After work, I gathered everyone from the Special Operations Office—though there were only five of us in total. Squeezed into one car, the five of us roared out of the police station gate and headed straight for the east side of the city.

After circling the streets for a bit, we finally found the restaurant Master Jiang had mentioned—the Hongmenyan Grand Hotel.

The name itself felt like a deliberate statement of Master Jiang’s intentions, but as the saying goes, men die for wealth and birds for food; even with a blade at one's neck, a good meal is worth the risk.

It was peak dining time, and the hotel was bustling. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, we could see it was nearly full, with waiters weaving swiftly between tables like shuttling sparrows.

Upon entering, I asked the hostess, "Where is 'Tongzhou'?"

'Tongzhou' was the private room Master Jiang had booked in advance. The hostess led us upstairs, where the noise level dropped considerably. When we reached 'Tongzhou,' Master Jiang was not yet there.

Xiao Cuo blinked twice. "Is Master Jiang planning to use the Empty Fort Strategy on us?"

Xiao Xuan shot him a look. "Don't badmouth people behind their backs, you might be overheard, and then you'll be in serious trouble."

I flopped onto a chair, waving my hand dismissively. "Relax, everyone. What kind of person is Master Jiang? Do you really think he'd drag us out for a small meal just to mess with us? You're all looking through a keyhole."

Zhang Jiewei calmly picked a spot and sat down, three chairs separating him from me, just enough space for Xiao Xuan and the other two between us. It seemed this guy still kept his distance from me, as usual. To be honest, if Master Jiang hadn't specifically ordered 'not one person missing,' I probably wouldn't have invited him at all.

Xiao Xuan sat sweetly beside me, Gao Jianning and Xiao Cuo took their seats too, and soon the chatter filled the room.

After waiting a short while with no sign of Master Jiang, everyone grew anxious and urged me to call him.

Just as I reached for the phone, a call came in—but it was from an unfamiliar landline. I answered, and Master Jiang’s familiar voice spoke: "Wang Lei, this is Jiang Haitao. I'm tied up right now and can't make it. You all start eating; I’ll try to catch up later."

I inwardly schemed: Perfect! While he’s gone, we must order the most expensive dishes for a real feast. By the time he gets here, he shouldn't even see the plates; he can just pay the bill. Just as I was thinking this, Master Jiang added, "If I can't make it, just settle the bill among yourselves for now, and I'll reimburse you later."

What? Is that how you treat guests? I nearly jumped out of my seat. Xiao Xuan looked over curiously. "Who was that?"

Gao Jianning chuckled. "It must be his ex-girlfriend calling; otherwise, why the sudden fit of temper?"

I slammed the phone down and snapped at him, "Ex your big head! You're paying the bill today!" Then I quickly explained to Xiao Xuan, "Don't listen to him, nothing like that happened. That was Master Jiang calling."

Xiao Xuan glanced at me; she looked endearingly pitiful, but then she suddenly said, "Stop pretending."

Her words nearly made me faint. I quickly said, "When Master Jiang gets here, you can ask him yourself." Then I told everyone, "Master Jiang has something urgent and can't be here yet. Let's order and wait while we eat."

Xiao Cuo was the quickest; he snatched the menu, his eyes gleaming. I quickly added, "Only order the best, not the most expensive, or you're paying yourself."

Xiao Cuo's enthusiasm visibly waned. He looked up. "Hearing you say that, why do I suddenly feel completely exposed?"

Gao Jianning asked, confused, "Exposed how? Spit it out, don't talk in riddles."

Xiao Cuo made a motion like plucking feathers, his face full of woe. "I’m declaring now: I only have four dollars and eighty cents on me. Whoever wants it can take it later, but don't complain if it’s not enough."

Hearing that, everyone understood, and they all glared at me as if ready to kill.

I quickly changed the subject. "I told you it was Master Jiang on the phone, but you wouldn't believe me."

Xiao Xuan playfully shoved me, her willow brows furrowed, and she demanded, "We aren't talking about that now. Get to the point."

It seemed that when money was involved, beautiful women were just as eager for gains and reluctant for losses as us big oafs.

I hung my head, dejectedly. "Master Jiang said he has something to attend to and can't make it now, told us to eat first, and he'll try to hurry over. If he can't come, we have to pay for the meal ourselves, and he'll reimburse us later."

Despite the immense pressure, I deliberately altered Master Jiang’s 'sacred decree.' The most I had in my pocket was fifty yuan. After these guys feasted, that wouldn't even cover the small change. It was better to delegate the responsibility so everyone could spend within their means.

Xiao Cuo, being sharp as a tack, narrowed his eyes. "No way. Would Master Jiang really say that?" The others shot me suspicious glances as well.

I quickly pointed at the chandelier above. "I swear on this light fixture, that is exactly what Master Jiang said. If you don't believe me, ask him later."

Gao Jianning pouted. "Later, later... that'll be too late. I'm afraid none of us will be leaving this place today. Forget it, let’s just find some roadside stall and grab a quick bite."

I secretly rejoiced. A bowl of beef noodles each, ten yuan a bowl—the cash in my pocket would be perfectly spent.

However, Zhang Jiewei spoke up then. "Since we're here, we should eat. Don't worry, I'll cover the bill for now."

Everyone’s gaze froze, their eyes locking onto Zhang Jiewei as if their vision had crashed. After a long moment, Gao Jianning stammered, "You... you didn't just say that by mistake, did you?"

Zhang Jiewei extended his hand, neatly taking the menu, and signaled to the waitress standing by the door. "Order the food!"

Various dishes were brought out one after another. Already starving, we immediately dove into the feast. But one question lingered in everyone's mind: Why did this guy still have money at the end of the month? Was he one of those rumored second-generation rich kids?

We heard Zhang Jiewei order: "Stir-fried bullfrog, yellow-sauce fish maw..."

Good heavens, judging by his tone, he certainly knew his way around. The dishes he picked weren't just classy; they were all delicacies we rarely got to eat.

My mouth started watering uncontrollably. I suddenly remembered something and turned to look at Xiao Xuan. Thankfully, she was still a lady and didn't show the ravenous greed that Xiao Cuo and I displayed, but she was clearly strongly tempted as well. I made a firm resolution: once my salary arrived next month, I would be frugal and treat her to several grand meals.

After ordering a round of dishes, Zhang Jiewei pushed the menu back toward us. "What else do you want to eat? Feel free to order." He acted so magnanimously, as if his wallet was bottomless.

My pride took a slight hit, but my wallet wasn't as plump as his; I couldn't maintain airs if I didn't have the means. I had no choice but to let him show off.

Xiao Cuo was practically drooling, urging, "Bring the food quickly, we can keep ordering as we eat." Gao Jianning immediately chimed in his agreement.

That meal was truly satisfying. Zhang Jiewei kept ordering more dishes, as if afraid we hadn't eaten enough. Of course, we weren't polite; the money was being fronted anyway, and ultimately, Master Jiang would bear the cost. So, we ate and drank to our hearts' content until our bellies were stretched tight with no room left, only then leaning back in our chairs with profound satisfaction.

Master Jiang never showed up. The meal cost over a thousand yuan in total. When it came time to pay at the counter, our eyes were fixed on Zhang Jiewei's wallet, desperate to see how much money he actually carried.

Zhang Jiewei pulled out a card and said to the cashier, "Swipe it!"

That small bank card only made Zhang Jiewei seem even more mysterious in our eyes. What was the digit count on that card? Could it be a number we dared not even imagine?

After leaving the hotel, I first drove the others to the nearest station, then headed toward Xiao Xuan's home with her.

Now, only she and I were left in the car, and our posture had become much more intimate. Xiao Xuan gently rested her head on my arm, one soft hand circling my waist, and murmured softly, "Senior Brother, who do you think Zhang Jiewei got all that money from?"

I grunted. He was the last person I wanted to bring up, especially when bragging about wealth, yet she brought him up. "It's not as terrifying as you think. Maybe that card only holds one month's salary."

What I said wasn't entirely baseless. Zhang Jiewei was the least extravagant person in the entire Special Operations Office; he didn't smoke, didn't drink, and showed no obvious hobbies or interests. He was like a robot, needing nothing beyond energy supply. Furthermore, the police station had an internal cafeteria, a pure perk, where meal expenses were pitifully low. Calculating it that way, he could save nearly his entire month's salary, so it wasn't surprising he could produce over a thousand yuan at the end of the month.

Xiao Xuan shook her head, playfully insisting, "You're just jealous."

Ha! I put on an expression of shock. "Me, jealous of him? Don't be ridiculous."

"Yes, you are. It's written all over your face, yet you won't admit it."

"Stop fooling around; I'm driving. But even if I were jealous, the whole world is jealous of me."

"Jealous of what?"

"Because you're by my side."

"Pah! Aren't you shy?"

Looking at Xiao Xuan's bashful and lovely expression, if I hadn't been driving, I would have immediately pulled her into my arms for some tender affection.

The beautiful city was especially captivating under the night lights. It was like a shy young girl wearing a semi-transparent black veil, exuding a mysterious beauty. The starlike illumination lit up the entire night sky, the ceaseless flow of traffic snaked by like giant dragons, and the crowds on the sidewalks made one feel the city's vibrant energy.

I slowed the car down, admiring the scenery outside the window, and before I knew it, we reached Dongsi Street.

Passing Chen Yujia's clinic, I glanced up and saw the lights were still on in his window. I immediately pulled the car over. Since it was still early, going home to play on the computer was pointless; better to take Xiao Xuan to meet this mysterious psychologist, treating it as a form of entertainment.

"Why did you stop here?"

"Remember I saw a psychologist last time? It's this place. Let's go up for a visit."

"Why go if you aren't sick? Are you hiding something?"

Xiao Xuan looked at me suspiciously. I quickly countered, "What are you thinking? This doctor is amazing; I just want you to see for yourself."

Xiao Xuan had heard of Chen Yujia before and knew he had accompanied me to Jia University once, but she had never met him. Hearing this, she became interested. We got out of the car, climbed the steep, mountain-path-like staircase, and walked through the narrow, alley-like corridor.

After knocking, Chen Yujia seemed slightly surprised to see me. I greeted him, "Busy man, you should be resting. Millions of people still need you to save them from fire and water! Come, let me introduce you. This is my colleague, Officer Lan Jinxuan. This is Chen Yujia, the psychologist."

Chen Yujia nodded politely to Xiao Xuan and extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you, Miss Lan."

Xiao Xuan smiled. "Dr. Chen is so young. I always thought doctors were either white-bearded old men or like Forensic Doctor You."

Hearing Xiao Xuan say that, I couldn't help but compare Chen Yujia and You Qiaolin. Chen Yujia had the look of a scholar, always polite, perhaps slightly naive about the world. Forensic Doctor You, however, seemed somewhat cold—perhaps due to his profession, lending a trace of sternness to his coldness. But they shared one thing: their eyes were exceptional. Chen Yujia's eyes were like the sea, giving a sense of unreachable depth, while You Qiaolin’s eyes were like a pair of surgical knives. Anyone meeting him for the first time would be struck by those knife-like eyes, yet in those depths lay a faint, almost imperceptible sorrow.

Since they were both young, the initial distance vanished after a few exchanges. Chen Yujia brought over two cups of tea. As Xiao Xuan sipped hers, she said, "Dr. Chen, I heard you know hypnosis. Could I try it too?"

Chen Yujia smiled faintly. "Certainly, but if there is no ailment, it’s best not to tamper with such things."

"Oh? Is hypnosis harmful to the body?"

Chen Yujia shook his head. "Hypnosis is an expression of the body's own latent potential. It can make people return to the past, allow them to see a degree of the future, and even help them find their truest selves. It is merely a force of will, harmless."

Hearing this, Xiao Xuan's imagination took flight. "I get it! It must be like what’s written in novels, where one person sends their power to heal another, and the healer suffers greatly. Is that it?"

I chuckled from the side. "Don't talk nonsense; that's fiction. How could it be real?"

Xiao Xuan pouted. "I wasn't asking you; why butt in? Dr. Chen, am I right?"

Chen Yujia also smiled. Facing such a pretty and lively girl, I believed no man could resist her charm, and Chen Yujia was no exception. I noticed his smile was different from his usual demeanor—it was a genuine, heartfelt smile, one I had never seen him direct at me or any other man.

However, I didn't suspect he had any ulterior motives toward Xiao Xuan. Someone with his extraordinary intellect and keen perception would certainly know the nature of my relationship with Xiao Xuan the moment we met. Sneaking around and trying to steal someone’s girl was not the action of a truly wise man hiding in plain sight.

Chen Yujia looked at Xiao Xuan and said slowly, "Of course not. The hypnotist merely guides the subject into that state; the practitioner feels no discomfort. However, the hypnotist sees everything about the subject, which is why, in the absence of illness, it’s best not to undergo hypnosis."

I see. Chen Yujia was adhering to a doctor’s ethics and personal code, unwilling to pry into others' privacy.

It was like if someone had a sore on their backside, they absolutely had to take off their pants for the doctor to see. But if there was no sore, forcing someone to strip for their viewing pleasure was rather absurd.

Of course, this was just my internal thought, something I'd never dare voice aloud, or Xiao Xuan would certainly fall out with me before I could even finish my surname.

After Chen Yujia's explanation, Xiao Xuan gave up the idea of hypnosis. After all, a young woman has many private matters, and having them all exposed wasn't a good thing.

"However," Chen Yujia continued, "I can give you a general check-up. Life in the city moves too fast these days; many people suffer from psychological issues to varying degrees, though they might be minor and hard to detect. But over time, these minor conditions can cause discomfort, such as inexplicable restlessness or anxiety."

"Alright, I do feel some of those symptoms myself. Dr. Chen, you must check me thoroughly." Most girls prioritize two things: first, appearance, and second, health. So, Xiao Xuan readily agreed.

Chen Yujia nodded. "Very well. I will induce a light state of hypnosis. This will only touch upon surface matters but will clearly reveal your current mental state."

Last time, I was the subject of the hypnosis. While I found it magical, I had no idea how he achieved it—truly, seeing the mountain only when you are out of it. Now was a perfect opportunity to observe how this hypnosis process actually worked.

Chen Yujia had Xiao Xuan sit in an armchair with armrests, asking her to relax as much as possible. He then held out his hand toward her. "Please focus on my finger."

It was Xiao Xuan’s first time being hypnotized, so she was quite excited. She stared intently at his finger with her large, wide-open eyes.

"Relax. Don't think about anything else. Just focus on what your eyes see." Chen Yujia's voice became distant and hollow, devoid of human warmth, sounding almost electronically synthesized, yet more convincing and mesmerizing.

After several attempts, Xiao Xuan still couldn't enter the state. The mere thought of hypnosis made her excited, and the harder she tried to relax, the more she couldn't. Chen Yujia even started to sweat slightly on his nose.

I laughed from the side. "Looks like this trick only works on men, not women."

Before Chen Yujia could reply, Xiao Xuan glared. "Who’s a woman? You only spout nonsense!"

"Yes, yes, you are my adorable little princess! Happy now?"

Unexpectedly, my interruption distracted Xiao Xuan, allowing her attention to disperse naturally, and she relaxed. Her eyeballs, like a clock pendulum suddenly losing power, abruptly stopped swinging and stared blankly at Chen Yujia’s finger.