Chapter 362: Help Me Calculate When I

At lunch in the canteen, Lu Datou slipped over to Chen Guanlou's side.

Swallowing large mouthfuls, he muttered low, "I checked with the girls at the brothel—they say no strangers showed up that night, only regulars. Are you sure someone was following you?"

Chen Guanlou nodded.

He gave Lu Datou a stripped-down account of being followed and asked him to inquire around town. Lu Datou had wide connections, mixing with all walks of life—he knew the bouncers, guards, and pimps on Flower Street well.

To find out about Flower Street, asking the boss won't get you better info than these lowly bouncers and guards. They're like the village gossip network, the market hags who know everything within a thousand meters—down to what color underwear the new girl next door wore when she got up in the morning.

"If you can't find out anything, forget it."

"Why not ask Old Chaofeng? If it can't be found on the streets, Old Chaofeng will know." Lu Datou suggested.

Chen Guanlou asked, "Is Old Chaofeng still working at the gambling den?"

"Yeah! I heard he's retired there. He and the den cooperate—he's got his own intel network."

Chen Guanlou pondered.

He'd wondered if the human trafficker Qi Laoda had returned. Since the young widow Pan Niangzi left, his life had been quiet.

He didn't know how she'd reported back, but since then, Qi Laoda's men vanished. Why now, after years? It made no sense.

He'd done nothing lately—just kept his duties, never secretly cracked down on traffickers. Mostly because they were too cunning. Or perhaps the capital, being the most virtuous land, had seen few traffickers these past two years—they'd likely shifted to the countryside, where they thrived. He hadn't heard of a single child going missing in a long time.

He didn't know the news of the Hu family's massacre had sent shockwaves through every trafficker in the land, forcing them to lie low.

The fame of the Nameless Hero had spread wildly through the Jianghu these past years. Some had even set betting odds, offering large rewards to find him.

Chen Guanlou drew his salary from the state, never mixed in the Jianghu, and knew nothing of this. Had he been willing to walk through the Bing-class prison and ask the outlaws there, he might have glimpsed some truth.

Lu Datou cared only for money, not Jianghu drama—he avoided fights and violence at all costs, so he knew nothing of this.

If Chen Guanlou ever felt like revealing his identity as the Nameless Hero, many Jianghu figures would rush to him—half to challenge him, win money, and lose without shame; half out of admiration, wanting to follow him and become a revered hero themselves, preferably with meals, lodging, and five insurances and one fund.

In the end, Chen Guanlou took Lu Datou's advice and went to the gambling den to seek out Old Chaofeng.

After a long absence, he brought not only an information fee but also a gift for Old Chaofeng—not anything valuable, just two taels of tea, plucked from the Hou Fu.

He'd noticed nothing from the Hou Fu was ever bad—anything taken from there was rare outside. Some were goods you couldn't buy even with money.

It was all thanks to the favor of the Master.

The Master, as head of the Hou Fu, used, drank, and ate only the finest in the world. Even a single drop leaked out drew crowds of eager seekers.

So when he presented two taels of tea to Old Chaofeng, the old man was stunned.

"Top-grade Que She tea—where did you get this? It's hard to come by, even with money."

"From the Hou Fu."

"No wonder!" Old Chaofeng understood at once. "Only a noble family like the Hou Fu wouldn't lack such treasures. You're no fool—you've earned their trust and even walked out with this top-grade tea. You've got some ability."

Chen Guanlou smiled faintly, humble. "Old sir, you flatter me. I merely happened to be in the right place, and the Hou Fu's Master, being kind, took pity on my plight and granted me a little dignity."

"To earn the Marquis's favor, you must have something exceptional. Enough of that—what news are you seeking?"

"A few days ago, after leaving the brothel, I was followed by someone unknown. I've recalled everything from the past six months—I've offended no one. I've asked around, found nothing. I've nowhere else to turn but to you, Old Sir. Help me find out who dislikes me, and when I unknowingly offended them."

Chen Guanlou spoke sincerely.

Old Chaofeng's face, etched with deep wrinkles, looked grim when not smiling.

Chen Guanlou sensed Old Chaofeng's realm had declined. Still fourth-rank, but where once his vital energy had been strong, now his internal organs were clearly aged. If they fought, even a third-rank martialist could take him.

He's old.

He's truly old.

"Is my matter that difficult?" Chen Guanlou asked, seeing the old man remain silent.

Old Chaofeng slowly shook his head, then studied him deeply. "I've noted your case. I'll assign someone reliable to investigate. I'll notify you the moment I have news. But let me say this—your post seems harmless, but it's easy to offend people without realizing."

Chen Guanlou raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying I might have unknowingly offended someone while on duty?"

"Possibly. When I have more, I'll tell you. Go home now. Don't overthink it. It's nothing."

"Do you already know something?" Chen Guanlou asked bluntly.

Old Chaofeng chuckled. "If I told you I know a little face-reading, would you believe me?"

"You read faces too? Then look at mine—when will I grow rich, with beautiful wives and concubines?" Chen Guanlou wasn't provoking—he was genuinely curious. He never sought fortune-tellers, but if one appeared, he'd gladly let them try.

Who could resist such a temptation?

"You're making this hard for me. My face-reading is half-baked—I only pretend to know a little, really just a scrap. I looked at your face—if trouble exists, it's from your post, not personal matters."

"So that's it! Thank you, Old Sir. I've barely slept or eaten these days—please help me uncover the truth soon."

"Rest assured, I'll find it for you."

Chen Guanlou bowed, then rose and left the second floor.

Lu Datou, who'd come with him, was now hooked on gambling downstairs, shouting and cheering with a crowd of gamblers, utterly absorbed.

He didn't disturb him, and walked away directly.