Chapter 588: From Today On, Collapse Begins!

Chen Xiao turned towards the voice.

It was a middle-aged man he didn’t recognize.

The man was dressed in a suit, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, with his hair slicked back.

He looked both imposing and cultured.

However, from his tone, it seemed he was slightly teasing Chen Xiao, perhaps even mocking.

Chen Xiao looked at the man standing in front of him and, due to their height difference, lowered his gaze:

"Sir, do we know each other?"

"It’s our first meeting. I’m Jin Peng, pleased to meet President Chen."

The man extended his hand proactively.

Chen Xiao smiled and shook his hand, even though he was unaware of his identity.

But from the look in the airport police’s eyes, he gathered some meaning.

"Jin Peng? Ah, you must be Professor Jin!"

"Professor Jin, where did you go? We had people arranged to pick you up, but they never found you!"

The police ignored the ongoing situation and started conversing with Jin Peng.

The latter adjusted his glasses and apologized with a smile: "Sorry to delay your work. I went to the restroom midway. However, I’m just attending a normal job in Shencheng City, no need for such arrangements."

"We received orders from the higher-ups to escort you to the municipal bureau. Professor Jin, you are quite famous overseas, returning now to work here should be properly handled."

Listening to their conversation.

Chen Xiao roughly guessed Jin Peng’s identity.

This person was invited by the municipal bureau.

So, he is likely an expert in some police field.

Considering he sought him out, it’s likely related to criminal investigation.

Moreover, he is infamous abroad and described as returning home with honor.

Presumably, he’s a foreigner with a Chinese face.

After figuring out his identity, people seemed less interested in his own affairs.

Chen Xiao glanced at Li Xi, then told the leading airport police:

"Officer, you can take over this person. If you need our cooperation for a statement, we’re always available."

"Come with my colleague first to register," replied the police, nodding.

Jin Peng laughed at this point: "There’s no doubt about it, given you’re face to face with the detective who solved the Yang Lake Phantom case, which was unsolved for over a decade!"

The police officers were taken aback.

Simply mentioning Chen Xiao might not ring a bell.

But linked to the Yang Lake Phantom case, Chen Xiao is renowned in Shencheng City!

"So you are Mr. Chen, earlier when we heard people calling you President Chen, we thought you were some company executive!"

"Couldn’t imagine meeting Mr. Chen at the airport, as long-time residents of Shencheng City, we never dared to imagine the Yang Lake Phantom case could be solved one day!"

"Oh, now I remember, Mr. Chen is the general manager of Shencheng City Dragon Cauldron! That’s why your staff calls you President Chen!"

Society is very much grounded in reality.

Which became manifest at this moment.

Chen Xiao nodded with a smile to the officers expressing their admiration, then turned his gaze to Jin Peng with a meaningful look.

If Jin Peng’s previous tone held a hint of mockery from professional rivalry.

Then purposely revealing his identity in front of the police and onlookers at this moment meant something entirely different.

Jin Peng wasn’t shy about meeting Chen Xiao’s gaze, and even proactively asked with a smile:

"Mr. Chen, do you not want your identity known? If so, then I apologize first."

Chen Xiao replied with a smile: "That’s not necessary."

"Then, may I ask, Mr. Chen, your trip to Shencheng City is unrelated to business, correct? I’ve heard that although you hold positions in several enterprises, you aren’t particularly interested in business matters."

"So, are you here on a case again? If so, may I have the honor of receiving some guidance from you?"

Even before Chen Xiao could respond.

Old Gui realized why Jin Peng appeared here.

Interpreting Chen Xiao’s glance, Old Gui blocked Jin Peng who wanted to step forward, saying:

"Sorry, our President Chen is very busy, and you’re not familiar with him, are you?"

Jin Peng frowned upon hearing this: "I merely wish to discuss certain academic issues with President Chen."

"Then, we really can’t chat. Based on what the officer earlier said, Professor Jin should be of Shencheng City heritage but now settled abroad and is a foreigner, right?"

Chen Xiao asked with a smile, leaving Jin Peng somewhat startled: "What does my nationality have to do with it?"

"I’m naturally wary of foreigners. Furthermore, what I know, if the police wish to discuss, they’re always welcome. As for foreigners, my apologies... I can’t disclose anything."

Chen Xiao mentioned, signaling to Old Gui again.

Who then unceremoniously shoved Jin Peng aside, escorting Chen Xiao to record statements with the police.

Jin Peng stood by, squinting, hiding any visible emotion.

But the gradual shift at the corners of his mouth seemed to speak his mind.

Chen Xiao and Old Gui headed to the airport security office, explaining earlier events and leaving their contact details.

Upon reviewing the surveillance, the police formally arrested and detained Li Xi.

After everything was settled, Chen Xiao and Old Gui walked out of the security office together.

Once in the car, Chen Xiao’s expression turned serious.

"Old Gui, did Guo Qing call you?"

Old Gui shook his head uncertainly: "No, he hasn’t."

"If not now, then probably soon. The opposing side will likely act today. Among those appearing today, besides Li Xi and Jin Peng, did you notice anyone particularly peculiar within the crowd?"

Old Gui shook his head again, prompting Chen Xiao to smirk coldly:

"Today, we’ll definitely make headlines, and my reputation will start deteriorating from now."

Old Gui’s eyes fixed sharply: "Were there reporters in the crowd?"

"Exactly, which is why I spoke to Jin Peng that way — to give them space to create a story."

"So what exactly will they do?"

"Just wait and see, we’ll know soon enough."

No sooner had Chen Xiao finished speaking than Guo Qing’s call came through at that very moment.

Raising his phone, Chen Xiao chuckled: "It’s here."

He answered the call, and heard Guo Qing on the other end, voice a bit agitated, asking:

"Brother, are you alright? That bastard Li Jindao’s son, how dare he?"

Hearing Guo Qing, Chen Xiao couldn’t help but smile: "Let’s get to the point. I know you didn’t call about Li Xi, let alone Li Jindao."

"I know, it’s just, I only saw it in the news! I feared that brat might inadvertently harm you."

"I’m fine."

"That’s good, but brother, are you really unaware of who Jin Peng is?"

Chen Xiao suddenly felt dubious: "He should be an expert professor in criminology."

"Yes, but that’s not key, what’s crucial is that Jin Peng’s reputation surpasses even yours!" Guo Qing chuckled bitterly over the line.