BPIFC -Volume 1 – Chapter 202 Xiaomao Village

When Che Qianzi entered the room, Wu Rendi beckoned to him and pointed to the seat beside him.

“Come sit over here. Sit next to me.”

The little Taoist showed no appreciation whatsoever. Rolling his eyes, he deliberately chose the corner farthest away from Wu Rendi. Director Wu wasn’t angry. Since everyone had not yet arrived, he simply closed his eyes and rested.

Before long, the investigators who had remained on duty at the Polls Bureau also arrived. Seeing that almost everyone was present, Director Ren personally presided over the meeting.

“Time is short, so I’ll skip the nonsense. About twelve hours ago, a serious incident occurred in Xiaomao Village, on the border between Beijing and Hebei. You Que, this case was received by you, so you can brief everyone.”

You Que was an investigator from the Second Office and had been on duty that day. Hearing Director Ren call on him, he organized the documents in his hands and walked over to the projector.

“I only received these materials twenty minutes ago after they were transferred from the Ministry. Since time was limited, there wasn’t enough time for a secondary investigation or revisions. Twelve hours ago, Women’s Affairs Director Zhou Guilan’s family in Xiaomao Village was digging a well. However, what came out was black water, with the bones of some unknown animal floating inside…”

As he spoke, the projector displayed a photograph of an ordinary northern rural household.

The picture showed a farm courtyard. In the middle was an unfinished well shaft, from which black liquid was continuously bubbling out. The “black water” had already flooded the entire yard.

You Que then displayed a second photograph, showing four or five black bones lying on the ground. They looked like ribs, but without expert analysis, he didn’t dare make a definite conclusion.

While displaying the second picture, You Que continued:

“Both photos were taken by a drone. After the black water emerged, one member of the drilling crew suddenly went insane. Ignoring the efforts of his coworkers to stop him, he jumped directly into the well. Of the remaining four workers, one died from a heart attack caused by extreme fright. Ten minutes later, the other three developed severe bodily decay and were declared dead upon arrival at the county hospital.

“In addition to the deaths of the drilling crew, Zhou Guilan, her husband, and their only son also showed signs of bodily deterioration. They have been transferred to the municipal hospital and are currently under quarantine treatment, but their condition is not optimistic. The hospital’s report suggests suspected poisoning, but they have been unable to identify the toxin involved. At present, they can only provide supportive care. If the cause of the poisoning isn’t found, there is little hope for improvement.

“Furthermore, several other locals have begun showing similar symptoms of ‘poisoning.’ The local government has attached great importance to the matter and has already sent all the villagers of Xiaomao Village to hospitals for quarantine. The village itself has been sealed off, and pathology and biochemical experts have already arrived at the scene…”

Before You Que could finish, one of the investigators raised his hand.

“This is indeed serious, but based on the information so far, I don’t see why the Polls Bureau needs to intervene. Perhaps the drilling accidentally broke open a nerve gas shell left behind by the Japanese Army. High concentrations of mustard gas can also cause mental disturbances.”

You Que immediately answered by playing a video.

The camera angle was aimed directly at the well. In the black water, a skeletal hand emerged and grabbed a biochemical expert wearing protective clothing, dragging him into the well.

“This footage was also captured by a drone and has already been classified under top-level secrecy. Apart from the copy sent to the Polls Bureau, all other recordings have been destroyed. It was because of this video that the Ministry decided to hand the case over to us.”

As he spoke, You Que replayed the footage and froze the image on the hand protruding from the well.

After You Que finished, Director Ren continued:

“At the same time, an even larger incident is taking place elsewhere, and the Polls Bureau simply doesn’t have enough personnel. Therefore, this case will be personally handled by Director Wu. Shen La, Che Qianzi, and You Que—who possesses the firsthand information—will assist. Deputy Director Sun will take overall command. Any questions?”

“I do!”

The moment he heard that he would be working with Wu Rendi, Che Qianzi immediately raised his hand.

“I’m not an investigator. I’m Deputy Director Sun’s secretary. Has everyone in the Polls Bureau died? No matter how you count it, it shouldn’t be my turn!”

“You need to be understanding,” Yang Shuji said with a bitter smile.

“There’s really a shortage of manpower. After you leave, only Director Ren and I will remain in the Bureau. If something else happens, then the two old men will have to force ourselves onto the front lines.”

Hearing Yang Shuji sound so pitiful, Che Qianzi found himself with nothing more to say. After glancing at Wu Rendi on the podium, he helplessly sat back down.

Seeing that no one else had anything to add, Ren Rong spoke again:

“This incident has attracted the highest level of attention from the Ministry. We don’t have time to waste. You’ll depart immediately. You Que, explain the details on the way.

“And Che Qianzi, this time you’re going out as an investigator. Go to the Fifth Office and collect a set of investigator equipment. I’m granting special approval—take whatever equipment you want.”

Throughout the meeting, Sun Desheng had remained smiling and hadn’t voiced any opinions. Seeing the meeting drawing to a close, he gave Wu Rendi a meaningful smile. Then he patted his third brother on the shoulder.

“Come on. Big Brother will take you to get your gear. Director Ren already said it—take whatever’s best.”

Che Qianzi had previously received equipment while working with Sun Desheng, but after the mission ended, it had been reclaimed. He had been thinking about it ever since. Hearing that he could finally receive another set, he didn’t hesitate and followed Fatty Sun to the Fifth Office.

Neither of the office directors were present, but Director Ren had already given instructions. The investigator on duty brought out the equipment catalog. After selecting what he wanted and signing for it, Che Qianzi could take everything away.

Sun Desheng personally chose several items for him—a specially designed Polls Bureau phone, identification documents for various departments, and official permits issued by the Ministry allowing him to carry weapons aboard civilian transportation.

Seeing these things laid out before him, Che Qianzi frowned.

“Fatty, stop giving me all this useless stuff. Where’s the pistol? What about batons? Why aren’t you letting me carry those? Just having them on me makes me feel safer.”

“You’ll get them.”

Sun Desheng chuckled and removed his own revolver, placing it in Che Qianzi’s hands.

“Brother, I’m a deputy director again, so I won’t have many chances to use this anymore. Take it… Hey, you, bring over my box. Big Brother’s got some more good stuff for you.”

When the box was brought over, Sun Desheng unlocked it personally and took out a short sword.

“This was forged by an old friend of mine. I never dared let Director Wu see it before. It’s yours now.

“And this…”

He produced a strange thread-like object.

“This is called Dragon Whiskers. With it, there’s no lock you can’t open.”

To Che Qianzi’s surprise, the large box contained only those two items. Recognizing their value, he hurriedly put away the revolver, short sword, and the mysterious thread.

At that moment, You Que, who had just finished presenting the case, also came to the Fifth Office to collect equipment.

You Que had always been a desk worker. Because the Polls Bureau couldn’t spare any additional personnel, he had been forced onto this mission as well. Looking at the equipment in Che Qianzi’s hands, You Que swallowed enviously.

His own set consisted only of standard-issue Polls Bureau equipment…