Chapter 180: How Old Are You Exactly

Zhong Yi was called by Chu Ge through WeChat. Since it was the masked person who played chess with him every day and got beaten up, Zhong Yi had to be called in.

Now Chu Ge had gotten used to the fact that they didn’t like to report to the police when something happened. When something happened to people with abilities, their first reaction was to handle it themselves rather than involve the police. Seeking help from the police might be seen as shameful, which brought back a bit of the old wuxia and martial arts atmosphere.

Perhaps it wasn’t necessarily a good thing… But Chu Ge decided to follow the local customs and talk to Zhong Yi first. If they had to involve the police, Zhong Yi would also do so, and he could involve more people if needed.

If it was about Du Lianfeng, Zhong Yi would probably understand it better than anyone else, and Chu Ge himself was not eager to get involved.

He saw Zhong Yi standing silently by the old man’s bed for quite a while before sighing softly, “Since acquiring these abilities, many people have changed.”

Chu Ge watched him quietly without saying a word.

Zhong Yi turned to look at Zhu Mengmeng and Cai Zhijian, and then whispered to Chu Ge, “Let their family take care of them for now. Shall we go outside for a walk?”

Chu Ge knew that Zhong Yi probably figured out the source of the injuries and might even know who did it. He nodded to Qiu Wuji, and after she consoled Zhu Mengmeng for a while, the two of them followed Zhong Yi out of the room.

The three of them strolled along the hospital’s tree-lined path. Zhong Yi looked at the withering leaves with a dazed expression, and after a while, he sighed, “Why didn’t you rush to call the police this time? Lin Wuyang is your classmate, isn’t he?”

Chu Ge replied, “I feel like none of you like to call the police… Even when Panda and Zijun were seriously injured last time, you didn’t think of calling the police. So, I wanted to hear your thoughts first; after all, it’s related to the Black Room.”

After a moment of silence, Zhong Yi shook his head and said, “The formation of such a culture has its reasons. Many times, calling the police is not effective; it might even lead to a deadlock.”

“Why? I’ve seen several incidents where it was really helpful to call Wuyang.”

“Whether you believe it or not, this time calling him won’t help.”

“Why?”

“Because with injuries like this, modern medicine can’t determine much. Look, it’s been so long, and the doctors haven’t provided any analysis of the injuries to Mr. Zhu.” Zhong Yi explained slowly, “If they can’t even understand the extent of the injuries, then it’s even harder to figure out anything else… The appearance of abilities has given rise to countless unsolved cases. The police still can’t find out who is responsible for these attacks. For cases like this, where the truth is difficult to uncover, what’s the use of involving the police?”

Chu Ge said, “But it’s still better than blindly looking for answers on your own.”

Zhong Yi smiled, “The person I loved passed away, and I still don’t know who did it.”

Both Chu Ge and Qiu Wuji widened their eyes in surprise.

They knew that Zhong Yi must have had a story behind him, and since they weren’t close enough to ask, they didn’t expect him to suddenly reveal it like this.

“That’s why I maintain a certain distance from the authorities. If I officially join them, then I’d have to abide by their rules. Perhaps some of my methods would no longer work, or maybe even if I find the enemy, I’d have to follow the proper procedures, and if there’s not enough evidence… I can’t accept that,” Zhong Yi said calmly, “I’ll do things my way. If I’m convinced of someone’s guilt, I’ll do what I must do.”

Chu Ge remained silent.

It’s no wonder he said that involving the police might lead to a deadlock… Although he didn’t fully agree, he could understand it.

Finally, Zhong Yi returned to the main topic, “Regarding Mr. Zhu’s case, his injuries are mainly psychological, and it affected his nerves and caused paralysis. Believe it or not, the analysis given by the doctor will be that he had a stroke and sustained surface injuries from falling downstairs during the stroke… If this statement is made, I’m afraid Zhu Mengmeng will cause a scene.”

Qiu Wuji: “…”

“But it’s not related to the doctor at all. Let the experts come in and assess it, and it will be the same result,” Zhong Yi smiled, “There are others who have similar situations, not just me or Mr. Zhu. Since we have gained power, we tend to lean towards doing things ourselves. So, our first reaction is usually not to call the police.”

Chu Ge asked, “So, that’s why you said, ‘Since acquiring these abilities, many people have changed’?”

“No, when I said that, I was referring to the perpetrators,” Zhong Yi replied calmly, “For example, if you had a grudge with someone before, there wasn’t much you could do about it. You might argue or fight, but it wouldn’t go far. But now? You have a strong mind, reaching up to seven stars, and you can use your mental power to attack someone, possibly reducing them to an idiot. And you don’t even need direct contact; no one would know it was you… Would you do something like that?”

Chu Ge paused for a moment, thinking of saying he wouldn’t do something like that, but he swallowed his words. If he really had a strong grudge against someone, maybe he would.

To be honest, he never thought about such things before. In his mind, he mostly considered situations where people like Rong Fu used their power to bully others. Now he realized that there were more sinister methods involved, and they were harder to resolve. Speaking of which, when Chef Jin made the dishes of others taste terrible, it was one of those methods, but since it was among friends, he didn’t pay much attention…

“Even in the business world…” Zhong Yi continued, “Deceiving others in business to ruin their prospects is a common trick, nothing surprising. If it’s slightly more sophisticated, you can use mental suggestions on the other party. Originally, a deal that couldn’t be reached might be successfully negotiated, or a contract that had no profit could suddenly become highly lucrative, and no one knows how it happened. After a few years, you might end up having your own business empire.”

Chu Ge: “…”

“In this case, what the Zhang and Wang families did was too low-level… Oh, by the way, Zhang Hanglong actually had some ideas, but too bad his son isn’t capable.” Zhong Yi smiled, “But overall, the Zhang family is just playing small games. You could say that anyone involved in the underworld here is only playing small games… Nanjiang has big sharks, but you guys haven’t encountered them yet.”

Chu Ge: “…”

“The examples I gave earlier were still within the scope of operating on the white path. But slightly more malicious tactics, for instance, if I want to buy your property at a low price and you refuse to sell? In the past, you would be threatened with bullets, but that didn’t work, and I would end up in trouble if you reported it to the police. Now, it’s no longer necessary. I can secretly make you die without anyone knowing how, and then will you sell? Or will you remain stubborn and not sell?”

As Zhong Yi spoke, his expression finally turned cold. “Mr. Zhu this time probably encountered something of this sort.”

Chu Ge quickly recalled the purple clay mine in Zhu Mengmeng’s family, one with spiritual energy! There must have been many who coveted it in the past, but they never encountered someone ruthless enough. Old Zhu wouldn’t sell, and there was nothing they could do about it.

But this time, they encountered someone ruthless.

Zhong Yi’s judgment was logical, and Chu Ge and Qiu Wuji exchanged a glance, both feeling that this was highly likely the right answer.

“Old Zhu used to be a tough character, being a mine owner is no easy task.” Zhong Yi sighed, “But after having a child, he became so fond of the child’s cuteness that his tough exterior softened. He gradually changed, started cultivating his temperament, and got involved in elegant arts like photography. He opened a teahouse and became more refined with each passing year… But in the end, kindness can make one vulnerable to others. If he had maintained his fierce temperament from his younger days, we wouldn’t know who would have struck first this time.”

Chu Ge also sighed, “How old are you exactly? You look around the same age as me, but you seem like an old film from decades ago. You already know all this.”

Zhong Yi smiled slightly, “Take a guess?”

Chu Ge said, “So, I guess your ability is not that you don’t feel pain; I suspect your ability is related to your lifespan. Not feeling pain is not an ability; instead, it’s a side effect.”

Zhong Yi looked up to the sky, and after a long while, he chuckled, “Impressive, just like their son.”

Chu Ge asked, “So, do you know who did it to Old Zhu this time?”

“I have a suspect, but I’m not sure,” Zhong Yi said. “I’ll investigate first, and if I confirm it, will you help me? I see you’re someone who just wants to live a peaceful life and doesn’t want to get involved in unnecessary troubles.”

Chu Ge smiled, “No worries. When there are troubles, I can be the fierce Third Brother.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Zhong Yi was puzzled, “Old Zhu didn’t have any personal connections with you. Where does this loyalty come from?”

Chu Ge squeezed Qiu Wuji’s hand and said, “Mengmeng is Qiuqiu’s friend, after all.”

Qiu Wuji had remained silent the whole time but smiled slightly at this moment.

Not wanting to get involved in matters didn’t mean they were afraid of them. Sect Master Qiu’s sword had been rusting in its scabbard for a long time.

Zhong Yi looked oddly contemplative for a while, then suddenly burst into laughter, “Really… they’re just unlucky. I always feel like others are not the real bosses; it’s only when they provoke you guys that they truly mess with the bosses.”