32 I will Never work with someone like you 5

Violence crimes unit

"You have been put on four months compulsory leave Chief Detective Shi. Clear up your desk, you begin immediately," Captain Huang said picking up a sealed letter from the drawer and pushing it over to Shi Xiaozhi.

Shi Xiaozhi unsealed the letter and read through the letter. It was a written order from the commissioner placing him on 4 months of paid leave.

it was amusing the steps the commissioner was taking just to ensure that he got re-elected. He was going against the rules of the police force that he was meant to uphold, allowing himself to be a slave to power.

"I will go clear up my desk sir"

"Good" Captain Huang said watching as Shi Xiaozhi left the room and shut the door. He didn't expect this outcome at all, Shi Xiaozhi didn't even challenge the order.

Which just improved captain Huang's view of Shi Xiaozhi. He had been taken aback when the commissioner had sent down the letter. Initially, Captain Huang had been worried about the response he would receive from the young Detective.

Though he didn't agree with the Commissioner's methods, he still had to carry out his orders.

Chief detective Shi Xiaozhi returned to his office to clear out his desk. He distributed the few open cases he had on his plate to his colleague, cleared out his desk, shut the lights, and walked out of his office carrying a white box of his personal effects.

He has submitted to his fate, the case had gotten too political for his taste.

"Are you leaving chief?" Kong Ming asked. He had been waiting right outside his office.

"Yes little Ming, I could use a vacation. I will have to trouble you to handle this case".

"You can rest easy chief, we will try our best" Wen Zhu replied placing his hands on Kong Ming's shoulders.

"Then I will get going"

Wen Zhu and Kong Ming escorted Shi Xiaozhi to the entrance of the precinct. It was already dark outside.

"It pretty late, it might be difficult to get a cab. Why don't I give you a lift", Wen Zhu asked when they couldn't find any waiting taxi.

"Oh there's no need for that, someone is coming to picking me up" Shi Xiaozhi replied.

Just then a bright red foreign sports car drove into the compound, the car came to a stop and a very pretty young lady with shoulder-length auburn hair, slanted eyes, and perky lips stepped out of the car.

She was dressed smartly in a fitted knee-length black pencil skirt and a purple chiffon blouse and nude-colored heels.

She waved at Chief Detective Shi Xiaozhi and said

"Brother Xiaozhi get in the hope I didn't keep you waiting"

"Ahh I didn't know you were dating chief. Your girlfriend is really pretty". King Ming said.

"I am still single little Ming, That is my younger sister Xiaotong"

"Oh, my mistake".

"Well, this is me. bye bye see you later".

"alright"

Shi Xiaozhi ran up to Shi Xiaotong, placed the box in the back seat, and got into the passenger seat next to the driver.

"Thanks for picking me up Tong Tong," He said putting on the seatbelt.

"It was nothing, your family." Shi Xiaotong started the car and drove away.

* * * *

The Recording Studio, Lai Zhiqiang studios.

In a well-equipped recording studio, in the control room, Lai Zhiqiang was seated by the controls mixing some beats when he got a phone call.

He brought up the phone prepared to swipe out the call when he saw that it was from his mother.

He turned down the volumes and answered the call.

"Hey mum"

"Zhiqiang, it's been a while. How are you"

"I am good, it should be late in the night right now in the states. You should be asleep mum, why are you calling."

"I am no longer in the states, I got back a few days ago."

"What, why didn't you let me know mum. I would have picked you up from the airport.'

"It's alright baby, I know how busy you are right now with the competition coming up. I didn't want to disturb you. It was Zhiyuan that picked me up."

"You didn't want to bother me but you sure are okay bothering that cousin of mine".

"Oh please, Zhiqiang don't be so petty. It was your cousin that offered to pick me up. He had called me the day before my flight, to check on me. He found out I was traveling the next day and offered to pick me up. It was really sweet of him"

"well isn't he just a regular good doer. Remind me to thank him when next I see him"

"Zhiqiang, do you have to be so cynical? Someone can do something good without having an ulterior motive"

"I never doubted that it was possible mother. I just doubt Lu Zhiyuan motive."

"I am not even going to bother going into that with you. I called to remind you about your grandfather"s memorial coming up this weekend.

"Please don't be late okay, I don't want to entertain the extended family. Your aunt and uncle are held up with work in Germany, so they can't make it."

"Don't worry mum I won't disappoint you. I'll be there on time"

"All alright then see you then".

"Do you want me to get anything?"

"no there's no need for that, Lu Zhiyuan is already getting the drinks. Just be here on time, you're the eldest male grandchild of your grandfather. You can't be late."

"I won't"

"Okay, I've got to go now. Bye-bye"

"bye mum"

* * *

At a small republican era styled house at the heart of B city Suburbs.

It was the day of the memorial, the house was filled with members of the extended family and other guests.

Today was the fifth anniversary of his grandfather's death. They had already performed the memorial service and everyone was now eating.

Lai Zhiqiang had to act as the host of the ceremony and was sitting in the kitchen having a drink. He needed a break from everything.

His mother was chatting with his aunts, she was seated at the center of the table.

"Hey, cuz," A familiar male voice said resting a hard on his shoulder.

"Zhiyuan what's up. I thought you were held up by uncle Chen."

"I was, just managed to escape. I can't wait for this to be over so that I can finally get some peace."

"You and me both. Thanks for picking up my mum, it was so selfless of you"

"don't mention, your mum is like a mother to me. She pretty much raised me", Lu said stretching out his hands and picking up a bottle of beer. He uncorked the bottle and took a sip.

"Nice bracelet," Lai Zhiqiang said eye focused on Lu Zhiyuan's attractive bracelet.

"Thanks, it was a present."

"From your expression, it must be a girl and It looks handmade. Got a new girlfriend?"

"uh no, it's from our new artists. She's talented."

"I can see that."

"no-no, that's not what I meant. I am not sleeping with her Zhiqiang, I swear".

"Yet"

"Yet? what do you mean cuz"

"You aren't sleeping with her yet. Judging from the looks of things, it's only a matter of time."

"No, it isn't like that. I don't see her that way, I just think that she's a talented actress. I just want to work with her"

"well you may think of her as a talented artist but I doubt she's thinking of you that way since she's giving you handmade jewelry."

"no, you're just imagining things Cuz. Qiao Qiao isn't like that."

"You keep telling yourself that. After your mess of a marriage, one would think you would be a lot smarter. Women in this industry aren't to be trusted, the sooner you learn that the better for you".

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