Chapter 2, Ma Xiaofeng

"Where else could I be?" Ma Xiaofeng said irritably, "I fought until the early hours of the morning last night and am now in my own big bed."

Come on, have a look at your own conscience. When has it ever been a good thing when you came to find me? The best time was when you got dumped and insisted on coming to drink with me.

After he finished speaking, a woman's giggle came from the phone, which nearly drove Shi Yong to the brink of anger: "I'm not going to argue with you anymore. I'll be there in fifteen minutes. You better get up and tidy up your things; I don't want to see you looking so disheveled."

The mocked criminal investigation team leader could only vent his anger on the accelerator, as the silver-gray SUV sped along the national highway, quickly arriving at the entrance of the toll station in Jian'an City.

Speak up, Captain Shi, what good news do you have to share with your junior this time

Hello, who is this

"... ... fighting ... ..." Shi Yong immediately scolded, "You brat should reflect on yourself, be careful that I report you for indecency"

Jian'an City, as a neighboring city to Nanwen City, is significantly more prosperous than Nanwen City. This is largely due to Jian'an City's geographical location; it is situated along the banks of the Huai'an River and boasts a large docking port, which has facilitated the development of its maritime industry. This, in turn, has created an incredible asset for the city, and the prosperity of the maritime industry has spurred other commercial activities. Coupled with increased government support, the city's development over the past decade has reached a level that has made other cities envious.

"Cut it out!" Ma Xiaofeng said disdainfully, "If you have the ability, go to the bar and bring a girl back to see. If you continue to be so antiquated, Shitou, you might as well change your name to Stone Man."

Shi Yong could not help but admire his foresight

As a public security officer, my annual salary is still less than the remuneration that the scoundrel Ma Xiaofeng receives for a single feng shui consultation or for performing superstitious activities such as exorcisms.

Shi Yong had no choice but to close the door himself, and then he helplessly stared at this friend with whom he had shared nearly twenty years of his life

The door opened, and Ma Xiaofeng, bare-chested and wearing only a pair of jeans, yawned repeatedly at the guests outside the door

Shi Yong's face flushed with embarrassment, and he quickly changed the subject: "Alright, let's get serious. Where are you now?"

Look at what you are saying, is it impossible for me to come to you and have good things happen

Xiao Feng, I will take my leave first

Ma Xiaofeng's father is named Ma Dafeng. In that small town, Ma Xiaofeng was known for his bravery and fierceness from a young age. Old Master Ma was also protective and unreasonable, which led to the duo being collectively referred to as the "Two Madmen of the Ma Family." Naturally, Shiyong, who grew up alongside Ma Xiaofeng, called him a madman, and this nickname has persisted to this day

Unlike Shi Yong, who has a square face and thick eyebrows with big eyes, Ma Xiaofeng belongs to the type that makes young women just out of school scream and captivates successful white-collar beauties. He has medium-length hair styled casually and fashionably, and his eyes, which always appear to be in a state of half-drunkenness, sparkle with a mesmerizing color that drives women wild. A subtle smile often graces his lips, and a row of snow-white teeth conveys messages of health and youth. He exudes a lazy charm at all times, lacking a sharp edge but possessing a tenderness that enchants women.

After a brief silence on the other end of the phone, Ma Xiaofeng instinctively said, "Shitou, why is it you? Damn, you must have something bad to discuss with me."

After a brief ringtone played on the phone, a languid voice came through.

The car was speeding along, and it was now two o'clock in the afternoon. The excessively bright sun forced Shi Yong to put on a pair of sunglasses. As Jian'an City came into view, Shi Yong dialed Ma Xiaofeng's mobile phone.

Shi Yong immediately raised his middle finger at him in his heart. Although Ma Xiaofeng spoke lightly, which meal did not cost Shi Yong half a month's salary? Only then would Ma Xiaofeng be satisfied

Huanan Road is located on the northern side of Jian'an City, forming a T-shape with the Huan Gang Highway. This area of Huanan Road is one of the more prosperous sections of Jian'an City, featuring white-collar apartment complexes that are only five stories high. The buildings, facing south towards the north, overlook the banks of the Huai'an River, offering a stunningly beautiful view. Consequently, the housing prices here are quite high. However, Ma Xiaofeng purchased a house of over 200 square meters in this area, which has caused Shi Yong to feel psychologically unbalanced about it.

"Deal." After saying this, Ma Xiaofeng disdainfully remarked, "It's just treating you to a meal, so don't look like you've just lost your father."

Shi Yong leaned closer to him, revealing a pained expression as he said: "How about a dinner at Jingnan Restaurant?"

Between Jian'an and Nanwen cities, the national highway serves as a transportation link, allowing travel between the two cities in just half an hour. Currently, Shi Yong is driving on the national highway heading towards Jian'an.

However, this time, Shi Yong restrained the impulse to kick the door; after all, he was in need of assistance from others.

The series of murders this time is exceedingly heinous; anyone who is not a fool can see that such atrocities are beyond the capacity of humans. Moreover, the traces left on the bodies have been identified as those made by large animals. However, in Nanwen City, there are essentially no large predators. Therefore, apart from monsters, Shi Yong truly cannot think of any large animal that could remain hidden in a city with a population of several million without being discovered. The traces left on the bodies have been identified as those made by large animals. However, in Nanwen City, there are essentially no large predators. Therefore, apart from monsters, Shi Yong truly cannot think of any large animal that could remain hidden in a city with a population of several million without being discovered

After listening to Shi Yong's words, Ma Xiaofeng stroked his chin and said, "It doesn't matter to take a trip, mainly it depends on what reward you will give me."

Shi Yong kicked Ma Xiaofeng's legs off the tea table, ignoring the latter's exaggerated cries of pain. He then sat down next to Ma Xiaofeng and said seriously: "This time, it’s impossible not to involve you. There have been several homicide cases in the southern region, and the wounds on the victims resemble those inflicted by a large animal. Moreover, most of the internal organs are missing. I suspect it may be a non-human crime. What do you think? Are you interested in accompanying me on this trip?"

Thus, every time Shi Yong arrived at Ma Xiaofeng's apartment, his severely imbalanced mindset would always manifest the bravery of his earlier years. Essentially, the polite act of knocking on the door was never part of his demeanor; kicking it open was the true style of Shi Yong. After all, Master Ma had plenty of money and did not mind occasionally replacing the door of his house.

The doorbell rang for a long time, and only after a while did a weak response come from inside the house, which almost prompted Shi Yong to kick the door down in a show of bravado.

"Come in," he said, and then he walked over to the sofa in the living room, embedding himself into it.

"Wandering? That is called being unrestrained, you don't even know how to use conjunctions..." Ma Xiaofeng mocked for a moment before hanging up the phone

At that moment, a sweet voice came over. Shi Yong raised his head, and a young woman dressed provocatively emerged from Ma Xiaofeng's dormitory. Instantly, Shi Yong felt an unparalleled admiration for Ma Xiaofeng

At this moment, Ma Xiaofeng was completely sunk into the soft sofa. He closed his eyes and turned his neck slightly, revealing a skull-shaped crystal earring peeking out from his hair. Around his neck hung a pendant made of black cord. He moved his arms a bit, then placed his left hand, adorned with a jade ring, behind the sofa. Ma Xiaofeng opened his eyes, unceremoniously propped his feet on the crystal coffee table in front of the sofa, and then spoke to Shi Yong.

The voice was muffled, as if just having crawled out of bed. Shi Yong frowned and said, "Crazy person, it's me. Don't tell me you're just waking up now?"

He returned to the bureau in the morning and immediately requested a half-day leave from the director, with the purpose of hurrying to Jian'an City to track down that charlatan's accomplice. Prior to this, there had been one or two incidents of inhumane crimes in Nanwen City, all of which were resolved by Shi Yong bringing in Ma Xiaofeng. Therefore, the usually stern public security director did not oppose Shi Yong's decision to involve that charlatan surnamed Ma in this case