In the end, Xiao He insisted it was just his intuition. After extensive questioning, Officer Lü couldn't uncover any other explanation and could only attribute this ability to natural talent. However, following Officer Zhang's example, Officer Lü now regarded Xiao He with a similarly complex expression. Patting Xiao He on the shoulder, he said earnestly, "We're truly grateful for your help this time. We'll apply for an official commendation certificate for you."
Without Xiao He's intervention, the police would have undoubtedly spent much more time on the case. Xiao He could only smile in response, "Alright, thank you, Officer Lü."
Officer Lü didn't linger either, quickly leaving the scene with the suspect and stolen goods in tow. Xiao He then rode back in Officer Zhang and Officer Li's patrol car.
During the ride, Xiao He casually inquired about the stalker case—the same one involving the stalker named Kun Ping who had stabbed Xu Youyou with a knife.
Officer Li replied, "Actually, we really have to thank you for the tip, Xiao. After further investigation, we discovered this guy was obsessed with a streamer who suddenly disappeared recently."
Xiao He froze for a moment before guessing Officer Li's implication, "She... died?"
"Yeah," Officer Li recalled the scene with visible disgust, "The bastard ate her."
Xiao He: "Ah... that's horrible—"
Wait.
Hold on.
Did I hear that correctly?
That tone didn't sound quite right...
Are you sure you said "ate" and not "dismembered"?
Xiao He's face stiffened.
"Ahem—"
Officer Zhang tactfully coughed beside them, warning Officer Li, "The case is already with the prosecutors. No need for details."
Officer Li immediately shrunk back, "Right, sorry."
Xiao He also hurriedly apologized, "My bad, I was just curious about the follow-up."
"That guy's definitely getting the death penalty, don't worry. We'll make sure justice is served," Officer Zhang assured while studying Xiao He. "By the way, this is already the second time you've assisted the police, Xiao. We should contact your school to arrange some formal recognition."
"No no, that's really not necessary."
Xiao He waved his hands awkwardly.
The last thing he wanted was a public commendation—that would be supremely embarrassing.
Though if he counted the Zhu Third Brother case, this actually marked the third time he'd helped crack a criminal investigation.
Each instance had been pure coincidence, with the perpetrators practically walking into his path. Xiao He had never imagined his cheat skill could serve this purpose.
But... it wasn't bad. At least he was making some small contribution.
Upon arriving at the police station, Xiao He finally received his official "Good Citizen" certificate. Holding the bright red booklet symbolizing honor, he smiled genuinely, "Thank you."
"No problem," Officer Li waved it off before inviting Xiao He for a commemorative photo.
After seeing Xiao He off, Officer Li sighed with emotion, "Xiao really is a special person. I used to be prejudiced against him—how foolish of me."
Hearing this, Officer Zhang blew on his tea leisurely and remarked mildly, "That's why we shouldn't judge by appearances. Observe someone's actions and words—only through real interaction can you know their true character."
Officer Li turned back in confusion, "But sir, weren't you the one who suspected Xiao initially?"
"Cough cough cough—"
Officer Zhang erupted into violent coughing, startling Officer Li into patting his back urgently, "Sir, be careful! Here's some tissue!"
After wiping his mouth, Officer Zhang glared at Officer Li and declared solemnly, "I never doubted Xiao. When I told you to pay special attention to him, I was testing you—to see if you could discern people's true nature."
"Apparently—"
Officer Zhang shook his head with the air of a disappointed mentor, "Officer Li, you still need more training."
Officer Li scratched his head sheepishly, "Oh? Really? I understand now!"
He then gazed at Officer Zhang with newfound admiration, "As expected of you, sir! Your insight is truly remarkable! I'll continue learning from you!"
"Ahem, go contact Old Lü and cross-check the recovered stolen goods with our missing items reports. Then notify each owner."
"On it, sir!"
————
Returning to the film set in high spirits, Xiao He discovered—to his chagrin—that he'd somehow trended online yet again.
"Freeze right there—"
Pu Rong aimed his phone at Xiao He, eyes darting between the screen and Xiao He's outfit. As the clothing in the photos perfectly matched what Xiao He currently wore, Pu Rong's expression grew increasingly complicated:
"That T-shirt... you just bought it last week, right?"
"And those pants—you asked me for the link."
"Those shoes? I won't even bother. Same sneakers from last trending incident!"
"Well... at least you're not carrying that ratty backpack this time. Small mercies."
"Sigh—"
Pu Rong lowered his phone and regarded Xiao He with world-weary eyes, "Brother Xiao, might this humble one inquire how you consistently manage to trend for the most bizarre reasons?"
Xiao He: "Huh?"
Pulling out his own phone, he immediately facepalmed at the headlines:
[Crossdressing Thief Steals Spotlight at Fan Brawl! His True Identity Is—]
[Fan Fight? More Like Lightning Arrest!]
Ugh... these clickbait titles really went all out.
Much like last time when Xiao He got dragged into Xu Youyou's dating scandal, this time a fan altercation had swept him up, propelling footage of him apprehending the crossdressing thief into trending topics.
Xiao He felt utterly speechless.
Seriously? Trending is this easy nowadays? Just like that?
Worse yet, this was real-time trending with an already bustling comment section:
[LMAO I didn't expect this level of hilarity when I clicked]
[Am I the only one dying to know what the crossdresser looks like? Any eyewitness photos?]
[Crossdressing thief pics plz~ Will pay!]
[No thief pics, but I've got my own crossplay photos?]
[??]
[I was there but didn't get pics. That thief had mad presence though—the kind you'd turn to stare at on the street. Gotta respect the dedication.]
[Anyone else think the thief-catcher looks familiar? That outfit combo plus the hat and mask...]
Reading these belated realizations, Xiao He broke out in a cold sweat. He looked down at the replacement clothes he'd bought after the last exposure incident, then sighed deeply at the sky.
Right. Unless miracles happened, he'd soon need to retire another perfectly good outfit.
Seriously, who could understand his pain? He just liked rotating identical comfortable outfits—a lazy person's dream, no decision fatigue when shopping. Yet these eagle-eyed netizens had already decimated half his wardrobe. The injustice!!!