I kept in touch with Li Mazi via phone. In case something unexpected happened to him, I could come and rescue him in time. 

However, it seemed like Li Mazi was doing well. I hung up the call after Li Mazi had knocked on Qingqing’s door. 

Unfortunately, after no more than five minutes had passed, Li Mazi called me, his voice filled with fear. 

I asked immediately, “What happened?”

Li Mazi was panting as he said that it was hard to say over the phone. He then promised to explain everything when he came back before asking me to prepare meat and drinks to comfort him. 

My anxiety increased. It was rare that something could scare Li Mazi so much that he started stammering. 

I went to buy a bag of duck necks and two bottles of alcohol from Jingjia Distillery. Then, I waited to have a good chat with Li Mazi. When he’d consumed liquor, he’d become livelier, and perhaps he could give me some clues. 

It didn’t take long for Li Mazi to arrive at my shop, his face set in a grimace. Upon seeing me, he threw me a resentful glance, scolding me for giving him such a dangerous mission!

I...