Chapter 17: Unable to Bear This Humiliation

Gu Changqing yawned as he climbed out of bed. Upon leaving the bedroom, his foot landed squarely on a stack of cash, and he stepped over a gold watch. Moments later, the bathroom echoed with the roar of water.

He had been told by his father since he was young that, if a man wanted to avoid difficulties “down there,” he should keep away from women. Gu Changqing thought he’d done a better job on that front than his old man ever had—there had never been a single day, as far back as he could remember, when his father didn’t have a woman at his side.

Damn, feeling a touch of homesickness. He lifted his gaze to the mirror, studying his own reflection. After all, hell, he was only eighteen—still just a kid!

Emerging from the bathroom, Gu Changqing let his eyes sweep over the living room: bundles of cash and other items scattered across the floor. Last night he had tossed everything down when he got home and then gone out to deal with the car. When he returned, he went straight to bed.

He’d spent a little time sorting through the loot: over a million in cash, stock certificates worth more than six million, and a jumble of luxury watches, property deeds, and other random valuables.

“So many years hustling, and this is all I’ve got to show for it. An old dog’s life, wasted on scraps!” With a snort, Gu Changqing shoved it all into a cabinet, changed clothes, and headed downstairs for breakfast—then caught a cab to the precinct.

“Well, has the case wrapped up yet?” he asked, clapping Zeng Shiqian on the shoulder. Zeng looked haggard, eyes shadowed and cheeks rough with stubble—he probably hadn’t been home all night.

“We were about to close it... but now the higher-ups want a deeper investigation,” Zeng replied, stifling a yawn that left his eyes brimming.

Gu Changqing understood immediately. They’d planned to tie up all the loose ends—any unsolved cases could be pinned on the same culprit and the matter put to rest. But last night, Jin Manfu had suddenly died. Instantly, the superiors ordered a thorough crackdown: the gang that had terrorized Angang for years would be rooted out, and the city returned to peace and justice.

Gu Changqing felt a flush of pride. He had, after all, made an outstanding contribution to Angang’s public safety. If things improved from here, he’d have played a major part in that.

“The chief wants to see you. Head to his office,” Zeng said.

Gu Changqing waved him off. Watching his retreating figure, Zeng’s eyes flickered with doubt. He suspected that Jin Manfu’s death was linked to Gu Quan’an, and maybe Gu Quan’an wasn’t even the same person anymore. Mere amnesia wouldn’t explain such a dramatic change.

Only when the office door shut, cutting off his view, did Zeng turn away. In the end, whether this was really Gu Quan’an didn’t matter; they’d split dirty money together. As long as the other man didn’t betray him, Zeng would take these secrets to his grave.

Gu Changqing entered the captain’s office, pulled up a chair, and sat across from Xu Yong.

“Captain.”

“You’ve really made a name for yourself! Is there anything you’re afraid to do? You drew your gun on a guard? We’re only lucky nothing worse happened—otherwise it wouldn’t just be you in trouble, but me as well!” Xu Yong greeted him with a scowl.

“Someone crashed in through the window. I just reacted—anyone would,” Gu Changqing replied with studied indifference.

“You think that excuse is going to fly? The guards have already lodged a complaint with the chief’s office. The chief wants you suspended!” Xu Yong, seeing Gu Changqing’s nonchalance, grew even angrier.

“Oh?” Gu Changqing narrowed his eyes. This identity still had its uses. If he were suspended... and the chief were to meet with an unfortunate accident, could he be reinstated?

Seeing his continued lack of concern, Xu Yong deflated a little. “I told the chief about your circumstances—said it was an isolated incident. But you’ll need to submit a report explaining what happened.”

“I can’t. I’m a patient,” Gu Changqing replied, crossing his legs, too lazy even to pretend.

“If you can’t write it, get someone else to do it. Just get it on my desk within three days!” Xu Yong shot him a glare and, without waiting for a response, pulled a box from his drawer and slid it across the desk. “Here, take a look.”

Inside was a watch, similar to the one he’d looked at the other day, except the hour hand was set with rubies.

“You were injured and lost your memory, so I applied for a special allowance for you and added some of my own money to buy this. Consider it a token to celebrate your safe return. You know what to say once you leave.”

Gu Changqing grinned, snapping the box shut. Both men knew exactly what this gesture meant. Xu Yong was signaling his loyalty—he wouldn’t shortchange him, but to avoid leaving evidence, he’d taken this roundabout approach.

It was a secret and an understanding they both shared. Having split dirty money together, Xu Yong would certainly look after Gu Changqing from now on, treating him as a trusted confidant.

“I’ll be off, then,” Gu Changqing said, tossing the box.

He wasn’t interested in Xu Yong’s overtures, but this identity was still valuable. With both Xu Yong and Zeng Shiqian now implicated, things would be much easier in the future.

“Go on! And try to stay out of trouble.”

After Gu Changqing left, Xu Yong frowned. The man’s calm reaction was a little too much—more than he’d expected.

“Captain wants you to write that report,” Gu Changqing said, clapping Zeng on the shoulder.

“Me?” Zeng blinked.

“Yes. Write it on my behalf,” Gu Changqing said, tilting his head as if it were only natural.

“The captain said you should write it!” Zeng protested.

“No, you should. The captain knows I can’t write. It’s up to you.” Gu Changqing patted him again, grabbed a cup of juice, and sat at the desk to study the computer.

He focused mainly on the keyboard. There were hundreds of keys, and the input method was completely different from what he’d known in his previous life. Many of the characters were unfamiliar.

He soon felt a headache coming on, but it was essential to master the computers of this world if he wanted to research information on his own.

He glanced around; the office was nearly empty, everyone busy with their own work.

He strapped the watch to his wrist, tossed the box in a drawer, and pulled out a notebook to jot down a line: “Guard, female, over 1.7 meters tall, long legs, the villain sues first, bullies others by relying on power!”

Gu Changqing was generally broad-minded, not one to hold grudges—but he couldn’t tolerate this injustice.

He then approached Zeng. “I’m going to see if there’s anything left to dig up on Old Dao’s side.” With that, hands in his pockets, he strolled out of the precinct, never yielding the right of way, forcing others to move aside.

“Damn, is this guy always so cocky?” A few officers from other teams nearly collided with him, spinning around to curse.

Gu Changqing paused, pointed at his own ear. “Don’t talk behind my back—I’ve got excellent hearing.”

And with that, he swaggered away.

After leaving the police station, he went home, grabbed a bag of cash, and set out to buy a car.

His last car, after ramming it through the gates last night, had a dented front end. After dropping his spoils at home, he’d driven the car to the riverbank, worked up a surge of strength, and kicked it straight into the water.

The old car hadn’t been much to begin with—a new one cost only a few tens of thousands, cramped inside. This time, Gu Changqing spent well over a hundred thousand and took out a loan for another three hundred thousand to buy a mid-to-large sedan. The brand was called Lingshi, a famous name in Southern Chu.

He circled the red sedan, satisfied. Spacious, comfortable, powerful, and, most importantly, discreet. Since he financed part of it, the monthly payment was only 5,600. His monthly salary was over 7,000—more than enough to cover it, with plenty to spare.

Low-key and unremarkable—no one could find fault.

After lunch, it was already afternoon. Gu Changqing set off for Ma Street, a lane with a distinctly ancient charm, unlike any other part of Angang. There wasn’t a single building over five stories high; both sides were lined with old wooden structures, intricate carvings, blue tiles, and red eaves. White walls enclosed courtyards, where tree branches occasionally stretched over the tops.

Of course, this antique elegance was only skin-deep.

Gu Changqing parked his car directly in front of the largest brothel.

“Boss, here so early?” The attendant at the door hurried over with a smile.

The brothel didn’t open until after noon, and only came alive at night.

Gu Changqing tossed him the car keys and peeled off about ten bills from a fat stack, handing them over. “Keep an eye on the car.”

“Don’t worry, boss—even if I’m in trouble, your car will be safe!” The attendant beamed.

“What kind of girls do you prefer, boss? It’s still a bit early, many of them haven’t started their shifts. But if they know you’re here, they’ll fly over if they have to!” The attendant kept close, showing him the way.

He led Gu Changqing into the main hall and pressed a button on the coffee table’s screen. “Boss, all the girls’ profiles are here, with videos. Take a look and see if any catch your eye. I’ll go fetch Sister Mei.”

Gu Changqing couldn’t be bothered to look.

A few moments later, a woman in her thirties, with a graceful figure, approached. “Sir, you arrived so early—would you care for some tea?”

“No need for all that. Who here is the most highly educated?” he asked.

“She must be well-educated, and have long legs!”

“I want to see her in ten minutes.”

Gu Changqing placed a wad of ten thousand on the coffee table.

Sister Mei smiled, “That must be Meng Xi. She’s only twenty-one, a Master of Literature from Ocean University, well-versed in poetry and song.”

“But she has a proud and lofty heart. I can introduce you, but whether you can win her over depends on your own abilities.”

“Would you prefer to meet her in the music room or the study?”

Gu Changqing considered. “Do you have a computer room?”

The smile on Sister Mei’s face froze for a moment.

About ten minutes later, Gu Changqing lounged on the sofa in the study, legs crossed. A tall woman, about 1.75 meters, with a slender build and gentle features, walked in wearing a long white dress.

“Sir, may I ask your name?” Her forehead was a bit broad and her mouth slightly wide, but her eyes were strikingly beautiful and expressive. The combination of her features was harmonious, not a hint out of place. When she smiled, it was like an orchid blooming—impossible not to be charmed.

“Names don’t matter. Come here and teach me to type,” Gu Changqing said, pointing at the portable computer on the coffee table.