Chapter 236: Protecting My Flourishing China

A dagger silently aimed for Xiao Yu’s lower back. The wrist holding the dagger snapped. The dagger dropped into Xiao Yu’s palm. With a flick of his arm, he tossed Li Haibo aside like he was throwing out trash.

Xiao Yu appeared in front of the retreating and screaming Zheng Hao. 

He crouched down.

Slash. Slash.

Then stood up.

Slash. Slash.

Zheng Hao collapsed to the ground, rolling around in agony. Blood poured from his wrists and ankles. Xiao Yu’s cuts were precise and controlled. Each stab severed the tendons while avoiding major arteries. Both his wrists and ankles got two clean slashes. Each cut was just one centimeter apart.

This type of cut ensured the tendons wouldn’t reconnect, but wouldn’t cause massive blood loss either.

Calm as ever, Xiao Yu turned away from Zheng Hao and focused on Li Haibo, who was trying to pick up the gun.

With a swift motion, the knife flashed like a streak of light.

The dagger pierced through Li Haibo’s hand as he reached for the gun, pinning it to the ground.

“Ahh!”

Li Haibo howled, trying to pull the dagger out with his free hand. But that hand had already been broken when he’d tried to pull the trigger. Desperate, Li Haibo opened his mouth, ready to bite the dagger’s handle.

Bang!

Xiao Yu’s slammed the sole of his leather shoe into Li Haibo’s chin. Li Haibo’s jaw shattered from the impact with a sickening crack. Xiao Yu pulled his leg back, then glanced at Wang Dong, who stood by the doorway.

“Step outside for a bit?” he said calmly.

“…”

Without a word, Wang Dong stepped out of the room. He crouched down, fished out a pack of cigarettes, lit one, and placed it between his lips.

Then, he used two fingers to plug his ears.

The last time, during the human skin wax figure case, he’d learned his lesson. If he didn’t want your scalp to tingle, his hair to stand on end, and his skin to crawl, it was best to block out the sound.

That awful noise of bones being broken, piece by piece—it was too much to handle.

Trust me, you don’t want to go back in there. No one’s gonna die, but you might throw up. That kind of scene… not many people can stomach it!

After half an hour, Xiao Yu walked out, his expression calm as ever, and crouched down next to Wang Dong.

Wang Dong lowered his fingers and pulled out another cigarette.

The two brothers each took a puff, the smoke curling around them.

“Sometimes I really want to just kill them,” Xiao Yu said softly, exhaling smoke.

“I don’t have your patience. I’d kill them,” Wang Dong sighed. “Take out scum like that, and the boss would just give me a few scoldings. No big deal.”

“I can’t cross that line,” Xiao Yu shook his head. “Once I do, there’s no turning back.”

“Pretty curious.” Wang Dong’s expression was complicated, “Why be so persistent about this?”

“You might think it’s stupid, idiotic, and downright foolish.” Xiao Yu grinned, “But in my heart, the police uniform is just like a military uniform. I can make small mistakes while wearing it, but there must never be a stain.”

Wang Dong couldn’t help but be moved by his words.

“Do you remember the oath we took when we started this line of work?”

Xiao Yu leaned against the wall, his eyes glowing with conviction.

Wang Dong’s eyes lit up suddenly as he nodded.

My life is loyal to the country.  

My will is loyal to the people.  

My mission is to eliminate violence and protect the good.  

My faith shines like a beacon.  

May our youth guard the flourishing China!

***

Fang Xingan, male, 43 years old, from Bwncheng, entrepreneur, philanthropist. In people’s minds, Fang Xingan was both wealthy and generous.

Over the years, he had funded more than 20 Hope Primary Schools. He sponsored over a dozen children from impoverished rural areas. Even the local government had awarded him the title of philanthropic entrepreneur multiple times.

When Xiao Yu first met him, Fang Xingan left a great impression.

His gaze was warm, his eyes carried the weight of years, his demeanor calm and composed, and he radiated a natural sense of authority.

“Is there something I can help you with?”

In the office, Fang Xingan glanced at the young officer in uniform standing before him, looking puzzled. To him, this policeman was unusually good-looking but more than that, he radiated an extraordinary presence.

He was the kind of man you’d notice right away, even in a crowd.

“Can I ask you a question?” Xiao Yu fixed his gaze on Fang Xingan, his eyes piercing. “You’re wealthy, have a family, a wife and kids, and by all accounts, you’re a good boss and a philanthropist. To the outside world, your image is impeccable. You should, by all logic, be someone with solid values. So… why did you commit such unforgivable, heinous acts?”

“…”

The warmth in Fang Xingan’s eyes vanished.

His gaze sharpened, now cold as he stared at Xiao Yu. “What are you talking about? I don’t understand.”

“It’s pointless.” Xiao Yu shook his head. “Your connections, your network, those so-called bigshots you think can protect you and speak on your behalf. Let me be clear, none of that matters. Do you get it?”

Fang Xingan’s face changed suddenly, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief. He remained silent, unable to grasp why this policeman was speaking with such confidence.

“Still don’t get it?” Xiao Yu looked at the now-silent Fang Xingan. “Li Haibo and Zheng Hao have confessed everything. Who would’ve thought the ‘big brother’ they spoke of was actually a so-called philanthropist, a kind-hearted man? You’re nothing but a beast wearing a human mask.”

“Were they caught?”

Fang Xingan finally spoke, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he gritted his teeth, “I was too soft. I should’ve taken care of them long ago.”

“Admitting it now?” Xiao Yu sneered, “Still not planning to repent?”

“Repent for what?” Fang Xingan glared at Xiao Yu coldly. “If my crimes come to light, the only road for me is death. So why should I repent? People like you will never understand what it’s like to be at the top, nor will you understand the pleasures we enjoy. Have you ever tasted human flesh? Do you know the fragrance of it–”

Bang!

Blood and teeth sprayed from Fang Xingan’s mouth as his body collapsed to the ground.

“Have you ever imagined,” Xiao Yu said, stepping on Fang Xingan’s face, “that one day you’d end up like a dog?”

With his foot pressing down on Fang Xing’an’s face, Xiao Yu bent down and whispered, “Crushed under someone’s foot like this?”

“You…”

Fang Xingan’s face flushed with shame and anger, his eyes flickering with rage.

“See? What’s the difference between you and the people you so cruelly murdered?” Xiao Yu asked calmly, “When you treated others like ants, didn’t you ever think that in my eyes, you’re just another ant? Like right now, I could crush you with one step. And honestly, I feel like doing just that.”

Fear washed over Fang Xing’an’s face, turning it deathly pale. The fierce arrogance from moments ago vanished as his body began to tremble, and the sharp stench of urine filled the air.

Xiao Yu chuckled—a cold, mocking sound. He reached out his hand toward Fang Xing’an…

Case closed!