Hey! The Criminal Assistance System Can Even Be Used Like This? 32

Collecting evidence against criminal gangs often requires time. It cannot be achieved overnight, and searches cannot be conducted directly without any evidence. One must first gather sufficient evidence to thoroughly eradicate the criminal organization.

At first, Xu Zhizhi was a bit frightened because Wei Dongcheng looked tough to handle; if she showed her hand, it would be problematic. Unexpectedly, he turned out to be a flowery pillow (an idiom indicating someone who seems tough or impressive but is actually weak). Xu Zhizhi decided to stop holding back her intentions and resolved to use him to infiltrate the criminal gang.

Xu Zhizhi originally planned to wait until the case concluded, agreeing to Wei Dongcheng’s invitation only as a formality. She felt that he was someone she couldn’t predict, so she could only play along. Once the entire gang was captured, she would be safe, not threatened because of her firm attitude. This was the safest path for her, allowing her to remain unperturbed. During this time, all she could do was probe and maneuver, identifying who might be suspicious.

However, she didn’t expect that trouble would eventually come. Considering Wei Dongcheng’s folly, Xu Zhizhi decided to seize this opportunity and resolve the case as soon as possible. She wasn’t afraid if Wei Dongcheng was acting; if he could maintain such an appearance, Xu Zhizhi acknowledged that she definitely wouldn’t be able to outplay him.

More importantly, the previous situation confirmed her doubts about Director Zhou’s innocence. She picked up her phone and, after some thought, recounted the events of the day. Then she suggested that she could get closer to Wei Dongcheng, aiming to unearth clear evidence of the crimes and catch them all at once.

After saying this, Xu Zhizhi was well aware that Qin Su wouldn’t agree to an ordinary person taking such a risk. For example, during Chen Xu’s case, he just wanted himself to leave the filming crew first. Sure enough, after a brief wait, Qin Su sent a message.

Qin Su: [Don’t take risks.]

Xu Zhizhi lowered her gaze, contemplating before replying: [I’ll try my best, but he keeps pestering me. I might really be forced to get involved.]

Qin Su: [Don’t go. Our investigation is already making progress.]

Xu Zhizhi didn’t ask about the specifics of this progress, as it was confidential, but she knew he would inform her if she needed to know. Thus, their conversation came to a close.

Every situation derives its misfortune from an underlying fortune, and fortune from potential misfortune. Since she started using the skill of counterfeiting, it was impossible for her to remain unscathed. Even since binding to the Criminal Assistance System, she was destined to be forced into contact with these matters; hesitation wouldn’t provide her safety.

Being informed and struggling hard was the right path; being kept in the dark and treated as a tool was not Xu Zhizhi’s character. Additionally, there was Director Zhou, who truly cared for her. Everyone in the crew was kind.

If this continued, the crew might disband, and Director Zhou might even get caught up in it by accident. Xu Zhizhi felt she couldn’t stand by and watch. Just like this morning, she couldn’t merely watch as a few people surrounded and attacked Qin Su’s teammates.

Ordinary people indeed shouldn’t engage in dangerous activities, but they can do things within their capabilities. At least, because of her skills, her level of risk was not as high as that of Qin Su and the others.

At this point, Xu Zhizhi had already made her decision. She looked at Director Zhou; today, he was scheduled to shoot until ten at night. Since she needed to take action, she required Director Zhou’s support. Only with his backing could she gain some insights and take action more freely.

Xu Zhizhi began waiting for the opportunity, and it came rather quickly. Soon, it was lunchtime. Director Zhou, being socially anxious, found a spot to eat alone. The veteran actors, to some extent, had guessed this, and some crew members were aware of it, so no one approached to disturb him.

This made it convenient for Xu Zhizhi. She glanced at the others, quietly stood up, and gradually moved closer to Director Zhou. For him, he was extremely sensitive to anyone coming near. This is the caution of socially anxious individuals; in severe cases, it can lead to intense anxiety and an acute state of hyper-awareness, making them strive to avoid social interactions.

Unless it was an extremely important matter, they generally preferred not to engage in social activities. Sitting alone on a small stool with his meal on a small table, Director Zhou quickly sensed Xu Zhizhi’s proximity. He felt a bit unsettled and anxious, thinking Xu Zhizhi was rather oblivious!

Xu Zhizhi understood his meaning; facing his piercing gaze, she maintained a calm demeanor and picked up a small stool to sit on the opposite side.

“Director Zhou, let’s sit together!” Xu Zhizhi knew well to respect a socially anxious person’s right to solitude, but this matter was indeed urgent, and she had to be impudent.

However, how could a socially anxious person give in? He picked up his lunch box, preparing to leave. No hesitation.

As soon as Xu Zhizhi sat down…

She had no choice but to hold her lunch box in one hand and chase after him with the small stool in the other.

In a secluded little corner, the two exchanged roles—one chasing, the other dodging—until they finally stopped after three minutes.

Director Zhou wore a stern expression as he looked at Xu Zhizhi. “If you chase again, I’ll send you back; don’t bother filming.”

He was fierce and scary.

Unfortunately, the lack of humor made it mere bluster.

“I have something to discuss; please bear with me and listen before discussing my exit,” Xu Zhizhi said while holding the stool and her meal, her eyes pleading.

She guessed he wouldn’t be able to bear seeing a girl, not much older than his daughter, feeling wronged.

Director Zhou pursed his lips and returned to his original position. His gaze was somewhat unfriendly as he resignedly said, “Alright, let’s see what other little stories this crew has; nobody is bullying you.”

Xu Zhizhi also set down the stool and opened her lunch box, first taking a couple of bites to fill her stomach before speaking.

“Um… what impression do you have of your life-saver, and are you aware of what he does?” Xu Zhizhi didn’t get straight to the point but asked in a tone pretending to be gossiping.

Director Zhou shot her a glance, not very interested in the food, and simply answered, “No impression. Just a particularly outstanding and profit-driven capitalist. It seems he started with antiques and artworks and has a few shares in Double Star.”

“What are you asking about that for? You aren’t trying to get close to Wei Dongcheng, are you? That man is no good, not worthy of you.”

Assuming Xu Zhizhi was trying to investigate Wei Dongcheng, Director Zhou directly dismissed him. His expression resembled that of an elder disapproving of a younger person’s interest in a worthless person, filled with disapproval.

Xu Zhizhi lowered her head; this straightforward concern was quite touching. This also affirmed that she had to get something from Director Zhou. She looked directly at him and said, “Do you know that before you arrived, the crew was already investigated by the police! Someone took advantage of the crew’s name and applied for a batch of chemicals to manufacture counterfeit currency paper, and they even secretly carved counterfeit currency’s relief printing plates!”

After saying this, Xu Zhizhi’s gaze fixed on Director Zhou. She had originally been puzzled why he remained so calm when the crew was in trouble, yet he exhibited no signs of concern.

He was still auditioning for roles, completely unfazed, which wouldn’t fit his character to remain so unconcerned. After all, he was passionate about filming and even suppressed his social anxiety for the sake of it.

Thus, there was only one possibility: Director Zhou wasn’t aware of everything that had happened before the crew settled in. If the producer and Wang Qiang, who was in the crew at the time, were hiding this from him, Zhou Yu could very well be kept in the dark.

Director Zhou sat there holding his chopsticks, stunned for a while, as he hadn’t known a single thing Xu Zhizhi had just revealed.

“Chemicals? I applied for a little, but not much. I primarily wanted to see how to better adjust colors for shooting! I have no idea the police were investigating me? The relief printing plates I had someone carve were only for model props; how could they be real?!” After a moment, Director Zhou reluctantly responded with a puzzled expression.

He understood some about producing counterfeits, so he was too terrified to touch such a subject. The props were merely trying to look authentic, and he had never placed detailed demands on them for realism.

When shooting movies like this, at most, he focused on realistically rendering the paintings and such; things like printing plates could never be made genuine!

After all, he wasn’t producing the real thing; he simply filmed movie works.

Seeing Zhou Yu’s reaction, Xu Zhizhi understood that he truly was uninformed since her inquiries had pushed even a socially anxious person to draw just ten centimeters closer to her.

Xu Zhizhi sighed, “They are too cunning; I stumbled upon this by pure chance.”

“I remember it was the producer who helped me finalize and submit the application for the chemicals. Could it be him!” Director Zhou recalled, his face suddenly lighting up with realization as he grew angry.

This indirectly confirmed Xu Zhizhi’s statement, for Director Zhou remembered how overly enthusiastic the producer had been at the time.

Xu Zhizhi looked at Director Zhou helplessly, “The police are already investigating; dealing with you being deceived is quite troublesome, as you are the actual manager of the crew. If something happens, the police will investigate you first. For the sake of the crew’s safety, you should pay attention to that life-saver of yours, the producer, and the others.”

The producer was absolutely the mastermind hiding this matter. Besides him, no one else could hold the fort.

“So, I’ve been sidelined; they are preparing to manufacture counterfeits behind my back, intending to pin it all on me if something goes wrong?” Zhou Yu, being a filmmaker, immediately identified the core issue.

Xu Zhizhi nodded slightly, “Yes, and this group has been plotting for a long time. Only recently have certain events drawn the police’s attention towards these clues.”

Director Zhou fell silent, placing the chopsticks down onto his lunch box.

“You do trust me quite a bit,” he glanced at Xu Zhizhi, speaking with a lingering meaning, “Aren’t you worried I’m one of them, and might sell you out?”

He felt Xu Zhizhi was a bit too naive; if he were Xu Zhizhi, he wouldn’t be saying this, but would directly assume he was also involved and quietly approach Wei Dongcheng.

Once everything ended, they could discuss the rights and wrongs afterward. Informing him would undoubtedly be circumventing the issue and would bring additional risks.

As Xu Zhizhi seized the opportunity, quickly taking a few bites of her meal, her expression turned complex. “Primarily, I want to leverage your assistance; you are of excellent character and a good person who shouldn’t get dragged into this conspiracy.

As for doubting you, first, you have no need to do such a thing; you don’t lack money. Secondly, I’m very good at judging criminals; those people’s eyes are all filled with greed and plotting, and they can’t hide it at all.”

Director Zhou’s gaze towards Xu Zhizhi shifted, with feelings of gratitude welling up inside him due to her trust and concern for him.

“Alas, I’m not as good as you, a girl in her twenties; I’ve lived my life for decades like a dog.” Director Zhou’s eyes held self-doubt, and after a sigh, he looked at Xu Zhizhi, “How do you want me to help you? You must need my assistance.”

Xu Zhizhi was amazed at Director Zhou’s perception; he had realized the deception the instant it was uncovered and recognized that she wanted help.

Nodding, Xu Zhizhi slowly said, “Primarily, I want to collect evidence of their crimes, determine their hideouts and all major members, so the police can capture them all at once.

Secondarily, I need your assistance in approaching Wei Dongcheng. They want me to design the master template for counterfeit currency, so once I infiltrate enemy ranks, I’ll need you to provide me with some conveniences during this period.”

“Once everything is settled, we can finish shooting this drama in peace.”

Director Zhou stared at Xu Zhizhi, his eyes filled with admiration, “Alright, I’ll arrange everything to the best of my ability. Also, you are one of the bravest girls I’ve ever met; the other being my daughter, Zhou Yueling. She’s a war correspondent; if she has time, I’ll introduce you to each other.”

“Okay,” Xu Zhizhi nodded. She had long known that Director Zhou had a daughter around her age.

She hadn’t expected that the other party was a war correspondent, which is an extremely dangerous profession. In the end, Zhou Yu moved the small stool a bit further from Xu Zhizhi and then peacefully finished his meal.

When they returned, Xu Zhizhi noticed Director Zhou’s gaze towards the producer had changed, then he looked towards the other crew members. Xu Zhizhi understood that Director Zhou was pondering who was suspicious.

After finishing the final scene that night, the weather turned even cooler. Even wearing two layers of clothing, she felt a chill penetrating through to her skin, and it seemed cold even in her bones.

Xu Zhizhi was the same; Lin Yu was in a thin jacket, and like everyone else, she thought it would suffice, not expecting to underestimate the speed of temperature drop at night.

As everyone prepared to board the return bus, a flashy red sports car roared towards Xu Zhizhi, making a sudden stop right in front of her.

Xu Zhizhi quickly stepped back two steps, but was still hit by the cool breeze from the car, which rushed against her face. She felt her nose tingle, sensing she was about to catch a cold.

The others also stepped back, staring at Wei Dongcheng as if watching a fool.

“Zhizhi, want to go for a ride?” Wei Dongcheng flipped his hair, revealing a self-assumed charming smile, speaking with a tone full of arrogance and dominance.

Xu Zhizhi paused in place; even having made her decision, seeing this scene still made her scalp tingle.

If this keeps up, she might catch a fever tonight!

Xu Zhizhi hesitated for a few seconds.

At this moment, Director Zhou walked over from the side, holding an article of clothing and handing it to Xu Zhizhi, “I thought Dongcheng was just playing around; I didn’t expect him to wait for you late at night. If you want to go, just go!”

“The clothes are from Wu Shiyun; after you wear them, wash them and return them!”

“Be careful.”

The last three words were said close to Xu Zhizhi, his eyes filled with worry.

Xu Zhizhi accepted the clothing and smiled, “I won’t be out long; I’ll be back shortly.”

Then Xu Zhizhi glanced at Lin Yu, opened the door, and got into Wei Dongcheng’s car.

“I knew you girls would love this; next time I’ll switch to an even better one!” Wei Dongcheng said with a proud smile.

Then, amid everyone’s gaze, he stomped on the gas and sped away.

The others looked towards Director Zhou, who had just yelled at someone during the day. Now, at night, he was swallowing those words back down. What is up with this director?

Also, how did you know Xu Zhizhi would go? Did you check her pulse or coordinate this with her?

However, Director Zhou’s expression was inscrutable, leaving everyone to swallow their questions.

Only the producer wore a satisfied smile, thinking that Director Zhou had opened his eyes and that Xu Zhizhi had recognized reality.

Lin Yu was somewhat worried while holding her phone, pondering what would happen if this was reported and whether Zhizhi would be in danger.

Xu Zhizhi sneezed, then rapidly put on an additional coat, looking at Wei Dongcheng, “This cover…”

Her face was somewhat stiff from the cold, as the wind from the sports car was too strong.

“Huh? Oh! Alright, I’ll put the cover on!” Wei Dongcheng understood Xu Zhizhi’s words, stopping the car to close the hood.

At last, Xu Zhizhi didn’t feel as uncomfortable; she turned to Wei Dongcheng, “You called me out just to drive?”

She knew these people were eager and wouldn’t be lingering for long.

Sure enough, Wei Dongcheng grinned, playing with his prayer beads, “My uncle watched your stream before and liked you right away. Now that he knows I’m here to pick you up, he wants to meet you.”

“…Is that a bit too fast…” Xu Zhizhi pretended to hesitate, acknowledging such a direct promise would be suspicious.

Wei Dongcheng’s gaze fixated on Xu Zhizhi, looking at her with deep affection, “You don’t know, I fell for you at first sight. My family all likes you; this kind of good thing is normal for us to rush into.”

“Okay…” Xu Zhizhi sensed that he was trying to deceive her and had evidence for it.

What kind of person would wish to meet the family on the first official outing? And with Wei Dongcheng’s looks, those eyes might show deep affection even for a dog!

Xu Zhizhi internally scoffed, though her expression remained unchanged.

Then they sped off, rushing toward their meeting point.

When Xu Zhizhi arrived, dishes were already served, not too blatant a setup.

Xu Zhizhi’s eyes sparkled with naive greed, mirroring Wei Dongcheng’s expression perfectly when they stood together.

With a slight flattering smile, she looked at everyone, finally locking onto the man sitting at the head of the table, “You must be Dongcheng’s uncle. Sorry for the hurried introduction, as I didn’t prepare a gift…”

Xu Zhizhi’s eyes were filled with a avaricious hunger for wealth, the crudeness and ignorance of her words pouring forth unabashedly.

She knew that with such a characterization, it would reasonably justify everything. Moreover, it was the best way to lower the enemy’s guard.

A useful ordinary person is often preferred over a useful clever person by those in power, especially when the act is illegal, as ordinary people are easier to control.

Smart people require a great deal of mental effort to counter, and their chances of failure are magnified.

“Truly beautiful, my nephew has a good eye,” Wei Sheng waved at Xu Zhizhi with an outstretched hand. “Come, sit beside uncle; once you’re together, you’re family now, don’t hold back.”

Near Wei Sheng sat four others, but none were right next to him.

Wei Dongcheng nodded, stepping forward to pull out a chair for Xu Zhizhi, and after she sat down, he took the nearest position to the door of the private room.

Xu Zhizhi sat in that position with an ingratiating smile, complimenting the other party.

Wei Sheng wore a satisfied grin, seeming extremely pleased with Xu Zhizhi as his nephew’s girlfriend.

Xu Zhizhi further displayed her materialistic tendencies, marveling at the lavish seafood dishes on the table and casually examining the gemstone rings on Wei Sheng’s fingers.

She portrayed a naïve and foolish girl who had never been exposed to the world, yearning for a luxurious lifestyle, yet thinking of it as a fortuitous gift.

Originally, Xu Zhizhi wouldn’t have been able to act so convincingly since she lacked references for the character.

However, with Wei Dongcheng’s appearance, all she needed to do was imitate him to achieve seamless authenticity.

Looking at the disdain hidden within Wei Sheng’s eyes heralded her success.

After drinking and tasting various dishes, everyone had introduced themselves and conversed quite a bit.

Looking slightly tipsy, Wei Sheng stood up, swaying as he patted Xu Zhizhi’s shoulder. “To be honest, I think you’re perfect for marrying into our Wei family. I heard you’re also very good at painting; I’ll let you and Dongcheng inherit our family’s traditional craft! We’ll restore the glory of the Wei family!”

Xu Zhizhi’s gaze glimmered greedily, soon shifting to joy.

“Uncle! You are the one who values me the most! I’ve always been looked down upon due to my background, and in the entertainment industry, I’ve always played sidelined roles, oppressed and mocked!” She stood up, eyes glistening with tears, “I thought I would be belittled again today, but I just didn’t expect you to value me so highly! Wherever you need me, just let me know!”

After finishing, she tilted her head back, drinking from her glass.

Wei Sheng nodded in approval, draining his own glass as well, “Good! Good! Good! A good girl, truly worthy of my regard!”

“From today on, you are my dear uncle!” Xu Zhizhi’s tears flowed down, eyes shimmering with insatiable greed.

Wei Sheng watched coldly, internally scoffing, realizing she was such a materialistic type.

Once he used her, he could directly cast her out as a scapegoat.

Yet when Xu Zhizhi looked at him, he transformed into a benevolent elder once more.

At midnight, after drinking, Xu Zhizhi insisted that Wei Dongcheng take her back to her hotel.

Lin Yu had been waiting at the front desk, and upon hearing the car, she rushed out to greet Xu Zhizhi.

Xu Zhizhi leaned on her, leaving Lin Yu to tell Wei Dongcheng goodbye.

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