manynovel Page 248
Page 248
"coincide."
An absurd, bold, and even crazy idea popped into the minds of Stephen Chow and Inspector Wong, the "best frenemy" duo, almost simultaneously.
This time, there's no need for undercover agents on campus or to disguise oneself as a student.
Chapter 252: The Widow - Black Widow
When the crazy idea of "having him impersonate someone else" exploded in the minds of both Zhou Xingxing and Huang Sir, Zhou Xingxing initially felt a surge of genius-like excitement. He felt that this was simply a gift from heaven, the only key to solving the case.
However, this excitement lasted for less than three seconds.
When Inspector Wong slammed a brand-new operation file marked "Top Secret" in front of him and said in an unquestionable, commanding tone, "Inspector Zhou Xingxing, I hereby order you, from this moment forward, to forget your police identity. You are Wang Baiwan," Zhou Xingxing's face instantly turned green.
"No way, Sir?!" he howled, his voice as shrill as a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "You...you mean, you want me...to impersonate that dead man?!"
"What bastard! Watch your words!" Inspector Wong corrected him righteously. "I'm asking you to play the role of a billionaire who is temporarily 'alive'! We've completely blocked the news of Wang Baiwan's death. The outside world only knows that he suddenly fell ill and is recuperating at home. This is our only chance to lure the snake out of its hole!"
"But...but how could I possibly pull this off!" Stephen Chow paced anxiously around the office, like a cat on a hot tin roof. "I'm a policeman, a civil servant with a monthly salary of tens of thousands! You want me to impersonate a billionaire with a net worth of billions? I don't even know how to appreciate wine, I've never even touched a golf club, and I don't even know what caviar tastes like besides salt! I'll give myself away the moment I open my mouth!"
“You can learn all of these!” Inspector Huang waved his hand and threw a thick book, “The Rich Man’s Quick Guide,” which had been rushed out overnight by police psychologists and etiquette experts. “Three days. I’ll give you three days to memorize Wang Baiwan’s life story, hobbies, catchphrases, and even the way he walks!”
Stephen Chow clutched the handbook, thicker than an encyclopedia, feeling utterly hopeless. But he still wanted to make one last desperate attempt.
“Sir, even if I can impersonate Wang Baiwan, do you know who I’m facing?!” He pointed to another photo in the file, his voice trembling.
The woman in the photo wears a long black silk dress, a priceless diamond necklace adorning her delicate collarbone. She reclines on a sofa, a glass of red wine in her hand, her gaze languid and cold, yet possessing a deadly allure. Her red lips are slightly parted, as if revealing a dangerous secret.
She is Wang Baiwan's widow and the prime suspect in this case—Judy Tang.
“Judy Tang, Wang Baiwan’s third wife, is fifteen years younger than him. A former model and socialite.” Huang Sir’s voice carried a hint of mockery. “She was given the nickname ‘Black Widow’ because her two previous husbands both died shortly after marrying her due to various ‘accidents,’ leaving her a huge fortune.”
"Black Widow?! Sir, listen to that name!" Zhou Xingxing felt his legs go weak. "You want me to live with a witch who brings bad luck to her husbands?! I'm afraid I'll be killed by her eyes before I even find the real culprit! I won't go! I'd rather die than go! Just transfer me to guard the pond, I'd rather keep company with the water monster!"
He clung to Inspector Wong's leg, tears streaming down his face, and began to throw a tantrum.
"Let go!" Inspector Wong dismissed him with disgust. "Zhou Xingxing, don't be so stubborn! Do you think I've forgotten all the messes you've made before just because you did something good at St. Yuk Keung Middle School last time? Have you forgotten that ammunition train you drove off with? Have you forgotten all the compensation you owe the finance department?"
"If you take this mission, not only will all past grievances be wiped clean, but you'll also receive a bonus of at least seven figures after it's done, and the word 'trainee' will be removed immediately!"
“If you don’t answer…” Inspector Wong’s lips curled into a devilish smile, “then starting tomorrow, you’ll be stationed at the entrance of every women’s restroom in Hong Kong, inspecting hygiene. I’m sure with your looks, you’ll get a lot of ‘surprises’.”
Zhou Xingxing's (Zhao Hao's) crying stopped abruptly.
On one hand, there are luxury cars, mansions, beautiful women, endless money, and a bright future; on the other hand, there is becoming the public enemy of Hong Kong, being cursed by countless women, and being infamous for eternity.
This multiple-choice question doesn't seem difficult to answer.
He wiped away his tears, straightened up abruptly, gave Inspector Wong a perfectly standard salute, and answered in a firm and resounding voice:
"Yes, sir! Mission accomplished!"
Although his legs were still trembling slightly and uncontrollably.
He knew that he was about to embark on the most arduous and thrilling undercover journey in history.
Chapter 253 Stephen Chow Seeks Help from Oolong Courtyard
Although Zhou Xingxing reluctantly accepted this life-or-death mission under the coercion and enticement of Inspector Huang, he was not one to sit idly by and wait for death. After a brief moment of panic, his mind raced, trying to figure out how to increase even the slightest chance of survival in this deadly game.
Three days later, when he had memorized the thick "Rich Man's Quick Guide" perfectly and even remembered exactly how many hairs Wang Baiwan had on his feet, he knocked on Huang Sir's office door again.
This time, the panic on his face was gone, replaced by a resolute determination.
"Officer Wong, I can take the mission. But I have one condition," Zhou Xingxing said in an extremely serious tone.
"Conditions? You dare to negotiate with me?" Inspector Huang raised an eyebrow.
"This isn't a condition, Sir. This is the only, necessary prerequisite for the success or failure of Operation 747!" Zhou Xingxing declared righteously. "The place I'm going is a den of dragons and tigers, and the woman I'll be facing is a ruthless Black Widow. This 'fake tycoon' of mine could be silenced by the real killer at any moment. Therefore, I need protection, top-level protection!"
He took a deep breath and uttered the name he had pondered countless times in his mind.
“I demand that the police force immediately hire Long Yan, a special citizen who displayed bravery and outstanding combat skills in the last ‘St. Yuqiang Secondary School Arms Case,’ as my 24-hour bodyguard and move into the Wang family mansion with me!”
With a glint of survival in his eyes, Stephen Chow described Long Yan's prowess in an exaggerated tone, as if he were promoting a peerless divine weapon.
“Sir, you didn’t see it with your own eyes! He, Long Yan (ahcc), is not human, he’s a god! Bullets can’t penetrate his protective divine light! He can send a strong man flying more than ten meters with one punch! He can make a crazed thug lay down his knife just by reciting a few scriptures! With him by my side, I’m not afraid of a Black Widow, let alone a platoon of assassins! He’s my talisman, my peace of mind! Without him, the success rate of this mission is zero! With him, the success rate jumps to two hundred percent!”
As Inspector Wong listened to Zhou Xingxing's eloquent description, he stroked his chin and fell into deep thought. Although he found Zhou Xingxing's claims exaggerated, he had heard of Long Yan's extraordinary abilities during that operation. This case was no small matter; the killer was ruthless, and providing Zhou Xingxing with top-tier support was indeed a foolproof strategy.
“Okay, I agree to this request in principle.” Huang Sir nodded. “I will personally communicate with the Oolong Temple.”
The call quickly reached Master Long Eyebrows.
After listening to Inspector Wong's request, Master Long Eyebrows stroked his beard and pondered for a moment. He didn't care about the police mission, but he keenly sensed an unusual aura from Inspector Wong's description—the luxurious villa, the tycoon stabbed to death with an ice pick, the perfect murder case, all exuded an extraordinary sinister atmosphere.
For cultivators, worldly experiences are an integral part of their practice. Especially in situations involving "inhuman matters," it is the best test of a disciple's resolve and abilities.
“Amitabha,” Master Longmei said, his tone calm and detached. “Helping the weak and oppressed, and upholding justice, is also the duty of a Buddhist disciple. This humble monk can agree to allow my unworthy disciple Longyan to assist the police in handling the case.”
“However…” he changed the subject, “Long Yan is simple-minded and naive. The world is dangerous, and I’m afraid he can’t handle it alone. How about this, I’ll send two other good-for-nothing disciples, Xiao Long and Chou Pi Wen, to go with him, disguised as new servants or gardeners, so that we can look after each other.”
Upon hearing this, Inspector Wong was overjoyed. Little did he know that Master Long Eyebrows intended to send the two troublesome little devils out for training as well. In his eyes, this was practically a buy-one-get-two-free deal—a huge profit!
And so, the matter was settled.
When Long Yan received his master's instructions, he had no objections. In his view, the school campus or the mansion were both just places for cultivation, and there was no difference between them. However, the "evil aura" that his master mentioned did indeed catch his attention.
When Xiaolong and Choupiwen learned that they could stay in the legendary multi-million dollar mansion and play as servants as they pleased, they were so happy that they immediately did somersaults in the Oolong Courtyard.
"Wow! Senior! I heard that rich people have toilets made of pure gold!" The cocky Wen pushed up his glasses, his eyes sparkling with longing for high technology.
"Gold is nothing!" Xiao Long wiped his drool, his mind filled with delicious food. "I heard they eat abalone, lobster, bird's nest, and shark fin every day! I'm going to eat them out of house and home!"
Looking at the two overly excited clowns, and then at Zhou Xingxing, whose face was pale with fear, Long Yan calmly put a few changes of clothes and a copy of the Diamond Sutra into a simple cloth bag and sighed softly.
He knew that this "spiritual practice" was destined to be anything but peaceful.
Chapter 254 Infiltrating a Luxury Mansion as an Undercover Agent: Long Yan and Zhou Xingxing Collaborate Again
Repulse Bay Mid-Levels, Hong Kong's premier affluent neighborhood.
Every villa here is priceless, boasting a superb panoramic view overlooking the bay. Wang Baiwan's "Cloud Fortress" is among the best.
Stephen Chow drove into the manor in a black Rolls-Royce Phantom customized by Wang Baiwan, feeling as if he had entered another world.
The massive, ornate iron gate slid open silently, revealing a perfectly manicured lawn, like that of a golf course, with a pristine white fountain shaped like an angel statue in the center. The villa itself blends modern minimalism with classic European style, creating a magnificent and imposing structure. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows gleam in the sunlight, exuding an aura of cool luxury.
Stephen Chow's palms were sweating with nervousness as he kept reciting the contents of "The Rich Man's Quick Guide": "I am Wang Baiwan, I am very rich, I am arrogant, and I see everyone as a poor wretch..."
The car door was respectfully opened by the old butler, dressed in a tuxedo and white gloves. Zhou Xingxing took a deep breath, straightened his back, and stepped out of the car, mimicking Wang Baiwan's slightly arrogant gait.
Long Yan got off the bus next. He was still dressed in simple casual clothes, carrying a simple cloth bag. His eyes calmly scanned the surrounding environment. This composure and calmness were in stark contrast to Zhou Xingxing's feigned calmness.
Xiao Long and Chou Pi Wen, who got off the bus last, completely exposed their "country bumpkin" nature.
Wow! What a huge house! It's even bigger than our Oolong Courtyard!
"Look at that fountain! It's water spraying from an angel's nostrils!"
The two women looked around like country bumpkins visiting the Grand View Garden, their faces full of excitement from never having seen the world before, which made the old steward frown slightly.
"Ahem!" Zhou Xingxing quickly coughed twice and introduced them to the butler, "This...this is my new bodyguard, Mr. Long. These two are the new gardeners, responsible for tending the flowers and plants."
“Welcome home, sir.” The old butler bowed slightly, his tone devoid of any emotion. “Madam is waiting for you in the living room.”
The word "Madam" acted like a curse, instantly deflated the little bit of confidence Zhou Xingxing had just mustered. He swallowed hard, feeling as if he were heading not to the living room, but to the execution ground.
Stepping inside the villa, an atmosphere of luxury immediately envelops you. Underfoot are gleaming Italian marble floors, overhead hangs a dazzling giant crystal chandelier, and on the walls hang abstract paintings that Stephen Chow couldn't understand but clearly found incredibly expensive. A dozen servants stand on either side, bowing respectfully and saying in unison, "Greetings, sir."
Stephen Chow's legs felt weak, and he almost walked to the center of the living room with his hands and feet moving in unison.
Then, he saw the woman.
Judy sat elegantly on the expensive leather sofa, wearing a well-tailored black dress that revealed a glimpse of her slender, fair legs beneath the hem. She didn't notice Stephen Chow entering; she was focused on trimming a delicate red rose in her hand with a pair of exquisite silver scissors.
Her profile was perfect, her skin fair and almost translucent. Beneath her long eyelashes, her gaze was focused and cold, as if the rose in her hand was not alive, but a work of art waiting to be sold.
The air in the entire living room became still and silent because of her presence, filled with an invisible, suffocating pressure.
Stephen Chow stood there, unsure of what to do with his hands and feet.
"Cough... Honey... My dear wife, I'm back." He struggled for a long time before finally managing to squeeze out a standard greeting from the manual, but his voice was as dry as sandpaper.
Tom Judy finally stopped moving.
She slowly raised her head, and for the first time, her deep, ancient eyes, sharp as an eagle's, fell on Stephen Chow's face.
That gaze held scrutiny, inquiry, and a hint of barely perceptible amusement.
“Darling,” she said softly, her red lips parting slightly, her voice languid and magnetic, like the finest velvet, “You seem to be almost fully recovered. But… I feel like you look… a little different after this illness.”
0 ······Requesting flowers·· ··
She stood up and walked gracefully towards Zhou Xingxing. The sound of her high heels clicking on the marble floor felt like each step on Zhou Xingxing's heart.
She walked up to Zhou Xingxing, extended her slender fingers, and gently stroked the mustache he had specially glued on to disguise himself. Her breath sweet as orchids, she asked, "Your mustache seems a bit stiffer than before. Tell me, darling, what have you been through these past few days in the hospital?"
.... .... ....
Stephen Chow's mind went blank, and he felt like he was about to suffocate!
Just as he was about to break down and shout "I'm a police officer," a calm voice sounded from behind him.
"Mr. Wang has just survived a life-or-death ordeal, his internal energy is disordered, and his mind is still unsettled. It is perfectly normal for his appearance and temperament to have changed."
It's Long Yan.
He had somehow found himself standing beside Stephen Chow, calmly meeting Judy Tang's gaze. Despite the woman's powerful and aggressive aura, his eyes remained serene, unmoved, as if she weren't a stunning beauty, but merely a roadside stone.
For the first time, Judy paused. A barely perceptible hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. It was the first time she had ever seen a man so utterly unfazed by her charm.
Her gaze finally shifted from Zhou Xingxing, the "prey," to Long Yan, the "variable."
"Oh?" She looked Long Yan up and down with interest, a playful smile curving her lips. "And who is this... interesting new friend?"
A war without gunfire had already begun the moment the door opened in this mansion.
Chapter 255 A Rich Man's First Experience
After Long Yan barely managed to extricate Zhou Xingxing from his predicament with his mysterious "theory of disordered aura," Tang Judy went straight upstairs under the pretext of "needing to rest," leaving the entire mansion to this strange group composed of a "fake husband," a "real bodyguard," and a "foolish servant."