Chapter 21: The Mysterious Identity

The middle-aged policeman shook his head, then walked over to Zeng Fan and Chen Erpao. After carefully sizing up the two men, he gestured with his hand, and a large group of officers immediately rushed forward, aiming their guns at the pair while producing handcuffs.

“You’re not qualified to arrest me. Here, this is my identification,” Zeng Fan said calmly, showing no fear as he drew a booklet from his pocket and handed it to the leading officer.

The middle-aged policeman opened the booklet with indifference, but in an instant his expression changed drastically. Beads of cold sweat rolled down his forehead, and his face grew noticeably pale.

“Stand down,” he ordered, then promptly returned the booklet to Zeng Fan with utmost respect. He did not doubt its authenticity; in his view, most people in China would have no idea what that booklet represented, and those who did would never dare to impersonate it. He himself had only learned of its significance after a recent directive from higher authorities.

“You know what to do now, don’t you? I don’t want anything about my identity leaking. This is a matter of national security. I don’t need to spell out the consequences of leaking state secrets—you can imagine them yourself,” Zeng Fan said coolly.

The policeman’s brow broke out in fresh sweat as he hurriedly replied, “I understand. Please rest assured, sir. If you need anything in the future, just let me know.”

Chen Erpao listened to their exchange, more confused than ever about Zeng Fan’s identity and the so-called state secrets. Still, he guessed that the booklet was a symbol of some significant status—otherwise, the officer would not have become so deferential and fearful upon seeing it.

“Oh, right, Captain, wait for me a moment. I still need to fetch someone from inside the mall,” Chen Erpao suddenly remembered his promise.

He strode toward the mall, glanced down at his bloodied, battered body, and shook his head. In such a disheveled, frightening state, he wondered if he would scare her.

At that moment, Wang Xuemei was already standing at the foot of the stairs, her face streaked with tears. As that familiar silhouette drew closer, she could no longer contain her joy and excitement. She ran swiftly toward Chen Erpao.

“I’ve come to get you,” Chen Erpao, too, was overwhelmed with emotion. He pulled Wang Xuemei tightly into his arms and whispered softly in her ear.

“Mmm,” Wang Xuemei replied, blissfully leaning against Chen Erpao’s broad shoulder, paying no heed to the blood.

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