Chapter 5 (Part 2) No Black Society

Ji Kefeng was so furious that smoke seemed to emanate from his seven orifices; he knew that Tang Shuxing, that bastard, had once again played him for a fool

The young man's previously cold expression vanished as he approached cautiously and asked in a low voice, "Elder brother, what is the matter?"

I apologize for the misunderstanding," Ji Kefeng said softly. Tang Shuxing merely snorted and led Ji Kefeng away from the foot massage shop. As the two exited, the owner of the foot massage shop, who had previously thrown Ji Kefeng out, stood at the door watching Tang Shuxing. When Ji Kefeng turned sideways, the owner immediately held up his phone and made an "OK" gesture towards Tang Shuxing.

What does this mean? Ji Kefeng felt a bit uneasy, particularly disliking the appearance of Tang Shuxing.

Tang Shuxing brought Nana back to Shanshan's rental apartment, casually tearing down the rental information for the unit below, as it was directly across from Shanshan's old apartment. That building was slightly newer and had more complete facilities. Tang Shuxing and Nana quickly packed Shanshan and Dudu's clothes and essentials, arranged to meet the new landlord, paid a year's rent in one go, and moved in immediately. They then separated all the cash into bundles of ten thousand, neatly packed them, and placed them in the bottom compartment of the refrigerator, while also buying some canned sauces and other items to put on the surface.

"Alright, you have nothing to do with this," Tang Shuxing gestured for him to leave, "We are the urban management officers, conducting a routine inquiry"

Two individuals walked towards the entrance of the bathhouse, one in front of the other. Upon arriving at the door, Tang Shuxing's expression changed immediately, taking on the demeanor of a subordinate. He opened the door for Ji Kefeng, welcoming him inside, and then waved to summon a nearby attendant. He raised two fingers and whispered, "A package deal, for one person, the kind that goes 'fa fa fa'."

"You..." Ji Kefeng pointed at the foot massage parlor they had entered earlier, "You asked me to wait for you inside the foot massage shop. I went, and I even reported your name, but I almost got beaten up. They didn't recognize you at all!"

Tang Shuxing turned his head with a smile and looked at Ji Kefeng, giving him a wink. Ji Kefeng immediately understood, smiled, and said in a Mandarin accent with a hint of SC flavor: "Today, it's my treat, no problem."

Ji Kefeng was taken aback, looking at Tang Shuxing, implying: Aren't you going, you rascal?

"Here, take this as well." Tang Shuxing pulled a utility knife from his pocket, "This does not count as a controlled weapon. If someone comes to harass you, just stab them with the knife. Even if the police arrive, it can be considered self-defense. This kind of knife is justifiable. I'm leaving now"

Now, let me first take you to change into a new outfit, and then we will proceed with our business. Tang Shuxing led Ji Kofeng towards a dilapidated five-story department store ahead.

Ji Kefeng did not inquire further, but he understood that Tang Shuxing's knowledge of these drugs was not something that could be grasped merely by reading books; one would need to read an immense number of books to achieve such understanding

What are you hiding here? Nana stood behind, watching and eating the snacks she had just bought

After getting off the car, Tang Shuxing had Ji Kefeng pay the fare. He then stood at the entrance and began to speak to Ji Kefeng: "From this moment on, I am still myself, and you will be called 'Master Ji', with no other name, just 'Master Ji'. No one will ever ask you what your real name is. You are from SC, coming from YN, and you have goods in hand. You are in the drug enforcement business. How to proceed is up to you; just adapt to the situation. After all, you are a boss with goods, and I am just a small-time thug looking to earn a little commission. Do you understand?"

Tang Shuxing shook his head and, accompanied by Ji Kefu, began to enter the shopping mall, selecting clothes and pants among the shops selling counterfeit goods. They even changed into fake CK underwear. After everything was settled, the two of them went to the mobile phone section and spent money to buy two locally touted "nice numbers," which cost them two thousand yuan just for these two phone numbers

"I am not an undercover agent; this is the truth," Tang Shuxing said, shaking his head. "We must remind ourselves that this is real. We are here to investigate, not to combat drug trafficking. No matter what we see, we must pretend not to see it, maintaining an appearance of nonchalance. We can carry a hint of disdain, but we must not be overly arrogant."

Ji Kefeng was taken aback, looking at Tang Shuxing, and said in a low voice: "What are you going crazy about?"

"Where should we start our investigation? Should we go to the police station and ask?" Ji Kefeng inquired as he walked.

Understood. Ji Kefeng nodded and said, "Just like an undercover agent."

It is impossible! Tang Shuxing dragged Ji Kefeng towards the foot massage shop, but when they reached the entrance, he turned and entered another shop next door. As soon as they stepped inside, the owner of that shop greeted Tang Shuxing warmly, and the two engaged in a lively conversation. Ji Kefeng stood there in a daze, realizing that he had gone to the wrong place. It was this shop, not that one.

"Good." Tang Shuxing stood up and pointed at the young man, "You, come here!"

"The underworld does not necessarily engage in drug trafficking, but those who do will certainly claim to be part of the underworld." Tang Shuxing patted Ji Kefeng on the shoulder and said, "Remember this well."

"You take a look first, pay attention to the people around you." Tang Shuxing gestured with his eyes to the surroundings, "See who the thugs are, who the gangsters are, and tell me. Test your observation skills."

Ji Kefeng was quite surprised; it had taken him years at the border checkpoint to gradually memorize these classifications of drugs. However, Tang Shuxing seemed to be an expert on the subject, effortlessly listing most of what could be said in one breath. Could this kid have been involved in that? No, among the drug dealers he had apprehended, only a very few had studied it so thoroughly

"What is a profound saying?" Ji Kefeng did not become angry; instead, he found some truth in Tang Shuxing's earlier words

Where are you from?" Tang Shuxing lowered his head

"Do not ask; the less you know, the better." Tang Shuxing turned to leave but paused to look at her and said, "Also, do not bring any dubious individuals here. Continue to pay the rent for Shanshan's place and your own. Visit from time to time, and if friends come, take them there; do not bring them here, and do not tell others that you and Dudu are living here"

"Hey, Ji Ye." Tang Shuxing tugged at Ji Kefeng's jacket, "This jacket you're wearing must cost at least seven or eight hundred, right? Just from the materials and craftsmanship, it's clear it's a genuine product. We need a full set of high-quality imitations, something cheap that makes it obvious we are vain and pretentious, you know? Do you really think people who navigate society are as glamorous as they portray in the movies? Collecting hundreds of thousands today and lending out millions tomorrow?"

At Zhongyong's location, the Tang Shu case has already seen the phone cleaned thoroughly and re-locked. As he anticipated, the phone indeed contained "ears," and not just one. All were deeply embedded software, and the individuals involved were skilled professionals, not mere thugs who would install low-quality "ears" for a few dozen yuan at a street stall.

Tang Shuxing quickly left, reminding Nana to pick up Dudu from school, to close the door properly, and to eat on time, among other things. Nana stood at the door with a furrowed brow, listening to his nagging. As he finished speaking and walked down the stairs, Nana called out to him, saying: "Hey, Money King, don't get into any trouble, come back safely. Dudu and I will be waiting for you"

The young man dashed away in a flash, and Ji Kefeng stood up without saying a word, realizing that he had been too naive.

Ji Kefeng shook his head, following Tang Shuxing as they left the department store. Once outside, Tang Shuxing found a foot massage parlor and tossed the clothes they had changed out of into a locker. They kept only their phones and money, then confidently hailed a taxi, heading straight for a large bathing center called "Xilehui" located at the junction of the old and new city districts.

Tang Shuxing had an innocent expression on his face, spreading his hands and saying: "Master Chicken, how could I dare? I am not trying to deceive you!"

"Chicken Master!" Tang Shuxing said impatiently, "I told you, we are not narcotics enforcement; we are conducting an investigation. Brother, what kind of equipment do you need? What second plan? Do you believe that in a place like this, even if you bring the police to search thoroughly, you won't find a single gun or a knife exceeding the regulated length? Do you think they are all fools? Leaving an excuse for the police to arrest themselves and take them back for questioning?"

Ji Kefeng, having worked in drug enforcement for many years, still had a keen eye. After a long pause, he shook his head and said, "There are quite a few delinquents, but I haven't noticed any organized crime. Sigh, wait a moment, that one looks like it!" Ji Kefeng pointed to a young man not far away, dressed in a leather jacket, who appeared relatively serious but had a stern expression.

"Alright, alright, I understand," Nana said impatiently. "What kind of business are you running that is so profitable, and what are you investigating?"

When Tang Shuxing appeared outside that foot massage shop, Ji Kefeng, who had been squatting under the tree across the street, angrily walked over, saying, "Damn it, he's playing me again"

Why change the header? Ji Kefeng looked up at the department store not far away. Where is there a place called a department store now? It is completely a building from the 1990s

Ji Kefeng looked puzzled: "What are you doing squatting here? It stinks."

Ji Kefeng knew that Tang Shuxing was playing tricks on him

Tang Shuxing ignored Ji Kefeng and shouted at the young man who was still looking around in confusion: "What are you looking at? It's you, come here, hurry up!"

"How do you know all this?" Ji Kefeng asked nonchalantly, while paying attention to Tang Shuxing's facial expression

"What are you talking about? Speak up!" Tang Shuxing looked at Ji Kefeng and said, "What I speak is the truth. The streets are filled with thugs, and the more ferocious they are, the more they are just thugs. The lowest of the low, if there really were such a thing as organized crime, others would have long been engaged in big business. Who has the time to sit on the street every day wearing a big gold chain, dressed in fake designer clothes, sporting fake crocodile skin boots, and smoking a cigarette while doing nothing?" After saying this, Tang Shuxing's expression darkened as he continued, "But there are also local gangs. They have their own world, and their world has its own rules. Although they cannot compare to those real organized crime groups, these people are not to be trifled with. Today, seeing how cooperative Master Ji is, let me teach you another profound saying!" Tang Shuxing's expression darkened as he continued, "But there are also local gangs. They have their own world, and their world has its own rules. Although they cannot compare to those real organized crime groups, these people are not to be trifled with. Today, seeing how cooperative Master Ji is, let me teach you another profound saying!"

Indeed, Ji Kefeng did not conceal the matter, stating that the first deceased, Zhang Dajiang, tested positive for drugs, although the specific substance remains unidentified and cannot be analyzed. It appears to be a new type of drug. As for the second case, I have also heard from the side that drugs were discovered at the scene, which are substances I have never encountered before.

I have only asked you this once, you must agree to me!" Tang Shuxing said sternly, "In a few years, you will be old and unattractive, and you won't be able to sell yourself. What will you do then? For your sake, and for Duodu, you have also formed a sisterhood with Shanshan.

Ah... Tang Shuxing was holding his phone and looking at it, "That little submissive indeed has issues, plotting against you, Lord Xing, but still a bit inexperienced"

After Tang Shuxing finished speaking, he was about to walk inside when Ji Kefeng grabbed him and said, "Are we just going in like this? What if something goes wrong? Do we have a backup plan?"

Opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana are considered major categories of narcotics. Additionally, methadone, barbiturates, scopolamine, angel's trumpet, belladonna, methadone, pethidine, diphenoxylate, and others are also classified as narcotics, as well as special medications. Tang Shuxing walked ahead, his expression inexplicably turning serious. "When broken down further, there are 24 types of precursors to narcotics regulated by the state, including ephedrine and substances like methylenedioxymethamphetamine and ergot alkaloids. In the hands of certain individuals, these substances can be slightly altered to create a new type of narcotic, depending on the effects they produce and the difference in the time until death after consumption."

Tang Shuxing stopped, looking expressionlessly at Ji Kefeng. He then rolled up his sleeves, revealing his arms to show him: "I do not use drugs, absolutely not, nor do I deal drugs. I understand drugs because I enjoy reading, so do not doubt me. Also, speak plainly, do not beat around the bush like a woman."

I understand, why are you being so verbose!" Nana said with a pained expression on her face

Hmm. Tang Shuxing tightened the straps of his backpack and quickly walked downstairs to leave

"Alright! I will follow your lead, let's go!" Ji Kefeng moved his arms slightly, trying to relax himself, and reminded himself that he had done similar things several times before, and this time would also be a success

"Thieves cannot move a refrigerator; this is one reason. The second reason is that very few thieves rummage through refrigerators. At most, there are some greedy thieves, but when they see condiments, they generally won't touch them, as those items cannot be eaten directly. Tonight, open all the condiments, and don't seal the lids tightly; intentionally let the smell waft out of the refrigerator. If a thief opens the refrigerator and smells it, they will definitely close it. " Tang Shuxing closed the refrigerator door, stood up, and looked at Nana, saying, "Promise me, don't be a courtesan anymore. The money is really enough. The money I earn in the future will definitely be enough for you to live comfortably, and it will also be sufficient for you to attend school and live independently."

Alright! Let's go!" Nana stood at the entrance with a furrowed brow, "Hurry up! The man destined to become the king of wealth!"

"A phone can indeed be used, and the phone number must also be good; otherwise, it won't reflect our identity as tycoons." Tang Shuxing gestured for Ji Kefeng to replace the SIM card, memorized the other party's number, and then left to squat down at the entrance of the public restroom

Tang Shuxing rubbed the back of his neck, holding a cigarette, and asked: "Have they found any connection to drugs?"

Hmm. Nana lowered her head, feeling quite uneasy. After all, apart from engaging in the flesh trade, she possessed no other skills. The saying "spread your legs, and all the gold and silver will come in" encapsulated her philosophy of life

"Come here, and I will tell you how to distinguish between organized crime and thugs." Tang Shuxing gestured for Ji Kofeng to come closer. Once the other party leaned in, he whispered, word by word, "Remember, there is no organized crime in China, only rogue groups with the characteristics of organized crime"

The young man swallowed hard and said, "I am the one selling fruit downstairs"

"Police station? Since you want to find the police, why are you looking for me?" Tang Shuxing said with a sidelong glance, "Old Chicken, I have my own methods. However, first I need you to share some intelligence. You have been with the detectives handling the case; you must tell me what they have discovered so far."

Tang Shuxing looked at Ji Kefeng with a smile that was not quite a smile, and after a long pause, he couldn't help but laugh: "A gangster? Selling fruit? Are you a member of the armed police? Hey, how many years have you been a foolish soldier? Don't you watch the news broadcast every day?"

Tang Shuxing quietly clasped his fists and gave a thumbs up, indicating: well done! He then immediately walked leisurely alongside Ji Kefu down the next street.

Certainly. Ji Kefeng has great confidence in his own vision

They found nothing at all; they only knew that the first deceased was named Zhang Dajiang, a wealthy businessman and a nominated member of the Political Consultative Conference. You know the female victim of the second case, and the male victim is named Yang Yong; I do not have any information on this person.

Tang Shuxing left the new rental apartment, and did not immediately go to find Ji Kefeng. Instead, he went straight to Zhong Yong to get his phone. Meanwhile, Ji Kefeng at the foot massage place was directly kicked out by the boss, who even pretended to want to hit him, and carefully told him word by word: "I don't know any bastard named Tang Shuxing! Get as far away as you can!"

He sniffed and asked, "Are you sure?"