You Were Told To Go Undercover, And You Married The Daughter Of A Mafia Boss? - Chapter 7:

Chapter 7: You Must Live Up to the Reinstated Badge

“Want to know the reason?” Zheng Chuan asked seriously.

“I do,” Shen Li nodded.

“Because you’re good-looking. Is that reason good enough?” Zheng Chuan grinned.

“You’re so annoying.” Shen Li’s face turned red instantly.

Zheng Chuan stared at her, unable to look away. Shen Li, at 20 years old, was in her youthful prime. He would never forget what she said on the rooftop in their previous life. “I always thought we could support each other until our hair turned white, but in the end, it was just wishful thinking.” The resolute and desolate look she had as she jumped from the 17th floor was etched into Zheng Chuan’s heart like a knife.

He was truly a bastard. His First-Class Individual Merit and the medals on his chest were earned at the cost of her entire family—and their unborn child.

This time, he would change everything. He must make his father-in-law a good man.

After dinner, Shen Li asked, “What are we going to do now?”

“Stroll around, watch a movie, or go to the arcade to catch some toys?” Zheng Chuan looked at her dotingly.

“Let’s watch a movie first, then go to the arcade,” Shen Li said, eyes twinkling.

“No problem,” Zheng Chuan smiled gently.

Shen Li loved claw machines. Zheng Chuan went to an arcade employee and handed over 100 yuan, saying, “Brother, do me a favor.”

The staff member immediately understood and went to adjust the machine. Shen Li caught one with every try, excitedly screaming, “Wow! I got one! I got one, Zheng Chuan!”

“Awesome, try again,” Zheng Chuan gave her a thumbs-up.

Soon, a pile of plush toys surrounded Shen Li, and a group of children looked at her with admiration.

“Wow, big sister got another one!”

“Big sister is amazing!”

“Big sister, you’re so pretty, and your boyfriend is really handsome too.”

“Little girl, you’re so sweet.” Zheng Chuan quickly handed her a toy. The little girl jumped with joy.

Then, a group of children swarmed around Zheng Chuan, all calling him ‘handsome brother.’

Just as they were having fun, a message came to Zheng Chuan’s phone. Only two words were written: “Bluebird.”

Zheng Chuan’s expression changed. He made an excuse to take a call and quickly left the arcade.

In a nearby alley, a man stepped out of the shadows. He was in his forties, with a stern expression and a natural air of authority. This man was none other than Zheng Chuan’s superior, Chief Tai Wenfeng, director of the Taoxi Sub-Bureau.

“Bluebird” was both Zheng Chuan’s code name and the operation’s codename.

“Chief Tai,” Zheng Chuan walked up.

“How’s the situation?” Chief Tai Wenfeng asked.

“I’ve already infiltrated the Jincheng Group and made contact with Shen Nan,” Zheng Chuan responded quickly. “And I’ve started earning his trust.”

“Found any problems yet?” Chief Tai glanced at him.

“Not for now,” Zheng Chuan hesitated, then added, “Chief Tai, I don’t think Shen Nan is that bad.”

“Even though he dabbles in some grey areas, it’s all borderline stuff. He’s not a truly evil man. I think he can still be saved.”

“Zheng Chuan,” Chief Tai’s expression turned grave, “the greatest danger of being an undercover isn’t the enemies around you, but whether you can resist temptation.”

“Many comrades fall for money and end up corrupted by underworld gangs.”

“I hope you can live up to your uniform and the reinstated badge number 026678.”

Zheng Chuan’s smile disappeared. Badge number 026678 was his father’s badge number. His father died in an anti-terror mission on the border. The badge was sealed until he graduated from the police academy and it was reissued to him.

“Chief Tai, I remember who I am. I also understand the meaning of this uniform.”

“You don’t need to worry about me betraying my duty. The killer who murdered my dad is still at large. As long as I live, I’ll carry on the honor of badge number 026678.”

Seeing Zheng Chuan’s seriousness, Chief Tai Wenfeng’s face finally softened a little. “Underworld gangs are still underworld gangs. Shen Nan is not as simple as he looks.”

“Keep digging. If I find out you’re slacking off or indulging yourself, I won’t let you off.”

“Yes, sir.” Zheng Chuan stood up straight.

In the last life, Chief Tai also kept targeting his father-in-law, but honestly, his father-in-law wasn’t all that bad. Was there some kind of grudge between them?

Besides, the evidence on Shen Nan’s drug dealings wasn’t very solid in the previous life. Zheng Chuan even suspected his father-in-law had been used.

He needed to slowly uncover the truth.

“If you run into difficulties, contact me directly,” Chief Tai’s tone softened.

“Chief Tai, the biggest issue is the budget,” Zheng Chuan began to complain.

“I already approved your funding, didn’t I?” Chief Tai frowned.

“My dear Chief Tai, Jincheng is no ordinary place. It’s all about relationships and favors.”

“If I want to get in deep, I need to build trust with the gang members—treat them to meals, drinks, foot massages—how is that budget ever going to be enough?”

“Then figure it out yourself if the budget isn’t enough,” Chief Tai snorted.

“And don’t you dare think you’re really one of them. I’m warning you, if you do anything illegal, you’ll have to face the consequences.”

“Since you said it, then I’ll handle it myself,” Zheng Chuan said, satisfied with that line.

Great, he didn’t have to hand over the 300,000 yuan he scammed from Yu Jiu.

“You…” Chief Tai realized he had misspoken.

“I know, Chief Tai. Don’t worry. I won’t break any laws. I’ll just find a way to squeeze those underworld scumbags dry,” Zheng Chuan said firmly.

“I promise, I understand discipline and Party principles.”

“Good,” Chief Tai had nothing more to say. He nodded, “Take care of yourself.”

“Yes, Uncle Feng,” Zheng Chuan changed the way he addressed him.

Chief Tai didn’t say anything more. He just patted Zheng Chuan on the shoulder.

“Zheng Chuan, my dad’s here,” at that moment, Shen Li came running out of the arcade, flustered.

Chief Tai turned and vanished into the darkness.

“Your dad’s here? Where?” Zheng Chuan asked quickly.

“Who was that?” Shen Li had only seen Chief Tai’s back.

“An elder,” Zheng Chuan replied. “Where’s your dad?”

“Over there, coming this way. I have to go. My dad doesn’t allow me in places like this,” Shen Li said anxiously.

Seeing Shen Nan already walking toward the arcade with a group, she hurriedly added, “I’ll go now. I’ll find you another day.”

“Be careful,” Zheng Chuan said reluctantly.

Shen Li waved and quickly ran off.

Just then, Shen Nan happened to arrive. He looked at Shen Li’s retreating figure and thought it looked familiar.

“Brother, why are you here?” Zheng Chuan quickly stepped in to block his line of sight.

“This arcade is one of our businesses. Just checking in. Chuan, got yourself a girlfriend?” Shen Nan withdrew his gaze.

“Ah… No, not really,” Zheng Chuan panicked and shook his head.

“Still denying it? Which girl? Pretty?”

“Ah, yes, definitely pretty,” Zheng Chuan nodded repeatedly.

“Don’t be shy. Let me tell you, Chuan, chasing a girl requires patience and boldness. Be persistent.”

Shen Nan threw an arm around Zheng Chuan’s shoulder. “Ask her out, treat her to meals, give her flowers, say cheesy romantic things. That usually works.”

“That’s all it takes?” Zheng Chuan stared at him in shock.

“Why wouldn’t it work? Just keep pestering her. And if it really doesn’t work, then force it—take her by force!” Shen Nan chuckled.