Li Shang's hand shot out suddenly, covering Ma Bin's, his voice carrying an undeniable menace:

"Ma Bin, I've worked at the Patrol Office for many years, deeply understanding one thing: once you draw the bow, there's no turning back. Some plans, once laid out on the table, allow no retreat and no one can quit halfway."

As Li Shang spoke, he pried open Ma Bin's fingers and pulled out the photo, examining it closely.

Ma Bin's lips quivered slightly, seemingly still a bit afraid: "It's too dangerous, Captain Li."

A trace of ferocity flashed in Li Shang's eyes as he handed the wine glass to Ma Bin, forcing a smile on his face: "There are different kinds of dangers. Some are truly dangerous, while others just appear to be."

"For instance, at the school, if dozens of students were unfortunate enough to die, no matter who takes over the investigation, it'll ultimately lead to me. That kind of unavoidable danger is genuine danger."

"But the thing we're planning now, only a few of us know about it. As long as our plan is meticulous, we can execute it flawlessly. Besides, haven't you already arranged a scapegoat?"

Li Shang gently raised his glass and clinked it against Ma Bin's, his gaze deep and full of meaning:

"So, as long as we work together—neither you speak nor I speak, and everyone keeps their mouths shut—no one will trace this back to us. This is the kind of fake danger that only seems dangerous but is actually quite safe."

Seeing Li Shang down his drink, Ma Bin lowered his head helplessly, his hands trembling slightly as they held his wine glass.

Chang Erbing let out a cold laugh, appearing a bit impatient, and rudely said:

"We're already at the critical juncture, what are you hesitating for? Captain Li is a renowned detective at our Patrol Office. If he says there's no danger, then it's definitely safe. No one will find any issues."

He paused, a hint of sarcasm in his eyes, and continued:

"Don't forget, you proposed this plan, which means you have no good intentions toward the person in the photo either."

"Stop pretending. Don't say you just picked someone randomly to help Captain Li. Do you really think we can't see through your little schemes?"

Ma Bin sighed deeply, nervously explaining: "This Secretary Hou seems to have some secrets with Boss Zheng that I'm not aware of, and recently they've been trying to get some information from me. But I really don't know anything. That day, I acted on impulse without thinking…"

He frowned, full of regret: "Besides, the mess Boss Zheng left behind couldn't have been cleaned up without Captain Li's help. I'm truly grateful to him from the bottom of my heart. I…"

Ma Bin's words were seven parts truth, three parts lies.

In such risky business, he must show some personal interest for Li Shang to rest assured and include him as an accomplice.

And if he doesn't get involved, how can he quietly seize Li Shang's weakness and, in the future, entangle both Li Shang and the entire Patrol Office on the destiny's pirate ship?

Thus, he hesitated, half-willing, half-forced, performing in such a way to convince others to drag him into the water.

Li Shang patted Ma Bin's shoulder understandingly: "No need to say more. I understand all your concerns, but we're now ants on the same rope, we have to work together. Being hesitant will only harm me and you."

Li Shang's tone was half persuasive, half threatening. At this point, how could he allow Ma Bin to back out?

In such risky affairs, all who are privy must participate, otherwise who would trust you to keep your mouth shut and safeguard the secret for everyone?

Don't be kidding, Li Shang is the Chief Constable. He knows well that in this world, even the dead don't keep secrets, because there's always a medical examiner to speak for them, let alone the living.

Observing the slight wavering in Ma Bin's expression, Li Shang smiled: "Here's the deal, help me with this matter to get through this difficulty, and afterwards, we'll be like brothers speaking within closed doors. The Cyan Wolf Gang won't need to bribe the Patrol Office every month anymore. If you face any difficulties, just speak up. I'll help you as long as I can."

Li Shang had both emotional appeal and practical benefits.

Chang Erbing quietly got up and stealthily paced behind Ma Bin, his right hand reaching for the cold grip of the gun at his waist.

However, Ma Bin seemed completely unaware of the threat behind him. His gaze was fixed on Li Shang, he sighed heavily, his tone holding a dash of helplessness:

"Captain Li misunderstood. That's not what I meant. Compared to what we have to do, that money isn't much, sigh... In any case, I'll be relying on you a lot more in the future, Captain Li."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ma Bin raised his glass, tilted his head back, and downed the wine in one go.

At the same time, Chang Erbing slowly let go of the gun's grip, bursting into a hearty laugh, and squeezed in easily behind Ma Bin, casually picking up the wine bottle and filling everyone's glasses.

The three of them clinked glasses lightly, each with a smile on their face as close as that of real brothers.

Li Shang put down his glass, turned to Ma Bin, and asked, "Brother Ma Bin, time is of the essence. Quickly tell me in detail how your plan is coming along?"

Ma Bin gently pushed aside the wine glass in front of him, slowly retrieved a pre-prepared city map from his pocket, and laid it flat on the table.

"For the past few days, I've had an astute subordinate conduct surveillance and investigation on Hou Wendong. His life is very routine. He leaves home every morning at nine, drives to the Executive Hall to start his day's work."

Ma Bin paused for a moment, then continued, "In the afternoon, if there aren't any special engagements, he finishes work on time at six and goes straight home."

"The community where he lives is an upscale one with very tight security, making it unsuitable for us to take action."

Ma Bin pointed to a spot on the map, his tone becoming resolute,

"Therefore, I believe the best place to act is on his way home, here."

Ma Bin's finger landed lightly on the map, and the three of them focused on the marked spot circled in red on the map.

— Xinjia Ramen Shop.

"An inconspicuous small shop with good noodles. Hou Wendong is a regular there."

"Hou Wendong's wife passed away three years ago. He lives alone, so he rarely cooks at home and usually settles dinner on his way home."

"This ramen shop is his most frequented spot, located at the end of an alley. It's often quiet and suitable for us to take action."

Li Shang suddenly interrupted Ma Bin, his brows slightly furrowed, and asked in confusion:

"You say he's a regular, so he likely will come, but it's not certain. How can you be sure he'll definitely be at the ramen shop on the day we act?"

Ma Bin's expression became serious, and he answered solemnly, "In three days, it's the owner's wife's birthday. Hou Wendong will definitely go to the ramen shop to celebrate that evening."

Li Shang was slightly taken aback, then showed an understanding smile: "Hou Wendong and this owner's wife… haha, now it's not hard to understand why a Member of Parliament's secretary frequently visits such an inconspicuous ramen shop."

Ma Bin smiled slightly. He would never reveal to Li Shang that the ramen shop was specifically set up based on Hou Wendong's taste preferences, and its location was chosen along Hou Wendong's route home.

What's more, the owner's wife of the ramen shop was meticulously arranged by Ma Bin to undergo cosmetic surgery four years ago, with an astonishing resemblance to Hou Wendong's deceased wife's appearance.

As Chang Erbing pointed out earlier, Ma Bin indeed harbors malice toward Hou Wendong, and has secretly nursed this malice from years back.

After all, Hou Wendong's wife died of illness three years ago, yet the ramen shop's owner underwent surgery four years ago. Reflect on this hidden truth.

…..

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