I never expected my plan to have a drink or two with Su Xiao to become a dog searching mission. After he returned the remaining puppies to the elder, he consulted us to strategize. Needless to say, the elder wailed dramatically and then shared the touching story of her four puppies equally dramatically. Su Xiao cried along with her.
“Don’t worry.” Tang Ye patted the elder on the back. “It’s just a puppy. We’ll be able to find it if we work together.”
“He’s right, Elder. Leave it to us.”
‘scuse me, but I’ve already found it.
As long as I tried, I could hear everything within two and a half kilometres of earshot; it was a cinch to locate the puppy on the roof of the neighbouring big house. Hell as if I know how the puppy managed to get up there. When it saw me look its way, it utilised its puppy eyes to the max whilst trying to not shiver.
… Oh, I scared you off?
Newborn animals were more sensitive to the smell on me than their adult counterparts. Sometimes, they could still smell the scent even when I consciously suppressed it. The difference between suppressing and not was that, in the worst case scenario, they’d only be scared if I did suppress it; climbing onto a roof shouldn’t have been a reaction.
Meanwhile, the elder and two constables were analysing the situation. Well, they were still at the part where she was telling them how popular the puppy was, how Old Wang from the neighbouring village wanted to buy the puppy for fifty taels but she protested, so he offered fifty-one taels… Accordingly, Tang Ye asserted Old Wang abducted the puppy because he couldn’t buy it.
The puppy is on the roof of the neighbouring house, buddy.
Then we listened to how bad her daughter-in-law was, seldom visiting home, hardly bringing back any silk, shark fins and whatnot, only bringing back ducks, chicken and fish. Apparently, it was all because her daughter-in-law hated her and was out to provoke her, so she was a suspect for the kidnapping. She slammed the table and demanded, “Follow me to my home to light her up!”
The puppy is on the roof of the neighbouring house, lady. You’re clearly taking advantage of the situation! We’re not a volunteer hit team!
They somehow then moved on to talking about how eating dog meat had become all the rage in the city, leading to suspicions of a dog abduction syndicate. From memory, Green Prince was a fan of dog meat. Therefore, it wouldn’t be strange for someone to sell dog meat in the city.
“Big Brother Ming, this must be a major conspiracy!”
Your birth is the major conspiracy! The puppy is on the roof of the neighbouring house!
“Enough.” I didn’t want to waste my time on a bunch of cases with potentially no return. “The puppy is…” I pointed to the ceiling.
The puppy, like prey that met eyes its predator, jumped off the roof.
“Who’s puppy is this? Why die in my backyard?!”
“Where did the flying dog come from? I-it’s not moving.”
“Looks tasty. Free meal, huh?”
The three super constables looked up to the roof and then back at me, befuddled.
… I’m speechless.
The elder inquired, “He is…?”
Su Xiao introduced, “This is Constable Ming. With his experience, he probably has something for us to work off already.”
I blinked profusely. “… This must be a major conspiracy.”
Somehow, we were going to have to find a puppy. Thankfully, further dialogue revealed that the puppy didn’t die, but it did break two legs. Although it woke up, the owner applied topical herbs since it perpetually barked.
I planned to do a few laps and then lead them to the household. Hence, I devoted all of my attention to ogling the drool-worthy local foods we came across. Every store in Nanjiang prepared pork differently. The last time I was in Xiuyu, I was busy. No way was I missing out on the opportunity to finally try some.
Su Xiao walked with a spring in his steps as well as a smile stretching to his ears.
“Lass, what are you so jovial about?”
“You’re a lass! I’m a man!” Despite glaring at me, Su Xiao still beamed.
“Look at your lips. You gone stupid?”
“Hehe.” Su Xiao scratched the back of his head. “No, it’s just… it’s been ages since the three of us have done anything together. I enjoy this.”
Tang Ye and I could see the relief comparable to defeat in each other’s eyes. Frankly, it was rare for either of us to feel so at peace.
“There will be plenty of chances to work together once we return to the capital.” I stepped in between Tang Ye and Su Xiao, then scrubbed the latter’s head.
From my left, Su Xiao enthused, “I’ll hold you to it. You better treat your patrols seriously. If you slack off, I’ll dob you in!”
Tang Ye added, “We’ll have to crack a few cases.”
There were young girls calling out at people passing by to buy their goods. Maidens from brothels strutted out of their brothels, pervading the air with various scents. The warm winds blew the aroma of delectable foods to noses. Kids were playing a variety of games at the corners of streets.
Time is always passing by; however, not everyone perceives its passing the same way.
Watching Tang Ye cloud gaze and Su Xiao scan the ground, I couldn’t resist a smile. They reminded me of why I chose to retire from the pugilistic world.
Things had constantly changed, but this breeze was the same.
***
“Big Brother Ming, I’ve found a clue…” Su Xiao stopped to whisper. He pointed to a group, stating, “Look at those people up ahead. One word: shady.”
There were approximately ten armed, burly men who looked ready to smash, bash and slash. Watching them check the surroundings, Su Xiao proclaimed, “I can tell at first glance that they’re the abductors.”
I can tell at first glance that the only thing they abducted was your brain! They’re clearly trying to raid!
