influence in Qingyuan County and that making a few strategic phone calls from her location would be far more effective than attempting to handle things in person.

Meanwhile, Zheng Ming, the Chief of Police in Qingyuan County, had just gotten home when his wife, Huang Li, ushered him to the dining table. “Wow, it seems the sun has risen from the west today, with such a feast laid out,” Zheng Ming remarked, eyeing the lavish spread with a hint of surprise. “Whose birthday is it? Surely not yours or the kids', I remember those dates clearly. Is it some kind of holiday I'm forgetting?”

Huang Li gave him a playful glare. “Must there always be a birthday to cook a nice meal?” she chided. “You're always so busy with work. The least I can do is prepare something special when you're finally home for dinner.”

Zheng Ming chuckled, “This isn't the usual fare for a family dinner. Is there something you're trying to tell me?” He was quick to pick up on the unusual effort.

“You're too suspicious,” Huang Li retorted with feigned annoyance. “Always the detective, aren't you? If you're going to be like this, maybe I should just forget it and throw it all out.”

Quick to smooth things over, Zheng Ming reassured her, “No, no, no, I'll eat! I'll make sure not a single dish goes to waste. It's not every day we have such a feast. Let's consider it a celebration.”

Huang Li then produced a bottle of wine and filled his glass. “Here, have a couple of drinks.”

Zheng Ming raised an eyebrow, “This looks like a fine wine. Where did it come from?” he inquired, a touch of concern in his voice. “It wasn't a gift, was it?”

“There you go again,” Huang Li replied, quickly clearing up his concern. “Zhigang brought over two bottles. It's just my brother giving his brother-in-law a gift. That's not a problem, right? Besides, he's doing quite well with his factory on the outskirts of town.”

“Did Zhigang bring this? Does he need me to do something for him?” Zheng Ming asked, his caution evident in his tone.

“Can you please leave your police chief persona at the station? It feels like our home has turned into an interrogation room, and we're all suspects. Don't you have any normal thoughts besides crime?” Huang Li feigned annoyance. “My mom passed away when I was young, and I practically raised my brother. Now he's successful and just wants to show some gratitude to his brother-in-law with a couple of bottles of wine. Why do you have to see it as a bribe? Do you really think you're so important that everyone is out to get your favor?”

Zheng Ming cracked a smile. “Isn't it better if they don't come begging? You're aware of the nature of my job. If people were able to curry favor with me, that would be a real problem.”

“Enough already, let's have dinner. Zhigang isn't heartless. Even if he did need a favor, he wouldn't put you in a tough spot. He respects you as his brother-in-law, but he also cares for his sister. Come on, let's eat,” Huang Li said, carefully watching her husband's reaction.

Toward the end of the meal, Huang Li turned to her husband and shared her concerns, “Zhigang is actually very measured in his actions. But I've heard that someone has been threatening him recently. It's quite distressing.”