Chapter 19: The Fortune Cat

Although Officer Xu had a good impression of Mo Fei, Mo Fei’s question about the reward while they were handling serious business was clearly inappropriate. Officer Xu was a meticulous law enforcer—he could joke around in daily life, but when it came to work, he demanded a proper attitude.

They were dealing with a ruthless criminal capable of murder, not the kindly old man next door who’d slip you sweets. It was time to be earnest and solemn.

Officer Xu lectured Mo Fei for a long time, only stopping once Mo Fei promised solemnly never to underestimate the opponent or act recklessly.

Yet the appearance of an unknown stalker at such a critical juncture was unsettling.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Officer Xu escorted Mo Fei to the door of Ji Xingyu’s ward, announced Mo Fei’s identity, and then remained at the door to send a message to the bureau, notifying them about someone tailing Mo Fei.

Mo Fei entered the ward and saw Ji Xingyu, long-haired and serene in his hospital gown. The first thought that flashed through Mo Fei’s mind was: no wonder people mistook him for a woman.

In history, the Han dynasty strategist Zhang Liang had also been praised for his feminine beauty; it just proved that sometimes men could possess a beauty that transcended gender.

As Mo Fei sized up Ji Xingyu, Ji Xingyu was also observing him.

They’d had a brief encounter in the wild grass before, but Ji Xingyu was in poor condition then and hadn’t really registered Mo Fei’s appearance.

Now, he looked decent—almost like a slick character, hardly trustworthy.

Nevertheless, he was a lifesaver, so Ji Xingyu politely greeted him and offered thanks.

For Mo Fei, saving a life was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time—a random act of kindness.

“I still don’t know your identity or profession,” Ji Xingyu said with a gentle smile. “Someday I’ll have to find a way to repay you.”

“Repay me?” Mo Fei shook his head. “With your current state, you’d do well just to take care of yourself and stay alive.”

He glanced at his phone to check the time. “Anything else? If not, I’ll head home.”

Such a precious holiday—it would be a shame not to catch up on sleep.

Ji Xingyu looked puzzled. “You don’t want anything in return?”

“No need,” Mo Fei waved dismissively.

It wasn’t that he was intentionally raising the moral standard of humanity, but the man before him seemed pitiful enough—what could he offer as thanks?

Offer himself?

No, thanks. Mo Fei already had a troublesome kitten to care for; he couldn’t afford to take in another needy soul.

Ji Xingyu genuinely hadn’t expected such a dark-looking fellow to have a good heart.

Of course, it was possible Mo Fei was employing reverse psychology, but for now, he seemed sincere.

Officer Xu finished sending his message and entered the ward. “How’s the conversation going?”

“Pretty good.” Mo Fei flashed a slightly goofy smile. “Officer Xu, since I assisted with the case this time, is there any reward I can apply for?”

“Not only a reward—I’ll apply for a Good Citizen certificate for you, how’s that?” Officer Xu laughed and playfully punched him. “But first, focus on keeping yourself safe instead of thinking about all these extras.”

“Remember what I told you—don’t act recklessly.”

Mo Fei nodded obediently, then asked, “So, how much is the reward for the axe-wielder? Did you find out?”

Officer Xu: … Was everything I said just ignored?

“Are you short on money?” Ji Xingyu, still seated on the bed, interjected.

Mo Fei’s expression became a touch more serious. “Not exactly short on money—I just want to earn some.”

Preferably quick money, and even better if it required little effort.

Unfortunately, most of the fastest and easiest ways to get money were illegal. If he tried any of them, he’d be doomed forever—no way to go down that path.

Ji Xingyu nodded thoughtfully.

“Now that we’ve met, unless there’s more, I’ll go back to play with my cat,” Mo Fei said, still thinking about the slit left in his car.

It was, after all, a black cat certified by the pet shop owner.

Supposedly able to ward off evil, bring good luck, and bless him with wealth—a little fortune cat.

Serving a fortune cat surely beat staring at a handsome patient.

Officer Xu glanced at Ji Xingyu, and seeing no objection, nodded. “Alright, I’ll see you out.”

Before leaving, Officer Xu closed the door and reminded Ji Xingyu, “We’ll catch the culprit as soon as possible. Get some rest.”

Ji Xingyu smiled and nodded. Once alone, he began pondering how he might help his savior earn money.

Though Mo Fei said it wasn’t necessary, Ji Xingyu’s upbringing would never allow him to leave such kindness unrewarded.

But as Mo Fei said, in his current state, he couldn’t really help Mo Fei—perhaps he’d just have to wait until he recovered.

Ji Xingyu sighed.

Such a big incident could hardly be kept from his family. He’d have to accept his fate and bow his head.

Officer Xu didn’t just see Mo Fei to the gate of the apartment complex this time—he even helped carry Mo Fei’s things into the house.

The old neighborhood wasn’t in great shape, but Mo Fei’s room was tidy and clean, with harmonious colors—very pleasant.

Once home, Mo Fei opened the cat carrier and let the slit out to explore.

New cats usually react to change with stress, but this one was different from ordinary felines.

It circled the room as if inspecting it, then settled on the sofa, adopting a posture of complete familiarity.

Officer Xu found it amusing. “This cat looks quite impressive.”

“Definitely extraordinary,” Mo Fei agreed, nodding. “I hope it blesses me with wealth—sudden riches, effortless fortune, overnight prosperity.”

Officer Xu’s expression froze, and he shot Mo Fei a warning look. “If you’re planning to do anything illegal, think carefully. Neither my mentor nor I would ever let you get away with it.”

“It’s just a wish, officer. Don’t be so sensitive,” Mo Fei said dismissively, setting out water and food for the slit.

“It better be,” Officer Xu replied, then walked around the windows, checking the apartment.

Mo Fei, devotedly setting up the slit’s water and food, noticed Officer Xu’s actions and a lightbulb lit up in his mind. “Are you checking for cameras or peeping devices?”

Officer Xu glared at him. “Yes.”

Mo Fei immediately played the sycophant, offering a glass of water. “Tea for you, officer.”

Officer Xu nearly choked on his own saliva.

He looked at Mo Fei’s mischievous yet handsome face and couldn’t help feeling Mo Fei was more like a husky in human skin than a real person.

Back at the station, Officer Tang and Li Cangyu had a shared opinion—Mo Fei was definitely not ordinary.

Officer Xu had sensed it too.

But no matter how he looked, he just couldn’t see the kind of “extraordinary” his seniors had described.

This guy was just handsome, a bit roguish, a little mentally unstable, maybe even a bit crazy... Oh well.

Officer Xu’s gaze grew deeper as he regarded Mo Fei.

Honestly, would it be safer to send someone like him to a psychiatric hospital?

But seeing Mo Fei grinning like a silly dog, Officer Xu felt both tired and resigned.

Forget it—let him bounce around until he breaks the law.