Reality

What? Head Runner Zheng's voice echoed in his ears, leaving Chen Ping'an entirely dazed. He had merely provided a useful lead, while Zheng Shiyong and Tan Huacong had slain Trash Fish?! Was this a fucking joke?! In an instant, Chen Ping'an's face darkened. The situation was blatantly obvious. Whether Tan Huacong had colluded with Zheng Shiyong or Zheng Shiyong had colluded with Tan Huacong, the two of them had joined forces to swallow his credit whole. Incredible! Chen Ping'an could hardly believe the sheer nerve of it! They truly had the gall to pluck hairs from a tiger's head! A flame of fury simmered in Chen Ping'an's chest. He felt an urge to march right up onto the high platform and demand a clear explanation from Zheng Shiyong and Tan Huacong. Who was the one who actually killed Trash Fish?! Yet reason forced him to keep calm. No matter how slow-witted someone might be, they would realize Head Runner Zheng's hand was behind the two of them. Otherwise, matters would never have moved this swiftly. "The corresponding rewards will be distributed one by one at tomorrow's pre-shift assembly. Now then, let us all congratulate these three." As Head Runner Zheng's voice fell, cheers erupted from the assembled runners. "Shiyong, impressive!" "Officer Tan isn't half bad either." "Well done, well done!" "..." "Ping'an, congratulations! You'll have to tell me all about what happened later." Beside Chen Ping'an, Monkey broke into a broad smile and could not resist offering his congratulations. "Ping'an, good job." Dashan did the same, grinning broadly to reveal a mouthful of large yellow teeth. "Yeah." Chen Ping'an managed a faint smile. The conclusion of Head Runner Zheng's speech marked the end of today's pre-shift assembly. Next, the runners present would receive their individual duties and begin their busy day. "Monkey, Dashan, you two go ahead and take your assignments. I have some business to attend to first." Leaving behind that single remark, Chen Ping'an strode forward. Ahead, Head Runner Zheng and two other head runners were chatting as they walked toward the head runners' offices in the back. "Head Runner Zheng." Chen Ping'an quickened his pace, keeping his voice as humble and polite as possible. "Ah, Chen Ping'an. What is it?" Head Runner Zheng halted. His tone was reasonably pleasant, a smile gracing his face. "Head Runner Zheng, regarding what you just announced, there might be a misunderstanding. I was the one who killed Trash Fish on the spot." Chen Ping'an looked at Head Runner Zheng with steady eyes. Seeing the earnest look on Chen Ping'an's face, Head Runner Zheng's smile faded slightly. He gestured to the other two head runners, indicating that they should go on ahead. "Oh? What proof do you have?" "Officer Tan Huacong made a full record of the kill last night in the official dossier. One look at the filed report will make it clear. In addition, Officer Tan gave me this as proof." Saying so, Chen Ping'an took the black verification token from his breast pocket. "Such a thing happened?" Head Runner Zheng murmured in surprise. "In that case, I certainly ought to look into it properly. "Xiao Zu, go call Tan Huacong and Shiyong over here!" Head Runner Zheng called out toward a young runner not far off. "Yes, Head Runner Zheng," the young runner named Xiao Zu respectfully replied. "Come, let's talk in my office." With that, Head Runner Zheng strode toward the rear. Chen Ping'an followed behind Head Runner Zheng with his head bowed, saying nothing. Soon, the two arrived at the head runner's office. Head Runner Zheng sat down in an armchair of his own accord, paying no further mind to Chen Ping'an. After they waited a short while, the young runner returned, bringing Tan Huacong and Zheng Shiyong along. "Head Runner Zheng." Tan Huacong and Zheng Shiyong greeted him respectfully. "Mm." Zheng Zhenwu—Head Runner Zheng—nodded slightly upon seeing them enter and said, "Chen Ping'an claims that he killed Trash Fish, the remnant from the Black Carp Gang, and that the two of you swallowed his credit. Is this true?" "Head Runner Zheng, that is completely untrue!" Tan Huacong cried out, protesting his innocence. "That's right, Uncle... Head Runner Zheng, Tan and I teamed up to slay Trash Fish! How could Chen Ping'an have killed him?! No matter how badly wounded Trash Fish was, he wasn't someone a temporary runner who hasn't even entered the martial path could kill!" Zheng Shiyong spoke with agitated fervor, looking thoroughly wronged. "Chen Ping'an, what are your intentions, slandering Officer Tan and me like this?!" "Shiyong does have a point. Chen Ping'an, having not yet stepped onto the martial path, how could you have killed Trash Fish?" Zheng Zhenwu turned his gaze onto Chen Ping'an, a puzzled expression on his face. "Head Runner Zheng, Officer Tan Huacong recorded the details minutely last night. After recording them, Officer Tan gave me this token as proof." Chen Ping'an took out the black verification token and handed it to Zheng Zhenwu. Zheng Zhenwu took it and inspected it. "The markings are correct; this is indeed a verification token. Tan Huacong, what do you have to say?" "Head Runner Zheng, it's a misunderstanding! I did indeed give this token to Chen Ping'an, and the dossier did record the matter. But what was recorded was merely Chen Ping'an reporting a useful lead! This token cannot serve as proof that he killed Trash Fish! The two matters are entirely separate! One look at the archived record will make it plain. I beg Head Runner Zheng to see clearly!" Tan Huacong spoke with urgent agitation. "Then go fetch the archived file!" Zheng Zhenwu declared with finality. "Yes." Tan Huacong acknowledged the command and ran straight out of the office. "Giving you the reward for reporting the lead wasn't enough, so you set your sights on the credit for the kill? What were you thinking, Chen Ping'an? An ordinary person who hasn't even entered the martial path—what would you use to kill a martial arts expert of the qi and blood second layer?" Zheng Shiyong looked at Chen Ping'an with utter mockery. Chen Ping'an's expression did not waver. He paid no heed, merely standing there in silence. Seeing Chen Ping'an ignore him, Zheng Shiyong choked on his words, feeling as though he had punched a pile of cotton. That sensation was even more frustrating than being insulted back. Before long, Tan Huacong returned carrying the archived file. "Head Runner Zheng, this dossier has already been sealed under glaze. There is no possibility it was swapped. Please take a look." Tan Huacong handed the file to Zheng Zhenwu. "Mm." Zheng Zhenwu nodded. Tearing open the glaze seal, he began to read. After a dozen-odd breaths, Zheng Zhenwu looked up with a calm expression, tossed the dossier onto the table, and said to Chen Ping'an in an indifferent tone, "Come see for yourself." Chen Ping'an stepped forward, picked up the file, and read it. With a single glance, he saw that the contents were completely different from the description he had verified the night before. Evidently, Tan Huacong had swapped it out. Yet he possessed not a shred of proof. Fine! How very amusing! A surge of rage burned in Chen Ping'an's chest, yet his face remained exceptionally calm. He set down the dossier and met Head Runner Zheng's eyes. "In that case, I was mistaken." "Know your place before trying to bite off more than you can chew!" Zheng Shiyong sneered snidely. Chen Ping'an glanced at Zheng Shiyong, then at Tan Huacong. Saying nothing, he turned and walked straight out. "Uncle, look at his attitude! He didn't even say goodbye. He's showing you no respect at all!" Zheng Shiyong fumed indignantly. "He's young; it's normal to have some temper. He'll come around," Zheng Zhenwu said flatly. "As for you..." "What about me?" Zheng Shiyong replied nonchalantly. Zheng Zhenwu stared at Zheng Shiyong for a long moment, until Zheng Shiyong began to squirm in discomfort. "Don't let there be a next time!" "Huh?" "Enough, both of you get out." Zheng Zhenwu dismissed them. "Thank you, Head Runner Zheng, for doing us justice," Tan Huacong said gratefully. "Then, Uncle, I'll take my leave." Zheng Shiyong spoke and departed alongside Tan Huacong. Once outside the head runner's office, a flicker of worry crossed Tan Huacong's face, and he whispered to Zheng Shiyong, "Shiyong, do you really think there won't be any trouble?" "Did you burn the earlier dossier?" "Burned it." "Then there's no problem. A temporary runner who hasn't even entered the martial path killing Trash Fish, a cultivator of the qi and blood second layer—the premise was absurd to begin with. Besides, my uncle is backing us. Even if this goes before the office chief himself, reason is entirely on our side. Relax, nothing will happen!" Zheng Shiyong declared with absolute confidence.