48: I'm A Goddess, Aren't I?

The pack of henchmen quickly piled into their vehicles, and Li Fei, too, slipped into the gleaming red Ferrari, seemingly unconcerned by the presence of the police.

Li Fei’s contingent of henchmen vastly outnumbered the police, which gave them their swaggering confidence. Even if a brawl erupted, the Hualong Gang (a formidable criminal syndicate) could summon an overwhelming force to their aid within moments.

Bai Qingyu, her temper flaring like wildfire, whipped out her pistol from its holster.

Shen Yifei stepped forward, his hand clamping around Bai Qingyu’s wrist.

“What do you think you’re doing? Let go!” Bai Qingyu snapped, enraged.

Shen Yifei shrugged, shaking his head. “Please, the question isn’t what *I* intend to do, but what *you* intend to do.”

“This is official police business, none of your concern! I can’t just stand by and watch these criminals walk away. Don’t stop me!” Bai Qingyu retorted, fuming.

Shen Yifei couldn't help but inwardly groan at Bai Qingyu’s sheer stubbornness, realizing she truly lived up to the 'brawn over brains' stereotype.

“I swear, how can you be so dense?”

Bai Qingyu stiffened, her face flushing with indignation. “Are you daring to insult me?”

Shen Yifei was too weary to argue with her. He leaned in and whispered into her ear, “They outnumber us, and they're not just ordinary street thugs; they’re a well-organized syndicate. Pressing them now, in this situation, would gain us nothing and only put your officers in unnecessary danger. You need to know when to let go, understand?”

Bai Qingyu paused, her heated emotions quickly cooling. Shen Yifei's words rang true, yet a sense of injustice still gnawed at her. She whispered urgently, “So I just… stand by and let them leave?”

“Foolish girl! If you truly want to catch these guys, wait until you have solid evidence against them, something to leverage. There's no need for such a reckless move right now.” Shen Yifei lightly tapped Bai Qingyu’s head.

Bai Qingyu winced from the gentle tap, her pretty face flushing crimson as she glared at Shen Yifei. She wanted to yell at him, but bit her tongue and dutifully lowered her pistol.

Shen Yifei was concerned that this woman would escalate the situation and unwittingly drag him into it. He still hoped to enjoy a few more peaceful days in Hua Hai City.

Li Fei, now inside his car, cast a deep, meaningful glance back at Shen Yifei.

Undeniably, Shen Yifei was the most mysterious person Li Fei had ever encountered. He was someone Li Fei dared not provoke, someone he felt compelled to foster a good relationship with.

Though Li Fei held the position of third-in-command within the Hualong Gang, internal conflicts were escalating rapidly, making his leadership precarious. His position could be seized by a rival at any moment.

The roar of the Ferrari’s engine filled the air, and the convoy of vehicles sped away.

“Matters of the police are hardly for a humble citizen like myself to meddle with. But Captain Bai, I suggest you act within your capabilities and don't be too high-profile, or you’re bound to run into trouble.” Shen Yifei said with a chuckle.

Bai Qingyu pursed her lips, thinking, *You, a mere ‘humble citizen’?* She didn’t voice her thoughts, simply huffing, “Well, thank you for your 'concern,' Mr. Shen.”

Shen Yifei replied languidly, “Just a friendly reminder, hardly concern. Wouldn't want anyone getting the wrong idea that we're close.”

“You!” Bai Qingyu’s face turned scarlet, speechless with fury. *I’m a goddess, aren't I? Can't this scoundrel at least give me some respect?*

*Fine, I’ll tolerate it!* Bai Qingyu’s beautiful eyes shot a fierce glare at Shen Yifei.

Liu Xiaoxiao, witnessing Shen Yifei and Bai Qingyu’s seemingly playful banter, grew curious. What was Shen Yifei’s true background that he could be so familiar with a detective captain?

The small skirmish had concluded. Haisha Industrial Company was sealed by the police, and its boss, Liu Qiang, was nowhere to be found.

The incident had nothing to do with Shen Yifei, so he didn't bother himself with such trivialities.

“I’m leaving.” Bai Qingyu glanced at Shen Yifei, her tone cool and indifferent.

“Hey, wait up.” Shen Yifei called out to her.

“What is it?” Bai Qingyu asked.

“How about I get your number?” Shen Yifei scratched his head.

A slight, graceful curve appeared on Bai Qingyu’s lips. *He was so quick to dismiss me earlier, but wasn't he just utterly captivated by my charm in the end?*

“Wait.”

Bai Qingyu’s cheeks flushed slightly. She immediately pulled out a small notepad from her pocket, intending to write down her mobile number for Shen Yifei. To her utter disbelief, his next words nearly made her explode with anger.

“Captain Bai, if I ever run into trouble, I’ll know exactly who to call to fix it.” Shen Yifei said, grinning.

“You!” Bai Qingyu instantly erupted. He asked for her number just so she could bail him out of future scrapes? What did this scoundrel take her for? Some kind of personal problem-solver?

“Goodbye!” After giving Shen Yifei her number, Bai Qingyu’s face was a mask of fury, and she stormed off without a backward glance.

“Alright, let’s go too.” Shen Yifei said to Liu Xiaoxiao.

“Mm.” Liu Xiaoxiao replied.

“Before we leave, though, Director Liu, you promised me a three percent commission after recovering the debt, didn’t you?” Shen Yifei smiled, looking at Liu Xiaoxiao.

Liu Xiaoxiao arched an eyebrow, huffing lightly. “It’s just three percent. It’s not as if I’d shortchange you.”

“Good. And also, you tricked me this time. Shouldn't you apologize?” Shen Yifei asked nonchalantly.

Liu Xiaoxiao scoffed. “Apologize for what? You’re the Public Relations Manager; it’s only natural for me to assign you tasks, isn’t it?”

Shen Yifei’s face darkened. This woman was truly infuriating. He couldn’t be bothered to argue with her, especially since he’d gotten his money anyway.

After a short spat, the two finally got into a car and returned to Aoyagi International.

Later that afternoon, Liu Xiaoxiao entered the CEO’s office.

“Hey, you, get over here!” Liu Xiaoxiao huffed at Shen Yifei.

“My name isn’t ‘Hey, you.’” Shen Yifei shrugged.

“Fine then. I suppose I won't bother giving you your commission for the Haisha Industrial Company debt.” Liu Xiaoxiao said airily.

Shen Yifei’s eyes lit up immediately. He promptly stood up, a cheeky grin spreading across his face. “Director Liu, where’s the money?”

Liu Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes at him. “You want your money? Then follow me to the finance department!”

Shen Yifei immediately followed Liu Xiaoxiao to the finance department.

Seeing Shen Yifei’s utterly smug expression, Liu Xiaoxiao felt a surge of irritation. How could this rogue be so lucky? Over 200,000 in cash, just handed to him on a silver platter!

She regretted ever sending him to collect that debt; he’d simply stumbled into a massive windfall!

Aoyagi International had its own internal bank transfer system. Shen Yifei provided his bank account number, and despite her annoyance, Liu Xiaoxiao instructed the staff to transfer the money into his account.

With 240,000 secured so easily, Shen Yifei was in high spirits. Money wasn’t that hard to earn after all! That ice queen at home always looks down on me, as if I’m just some freeloading good-for-nothing.

“Tsk, tsk. Look at you, giddy as a schoolboy over a mere 200,000.” Liu Xiaoxiao said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Shen Yifei immediately felt a flicker of displeasure. He retorted, “Director Liu, with all due respect, are you trying to insult the less fortunate?”

Liu Xiaoxiao crossed her arms over her chest and pouted. “Don't you dare slander me! I'm not looking down on the poor; I'm just looking down on *you*! Consider this a windfall you didn't earn, but don't expect such luck next time.”

Shen Yifei’s face darkened. *What do you mean, ‘unearned’? I worked hard for this money, badgering them until they paid up! Would an ordinary person have been able to recover it?*

He had almost thought Liu Xiaoxiao might finally have a shred of humanity, but now he saw she was as arrogant and conceited as ever.

Shen Yifei couldn’t be bothered to explain himself to this woman. He shrugged and said, “Director Liu, please refrain from ordering me to do ridiculous things for you in the future.”

“As if I’d even want you to!” Liu Xiaoxiao stomped her foot in exasperation.