Chapter 31

"How could this happen?"

Sarah couldn't help but exclaim, frowning.

"What kind of experience did you have in Yosemite National Park?"

"I'll tell you later, it's really hard to believe, but it did happen. The most important thing now is to get Rayne to go to Yosemite Park and contact the rangers there. I think we'll have a conclusion when the time comes!"

Zhen Fan was almost certain that the coffee shop owner, Felstone Gracy, was either under someone's influence or had his own issues. Since this matter involved Sarah, he could only wait for the results before warning her to prevent any accidents.

"Alright, I'll send Rayne there," Sarah said helplessly.

Today's findings were already enough. Zhen Fan had long suspected Gracy, and seeing this symbol today was enough.

Sarah drove Zhen Fan home, while Rayne and Lina returned directly to the investigation bureau to seal the evidence.

On the way, Sarah asked again about Zhen Fan's experience in Yosemite Park, but Zhen Fan refused to speak, remaining silent and only shrugging his shoulders at most.

"No matter how unbelievable it is, I want to know. After everything that happened by the lake, what can't I believe?" Sarah complained all the way, "Can't you be a little more honest with me?"

"It's not time to reveal the answer yet!"

Zhen Fan suddenly spoke, startling Sarah so much that her hand shook and the car skidded.

"Damn, can't you give me a heads-up before you speak?" Sarah turned the steering wheel to bring the car back on track and glared at Zhen Fan.

"I said, if you want to know the answer, you have to agree to one condition!"

"What condition? Are you not one of us?" Sarah couldn't understand why revealing the answer required a condition; it seemed unreasonable.

"Alright, forget it then!" Zhen Fan ignored her.

Sarah hesitated for a moment and then gave in, nodding firmly.

"Alright, alright, I'll do as you say. Damn, do you always work like this?"

Zhen Fan couldn't help but smile when Sarah agreed, "No, I always take my work seriously, but... what is the job of a special investigator's consultant? Don't joke, I'm a doctor, and my job is to treat patients. Oh... I forgot to print business cards. When I print them, I'll give you one with my phone number, so you can make an appointment."

"What... what do you mean?"

Sarah sensed something different and quickly hit the brakes, turning the steering wheel sharply, stopping the car on the side of the road, leaving Zhen Fan unprepared and almost hitting his head on the window.

"Look at you, look at you, I have to complain to your examiner. How did you get your license with such skills?" Zhen Fan complained.

"Don't talk nonsense, are you going to quit this job?" Sarah stared at him.

"My certification is almost ready. I received the results yesterday and passed. Now I just need to apply to open a traditional Chinese medicine clinic!" Zhen Fan smiled, "You said that my role as a consultant would end once I got my medical license, so now..."

Sarah was stunned, remembering that she had indeed said that.

"Alright, when this case is over, I'll give you a long leave!"

"It's not a long leave, I'm quitting!" Zhen Fan didn't budge, "Do we have to discuss this here? Please, I need to go home!"

Sarah nodded, saying nothing, and drove off quickly.

The atmosphere was tense, but Zhen Fan still needed to clarify. The so-called consultant role was not officially recognized, and his career was to open a traditional Chinese medicine clinic, which was unchangeable. He could only apologize to Sarah.

Moreover, Zhen Fan didn't want to get involved in this mess. If the symbol was indeed a mark of some evil spirit or cult, he would withdraw from the investigation and also pull Sarah out. The condition he mentioned earlier was to prepare for this.

Zhen Fan was dropped off at the intersection near his house. He got out of the car, waved to Sarah with a smile, "Goodbye, Sarah!"

The car sped away without a response.

Zhen Fan awkwardly touched his nose and turned to walk towards his house.

"Hey, Zhen!"

A familiar voice came from the right. He knew it was Annie without turning around.

"What's up?"

Zhen Fan opened the door, and they spoke across the yard.

"Actually, we have new neighbors. Do you want to go visit them?" Annie was a warm-hearted person and wanted to have good neighbors. She looked at Zhen Fan expectantly.

"Sure, when? I need to prepare!"

"Tomorrow evening? I'll bring a box of cake!"

This was Annie's specialty.

"Alright, if you bring cake, I'll bring some pizza!"

Annie and Zhen Fan agreed, and she waved happily, saying goodbye. Zhen Fan opened the door, sat on the sofa, and after a while, took out the paper with the strange cross from his pocket.

This matter seemed a bit strange and wouldn't end so easily. Zhen Fan had a strange feeling about it.

However, the next day, Zhen Fan put it aside because he met Christine while jogging in the morning. They walked along the river for a long time, discussing many topics. Christine looked much better, more radiant and charming, and even a flirtatious glance made Zhen Fan's heart race.

"Amitabha!"

Zhen Fan muttered to himself to calm his mind.

Amitabha? He didn't know whether he was a Taoist or a monk, always getting confused.

Zhen Fan wanted to invite Christine to his house, but she looked very reluctant, "I'd love to, Zhen, but I have to be on set at 10 AM today. I went to your place yesterday, but you weren't there. What a pity!"

Yesterday? Yesterday he was taken away by Sarah. If he had known, he wouldn't have gone with Sarah. Zhen Fan had to say goodbye to Christine, but this didn't affect his mood. He decided to call Rayne, who still owed him a meal.

The restaurant at Billy's Mountain Resort was indeed more expensive than other places, but the food was delicious. The service was also excellent, making Zhen Fan feel like a VIP.

"Full!" Zhen Fan patted his stomach, an action that might not fit the restaurant, but he didn't care; comfort was the most important.

"Waiter, the bill, please!"

Rayne finally finished eating and, as soon as they came out, couldn't wait to ask how to win Lina's heart.

"If you can investigate the matter in Yosemite Park, I'll definitely tell you. Don't look at me; compared to this steak, I think a blonde beauty is much more expensive!"

"Alright, alright, but you must keep it a secret before then!" Rayne said through gritted teeth.

"Keep it a secret?" Zhen Fan nodded and smiled, "That's a separate matter. There's a Chinese restaurant on Bled Street with great food. I'm familiar with the owner and can get you a 10% discount."

"Don't push it! Zhen, I'm not a fool!"

Rayne looked unhappy but was also nervous.

"I know, that's why I suggested the Chinese restaurant. It's much cheaper than here and has a 10% discount."

Rayne closed his mouth, deciding not to say another word to this guy.

"Alright, take me home. When you come back from Yosemite Park, I'll tell you what she's thinking and how to date her!"

"As you wish!"

"One more thing!" Zhen Fan suddenly looked very serious at Rayne.

Rayne was taken aback by Zhen Fan's serious expression and subconsciously replied, "What?"

"Whatever you find out in Yosemite Park, I want you to promise not to let Sarah get involved in this case. Look, the case is over. The coffee shop owner, Felstone Gracy, killed his wife and was punished, going insane. What could be a worse punishment?"

"What are you trying to say?" Rayne wasn't stupid and sensed there was more to Zhen Fan's words.

Zhen Fan shook his head, "You won't understand now, but one thing: don't touch this case. Listen to me, or you'll all be in danger."

Rayne looked unhappy, "Hey, buddy, I'm a special investigator. It's a dangerous job. What's more dangerous than being a cop? Forget it, I won't say anything unless the boss decides otherwise!"

Zhen Fan sighed and said nothing more.

In the evening, Annie came over, carrying a box of cake.

"Walnut, with chocolate, almonds, and the fragrance of roses!" Annie couldn't help but explain as soon as she entered Zhen Fan's living room, "Are you ready?"

"Of course, cheese pizza!" Zhen Fan also had it in a box.

"She can't wait to show off her skills to her new neighbors!" Thomas, sitting on the armrest of the sofa next to Annie, teased.

"Where's Claire?" Zhen Fan noticed that the little follower wasn't there.

"Julia came over today, and she's taking care of Claire!" Annie smiled meaningfully at Zhen Fan.

Zhen Fan raised his hands in surrender, "Alright, let's go to the new neighbors' house!"

"Let's go together. I greeted them this morning, so it won't seem abrupt!" Annie was considerate, knowing that not everyone is very welcoming.

Seeing Zhen Fan and the others approach, the Raymond family was already waiting at the door, shaking hands with each of them. Annie and Zhen Fan presented their gifts, and Angela quickly took them.

"Hi, Zhen!" Brenda gave Zhen Fan a big hug, making him clearly feel the fullness of her chest, causing him to blush.

Brenda winked at Zhen Fan.

"Hello, I'm Vera, and this is my sister Brenda!" Vera was much more polite compared to Brenda.

"Come in, we've prepared a feast. I rarely eat food as good as what Angela makes," Raymond invited everyone to come in.

"The women can chat, and the men can drink!"

Raymond took several bottles of beer and handed them to Zhen Fan and Thomas.