Chapter 96

As night fell, the Nasser camp was unexpectedly lively. Due to today's great harvest, Vanessa, who had been distributing supplies in an orderly manner, finally agreed to lift the restrictions on alcohol and meat. Everyone drank and ate to their heart's content. The air above the camp was filled with spirited songs, and the thieves, with their shoulders linked and backs hunched, held their wine glasses and danced drunkenly, creating a bustling scene.

However, the other main character, Li Huailin, sat in a corner by himself, quietly drinking. Originally, this was a banquet for Gilbert to introduce Li Huailin to everyone, but now that everyone was drunk, they had completely forgotten about it, and it had turned into a drinking contest.

"What's wrong, brother?" A voice came from behind Li Huailin. He didn't turn around because he already recognized it as Gilbert, the leader of the group. "You don't seem to like the party."

"Not really, I'm just in a bad mood today," Li Huailin said, taking a sip of his drink. It had to be said that the system was quite versatile; this drink could actually make him feel a bit tipsy.

"What's the matter?" Gilbert asked as he walked over to Li Huailin. "Want to talk about it?"

"No..." Li Huailin thought for a moment. "I'll go back first."

"Alright, if you need anything, come find me anytime," Gilbert said with a smile.

Taking off his helmet, Li Huailin let out a heavy sigh. He wasn't in the mood to continue playing tonight. Checking the time, it was exactly 7 PM. Realizing he hadn't had dinner yet, he decided to go out to eat and clear his mind.

Walking out of the complex, he was just about to consider where to go for dinner when he saw someone he knew coming towards him.

The person was a man in his mid-thirties, not very tall but with a sturdy build. His face was somewhat square, and he had a rather pleasant appearance, though he looked a bit unkempt, with stubble on his face and messy hair that hadn't been washed in days. Despite the warm weather, he was wearing a beige coat over a slightly discolored shirt.

"Oh, Huailin?" The man recognized Li Huailin and walked over. "Going out? I was just about to find you for a drink."

"Who drinks at this time, Officer Zhang?" Li Huailin smiled wryly. "I haven't even had dinner yet."

"There's no law that says you can't drink during dinner. I studied law, you know, so don't try to fool me," Officer Zhang said with a smile.

"I know you studied law, but I also know you've forgotten most of it. I doubt you've read a law book since you graduated from the police academy," Li Huailin said.

"Don't underestimate me like that, even if you're right," Officer Zhang said with a smile. "Anyway, want to go for a drink?"

"Sure... let's go," Li Huailin thought for a moment. "Where?"

"Oh?" Officer Zhang paused, then smiled. "My car is over there, let's go."

Following Officer Zhang to the parking garage, Li Huailin saw his car for the first time. It was a Zhongfan 224 model from 21XX, a decade-old model that was completely outdated. Honestly, seeing such a car in this city today made Li Huailin feel quite privileged.

"Is this a police car?" Li Huailin asked as he got into the passenger seat.

"Of course it is," Officer Zhang replied as he fastened his seatbelt. "There's even a police light under your left hand. If you put it on top, it becomes a police car."

"I meant, can this old car catch up with any speeding bandits?" Li Huailin asked.

"What do you mean by 'old car'? This is my partner, it's been with me for ten years. I've known it longer than I've known you," Officer Zhang said.

"Alright, let your partner take us to the bar. Oh, I forgot, this thing doesn't have an autopilot, so you have to drive it yourself," Li Huailin said.

"Let me show you the power of my partner," Officer Zhang suddenly floored the gas, causing the car to spin its wheels and then straighten out. He quickly shifted gears and floored the gas again, and the car shot forward.

"You must have gotten your license through connections. Dangerous driving like this should result in a lifetime ban," Li Huailin said, holding his forehead.

"You don't know anything," Officer Zhang said with a smile.

"Alright... do as you please," Li Huailin said, spreading his hands.

Most of the cars on the street were autonomous, driving smoothly and following traffic rules. Only Li Huailin's car was careening around, but surprisingly, nothing went wrong. About ten minutes later, Officer Zhang's car stopped in front of a small bar.

"Here?" Li Huailin looked at the small bar, which was really tiny, probably a two-story building with the second floor being the owner's living space, with clothes hanging out the window. Honestly, seeing such a small bar in this modern city was quite an eye-opener for Li Huailin.

"Let's go," Officer Zhang said, gesturing for Li Huailin to follow.

Inside, Li Huailin saw a super retro bar. The bar was indeed as small as he had expected, with a bar that could seat about eight people and five tables. The atmosphere was quite nice, dimly lit and somewhat romantic, but it had an old-fashioned feel.

The bar was empty, as it was still early and not many people would be out drinking at this time. Behind the bar stood an old man, probably in his sixties, thin and frail but dressed neatly, wiping a glass.

Seeing someone enter, the old man habitually greeted them, then recognized Officer Zhang and smiled. "A bit early, isn't it, Officer Zhang?"

"Straight, one more," Officer Zhang ordered smoothly.

"Do you think this is a noodle shop?" Li Huailin couldn't help but say. "I'll have a Rock."

"Want one more?" the old man asked.

"Seriously, you have a 'one more' option?" Li Huailin was sweating. "Alright, one more."

"Coming right up," the old man nodded and went to pour the drinks.

Officer Zhang took off his coat, rolled up his sleeves, and sat on a bar stool. Li Huailin sat next to him. Since they had ordered simple drinks, it didn't take long for the two glasses to be served.

"Here, let's drink to that," Officer Zhang raised his glass.

"I really admire you; you can make a bar feel like a street stall," Li Huailin smiled wryly, raised his glass, and clinked it lightly with Officer Zhang's. They both drank it down in one go.

"Refill, please," Officer Zhang said to the old man.

"By the way, I haven't seen you in a while. How long has it been? A month?" Li Huailin asked.

"Three weeks," Officer Zhang thought for a moment. "I was dealing with some personal matters."

"I thought you guys had forgotten about me," Li Huailin smiled.

"How could we forget someone as dangerous as you?" Officer Zhang took a sip of his drink.

"Did you get divorced?" Li Huailin noticed that Officer Zhang's ring was missing.

Officer Zhang visibly became somber, his body trembling slightly, but he quickly adjusted. "Yes... I finalized the divorce yesterday. Honestly, I'm used to wearing the ring, and now it feels like something is missing."

"Is it related to me?" Li Huailin asked.

"Somewhat. You know I was transferred to that department and was officially 'fired.' That might have given Lan Ling some ideas," Officer Zhang said, taking a big sip. "She even took back the ring."

"Why do you always come to me? Can't someone else do it?" Li Huailin asked.

"I don't know why I'm the only one who hasn't had any issues. Can I ask why?"

"Um... hard to say..." Li Huailin thought for a moment.

"So that's how it is," Officer Zhang smiled. "Don't keep talking about me. Why are you in such a bad mood today?"