Chapter Four: A Ledger Without Numbers

“Shens who trust blood tend to die first.” Sirens sounded outside. Someone hammered the building door. “Zhou Jibai! You've been reported for theft of Shengchuan property. Open up!” Yanci reached for his gun, but Jibai stopped him. “Go out now and your seven years disappear.” “They'll take you.” “Then learn to trust a poor man's method.” Jibai began a livestream, aimed the cheapest phone he owned at himself, and recorded the badge numbers being shouted outside. With the ledger beneath his delivery box, he opened the door before thousands of night riders and raised both hands. “Officers, I'll cooperate. First, what time was the report filed?” The men paused.